Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! See the packing list on our staff info page here.

Yes! Staff may park at camp in Foxfire Field. Speed limit on camp property is 15mph. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended for cars.

Yes! Here are some things to consider.

• You must wear a helmet while on camp property (leading by example for our campers). 

• Campers may NOT ride your bicycle. Other staff may, with your permission. They too, must wear a helmet while on camp property.

• We don't have a designated "bike lock area," so you are free to keep it near your cabin and lock it to something durable, like a small tree. We cannot guarantee the safety of any bikes or bike locks while at camp.

• If you are driving yourself or with someone else, bring your bike along, too. If you are walking onto the ferry, and are planning to be picked up by us, we can pick your bike up with you. Just let us know in advance.

Yes! There are “hotspots” in a couple of places, but the best location for staff is in Great Blue Heron (GBH) and the Larry Norman Lodge. If the service is ever slow or not working, please notify a director as soon as possible so we can fix it.

Our staff lounge is called Great Blue Heron or GBH. Here we will have a TV, couches, and camaraderie! You may charge things in this common space, but please do not leave your electronics unattended.

There is also a charging station at the main office with lockable stations.

Uniform:

We always wear “Wookies” (Wood Cookies) or name tags while on duty as a part of our Child Abuse Prevention policies. Every staff member and volunteer will receive a staff shirt. Wearing them is required on arrival day, recommended for departure days, and optional on other days. Please do not alter them in any way. Staff can wear Orkila staff shirts from previous years as well.

Dress code:

We recognize that dress codes often disproportionately affect certain groups of people, including women, people of color and trans or gender nonconforming people. Our dress code applies to anyone of any sex, gender identity or gender presentation. We recognize that camp can be a place many view as safe to express their identity through clothing, and encourage participants and staff to do so.  

All hair colors and hairstyles are welcome. Tattoos may be visible (if content is appropriate around children) and piercings are acceptable but may need to be removed or covered for some activities. 

As for appropriate clothing, staff are encouraged to use common sense. Clothing should cover most of the body from the collarbone to mid-thigh, ensuring coverage of the genitals and nipples. Clothing needs to be practically appropriate for camp activities, taking into account the physical nature of what we do, and the variety of weather and temperatures we experience. We should be prepared to run, move around, and get messy, with our clothing remaining comfortably in place.  

During aquatic activities, one must wear swim attire that covers their genitals, and may choose to wear swim attire that covers more of their body. Outside of the aquatic activity, one’s mid-thigh to collarbone must be mostly covered. This means when walking to and from aquatic activities and bathrooms/cabins, one may need to put on additional clothes or use a towel to cover themselves. Staff must ensure that participants do not stay in wet attire for long periods of time due to increased health risks. Shoes are required when moving around camp. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required for some activities and recommended for others. Staff should be prepared to walk and run over uneven terrain for activities and in case of emergency.  

Imagery and text on clothing should reflect the values of the Y. Anything that relates to or promotes the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, profanity, or violence are prohibited. As staff members of a non-profit organization, clothing should also not advocate for or against a political party or candidate.