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- How
does the Pemi application process work?
- How
does the waiting list work?
- Does
Pemi offer financial aid?
- Is
there a discount for families sending more than one son?
- How
do I find out more about Pemi if we are considering camp for the first
time?
- What's
the best age to start camp?
- Is
it better for a boy to begin with a half season?
- Is
Pemi accredited by any organization?
- What
training do Pemi staff members receive?
- What measures are taken to ensure camper health and safety?
Q: How does the Pemi application process work?
A: The application cycle begins in mid-October, when enrollment forms are sent to families of returning campers. These families have until November 15th to enroll their sons. Applications are sent to new families at the end of October. The enrollment process for new campers begins after November 15th. Enrollment is not on a first-come, first-served basis. Decisions are based on the availability of spaces, even distribution of ages and interests, geographic diversity, and a review of the required letter of recommendation. If we are not able to enroll a camper, we offer a position on the waiting list.
Q: How does the waiting list work?
A: Once we have been fully enrolled, which typically occurs by the end of November, we maintain a waiting list until the beginning of the camp season. Every season, we will experience a number of cancellations, and will usually have between 15-25 openings. Because cancellations occur for a variety of reasons, the wait can frequently be a long one, and difficult to predict. We do our best to maintain regular communication with families whose sons are on the waiting list.
Q: Does Pemi offer financial aid?
A: Yes, every season Pemi awards camperships to a number of boys. Families interested in receiving financial aid should submit a request for aid along with the initial application. Financial disclosure forms are not required. Although we no longer offer specifically-targeted aid to sons of clergy or educators, we invite families who would have been eligible for this discount to apply.
Q: Is there a discount for families sending more than one son?
A: Yes, there is a discount of $300 for each sibling in an immediate family with more than one son applying.
Q: How do I find out more about Pemi if we are considering camp for the first time?
A: The best way to become familiar with Pemi is to visit during the season. We welcome families on almost every day, and are happy to make arrangements for this. If possible, families interested in camp should visit the summer prior to their son's first anticipated season. It is also possible to visit Pemi before and after the season, although there is no substitute for seeing camp when the program is underway. There are many other sources of information (see Pemi Publications), and the Managing Director is available for family visits throughout the year. Pemi also has a number of Open Houses which provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Pemi and meet current families.
Q: What's the best age to start camp?
A: Readiness for camp varies considerably among boys. We have found that one of the best indicators is the opinion of the boy in question. If he says that he is ready, he probably is. Naturally, this must be a family decision, although we are happy to offer our opinion after meeting a prospective camper. Many boys begin Pemi at the age of 9 or 10, which also increases the possibility of enrollment.
Q: Is it better for a boy to begin with a half season?
A: This is also an individual decision. Many younger boys attend Pemi for a half season for one or two years, and then consider the longer stay. Others begin with the full season right from the start. Older boys sometimes opt for a half season if they have other academic or athletic commitments during the summer. Each season, approximately 110 boys attend for the full season, and 60 boys are at Pemi for each of the 3 and one-half week half seasons. We feel that there are many advantages to the full season, especially in the area of personal growth. However, we firmly believe that the half-season is a complete camp experience.
Q: Is Pemi accredited by any organization?
A: Pemi is accredited by the American Camp Association, which sets rigorous and well-researched standards for every aspect of camp administration. Accreditation is renewed every three years following a thorough self-study and a day-long inspection by an independent inspection team. Pemi is also inspected and licensed annually by the State of New Hampshire for compliance with strict health and safety standards.
Q: What training do Pemi staff members receive?
A: Every member of the counseling and teaching staff attends a week-long training period prior to the start of camp, with instruction in every aspect of safety, supervision and teaching strategy. Staff training continues throughout the season, with regular weekly staff development sessions. A thorough staff evaluation process begins with goal-setting at the beginning of the season, and continues throughout the summer with frequent one-on-one meetings between counselors and their supervisors. Many Pemi staff members attend clinics throughout the year in first aid and specific program skills. Administrators regularly attend regional and national conferences in order to stay current in standards, risk management and program development.
Q: What measures are taken to ensure camper health and safety?
A: We make every effort to prevent accident and illness. A comprehensive medical form, filled out by parents and physician, insures that our records and ongoing care are up-to-date. The infirmary houses two qualified nurses, including at least one R.N., who are on constant call. Sick call is held morning and evening by the nurses, and counselors are trained to be alert for signs of sickness and injury. Emergencies and severe illnesses are cared for either at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth or at the outstanding Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, only forty minutes away and now with helicopter service available.
Swimming is carefully supervised, with trained counselors on duty. The Red Cross "buddy" system is used, and no swimming activity is conducted without the supervision of a certified water safety instructor.
In case of serious accident or illness, parents will notified immediately.
