PARENT HANDBOOK

OUR BASE CAMP FACILITIES
All programs begin at our Farm in Marlow, New Hampshire - 75 lovely acres of northern forest, field and stream. The base camp is a village of its own with solar electricity and various traditional and indigenous dwellings such as yurts, canvas wall tents, teepees, and lodges to house teachers and students. An 1835 charming farmhouse and barn serve as our office and logistics base, as well as a home to the camp directors. All cooking is done traditionally over an open fire. Wood stoves are used for heating dwellings. Mountain streams and local ponds replace showers. Water is hand-carried from the well.  A centrally located composting toilet facility serves the entire campus. 

STUDENT DESIRE AND MOTIVATION  (for Summer Camp Programs)
Kroka programs are for any student who truly wants to come. As parents, we all want good things and what we feel is best for our children, however, it is really important that the desire to come to Kroka comes from the student. It has been our experience that students who come because “my parents told me to”, generally do not have the best experience. Perhaps they are not ready for Kroka or what we do here is not of interest to them. We want camp to be FUN for everyone.  Please make sure that your child has a genuine interest in Kroka and the activities we do!

CHALLENGE
We design physically and mentally demanding programs, which require a willingness to push beyond one’s limits. We want our students to become stronger and more capable beings at the end of their experience. Program challenges are developmentally appropriate and are adapted to the individual students’ ability level.

SAFETY
It would simply not be true to say that there are no risks involved in outdoor life. In fact, it is the healthy element of risk that is vital to the development of capable individuals and makes our programs so valuable. In addition to the general risks associated with adventure sports and wilderness pursuits, there are other risks such as slipping on wet rocks, getting into poison ivy, tripping and falling over logs or cutting yourself while preparing a meal, to name just a few. We have an excellent safety record, which we achieve through year-round practice in simple living, wilderness medical training, providing special safety equipment and trust in our intuitive sense. This, however, does not excuse individuals from being responsible for their own safety. Any outdoor activity requires common sense and thought before action. This personal responsibility is expected of all participants with respect to age. We realize some students have more difficulty than others in the area of self-monitoring personal safety.  If you feel your child may need extra attention in this area, please let us know.

SAFETY ON ADVANCED PROGRAMS
Some of our programs, such as advanced remote expeditions, Class IV white water paddling, advanced rock climbing and caving, go far beyond what children are allowed to do in a typical camp. In such programs, there may be an increased level of risk due to unpredictable environments. Participation in these advanced programs is a privilege that students earn through hard training, experience and the development of exceptional personal qualities. In addition to this privilege, there must be trust between families and Kroka’s teachers, with mutual respect and the awareness that while all safety precautions are taken, there is an inherent risk involved that must be understood and accepted.

SWIMMING
All students must pass a swim test prior to swimming without a life jacket. The swim test is not mandatory. Students may choose not to take the swim test and instead wear their life jackets while in the water. Life jackets are worn during all boating activities. Swimming activities are supervised by a certified lifeguard. If your child is not a swimmer, this should be noted on the Medical Questionnaire. Sometimes, students who attend Kroka are accustomed to swimming without clothing. This is something we neither encourage nor discourage. If a student initiates this we allow it, in an appropriate setting. Staff always wear swimsuits.

SOLOS
All programs have time set aside for students to spend time by themselves by the river, in or under a tree or sitting on a rock. With younger programs children may spend time playing alone throwing rocks into the stream, building with sticks or lying in the sun. This time allows for one to reflect and sit quiet away from the busy-ness of activities and constant interactions with others. Advanced summer, middle and high school and semester programs typically have a group solo component to their experience. After spending time learning the skills for successfully navigating, cooking, setting camp and with the job of medic and leadership in place, groups that are ready are giving the opportunity to set out (on their own)! Depending on the group and age this can take many different forms. It may be for the duration of one full day, one day and one night or in semester programs, it may be for a few days.  In the end, the decision to offer the students a solo experience is always determined during the program by the curriculum, the environment, and a thorough assessment of the students by the teaching team.

LEARNING TO USE TOOLS
During most programs, we teach students, at age-appropriate times, to use sharp tools such as knives, saws and axes for wilderness craft projects, preparing meals and cutting and splitting firewood. While we instruct students on safe and appropriate use of these tools, continuously remind them of all safety precautions and supervise them during their use, it is likely that some students will still cut themselves while working. For some, this is a normal part of learning about sharp tools.

EQUIPMENT
We provide all specialty gear, such as life jackets, helmets, paddles, harnesses, etc. Our equipment is very dear to us and we like it to last for many years in order to bring pleasure to many people. Students will be instructed on proper care and maintenance of all items and will be held responsible for the gear they are using. With permisssion of the program instructor, students are welcome to bring their own boat, climbing harness, or other special gear.

FOOD
Communal cooking of delicious wholesome meals over an open fire is an important part of a Kroka experience. Students take turns gathering ingredients from the farm, garden and the forest, cooking, cleaning and tending the fire. Most meals are vegetarian. When we eat meat it is the meat we have a relationship with: fish that we catch, chickens that we slaughter, or meat that is raised at local farms. Many ingredients are grown at camp and on local family farms. We go light on sugar and emphasize three good meals per day with in between snacks. We see value in feeling hungry for supper and do not have unlimited munchies available. We do realize that younger children tend to eat more often and some children may need more frequent eating to prevent emotional meltdowns. Please indicate this on the medical questionnaire. Our menu follows the seasons in our Bio Region. We take pride in continually refining our menu, but it is important to realize there are limitations to the types of food we can carry and store on expeditions. Please share with your child that we do not have options at meal times and we strive to waste no food. While the food on the trip may be different from what some students eat at home, we ask them to keep an open mind (and flexible taste buds). We also ask that students have respect for everyone involved in growing the food, as well as those who plan and prepare each meal that is eaten – complaining will not make anything better! We do welcome constructive feedback and new ideas. We believe if one has a positive attitude and is willing to try new things they, like many of our students, may discover new foods they enjoy. We are willing to work with many different dietary and food related needs and will accommodate, if we can. Otherwise we ask families to provide specialty foods. Please give advanced notice. We are happy to send you a sample program menu upon request.

ON THE ROAD
As we travel around New England in pursuit of wilderness adventure, there are times when adventures begin before we reach our destination: Someone’s car breaks down and they need help, an animal has been hit and needs attention, etc.  With the safety of our students as our utmost priority, we do not stop indiscriminately. However, when appropriate and safe, helping people and animals alongside the road can be a great lesson in responsibility. This policy of the school is central to our philosophy of developing responsible citizens who view society as their extended community.

MEDICATIONS
Students may not bring any medications unless indicated on their Medical Questionnaire. This includes over the counter pain medications. All medications will be carried and dispensed by Kroka’s teachers unless, prior to the program, parents have made other arrangements. Please give all medications to your child’s teacher after the parent circle and include dosage and other written instructions directly on the Medical Questionnaire.
It has been our experience that many students who are taking Ritalin during the school year to help with focus have done well without medication while on some programs at Kroka. Perhaps it is the physical activity or living out of doors.  If this is something you would like to consider for your child we would be happy to discuss this with you.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT
Prompt professional backcountry treatment is always given to serious injuries and conventional treatment is given to serious injuries in non-remote environments. Homeopathic and herbal remedies such as Arnica and Echinacea are some of the natural products we use to help with healing. All lead teachers are Certified Wilderness First Responders.

HOMESICKNESS
You know your child better than anyone else. It is really important to us, as we are sure it is to you, that your child is ready to experience time happily away from home. Our children are all so different, even within one family. Some are ready to leave home at age 7 while others are still not ready at age 12. All of this is perfectly fine and normal. For us, at Kroka, we want to make sure the children feel ready to come to camp and sleep away from their families for an extended period of time. It is of course absolutely normal for children to experience some sadness and missing of their families. During these times which usual come around bed time, we sing, tell stories and jokes and rub backs to help support the children. One thing we have discovered is that homesickness is highly contagious. If there is some cuddly friend your child would like to bring with him/her to help with these moments, they are more than welcome to do so. We ask you to carefully consider the question of homesickness on the registration form. Again, we want camp to be FUN for all. We always do our best to make your child feel at home. If it just does not seem to be the right timing for your child to be here, we will ask you to come and get them. We also ask parents to NOT tell their child to come and try camp and if it doesn’t work they (the parents) will come and get them. Our experience has proven that this sets everyone up for failure. We would be more than happy to speak with you about any concerns.

MAIL & PHONE CALLS
While we completely understand the desire to stay connected to your child during a week away from home, we ask parents to refrain from sending letters or making phone calls to your child during the week of camp. It has been our experience that it is hard when one or two students in a group receive mail and others do not. We also do not have a regular time for students to write letters home. Their experience is so short here and we feel it is important for them to be fully engaged in Kroka life, rather than thinking about home. Do know that if your child requests time to write a letter or a card, we would certainly accomodate and encourage this. We appreciate your understanding. If you feel strongly about sending your child mail, just let us know. You should also always feel welcome to call our office and see how things are going. Generally speaking, students do not call home during the program, other than in special circumstances.

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM
Kroka Expeditions has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol, tobacco or any substance use or possession during our programs. Students violating this rule will immediately be dismissed from the program. Staff may also dismiss students on the basis of unacceptable behavior. Determination is at the discretion of the staff and is based on the well being of the group as a whole. In the case of unacceptable behavior, the following steps will be taken: 1) Behavior in question will be discussed privately with the student. 2) Parents will be notified of the issue and of possible dismissal. 3) Action plan will be created between family and Kroka. 4) Failure to comply will result in dismissal. Parents will be called and must come and pick their child up from the program, regardless of where that may be. No refunds are given in the above dismissal situations.

ABOUT THE LIABILITY RELEASE FORM
All families must sign a Liability Release Form provided by our insurance company. Please note that we did not create nor do we have control over the language of this form but are required to have all participants sign this in order for us to maintain our liability insurance policy. Thank you for your understanding.

WHAT TO BRING:
(General notes for all programs)

Use this picture of Leo Tolstoy
as a visual aid in how to pack for your trip!

PACKING
The gear list is very simple. We try to provide all the items that people don’t commonly own.  It is our intention to bring less so we can experience more. We have a limited supply of items from the list to lend to students (at no charge), and other items available to purchase. If you have a choice, pack old things rather than new - there’s less chance of upset if you rip them or get them wet and muddy, not to mention losing them! With all of the above in mind, it is important to prepare well and follow the gear list precisely. If you need to buy new gear, we encourage you to purchase items that are made with respect for the Earth, and by people who are treated fairly. We can suggest responsible gear manufacturers and distributors, or you can purchase certain items in our store. Regarding personal gear, please LABEL ALL ITEMS and do not bring anything other than the items on the list, unless special needs have been previously discussed with your teachers.  During program starts, your teachers will go over all your personal gear making sure you have everything you need. You will be asked to leave anything extra in the student gear bay until your program ends. It is better to not bring them. Extra items take up time and space.

A Special Note about Insect Repellent: We carry all natural Badger Bug Balm in our first aid kit for campers. During the buggy times of day our teachers will make sure students are covered with clothing or anti bug salve. Things that we find also work well are: smoke from the fire, eating raw garlic and onions, covering up in long, light colored clothes and refraining from the use of perfumed soaps, etc. Homeopathic Sting Stop is offered to students who are bothered by bites. 

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
When packing for Kroka programs, we ask that you pack appropriate attire. Clothing should not be distracting, disrespectful, offensive, or suggestive. *Please do not pack clothing that advertises products, contains vulgar or sexual language, or offensive and scary pictures. Any clothing instructors find inappropriate will be put in student’s gear storage and returned at the end of the trip.

FOOTWEAR
Some modern footwear is hard on the wilderness, compacting and damaging the ground cover. Students are welcomed to walk barefoot, whenever appropriate, to develop the awareness of a fox and experience direct contact with the Earth. Students are required to wear shoes during food preparation, while working with tools and in all situations when cutting one’s foot is likely. Since most children have little practice walking barefoot, cuts and bruises to feet are not uncommon. We encourage students to wear moccasins, as a great medium between barefoot and shoes. Another acceptable alternative is soft-soled shoes without treads. When buying moccasins, we suggest choosing a non-zipper style, as wilderness living will quickly jam and derail zippers with mud and general wear. You can mail order moccasins by calling Howard’s Leather Store at (603) 363-4325. Their Ankle Hi “Tramper Boot” is good, however, only begins sizing at 4 for women and 6 for men.

CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
We discourage students from bringing cameras.   For advanced two-week programs, photographs are taken by instructors and made available after the program.  For one-week programs for younger children, a group photograph will be taken and shared with the students at some point during the year.

COMMUNICATION DEVICES
We ask that students do NOT bring cell phones, internet devices, or any other electronic communication gadgets.  Each program that heads into the wilderness carries a cellular phone as an emergency communication device. The ocean programs carry a marine VHF radio. Electronic devices will only be used in emergency situations. 

MULTIPLE PROGRAMS AND LAYOVER LOGISTICS
For students needing to stay before, after, or in-between their program(s), arrangements can be made with the office. There is a fee depending on the needs of the student. Please contact the office, 603-835-9087, to request layover arrangements.

CHOOSING A PROGRAM  (for Summer Camp Students):

CHANGES IN PROGRAMMING
While we do our best to give an accurate description of program details in our brochure and acceptance packet, there are often last-minute changes that require us to be flexible in our programming. Due to changes in weather, staffing, or group composition we may have to alter our itineraries, activities and teaching staff. This is the nature of wilderness living and adventure programming. We ask that families and students be flexible, understanding and enjoy the adventure!

LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Students are expected to attend the entire program through the closing ceremony on the last day of camp. Please make sure that your travel plans allow for this.

HOW MANY PROGRAMS SHOULD A STUDENT ATTEND DURING A SINGLE SUMMER?
The majority of our students come for one or two programs each summer. Some stay with us for up to six weeks. If you are considering more than one program, please contact us for suggestions on which combinations will work best and to arrange your stay between sessions.

QUESTIONS ABOUT A PROGRAM?
We always welcome your questions by phone (603) 835-9087, or email summer@kroka.org.  We have a list of families of recent students who have agreed to be contacted as a reference. Please feel welcome to call or email to request our reference list.