FAQ

This is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions.  If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please feel free to contact us here.

Q. Who/What/Why/Where/When?

A. String players (violin, viola, cello, bass- and yes, you need your own instrument!)/Summer Camp/Because it's fun/Hampton, GA/Dates vary by session. 

Q.  Grade levels?

A. The grade levels we reference are 'most recently completed when camp starts'.  For age reference, think of a 4th grader as 8-9 years old and an 8th grader as 13-14 years old.  You could also think of them as the 'grade level they're currently in when you're filling out the form'.

Q. But my child is a prodigy!

A. There is some flexibility with regards to which camp you sign up for but please realize that performance ability and social interaction (the camp is supposed to be fun!) are two different things.  If your child is on the edge we usually recommend going for the lower camp.  If they are big for their age and comfortable with older kids and performing at a higher level and don't cry easily when frustrated/looked at funny by an 8th grader then, by all means, lets step them up a notch.

Q. Is it safe?

A. Short answer, very safe!  Longer answer, we're at a beautiful wooded facility and yes, kids will get splinters and be scared of the occasional large (or very small) wildlife.  Professionally trained and certified teachers and lifeguards oversee all aspects of their day however, and thanks to this we have never had any serious incidents.  Students sleep in what are essentially hotel rooms in a building that only we occupy.  Counselors are located every 3 or 4 rooms protecting them from the attack ducks and geese.

Q. And just who are the teachers/counselors?

A. The faculty are all professional certified teachers who have been known by or married to the camp directors for an average of 20 years.  We also have an occasional camp graduate who will come back from college as an intern.  In this case we may have only known them for 10 years but are still confident of their character and qualifications.

Q. Can my child still take all their medicine?

A. Upon check-in we do a full review with each individual parent and student as to their medical needs.  We keep all medicines in a secure and individually labeled container and do a 'medicine call' every morning, before each meal, and before bedtime.  Items such as inhalers or epi-pins that parents are comfortable leaving with students can be kept with the student at all times if necessary.  All other pills and medicines are kept by the staff not only for the safety of your child but for the safety of all the students.

Q. What are the facilities like?

A. The main Calvin Center conference center is very much like a small hotel with 2 twin beds in each room.  Each room also has its own bathroom, sink, shower, desk, and air conditioning controls.  For our larger sessions the latest registering students will occasionally be placed in the Geneva Lodge which is adjacent to the conference center.  These rooms house between 4 and 8 students each.  Since there are no televisions we recommend students look out the windows to watch the deer, ducks, turkeys, and various lizards that are often wandering by.

Q. How are meals handled?  My child has special dietary needs!

A. Meals are cafeteria style in a building adjacent to the conference center.  There is usually a main entree, a selection of vegetables and fruits, a full salad bar, and desert at every meal.  We are usually able to accommodate dietary needs such as lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or those with nut allergies.   Please make sure to include these on your registration form.

Q. I simply must be able to talk to my baby every night!

A. You'll have to settle for our fabulous virtual camp at which pictures are posted nightly of the daily activities.  Cell phones are not permitted and phone access is limited to emergencies only by the staff and by Calvin Center.  We do provide an emergency contact number so you can get to the camp staff if you need to.

Q. But why, why, why can't we have a cell phone?

A.  There are several reasons, the first of which is that we said so.  Additionally we're in the woods many miles away from the nearest tower and in most cases it wouldn't work anyway.  Finally and most importantly we have found that students who stay up all night calling and texting tend to be very cranky and not much fun the next day.  This is no fun for us or the other students who did (or tried to) get a good nights sleep.  While we're sure your child would never do such a thing, their room mate might.  As such, NO CELL PHONES!!!

Q. But seriously, I can leave a cell phone with my child, right? (wink, nudge?)

A.  If you're still reading this then I guess we need to spell it out for you.  You're entrusting trained professionals with the health and wellbeing of your children.  We realize and appreciate this but by giving them a cell phone you are overtly giving permission for them to bypass our authority.  This makes it very difficult or often impossible to do our jobs.  We also know for a fact that if there are homesickess concerns that a cell phone will only make it worse.  If there's an issue we'll contact you.  If you can't abide by this then regardless of your child's state of being, it's obvious that you are not ready for them to go to camp yet.  There are some great day camps out there, go hit Google!

Q. When will we hear from you?

A. We try to make deposits about every 2-3 weeks so when your check clears, you're in!  Otherwise you'll get a full camp packet with the exact schedule, balance due, roommate/shirt information, and a complete list of what to bring between 2 and 3 weeks before your session is set to start.  If you're feeling impatient you can head to the 'Student Mailings' page to look at old versions of what will be in the packet.  If a session fills up and we are not able to accept your student we will call you directly and issue a full refund.

Q Can I apply online?

A. Yes, we have an online application and payment option.  It costs a little more because of the fees associated with online payments, but it is convenient!

Q SS#?

A. Social Security #'s are used only for verification of insurance in the unlikely event that we were unable to reach you during an emergency at a hospital.  We've never needed one, hopefully never will, but it's a standard item on all medical release forms.  You may leave it blank if you wish but keep your cell phone turned on!

Q. Are there scholarships available?

A. As a non-profit organization we do not actually maintain any funds for scholarships.  We are occasionally able to offer partial tuition rebates to deserving students who would otherwise have difficulty attending the camp.  To be considered please send in the normal application and include a letter from the student stating why they would like to attend the ASTA camp as well as 2 letters of recommendation from teachers or family members attesting as to why the student deserves scholarship consideration.  We will contact the parents directly within a few weeks of receipt.  It is also worth asking your local school teacher if there are any funds available for camp scholarships.