Day camp advice needed!

[KiwiCRB]

This summer I think I'm going to organize a one week day camp at our resident camp to earn my Girl Scout Gold Award. It will be for the three closest towns to my camp, all of which are lower income farming communities. I think there is only like one organized troop in all three of them so they don't really have the opportunity to come to camp. What I would like to do is talk to the schools and see if they can have a bus or two run to camp every day to take the girls out there. I guess my biggest question right now is have any of you ever worked with a school system and their busses? Also any other advice you would give a director of a day camp, because that's basically what i'll be, would be appreciated a lot!

[CAMPFRIEND]

I have worked with both. If you would like to PM me with more questions I will be happy to help out were I can.

[c3divers]

Not trying to discourage you, But, have you talked to your Council regarding organizing such a large event? They have a training class that is mandatory if you are going to be in charge of such an event. I don't think they will allow school buses to transport because of the insurance technicalities. I would def call your council first.

[Sparkes]

I've also delt with schools/busses and the logistics of organizing something along the lines of this. Feel free to pm be but also, just so you know, each state/province/school district is going to have different rules. But I'll help in anyway I can.

[Dave]

Our camp uses the Safety Bus company. But we're a huge camp (40+ busses every day) so we need that. I guess you might want to contact a local school and see what they have to say. I see busses from our school district out during the summer. So they might say yes.

[KiwiCRB]

A little more background because all of your concerns/questions are completely valid.

The camp director and programs director at my camp have been considering doing this for a few years but they have a lot on their plates so it hasn't ever happened. Since I'm going to be graduating they decided to suggest it to me as my gold award. The way it would work if it happens is the day campers would come to our resident camp and be in their own section of it. We would eat and maybe swim or something with the resident campers but other than that it would be independent of the resident camp. I have a lot of resources and definatley the support to pull this off. Now to just work with the schools and get the campers to come out!

[Sparkes]

I always start any project with a written letter to the parties involved/I want involved. Outline what your plans are, the general logistics, and what you want the busses for. Then, send it to each of the schools along with contact information. Wait about a week, and then call to follow up. They should provide you with the information you need and, if its presented in a formal manner such as this, there shouldn't be any problems with getting what you need (unless the buses are booked or something along these lines).

[CAMPFRIEND]

I think that Sparkes is right but I would also plan the time to stop by the schools and talk with the staff. A lot of things get lost in the mail or might not get in the right hands. I would just start with a few schools and get them to back you first! Good luck.