Preparing for Camp

Get ready for your best summer yet!

We can’t wait to welcome our staff team to Camp Horseshoe. Whether this will be your first summer at The Shoe or you’re returning for another season, a little preparation before you arrive will help you feel confident, organized, and ready for an incredible summer in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Our staff are at the heart of the Horseshoe experience. You’ll serve as cabin leaders, activity instructors, mentors, role models, and trusted members of our camp community. The more prepared you are before arrival, the more ready you’ll be to jump into staff training, connect with your team, and help create an unforgettable summer for our campers.

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Forms and Paperwork

All staff members must complete their required forms and paperwork before arriving at camp. These forms are completed through CampMinder and help us make sure we have the information we need for employment, health care, travel, and summer planning.

To access your forms:

1. Visit the Camp Horseshoe website.
2. Click Login at the top of the page.
3. Log in using the email address on file and your password.
4. Open your Forms Dashboard.
5. Complete all required forms that apply to you.

Some forms may vary depending on your position, travel plans, health needs, or whether you are a domestic or international staff member. Please read the instructions in CampMinder carefully and complete everything by the posted deadline.

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If you take daily medication, please review our current medication procedures before camp. All medications must be handled according to Camp Horseshoe health center policies.

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Connecting with the Staff Team

Camp Horseshoe is built on relationships, and that begins before you arrive. We encourage staff to start connecting with one another once pre-camp communication begins.

Before the summer, staff may be invited to join our staff communication group, where we share important reminders, travel details, updates, and pre-camp information. This is also a great place to introduce yourself, ask practical questions, and begin getting to know the people you’ll be working alongside.

Every summer, our staff includes people from across the United States and around the world. New staff quickly become part of a team with strong traditions, shared purpose, and a deep love for camp.

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Packing for Camp

Life at Camp Horseshoe is active, casual, and outdoors. Staff should pack comfortable clothing and practical items that can handle cabin life, activity periods, waterfront time, campfires, sports, laundry, and changing Northwoods weather.

Summer days are often warm, while mornings and evenings can be cooler. You’ll want clothing that is easy to move in, appropriate for working with campers, and suitable for a full season at camp.

Recommended items include:

• Socks and underwear
• T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts
• Shorts
• Long pants or sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Sleepwear
• Bathing suits
• Raincoat or poncho
• Light or heavy jacket
• Tennis shoes or gym shoes
• Sandals or beach shoes
• Hiking boots or rain boots
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Laundry bag
• Flashlight
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

Cabin staff should also bring appropriate bedding, including a sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, twin sheets, pillowcases, and any other personal bedding items needed for the summer.

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Please avoid bringing valuables that you would be worried about losing or damaging. Camp is an active, shared, outdoor environment, and all personal belongings should be clearly labeled.

Traveling to Camp

Camp Horseshoe is located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Staff may travel to camp by car or through camp-arranged transportation, depending on their location and arrival plans. Before making final travel arrangements, please review the most current staff travel instructions and confirm your arrival date, time, and transportation details.

Before you travel, make sure you have:

• Your arrival date and time confirmed.
• Camp’s address saved.
• Any required travel forms completed.
• Important documents packed safely.
• Emergency contact information available.
• A plan for luggage, bedding, and personal items.
• A way to communicate with camp if your travel changes.

International staff should also confirm passport, visa, agency, insurance, and arrival requirements before departure.

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Before You Arrive

A great summer starts before you get to camp. Please complete your forms on time, read all staff communications, connect with the team, pack thoughtfully, and confirm your travel plans.

Most importantly, come ready to work hard, support your campers, build friendships, and be part of the Horseshoe community.

We can’t wait to see you at The Shoe!