Parent FAQ

Here you will find the answers to some of the most common questions parents have about their child attending Copper Cannon Camp. Please feel free to visit the Forms and Dates, Health and Safety and Directions pages for even more info.

If you have any questions that are not answered here on our website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@coppercannon.org or at (603) 823-8107. We would love to hear from you.

Is Copper Cannon Camp a special needs camp?

Copper Cannon is NOT a special needs camp. Campers must be able to function in a group setting, and be capable of handling themselves away from home for a week mentally, emotionally and physically.

My child has ADD, ADHD, ODD or other disorder. Can he/she still attend?

We allow campers to attend camp as long as they are still able to function in a group setting (see “Group Functionality” on  “Eligibility” page). It should be noted that Copper Cannon is NOT a special needs camp. We don’t have the time or resources to devote one-on-one attention at all times during the week. Campers must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to cope with summer camp life and spending time away from home.

If you would like to discuss with us any conditions or disorders that might affect the way your child performs in a group setting at camp, please feel free to contact us at kgadapee@coppercannon.org or at (603) 823-8107.

What resources do I have to complete the application?

• • The local library in your town will have computers that you can use to access our online application.
  • The guidance counselor at your child’s school can assist in the application process, and schools may also give you an option to use the computers there as well.
  • Colleges invite the community to use the libraries they have on campus, all they ask is for you to acquire a library card. This is done the same way as you would sign up for a library card at the local town library.
  • Continue to check our website for the dates of the Elks Registration Days. These registration days will be a time where you can use the computers we provide to complete the applications. This is also a great time to ask questions and bring a copy of the free or reduced lunch letters you received from school!

What should my child bring to camp?

Note: ALL items your child brings to camp MUST have their name on them.This ensures that items are returned quickly to the correct camper.

• • A sleeping bag and pillow

• • A Flashlight

• • A towel and toiletry kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, insect repellent, sunscreen and a comb or brush)

• • A durable water bottle with no straws (Nalgene® style)

• • A swimsuit

• • 8 t-shirts, 8 pairs of underwear, 8 pairs of shorts and 12 pairs of socks
    • The clothes our campers wear at camp will get dirty! Bring old clothes that your child(ren) will recognize.

• • A pair of long pants

• • A rain jacket, sweatshirt and light jacket

• • 2 pairs of footwear

• • A bag for dirty clothes
  • A hat

• • Optional: disposable camera with name clearly marked, playing cards, stationery, reading material, etc.

What shouldn’t my child bring to camp?

• • Smart Phones

• • Electronic games such as 3DS or Nintendo Switch

• • Hair dryers or curling irons

• • Razors for shaving

• • Candy or snacks

The real reason we are at camp is to make new friends, try new things and get away from the pressures of modern life! These items serve as distractions that take our campers focus away from this. As for candy and snacks, we have all the food you need in our dining hall!

How does my child get to Copper Cannon Camp?

Copper Cannon is not responsible for transportation to or from camp. Parents/guardians need to provide the transportation to and from camp or else get in touch with the agency that referred your child (such as the local Elks Lodge or school).

What time is pick up and drop off?

Please drop your kids off between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the Sunday your child will start his or her week. Please pick up your child on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.

What does camp cost? Is my child eligible to attend?

Camp is absolutely free for any and every New Hampshire child who qualifies, applies and is accepted. In order to figure out whether your child is eligible to participate at Copper Cannon, please feel free to visit the Eligibility Page.

Can you accommodate my child’s special diet?

We do our best to cater to specific dietary needs for campers. We are usually able to work around basic dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance or common allergies. Vegetarian options are always available. If your child has a dietary need that is more difficult to work around, we might request that you provide your child with meals for the week. Please provide us with any and all dietary information well ahead of time so that we can make arrangements.

Can I call my child when he/she is at camp? Can they call me?

Summer camp is a place where campers gain independence and confidence while spending time away from home. For this reason, we do not allow parents to phone campers or vice versa for non-emergency situations. However, we certainly encourage you to send your child letters at camp, and campers are encouraged to write home as well. If you don’t receive a letter home, chances are your child is fully engaged in the camp experience! Please try to avoid acknowledging homesickness in your letters to them, as this can often increase those emotions. Please do not send large packages. Mail to campers can be addressed as follows:

Camper’s Name
Week #
Copper Cannon Camp
P.O. Box 124
Franconia, NH  03580

What sort of training do the staff at Copper Cannon have?

Copper Cannon staff are all thoroughly screened, background checked and interviewed extensively before being offered a job at the camp. All staff members undergo an intensive 10-day training session before camp starts to ensure they are the best counselors they can be for your child. All staff members are certified in first aid and CPR.

Can my child be in the same cabin as his/her friend?

You can request for your child to room with a particular person in the same cabin when filling out your application. However, this by no means guarantees that the two will end up actually rooming together. We will make our best effort to accommodate these requests, but various factors such as age, camp capacity and others can affect this. Even if your child does not get in the same cabin as his or her request, they will still see plenty of their friends all day. Also, if they are not with their request, they will certainly make all sorts of great new friends in their cabin in no time.

Do you have a nurse on staff? What are your medical procedures?

ACA regulations do not require an on-site nurse unless the enrollment for a week reaches a particular number. When ACA regulations require it, we have a registered nurse on-site to help with medications, injuries, etc. When a registered nurse is NOT on site, all of our staff are still first aid certified and are trained to deal with any and all situations that might occur. If a significant emergency situation comes up, paramedics and ambulances can be at camp within four minutes.

How do you handle my child’s medication?

All prescription medication brought into camp MUST be accompanied by written orders, signed by a physician, which includes camper’s name, dosage and time. If necessary, please include a very detailed list of times for medicine to be dispensed. All medications, including over-the-counter medications such as vitamins, creams, lotions, aspirin, etc. must be turned into and dispensed by the staff.

Does my child need to bring any money to camp?

No, your child has no need for money at camp. Any and all activities are fully covered by Copper Cannon.

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