Critter Camp Guide - August 5-8

Please read this information thoroughly as it contains important information about camp. If you have further questions regarding your child’s stay, please contact the Dunes Learning Center office at 219-395-9555 or email Erin Crofton, Camp Director, at ecrofton@duneslearningcenter.org.

Checklists: Prior to Start of Camp

Before each day of Camp:

  • Tell your camper how much fun they will have at camp!

  • Be sure your camper eats breakfast before coming to camp.

  • Help your camper pack for each day: (full list below)

    • 2 Water bottles & Nut-free bagged lunch

    • Campers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring a change of clothes and extra shoes each day.

  • Make certain your camper has sunscreen and bug spray applied each day before they arrive at camp. 

  • Label all of your camper’s things that are going to be brought to camp with permanent marker. Be sure to use first and last names for easy identification of lost items. 

  • Have any medications ready to turn into camp staff at check-in. Medications must be in their original containers!

  • Drop off: 9am CST at Dunes Learning Center: 700 Howe Road, Chesterton, IN. 46304.

  • Pick up: 3pm CST (Pick up person must show photo ID.)

What to Bring 

Summer weather in the dunes can be unpredictable. The following is a list of suggested items. Keep in mind that most of the time spent at camp will be outdoors. Expensive designer clothing should be left at home - bring clothes that can get dirty!

Nut-free bagged lunch (reusable containers are fine)
Two reusable water bottles 
Sturdy closed-toe shoes for hiking.  Open-toe shoes such as flip-flops or sandals are not permitted.
An extra pair of shoes that can get wet and muddy may be desired on any day with rain.
2-3 face masks and lanyard (if desired)
Raincoat or poncho
Hat with sun visor
Sunglasses
Sweater or sweatshirt
Swimsuit and Towel for water games day
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Backpack (no drawstring backpacks)

Optional items:
Camera (rugged or disposable) 
Binoculars

What NOT to bring: Video games, cell phones, other electronic games, iPods, pocket knives.

Strictly Prohibited: Tobacco and electronic cigarettes, Alcoholic beverages, Illegal drugs, Weapons, including but not limited to: firearms, ammunition, and knives, Animals, Sports equipment

Health and Safety 

Medical Care While at Camp 
The health and safety of every camper is our first priority. Campers are monitored by all staff. All staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. National Park Service emergency dispatch and law enforcement personnel are available 24 hours per day to help with emergency situations. Northwest Health - Porter Hospital and Chesterton Health & Emergency Center hospitals are both less than 11 miles from Dunes Learning Center campus. Ambulance service runs from Porter Fire Department, located approximately 3 miles from our campus. If your child becomes ill while at camp or requires medical treatment beyond basic First Aid, you will be contacted. Parents will be notified for pickup if their camper has a fever of 99º F or higher. 

Medicine at Camp 
All prescription and non-prescription medicines must be in their original container with dosage and camper’s name clearly indicated. Medicines will not be accepted in substitute containers. 

  • Medicines are kept in our First Aid room and administered under staff supervision based on parent instruction. 

  • Place all medicine in a zip top bag with the camper’s name clearly marked on the bag. 

  • Medicines must be turned into the staff upon check-in. You will be asked to list all medications, dosages, and purposes. 

  • Dunes Learning Center keeps a stock of over the counter medications. Parents will be asked for permission to administer these medications at check-in. 

Parent Visitation 
It is essential that Dunes Learning Center staff knows who is on campus at all times. Please do not plan on visiting your child during camp. If for emergency reasons you need to pick up your child, please call 219-395-9555 to arrange pick up.

Click for Transportation Information

Camp Food 
Campers are responsible for bringing their own nut-free lunch each day. Snacks will be provided. Dunes Learning Center is an allergen-aware facility, in order to provide a safe environment for individuals with food allergies. If your camper has a dietary restriction, please complete and submit a Dietary Restriction Form, found on our website at duneslearningcenter.org/documents. Campers with special dietary needs for personal, religious, or medical reasons, must note this information on the Dunes Learning Center Camp Registration Form and complete and submit a dietary restriction form. 

Sample Camp Activities

Critter Camp and Dunes Discovery Day Camp are for budding naturalists to spend their days exploring the parks, forests, streams, meadows and trails with new friends. Camp crafts, themed hikes, snacks, group games and more provide unforgettable memories for your child. 

Below are descriptions of some of the planned activities for camp. All activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be altered. 

Animal Encounters 

Campers will have the opportunity to pet, feed, and interact with the animals at the farm. They will learn about the differences and similarities between each animal and themselves, as well as the many resources the animals provide for us.

Crafts 

Campers will create a unique craft themed around the activities of that day. These crafts are for each camper to take home at the end of the day as a reminder of all the fun activities he/she experienced while at camp. 

Day Hikes 

Campers will put on their explorer hats and head out to the forest on several hikes throughout the week. Salamanders, frogs, insects, birds and flowers are just a few of the natural wonders we hope to encounter on our adventures. 

Camp Conduct

Behavior
The staff will do everything possible to help your child adjust to camp life. We follow a simple one-word rule: RESPECT. We expect campers to respect themselves by following instructions and safety guidelines; respect others by treating all campers and staff with courtesy; respect the facilities at camp; and respect the environment in their enjoyment of nature. Our RESPECT rule is clearly outlined for all campers at the beginning of camp. They are made aware of the rule and the consequences following disrespectful behavior.

Camp is thoughtfully designed to be a pleasant, educational, healthy, and safe environment for all. Dunes Learning Center reserves the right to send home any child who exhibits unsuitable or consistently disrespectful behavior, endangers the camp community, or engages in destructive acts. Any event of unacceptable behavior will result in the following:

1st Strike: a warning is issued and the program staff talks with the child.

2nd Strike: a second warning is issued and the child speaks with the Lead Staff or Education Director. The camper calls their parent/guardian to report their own misbehavior.

3rd Strike: child is withdrawn from activities. The child’s parent or guardian is responsible for picking them up from camp. In this case, there is no refund.

Serious infractions such as fighting, having weapons or controlled substances will result in immediate dismissal and possible prosecution.

Supervision
Dunes Learning Center programs and activities are led by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.  Interpretive Naturalists have a university degree and lead daytime programs. Dunes Learning Center recruits staff from across the United States and around the world. All staff must pass a background check and receive specialized training including First Aid and CPR.

Dunes Learning Center utilizes the “rule of three” to ensure the safety of our campers. This requires a minimum of 3 people to be together at all times. The group of 3 may consist of 2 adults and 1 child, or 1 adult and 2 children. 

Please do not send personal cell phones to camp with your child. All phones brought to camp will be collected and kept until the camp day ends.