SUMMER CAMP FAQs
Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and enriching summer day camp
program for school aged youth. Weekly themes have been developed to
guide your child through a week of fun, interesting and meaningful
activities. Through active participation in the Federal Way Summer Camp,
our staff fosters an environment for positive behaviors and habits for
social physical and emotional wellbeing. To make these goals a reality,
the City of Federal Way employs qualified, compassionate staff members
who have a fondness for children and will be a positive influence in their
lives.
What Does A Day At Camp Look Like?
- 7am-9am carpool drop off: Kids will have options of board games, coloring
sheets, minimal movement activities, etc. Backpack in designated group
bin and lunch in designated cooler. - 9am – 3:30pm Kids are in color groups based on the grades the kids will be going into in the fall.
- Groups rotate around FWCC building, participating in activities based upon weekly themes- and projects consisting of arts and crafts, recreation games, swimming and rock climbing (twice a week) and other exciting activities.
- 3:30p-6pm carpool pick up: :ids active play or are inside for a movie. A
weekly newsletter will be provided on Monday with info for the week.
Where Is Pick Up And Drop Off?
Carpool drop off between 7am-9am via carpool lane. A staff member will
open the gate at 7am to meet each car, check in via ePACT.
Carpool pick up between 3:30pm-6pm via carpool lane. A staff member will
open the gate at 3:30pm to meet each car, check out via ePACT and
accompany participants out.
Carpool Lane Entrance – if facing FWCC the road that goes by the grass
area and exiting from behind the building to the roundabout. Cars will be
circle the building counter-clockwise.
What Do I Do If My Child Needs To Be Dropped Off Late Or Picked Up Early?
If drop off / pick up needs to happen outside of carpool lane hours, park
and come into FWCC. Let the front desk know you are here for camp drop
off or camp pick up and they will radio for a camp staff.
What Is The Late Pickup Procedure?
In the event you are going to be late to pick up your camper, please call the
program cell phone 206.255.8706 to inform camp staff. This courtesy call
will not waive the late fee. There will be a late charge of $1.00 per minute per child not picked up by 6pm and increased to $2.00 per minute after 6:30pm. Payments for late-fees are due upon pick-up.
I Signed Up My Child With A Sibling Or Friend, Will They Be In The Same Group?
Kids are assigned to groups based off the grades they are going into in the
fall. All kids going into similar grade are grouped together. This to ensure
groups are playing age appropriate games and activities.
Do I Need To Send Food For My Camper?
Campers need to bring a morning snack and lunch each day. An
afternoon snack will be provided daily. If your camper has special dietary
needs please send an afternoon snack.
How Do I Contact My Child Throughout The Day?
If you have a message for your child, please call the program cell phone at 206.255.8706
What Is The Day Camp Staff To Camper Ratio?
1 counselor to every 12 campers but generally we follow a 1 counselor to 10
campers ratio.
Are Day Camp Staff Trained?
Yes, all day camp staff go are trained on procedures, policies and best ways
to handle discipline.
All camp staff are CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogen trained.
Can Day Camp Staff Administer Medicine?
Staff are unable to administer medication to participants at any recreation
program. Staff can remind campers to take medication. For specific
questions, contact Kimberly Ledyard (kim.ledyard@cityoffederalway.com)
What Happens When A Child Get Injured At Camp?
- Our staff will treat all minor injuries, and parents will be notified at pickup.
- If camp staff determine that a camper should seek further medical
treatment, a parent / guardian will be notified immediately. - All head “bonks” will receive a call to the parent and parent can determine if a child should remain at camp.
What Is The Camp Sunscreen Policy?
Send your camper with their own labeled sunscreen. Ultimately, it is the
parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child is covered with sunscreen
prior to arrive at camp. Our policy is to remind and encourage campers to
wear sunscreen whenever outdoors; however we will not be able to force
children to wear it.
What Is Camp Swimming Procedure?
- Camper will participate in open swim once to twice a week. Kids will
change in the FWCC locker rooms and rinse off prior to entering pool. - Camp staff will monitor campers while changing, as FWCC is a public
facility. - Kids who require a life jacket will wear one until ePACT account has been
updated. - Kids under age 7 will be in arms reach of a day camp counselor at all time in the pool.
- Day camp leaders will be swimming with the kids and additional staff will
be walking around the pool deck. - Camp will always swim during open swim, while lifeguards are on duty.
Will Day Camp Go On Field Trips This Summer?
We are in the process of reviewing field trips for summer camp. Field trips
will be on Wednesdays and busing will be contracted through First Student.
Some field trips will be an on-site field trip (for example, Sub Zero visiting as
a science and treat for the campers).
Field trips are subject to change based of safety of all kids (ex: weather
conditions)
What Should I Send Each Day With My Camper And What Should They Wear?
- Please send morning snack, lunch, water and sunscreen every day.
- We will provide an afternoon snack (if your camper has special dietary
needs please send an afternoon snack. - Send swimsuit and towel every day, we have an outdoor water activity
center that we will be utilizing this summer. - Send children in closed toed shoes every day. They will not be able to run
around and will be difficult to do in flip flops/sandals.
What Should I Make Sure My Camper DOES NOT Bring To Camp?
- Do not allow your child to bring toys and/or valuables (electronics included) unless special arrangements have been made with camp supervisor. Our
facility and staff will not be held responsible for items that are lost, broken or stolen. - Toy weapons, knives and guns are not permitted.
- Do not send money with campers, unless pre-approved by camp supervisor
- Our program does not permit campers to play (unapproved) video games or chew gum during program hours.
Camp staff will not be responsible for holding any items that should not have
been brought to camp.