Camera Policy
Policy
"Campers are welcome to bring disposable, non-digital cameras to camp, but they may not bring digital cameras, with the following exception: parents may bring digital cameras on the first and last days for campers to use while their parents are present."
Explanations
- Campers attending camps run by Timberline Ranch are not allowed to bring digital cameras to the camp for the following reasons:
- As per our policy on valuables, we ask that campers do not bring anything of value that can be lost, stolen, or broken. This very much applies to digital cameras, some of which we have seen being valued at well over $500.00.
- As per our privacy policies, we do not allow any pictures or videos of Timberline or its campers to be published without the permission of the Executive Director. Staff are not allowed to put pictures of campers on the internet in any form, and we do not believe it is fair for campers to be concerned that anything they are doing will be published in such a way that would put them in a bad light or embarrass them. Our camp DVD is carefully screened to avoid embarrassment, and is available, with video of all campers, at the end of the week.
- As per our policy on electronic devices, we feel that digital cameras and devices distract from the camp experience and from the activities and experiences already provided.
- Since most digital cameras now have video capabilities, we believe that it is unwise to allow campers to take videos of events and activities that could be published (e.g. YouTube) and give away surprises to still-to-come campers. Also, pictures and videos taken at Timberline have a certain context that can easily be misinterpreted by those not familiar with the camp setting.
- We do allow campers to bring disposable, non-digital cameras for the following reasons:
- Disposable, non-digital cameras are inexpensive and do not have video capabilities.
- Certainly pictures can be scanned and uploaded to the internet, but we request that campers do not do this. However, even if they are scanned and uploaded, we feel that there will be far fewer pictures that are used in this way.
- Campers with limited exposures tend to be more discriminating in the pictures they take, instead of taking volumes and volumes of photos as with digital cameras. They are more likely to take set pictures with friends instead and spend much less time trying to capture every moment of the camp with the camera (which can also lead to actually missing out on the experience first-hand).
- We do allow parents to bring digital cameras on the first and last days (only) and then take them home with them for the following reasons:
- This allows campers to take pictures of friends they have met.
- Surprise events and activities are over by the time the parents arrive on the last day.
- Parents can use their discretion as to what pictures should and should not be taken.