Summer Camp FAQs

How many campers are within each camp group?

The Seedlings Half-Day Camps for Ages 4-6 have a total of six campers per AM and PM Session. The Saplings Full-Day Camps for Ages 6-7, Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 8-9, and Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 10-12 each have a total of twelve campers per session. Overnight Camp for Ages 11-15 has a total of 10 campers.

Who will be overseeing my child's camp group?

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

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

Children in the Seedlings Half-Day Camps for Ages 4-6 will participate in activities onsite at Briar Bush Nature Center. Children in the Saplings Full-Day Camps for Ages 6-7 will participate in activities onsite, but will also walk to Highland Elementary School to utilize the playground and field. Most activities will relate to the camp theme, but campers can always look forward to live animal encounters, guided hikes, pond exploration, and visiting the Griscom Bird Observatory regardless of the theme.

Children in the Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 8-9 and Full-Day Travel Camps for Ages 10-12 will participate in some activities at Briar Bush Nature Center, but will mostly travel to regional places of interest relating to the camp theme to participate in activities such as kayaking, tree-climbing, hiking, creek-walking, farm tours, and more. These camps will utilize the Briar Bush vans in which all passengers are required to wear seat belts. If your child requires a booster seat, note this on the medical form. 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 Summer Camp Registration before the general public. It is recommended to purchase a membership in advance of registration so you will just need to select 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 spot even if you've purchased a membership and prepared in advance. If this is the case, please call to be added to the waiting list.

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 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 at least three weeks before your child’s scheduled camp week in order to participate. This 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. Drive down the one-way parking lot and stop at the garage to check-in with camp staff. 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 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 shorts/pants, a t-shirt, and closed-toed shoes or sandals. Flip-flops or other open-toed shoes are not allowed due to safety concerns.

What should my child bring to camp?

Your child should come to camp with a backpack complete with a filled reusable water bottle between 20oz-32oz, snacks, lunch (Full-Day Campers), a full set of extra clothes, a pair of water-only closed-toed shoes/sandals, rain jacket, a plastic bag for wet/dirty clothing, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Personal items such as toys, games, stuffed animals, etc. 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 stay home and report the absence. If your child isn’t feeling well at camp, we will notify you and early pick-up may be necessary.

Should I be concerned about poison ivy or ticks?

Our camp staff is trained to identify and avoid hazards like poison ivy and ticks, and they teach the campers these skills as well. However, be sure to check your child for ticks after each camp day.

If you have any questions,

please call Briar Bush at (215) 887-6603.