FAQs

Please click over to our health policy page for the latest update for Day Camp.

We are constantly thinking of ways day camp can be your child’s second home: a place where they feel 100% accepted and thrive. Two week sessions are a time investment in helping your child increase their self-esteem, independence, and social skills. Check out this study from the ACA or one from a Stanford parent alum to read more on these important life skills. With these things in mind, we created two weeks sessions.

In two week sessions, groups meet on the first day and then are allowed to develop without the interruption of other kids joining the group later. In one week sessions, groups and counselors change from week to week. All parts of camp are fun and provide opportunities for returning campers to take a leadership role. However, in a two week session, the rules, orientation, and get to know jitters on opening day only happen once. Same thing with the Founders Day talk, returning camper awards, and group photos. Instead that time is used for more free choice activities. Campers also move from a checklist “I’ve done that” type of mentality to a challenge by choice mindset. That’s where growth happens. Campers don’t just shoot the arrow, they start to actually hit what they’re aiming for. Campers don’t just cross the high ropes course, they do it blindfolded or with a partner or for speed. Campers don’t just build a fort but they eat lunch in it. Campers don’t just know each other’s names and schools but build real relationships. Groups have more than just a name, they develop an identity. Two week sessions are not just twice the amount of time, they’re a fun and growth multiplier.

As a bonus to these many benefits, campers grades 2+ choose their own activities each 1st period. And for a change of pace, counselors may lead the campers in activities not offered during one week sessions like sling shots, dance, fun science, and whatever fun activities our counselors dream up.

Campers are fitted for t-shirts on Tuesday right before we take their group photos. Campers bring their shirts home at the end of the day. If for some reason your camper does not come home with a shirt call the office and we’ll try again the next day.

Yes. We do not provide snack or paper cups. Camp is very busy.  Our goal is to send your kids home dirty, tired, and full of stories to tell.  To keep the energy going kids need to have snacks.  We recommend sending a morning snack and an afternoon snack with you camper.  For the lower grade campers a snack time in built into the morning and afternoon.  For the older campers they will need to tell the counselors if they are hungry or need a snack/water break.  Having a water bottle to carry with them is the best way to have the kids stay hydrated.

No. However, if lunch was not sent we will make a peanut or sun butter and jelly sandwhich for your camper.

Yes. The second half of our one hour lunch is “free play” on the Quad and Courts. Our staff supervise the areas and organize mini-tournaments and other fun activities including the always popular “dance party”. Campers grades 2+ also choose their own activities during Friday “free choice” mornings. Two week campers get an additional “free choice” morning on the second Wednesday. Campers grades K-1 stay with their group during “free play” and “free choice”.

Yes. We contract our with Michael’s Transportation who provides an updated well-maintained fleet.

No. Since space is limited, we ask that campers stick to the same bus and the same stop each week.

Yes, during the lunch break from 12:30-1pm Monday-Thursday or 11:30-12pm on Friday. Otherwise groups are all across camp making it difficult to arrange the rest of the day. If you do need to pick up or drop off late, we ask that you email us in advance so we have it in writing and can avoid any confusion.

Some campers choose to come to camp with a friend.  If campers come to camp together they can request to be in a group together.  Groups are formed based on the rising grade. Grades are grouped as follows: K-1, 2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, and 10. To complete a group request, enter the information during registration or go to your account online, click on Forms and Documents. Group requests must come from both families and must be done two weeks before the start date of camp.

We honor group request that are made two weeks before the camp session starts and are made by both families. If we cannot honor a request, we will contact you so there is time to have a conversation at home with your child. There are several reasons why a group request might not be honored.  One reason is if both families did not make the request.  If you want your camper to be in a group with a friend make certain you are in contact with the family.  Another reason is the campers grades may not fit into our group structure of K-1, 2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, and 10. If your requests falls somewhere in between those groups, the older camper can move down to the younger camper group but not the reverse. These divisions in large part are established as a part of our accreditation process with the American Camp Association. The most important thing to remember is that camp is a fantastic experience and part of the experience is meeting new people and making new friends.  If your camper is in a group without their friends they will have the opportunity to make new friends.  Our counselors are trained to help kids make new friends and work in a group dynamic with new people.  Making new friends can be one of the best parts of summer camp.

As a part of our American Camp Association standards, we always have a nurse or EMT on staff. While they are often out and about with the campers, they have a room with a bed to provide care and give campers a place to rest. Anytime a camper has a visit of any significance to the health center, the nurse will call home so there are no surprises (or crazy stories) once your camper comes back home. If needed, parents may also pick up campers early. In the days of COVID, we request that campers are kept home when showing symptoms of illness. We do not give make up days but welcome your call to determine if we can make an accommodation.