Labor Day Family Camp 2006 - FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do we leave Saaket and when do we get back?
    We leave at about 5:00 PM on Friday, Sept 1, and return at approximately 2:00 PM on Monday, Sept 4.

  • Where is the camp?
    Lake Texoma State Park: http://www.oklahomaparks.com/detail.asp?id=1+5U+6449

  • What are the accommodations like?
    It is a state resort lodge. We are occupying the entire motel. Men and women will be in separate rooms. Boys and girls will be in separate rooms. We do not guarantee who you will be sharing your room with. If there is a family of 4 where the kids are between KG and grade 4 we will provide them a room. We want to maximize occupancy, so in some rooms we may have kids sleeping on sleeping bags. We will make every effort to accommodate special needs and requests. However please remember that this is a camp where spiritual needs will be catered. Camp Hyatt it is not!

  • What are bathrooms like?
    Again this is a state resort lodge. Think old motel.

  • Can I attend only 2 days instead of all 4?
    NO. You need to be there throughout. The only exception to this rule are the 11th & 12th grade students. Many of our Balavihar students in 11th and 12th grade are enrolled in advanced classes with quite a bit of homework. In consideration of the workload and being able to take advantage of a long week-end, the following policy changes for camp registration are being implemented immediately:

    a) All Camp participants including 11th and 12th graders will leave Saaket on Friday, Sept 1st in the evening by bus.

    b) ONLY 11th and 12th graders will be allowed to leave anytime after noon on Sunday ,Sept 3rd.

    c) No transportation will be provided. So parents will need to make arrangements to pick them up. Please do NOT ask to pick up kids other than 11th and 12th graders as it is very disruptive to the spirit of the camp.

    d) No special pricing or refund will be provided as most of the costs towards the camp do not change and have been pre-paid.

    If you have any questions regarding this policy please check with Rajiv Roy.

  • Can I drive there?
    NO. All attendees will leave in a bus from Saaket.

  • Why not?
    Because there is a certain spirit and camaraderie in going together. When people leave as and when they feel like it, it gets broken and it ruins it for the others. I can bet that if people had plans to catch a flight to go to Disney World at 5:00pm that Friday, they would make it including the fact that you have to be there couple of hours ahead.

  • Who can attend the camp?
    This camp is open to Chinmaya Mission members world-wide. Friends, cousins can only attend the camp if they are currently enrolled Balavihar students at any Mission location world-wide. For the first time we are opening the camp to adults, Chinmaya Mission Yuva Kendra members, and Balavihar students (grade KG through 12th). Note: Balavihar students in KG to grade 4 are allowed to attend if at least one parent is also registering for the camp.

  • Will there be baby sitting services at the Camp?
    No. There are planned activities and classes for kids of all ages, so there will be Acharyas and volunteers who will be telling the kids what to do. The ONLY time you will be asked to help with your kids (KG through 4) is for the bus ride, bathroom, and meals. That means you can sit back and enjoy your classes. You are requested to NOT interfere with or baby the older kids at any time during camp. Let them enjoy their highly “controlled” and safe freedom.

  • How do I register?
    Online registration only. http://chinmayasaaket.org/balavihar/camp/

  • How much does it cost?
    Adults: $ 175.00 / person
    Children: $ 150.00 / person (KG- 12th grade)
    Yuva Kendra: $ 150.00 / person
    The experience: Priceless!

  • Can I get a refund?
    You can get a refund minus $50/PERSON cancellation up to Aug 29th pm. Any cancellations on or after Aug 30th are non-refundable.

  • How do I pay?
    We have an army of programmers who have enabled e-commerce and have built in all kinds of security like SSL. We would like you to use it to make payments via paypal or credit card.
    But if you are convinced that the internet is a passing fad and would like to see the person you hand your money to, we have made provisions. Cash or personal checks ONLY will be accepted at the Saaket and Coppell centers. Please make checks payable to CMDFW.

  • Wow! is everything electronic and on-line?
    Kaash! Agar medical system ho to aisa! In the unlikely event you decide to play a game of full-contact pittu, you lose and we have to take you to the emergency room, we need a form that allows you to get medical treatment. We could of course put choona on the wound but here is where common sense prevails and we want you to get modern medical treatment. So, yes, a paper form is required. The medical form is for you to download, and yes ONE is required for EACH person attending camp. Adults and children of all ages need a medical waiver form.

  • OK. where do I turn in the forms?
    The same fine folk that will be manning the desk. (OK or wo-manning the desk) at the Saaket and Coppell centers.
    Saturday, Coppell Flower Mound Center: 5:00 - 5:30 PM
    Sunday, Saaket
              First and second session: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
              Second session: 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
              Third session: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

  • I have more questions?
    Contact Rajiv Roy

Divine mother