Camp FAQ

Nature Adventures Camp Frequently Asked Questions

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Campers of all ages should bring a NUT FREE snack, 2 refillable water bottles, a change of clothes and appropriate close-toed shoes; Crocs and sandals are not allowed.  Insect repellent and sunscreen should be applied to campers before being dropped off.  Your camper should also attend with at least two cloth or disposable masks. If your camper is full day, please send your child to camp with a NUT FREE lunch. If your child requires medication to be taken during the camp day or has allergies, please contact natureadventurescamp@ssymca.org to make arrangements. Please consider packing a Trashless Lunch.

How many counselors will be supervising my child?

Nature Adventures Summer Day Camp maintains a ratio of 1 staff to every 5 campers age 3-6 and 1 staff to every 8 campers age 7 and up. Each group is led by a Lead Counselor and a Counselor, both are trained in CPR and First AID and are CORI and SORI checked. Counselors are overseen by the Camp Director.

If my child attends multiple sessions, will the program vary?

Yes! We have built a summer program that offers a variety of exciting and engaging opportunities all summer long for campers to explore nature while discovering and strengthening their abilities and developing lasting friendships. Activities and experiences vary and are based on each session’s theme. Some program elements such as ponding and/or canoeing on Jacobs Pond and exploring the EcoZone Museum are repeated; however, they are designed to fit the session’s theme. Each session’s curriculum is overseen by Nature Adventures Camp Director Team.

Does Nature Camp offer care before and after regular camp hours?

We are unable to provide before and after care as we have in previous years. Instead we have instituted a rolling drop off from 8:30-9:30am and a rolling pickup from 3:30-5pm. Tadpole and Chipmunk pickup is between 12-12:30pm

Is there a discount for siblings attending camp?

A discount is not available for multiple campers; however, families are encouraged to become members to save on fees and tuition. Please contact Julie Chessia, Nature Adventure Camp Director, for information regarding financial assistance.

What is the cancellation policy?

The $50.00 deposit/per child, per week is non-refundable, non-transferable.

• 100% refund (less the $50.00 deposit): If cancellation notification is received before May 29th. Refunds will be issued in the same method that payment was received. Refunds by check may take 2 weeks to process.
• No refund will be given if a cancellation notice is received after May 29th

Can my child be in a group with his/her friend?

Camp is an opportunity for new experiences and to make new friends.  For this reason, we do not accept camper grouping requests.

Does the camp provide meals?

Nature Adventures Camp does not provide meals. We are a NUT FREE camp and require all snacks and lunches sent to camp be free of peanuts, tree nuts and their oils. There is a morning snack time for all campers and lunch and afternoon snack for all day campers. Soy nut butter and Sunflower seed butter are good alternatives to peanut butter, please put a note on your child’s sandwich if you prepare your child’s lunch with one of these alternatives.

My child has a food allergy, how do you avoid contact with food allergens?

Summer Adventures Nature Day Camp is a NUT FREE camp and has enjoyed many successful years of welcoming campers with food allergies. Food allergies must be listed on the required health forms as well as any medication that is prescribed to the camper. This information as well as communication with the parent or guardian about the allergy helps the camp staff to take all necessary precautions to help the camper avoid contact with allergens and ensure the camper enjoys a safe, healthy and fun experience at camp. At meal times, campers are placed next to children who have meals which do not contain the allergen. For more specific concerns, please contact Julie Chessia, Nature Adventure Camp Director.

Do campers swim at Nature Camp?

When campers visit nearby Jacobs Pond for exploration or canoeing, swimming is not allowed. You will be notified at the start of the session which day your child’s group will be participating in activities at the pond. Campers Ages 3 – Grade 1 should bring rain boots or old sneakers that can get wet and a change of dry shoes and clothes in a bag for after their pond visit. Campers in grades 2 and up who will be exploring by canoe are encouraged to bring clothes that may get wet (campers often wear a bathing suit under their clothes), old sneakers or close-toed sandals, a towel, and a change of clothes.

What if my child doesn’t know how to canoe?

Each canoeing session begins with a basic canoeing and safety lesson provided by a Small Craft and Water Safety Certified staff member. Campers share canoes and experienced canoers are placed with beginner canoers when possible. At least one staff member is in a canoe with campers and one staff member is in a kayak to easily move between canoes and assist as needed