For Parents
We are so excited to be a part of your family’s life this summer! We have tried to anticipate some of your questions about camp - how to prepare, what to expect, and even how to get here. After your child is enrolled, most of this information can be found in your online Parent Portal account. We are here to help, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-600-4752 with any questions.
Parent Portal Login
What can you do in your Parent Portal?
- Your go-to place for all preparations for camp.
- Review the Parent Handbook, Packing List, and other important camp documents.
- Make a payment.
- Update contact information.
- Complete required forms for camp.
- Send a letter to your camper during the summer.
- View photos uploaded daily during the summer.
- Create Guest Accounts for friends and family members to give access to view summer photos and send letters.
Helpful Documents
Parent Handbook
Alternative Camper Pick-Up
Communicating With Your Camper
Campers love to receive mail! Please pass this page on to others who may wish to send your child a letter! The best letters are directed toward what your child is doing here at camp. They’re newsy, short & frequent, positive & encouraging. Avoid writing about what the camper is missing at home.
Snail Mail
A camper’s favorite way to hear from you! Mail your letter 7-10 days before your camper arrives.
Camper Name
c/o Camp Hidden Meadows
17739 Potomac Highland Trail
Bartow, WV 24920
Fax
No charge for up to two faxes per day. No cover sheet. Include the camper’s full name at the top of the page. Our fax number is 304-456-4184
You may send and receive letters (via email) using a service provided by Camp Minder, our online account provider. We have taken the step to purchase five "camp stamps" for each family to get you started. More information on using the system can be found in your online account.
Packages
CHM has a No Package Policy. Please do not send packages. They will not be delivered to your camper. The only exception to the No Package Policy is if your camper has a birthday while they are at camp.
If your camper is celebrating a birthday at camp, we will make sure they enjoy this special day! To wish your camper Happy Birthday, send your card or package 7-10 days in advance. On the outside of the package, write "Birthday Package" and the date it should be delivered.
Phone Calls
Your camper’s active schedule does not bring him/her near the phone. Speaking with your camper by phone disrupts the child’s schedule and takes him/her away from activities and other campers. Phone calls may also awaken homesickness.
You may call the camp to check on your camper. Your message is relayed to one of our directors who will observe and visit with your camper during an activity or a meal and then return your call during his/her office hours. If there is cause for concern, we will contact you at once.
International Camper Calls
Your camper will contact you via cell phone from the airport. You will receive an email when your camper arrives at the camp. International campers may also receive a call every 2-3 weeks with prior arrangements.
Tips to Avoid Homesickness
Homesickness is not unusual, especially if this is your camper’s first time away from home. Each homesick child is uniquely cared for. If you receive a come-get-me! letter, be patient. Homesickness usually disappears within a few days, so expect a second letter home to be more cheerful. Camp Hidden Meadows offers a safe environment in which young people experience independence and make friends from around the world.
Keep in mind, parents can actually trigger a case of homesickness by focusing on what the camper is missing. Don’t write, “The cat and dog miss you, and we wish you were home with us right now.”
Receiving a letter often eases a camper’s adjustment to new surroundings – see tips above! Let your camper know that life at home is proceeding as usual, that you hope he/she is having a great time, and that you will see him/her soon.
If you think your child is homesick, remember phone calls tend to exacerbate these feelings. Please hold off—allow your camper time to adjust to camp! Our staff are trained to recognize and deal with homesickness. If your camper is having difficulty adjusting to camp, the Head Counselor or Program Director will call you and discuss ways to make camp a positive experience!
