Positive Action and Positive Attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at P.A.?
A Lot! Be ready for long, fun-filled days. P.A. isn't your typical summer camp. It is a training event. However, that doesn't mean that it isn't fun. Past participants almost always comment on how much they learned and how much fun they had at the same time. The fun is proven by the fact that P.A. has been at capacity for several years and always has a waiting list.

What adults will be at the camp?
P.A. is staffed by teachers, counselors, and other qualified youth workers from the area. There is a minimum ratio of 1 adult for every 10 youth at P.A.

Can I leave camp for a game/practice/other event and then come back?
No. We have to be very strict with this rule. With the camps always at capacity, it wouldn't be fair for someone to go to P.A. and be allowed to leave when another qualified student didn't get to go. In addition, because of the dynamic of the camp and the small groups, it would disrupt too much to have participants leaving and coming back. Nobody is allowed to leave camp and return for any reason.

Can I leave early on the last day?
No. The closing session of P.A. is very powerful and participants would miss out on a great part of P.A. by leaving early.

Where does everyone sleep?
We are transforming classrooms at St. Timothy's East campus into dorm rooms. Each room will have a minimum of 3 bunk beds up to a possible 15 bunk beds in it. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower. We are bringing in additional shower facilities to accommodate everyone.

Is security provided?
There will be someone who is on duty overnight patrolling hallways and the campus. We will be the only group at the campus during the camps.

Is P.A. a Religious camp? Why is it being held at a Church?
P.A. is not affiliated with any Church or Religion. We were very fortunate to have P.A. at St. Paul's School for the past 10+ years. However, several years ago, St. Paul's ended its boarding program and for the past couple years only used the dormitory facility over the summer for groups like P.A. Because of that, St. Paul's wasn't able to put much money into improving the dorms the past few years. With the age of the dorms, St. Paul's administration doesn't feel comfortable housing youth in there anymore. The principal tells us that recently a bathroom ceiling caved. In addition, the aging air conditioners are only still working because of the maintenance crew working hard to keep them on even though the units really need to be replaced.

After a lot of researching possible sites for P.A., St. Timothy's United Methodist Church very graciously offered us the use of its East Campus. This facility was a small rehab hospital at one time and therefore has rooms with private bathrooms, a kitchen facility, and meeting space. While we are partnering with the Church to hold the camp there, the training offered is based on general life skills and won't include any specific Religious content.

Can I choose my roommate?
Yes. You may request who you stay with. However, depending on what type of room you are assigned to, you will most likely be rooming with other people also. Please don't call the office requesting a certain roommate. All rooms are assigned at registration on the first day so you can request your roommate then.

Will boys and girls rooms be separated?
Of course. Boys will be housed in one section of rooms and girls in a different section. Boys and girls will not be allowed to be in each-others' rooms at any time.

What is a small group?
Small groups are randomly assigned groups of 8 - 10 students. Each group is led by a high school intern and an adult staff person. Small groups do activities, have discussions, and learn about many different life-skills. You can't request to be in a certain small group or to have a friend with you in a small group. In fact, the more people you don't know at the beginning of the week in your small group, the better. It gives you a better opportunity to get to know others.

What is the dress code?
P.A. participants should plan to be casual and prepare for typical Louisiana summer weather. However, shorts and skirts must be of appropriate length and no spaghetti strap, halter top, or one strap shirts/dresses are allowed. No clothing with any inappropriate language or symbols will be allowed. If you have to ask whether a certain piece of clothing is appropriate or not, then it probably isn't!!!

Can I bring my cell phone?
If you have to. We are allowing participants to bring cell phones with them as parents sometimes tend to feel more comfortable that way. However, cell phones are not allowed to be used at any time during camp, except for an emergency for a participant to call their parents. In this case, a staff person must be notified that you need to make a call. Cell phones may not be carried around with participants - they must remain packed in your bag/suitcase and turned off the entire time. If any intern or staff sees or hears your cell phone, it will be confiscated and you may be sent home.

Is there a phone at the camp that parents can call or that participants can use?
Yes. We will have a phone at the campus available for us that will be answered by a staff member. Participants will be allowed to use it for emergencies. However, P.A. is a retreat setting. A true retreat takes you away from the outside world - parents, friends, etc. Please plan to be out of touch while you are at P.A.

What if I get homesick?
We understand. Some staff members and interns are at P.A. for several weeks and are away from their families. If you are homesick, you can talk to an intern or staff member and they will help you figure out the best solution, whether that is a phone call home or you leaving P.A. to go home.

Can I bring a camera, cd player, ipod?
Yes - at your own risk. Please make sure you put your name on whatever you bring. Ipods and cd players used at anytime with the exception of free time will be confiscated.

I take prescription medication. What's the procedure for that?
You will be required to turn your medicine in to the P.A. staff on the first morning. You will then go to the staff member when it is time to take your medicine and they will let you take it. The only exception to this is emergency medications like inhalers which participants may keep with parent's permission.

Can I bring snacks?
Yes. You may bring snacks if you like to. Please realize that P.A. provides 3 meals a day plus snacks every afternoon and each night. If you bring snacks, please make sure you don't go overboard and that the snacks are in re-sealable containers or bags.

I have special dietary needs? What should I do?
Attach a note to your application indicating the needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can parents come to see any part of camp? Can visitors come during the week to see participants?
Parents can come to a portion of the closing ceremony on the last day. We will let you know times soon. Other than that, parents aren't allowed to come and observe any other part of the program and, other than emergencies, can't come to just visit with participants. No other visitors (friends, other relatives, etc) are allowed at any time. Part of the success of P.A. is the dynamic that is established with the group. People coming in and out of the group disrupts that dynamic.