Cooperstown Dreams: the Parent/Camper Kit

Note: This is the third article in a series about taking a youth baseball team to Cooperstown, N.Y.,  for a weeklong summer tournament.  The first article gave an overview of the Cooperstown experience and listed four 12U Suwanee-based teams that are making the trip this summer. The second article discussed how the teams are handling fundraising to offset trip expenses.

 The Suwanee teams attending this year are:

• Collins Hill Green,  coached by Ted Kallgren - June 25

Preparation is a big component of a Cooperstown trip. As with most youth camps and activities, the Cooperstown Dreams Park experience has its share of required paperwork. There are three forms that make up what the park calls the "parent/camper kit." Each participating child is required to turn in all three forms to their team contact prior to registration. The team contact submits all the forms together at check-in the day of registration.

Participation waiver, release and liability form

This form acknowledges that a child is voluntarily participating in the tournament. By signature, there is agreement not to sue Cooperstown Dreams Park for personal injury or property damage while at the event. Each child, parent, and coach must sign this form.

Health history and medical examination form

This form lists medical emergency contacts, medical history, known allergies, and immunization records. It must be signed by the parents or legal guardian. The second half of the medical form is a statement that the child is in good health and can participate in the tournament. This must be signed by a licensed physician not more than 12 months prior to the tournament.

Parental authorization and consent form

The last form is to give authorization for the coaching staff to act on the parent's behalf while the kids are within the tournament area. Coaches and kids stay onsite within a dormitory-type setting. Parents and other family members stay offsite at surrounding hotels and rental properties. 

The packet looks long and tedious at first glance, but is straightforward to fill out. It is distributed to parents in early March, which allows several months to complete and submit back to the team's designated contact. The forms are also available online so that parents can view and print.

The 2011 parent/camper kit is available now.