FA(CMT)Qs

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Registration night questions (January)

When is registration this year, and when will I get my registration number?
I already have to sign up for my other camps!

I know! It seems to get earlier every year!
CMT registration is scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2010
beginning at 6:00 p.m. Registration information was mailed on December 10, 2009.
If you haven't received your form by Monday, December 21, drop us a line
at .

I've never done CMT before. Do I have less of a chance of getting in?

First of all, you are way, way too old! This is a program for children! You could maybe pass for 29, but twelve? Get real!
Now, if you have children that would like to be in the program they have just as much chance of getting in as anyone.
Every year all of our registrants are assigned a random registration number and we save random numbers for first-time
applicants. Even if children have participated for 6 years they have to take their chances with everyone else. WHY?
Because we want CMT to be available to everyone and not to become an exclusive club. Although I guess we are excluding
adults....maybe we can do something about that....hmmmm.......... Every year everyone who has come to registration night has gotten into at least one session!

How do we get on the mailing list to receive a registration number?

Send your name and mailing address (snail mail) to: We'll add you to the list and send you a registration form and number.

I am going to Hawaii that weekend and can't register, what can I do?

That is horrible. You must have had a terrible time deciding whether to go or to stay home for registration. Well, no worries. Here's what you need to do. First of all, try to extend your trip. A weekend is definitely not long enough! Secondly, your form and your check can be turned in by someone else when your lottery number comes up. So find someone else who's registering, buy them a latte, and ask if they'll wait at registration for your kid's number to come up. Third, wear sun block. Just make sure that your form isCOMPLETELYfilled out so your friend doesn't have any troubles when they get in line with the latte you bought them!

My neighbor got a lower registration number than me and she's not using it. She also grows better roses and I know I'm a better gardener. None of this seems fair! I know I can't take her roses, but can I take her number?

Unfortunately not. Each family needs their own individual registration number and they cannot be interchanged. Just like the Jones' roses, you may look on jealously, but you just can't have what she has. So have Ms. Jones share her gardening expertise with you, but don't share her number. We keep track of the numbers and expect that the name on the form matches the names you are registering.

What is the camper : counselor ratio??

The children are in groups of 20-25 children with between 4 and 10 counselors, depending on their age group. The youngest kids have a 4:1 ratio, the very oldest kids have a 6:1 ratio. In addition to the counselors, each class is run by a qualified teacher and their assistant. So there are lots of people to help make the learning enjoyable and stress-free.

What does my child do during their CMT day?

Each day the kids have classes in drama, music, dance, and art for 30 minutes. We also have an opening and closing with all of the children gathered together, and we give them time for play and snack each day. The second week we begin to take what they have learned and put together a musical production. We write appropriate material for each of the four groups of children, so they each get a time to shine on stage. All of the children will have lines and parts for the show, by dividing them into groups by grade they have a chance to have their own song, dance, and characters to contribute to the plot of the musical.

There are a few values that permeate the spirit of CMT and make the program unique:

The process is more important than the product.
Every person is valuable and gifted.
Laughter and Silliness are essential for living a full life.
God loves us all, no matter what!

I think Farley has already been in this play. I think he's been in it at least 6 times! What do we do now?

We checked our records. Farley has only been in this play once. Last time he was a 5-year-old angel fish; now, as a 10-year-old, he may find himself starring as a mermaid. Won't he be thrilled! Perhaps you only think he's been in this play 6 times because he's so enjoyed the videotape of the performance! At CMT, we rotate our 15 musicals. So sometimes a child will be in a particular musical more than once. Because of the design of the program, every group experiences unique material. The children get excited about revisiting familiar musicals and becoming their favorite characters. And, because we can't ever remember what we did before, there will be new art projects, choreography, sets and direction- a recipe for a fresh, chaotic experience every single time! So no worries! Repeating a play is one of the best things about CMT.

What if my child has allergies or other health concerns?

Many families have issues like these. Just note it on the registration form and bring a note the first day of camp. We will make sure the head counselor and your child's counselor are aware.

Can the babysitter pick up my child from camp?

I'm not sure the sitter should be lifting that weight. But, as long as you are comfortable with it, just let us know at check-in time or tell your child's counselor.

What if we have to miss a day or my child is sick?

Do you really think we believe there is anything else you should be doing on that day besides CMT!!! No, really, it's easy, just email us atcmt@gracepa.orgor call493-5400and let us know as soon as you know. It is really difficult if your child misses a day during the 2nd week. The only days theyabsolutely cannot missare thedress rehearsaldayand the performance.

What if my child is struggling in the program?

Talk to their counselor. Let's try hard to work it out. Usually the shyest kids are the ones who have the most fun. We work really hard to match your children up with a buddy for the day until they are having the time of their life. Most importantly, don't give up — chances are they will be performing in your living room by the 2nd day!

What if my child doesn't get the part I think they should?

Even though your child is the most talented child we have ever met, we try very hard to match up the child's personalities to one that is fitting in the play. Remember we are 21 years old and have been casting these plays nearly as long!

How will I get all the information about the camp (i.e. things to bring, what they will need)?

We love to send email!!! Please make sure that if your email address changes between registration and the first day of camp you let us know,cmt@gracepa.org. We also can send hard copy home, but it kills trees — so we try really hard with the e-mail. Let us know if that is not working for you!