FAQs
Can my child go up an age group to be with his/her school friends or sibling?
We always recommend that your child stay with children his/her age, however friends can be together, we just recommend that the older children drop down to the younger child’s age group.
What do the various animal group names mean?
The animal names are purely a fun way to differentiate between groups. Rather than saying group 1, 2, 3, etc., we give them an animal name to make it easier to remember. There is no difference in these groups and all groups will do the same things, just at different times throughout the week.
How do I get my child in the same group as his/her friend?
Early registration is the key to grouping friends together. The sooner you group two friends together, the better your chances. We have a limit to the number of campers that can be in a group, based upon ACA requirements. Each group at camp has an animal name (for example: Rhinos, Rabbits, and Bears…OH MY). Select a group then tell your friends to join that group. There are no guarantees of availability so early registration increases your chances of getting a friend together with your child.
What is the refund or schedule change policy?
In order to reserve dates, parents are made aware that they will pay a non-refundable deposit. Tuition refunds may be made prior to final balance due date that is typically in late May/early June (less the $300 deposit withheld). While we are aware that plans may change for families, we must plan our summer operations and expenses based upon the contract parents make upon registering, it is for this reason that we do not offer refunds of any sort after June 1st. If your child is having difficulties at camp, please see a Director immediately so that we can assist in helping your child succeed at camp. Schedule changes may be made two weeks in advance of the proposed date change; however we cannot guarantee that dates you may wish to switch to are available. There is a nominal $25 schedule change fee applied if a schedule change is able to be made.
Can I get a copy of my camper’s schedule?
You are always welcome to ask any of our staff to see the schedule for the week. Our weekly schedule is not finalized until the Friday beforehand so that we can accommodate for our most up-to-date enrollment and staffing needs. However, factors beyond our control, like wind and rain, may still impact each group’s schedule.
What if my camper gets sick and cannot make it that day?
We appreciate that you have invested in our program. Illness isn’t something anyone can plan for. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer makeup days at this time, as we plan and staff according to our enrollment. If your child has a serious long term illness or disability that will prevent participation, please notify our office and speak to a Director.
Can I join my child for a portion of the day?
We have the best parents in the world. They are caring, fun, and want what is best for their child. Just like the silly old rabbit on the Trix cereal commercial, “Sorry Parents, Camp is for kids”. Children participate best when they experience the wonders of camp, on their own. Unfortunately, for your child’s safety and the safety of all of our campers, we cannot have parents join their camper for the day. Rest assured, if your child is having separation difficulties and we are not able to rectify the situation, we will call home.
How do I change my child’s group?
All group changes must be submitted in writing and require a 2 week notice. All changes are subject to availability and incur a $25 change fee. No changes are guaranteed until you receive confirmation from Camp James and you will not be charged if the change is not possible
Can my child go up or down an age group to be with his/her school friends?
We always recommend that your child stay with children his/her age, however friends can be together, we just recommend that the older children drop down to the younger child’s age group. Children can only go up or down one year in a particular age group.
What is your tax id number?
Thanks for asking! Our Tax ID number is 330282966.
My camper is only interested in doing a particular activity, what days do they do it?
Our camp is all about enjoying a variety of experiences. The schedule for each group changes each week. Each group will have the opportunity to experience all the activities camp has to offer throughout the week.
Things That Bug me about Camp James
We do not overfill our groups.
We are accredited through the American Camp Association. We follow certain guidelines and rules for the safety of our campers, including group ratios. We will not make exceptions to this rule as it would be in breach of our safety guidelines and put our campers at undue risk.
We are a cell free environment.
We request that campers leave their cell phones, watches, and tablets at home as these devices reduce in person interactions and the devices may be lost, stolen, or end up at the bottom of the bay. Have your child unplug for the day and practice social skills.
We do not give refunds.
While we are aware that plans may change for families, we must plan our summer operations and expenses based upon the contract parents make upon registering. It is for this reason that we do not offer refunds of any sort after June 1st. If your child is having difficulties at camp, please see a Director immediately so that we can assist in helping your child succeed at camp.
We charge extra after 4:30 PM.
Our Regular Camp Hours are 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cancellations or changes to your schedule must be done at least 2 weeks in advance in order to receive a credit.
With only 10 weeks out of the year to run our business and limited space in each group, we are unable to offer credit (or refund) if you cannot attend as scheduled. However, credit can be applied if we are given at least 2 weeks written notice before the first date in question. Even better, if you know your desired new dates and request that at the time of the change you can keep your original tuition rate (for those that booked at reduced rates) if space is available on your new dates.
We do more than just Water Park all day long.
Each day your child will have 4 activities, including at least one water activity a day. We do this to ensure a well rounded camp experience and to make sure each camper has a chance to shine.
If you are interested in taking your child to the Water Park for a full day we recommend contacting the Newport Dunes Water Sports for pricing.
Your camper will come home dirty (sometimes very dirty) and tired.
Your camper will come home dirty (sometimes very dirty) and tired.
An adult needs to check in each camper each day, and pick up each day (with a pick up code).
We are committed to keeping your campers accounted for. For this reason we want to make sure we know when your camper is here. You may use our Drive Thru Drop Off or walk your child in each morning. At the end of the day you will need to park, walk into camp and check out at the front entrance as well as with your child’s counselor. If you are dropping off a late camper, you must be prepared to check them in and do some walking to escort them to their group (which might be far from base camp).
The Staff have weird names, I don’t get it.
If you “don’t get it” it is likely because you are living in the Muggle World. Yes, our staff have magical camp only nicknames (ex. Legend, Cocoa, Northshore, Koda, Grey Squirrel, etc). Kids love whimsey and so do we.
