Parents > FAQ

FAQ Answers

Why should I send my child to Camp Haiastan?

For 56 years there have been and will continue to be many great reasons to send your camper to Camp Haiastan. We are sure that three generations of campers coming to Camp Haiastan over the past 56 years that make up thousands of alumni is one of the best reasons, but here are some others to think about and discuss with your camper:

To make life-long friends by living, working and playing with other Armenian kids from far and near.

To learn about: Living in a small group, our Armenian heritage, outdoor skills, sports, creative arts, ecological relationships, and many more activities that are useful throughout live.

To experience: Personal growth and self-reliance by discovery independent of school, family, and home environment.

To learn: To be responsible as a young Armenian with other young Armenians sharing, contributing in work, play, decision-making and learning the art of compromise in small group living.

Finally, to experience: The unforgettable thrill of the first time sleeping under the stars, building a campfire, earning an archery award, competing for your team in Olympics or learning an Armenian dance with other Armenian kids.

How do I know my child is ready for camp?

If your child meets the age requirements and can dress, feed, and clean him or herself, he or she is probably ready for camp. In most cases being away form home for the first time, or for two weeks is the biggest hurdle for the child to overcome. With parent participation this can often be minimized. We rely first on establishing the trust of parents in our organization, and then we rely on parents to communicate that relationship of trust between them and us to their campers through frequent discussions with them in the time leading up to coming to camp.

How old are the camp counselors?

We strive to hire the best possible candidates for counselors. Our counselors are 18 years of age or older. Whenever possible, we hire experienced staff that have knowledge of the camp and its programs, certifications for certain program areas that are necessary, and who have been campers themselves. This is a benefit to both the counselor and the camper.

What is the camper to counselor ratio?

There is at least one counselor assigned to every cabin during the camp session. Often times a Staff-In-Training is also assigned to work with the counselor. This means that there is at least one counselor for every 6 - 8 campers depending on attendance during that session. Our staff prides itself on the bonds that they make with campers as a group or individually. The Camp Director and Assistant Director supervise the counseling staff, so our campers are very closely supervised.

Is aquatic staff certified?

Absolutely. There are never any less than two certified lifeguards on duty at the swimming pool at all times, and we maintain a ration of one certified lifeguard per 25 swimmers, but never less than two lifeguards. Trained instructors teach and supervise boating activities on Uncas Pond. Lifeguards and small craft instructors supervise boating on Uncas Pond. All aquatic activities are under the supervision of our certified Water Safety Instructor.

Does my child need money at camp?

No. The camp maintains a Camp Store, which is open at specific designated times each day. An amount of money (we suggest $40 per camper, per session) can be deposited in a Camp Store Account for the camper to draw upon at the Camp Store. Campers are never allowed to leave the camp on their own, so there is never a need for a camper to have personal spending money (any campers with personal money will have it either deposited in their Camp Store Account or secured and returned upon departure). Camp Store accounts should be established not less than two weeks prior to your camperís session when paying camp fee balances. Money left over at the end of the session is usually refunded to the family (families are encouraged to designate left over Camp Store Account money be donated to the Campership/Financial Aid Fund). If the camper over-draws their Camp Store Account, a due bill is presented to the family to be paid at checkout. A detailed accounting of Camp Store activity for each camper is available upon request to families at departure .

How close is the nearest hospital?

About ten miles from Camp Haiastan. The Milford Regional Medical Center is a full service facility with a 24-hour emergency and trauma center. Our Camp Director and Camp Nurse establish contact with Milford Regional Medical Center prior to camp reopening each season. For sudden emergencies we never hesitate to enlist the service of The Town of Franklin Emergency Medical Response Unit (911) provided by the Town of Franklin Fire Department.

Are activities at camp supervised at all times?

Absolutely. Our campers are supervised throughout the entire day. Each counselor is held accountable for supervising their campers at all times as well as learning about their likes and dislikes. Everything that your camper partakes in at Camp Haiastan from waking in the morning to beyond lights out in the evening is supervised to some degree. That includes not only activities and programs, but also personal hygiene requirements, dining, free time, and cabin living to name several.

Can I send packages to my camper?

Camp Haiastan reserves the right to not accept packages intended for your camper that are mailed or shipped. If it is necessary to mail or ship a package to your camper, please notify the camp ahead of time regarding the reason and follow guidelines for mailing and shipping in the 2007 Parent and Camper Summer Guide (Mail & Care Packages).

Is my child allowed to leave camp?

No. Campers are not allowed to leave camp during the session unless on an official Field Trip or Outing as a group. Unofficial, unsupervised clandestine absence from camp is a serious offense that can compromise the security of not only those involved, but the entire camp, and can result in a directive for immediate parental removal of an involved camper. We have a Lost or Missing Camper plan that includes the participation of Franklin Police and Massachusetts State Police which we will not hesitate to use should a camper leave the camp without notice. Please review our visitation policy for Sunday Visiting Day in the 2007 Parent & Camper Guide. ONCE A CAMPER IS REGISTERED AND CHECKED IN TO CAMP HAIASTAN THEY MAY NOT LEAVE UNTIL THEY CHECK OUT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR SESSION UNLESS FOR AN OFFICIAL GROUP FIELD TRIP OR AN EMERGENCY.

When are visiting days?

Visiting days are the middle Sunday of the session between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. At no other times will visitors be permitted - No Exceptions. Please review Visiting Day in the 2007 Parent & Camper Summer Guide for other Visiting Day policies that all visitors are required to abide by on Visiting Day.

How do I contact the camp in case of an emergency?

Please call Camp Haiastan in the following order:
Roy Callan, Executive Director 508 520-1312
Peter Jelalian, Camp Director 508 528-0505
Camp Nurse 508 541-5421

Please remember this is for emergencies only. Campers cannot take routine phone calls during the session.

When should I send in my child’s enrollment application?

Please review ENROLL section of this website for enrollment instructions for both Overnight Camp and for Day Camp. The proper Camper Enrollment Application Form along with a minimum of ONE HALF of the session fee FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CAMPER must be submitted no later than May 15, 2007 in order to reserve space for your camper. After that date you will be charged a Late Enrollment Fee and your application can be waitlisted. Originals of all required forms and full payment of all fees should must be on file in our office NO LATER THAN 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE SESSION. After that date you will be charged a Service Fee in order for you to be able to register your camper and be admitted on the first day of the session.

How can I pay for my child’s fees?

Payment can be made by check or credit card. Payment by credit card must be accompanied by the Credit Card Payment Authorization Form (which can be faxed).

Are campers monitored throughout the night?

Yes. Several staff members in two shifts patrol the camp every night. We refer to this practice as night watch. Night watch is in effect from bedtime until 3:00 a.m. daily. After lights out campers needing to use the bathroom are escorted by night watch staff. Outdoor night lighting illuminates the cabin circle and paths leading to the bathroom building nearby.

Is the camp properly staffed medically?

Camp Haiastan employs an experienced Registered Nurse who lives at camp during the season. The Camp Nurse is trained to deal with medical situations that may arise in a camp setting. The camp also has a doctor on call around the clock for advice. REMEMBER: To ensure you child receives the best medical/health treatment if necessary, you must submit fully completed Health History/Physical Exam/Immunization Form, Confidential Information Form and Medication Authorization Form (if necessary).

How is the staff trained?

All Camp Haiastan staff are given initial training and orientation, as well as in-service review and follow-up training several times during the summer. Staff training includes topics such as: Staff and camper behavior expectations, camper discipline policy, emergency preparedness, CPR/First Aid training, sexual harassment policy, all camp programs and activities orientation, and review of Staff Employment Handbook to name several.

Does my child need to speak Armenian?

No. During your campers’ experience at Camp Haiastan daily opportunities arise that afford your child to learn about our Armenian heritage, culture, and language through not only formal planned class style activities, but also through informal activities and experiences that are permeated with an Armenian influence. Keep in mind that studies show that in a camp environment such as Camp Haiastan, independent of the formal school and home influence, children will learn from what they are exposed to more readily. It is this advantage that we are so eager to exploit during the presentation of all of our camp programs and activities, especially those that hold the promise to promote the cognitive development of a lifelong relationship of young Armenians to their culture and heritage through the Camp Haiastan experience.

What is the food like?

Have you ever been to camp? Have you ever been to the Ritz? Yes, we are right there in between!! Actually, our meals are prepared fresh daily with the acceptance of our campers in mind. We are always exploring new menu ideas that are fresh, nutritious and fun for our campers. Plenty of fruits, vegetables and abundant fluids for our campers is important to us. A licensed Food Service Director on staff throughout the summer supervises our food service. Counselors are instructed to make sure that campers in their stead eat properly and nutritiously. Dietary restrictions or concerns that are noted on the Confidential Information Form are strictly adhered to and accommodated. Please refer to “Typical Menu” in the PARENTS or CAMPERS sections of this website.

Are counselors allowed to discipline my child?

Counselors and staff are well trained and oriented to our Discipline Policy. Under no circumstances are counselors and staff permitted to physically discipline a camper. In some cases, campers may have privileges curtailed, but in no cases is physical punishment or the withholding of basic needs of safety, health, welfare or hygiene withheld from a camper. We will always seek the participation of and counsel of the parent when dealing with any extraordinary camper disciplinary concerns. We use a team approach in addressing any negative or deviant camper behavior. Our team consists of the Executive Director, Camp Director, Nurse, our licensed School Social Worker consultant, and the cabin counselor. We adhere to the premise that camp, in theory, is beneficial for all children, but in practice may not be for all. If you have any other questions, please email us at haicamp@verizon.net or feel free to contact us.

What about my camper calling home and cell phone use?

Visiting Day Sunday is the official call-home day for campers at Camp Haiastan (unless of course there is an emergency or extraordinary situation). A pay phone is available on Sundays for campers to use all day long as often as they like. Phone cards are recommended for campers to have, otherwise the pay phone accepts coins or will allow collect reverse charge calls. PLEASE DO NOT SEND A CELL PHONE WITH YOUR CAMPER UNLESS THEY ARE FLYING TO CAMP HAIASTAN. CELL PHONE POSSESSION IS NOT ALLOWED IN CAMP AS THEY COMPROMISE OUR SECURITY. CELL PHONES CONFISCATED WILL BE LOCKED IN A SECURE PLACE UPON ARRIVAL UNTIL SUNDAY DEPARTURE. NO EXCEPTIONS.