1)    Where should I drop off and pick up my child from camp?

The drop off/check-in location will be the Social Room located to the left of the pathway behind the tennis courts.  This is where you will check in every morning and pick up at the end of the day.  Please give yourself extra time when dropping off your child as we may need you to complete unfinished paperwork.  All camp staff will be wearing red shirts that say “CAMP STAFF” on the back.

2)   What should my child bring to camp?

Campers should bring a water bottle, sweatshirt/jacket, lunch, and a backpack for all their stuff.  There is plenty of wall hooks outside the room for campers to hang their backpacks.  Camp will provide a morning and afternoon snack.  If your camper would like to participate in free swim, they will need a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.  Goggles are optional as some kids like them when swimming.  It is recommended that toys and stuffed animals from home stay at home. 

3)   What’s a typical camp day like?

Camp hours are 8:30am – 5:30pm.  From 8:30am-10:00am we do free choice in the social room and gym while children are slowly being dropped off.  At 10:00am we sit down in rows and the head teacher explains the different play options for the rest of the morning and tells the children what the morning snack is.  From 10:30am until 12:00pm, children are playing in their chosen areas/activities.  We break for lunch at 12 noon to cool down and re-energize. After lunch, free swim and some new areas/activities are open until 3:00pm.  At 3:00pm we again sit down in rows and the head teacher explains the different play options for the rest of the afternoon and tells the children what the afternoon snack is.  From 3:30pm until 5:00pm, new areas/activities are opened once again.  You may pick your child up at any time during the afternoon but at 5:00pm all children come together in one area to make it easier for pick-up.  All seasonal camps close at 5:30pm.

4)   What is Rec swim and when is it?

Rec swim is a free swim option we provide at no additional cost.  Rec swim is offered on M,T,W, and F in most of our camps.  We usually don’t swim on Thursdays because all campers will have an offsite field trip.  Swim times are TBD but typically happen around 1:30pm. The children can play in a roped off 3ft deep section of the pool, so all swim levels are welcome.  Campers will have to pass a swim test with a lifeguard to leave the 3ft deep play area.  Our staff will assist with changing in/out of swim clothes, but it’s best for your child to be able to do this independently as soon as possible to maximize pool time.   Our staff, as well as our certified lifeguards, are on duty during Rec swim. 

5)   Camp offsite field trips?

Every Thursday all campers will attend an offsite field trip.  Field trip details can be found on the seasonal camp flyer and in the daily activity attachment. Campers will travel to a variety of child-friendly destinations and theme parks.  Children will be broken up into groups of 4-6 kids and assigned a staff member.  Children will remain in their group with their designated staff for the duration of the trip.  Transportation will be provided by a yellow school bus.     

6)    Camp sign in/out process?

The sign in/out clipboards are located by the entrance to our main child-care room called the “Social Room”.  The social room is located to the left of the pathway behind the tennis courts. Parents must sign their child in at drop off and then sign out at pick-up.  We are a licensed child care program so full signatures are required (initials are not accepted).

7)    Camp late fee policy

Our camp closes at 5:30pm every day.  There’s a late pick-up charge of $10.00 per every 5 minutes of care past 5:30pm if you’re late.  You can choose to be billed or make a cash/check payment to the Highlands Recreation Center on-site staff.  If you choose to be billed, payments must be paid in full within 5 days of date issued to avoid further charges.  

8)   What are emergency packets, and do I need to complete one?

Highlands Recreation Center will need ONE emergency packet for each child by their first day of camp.  After School Program/In-Crowd families DO NOT need to complete a new packet, you will only need to sign a waiver on your child’s first day.  If your child attended a different camp with us in the same calendar year, you DO NOT need to complete a new packet.  If you’re not sure, please contact Mike prior to the start of camp.  IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED IN A PACKET YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY UNTIL IT IS COMPLETE.  

9)  Camp staff & ratios?

Our seasonal camps are licensed through the state of California Department of Social Services.  Per licensing we are required to keep child/staff ratios of 14:1 in all play areas.  All ASP staff are over the age of 18 and all have received fingerprint clearance prior to employment.

10)  Camp refunds

Full refunds are available up to one week before camp begins.  The week prior to camp starting, refunds will be given minus $50/child.  Refunds are not available once camp begins.  Refunds/prorating not available for missed days due to illness lasting less than three days.  

11)  If I have any further questions, whom should I contact?

Mike Koenig, K-8 Child Care Director, is happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.  He can be reached at (650) 341-4251 ext. 103 or you can email him at Mikek@highlandsrec.ca.gov.