Frequently Asked Questions

Hello! Despite the chilly weather, we are thinking of summertime and summer camp here at Northeastern. To help you all prepare for camp and orientation, we have come up with some frequently asked questions to help address any queries you may have. We will also go over many of these issues in more detail at orientation on June 12th.

Q: My child might need to take aspirin and/or vitamins. What should I do?
A: Any medications that you want your child to have needs to be in its original container with directions and a signed note from your doctor. This medication must be left with Nurse Allukian. Your child can only have an inhaler or EpiPen on their person.

Q:What medical information do I need to provide?
A: Please bring the following forms provided in your mailed acceptance packets: 1.) Completed Medical Form (the one with the Harris Logo) 2.) Authorization to Dispense Medication 3.) Immunization Record 4.) Copy of front and back of insurance card. All medications will be turned in to the nurse the first day of camp. They must be in the original containers with legible directions. OTC medications must come with a note from your doctor and also be in the original container. Severe conditions should be discussed with Nurse Allukian ahead of time, so please notify Shade Switzer Berrios at stem@neu.edu if you have any concerns.

Q: My child knows/is related to another student. Can they room together and/or be in a group together?
A: It is our policy to not place related students together or students who know each other previously (when possible). Students are in groups of four (gender specific) at night and a group of 8 (4 males, 4 females of the same grade - which includes their suitemates). However, during the day they will travel in a group of 24 (16 6th grade + 8 7th and 8 7th + 16 8th grade).

Q: When does my child call home? Can s/he call home every night?
A: Children should not bring ANY electronic devices with them to camp. We will provide phones for them to call home one time per week. These are the expectations of the Harris Foundation. Of course, under special circumstances, we make accommodations for a child to call home. However, it would be impossible to have all 48 students calling home every night.

Q: Will we be able to swim while we are at camp?
A: Though we know it is summer and many of you LOVE swimming, we will not be participating in any water sports during our two weeks at camp due to safety concerns.

Q: My child has a special dietary concern. How will this be taken care of?
A: Children who have allergies or special dietary concerns will have the appropriate foods available. As a large campus, Northeastern University serves thousands of students each day with many needs. Counselors and appropriate staff will be made aware of your child's dietary concern; however, your child should be prepared to make good nutrition choices. Students are allowed one dessert per lunch and one per dinner and soda only during lunchtime (one per student). If you have further concerns, you can speak with the Nurse and/or Camp Directors.

Q: My child is naturally shy; would s/he have a problem assimilating into the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris summer camp?
A: The activities planned for this exciting and eclectic summer experience are equipped with icebreakers that would allow even the shyest people to feel completely at home. This program is geared toward specific interests; therefore your child would be comfortable with the material and excited to engage in activities revolving around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We make sure ALL campers are involved!

Q: Can parents come visit during the week?
A: As part of our very difficult camper selection, we tried to pick students who we felt would be able to succeed in an overnight camp setting and benefit from the college environment. We therefore ask that parents refrain from visiting during the week unless extenuating circumstances occur. We have a wonderful staff with lots of experience working with students and handling homesickness!

If you feel your question or concern wasn't addressed here, please let us know, and we will be happy to answer! However, remember for safety to not post any identifying information such as last names or schools if you are posting questions directly to the blog. See you all at orientation!