Camp Forms & Parent Resources

The WGL Handbook, packing list, and all camp forms can be accessed by logging in to your account.

Medical and Release Forms 
From your account, you will complete the Health History form. This information needs to be updated each summer. The Physician’s Examination will need to be printed and completed by your doctor and either uploaded or faxed back. Detailed instructions, along with the status of your forms, can be found on the Forms Dashboard page of your account.

Bunk Request Form
If you would like to request another camper to share a cabin with your child, complete the Bunk Request Form from your account. Only the first name listed will be considered. Requests are not carried over from previous summers. The campers must be close in age and the requests must be mutual.

Parent Resources

Excellent article from Lisa Kadane: “The benefits of sending your kid to overnight camp”

Thoughts about Photos

During each camp session we post a few photos to share a glimpse of life in camp. While we understand some parents would like to see more pictures, this is not our focus. For many parents, this may be the first extended time without daily communication with your child. Our philosophy is to focus on the experience in camp while helping parents to navigate this separation. This is an important part of the camp experience for both camper and parent. Please know that your child’s experience in camp is our top priority.

Deborah Gilboa, MD, Author, Mom, Parenting & Youth Development Expert shares her thoughts here: Looking at Camp Pictures Online

Homesickness

While most campers adjust to camp life fairly quickly, missing home can be part of the experience for some. As you prepare to send your child to camp, here are a few DOs and DONTs about homesick concerns.

DO focus on the things they are looking forward to about camp. Look at the website and watch some of the camp videos together. Help your child identify their top activity choices.

DO let them know that missing home is natural and that you are proud of their independence. Reassure them there will be experts in camp (their counselor, the directors and others) who will be available to help them work through any difficulty.

DO send letters that are focused on life at camp. (What is your favorite activity so far? Who is the goofiest counselor in camp? Where are the kids in your cabin from?)

DO NOT offer to pick them up early. Negotiating with your child to “give it a try” makes it difficult for a camper to “let go” of the going home early option and to fully immerse themselves in camp life.

DO NOT allow your anxiety about being separated from your child to show. Too much checking in about how they are feeling about the upcoming session can create anxiety for your child.

DO NOT hesitate to call us for more pointers if you have concerns about homesickness. We are happy to help.

Michael Thompson’s book, Homesick and Happy, is a wonderful read for parents on this topic.