FAQ

These are some frequently asked questions from 40 years of Poulter families. If you have other questions or would like additional information on the questions below, always feel free to give us a call or email.

How do campers get to camp?

It is about a four-hour drive from the Denver area to camp. Many families will drive to camp, and have lunch with us on opening day. Poulter also provides shuttles from Denver International Airport (DEN) and the Yampa Valley Regional airport in Hayden (HDN). There is an additional $60 charge each way from Denver; the shuttle from Hayden is free.

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When should my camper arrive at camp and when should they be picked up if traveling by car?

On opening day campers should plan on arriving at around 11:00 am to get settled in. Families are invited to join us for a lunch time buffet that day as a chance to meet counselors, directors, other campers and there families. Campers should be picked up between 10 and 11 am on closing day.

What time of the day should flights be scheduled to catch the shuttle from Denver or Hayden?

Campers flights should arrive in Denver between 10 am and 1 pm on opening day. Their flights should depart from Denver between 11 am and 2 pm on closing day. Campers flying into Hayden can arrive and depart at any time on opening and closing days.

How does Poulter Camps deal with children who become homesick?

It is common for new campers to suffer from homesickness. It is rare that homesickness lasts beyond the first few days of camp, and we usually find that with constant activity campers are able to feel at home at camp and with their cabin group. When problems persist we will work with the camper, counselor, director and family to ensure that we can provide the best possible situation for everyone. We have had great success with children who are homesick, and it is extremely rare that we have had to send a child home do to this issue.

What items should be brought to camp?

Each program has an equipment list that is sent when campers enroll. It is very important that all items that are on the list are brought to camp. This ensures that the campers have to proper gear for the constantly changing Rocky Mountain weather. Backpacks should be fit upon purchase, and sleeping bags should fall within the suggested rating on the equipment list, and easily fit within the backpack. If you have any questions about equipment please contact the Poulter office.

What items are not allowed at camp?

At Poulter we try to provide a different experience for children than what they are used to. Campers should not bring electronic devices to camp including; cell phones, personal gaming systems, I-pods or MP3 players. Cameras are accepted and encouraged. Along with electronics campers should not bring money or personal food. Campers will have store accounts if there are any items that they need during camp. If any of these items are brought to camp they will be put in a safe place and returned to the camper at the end of the session.

How physically fit shout my camper be?

Poulter Camps provides an extremely active environment. Hiking and/or backpacking are central to all of our programs, and take place at high altitudes. It is important that campers have some level of fitness. Keeping this in mind, all of our programs are designed to ease campers into our setting. Programs will build on themselves and become more challenging as the summer progresses.

How are camper’s medications handled?

All camper medication will be turned in to our camp nurse upon arrival. This includes both prescription and over the counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements. The nurse distributes all of the medications during the session. When campers are out on trips, the nurse will give a designated counselor with medical training their camper’s meds in envelops with each individual dose. All medications are locked when not being used.

Can my camper call home?

We discourage all phone calls home as we have found that phone calls often lead to increased homesickness. Instead campers are encouraged to write home, and we encourage families to write back. Parents may also send campers email at camper@poultercamps.com. Although campers cannot respond by email, this is a great way to let your child know that you are thinking of them.

How does Poulter ensure safety?

Poulter camps has a unwavering commitment to safety. We believe that there is no better way to keep campers safe than by practicing prevention. To help maintain our safety record we employ an onsite Registered Nurse. It is the nurse’s job to ensure safety throughout all of our programs. All wilderness instructors are Wilderness First Responders, trip leaders must have current Wilderness First Aid, and all additional staff must have at least current first aid and CPR. We also have a number of certified Lifeguards, and an EMT on site. In case of additional services are needed Poulter has a partnership with Pediatrics of Steamboat Spring and the Yampa Valley Medical Center (both less than 45 minutes from camp).

Who are your staff?

Most of our counseling staff are college students or graduates ranging in age from 20 to 26. We do have a few additional counselors who are 18 and 19. Many staff started as Poulter campers, and most will remain staff members for a number of years. 60-70 percent of our counselors are returning from past years. Additionally we advertise for new staff online, and travel to summer job fairs to hire new staff. Because of our small size we typically only hire 3 or 4 new staff members each summer. With many applications coming in, we feel that we hire the very best counselors out there. We require references and complete background checks on all staff.

Poulter Camps demands a lot of our counselors. As well as working as cabin counselors or field instructors, counselors are responsible for all elements of camp. For staff members who are 21 or above, this can include driving our camp vans. To become drivers they must have clean driving records and complete a van safety-driving test.

What do you do about campers with dietary needs?

We take a lot of pride in the food that we serve at Poulter Camps. We try to offer a number of alternatives (always including vegetarian) at every meal. Food allergies are always taken very seriously as well. Our food service director is made known of all camper and staff allergies, and menus are planned accordingly.