Q:     How many children are in each group?
A:     Pee Wee (PK & K) campers are divided into group of 12 children with 3 counselors.  Junior (K & 1 graders) and Middle (2 & 3 graders) Camp are divided into groups of approximately 16 children and 3 to 4 staff assigned. Senior Camp and On Wheels groups have approximately 20 children with two counselors.

Q:     Can my child be in a group with his/her friends?
A:     As long as the children have requested to be at the same site, and are in the same grade, we will do our best to group them together. We have mixed-grade groups in Junior and Middle Camps and can usually accommodate requests for kindergarteners and first graders who would like to group together and second and third graders who would like to group together. Consecutive grades in On Wheels and Senior Camp can usually be grouped together as well. Please understand that the later in the registration season it is, the harder it is for us to accommodate these requests. We will always do our best to honor your request, but cannot guarantee success 100% of the time.

Q:     My child will only be in camp for a couple of weeks. Will s/he feel left out?
A:     Not at all. We have children starting camp every Monday of the summer. Our staff is trained to conduct a welcome session as the first activity of the week to acquaint the returning campers and the newcomers and to help them mix. We have always offered very flexible registration and pride ourselves on how welcome newcomers feel.

Q:     What will my child wear to camp?
A:     Your camper’s counselors will give him or her 5 PSDC T-shirts on his or her first day of camp, one to wear each day of the week. Our campers wear a camp T-shirt, shorts and sneakers every day.

Q:     Is camp very competitive?
A:     Our camp is “fun and active,” not competitive. Next to safety, we encourage sportsmanship above all.

Q:     What do you serve for snack?
A:     A typical snack consists of a container of fruit juice and cookies, bread sticks, or pretzels. Snacks are kosher.

Q:     Does my child need extra money at camp?
A:     No. PSDC provides everything your child needs during the day, even on trip days. On the other hand, older campers sometimes bring small amounts of money on trip days; we ask that the amount is $5.00 or less.

Q:     Do you ask parents to come on trips?
A:     We do not.  Schools ask for chaperones to assist classroom teachers with supervision.  We have more than adequate staff in every group to insure your camper’s safety on camp trips.

Q:     Will my child drink enough water on hot days?
A:     The PSDC staff is taught the importance of hydration during staff training. We have “water fountain visits” when in the park, and travel with coolers of water on hot days. We ask campers to bring water bottles with them to camp and refill them as necessary.

Q:     Will I be able to change my child’s schedule?
A:     Our policies are designed to give families maximum flexibility while considering the realities of camp enrollment. We accomodate requests until the 15th of May, provided we have room in the weeks you would need to add.  Only our registration fee is non-refundable. Schedules are deemed to be final after May 15. We will make an exception should your child be required to attend summer school, provided we receive official written notice in advance.

Q:     Can I cancel my child’s registration?
A:     All payments, less the $95 registration fee, are refundable on or before May 15.

Q:     Who are the counselors?
A:     PSDC counselors are a diverse bunch indeed. Some of our staff grew up as our campers and bring with them years of caring and camp traditions. Others are their friends, your sitters, relatives, teachers, and neighbors. All have experience working with children, and are chosen for their enthusiasm and creativity. Prior to camp, we conduct a fun, yet very rigorous training program.

Q:     When are the forms due?
A:     Medical Form:   when you get it, but before June 15
        Calendar Permission:   the last week of June

Q:     Can I stay at camp on my (young) child’s first
        day?
A:     Feel free to stay as long as your child needs you, but not longer. Everyone will be eager to get the camp day underway and we find that lingering, well-meaning parents often make the adjustment more difficult, not easier. Our staff will be looking for those who need a little help leaving, but don’t be bashful about asking.