FAQs
How do you select your staff?
The vast majority of our staff have come up through our camp program and apply as CITs when entering the 9th grade. We have a very high staff return rate and receive a large number of applicants each year. As a result, we are able to be very selective in choosing our staff.
What is your staff-to-camper ratio?
Our overall ratio is approximately 5 to 1. However, our staff-to-camper ratio varies greatly by activity. For example, our staff-to-camper ratio for archery is 1 to 1, whereas our staff-to-camper ratio for a popular craft may be 8 to 1.
What do you do with the campers on rainy days?
If it is misting outside, our campers tend to be happiest in their normal daily routines outdoors. In the case of heavier rains, our staff is responsible for planning indoor activities for their groups. We have covered spaces in our pavilions (gym + arena), craft shop, loft, and bathhouse. Each area is suited for a variety of activities.
What should I do about sunscreen?
At our camp, children spend the majority of the day outdoors. We do have a lot of shade, but children tend to have more sensitive skin. Please apply sunscreen heavily in the morning before sending your child to camp. If your child burns easily, please feel free to have them wear a hat and/or shirt for swimming. Also, please pack sunscreen in their backpack for reapplication. We do give reminders, but it is ultimately the child’s responsibility to take the sunscreen out of their bag.
What happens if I don’t want my child to have swimming lessons?
For the safety of our campers, swimming lessons are a required part of our daily program. Although our waterfront is highly supervised, we have a lakeside location. In the best interest of all of our campers, we want every child to feel safe and comfortable in and around the water. If the water or air is too cold on a given day, we will cancel lessons for that day.
How do you monitor water quality?
The City of Manchester’s Health Department tests the water quality within our swimming areas every week.
What are your pre-season and postseason office hours?
Our camp office is open year-round, but we do not have set office hours. This allows us to spend time out and about on the property seeding lawns, pouring molds, making repairs, and getting the property ready for the upcoming summer. The best way to reach us during the off-season is via email:
melodypines@comcast.net.
What can my child do to move up faster in swimming levels?
Every child progresses in swimming at a different rate. Common factors can include physical strength and attention span. In addition to daily swimming lessons, we offer an extra-help swim session that campers can sign up for daily outside the office. During this session, campers can work with an instructor one-on-one or in a small group on specific skills or strokes that may be holding them back.
How much money should I be sending for the Snack Shack?
All groups take a mid-morning snack break during the camp day. Campers can pack their own snacks or purchase snacks from the Snack Shack. Snacks typically range in price from $0.25 to $1.00, and everything is priced in $0.25 increments to make it easier for kids to understand.
Note: We ask that campers bringing any money to camp keep it on their person (in their pocket or even in their shoe!).
