Immersive Experience | Trefoil Academy | Trefoil Academy of Magery and Sorcery

Trefoil Academy of Magery and Sorcery: The Summer Session (Forgotten) 2024

2024 Details

Date: Tentative: July 14 - July 20, 2024
(7 days and 6 Nights)

Price: TBD posted in Nov. for 2023-2024 Girl Scouts. (Estimate ball park: <$375)

Those who are not currently Girl Scout may attend after paying GS membership fee. You do not need to be actively affiliated with a troop. All councils welcomed!

Ages: 8 - 17 at the time of camp

Location: Dumfries, VA - Specific Site Announced in early Jan.

Enrollment Status: Prepping. Would you like to be owled when program is finalized?

Tier 1 - 2023 TASS Wait-Listed Campers: Runs Jan. 2nd - Jan. 9th
Tier 2 - 2023 TASS Returning Campers: Runs Jan. 9th - Jan. 15th
Tier 3 - Open Enrollment: Runs January 16th to close. Recommendation: Please have your RSVP received by January 15th 11:59 pm to be processed in the first batch on January 16th. We historically fill up very fast. Once the slots for Tier 3 are filled, any remaining RSVPs will be applied to our capped 2024 wait-list. The wait-list does carry a Tier 1 2025 invitation regardless if someone gets tapped to come.

A creature from the shadow realm flees from the defending students. Best camp ever!

Description:

Due to the degree of the immersive experience, it is strongly recommended that you enjoy fantasy, solving mysteries, using your imagination to make-believe, and going on dungeon crawls.

This camp is a live-action role playing (LARP) experience. With LARPing, participants physically act and pretend to be their characters as they seek to achieve a series of goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world while make-believing with each other. Previous attendees have likened this to a real-life video game and/or immersive movie.

Students interacting in our potions lab. Best camp ever!

During the Summer Session term, your actions and decisions throughout the day will directly influence your journey during the week as well as the story to come for years down the road. Think of it as the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure. The interactive world is brimming with adventures to be had, villains/monsters to be battled, and mysteries to be solved.

Note:

Camp fee includes a patch, camp pictures, handmade wand, meals and snacks, lodgings, program activities, and more!
Due to the length of stay, this is not generally recommended as a first-time-away-from-home experience. No day tripping is allowed.
Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from camp.

How To Register

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, please reach out to Ash, the camp director. She is more than happy to help!

The Tier System: An Explanation

Please check our registration faq to learn about the process and the answers to some common registration specific questions.

Instructions and the RSVP Process

Step 1: Please select the appropriate RSVP link:
- Coming Soon - Tier 1: 2023 Waitlisted Summer Session Campers
- Coming Soon - Tier 2: 2023 Returning Summer Session Campers
- Coming Soon - Tier 3: Open Enrollment
Starting at midnight of the appropriate tier, those who RSVP under that tier will receive an email. The email will either confirmed that they have a slot reserved for them pending the completion of the registration process or a status update.
- If an individual submits an RSVP under Tier 2 and does not get in during that tier, the RSVP will be automatically added to the Tier 3: Open Enrollment.
- If RSVP does not get in under Tier 3, it will be placed in the first batch for the 2019 waitlist.
- If RSVP does not get in under 2019 Waitlist, it will be automatically added to 2019 Standby list.
If a slot has been reserved, the confirmation email will contain the following:
- Your specific student ID number - this number will be needed to complete your registration on CampBrain and will be useful for tracking what still needs to be submitted in the online student community brain
- Once it is ready, a time-sensitive link to the Camp Brain online registration system and a registration instruction sheet. You will have two weeks to complete your registration.
- A link to the online student community database - The staff community database allows for enrolled families to track what post-enrollment forms have been received. In addition, you will be able to access other important documents (i.e. student orientation packet & packing list, your specific arrival and departure information, combat training packet, universe orientation packet, and more!
- Other requested information (i.e. scholarship opportunities etc) as indicated in the RSVP

Scholarship/Financial Aid Opportunities

In order to access a scholarship or financial aid opporunity, the camp registration will need to be completed with a min of a $10 deposit.

Families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial assistance early because all GSVSC affiliated camps share the same pool of money.

Here is the Financial Assistance Instructions & Application.

The turnaround time is approximately two weeks. The guardian will be notified of financial assistance eligibility status and next steps. If awarded, the guardian will need to return to GSVSC Camp Brain to pay the remaining balance of summer camp registration fees to keep the slot.

FAQ

Please see the Registration FAQ to learn about the process and the answers to some common registration specific questions.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, please reach out to Ash, the camp director. She is more than happy to help!

What Happens After You Register?

Once the invoice has been received, a confirmation & welcome email will be sent from Ash, the director.

It will contain a link to the student community center (your centralized hub for information/post enrollment forms + tracking sheet), your student ID number and more.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Refund requests must be made in writing by the parent/guardian and must be received by the director, and the director will confirm the receipt. If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, please contact the director again.

More than two months before the event: 100% of what has been paid.
Two to one month and a day before the event: 50% of what has been paid.
- This does not include any processing fees, GS membership fees, or unrecoverable program expenses.
- Refunds will not be issued for less than $5; after applicable processing fees.
One month or less before the event: 0% of what has been paid.
- Failure to show or arriving after check-in has closed without alerting the director ahead of time may potentially result in the camper being classified as a no-show and having their slot offered to another camper on the waitlist. In the event that this happens, you will not receive a refund.
- If your camper is sent home early for any reason, you will not be refunded. Please make sure your camper truly wishes to be there.
No refund will be offered in the event of inclement weather or loss of the site.
- All reasonable attempts will be made to reschedule the camp within six months. There are possible limiting factors because the camp is staffed completely by unpaid volunteers and availability of the site.
- The decision regarding the cancellation of the camp will be made by GSVSC CEO. It will be made with the safety of the GS members in mind and based on the conditions at the location.
No substitution or transfers of slots or Tier invitations is allowed.

Starting	Ending	Slimes 1 & 2	Slimes 3 & 4
8:00 AM	8:30 AM	Students Get Up	Students Get Up
8:30 AM	9:15 AM	Breakfast	Kapers
9:15 AM	10:00 AM	Kapers	Breakfast
10:10 AM	11:10 AM	House Time	House Time
11:10 AM	12:00 PM	Activity 1	Activity 1
12:10 PM	12:55 PM	Lunch	Slime Mischief
12:55 PM	1:40 PM	Slime Mischief	Lunch
1:50 PM	2:40 PM	Activity 2	Activity 2
2:40 PM	3:10 PM	Activity 3	Activity 3
3:10 PM	3:40 PM	Gathering W/ Snacks	Gathering W/ Snacks
3:40 PM	5:40 PM	Adventure Time: Dungeon Crawling	Adventure Time: Dungeon Crawling
5:50 PM	6:35 PM	Dinner	Free Time
6:35 PM	7:20 PM	Free Time	Dinner
7:25 PM	8:05 PM	Evening Activity \| Slime Time	Evening Activity \| Slime Time
8:10 PM	8:40 PM	Showers	Showers
8:40 PM	9:00 PM	Slime Night time Routine	Slime Night time Routine

The 2024 Program Is Still Being Designed. Please check back later for the 2024 program.

This is an example of last year's program. While there will be some similarities to the 2023 program (e.g. Sorting, Interconnected Activities, Gathering, Adventure Time, Wands-At-The-Ready, Haunted House, Side Quests), the 2024 program will also include: return of some student selected activities, Ravenbrook Village, faction quests as well as some brand new programming features.

As you journey through your day, you will have the ability to learn new spells, craft various items that will aid you, and raise your character stats. Remember to keep your wits about you! There are surprises, twists, and mysteries around every corner in this interactive universe. As you journey through your day, you will have the ability to learn new spells, craft various items that will aid you, and raise your character stats. Remember to keep your wits about you! There are surprises, twists, and mysteries around every corner in this interactive universe.

Arrival Day

The Sorting Ceremony & Houses

Individuals will be sorted into one of four houses:

There will still be a house competition this year because house members will be assigned to different Crunchy Slimes based on one's relative age.

Houses will have a dedicated house period each day. This is to provide time for the house to bond and carry on their traditions.

Towers in each Crunchy Slime will be grouped by houses as much as possible.

Houses will also have a house community board in the Great Hall where they can leave messages for each other.

Students will also get to see some of their other house mates in other slimes during meals while evening activities are with the entire camp.

The units, Crunchy Slime aka Slimes, will be organized by relative age. There will be members of all four houses present and buddy requests made through the camper preference survey will be honored as much as reasonably possible.

At the academy, we believe that actions have consequences, and inaction is an action. Because this is an interactive universe, it seems only fair to allow the decisions of one slime to directly impact the other slimes and as well as the level of difficulty of their objectives. These impacts can be both positive and negative. For example, taking care of a patrolling set of Westgaards could make it easier for another slime to be successful on a stealth mission. Failing to notify another slime of a discovered hidden pit could result in that slime falling into a pit.

Furthermore, slimes will be able and encourage to chatter to each other via walkie talkie. You will be able to eat meals with another slime, and evening activities are with the entire camp.

A Typical Day

You have been accepted into Trefoil Academy of Magery and Sorcery for Gifted Young Mages. Students from around the world flock to Trefoil Academy to receive specialized training in a wide range of subjects beyond what is normally found in their wizarding schools back home. Are you ready to begin your advanced instruction in the magical arts?

Each day tells a chapter in a story. After hearing the story introduction for an activity, the slime will have a chance to vote as a team on the level of the difficulty that they would like to try. The level of difficulty does alter the objectives as well as the possible rewards if the team is successful. The outcomes of their efforts will then impact the next activity, unlock new opportunities for other slimes, the dungeon crawl for that day as well as Friday's. The success counter resets each day. The day builds up to a dungeon crawl, which can be done via tabletop or LARPing.

Slimes will not necessarily have the exact same activities. Activities will be tailored by age and interest. This is why we request that student preference surveys be turned in as soon as possible.

Each Crunchy Slime (aka unit) is being lead by a dedicated set of faculty members. However, one of them is guilty of a terrible crime. It is up to you to figure out who the villian is in this who-dunnit mystery.

To learn more, please visit:

A dungeon crawl is when a group of adventurers navigates a maze-like environment. They battle various monsters, loot any treasures they may find, and seek to achieve a particular objective. An adventure may use any object that is on them. This can be a protective amulet that was made during an elective or even the flashlight that was in their day bag.

Students participate in a dungeon crawl!

Furthermore, there are two implementation styles of dungeon crawls. You will have an opportunity to select your preferred style when completing your student parchment forms. The implementation styles are:

Tabletop Roleplay: The adventure is played out with tokens that represent each of the characters and a map. The players sit around the map.
Live Action Roleplay: The adventure plays out in the environment. The players serve as their character tokens. They act out their character’s movements and choices.

You will be able to indicate your preferences along with your skill level in your student parchments.

New or relatively inexperienced to dungeon crawling? Please do not worry! We all were brand new at one point or another. We teach.

To help get you started before the Summer Session begins, please check out:

- a resource to help guide you on character development, learning about the universe, and everything you will be able to do in this magical world.

Each night, there is a different exciting evening activity to be enjoyed. Students participate in the talent show!

Evening activities are currently planned be with the entire camp.

There are also optional evening activities that are offered. These activities are not recommended if you do not like being scared. (You will be able to sign up for them when you are completing your student parchments. The early sign up allows us to create fright groups and schedule a time for the adventure in advance.)

Enter-If-You-Dare (Haunted House & Trail)
Wands-At-The-Ready

We care greatly about providing wholesome and balanced meals. The Summer Session is an energy intensive experience, and it is very important that individuals to have enough fuel to fully enjoy the experience.

Sample Meal Plan

Here is a sample meal plan.

Alternative Meal Plan

Vegetarian

A formal and balanced vegetarian meal plan complete with friendly protein options (i.e. tofu, beans etc) is available at no extra charge. You are able to sign up for it when you are completing your online student parchment and may change your mind up to two weeks before camp. If you sign up for it, you will be expected to use it the entire week.

If you change your mind after signing up for it, please contact Ash prior to 7/6. Otherwise, last minute signups are not available unless a previously signed up individual decides to switch.

Other Specialized Diets

Because we are a not-for-profit and in order to keep camp affordable to all participants, we are not able to provide other specialized meal plans unless it is for diagnosed allergies only.

An allergy plan from a doctor may be required and should be provided at least one month in advance.

Allergies

It is important for risk management reasons that your health history and proof of recent physical both reflect any allergies.

If any new allergies arise after you submit, please let us know as soon as possible and submit updated forms. This helps us keep costs down and helps prevent next year's overall camp tuition from spiking.

The Director and Head Medical Officer reserve the right to require an allergy plan from a doctor. Any allergy plan should be provided at least one month in advance.

What Former Students Thought About The Food:

Are you sure this is 'camp' food? I have had 'camp' food at other places and this tastes too good to be 'camp' food. This is better than my mom's cooking and that says something! - Former Student

The food is amazing. - Former Student

THE FOOD IS AMAZING. I WOULD EAT IT EVERY DAY IF I COULD, INCLUDING WHEN I AM NOT AT CAMP. Even if you're picky there's going to be something for you to eat!! There's vegetarian options too. No worries. I've never met anyone at camp who doesn't like the food. - Former Student

This is a place where you will find great food, a safe sanctuary, and your new family. - Former Student

THIS FOOD IS AMAZING, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I AM IN THE MUGGLE WORLD AND I WISH I COULD BE BACK AT CAMP SPECIFICALLY SO I CAN EAT THE FOOD. It's incredible. We have the most wonderful kitchen staff in the world, they are amazing and kind and care about each and every single person enough to pour their heart and soul into cooking amazing meals. They are wonderful cooks and wonderful people. - Former Student

It is so much fun and the food is amazing. - Former Student

Won't lie, most of my friends here know I am the PICKIEST EATER IN TIME AND SPACE. So it's a huge statement saying that I. LOVE. THE FOOD. HERE! No need to fret, there's something for everyone here. - Former Student

The community and the food. One cannot even say enough. - Former Student

Incredible and delicious. By the time lunch rolls around on the first day, you are hungry. The meals are the best! And made with love from the super awesome kitchen staff!! (Also desert. The desert is the best!!). - Former Student

THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! Don't worry at all! The kitchen staff are amazing and they make the best food. - Former Student

The food is great! Also, I love it. Not just the food, camp too. - Former Student

I love this camp and all the people that run it and the food. - Former Student

The food is amazing. - Former Student

I love the classes and the food. - Former Student

The food is great! All the staff are amazing! - Former Student

It is soooo much fun, and the food is great. Judge free camp. - Former Student

Yummy meals await

Please be advised that COVID related requirements are subject to change in accordance to GSVSC.

Some quick overview notes:

All 2024 staff will be fully vaccinated and will maintain full vaccination status.
Campers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated if possible.
Everyone, camper and staff, will need to have a recent negative molecular test before arriving on Sunday. The reason a rapid fire test is not accepted is that they are not reliable.
Everyone, camper and staff, will receive a health screening with no-contact temperature checks at arrival, mid day, and right before departure.
Everyone, camper and staff, will be required to wear a medical grade mask over the mouth and the nose. The exception is when eating or drinking. There will be designated locations outdoors with individual spots will be spaced out by 10 feet.
Everyone will be assigned to a particular slime. A Slime will have to social distance by six feet. Any interactions between slimes will have to be a min of 10 feet.
All activities will be outside. There are open shelters in the event of the rain.
Individual will be reminded to wash their hands frequently.
There will be no immediate sharing of supplies. Any shared supplies will be sterlized and given a cool-down period of at least thirty minutes
Bathrooms will be assigned by slimes.

If your family or you do not see your question listed, please contact Ash, the camp director. She will be more than happy to help you!

Experience the Magic. Live the Dream.

TREFOIL ACADEMY