Start-Up%20Information

Are you ready for the summer?

We find that children (and parents!) who come prepared for camp on the first day feel less anxious about their new adventure. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at (267) 405-7321 or email your questions to summer@gacamp.org

GETTING READY FOR CAMP: 

Make sure the health information in your camper’s online account is accurate.

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If your child is taking any medication at camp, download and return the “Physician Medication Form”

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Water Bottle Check over the “what to bring” list and make sure you have everything you need, including: 

Sunscreen

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Backpack

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Sneakers

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Special sports equipment (if applicable)

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Swimming suit (for mini camp, day camp and sports camps only)

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Lunch (if not enrolled in our lunch program)

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Car tag

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Any additional notes for the office

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Label your child’s belongings.

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Don’t forget to look at the campus map for traffic patterns and camp locations!

GENERAL INFORMATION Emergencies How will I know if camp is unexpectedly closed for the day?

In the event of an emergency school closing, we will send an email to all camp families and post information on the GA Summer Programs website home page. If the closing occurs after camp is in session for the day, we will contact all camper families by telephone to make necessary dismissal arrangements.

What if there is an emergency involving my child?

We will use the emergency contact information you provided when you registered for camp to contact you.

Please check your online account for accuracy and inform us of changes during the summer.

Camp Rules Campers are expected to demonstrate respect and good behavior. Failure to follow the rules may result in dismissal from camp without a refund. Please read and review the following rules with your child before camp starts:  Listen to staff and follow directions. 

Respect others’ property. Stealing and vandalism are not allowed.

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Use polite language. Profanity is not allowed.

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Respect others’ space. Hitting and pushing are not allowed.

Also, please be aware of the following campus policies:

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Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Germantown Academy campus.

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Firearms are not allowed.

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The speed limit on campus is 5 miles per hour.

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Cell phone use while driving is not allowed on our campus.

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Visitors must check in at the Pavilion/Welcome Center.

Clothing Every camper should wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for their program, including shoes that are comfortable and safe for walking.

Flip-flops, sandals, and “crocs” are not recommended. Campers wearing this type of footwear are not allowed to participate in many of our outdoor activities. “Wheelies”, or shoes with wheels in the soles, are not allowed at camp.

Electronic devices, Collectables, and other Toys at camp We believe friendship and interactive activities are important components of the camp experience. Therefore, campers are discouraged from bringing cell phones, iPods, electronic games, Pokémon Cards, etc. to camp.

Our staff are not responsible in the event that these items become lost or stolen at camp.

GENERAL INFORMATION Lunch and Snacks Children expend a great deal of energy at camp, regardless of the program they are attending. Please be sure your child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast. Campers staying for a full day may bring their lunch, or you may order a sack lunch for your child by logging into your camper’s online account. Pizza is also available. Most campers eat their lunch outside, picnic-style. Lunch time is always supervised.

In order to assure that everyone stays hydrated and healthy, every camper should bring a labeled water bottle to camp every day. Water coolers are located throughout the campus. In the interest of conserving natural resources, we generally do not provide cups for water; campers are expected to use their water bottles.

Lost and Found Please label your child’s belongings. When we find misplaced items, we return them to the rightful owner if they are labeled. Check with your child’s camp director as soon as you discover something missing. We will hold lost and found items at the Day Camp Office. After the close of camp, we donate the lost and found items to a worthy cause.

Counselor Gratuities Our high school and college-age staff choose to work at summer programs for the joy of being with children and the love of sharing their skills with others. They perform this work because they enjoy the rewards inherent with developing relationships and fostering growth in children. We welcome you to express your appreciation for your child’s care givers by presenting them with gifts or monetary tips at the end of your child’s program.

Communication Our #1 priority is assuring a safe and enriching experience for children. If you need to speak to someone regarding your child, kindly call or email the summer programs office and someone on our staff will assist you. Please keep in mind that counselors and coaches who are responsible for the direct care of children generally do not have time to speak with parents during the camp day. However, we will be happy to arrange a conversation with the appropriate administrator or make a phone appointment for a more convenient time. To assure our email messages are delivered properly to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), add summer@gacamp.org to your Address Book or Safe List.

What happens on Rainy Days?

If there is light rain, we often operate as usual, especially if the weather forecast is good. If there is heavy rain or other dangerous weather, we provide indoor locations for campers to continue their daily activity.

Arrival and Dismissal locations do not change.

Remember: Please be sure your child comes to camp dressed for the weather.

Still have questions or looking for clarification? Please call Summer Programs 267-405-7321

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE What if my child will be absent or late?

Please call our Summer Programs (267-405-7321) before 9:30 a.m. if your child will be absent or more than 15 minutes late to camp in the morning. If you know your child will be absent at least one day in advance, please notify us by calling or emailing Summer Programs .

What time is arrival?

Staff will be ready to greet children 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for the camp, and continue to be available to greet children until 15 minutes past the scheduled start time.

What if I need to drop off my child early or pick up my child late?

Extended hours occur from 7:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Advanced registration is available and we also accept drop-ins for an additional fee. If you need to drop off your child more than 15 minutes before the start of a morning program or pick up your child more than 15 minutes late at the end of an afternoon program, you must enroll your child in Extended Hours that day.

What if I need to drop off my child late?

If you arrive at camp to drop off your child after 9:15 a.m. for a morning camp, or after 1:15 p.m. for the start of an afternoon program, then you must take your child to the Welcome Center for security and attendance purposes. The staff will take your child to his or her camp location. The Welcome Center is located in the Pavilion.

How do I know where to drop off and pick up my child?

We have many simultaneous programs, and it’s important to drop off your child at the designated location.

Please refer to the Campus Map for program locations. If your child is attending a different program in the afternoon, please be sure to take note of the pick-up location for the afternoon program.

What if I have children in multiple locations?

It is in your children’s best interest for you to drop off each child at his or her camp location. If this is not feasible for you, please call the summer programs office, and we will make special accommodations for you to drop off your children in one location.

Car Tags Car tags are an identification which allows camp personal ensure the safety of each camper. Car Tags will be distributed during drop-off on Monday. Hang the tag on the rear-view mirror of the vehicle EVERY TIME you pick up your child.

No camper will be released without the tag.

Additional car tags are available by calling the Summer Programs office.