WINONA - Four Woodland Camps for Boys Accredited Camp - American Camp Association

Home: Senior : Common Questions

Welcome Boys Ages 13-16
Senior Newsletter
Merit, Distinction, Excellence
Friendly Competition
The Legend of the Bat
Photos
Activities
Trips
A Camping Day
Contact Us
What to Pack
Common Questions
Special Events
Banners
 

Check out Frequently Asked questions in Parents home page.

May I be in the same tent as my best friend from home?
We recommend that campers from the same home town not be in the same tent. That way each of you can make four new friends right away. The daily schedule is done in such a way that you can go to activities with whomever you wish.

May I request to be with a certain counselor or a camper from last year?
We will consider your request, but cannot promise because of the tent housing arrangements. Many things are taken into consideration when setting up the tent groups including age, hometown, prior tent mates and session.

How bad are the bugs?
In late June the bugs have basically disappeared. If you are bothered by bugs we recommend a personal Bug Hut (made by MSR) or Winona can supply a bug net for your bed after you arrive.

How cold is the water?
The swims after mountain trips are cold in the mountain streams. But Moose Pond is very mild. It may seem cold at first, but after a busy day on the fields and in the riding ring the water feels great!

May I bring my video games?
We have such a busy schedule; there is no time for video games. Camp is a time to leave the video games, television, computer and phone at home!

May I check my e-mail?
Unfortunately, Winona does not have the capacity for everyone to send e-mail. We do download e-mails sent to you at our camp address – information@winonacamps.com and print them out for you. International campers are encouraged to write faxes, but the same e-mail issues apply.

What about the telephones?
Campers do not have an opportunity to use phones, including cell phones. Again camp does not have the capacity and also believes the summer is a good time to get away from the phones. Your counselor can use the phones to contact your parents if there is an urgent message.

May I receive care packages?
Packages from home are encouraged as long as they do not contain food. Hot summer in the tents with lots of squirrels around is not a good place to store food. Other items like magazines and small toys are always fun to have in the tent.

What is the food like?
The food is good with lots to choose from in our dining hall. We eat family style, everyone sitting at a table with a staff or camper waiter. Breakfast include cereals, with a hot entrée of eggs or pancakes. Lunch is the typical pizza or grilled cheese, with salad and fruit options. Dinner varies, but includes chicken and pasta with salad, vegetables and fresh breads. For those who prefer something else, PB&J (or Fluff) are available at each meal.

When do I see my cousin who is in another unit?
Before each meal all the campers gather outside the dining hall. This is a great time to catch up friends and family from other units. The other chance is at movie night on Tuesdays. All the units gather in the Cobb Building for a big screen movie, popcorn and soda.

May I go to my favorite activity all the time?
The sign-up system varies by unit, but each tent takes a turn going first. One day you can choose your favorite activity but the next you may have to try something else. The activity counselor may also be teaching requirements which you have already accomplished.

Do I have to do an activity I do not like?
You have the choice of which activities you go to. Although it may not be your favorite, trying a new activity can be fun.

I have never done the outdoor stuff.
That’s no problem; everybody learns the basics at Winona before moving onto more advanced skills. It is a great place to learn new skills for the first time. Lots of campers (and staff) learn new skills at camp that quickly turn into passions for a particular activity.

Making new friends is hard.
That may be true at times, but at Winona everyone is immediately part of a tent group and teams. New friends are made each day at Winona, and those friends last a lifetime!