When a parent signs-in, an "in" sticker prints and should be attached to your child's nametag (which is made at camp).  At check-out, an "out" sticker can only be printed by an authorized pick up individual (mom, dad, babysitter, etc.) which allows the camp staff to ensure that your child is going home with an 'okay" person - we often have staff at the front gate saying "goodbye" to the campers whose primary responsibility is to check 'out' stickers, for safety purposes.

While it may sound quite fancy (it is) and not very 'camp-like', this setup was included in our program as one of our many proactive methods to ensure the safety of your children, which is our #1 priority.  You can feel comfortable knowing every step has been taken for your child's well-being. The parent, camper and staff reaction to this process has been great!

To sign-in and out, our software requests a “Pin #”, which is typically your Drivers License #, without the preceding letter. (example: DL # B6004898 = PIN # 6004898).  We are happy to change your pin # to something another 4 to 7 digit number.

PLEASE, PLEASE  DO NOT SHARE YOUR PIN # WITH ANYONE.
EVERYONE WILL CHOOSE THEIR OWN UNIQUE PIN #.
IF SOMEONE SPECIAL (friend, babysitter, etc.) IS PICKING UP YOUR CHILD, JUST TELL US AND WE WILL ADD THEIR NAME TO OUR SOFTWARE AND LET THEM CHOOSE A PIN # WHEN THEY ARRIVE. Again, please do not give your pin # to anyone else.
 

If you are not a computer whiz, our technologically savvy staff members are always available to help!

Weekly Schedules – Weekly schedules, detailing special activities (dress up days, themes, etc.) and special announcements, will be available for pick up at the start of each week. Additional announcements will be listed on the camp check-in screen.  A calendar is also available on our website.

Lost & Found – Is collected on a regular basis and displayed on our clothes racks.  From shirts to sweatshirts, towels to shoes and lunches to toys, any items that are left at camp from one week to the next are given away or washed and kept at camp for any 'emergencies'. 

Personal Property:
Alcohol, drugs, animals and any type of weapons are prohibited aft camp at all times. The camp maintains a very large amount of sports/arts & crafts equipment. Campers should leave all toys, trading cards, game-boys and personal sports equipment at home. Vehicles are not permitted on camp grounds without explicit permission from the director or school district.  Bicycles should be walked on campus and locked up safely. The camp is unable to assume responsibility for any lost or stolen equipment or belongings.
 

Campers who sign up for lunch also receive free drinks (milk, juice) and snacks. Please order no later than 10:15am each morning.
Daily Lunch Cost:  $8 / day  (be sure to sign up, then put a lunch sticker on your child's nametag)
Weekly Lunch Cost: $35 / week (be sure to sign up, then put a lunch sticker on your child's nametag)

Sign up for lunch at the check-in table when you arrive at camp.  Much of camp is run on the honor system - lunch signup is no exception.
1.) Write your child's name down on our list indicating your lunch selection.
2.) Attach a sticker to your child's name-tag so they can breeze through the lunch line.
3.) Leave your payment (get change if you need it).

The camp does not typically provide refrigeration or heating for lunches brought to camp from home.
 

It Takes A Community –Summer camp teaches and enforces a wide variety skills that may or may not be learned in the classroom.  While playing sports activities, the children are learning about working together as a team and beginning to better understand their bodies.  When doing art projects, their creative sides are being further developed. When listening quietly to instructions, they are learning self control.  One could go on and on about the benefits of camp, but we feel we can offer this and more.

The Summer Club staff feel a certain obligation to teach and encourage a variety of healthy habits, including washing hands before eating and choosing nutritious items.  We are doing our part to educate and properly nourish our future by providing all of our campers with fresh milk (we'll pick up the extra cost) and trying  to provide wholesome snacks, including a variety of different fruits. If you have any suggestions to improve our lunch options, we really want to hear them!
 

Please Keep Some Foods At Home (peanuts, etc.): In past years we have had an increasing number of children with severe, life-threatening allergies to peanuts & cashews.  While it is understood that it is impossible to make as public a place as a camp completely safe for children who have life threatening allergies, we can try to make it a safer place for these children...with your help.   Please refrain from sending your child to camp with products containing the above products (M&M's, brownies, PB&J sandwiches, etc.). 

A peanut/nut sensitive environment is one where peanut and nut products are avoided. Foods that carry the warning, “May Contain Nuts” are okay to bring to camp, (even though they are unsafe for the peanut and nut allergic children), as the risk of contamination of these products with peanuts or nuts is low.  However, if possible, please leave even these foods at home.

Avoiding nuts is not enough for anyone that has a nut allergy. Even tiny amounts of nut residue on table tops, toys, books, and playground equipment can be harmful and potentially fatal. Nut residue will remain on a surface until it has been thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.

As safety is by far our #1 priority, we will provide your child with a free camp hot lunch if it is an inconvenience for your family to use peanut-free products.  Please contact us ahead of time if you would like to pursue this option.  What would you do if it was your child who was allergic?  What steps would you want us to take to protect your child?
 

New Campers – We recommend that new campers, who may have difficulty transitioning, arrive at around 9:30 as we usually bring the entire group together and split into groups around 9:45/10:00.  If your child is new or is having any difficulties adjusting, please let the front desk staff know and they will pair him/her up with a camper or staff buddy to help smooth the transition.  Please remind us each day your child may need an extra little boost - it can make a large difference in their day if we can start them off on a good note.

Camp Attire – Loads of sunscreen & closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. While we do encourage the use of smocks, some of our activities and arts + crafts can get a wee bit messy, so please dress your child appropriately. Please try to bring your key-chain nametag to camp each day which indicates their lunch preferences, awards earned, etc.  

Lost Or Forgotten Nametags: Near the check-in desk we have a container with lost nametags and awards.  It is not uncommon for children to occasionally forget their nametags...if this happens, just ask the front desk staff for a temporary nametag.  If your child leaves his/her nametag at home, please make sure they have a new lunch sticker on one of our temporary nametags in order to help ensure they receive their hot lunch.  

Camper Reminders – If your child has medications or needs to be reminded to re-apply sunscreen or eat their carrots, please bring a note with you to camp. Regardless, we try to apply sunscreen to all campers after lunch on hot days and constantly remind the (younger) children to use the bathroom.
 

Trips Off Campus – On Tuesdays we go on either on walk to “The Cove”, “downtown Strawberry” or on a short hike to get ice cream – our treat! Once a week, the entering 2^nd –6^th graders will go off campus to go swimming. In addition, the camp may walk to the Strawberry Recreation District (next door) and on trails around the school and/or Richardson Bay on a regular basis. Occasional excursions to the Strawberry Shopping Center (we walk) may also occur. See the weekly schedule for other trips off campus.  Please see our on-line calendar for weekly schedules and check the check-in monitor for last minute announcements. 

The seniors (entering 5th and 6th graders) along with some entering 4th graders are given the option to take public transportation, a van, chartered bus, staff vehicle or bike to a variety of off-campus sites including, but not limited to San Rafael (Class 5 rock climbing gym), San Francisco, Rohnert Park (Q-Zar Laser Tag), etc.

Please see the "Field Trips" link to learn about other field trips for the 2nd-6th grade students.

Swim Day: Weather permitting, we're off to go swimming at the Tam High School Pool on Thursday afternoons. Remember to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel.  Pick up will be as normal, at Strawberry Point.

Children are not required to participate in Swim Day, but we recommend sending your child with the above supplies as experience shows us minds can change...especially when they see the fun we're having! Non swimmers may come along 'for the ride' and participate in other activities while at Tam High or remain on-site under the supervision of the Camp Doodles staff..

A school bus & driver will be chartered to drive us there and back. We will probably be off-site from around 1:00 - 3:40, just in time to make it back for the daily slideshow!  Certified lifeguards will be present and many of our camp staff members will either be in the pool or around the edges watching the children.

Many parents are nervous about having their children in a pool without their direct supervision. We are confident that if you come by and see how we organize the swim day and supervision of the pool, your fears will be eased or eliminated. Parents are more than welcome to come and watch us having a good time. Bring a suit, if you want!!

We typically show a video after Swim/Water Day as everyone is exhausted from a long day playing in the sun. Children who do not want to watch the video can do other activities quietly.