Summer Camp FAQs

Who will manage my child's camp group? What are your camp ratios?

Each camp group is lead by one or two year-round or seasonal adult counselors. Two teenage volunteer camp aides are scheduled to assist the counselor.

Seedlings Half-Day Camps for Ages 4-6 - 1 staff : 2 aides : 6 campers
Saplings Full-Day Camps for Ages 6-7 - 2 staff : 2 aides : 12 campers
Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 8-9 - 1 staff : 2 aides : 12 campers
Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 10-12 - 1 staff : 2 aides : 12 campers
Overnight Camp for Ages 11-15 - 2 staff : 2 aides : 10 campers

What activities occur during the week? Will my child travel offsite?

Seedlings Half-Day campers will participate in activities onsite at Briar Bush. Saplings Full-Day campers will participate in activities onsite, but may also walk to Highland Elementary School to utilize the playground and field. Most activities will directly relate to the camp theme, but campers can always look forward to general summer fun, animal encounters, guided hikes, pond exploration, and visiting the Bird Observatory regardless of the theme.

Campers in Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 8-9 and 10-12 will participate in some activities at Briar Bush, but will mostly travel in our vans to regional places of interest to participate in activities such as hiking, kayaking, creek-walking, farm tours, and more. Review the camp descriptions for more information. Be sure to assess your child's interests and abilities before registering as your child may not have the opportunity to sit out of certain activities.

Can I register my child for multiple weeks of the same theme?

Summer Camp at Briar Bush Nature Center is a partial summer program option. Children cannot be registered for the same theme more than once. Children registered for more than one week per theme will be removed from the duplicate week.

How can I best prepare for Summer Camp Registration?

In order to best prepare for Summer Camp Registration, be sure to fully review the offerings and have your camp choices ready to go.

As most camps fill at the opening of Members-Only Registration, it may be in your best interest to purchase a FOBB Membership (at the Household Level or above) to have access to registration before the general public. It is recommended to purchase a membership in advance of registration so you will just need to focus on signing waivers/policies and selecting camps at that time.

If you do not already have an account with our online registration system, create an account, purchase or renew your membership, and practice navigating the system so you are prepared for registration. However, please be aware that our camps fill VERY quickly and you may not be able to secure a camp spot even if you've purchased a membership and prepared in advance. If this is the case, join the waiting list during registration.

Will I receive additional information about my child’s camp(s)?

Yes, after camp registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt of the order and the Camp Handbook attached. Approximately two to three weeks before your child's scheduled camp week, you will receive a Camp Itinerary via email that outlines general camp activities, specific field trip locations, as well as some preparation reminders.

Do I need to complete a medical form?

Yes, you must complete a medical form after camp registration. In the confirmation email, you will find a link to our electronic medical form in the highlighted section. We must have this form completed before the start of the summer in order for your child to participate. The medical form also includes a pick-up authorization section as we check IDs at pick-up. Only one form is required for the camp season.

How do I drop-off and pick-up for camp?

We implement a carline for drop-off and pick-up. It is policy for our staff to check photo ID at pickup. If you need to pick-up early or have another adult pick-up who is not on the authorization list, please contact the Program and Summer Camp Director.

What should my child wear and bring to camp?

Your child should dress for outdoor play - it’s nature camp and we’re going to get wet and dirty! Your child should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes/sandals. Flip-flops and other open-toed shoes are not permitted due to safety concerns.

Send your child to camp with a backpack complete with a filled reusable water bottle between 20oz-32oz, snacks, lunch (full-day), full set of extra clothes, pair of water-only closed-toed shoes/sandals, rain jacket, plastic bag for wet/dirty clothing, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Personal items such as toys, games, and stuffed animals should be left at home.

What if it rains?

In the case of rain, campers will put on their rain gear and keep exploring! We seek shelter in heavy rain, thunderstorms, and excessive heat. We will contact families in the event of cancellation or early dismissal due to extreme weather conditions.

What if my child is sick?

If your child isn’t feeling well, please keep your child home and report the absence. If your child isn’t feeling well at camp, we will notify you for early pick-up.

What are the expectations for camper behavior?

Staff, volunteers, and participants deserve a safe and enjoyable camp experience. Campers are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior as outlined in our Summer Camp Handbook. Removal from the camp day/program is a possibility depending on the severity and continuation of unacceptable behavior. Our summer camp is an inclusive program in which staff strives to accommodate campers and set them up for success. However, we may not have the capacity for all special medical, behavioral, or social support. Please reach out with any questions regarding support for your child.

If you have any questions, please email Melissa Eldridge, Program and Summer Camp Director, at melissa@briarbush.org.