Every new camper at Camp Barkley starts the same way: with a free half day we call First Day of Camp. It isn't a test your dog passes or fails. It's our chance to get to know them, so we can put them with the right friends from day one.
8:00am: a quiet arrival
You'll check in at the Trading Post and hand over the leash. We take a few minutes in a quiet room first, with sniffing, treats and a counselor sitting on the floor, so your dog can decompress after the car ride.
8:30am: one new friend
Next, your dog meets one calm, dog-savvy camper (usually one of our counselors' own dogs) through a fence, then off leash. We watch the greeting closely: loose bodies, play bows and sniffing are what we hope to see.
9:30am: a small group
If the one-on-one goes well, we add two or three more dogs who match your dog's size. This is where we learn their play style. Some dogs love to chase, some love to wrestle, and some prefer to supervise from a cot.
11:00am: a practice Rest Hour
We finish with a short rest on a raised cot. Settling down in a new place is a real skill, and it tells us a lot about how your dog will handle a full camp day.
Pick-up: the Counselor Notes card
At pick-up you'll get a handwritten card covering greetings, play style, rest and our recommended cabin. If group play isn't the right fit yet, we'll say so kindly and suggest a next step, such as Skill Sessions or half days.
