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GENERAL INFORMATION Emergencies How will I know if camp is unexpectedly closed for the day?

In the event of an emergency camp closing, we will send an email to all camp families and post information on the GA Summer Programs website home page. If the closing occurs after camp is in session for the day, we will contact all camper families by telephone to make necessary dismissal arrangements.

What if there is an emergency involving my child?

We will use the emergency contact information you provided when you registered for camp to contact you.

Please check your online account for accuracy and inform us of changes during the summer.

Camp Rules Campers are expected to demonstrate respect and good behavior. Failure to follow the rules may result in dismissal from camp without a refund. Please read and review the following rules with your child before camp starts!  Listen to staff and follow directions.  Respect others’ property—Stealing and vandalism are not allowed.  Use polite language—Profanity is not allowed.  Respect others’ space—Hitting and pushing are not allowed.

Also, please be aware of the following campus policies: Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the Germantown Academy campus.

Firearms are not allowed.

The speed limit on campus is 5 miles per hour. Cell phone use while driving is not allowed on our campus.

Visitors must check in at a Welcome Center or at the Summer Programs Office.

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Clothing Please check the page for your child’s program for specific clothing and equipment needed. Every camper should wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for their program, including shoes that are comfortable and safe for walking.

In most cases, flip-flops, sandals, and “crocs” are not recommended. Campers wearing this type of footwear are not allowed to participate in many of our outdoor activities. “Wheelies”, or shoes with wheels in the soles, are not allowed at camp.

Electronic devices at camp We believe friendship and interactive activities are important components of the camp experience. Therefore, campers are discouraged from bringing cell phones, iPods, and electronic games to camp, unless the parent believes it is necessary for the time period after camp is over. Campers are expected to keep all electronic devices turned off until camp is dismissed. Our staff are not responsible in the event personal electronic devices become lost or stolen at camp.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Lunch and Snacks Children expend a great deal of energy at camp, regardless of the program they are attending. Please be sure your child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast. Campers staying for a full day may bring their lunch, or you may order a sack lunch for your child by logging into your camper’s online account. Pizza is also available. Check with your child’s camp director for snack policies pertaining to his or her program.

Most campers eat their lunch outside, picnic-style. Some combo campers eat lunch in the dining room at 12:00 during the transition between their morning and afternoon programs. Lunch time is always supervised.

In order to assure that everyone stays hydrated and healthy, every camper should bring a labeled water bottle to camp every day. Water coolers are located throughout the campus. In the interest of conserving natural resources, we generally do not provide cups for water; campers are expected to use their water bottles.

Lost and Found Please label your child’s belongings. When we find misplaced items, we return them to the rightful owner if they are labeled. Check with your child’s camp director as soon as you discover something missing.

We will hold lost and found items at the Summer Programs office. After the close of camp every Friday, we donate the lost and found items to a worthy cause.

Counselor Gratuities Our high school and college-age staff choose to work at summer programs for the joy of being with children and the love of sharing their skills with others. They perform this work because they enjoy the rewards inherent with developing relationships and fostering growth in children. We welcome you to express your appreciation for your child’s care givers by presenting them with gifts or monetary tips at the end of your child’s program.

Communication Our #1 priority is assuring a safe and enriching experience for children. If you need to speak to someone regarding your child, kindly leave a message in the summer programs office and someone will return your call. Sending an email to your child’s camp director is also a good way to communicate. Please keep in mind that counselors and coaches who are responsible for the direct care of children generally do not have time to speak with parents during the camp day. However, we will be happy to arrange a conversation with the appropriate administrator or make a phone appointment for a more convenient time. To assure our email messages are delivered properly to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), add summer@gacamp.org to your Address Book or Safe List.

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