FAQ's FOR TEACHERS & PARENTS
If you have questions, we have answers.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Program
What are the facilities like at Mile High Pines?
Mile High Pines has been in operation since 1945! Over the last 75 years we have continued to update and modernize our facilities from building completely new structures like our Activities & Recreation Center (the ARC), to small changes like adding in-cabin restrooms.
How will students be supervised and by whom?
Most of the daily student supervision will be performed by our Cabin Leaders or school-provided Chaperones. These individuals will stay in student cabins, lead students from activity to activity, and supervise them throughout the day. School-provided Chaperones are selected, screened, and trained by the school.
On the other hand, if your school elects to use CODES-provided Cabin Leaders, you can rest assured that all staff receive extensive training such as CamperProtect (child abuse & neglect training), First Aid & CPR certification, Wilderness First Aid certification, and have been fully background checked prior to employment. All of our Cabin Leaders are college-aged or older and teach in-cabin lessons on how to build good character, integrity, humility, self-worth, and the dangers of gossip.
What does the daily schedule look like?
Students will participate in a variety of activities that are an equal mix of school curriculum and camp fun! Classes will immerse students in the great outdoors as they hike through the San Bernardino National Forest (on well-established trails), while camp favorite activities like skit night and campfire night will have students wishing they could come back year after year.
Check out our 4-Day Schedule.
Where do teachers stay?
Teachers, school administrators, and Aides* stay in VIP cabins: Summit Lodge or Shepherd's Rest.
Where do students stay?
Students stay in cabins that are rustic and cozy. Each of our nine (9) cabins is carpeted, heated, and equipped with an attached bathroom providing students with easy access to private showers and toilets. Pine bunk beds provide students with a comfortable night's sleep, so don't forget your bedding!
Should students bring money to camp?
No. We do not have a camp canteen, snack bar, or physical camp store, so there is no need to bring money to camp, doing so presents the risk of losing it.
What should I pack for camp?
Our camp is located at 6,700ft in elevation, which means that we get all four (4) seasons, so make sure to check out our Packing List! Cold weather typically lasts from November-April, with warmer months being May, September, and October.
Health & Safety
What about special dietary needs or food allergies?
We are a nut-aware facility—we do not serve food that explicitly contains nuts, however we do serve food that “may contain” nuts or has been “manufactured in a facility that also processes nuts”.
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten-free & Other Dietary Restrictions:
What if a student requires an Aide at school? Who will help him/her at camp?
If a student requires an Aide at school, he/she will require an Aide at camp as well. It is the school's/district's responsibility to provide an Aide that has been vetted, screened, and trained to assist the student.
What about students with special needs? Is your campus handicap accessible?
We welcome ALL students who desire to attend camp! Whether a student has special needs, behavior sensitivities, or a handicap all students will be included, cared for, and challenged alongside of their peers.
What is the student to adult ratio?
School group size varies significantly from week to week, and so we aim to have enough staff to account for these fluctuations appropriately.
How old are camp staff? What are their qualifications?
All staff must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of one (1) year of childcare or youth experience.
Should medication be sent to camp? Who will make sure students receive it?
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Vitamins, PediaSure or similar dietary supplements (Doctor's note is required) -
Essential oils -
Over-the-counter, generic pain reliever (we have this on-site) -
Allergy medicaiton for students who rarely have seasonal allergies (unless it's needed daily or for a severe allergy) -
Medication intended for adults (Doctor's note is required) -
Medication that the student has never tried at home -
Medication that is not being used for the intended, labeled purpose (i.e. using Benadryl as a sleep aid)
All student medications (including ointments) and health concerns must be listed on the camp Medical Form provided by your school camp liaison.
Can my child bring snacks to camp?
No. Unless an arrangement has been made with CODES in advance regarding supplemental snacks due to dietary restrictions, snacks and gum will be confiscated and returned to students on Departure Day.
Policies & Procedures
What if our school needs to cancel? What is your refund policy?
By signing your contract, your school is agreeing to the following:
In the event of a cancellation, regardless of advance notification, the school will forfeit its 10% Advanced Deposit amount. Additionally, the school agrees that it is “obligated to meet the full Minimum Guarantee amount of its contract”. This amount is the product of the minimum projected student attendance number multiplied by the cost of attendance per student.
A request for a full or partial refund must be submitted in writing 120 days prior to the reserved date, and must be done by the person who signed the contract.
Are phones allowed at camp?
No. Cell phones and other electronics more advanced than a calculator are not allowed at camp, this includes smartwatches. Camp is an opportunity for kids to unplug, reset, and restore their bodies and minds as they explore the great outdoors!
Can I visit the camp?
Yes, if you are a school administrator or teacher that would like to visit camp while your school is on grounds, please notify CODES Admin at least one (1) week in advance of the date and time you expect to be on grounds.*
Can parents attend camp?
The short answer is no, but there are exceptions.
If a school or district is absolutely unable to provide an Aide for a student that requires one (all students that require an Aide at school, must have an Aide at camp), the student's parent may attend camp to fill this role as an 1-on-1 Aide for their child.
If the school has opted to provide its own Chaperones instead of using Mile High Pines’ Cabin Leaders, a parent may be selected to attend camp in this capacity. Chaperones must be screened, vetted, and trained by the school regarding what will be expected of them here at camp. Chaperones will supervise small and large groups of students 24/7 while at camp, they will also sleep in student cabins.
What is the disciplinary system like?
In essence, camp is school; what is prohibited at school is prohibited at camp.
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Give a clear verbal warning. ("John, you know that we do not throw rocks. This is your first warning.") -
If the behavior persists, the student has earned a 5 min Time Out (TO). -
If the behavior persists, the TO increases to 10 min. -
If the behavior persists, the TO increases to 15 min. -
If the behavior persists, after a student has grossed a 15 min TO, teachers will be consulted and a decision will be made about further action resulting in a call home, dismissal from camp, and/or consequences at school.
The following violations are grounds for immediate dismissal:
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Fighting or stealing -
Any activity that is inherently dangerous to self or others -
Outright defiance -
Intentionally destroying property -
Cabin raiding, pranks, or bullying -
Unauthorized leaving of cabins or entering cabins of the opposite gender -
Other behaviors at the discretion of the CODES Admin in conjuction with teachers
We do not like to send students home, and will never do so without conculting teachers first.
What if a student is sent home due to illness or misbehavior? Do we get a refund?
No. By attending camp, you are agreeing to uphold camp policies regarding the safeguarding of all guests and staff on the basis of health and behavior. CODES has the right to dimiss any person if breaches of policy are determined, and no refund, either in part or in full, will be issued.
Will you post photos of schools and students at camp?
No. It is the school's responsibility to communicate with and update parents throughout the entire process of camp, including the week of. Many schools opt to use photo sharing portals to upload photos of their students at camp. Be sure to get this information from your child's teachers prior to camp, so you can check in and keep up with all that your child is doing at camp.
Oh no, an item got left behind! Do you have a Lost & Found?
Yes. Items that have been left behind after a school has departed will be turned in to our Lost & Found collection. If an item is not claimed within three (3) months after the school's camp dates, it is donated to either our CODES Closet (a collection of camp necessities that students may borrow if they forgot to bring something to camp) or our local charity.
What if there's an emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency, natural disaster, or catastrophic event:
What if I need to get in contact with camp staff?
If you are a parent planning to send your child to camp, and would like more information about what that means, contact your school's camp liaison for assistance. They will be able to share additional information and resources which they have received from our office.
What's the weather like?
When it comes to the weather, the best way to prepare for your camp trip is to check the weather in Big Bear.
Can I call my child or have them call me?
CODES at Mile High Pines
ATTN: Student’s Name, School
PO Box 397
Angelus Oaks, Ca 92305
Registration
How much does camp cost?
We want every child to have the opportunity to experience camp, and partner with schools to make this a reality by offering rates that are comparable to (or better than) other overnight Outdoor Education camps.
What grade levels does your camp serve?
5th-8th grade.
How many students can camp accommodate?
In adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, our traditional capacity has been reduced.
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If your ideal dates are in our Fall season (Sept-Dec), the allowable group size is 25-80 students. -
If your ideal dates are in our Spring season (Jan-May), the allowable group size is 80+ students.
Are financial aid or discounts available?
Yes!* We love to share camp with as many people as possible by making it affordable in the following ways:
When are payments due?
We're having a PTA meeting to tell parents about camp, can you come?
Yes. If this is your school's first or second year attending camp, we'd love to attend your PTA meeting to give a short presentation and answer questions about camp.
Is zipline included in our reservation?
No. Our zipline is a separate Adventure Activity that must be reserved by the school no later than one (1) month in advance of your camp dates, and it is an additional expense.
