1. How is the TACSC staff assembled?

In order to be a TACSC staff member the following must occur: 99% of our staff members are products of the program. They have attended TACSC Summer Conference at some point and were either recommended by their counselors or wrote a letter of interest to be a part of the staff. After having been recommended, they participate in other TACSC sponsored activities throughout the year such as: TACSC Ambassador Program & Student Government Day. They then must attend Staff Training & Selection Day in the winter and if selected by a committee made up of Senior Staff Members they then must complete an application and submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, principals, or moderators. Once they have completed this, Marilyn Thickett, TACSC's Executive Director along with members of the Selection Committee assembles the staff. The 1% who do not go through this particular course of action are teachers of member schools who have been moderators (and in some cases, delegates themselves).

2. What security measures are taken during the conference (i.e. In the dormitories, etc)?

Pitzer/Neumann: Each door requires a key to be opened. The doors to the dormitories are locked at Lights Out and only the Security Guards of the College and the Staff Members have key-cards to unlock the main doors.

3. What is the adult/student ratio?

At each conference the delegates are broken up into groups. These groups are called councils and function as a student council for the week. Each council has 30 delegates and 3 staff members who take on the roles of President, Moderator, and Principal. An Administrative staff ranging from 6-8 staff members assists in the behind-the-scenes activities.

Pitzer College: 150 delegates, 23 staff members
Neumann: College: 150 delegates, 23 staff members

What are the sleeping arrangements?

At each of our conferences the delegates are separated from their schoolmates and assigned a roommate from another school. In most cases, their roommate is a member of the council they are placed in for the week. The boys and girls are divided into separate dormitories. However, if an overflow occurs they may be mixed. Staff members reside on each of the floors to assure the highest safety of the students.

4. Is bedding required?

Yes! Bedding is NOT provided. Most delegates bring a sleeping bag and pillow along with their towels, etc.  It can be quite warm in Claremont, CA. Therefore, some delegates simply bring with them a fitted and flat sheet along with their towels to the Pitzer Conference. Fans are also welcome. The dorm rooms at Neumann College are air-conditioned and can sometimes actually be chilly.

5. Where exactly are the conferences?  How do I get to them?

The Summer Conferences are located in two geographical areas:

West Coast: Pitzer College - Claremont, CA (Click on the name to be directed to the college's website)
East Coast: Neumann College - Aston, PA (Click on the name to be directed to the college's website)

6. Is there a nurse on-site?

We attempt to have a Registered Nurse available at all sites, however in some cases we are not able to do so. In those cases we staff our Administration with counselors who are certified in First Aid/CPR or teachers who are equipped to handle emergency (or non-emergency) medical situations. Each camp has at least one experienced Camp Mom on site.

7. My child is bringing medication with them? Can they administer it without the nurse?

If your child is accustomed to administering their own medication, then as long as the medication and dosage is indicated on their Emergency Form they may do so. If your child requires an adult's assistance for any medical needs, please be sure to note that on their Emergency Form.

8. My child has a medical condition that does not require medication, how do I notify you of this situation?

Even if your child does not take any specific medications, it is imperative that we are made aware of the condition. Please make a note of it on your child's Emergency Form

9. My child has to leave the conference early, how do I go about organizing the departure?

In order to maintain the highest security we do not allow students to leave early from the conference. Emergencies may arise or illness may fall on a delegate, and it is in those cases only that early departures are allowed. However, TACSC considers the investment a school and/or parent makes in each delegate and feels that a junor high student is old enough to to be accountable and responsible for that investment. If the school has financially contributed to the student's attendance, then an early departure is a loss both for the student and their school. If a departure occurs, the student, the student's family, and the student's counselor complete an Early Departure Form. This form is then sent to the school's principal. Exceptions are made under grave circumstances ONLY. Other camps, performances, dance/sport practices and celebrations do not fall into this category. Unnecessary departures provide a break in the continuity of our program and jeopardizes the security of our delegates and staff.