Camp FAQs

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about Mountaineers Summer Camp.

common questions about Mountaineers Summer Camp

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 8:45am, and pick up at 3:50pm. We ask that parents pick their children up no later than 4:15pm, otherwise, they will be charged a fee.

Adventure Camp: The Mountaineers Program Center: 7700 Sand Point Way NE, located inside of Magnuson Park. Drop off starts at 8:45am on the morning adventure camp starts (usually a Tuesday). Pick up starts at 2:50pm on the day adventure camp ends (usually a Thursday). We ask that parents pick their children up no later than 3:15pm, otherwise, they will be charged a fee.

Lodge Camp: Lodge Camps begin and end at the lodge--either Baker Lodge (WA-542, Deming, WA, located near Mt Baker Ski Resort) or Stevens Lodge (located at Stevens Pass Ski Resort).

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:

7:45–9:00am: AM Extended care (optional)
8:45–9:00am: Check in
9:00–9:15am: Morning meeting and song
9:15–10:20am: Ice breaker games or outdoor curriculum
10:20–11:10am: Rock climbing
11:10–12:00pm: Nature craft
12:00–12:30pm: Lunch
12:30–2:30pm: Swimming
2:30–3:30pm: Group game
3:30–3:45pm: Afternoon meeting
3:50–4:00pm: Pick up
4:00–5:30pm: PM extended care (optional)

Adventure Camp and Lodge 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, adventure camps, and lodge 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
Lodge Camps are for kids ages 10-14
Teen Adventure Trips and CIT Program for teens ages 13–17

How do you group kids together at camp?

We group campers into six age groups at Day Camp:

Trailblazers (age 6)
Pathfinders (ages 6 and 7)
Nomads (ages 7 and 8)
Voyagers (ages 8 and 9)
Vikings (ages 9 and 10)
Explorers (ages 11 and 12)

All groups will get to try each activity throughout the week. 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?

Yes! This week of camp changes yearly to accommodate the holiday. See yearly schedule for annual holiday week offerings.

registration

How do I register my camper(s) for Camp?

In order to register for summer camp, you need to:

Have a Family Membership with The Mountaineers (either guest or member)
Register your child for summer camp. Follow this link for a step by step guide on setting up your account and registering for camp.

Beginning in 2022, Day Camp Registration will run using a lottery model. New and returning campers are eligible for the lottery, which accepts applications in early January each year.

Adventure Camp and Lodge Camp registration will open in the first week of February each year.

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 Youth Programs Form. Both can be found on your camper's profile under "Youth Forms." Field trip waivers will be emailed out and available at Monday check-ins when necessary.

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 space becomes available and you are at the top of the waitlist. You have five days to sign up for that offering. 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 Scholarships 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 Scholarship link to learn more and apply for a scholarship. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks prior to registering for camp.

What is your refund (transfer and cancellation) policy?

Our cancellation policy is the same for Day Camps, Adventure Camps, and Lodge Camps: 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.

Transfer policy: Campers can transfer from one session 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.

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 9am to 4pm. Campers have the option to enroll in extended care. This allows you to drop off as early as 7:45am and pick up as late as 5:30pm. 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 are the protocols for swimming at camp?

Each week of day camp includes swimming. For weeks with climbing or adventure themes this includes swimming at the Magnuson Park Waterfront. For weeks with water themes campers will also have the chance to try kayaking and/or rafting. PFDs are provided and worn by all staff and campers who participate in boating activities. If campers are not strong swimmers or are uncomfortable in moving water, we recommend registering for climbing-focused weeks such as Ropes and Rock Week or Rockstar Week.

Campers can always choose how much they want to participate in swimming activities. When at the swim beach campers must: have a swim buddy, be under direct supervision of their counselor when in the water, and pass the lifeguard-on-duty's swim test to swim in water deeper than their waist.

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 a week of program-specific 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 and review waterfront safety protocols during training week.

Can't find the answer you are looking for?

Email our summer camp team at summercamp@mountaineers.org for more answers!