FreqAskedQuest

Winter Retreat 2008
January 4-6, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

I just found out that I have another commitment and can’t go on the winter retreat, can I get a refund?

The $140 deposit is not refundable as the brochure stated. Even if you are ill, unfortunately, we have already reserved your spot and have had to pay for that spot. We are required to give Streamside Camp a guaranteed count of youth and adults attending three weeks in advance of our arrival because of the holiday. Our cost is based on that count.

If we were to give refunds, the refund money would come from the youth budget and that would mean we were taking money away from our program budget to cover your unfortunate circumstance. We would have less money to spend on the youth program throughout the rest of the year. We think you can agree that that would be unfair to the others who benefit from the programs we run.

Any ski/snowboard/tubing money is refundable up to Saturday morning, Jan. 5 when the tickets are purchased. We can make the adjustments upon arrival at Big Boulder.
Should I eat before arriving Friday night?

Yes. We will not be stopping to get food on the way to the mountains. If you cannot eat before you arrive, then bring your diner with you and eat it on the ride to the camp. We will be serving a snack around 10:30p on Friday.
Am I allowed to bring snack food with me?

You are but remember space is limited for the stuff you bring. We ask for soft sided luggage so we can push and squeeze things into tight spaces. Bags of chips and so on will likely be crushed.

If you bring snacks, please be responsible and clean up any mess made by the snack. Wrappers, crumbs, spills have to be cleaned up. This is your responsibility.

(We really frown on drinks as snacks. There are soda machines at the camp if you need drinks other than those we provide.)
Do I need to bring a lunch or money for lunch on Saturday?

In past years, we asked you to plan for your lunch on Saturday. This year, the camp is providing boxed lunches for us. You do not need to buy lunch at the ski lodge.
How much money should I bring?

You actually do not need additional money. If you want to buy snacks or food at the ski lodge on Saturday, you can do so. The costs of food at the lodge is pretty high. Our recommendation is that you do not need more than $10.
Do I need any special equipment to ski/snowboard/tube?

Do you "need" special equipment? That depends. You and your parents know your body a whole bunch better than we do. Some feel helmets are a must. Some feel wrist guards should be worn. Some feel knee braces protect the knees. Our answer is that we cannot determine what best fits your needs. You and your parents should make that decision.

We do recommend ski jackets and pants, a hat, ski goggles or sun glasses, underarmor to keep you warm, and gloves that repel water and keep your hands warm and dry.

If you want a helmet, they are available for rent for $10 at Big Boulder.
Do we need to fill out the tubing form to do tubing at the camp on Sunday?

No. The tubing release forms are required by Big Boulder for those who are paying to tube on Saturday. Streamside does not require tubing release forms for us to enjoy their tubing run Sunday afternoon.
What happens if there is bad weather?

The answer is it depends......

If the bad weather is a threat to us traveling to the Poconos Friday evening, we will post on the website a change in our plans. If the weather is not a threat to travel we will travel to the camp and will make further decisions while at the camp.

If the weather looks miserable and would be a concern for us to be outside all day on Saturday, we will look to other activities either at the camp or in the immediate surrounding area. While canceling the snow activities is an unusual occurrence, it is a possibility and we will make back up plans for this contingency.

If we do not do our snow activities, then we will refund any monies collected for those less the cost of substitute activities.
If I get tired and need to go to sleep earlier than lights out, may I go to bed?

While it is our hope that all will be able to participate fully in all activities planned, we know that some have different needs. The adults on the trip are very conscientious about monitoring the youth, making certain that they are safe, happy, and most important, having fun. If a need arises, the adults will see to it that the need is addressed.

Need to go to bed? Just speak with an adult so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Parents, if your youth has a special need, (such as a medical condition) please make sure we know about it so that we are able to assist and to accommodate that need.
If I get tired while we are at Big Boulder and need to take a break, what do I do?

Come back to the ski lodge. There will always be an adult at the tables where you can come to sit and relax.
If I have a problem while at Big Boulder and can't find one of the adult leaders, what do I do?

Come back to the ski lodge, a leader will be at the tables we hold for our group.