What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
We strive to maintain a low counselor to camper ratio, approximately 1:8 While other camps may claim to have low ratios, we voluntarily joined the American Camping Association which requires us to sustain low ratios in order to maintain our well-earned accreditation.
What's your Federal Tax ID #?
68-0483962 (ask your tax account how you can write-off summer camp payments)
Can my 4-year old go to camp? Can my pre-schooler go to camp?
We welcome any child whose parents think will benefit from and enjoy the opportunity to attend a fun camp program. Our camp is not a pre-school and is definitely not a day-care...we are a day-camp that has a wide variety of activities with highly enthusiastic staff members.
If your child is at least 4.5 years old / in pre-school, we're happy to have them participate in our program. Just come on by and we'll get you set-up with a registration form. If your young child has an older sibling at camp, we can easily arrange for them to be together to help make a smooth adjustment and they can always visit together. All children must be potty-trained - no exceptions.
Do you offer extended-care?
Yes. Camp hours are 9:00-9:45am to 3:30pm. Extended-care is available from 7:30am - 6:00pm.
How flexible are you? Can I buy drop-in days and get refunded if I don't use the days?
Yes. Please see the "Doodle Days" option on our registration form, These are pre-paid days that you request to have refunded for credit or a partial cash refund if you don't use them all. Please see our Refund Policy with more questions.
Can my child be with his/her friend?
Campers will be divided into groups, typically by grade level. Each afternoon, during our "choice-time" activities, siblings and friends may stay together as campers are divided by activity/interest rather than age. As we are all here to have fun, we are open to trying special arrangements. If your child would like to be grouped with someone in another grade, just let the camp staff know when you arrive and we will indicate this on his/her nametag.
Do most new campers come to camp with a friend?
Many of our new campers come to Camp Doodles without knowing anyone, or only a few people at the camp. We assure you that within minutes of arriving at camp, the camp staff will help pair your child up with a "buddy" and follow through to make sure they are meeting other children. This procedure, followed with our morning name-games and ice breakers, helps to ensure that your child is going make a lot of new friends.
To help make this easy transition possible, please let the front desk staff know if your child is new to camp or is having trouble adjusting and we will happily get him/her setup with a buddy and a staff member until the ice is broken and they're having a blast!
Should I bring a lunch to camp?
You can choose to bring a lunch, drink and snack to camp, or you have the option of ordering lunch (which comes with healthy snacks & drinks). Lunches can be ordered on-site each morning when you drop your child off, including on the first day of camp.
Can I stay with my child in the morning? Can I pick her up anytime?
Yes. You know your child's personality the best. If you feel he/she will benefit from having you spend some extra time at check-in, we would love to have you join us! If you are concerned about your child, please feel free to either drop by and peek in, or give us a call at (415) 388-4386. If you're in the neighborhood and just want to say "hi", please drop by...you're welcome to have lunch with us too! Please recognize that not every staff member will immediately recognize you as a parent and may approach you when you step onto campus.
Does it matter what time I drop off or pickup?
Nope. You are welcome to come to camp at your leisure and pick your child up at anytime, even if just to go get a haircut! Many children have swim lessons in the morning or other functions in the afternoon that require their attendance. We also have many entering K and 1st grade parents who are unsure whether or not their child can handle a full day of camp. While we always assure these parents that we make an effort to pace the day accordingly and that most kids are just fine, you are welcome to grab your precious little one anytime. We're totally flexible! If you do pick up early, please give us a little bit of extra time to help transition your child out of the activity they are in.
Your registration form says mail a $200 deposit or full payment, due by May 1. What does that mean?
You can either send us a $200 deposit before May 1 or you can send us the full payment. It is easier for some parents who register in February & March to wait a few months before paying the entire amount of camp, yet they want to reserve a space. If it is after May 1, please send full payment when you register.
Do I need to notify you in advance which days I am coming...will you always have space?
One of the benefits of buying "use anytime doodle days" is that you are guaranteed a spot, and you don't need to call ahead...just show up and we'll take care of the rest! (thanks to highly accurate estimations and "on-call" staff members, you will always have a spot if you have "doodle days".)
Can I hire a staff member to baby-sit my child(ren)?
We realize that the baby-sitting situation can be challenging at times and appreciate your help in refraining from using our camp staff as babysitters. If you choose to employ a current or former camp staff members, we highly recommend you perform a background check of your own. For more information, click: Employing Camp Staff Policy.
How do I sign up for field trips?
Sign up for field trips at the front desk. Field trips are for our entering 2nd - 6th graders only.
Will my kid get to go swimming?
Thursdays are "Wacky Water Days". With a huge inflatable water slide and tons of great water-based activities such as sponge relays, slip n slide, water balloon tosses, etc., we always have a blast .Unless otherwise posted, we do not take our campers swimming. Our San Francisco campers will have other great activities in lieu of water day (unless it's a randomly hot day in SF!)
Cancellations and Refunds?
Do you provide scholarships or Alternate Payment Plans? Yes. Happily.
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