FAQ: Spellers Camp 2024

Will there be an area where campers can access water to fill up water bottles throughout the weekend?

Yes. All are encouraged to bring a personal refillable water bottle to camp. There will be cold water dispensers located in the Pavilion. Also – there is an industrial ice machine to re-fill up your personal coolers - or for any other icy needs you may have.

GF treats or sides. We will be bringing but wondering how much. Any way to look at lunch and dinner menus?

Yes. There will be snacks – both GF and CF available (i.e., pirate booty, rice krispie treats, fresh fruit, plant-based yogurts, milk). If anyone in your family has a dietary requirement/restriction and you did not note it when you registered, please email [email protected] ASAP. Alternate meals will be prepared based on your input! For the full menu, please see the last question at the end of this FAQ.

What are we supposed to bring, bedding, towels etc.?

If you are staying in an Oaks cabin, you will need to bring single sheet set/blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, pillow case, and towels/washcloth. If you are staying in a Meadows cabin or in the
Conference Center, these items are provided for you.

Other suggested camp items to pack:
sunscreen
bug spray
sunglasses/hat (optional)
refillable water bottle
bathing suit
pool towel
water shoes
rain jacket/umbrella
comfortable walking/hiking shoes
extra snacks, especially if your family has dietary
restrictions
layers! - Who knows?! It could be warm or it could be cool.
Florida weather is very unpredictable.
personal toiletries, of course
medications
phone/tablet/laptop and charger(s). I’ve been told the wi-fi is
good. You will receive the password upon arrival.

What is the charge for each individual? We did not see the charge anywhere. We have booked our overnight accommodation already.

The cost per non-speller weekend camper is $100. This covers all meals and activities for the weekend. The deadline to pay this fee is Friday, October 4th. There are no additional charges or fees due for spellers. Follow this link to pay now: https://www.neuro-shifts.org/camp-meals-activities

What are the activities geared for individuals with fine motor apraxia?

Arts and crafts will be led by an art therapist, and parent/crp volunteers will be on hand to help break down the motor. Our crafts include making a light catcher, and a simple beaded/macrame key chain. I specifically chose beads and other items to string with large holes for these projects. We will also be making our own beads out of clay. All other activities, including hiking, swimming, boating and dancing, can be rocked by all!

Driving from Atlanta and it would be helpful to have a # to check in with in case we are running 5:30 or later.

We will have a WhatsApp set up prior to Friday so that there is easy and open communication between all families. Phone numbers to have on hand just in case are: Erin McAlister 404.808.0559 and Vicky Westra 813.777.5051. The gate code is: 6387 (then press “open”.)

___________ is very anxious, and I’m a bit concerned about safety. Will I have a key to lock the door to our cabin? Also does it have electric outlets?

All cabins have electric outlets/electricity. The cabins are usually left unlocked (it has a push button on the inside to lock at night). The property is gated with a code, and we will be the only group in our area. However, Erin will have access to a couple of keys that will unlock the doors from the outside. Please see her to obtain one.

When it is not the time that we signed up for a specific activity, what else is there to do?

There are so many common hang-out areas – both inside and out – to connect/be with friends. The ballroom in the conference center is for our group exclusively, and will be open all weekend, so campers can go hang out there and work on their art projects, work on a jigsaw puzzle or play a game (there will be several available – but it may take a parent/crp or two to organize). The grounds are expansive, and impromptu walks/hikes with other families are encouraged! I am currently putting together some “come-if-you-want" activities, which may include, but are not limited to: yoga, a dance break-it-down, t-ball, a gym-style workout, chess, trivia and poker. You’ll have the when/where’s included in your schedule upon arrival.

Re the breakfast club Q…half our party of four will make breakfast. The other two, nope.

That is not a problem. Originally, we asked this question thinking if many campers were not able to attend breakfast, perhaps we could get a break on the price. But it looks like most can join, so it’s all good!

My burning question, are there t-shirts for the event? We are just a day pass so wondering if you made them for the kids that are staying only. If so, can I buy one?

All campers, regardless of day or weekend status, will receive a special edition Spellers Camp 2024 t-shirt -- complementary. Thank you, Sponsors!!! Follow this link to let us know your size(s) before end-of-day Tuesday, October 1st.

https://www.neuro-shifts.org/camp-shirt-order

Knowing what's on the menu in advance would be helpful.

The menu for our camp is as follows (special dietary requirements will be applied, i.e, gf pasta and garlic bread; and yes, the pizzas can be made with gf crusts and plant-based cheese!)

Breakfasts:
Sat: scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrown ovals
Sun: pancakes, sausage, fresh cut fruit

Lunches:
Fri: box lunch: sandwich, chips, apple, cookie
Sat: chicken nuggets, curly fries, fresh cut fruit, ice cream
Sun: personal cheese or pepperoni pizza, salad bar, popsicles

Dinners:
Fri: cookout: burgers, baked beans, potato or cole slaw, rice krispie treat
Sat: spaghetti & meatballs, garlic bread, green beans, salad bar, brownie