FAQ’s for ANYTOWN Parents and Delegates
Q: Where is ANYTOWN held?
At Blowing Rock Conference Center in Blowing Rock, NC
Q: Who is on staff at ANYTOWN?
There are twelve counselors – college-aged students – who attended ANYTOWN as a high school student who will be in each cabin. Then there are twelve adult advisors who stay in cabins next to where the students stay. Part of the advisor staff is a medical professional and a mental health professional. There are also two adult Co-Directors who oversee the entire week of ANYTOWN. All staff undergoes extensive training.
Q: Do delegates need to bring pillow, sleeping bag, towels, etc.?
No. Everyone sleeps in same sex cabins which have bunk beds with sheets, blankets, pillows and towels furnished. If you prefer your own pillow or if you want extra large towels, you might want to bring those, but it is not necessary.
Q: Will students be able to talk with their families while they are at ANYTOWN?
No. No one is allowed to have a cell phone, except the NCCJ director, and that is only used for emergencies.
Q: What if parents/guardians have to reach their student for an emergency?
Parents/guardians should not expect to talk with their students during the week, but they can reach the NCCJ director or the Blowing Rock Conference Center in case of an emergency. Students will not call home to let you know that they have arrived safely, but if there is a problem, rest assured that you will be contacted immediately. Families are encouraged to write letters to their students, however. The mailing address and emergency phone numbers are listed on the back of this memo.
Q: Why are cell phones not allowed?
One of the primary goals of ANYTOWN is to build a community through interaction with the group. Cell phones cause a distraction from the community, and we do not want the disruption and the isolation from the group that cell phones bring. This is not because we are trying to be secretive, but it is a very busy week, and we do not want the distraction of phone calls, unless there is an emergency.
Q: Are there any other things that are not allowed?
No weapons, tobacco products, alcohol or other drugs are allowed at ANYTOWN. In addition, no CD players, iPods, etc. with headphones, and no portable DVD players or other electronic devices are permitted. These items are distracting and cause some people to isolate themselves from the rest of the group. We DO love to have music for everyone to enjoy—just not with headphones. So you are welcome to bring CD’s to share. We just ask you to not bring music that is disrespectful or with offensive lyrics.
Q: What if a student is taking prescription medicine?
One of the adult advisors at each session of ANYTOWN is a medical person (nurse or paramedic), who will discuss the health issues and the medication schedule with the student at the beginning of ANYTOWN, and they will decide together if the student will keep the medicine or if the medical advisor will keep it for them. All medical information is kept confidential.
Q: When and where do I meet the bus to go to Anytown?
All delegates should be at Smith High School on Holden Rd. near the intersection of High Point Rd. in Greensboro no later than 1:30 p.m. on Sunday June 26 for Session 1 or July 31 for Session 2. The buses will leave at 2:00 sharp. Please sign in at the bus and be certain that all necessary forms have been turned in and that NCCJ has all the correct contact information on file. All delegates will ride the chartered buses together to ANYTOWN.
Q: What do I need to bring?
The packing list is attached to this memo. Please note that all shoes need to have a closed heel (no flip flops or slip-on shoes allowed). Shower shoes are recommended but these have to stay in the cabin. Also please remember to pack some clothes for cool weather. It is not unusual to have some mornings and evenings when it is cool enough to need a sweatshirt and long pants. A water cooler is available at all times, but cups are not furnished, so everyone is encouraged to bring a water bottle with their name on it.
Wednesday is culture day at ANYTOWN, and everyone is encouraged to bring items such as music, clothing, photos, and books about their cultural heritage or about places they have visited to share with their ANYTOWN friends. Everyone will be part of the Culture Night program on Wednesday, so even if you do not have cultural items to share, please find out as much as you can about your cultural heritage so you can be a part of one of the presentations. If you play a musical instrument which you can bring, please do so. It is fun to have music for the variety show.
Q: Do I need to bring any money?
All meals and two daily snacks are provided for everyone, but during free time in the afternoon there are snacks available for purchase. Most students bring about $5-$8 for snacks. ANYTOWN sweatshirts are available for $25 and drawstring back packs for $5.
Q: When and where do we return from ANYTOWN?
You will return to Smith High School on Friday, July 1 at 5:45 pm for Session 1 or Friday, August 5 at 5:45 for Session 2. Please be sure that a parent or guardian is there, on time, to pick up the student.
Q: What is the emergency contact information?
Blowing Rock Conference Center
1442 Goforth Road
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Phone: (828) 295-7813
Mailing address:
BRCC c/o Anytown
PO Box 2350
Blowing Rock, NC 28605-2350
NCCJ ANYTOWN Emergency Phone (emergencies only, please!) 336-549-1432
NCCJ office in Greensboro (during office hours Mon.-Fri.) (336) 272-0359
For ANYTOWN reports, dial extension 10
or check our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/nccjtriad
What should I pack for ANYTOWN?
Required Items
q Unscented Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, etc.- Keep in mind that bugs are attracted to scents.))
q Clothes (Keep it simple with jeans, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts or a jacket. It gets cold in the mountains.)
q Rain gear
q Pajamas
q Sturdy shoes (No Flip Flops are allowed except for use in showers. Sandals must have a back or they cannot be worn outside of the cabin.)
q Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen/block (These items are encouraged for your own protection.
q Your prescription medication
Optional Items
q Musical instruments that are not electric. (Guitars and harmonicas are encouraged.)
q Camera
q Stationery (You may want to write to your friends or family.)
q CDs (Your cabin counselor may have a boom box for your cabin).
q Money (You may want to purchase drinks that are sold during afternoon breaks. If you decide to bring money, know that a little will last a long time. ANYTOWN sweatshirts will be for sale for $25 – cash or check will be accepted.)
q Items from your culture and faith/religion
q Extra linen (Linen and towels are provided but you may want to bring an additional towel, blanket or pillow).
DO NOT BRING
· Cell phones
· Personal electronic devices (DVD players, laptops, iPODS or MP3 players, etc.)
· Headphones (unless you need them to fall asleep at night)
· Any illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, or weapons