Frequently Asked Questions

• Structured camp is from 9:00am-4:00pm daily.
• Drop-off begins at 7:30am and pick-up goes until 6:00pm.

Each day of camp brings new adventures! For the most part, every week there will be a similar schedule that looks like this: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are days at camp that will include, 2 snacks, lunch, and lots of activities, games, crafts, and special guests. Typically field trips are on Tuesdays and Thursdays which means half of the day we're off-site and the other half of the day will be spent at camp. We tried to plan one inside field trip and one outside one each week! We will send out weekly newsletters to let you know what we have planned, where we're going, what to bring to camp, what to expect, and any other updates for the week.

• Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 7:30am-6:00pm.
• Organized, structured time will be 9:00am-4:00pm daily. We prefer that children be dropped off at camp prior to 9:00am and not picked up before 4:00pm to minimize staff’s time away from organized, structured time.
• Children must be walked to the door by an adult each morning and signed in. If a staff member is not by the door, please ring the doorbell to alert us you are out there.
• An adult, listed on your child’s authorized pick-up list, must come to the door and sign out your child each afternoon. If a staff member is not by the door, please ring the doorbell to alert us you are out there.
• The staff will only release your child to those listed on the Camper’s Authorized Pick-Up List.
• If the staff does not recognize you or the person picking up your child, a photo I.D. will be required before a child is released into your/their custody.
• Any changes to the pick-up list must be made in person or in writing. Changes will not be allowed by telephone; this includes additions and deletions.
• If you would like someone not listed on the registration form to pick up your child, you must make the changes in person or in writing by stating who will be picking him/her up and a contact telephone number.
• These policies have been established for your child’s safety. Please be sure to let us know when someone not listed on the Camper Information Form will be signing out your child.

• Campers are split into 2 age groups: 5-7 year old's and 8-12 year old's.
• There may be times during the day that we are altogether but, for the most part we are split into groups.
• All campers are together on bus rides to and from field trips.
• If a camper turns 8 during the middle of the summer, we will make the decision with the parents to decide which group they think their child would thrive better in!

If your child is on medication, please make every effort to give it to them outside of camp hours. If that is not possible, we can administer the medication.

• A Permission to Administer Medication form must be completed before staff may administer medication.
• Medication must be in its original medicine bottle or package.
• It must be clearly labeled with your child’s name on it, name of the medication, dosage amount and prescribing doctor. We will keep medication locked up at all times.

• Campers Cell Phone Policy: We prefer and highly recommend that your child not have a cell phone at camp. It can be a distraction and cause issues among campers. If you feel it necessary for your child to have a cell phone at camp, it should be turned off and must remain in their bag throughout the day. The camp will have a phone available for communication between a child and parent, when needed.
• Staff Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones are only permitted for emergencies and/or to contact other staff members (when walkie talkies aren’t available). While on duty, staff must refrain from texting and cell phone use. If they need to make a phone call or send a text, they must get permission from the Recreation Program Supervisor or the Camp Assistant Director. If they do need to step away to make a call, you must ensure another staff member is present with campers before doing so. Staff members are allowed to have their phones during field trips but, must refrain from using them on the bus or when children are in their care. Staff should not use persona; phone to take pictures or videos of the campers.

While we strive to create an inclusive environment, our ability to accommodate children with special needs may be limited by staffing and available resources. We encourage you to reach out to discuss your child's specific needs so we can better understand how we may be able to support them within our current capabilities.

Yes! Payment in full is due the Thursday prior to camp starting however, we can set up a payment plan starting before the summer to pay portions at a time. Please email parksandrec@pendercountync.gov to set this up!

• Enrollment in summer camp is open to any Pender County resident or non-resident, ages 5 - 12.
• Camp fees are $175.00 per week per camper. (There is a discount for additional family members living in the same household). A deposit of $25 per week is due at time of registration which is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• An invoice will be emailed to you on Tuesday prior to the week your child will be attending camp. You may pay online, by check or money order payable to Pender County Parks and Recreation Department (PCPRD). A fee of $25.00 (payable by money order) will be assessed for checks returned by the bank for insufficient funds. If two returned checks are received, payment by money order is required thereafter.
• Payment is due by Thursday prior to the week your child will be attending camp. The weekly rate will not be adjusted for any absences unless they were due to unforeseen circumstances such as a serious accident, hospitalization or illness of five (5) or more days.
• If an account becomes delinquent of two (2) weeks, your child will be withdrawn from the program unless prior arrangements have been made in writing with the Parks and Recreation Supervisor or the Summer Camp Director.
• No refunds will be given unless Pender County Parks and Recreation must cancel camp.
• Campers suspended for behavior management problems are not eligible for a refund.

Click HERE to see Pender County Parks and Recreation's Refund Policy.

If a camper feels homesick and is missing their family, we do our best to offer comfort and keep them engaged with games and activities. In some cases, we may invite them to become a "helper," which allows them to stay close to a counselor while still participating in group activities. If you know your child is prone to homesickness, please share any helpful strategies on the Medical Form under the section "Please list anything that staff may need to know to help make a good camp experience for your child." We will make every effort to support them before reaching out to home, as sometimes just hearing a familiar voice is all they need.

Behavior Management and Discipline Policy

At Pender County Parks and Recreation, bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Bullying is when one or more people exclude, tease, taunt, gossip, hit, kick, or put down another person with the intent to hurt another. Our Camp philosophy is based on our mission statement, which ensures every camper has the opportunity to have a constructive, safe, and fun environment. Unfortunately, persons who are bullied may not have the same potential to get the most out of their camp experience, which is why our leadership and camp staff addresses all incidents of bullying seriously. Working together as a team to identify and manage bullying, we will ensure campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories.

Pender County Parks and Recreation staff will use positive behavior management techniques that are developmentally appropriate. The use of corporal punishment and physical activity as discipline is strictly prohibited.

Behavior Management Techniques

Pender County Parks and Recreation Staff will:

• Involve the children in the development of the “house rules.”
• Maintain consistent behavior expectations.
• Guide children by setting clear, consistent, and fair limits for program behavior.
• Use natural and logical consequences.
• Redirect children to a more acceptable behavior or activity.
• Modify and structure the environment to attempt to prevent problems before they occur.
• Use positive reinforcement, including a positive behavior recognition program.
• Make eye contact and listen when children talk about their feelings and frustrations.
• Guide children to resolve their own conflicts using conflict resolution skills.
• Use effective praise that is immediate, sincere, and specific.
• Periodically evaluate the program, volunteers, and staff to ensure the environment is not contributing to behavior problems.

Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Behavior requiring constant attention from staff.
• Behavior that may threaten the physical or emotional wellbeing of others.
• Behavior abusing the staff and/ignoring or disobeying the rules.
• Name calling/threatening.
• Physical bullying/fighting such as pushing, spitting, tripping, pinching, pulling, groping, biting, and punching.
• Inappropriate exposure.
• Foul language.
• Stealing.
• Not following directions.

Discipline Action Steps

Pender County Parks and Recreation Staff will utilize the following disciplinary steps in normal circumstances. More dire situations will result in steps being skipped which could result in immediate suspension.

1. Staff will attempt to redirect behavior.

2. Staff will discuss undesirable/negative behavior with camper and making better decisions.

3. Camper portraying undesirable/negative behavior will be removed from the activity until they can regain self-control.

4. Communicate verbally or in writing to parent/guardian regarding camper’s undesirable/negative behavior.

5. Meeting between camp director and parent/guardian to enact a Behavior Improvement Plan.

6. Suspension of camper for one or more days.

7. Removal of camper from program for the remainder of the summer. Pender County Parks and Recreation cannot serve children who display chronically disruptive behavior.

If a child cannot adjust to the program setting and behave appropriately, the child may not be able to return to the program. Reasonable efforts will be made to assist children in adjusting to the program setting.

**Campers suspended for behavior management problems are not eligible for a refund.