Open to any 9th, 10th or 11th grader, this day program runs three consecutive weeks between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. Participants are a vital part of our summer program as they help make camp happen for hundreds of children each week by working in various areas around camp.

The ELITE Alpha program earns 60 hours of community service at most area schools. Participants have lots of opportunities for fun as they work together and participate in ELITE activities.

Daily small group times and mentor relationships produce significant personal growth and development. ELITE participants are mentored by senior staff specifically chosen for their ability to work with high school students.

Those participating in the program will be placed in a coed team comprised of approximately 3 - 10 ELITE participants. As a team they will work in one of 5 areas each day. Every team will work in each area of camp during a week.

Maintenance - Trash, weeding, litter pick up, painting, etc.

Accommodations - Cleaning bathrooms, changing rooms, etc.

Lower Camp - Helping at the waterfront, store and crafts

Kitchen - Dishes, moping, cleaning, etc.

Dining hall - Cleaning tables, vacuuming, and trash 

Generally each team will have a block of time for free swim and relaxation each day. There will also be boat time for each team once a week.

Please note: Alpha participants will not be able to stay at SAMBICA overnight during the week or on the weekends with the exception of Thursday evenings during our Classic Day Camp sessions. They will have the option to stay for the night event on Tuesday, but will not spend the night.

 
Please note: Failure to comply with these drop off and pick up times may result in a significant wait time due to the start and finish of other programs.

The first Sunday of the session will include a training time from 7:30 - 9:30pm. This directly follows Check-In.  ELITEs should come prepared to take the SAMBICA swim test. Please bring a bathing suit and towel. All Alpha participants will need to be picked up at 9:30 pm after the training session has ended.

  Thursday Night Carnival &  

What Not to Bring

• Spaghetti strap tank tops
• Cell phones or pagers
• CD or MP3 players, iPods, radios, or computers
• Flip Flops
• Two-Piece Swimsuit
• Drugs, alcohol or tobacco
• Clothing or items that you could not stand to lose or ruin.

SAMBICA may not be held responsible for lost or damaged property.

Being an ELITE means accepting certain responsibilities and expectations. If any ELITE chooses not to honor SAMBICA’s expectations and responsibilities, they may be asked to leave and will not be given a refund.  Attendance in more then one ELITE session per summer is a privilege based on participation, behavior and attitude displayed during an ELITE's first session at camp. 

Schedule Changes

Any known personal schedule conflicts should be reported during registration or Check-In so that SAMBICA staff can be aware and prepare accordingly. We appreciate notification of all schedule changes. If an ELITE must miss a portion of the day due to sports practices, doctor appointments, etc. please let our office know as soon as possible. All late arrivals and early departures will take place in the main office. All ELITES must be signed out by an adult or an authorized carpool member when leaving campus. 

Driving and Carpooling

Due to SAMBICA’s current insurance policy, no ELITE participant is permitted to ride in a staff member’s personal vehicle.  Due to the limited parking spaces at SAMBICA, ELITEs will not be allowed to bring cars to camp.  Please arrange transportation for drop off and pick up.  Only those listed on authorized carpool lists will be able to pick up ELITEs.  Carpool authorizations may be given at the time of registration, added during Check-In or by calling our main office at (425) 746-9110. Photo ID is required for all pick ups. 

Sign In and Sign Out

• ELITEs are required to stay with their cabin group or work team at all times. They may not leave the camp activity boundaries.
• ELITEs are expected to be present at all meals and activities.
• Shoes and shirts are required at all times unless engaged in a waterfront activity.
• All shoes/sandals must have a heel strap (Flip-Flops are not allowed).
• One-piece bathing suits only. Bikinis and tankinis are not allowed unless covered with an opaque (non-transparent) shirt.
• Water safety rules must be respected and observed at all times.
• All medications must be given to the CampMedic during Check-In. Refer to medication policy.
• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, drugs or gambling are allowed on camp property.  No form of weaponry is allowed. 
• No CD or MP3 players, iPods, radios, cell phones, or computers are allowed.
• No ELITE will be allowed to chew gum.
• Each ELITE will share responsibility in keeping the camp clean. This includes cabin clean-up, activity area clean-up and throwing trash away in trash receptacles.
• SAMBICA programs are run for the benefit of all of all participants and repeated disruptions from anyone may result in dismissal. ELITEs will be sent home for inappropriate behavior and will not receive a refund.

Dress Code and Guidelines  

All staff and ELITEs are expected to adhere to the following dress code and guidelines.  Please dress with modesty and integrity.

• Guys must wear a shirt unless swimming or playing sports.
• Brief-style speedos are not allowed for men.
• One-piece bathing suits only. Bikinis and tankinis are not allowed unless covered with an opaque (non-transparent) shirt.
• Shirts should be of modest length (no cleavage or belly showing).
• No words written across your butt.
• No halter tops, spaghetti straps, visible bra straps or tube tops.
• Garments should have appropriate designs and logos on them (i.e. sexually suggestive, beer logos, etc. are not okay).
• No cross dressing will be permitted.
• Shorts must be at least halfway to the knee in length. Wearing tight leggings underneath does not change the rule. Those found wearing shorts that do not fit this description will be asked to change immediately and to not wear the shorts again.  If they do not have other shorts – they will have to call home to have some appropriate shorts brought to camp.
• There should be no visible cleavage, underwear or midriff.

Elite Handbook (PDF)