Please review the following information very carefully. This document was created to provide an overview of our camp program, including what to expect as a parent/guardian. It also outlines our policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact us at 301-241-5085. We are dedicated to providing a positive and safe Camp program.
What to Bring to Camp
EVERY DAY
- Reusable water bottle
- Snack for Snack Time (pack it with lunch)
- Appropriate clothing for activities and sneakers
- A BIG SMILE!
We may also have some other water activity days. We’ll let you know if and when to pack a swimsuit and a towel.
DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO CAMP:
- Cell phones or any other electronic device or games
- Expensive personal items or money
- Fidget toys or other personal items
- Weapons, knives, or any dangerous items
THE DAILY CAMP SCHEDULE
8 AM – 9 AM: Camper Check-In
Campers will arrive through the front door and proceed to the gym. Sign-In/Sign-Out sheets will be available for parents to check their campers in. We may also relay important communications (flyers, notes, etc.) to parents at this station.
9 AM – 11:45 AM: Morning Activities
Activities will vary daily based on the theme. Campers will usually attend activities in separate age-based groups.
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: LUNCH (brought from home)
Campers are instructed to bring their lunch in an insulated lunch bag that needs NO refrigeration. We also do NOT warm up any foods in the microwave. Drinks must also be brought from home.
12:30 PM – 4 PM: Afternoon Activities
Activities will vary daily based on the theme and will include special, pre-planned activities. Except for occasional special programs, campers will attend activities in separate age-based groups.
Mid-afternoon: SNACK TIME (snacks also brought from home)
The time for afternoon snacks will depend on the day’s activity schedule.
4 PM – 5 PM: Camper Check-Out
Similar to check-in, campers will need to be checked out by their parent/guardian or another authorized person. Parent(s) and camp staff will be instructed on the procedures required if a different person will be picking up a camper.
CAMPERS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 5 PM
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Safety is of utmost importance at Camp! Procedures are in place so that campers have a great experience in a safe environment. We are a Maryland State-Certified Camp, licensed through the MD Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
- Campers should wear comfortable clothing. Sneakers are STRONGLY recommended (NO FLIP FLOPS OR SANDALS). Please remember, this is a CAMP, and children may get DIRTY!
- Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar. Start drinking fluids before going out in the heat.
- YOU MUST PACK LUNCHES AND SNACKS IN LUNCHBOXES THAT INCLUDE ICE PACKS OR INSULATED LUNCHBOXES. We do not have refrigerator space for campers’ lunches and cannot warm foods, so please do not include lunch items that need to be heated or cooked.
- CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES: Campers arrive each camp day for drop-off and pick-up in the gymnasium (Camp Headquarters). This area will be marked. Authorized person(s) are required to sign their child(ren) in and out each day.
- IMPORTANT: STRICT PICK-UP POLICIES ARE IN PLACE! The Fort Ritchie Community Center Camp Program is authorized to only release your child to the individual(s) listed on the Camper Information Form. Each authorized person must be at least sixteen (16) years old. Campers will NOT be permitted to leave the Camp with anyone not listed.
- IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE PERSON(S) LISTED WILL BE PICKING UP YOUR CHILD(REN), YOU MUST PRESENT THE CAMP STAFF WITH A WRITTEN, DATED AND SIGNED NOTE AT THE TIME OF CAMPER CHECK-IN, STATING WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKING UP THE CHILD(REN). NO EXCEPTIONS!
Camp operation hours: 8 AM – 5 PM. Campers may be dropped off at any time after the camp start time of 8 AM. Scheduled theme activities begin at 9 AM each day.
- Campers may be picked up as early as 4 PM and NO LATER THAN 5 PM. If you arrive late to pick up your child, you will be assessed an immediate $5 charge for every 15 minutes. The Fort Ritchie Community Center is not responsible for campers outside of Camp operation hours.
- SICK POLICY: Whenever a child complains of not feeling well, we will encourage the child to take a break, rest, etc., and resume activities if he/she begins to feel better. If the child becomes ill (vomiting, diarrhea, feels “warm,” etc.), we will call a parent or authorized person to pick up the child. If you are called, you or an authorized person is expected to pick up the child immediately. RETURNING TO CAMP AFTER ILLNESS – FEVER, VOMITING, AND/OR DIARRHEA: The parent or legal guardian must provide a signed and dated note stating that the child has been symptom-free of fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for AT LEAST 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication.
- MEDICATIONS: All medications (prescription and/or over the counter) MUST be given to the Camp Director in their originally prescribed containers as required by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene protocol. All medications will be stored in a locked cabinet (unless refrigeration is required) and retrieved by the Camp Director at the time medication is to be taken. The Camp Director will supervise the camper as they self-administer the medication. CAMP STAFF DOES NOT ADMINISTER ANY MEDICATIONS.
- DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES: All campers are expected to behave properly, work cooperatively within camp groups, and follow the directions of the camp staff. When behavior problems arise, FRCC will initiate a 5-step disciplinary procedure. In the event of an extreme behavioral situation, FRCC reserves the right to skip or repeat any step outlined in this procedure.
- Step 1: Misbehavior is addressed by staff and the camper is asked to correct the behavior.
- Step 2: The Camper sits out of the activity for a specified amount of time; the Camp Director is informed.
- Step 3: Camper is assigned a task to accomplish alongside their counselor. Parents are informed.
- Step 4: A written warning is issued to the parents. Parents are asked to come pick up the camper.
- Step 5: Termination of camp participation.
- PARENT/CAMP STAFF/FRCC STAFF COMMUNICATION: As much as possible, any important camp information will be communicated to parents at the time of camper check-in/check-out. We also rely heavily on email communication, so providing us with an email address is important.
- No refunds for Camp sessions will be given. Credits will only be issued due to extreme conditions, and only upon approval by the FRCC Executive Director.