FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that both parents and children alike will have a variety of questions regarding camp.  Please read through the following information and, if you still have any more questions, don't hesitate to call us at 388-4386!  We really enjoy getting to know both our campers and their families alike.

Why Was Camp Doodles Created?
Camp Doodles originated from our love of working with children. We strongly wanted to provide a fun, safe and accepting environment with plenty of opportunities for children to strive to attain their best and grow both socially and emotionally.  Our ultimate goal was, and always will be, to create a second family type feeling and make Camp Doodles a "home away from home", a second family for all children and staff alike.

Why Was Summer Club Created?
Summer Club was born for the same reasons as Camp Doodles, with a focus on more challenging and exciting opportunities, games, sports, projects, etc. for the older bunch.  This has grown into a marvelous program.

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 Tax ID #?
68-0483962   (Information on Summer Camp Tax Write Off's)

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 4 years old / in pre-school, we're happy to have them participate in our program alongside the other 4 & 5 year olds.  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.

Do you offer extended-care?
Yes. Camp hours are 9:00-9:45am to 4:00pm. Extended-care is available from 7:15am - 6pm.

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 can have refunded if you don't use them all. 

Will my child be with his or her friends?
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.

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).

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!

What is the cheapest method to sign up for camp?
As we appreciate the opportunity to really get to know your child on an individual basis, we prefer multiple week registrations over "Doodle Days".  Because of this, we offer the cheapest rates to children who sign up for weeks and offer online discounts if one registers for multiple weeks.

Can I pre-purchase days for my child? 
Yes, you have the option to pre-purchase any number of days and use them anytime.

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, you need only send us full payment.  No deposit is required as full payment will guarantee you a space after May 1.

Do I need to notify you in advance which days I am coming...will you always have space?
One of the benefits of buying "doodle days" is that you are guaranteed a spot in came, 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.

Will my kid get to go swimming?
Entering second through sixth graders have the option to take a bus to Tam High School on Thursday afternoons for our "Swim Day".  Tam High has two pools, a diving pool and a regular pool.  They provide lifeguards and our staff is also on-hand, usually either in the water or sitting along the edges. 

Entering kindergarten and first graders remain on-site for Thursday "Water Days" where they do activities such as sponge relays, slipe n slide, water balloon tosses and we sometimes play in the sprinklers too!  On a select basis, parents of entering first graders may ask the front desk on Thursday mornings to put their child on the list of kids to go swimming.  If there is space on the bus, we'll get them there.  Otherwise they will hang out on campus and have a blast.

Cancellations and Refunds?
Click Here

Do you provide scholarships or Alternate Payment Plans?
Yes. Happily.  Click here for more info.