First-Time Camper Open House

Tentative dates for 2022 events:
Sun, Jan 23rd & Sun, April 24th

Prior to each summer, we host an Open House event designed to help first-time campers and their families know what to expect prior to arriving for summer camp. We’re excited to be able to offer an in-person chance for families to see inside a Village cabin, take a walk around campus, meet our team, and ask any questions. If you’re unable to attend or would prefer a virtual alternative, see below for a list of digital resources first-time campers and families might find helpful.

PLEASE NOTE: Many of our sessions are full by April/May. We recommend parents register online prior to Open House to ensure space is available for their camper(s). Please review our Transfer & Cancellation Policy before registering.

DIGITAL/VIRTUAL RESOURCES

While there’s nothing quite like being at Glisson in-person, here are a few resources that we hope will help get your bearings from afar.

  • OUR TEAM: First and foremost, please feel free to Contact Us with any questions. Sending a child to overnight camp sparks a wide variety of questions for a thoughtful parent even in the most typical of years – and this is not a typical year. Our Team is here for you! Be sure to check out our FAQs Page, and if your question isn’t on there, we look forward to hearing from you!
  • VIDEOS: If you haven’t already, check out our program overview videos for an idea of the setting: Village | Outpost | Sparrowwood
  • MAPS & PICTURES: As a reference, here’s our 2021 Self-Guided Tour Map for Village and Sparrowwood, as well as our Outpost Pioneer Map and Outpost Frontier & Expedition Map. Also, while originally designed with retreat groups in mind, our Lodging & Meals Page offers a closer look inside a cabin (Village campers) and Ivie Lodge (Sparrowwood campers) as well as our Dining Hall (Village & Sparrowwood).
  • BLAZING THE TRAIL: Each year, we send all registered camper families a series of pre-arrival emails designed to blaze the trail to help make your family’s camp experience – before, during, after – as smooth as possible. These emails will cover a range of topics that offer an in-depth understanding of what to expect before camp, on check-in day, during the camp session, and on checkout day.