Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Family Camp - Just the FAQs

PART I - What is Midwest Chinese Family Camp? [TOC]

* What is the mission of Chinese Family Camp?
- The Midwest Chinese Family Camp unites a multi-generational community of extended Chinese American families for a week of fun and recreation in a modern resort setting. We socialize, celebrate our culture and heritage, and learn from each other about being Chinese in America. Since 1958, our annual gatherings continually create and sustain deep and lifelong friendships that are truly priceless.

Chinese Family Camp welcomes all families who would like to mix their interest in Chinese culture with the fun and recreation of a week-long "camp" set in the somewhat unrustic environment of an Indiana resort hotel. From the early years when Oakwood Park still had primitive cabins through today, the goal of Camp has been to foster a positive image and understanding of the special circumstances of Chinese families - grandparents, parents, and children, blended families, adoptive families - living in or having connections to the American Midwest.

* Who attends Family Camp? How many?
- People of all ages attend Family Camp, usually with relatives. Their connections to China vary from direct to indirect. There are singles and couples who come without children, although most adults are parents or grandparents. Typically 75-90 people attend during the week, with 100-110 people on the final weekend. New families make new friends quickly, especially the children.

* Why do families return year after year?
- Some people have attended Family Camp since the 1960's. Others return when they become parents after skipping many years. Those who return find a sense of community that is both fun and comforting. It's a pretty good bargain for a resort vacation. Hard not to like that food is provided, organized activities are lead by dedicated volunteers, and there is plenty of time to talk and play with family and friends.

* When is Family Camp?
- In 2010, the dates are July 18-25. The traditional time is the second week of August, Sunday evening to Sunday morning. Activities start on July 18 with a 7 PM registration meeting at Locke Township Meeting Hall, and end with breakfast on July 25. Although most people go to relax for the whole week, some only attend the final weekend. New families are encouraged to arrive before Friday in order to experience the Heritage and Arts and Crafts program held during the week.

* How do I register?
- The registration form is available on the website. Or email the Registrar, Meimei Ma, at jmeimei88 @ gmail.com (remove spaces). The 2010 registration fee is $100-175 per family, depending on the postmark date. If you register after April 17, there is a cancellation fee of $50. After May 17, there is a late fee of at least $25. Contact the Director, Lawrence Wang at physmedmd2 @ aol.com (remove spaces) if you want to register in June or July.

PART II - What do you do at Chinese Family Camp? [TOC]

* What is the daily schedule?
- Typically, organized daily activities start at 7:15am and are essentially over by 10:00pm. In recent years, breakfast started at 8:00am, lunch at 12:00, and dinner at 5:30pm. The planned activities such as Arts and Crafts (all ages), sports, or the Chinese Heritage program run in the morning or afternoon for a couple hours. Group fun is scheduled every evening after dinner from 7:00 to 9:00, with evening snacks starting around 9:00pm.

* How are meals handled?
- All meals at Amish Acres will be in the Beam Room of the restaurant unless an exception is noted in the camp schedule. Breakfast is a continental buffet. Lunch is served buffet style. Dinners are served family style. Dinner on the first Sunday is not included. Breakfast the final Sunday is included.

* Is alcohol allowed? Is smoking allowed?
– Alcohol is not allowed in the public areas of Amish Acres. Smoking is not allowed inside any of the buildings.

* What kinds of outdoor or sports activities are there?
- Amish Acres has a pool on-site. A park two miles away has facilities for tennis, basketball, softball, a swimming pool, and a playground. Golf and bowling are nearby. An excursion to Lake Wawasee or a waterpark may be arranged.

* Where are indoor activities held?
- CFC uses three rooms at Amish Acres for group activities: the Geranium Room (seats 50), the Fulmer Room (seats 20), and the Locke Township Meeting Hall (seats 120). Daytime activities are in Geranium and Fulmer, which are close together. Evening fun is in Locke, but evening snacks are in Geranium. The Geranium Room is used by other guests for breakfast until 10am each morning.

* Will there be computers set up?
– The CFC IT crew plans to set up in the Fulmer Room. There is usually an ink jet printer. That room is reserved for use by CFC 24/7.

* Can I check my email?
– In addition to the IT set up, some campers bring laptops. WiFi is available at the Inn in the lobby and on the porch, as well as by the pool. WiFi access in the hotel rooms is iffy.

* Is there a place to swim?
- There is an unheated outdoor pool next to the Inn at Amish Acres. The depth ranges from 4 feet to 6 feet. While pool towels are provided, it’s a good idea to bring your own large towels.

* What languages are spoken?
- The primary language is English. Grandparents and a few others speak Chinese, mostly Mandarin, amongst themselves. Most of the American-born Chinese adults and children do not speak Chinese.

* Who is in charge of activities?
- Family Camp is run completely by volunteers. Lawrence Wang is the Director. There are dedicated people in charge of Arts and Crafts, the Chinese Heritage Program, Evening Activities, Group Sports, Snacks, and so on. A number of volunteers have helped out at Camp for many years, following a family tradition started by their parents.

* Are group activities required?
- No, all activities are optional. Some parents who want to play golf--or shop or nap--are able to find a baby sitter for young children amongst other parents or older teens. There are no fees for Family Camp activities.

PART III - Where, How Much, and Other Questions [TOC]

* How much does attending Family Camp cost? What is covered?
For a family of four with two children over age 4, the cost for lodging and meals is about $1300 for the entire week. An adult coming alone for just a few days pays $110 per day, less if they can share a room with someone. Children under age 4 eat free, and those age 4-11 pay half price for meals. There is no credit for meals missed. There are no fees for Family Camp activities at Amish Acres except for shows at the Round Barn Theater. Some off-site activities such as golf require separate payment.

* How is final payment handled?
The registration fee is applied to the total bill, which is provided during Camp. The balance is paid before the end of Camp to the CFC Treasurer. CFC can only accepts checks, no credit cards. Campers do not pay Amish Acres directly for lodging.

* Where is Family Camp held? Where do people stay?
- Beginning in 2009, Family Camp moved to Amish Acres in Nappanee, IN. The drive to northeast Indiana is 2-4 hours from the Chicago area, southern Michigan, southern Indiana, or Ohio. Lodging is in the Inn at Amish Acres. People who fly can go to Chicago, Ft. Wayne, or South Bend.

* Do I have to stay at Amish Acres?
- Traditionally everyone stays at the main lodging location. If you would like to stay elsewhere nearby, please contact the Director or the Registrar.

* What kinds of hotel rooms are available?
- Most rooms have two double beds. There are a limited number of handicapped access rooms with one double bed available. There are a few rooms with a king bed available, which also have a sofa bed, frig/microwave, and a 2-person whirlpool. All rooms have hair dryer, coffee maker, and cable TV. A refrigerator cannot be added to a regular room.

* How are special rooms assigned, such as the handicapped rooms?
- In general, room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis based on the postmark date for Registration Forms. The Registrar may ask Campers to help out if someone with a later registration has a greater need for a special type of room.

* What is teen lodging?
- Some years, there is a lodging option for teenagers only, if they are interested and have their parents' permission. The cost is usually shared by the parents. Whether or not there is teen lodging depends on how many teens are interested, as well as the availability of adults willing to serve as houseparents, if applicable. Please notify the Registrar if you are interested in teen lodging.

* Can a teenager attend without parents?
- Yes, a teenager may make arrangements with the Director to attend without a parent. An adult sponsor must agree to be responsible for the teen. The teen may stay in teen lodging, if available, or share a hotel room.

* Do people bring babies or toddlers?
- Yes, babies and toddlers are welcome with the rest of their family. Amish Acres is family friendly. A stroller is recommended.

* Is Family Camp for Christians only?
- No. Family Camp activities have no specific orientation to any religion.

* Is a car required during Camp?
- Although many activities are held at Amish Acres, a car is recommended. Rides are arranged for off-site activities such as golf or bowling or swimming at Lake Wawasee. Most families have a car because they live within driving distance of Nappanee. Families who fly usually rent a car. There is plenty of free parking near the hotel.