Residential Life
Students are housed in university dorms at either the University of Virginia or University of Mary Washington depending on the program. Our residential staff acts as big brothers and sisters to students, yet also provides supervision and mentoring. Living in a dorm is a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and learn how to live in a group setting. Since most students come to the program not knowing anyone, each is assigned to a dorm group to facilitate meeting other campers. Each floor has its own Residential Advisor - experienced in residential life - and a better than four to one ratio of students to staff. In addition, the Camp Director lives at the dorms along with numerous Program Directors. This system was designed to ensure student safety, the absolute best supervision, and a feeling of friendship and interaction among students and staff.
Our older and younger students are housed in separate areas and each has specialized rules and supervision to meet the different needs of each group.
The residents' lounges are a great place to meet, play ping-pong or watch a movie. Right outside the dorms are open areas for throwing a frisbee around, playing some soccer, talking with friends and other activities. A large part of the program occurs at and around the dorms where friends, socializing, and memories flourish.
The university housekeeping staff cleans the common areas each day - you are responsible for keeping your own room clean.
"I give this camp a 9 out of 10 for
overall camp experience." -Rebecca W.
Roommates
Roommates are assigned according to age and we make every effort to honor roommate requests. Two students share a dorm room although occasionally a student will be assigned to a single room. The rooms are comfortable with beds, desks, bureaus and closet for each student.
Mail
We will have a box at a local address that may be used for mailing all packages, letters, etc. to campers. Mail is picked up each day except Sunday. Campers are encouraged to bring stamps with them to camp rather than trying to purchase them at the post office. We will notify you of the address in the spring.
Dining
Included each day are unlimited helpings of a wide variety of nutritious and delicious food choices.
Dinners are special times, as is tradition at 4 Star, a pizza night, dining out and/or catered meals right at camp.
All meals while away from campus are also provided.
Phones
The camp telephone number will be available in June. Please call our administrative office at 1-800-334-STAR (7827) to obtain it. Campers will have access to phones in the dorms to call home. Please send a calling card with your child if they will want to make long distance calls on these phones.
There will be a staff member available to take calls. At all other times, you may leave a message on the voice mail at the camp and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible.
Cell phones are highly discouraged while at camp though not prohibited. Our philosophy is that the kids are at camp and will better adjust and integrate without the distraction of knowing that mom or dad or other friends or family are calling all the time. Campers with cell phones are only allowed to use them only during regular posted phone hours. Other times during the day they must be turned off and stored away.
Although we greatly encourage open communication between campers and our staff, it is important that you contact us immediately should your child notify you of any problems.This will allow us the opportunity to correct the matter immediately while your child is still at camp.
Parents of younger students are especially urged to limit their phone contact with students while they are at camp. We strongly feel that telephone calls from campers to home or vice versa can contribute to homesickness.
Laundry and Spending Money
Laundry facilities are available in the dorms for a standard charge. Spending money - parents may deposit optional spending money in the form of cash or traveler's checks for campers with the Camp Bank at check-in. Money would be needed for such extras as souvenirs, snacks, etc. The Camp Bank is open on a daily basis for campers to withdraw money. We recommend $50 per week.