Frequently Asked Questions….
What are Great Kids Camps?
Great Kids Camps is an exciting new full-day camp program started by the founders of Andy’s Parties and the Kaleidoscope Enrichment Program. Taking the best components of each proven model, Great Kids Camps partners with first class facilities to develop high-caliber full day camps.
Where are Great Kids Camps Programs held?
Great Kids Camps are held at various locations with first class camp facilities – pools and sports fields, for example. The flagship camp is enrolling at the beautiful Lansdowne Resort near Ashburn, VA.
How many years has Great Kids Camps been in business?
The programming used for Great Kids Camps has been proven for the past 3 years as part of the Andy’s Parties Kaleidoscope Enrichment Programs. For the past two years, Andy’s Parties has used these programs to implement mini-camps at its Centers. Summer 2008 is the first year for the exciting full-day combination of these programs at first-class facilities leading to Great Kids Camps!
Who are the Camp Counselors?
Great Kids Camps Counselors are the same fun, energetic staff members from Andy’s Parties! The staff members work with Andy’s Parties on weekends (and sometimes during the week) during the school year, and lead the camps during the summer! You will also be assigned a senior staff member – a Camp Director – with additional management responsibilities.
What is the weekly cost for Great Kids Camps?
Each GKC location has a different cost structure based on the length of the camp day, food service, and facility amenities. Please refer to your registration package for specific cost information.
What does the standard registration fee include?
The $25 one-time registration fee includes your camp tote bag and t-shirt, as well as processing fees.
How do I register for Great Kids Camps programs?
Refer to www.greatkidscamps.net for specific registration information for your camp location. Please call us with any questions!!
Can I register for just one week of camp?
For Summer 2008, you are able to register for just one week or for several weeks. You do not need to register for the entire summer. However, for the Elite Arts Camp or Total Sports Camp, camper projects may extend beyond the end of a week, so summer-long registration is recommended to take full advantage of the programming for those camps.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
At Camp Orientation, your child will be given an official Great Kids Camp personalized tote bag that he/she will need to carry back and forth to camp each day. Please make sure you clearly mark your child’s name on every item in your tote bag. In your bag each day, your child will need:
· One or two bathing suits (most campers will have two swim sessions each day.)
· One or two swim towels
· Change of clothing including socks (just in case!)
· Water bottle
· Sunscreen
· Any medication (clearly noted with instructions. Please note we also need the medication administration form on file if you send ANY medicine or medicated ointments to camp)
· Any special snacks or alternate lunch that your child needs. (Our lunch menu is posted online)
· Rainy-day gear if there’s a chance of inclement weather – long pants, raincoat, closed-toe shoes.
What should my child wear to camp each day?
Each day, your child should wear:
· Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing such as shorts and t-shirts
· Comfortable sneakers with socks
· (optional) brimmed hat to keep sun out of your child’s eyes while outside
Do I NEED to attend the pre-camp orientation?
It is highly recommended that you and your child attend one of the scheduled pre-camp orientation sessions. At that session, you will meet your camp director and receive your official camp tote bag, t-shirt and any additional information you need specific to your camp.
What do you do at camp when it rains?
Our counselors will have a “bag of tricks” ready for rainy days! We will be able to conduct most of our themed programming indoors; however, for those activities that require outdoor facilities, we will substitute movie screenings, additional craft projects, indoor movement activities, and indoor game time.
What do you do at camp when it’s an unhealthy air quality day?
Our counselors will also have a “bag of tricks” ready for when the children need to stay inside for air quality days. “Code orange” days will allow the kids the stay outside, but not be as active as usual, so we will have more crafts and games that they can play in the shade without running as much as usual. “Code red” days will require the kids to stay inside more. We will be able to conduct most of our themed programming indoors; however, for those activities that require outdoor facilities, we will substitute movie screenings, additional craft projects, indoor movement activities, and indoor game time.
What do you do at camp when it’s too hot to be outside?
We have no specific policy regarding a temperature at which it’s too hot to be outside. We take into account the daily air quality and the ability to be in the pools and shaded areas before deciding to keep the children indoors.
What is the camp registration cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, once you have reserved your child’s space in a camp with payment, we cannot approve refunds for any reason. We can, however, with two weeks notice, apply your camp fee to another camp week pending availability.
What if my child is sick? Can my fee be refunded?
Unfortunately, once you have reserved your child’s space in a camp with payment, we cannot approve refunds for any reason.
Can you administer medication to my child?
Great Kids Camps will make every attempt to ensure that your child’s medical needs are met during camp hours. Please make sure to fill out the necessary paperwork for any medication your child may need during camp, giving our staff permission to administer the medication. We will also ensure that at least one on-site senior staff person, from GKC or the camp venue, is trained to use an epi-pen. For questions about medical needs, please call us.
Who do I call if I have questions while my child is attending camp?
You can always call GKC headquarters at 866-677-8676 (which forwards to multiple people to best serve you) or call your camp program director (phone number will be provided at location orientation).
How do I find my child at camp if I need to pick him/her up early?
You will have a general itinerary for your child’s day. Occasionally, the children will deviate from their daily schedule for special programming or because of weather. You will always be able to contact your on-site camp program director to quickly find your child at camp.
Do the camp counselors accept tips at the end of my child’s time at camp?
Yes. Our counselors strive to make your child’s camp week(s) fun and exciting! If they do a great job for you and your kids, tips are customary.
Is Great Kids Camps licensed to operate camp programs?
In the State of Virginia, each location must be licensed individually and annually, and we are currently finalizing the 2008 licensing process for Lansdowne Resort.