Summer Camp FAQs
common questions about Mountaineers Summer Camp
WHAT IS CAMP LIKE?
- Where and when does camp start and end?
- What does a typical day at camp look like?
- What does my camper need to bring to camp?
- What are the ages for Mountaineers camp?
- How do you group kids together at camp?
- Can my camper be grouped with a friend?
- Is there camp during the week of 4th of July?
REGISTRATION
- How do I register my child(ren) for camp?
- What paperwork do I need to fill out?
- What happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full?
- What happens if I'm on the waitlist and spaces open up?
- Do you offer financial assistance for camp?
- What are your cancellation and refund policies?
EXTENDED CARE
- What is extended care?
- How do I sign up for extended care?
SAFETY
- How do you deal with serious allergies at camp?
- How do you know the right camper is going home with the right adult?
- What requirements are in place for staff members?
- What COVID-19 protocols have you put in place?
If you don't see the answer you are looking for, please email Tailor Dolgin at summercamp@mountaineers.org with any questions!
what is camp like?
Where and when does Camp start and end?
Day Camp - The Mountaineers Program Center: 7700 Sand Point Way NE, located inside of Magnuson Park. Drop off starts at 8:45, and pick up at 3:50. We ask that parents pick their children up no later than 4:15, otherwise, they will be charged a fee.
Adventure Camp - The Mountaineers Program Center: 7700 Sand Point Way NE, located inside of Manguson Park. Drop off starts at 8:45 on the morning adventure camp starts (usually a Tuesday). Pick up starts at 2:50 on the day adventure camp ends (usually a Thursday). We ask that parents pick their children up no later than 3:15, otherwise, they will be charged a fee.
What does a typical day at Camp look like?
Mountaineers Day Camp consists of rock climbing, outdoor skills, swimming, games, crafts, and camp songs. Every day we are at The Mountaineers Program Center we get to go swimming and learn different types of curriculum (first aid, navigation, kayaking, etc) to teach us how to have fun and be safe outdoors. Field trip days take us to different parts of Washington and Seattle, so we can dive deeper into the theme of the week. Here's a typical day at Mountaineers camp:
- 7:45 - 9:00 AM extended care (optional)
- 8:45 - 9:00 Check in
- 9:00 - 9:15 Morning meeting and song
- 9:15 - 10:20 Ice breaker games or outdoor curriculum
- 10:20 - 11:10 Rock climbing
- 11:10 - 12:00 Nature craft
- 12:00 - 12:30 Lunch
- 12:30 - 2:30 Swimming
- 2:30 - 3:30 Group game
- 3:30 - 3:45 Afternoon meeting
- 3:50 - 4:00 Pick up
- 4:00 - 5:30 PM extended care (optional)
Adventure Camp schedules vary and details can be found on the course page for each offering.
WHAT DOES MY CAMPER NEED TO BRING TO CAMP?
Campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and shoes for outdoor activities. Please bring a day pack, sun protection, swimwear, water bottle, layers, and anything else to keep your camper happy and healthy. Campers are responsible for bringing lunch, snacks, and water bottles. Staff will provide an afternoon snack.
We do ask that you do not send your camper with any electronics or special items that could get lost or left behind.
We will provide a gear list for day camps and adventure camps in our pre-camp emails.
What are the ages for Mountaineers Camp?
Mountaineers Day Camp is for kids ages 6-12.
Adventure Camps are for kids ages 10-14.
We also offer Camp Alumni Trips and a CIT Program for teens ages 13-17.
How do you group kids together at camp?
We group kids into four age groups - Vikings (age 6), Pioneers (ages 7 and 8), Explorers (ages 9 and 10), and Trailblazers (ages 11 and 12). All groups will get to try each activity but these activities will be tailored to each age group respectively.
can my camper be grouped with a friend?
Absolutely! Our summer camps allow one friend request, as long as that request is mutual. Please write the full name of one friend and ensure that your friend lists you on their registration. Friends of different ages will be placed with the younger group.
is there camp during the week of 4th of July?
This week is Hike Week! Due to the popularity of travel during this week, The Mountaineers host a series of individual day hikes. Campers are invited to sign up for one or multiple days of hiking lead by our camp staff. There is also a three-day overnight camp at Mount Erie during this week. Visit the course pages for more details.
registration
How do I register my camper(s) for Camp?
In order to register for summer camp, you need to 1) have a Family Membership with The Mountaineers, either guest or member, and 2) register your child for summer camp. Follow this link for a step by step guide on setting up your account and registering for camp.
what paperwork do I need to fill out?
To be able to register for camp, you will need to complete the Youth Information Form and Summer Camp Form. Both can be found on your camper's profile under "Youth Forms." Field trip waivers will be emailed out and available at Monday's check-in.
what happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full?
If the week of camp is already full, you may join the waitlist. There is no cost to join the waitlist and no obligation to sign up once you're on it.
What happens if I'm on the waitlist and spaces open up?
You will receive an email inviting you to register if spots open up and you are at the top of the waitlist. You have 3 days to sign up for that week. If you decide not to sign up in that time period, we will email the next family on the list and offer them the spot.
Do you offer financial assistance for Camp?
The Mountaineers strives to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education and conservation opportunities for all members and youth in the communities we serve. Please follow the Financial Assistance link, fill out the application, and email kenm@mountaineers.org to let Ken, our Scholarship Administrator, know that you've completed your application.
What is your refund (transfer and cancellation) policy?
Transfer policy: Campers can transfer from one session of camp to another without penalty until 2 weeks before the session they are transferring out of. Transfers within 2 weeks of the registered session will be considered a cancellation. Ability to transfer is contingent upon available space in the session the camper wishes to transfer to.
If transferring between camps of differing costs, the difference in program fee will be subject to the refund guidelines outlined in the cancellation policy below.
Cancellation policy: Campers canceling before May 1 will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee. Campers canceling between May 1 and two weeks before the registered session will receive a 50% refund. Campers canceling within two weeks of the registered session will not receive a refund. This policy also applies to camp transportation services. Exceptions to the policy are rare and occur at the discretion of the Camp Director.
In the event that the camp team cancels a course or activity, campers effected by the cancellation will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee.
extended care
What is extended care?
Camp hours are from 9:00 to 4:00. Campers have the option to enroll in extended care. This allows you to drop off as early as 7:45 and pick up as late as 5:30. During this time we will offer a snack as well as structured and unstructured activities such as games, crafts, and bouldering. Campers are also welcome to bring games, books, and activities for this time.
(On Mondays we will not be able to accept any campers before 8:45.)
how do I sign up for extended care
To enroll in extended care add the additional "extended care" activity to your cart when signing up for camp.
safety
how do the mountaineers deal with serious allergies?
As part of the registration process, you'll complete a detailed health history form with any information regarding health concerns. All medications and EpiPens should be given to your camper's Counselor on Monday and taken home Friday. All staff is trained on how to use EpiPens in case of an emergency. Please contact the Camp Director with any specific concerns or instructions.
how do you know the right camper is going home with the right adult?
The Summer Camp Form provides the option for creating a Kid Code. This word, phrase, or collection of numbers or letters allows The Mountaineers to release your camper to anyone who knows your Kid Code. In the event a person tries to pick up your child and cannot remember the Kid Code, Mountaineers staff will check ID and only release the child if that person is on the authorized pick up list.
What requirements are in place for staff members?
Camper safety is our top priority. All staff members are required to pass background checks and attend an intensive week of training, a majority of which is devoted to camper safety. All staff members are required to complete a first aid certification course within the past two years. Members of our full-time staff recently attended a child protection conference to continue to learn how to provide the safest atmosphere for getting kids outside.
What COVID-19 protocols have you put in place?
Camper and staff safety is our top priority. As such, Summer 2021 is being built with the following considerations:
- Limited Capacity: Day Camp is limited to 32 campers and Adventure Camp to 7 campers.
- Sanitization: We are well-stocked with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies around the Program Center, have a cleaning schedule that staff will stick to, and ask that campers bring their own sanitizer to camp as well.
- Masks: Campers, Camp Staff, and all visitors to camp will be expected to wear masks whenever possible. Staff will establish and oversee mask off zones and times for their campers throughout the day.
- Social Distancing: Campers will be outside as much as possible and social-distanced when necessary. Camp games that involve being in close quarters are being modified to account for distance.
- Climbing: Campers are expected to sanitize their hands and shoes before and after climbing at our facility in addition to keeping their masks on while climbing. We will also not share gear, and each camper will get their own harness for the week.
Staff is monitoring the Washington phases of reopening closely and will make adjustments to these protocols contingent on changing guidelines from the state and Mountaineers leadership.
Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Email Tailor Dolgin at summercamp@mountaineers.org for more answers!