F.A.Q.s
Q: What are the counselors’ qualifications?
A: All of our counselors are college-age students who undergo a week of training prior to the start of camp. They all must successfully complete and pass a background check and the National Sex Offender website check. All of the staff are certified in First Aid, CPR and AED. Some have additional specialty training such as our swim instructors who are American Red Cross Trained Water Safety Instructors. We also have teachers on staff to help teach our specialized areas.
Q: What are the age group breakdowns?
A: We split the children up into 3 different age groups that may be divided even further into smaller groups depending on the number of children. The breakdown is as follows:
- Kindergarten-1st grade
- 2nd-3rd graders
- 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
Q: How many counselors are with each group?
A: We follow the American Camp Association (ACA) ratios of staff to children. 1:6 for Kindergarden-1st graders, 1:8 for 2nd-3rd graders and 1:10 for 4-6th graders. Activities with a higher risk (such as trips) will have additional and specialized staffing. There are always a minimum of 2 staff members for each group.
Q: Is there a certified nurse on staff?
A: Rutgers Rec Kids Day Camp will have at least 1 certified nurse at camp during regular camp hours. Our nurse will handle the dispensing of all medication. A medical history and a medicine release form allowing our nurse to dispense medication will be included in the online information packet you will receive after your registration. The release form, if needed, must be completed by a physician. Up-to-date physicals signed by your child’s physician, along with up-to-date immunization records will be needed.
Q: What is the procedure in the event of a medical emergency?
A: In case of a medical emergency, the nurse or staff would treat the injury on site. If necessary, local emergency services would be contacted. A staff member will accompany your child to one of 2 local hospitals of your choice, and stay with your child until you, or your designee, arrive.
Q: Must my child wear the Rutgers Rec Kids Day Camp t-shirt and sneakers everyday?
A: No, your child will be provided with a camp t-shirt that they MUST wear only on their trip day. Campers must wear sneakers or other comfortable closed-toed shoes everyday. We don’t recommend flip flops or other slip-on shoes.
Q: What should I send with my child each day?
A: Each day, please pack the following; a lunch and beverage, 1-2 towels, 1-2 bathing suits, sunscreen, a hat (or both), a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes (optional), and a plastic bag for wet items. Please label all items with your child’s first initial and last name.
Q: Do you offer swim instruction?
A: Instructional swim is taught on a daily basis. Campers are evaluated and assigned to a group based on their skill level. We maintain a 1:3 ratio for beginner level swimmers, 1:5 ratio for all other level swimmers.
Q: How many periods a day does my child have swim?
A: Your child will have instructional swim once a day and free swim once a day as well. They will not have swim on the day they go on a field trip.
Q: What are the qualifications of your pool staff?
A: Our swim instructors are all American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. These are the same quality instructors that teach in our RU Rec Kids Swim Program. In addition, American Red Cross certified Lifeguards guard the pool during Free Swim periods.
Q: Since lunch is sent from home, will it be refrigerated?
A: Yes! All lunches are refrigerated upon arrival at camp if your child wants it. Most campers use insulated bags. However, for camp trips we suggest sending lunch in a disposable brown bag. Please make sure that your child’s first initial and last name is written on the bag.
Q: What kinds of snacks are provided?
A: A list of snacks will be provided prior to each week of camp. This way if your child has any allergies or special dietary needs, you can send a substitute snack so he/she can still enjoy a snack with the rest of camp. Snacks are provided in each afternoon. You must provide a snack for the morning.
Q: Are the children provided with water during the day?
A: Yes! The camp has chilled water fountains throughout the indoor facility and will have ice water cooler stations available outdoors as well. We encourage you to send a refillable water bottle with your child to camp so that we can minimize the use of disposable cups and the impact that we have on the environment.
Q: Do you have any special events?
A: Each week has a unique theme and corresponding Special Event. Past events have included a Carnival, Wet and Wild Day, Barnyard Bonanza, Game Show Extravaganza, Scavenger Hunt, and Color Games.
Q: Will you take my child off premises?
A: Yes, but not without your knowledge and consent. Each week, except the 4th of July Week, includes a trip. You will be well informed of any other off campus excursions.
Q: Is transportation to camp available?
A: We’re sorry. We are unable to offer transportation to and from camp. Parents are responsible for getting their child to and from camp each day.
Q: Is Pre-Care or After-Care Available?
A: Yes, you can drop your child off as early as 7:45am and pick up as late at 5:30pm. There are no additional fees to do so. The actual camp day program runs from 9am-4:15pm.
Q: What is included in the weekly camp cost?
A: Below are some of the many perks included at camp but not all:
- Camp t-shirt to be worn on trip days
- We provide an afternoon snack, you provide a morning snack
- 1 field trip/week/age group, except for 4th of July week
- Swim lessons 1/day (except for trip days)
- Free swim 1/ day (except for trip days)
- Activities throughout the day
Q: What if I need to pick up my child early?
A: The early pick-up procedure is relatively easy. In the morning, during sign-in please give a note to the front desk. This note should contain your child’s name and time of pick-up. If someone other than you is picking up your child, please provide the name of that person in your note. This person should have a photo ID with them. Your child will be ready in the Sign-In/Sign-Out area at the requested time. Your child must be met and signed out at the front desk.
Q: What if my child won’t be coming to camp or will be coming late?
A: We would appreciate a phone call letting us know that your child is ill or injured or you will be late. If we don’t hear from you, we will start calling you at 9am to see if your child is out sick. You must sign your child in and out at the front desk for late drop off or early pick up.
Q: What COVID-19 precautions do you have in place?
A: Rutgers Rec Kids Summer Camp will operate under Rutgers University COVID-19 policies and procedures along with the CDC and ACA (American Camping Association) recommendations.
