Frequently Asked Questions - Unleashed Summer Camp

ABOUT CAMP REGISTRATION

Can I register my child for more than one week of camp?
No.  To run our camps efficiently, we repeat many activities from week to week, so students coming to camp more than once each summer would wind up with very little variety.  In addition, many of our camps fill up, and we'd like to involve as many students as possible.  For these reasons, we limit each child to attending once each summer.

Can I register my child for two half-day sessions?
No.  At each grade level, there are full-day camp sessions available; families looking for full-day camp options should choose one of those sessions.  Please note that half-day camps will not include field trips due to time constraints.

Why don't I see half-day sessions available for my 6th grader?
Half-day sessions are available only for our youngest campers, those entering grades 3-4.  These sessions are offered in response to feedback from parents who often felt that a full-day camp was too long for their younger children.

What's included in my child's registration fee?
Your camp registration fee includes a T-shirt, water bottle, and string backpack, as well as snacks, materials, and field trips.  Campers are required to bring a lunch each day.  (Note: half-day camps may not include field trips.)

My child would like to attend camp with a friend.  Will they always be grouped together?
No.  Each camp day includes activities for the full group (12-26 campers, depending on location) as well as small groups (3-6 campers).  Because many campers do not attend with friends, these groups are shuffled regularly to allow kids to interact with many new people throughout the week.  Campers who attend with friends will have plenty of times when they can choose to be together, but we will not guarantee that they will participate in every activity together.

I don't have a credit card, or would prefer to pay with a check.  Can I register by mail?
Yes.  To register by mail, please download the registration form, complete it, and return it to us with your payment.  Please note that registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and registrations by mail require 2-3 days processing time.  Registrations will not be processed until payment is received; we cannot hold spaces for pending registrations. Mailed registrations will be confirmed by email or mail.

What is your cancellation policy?
Camp registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the camp start date are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.  If space is available, campers may transfer their registration to another camp session at no charge.  No refunds will be offered for registrations cancelled less than 14 days prior to the start of the camp session.

Are there scholarships available for Unleashed?
Unfortunately, our scholarship funding for 2009 has been depleted.  There are no more scholarships available for this year.

MORE ABOUT CAMP

What time does camp start in the morning?
Full-day camp hours from from 9AM-4PM.  Half-day sessions run from 9AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM.

Can I drop my child off early, or pick them up late after camp?
Unfortunately, we do not have extended childcare available.  Parents must make arrangements to drop off their child no more than 15 minutes before the scheduled camp start time, and to pick up their children promptly when camp ends.  If camp hours are a challenge for your family, invite a friend whose family would be able to provide transportation.  Or select the "I am inteterested in carpooling" option on the camp registration form and AHS will share your contact information with other families who are interested in carpooling.

Where do I bring my child for the first day of camp?
A few weeks before your camp session begins, registered camp families will receive an e-newsletter with more details about camp.  This newsletter will include information about checking in and signing out, what to wear to camp, items to bring to camp, etc.  (If your child is registered for camp but you have not received this newsletter, please check the bulk/junk mail folder in your email account - newsletters are sometimes deliverd there by mistake.)

What kinds of activities do campers participate in?
We're still planning specific activities and field trips for this year's camps, including lots of new activities and special guests.  To see a sample of one of last year's camp itineraries, click here.

Will my child be working directly with shelter animals?
Each day at camp includes at least some time where kids are interacting with shelter animals, but that's only one part of the camp experience - Unleashed includes lots of other animal-related activities, too.  Campers will hear from guest speakers who may bring in their own animals (for example, a police dog or a therapy animal), and they'll learn about wildlife and exotic animals.  Field trips will take them to other locations where they can learn about and interact with other kinds of animals.  They'll also participate in learning activities about the costs of owning a pet, being safe around animals, and more.