FAQs
Our policies are designed to give families maximum flexibility while considering the realities of camp enrollment. We accommodate schedule change requests until May 1 (adding and swapping weeks are dependent upon space availability). After May 1, all schedules are final. Should your child be required to attend summer school, we will make an exception, provided we receive official written notice in advance.
All payments, less the $150 registration fee, are refundable on or before April 1. From April 2 to May 1 there is a fee of $50 per cancelled week. The remaining amount, less the $150 registration fee, is refundable. If you are owed a refund at any time, a 5% administrative will be deducted from the amount.
We require our campers and staff to be fully immunized in accordance with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations (NYCDOH.) The NYCDOH does not allow exemptions for religious belief, but does allow medical exemptions for a specific immunization or immunizations. Camper exemptions must be approved by the NYCDOH. Staff exemption requests must be accompanied by a letter from a licensed physician.
Those requesting a medical exemption must do so within seven days of submitting a Camper Application or signing an Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding the forgoing limited exemption for other illnesses, we will not enroll (and may withdraw or terminate) a camper or hire a staff member who is not vaccinated against a current outbreak or epidemic with a mandated vaccine, subject to applicable laws and official guidance.
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. Please understand that the later in the registration season it is, the harder it is for us to accommodate requests. We will always do our best, but we cannot guarantee that children will always be grouped with their friends.
Your child will receive 5 PSDC T-shirts on their first day of attendance. Our campers wear a camp T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. From time to time, you will receive an email suggesting optional dress-up to go along with one of our theme days.
Campers bring lunch from home. We will provide snack in the afternoon consisting of an individual container of fruit juice and a commercially pre-packaged item such as cookies, baked chips, or pretzels.
PSDC counselors are a diverse bunch. Some of our staff grew up as our campers and bring with them years of camp traditions. Others are our friends and neighbors, local babysitters, and teachers. 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.
Medical forms are due on or before June 1 unless your registration was submitted after May 20, in which case the form is due 2 weeks prior to your child’s first day of camp. Sooner is always better!
It is important that you drop-off and pick-up on time. If you, on occasion, need an accomodation please contact our office.
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 and we will refill them as needed.
Our camp is fun and active, but not especially competitive. Next to safety, we encourage kindness and sportsmanship above all.
Not at all. We have children starting camp every week of the summer. Each Monday morning begins with special activities designed to break the ice and reshuffle the group dynamic. We have always offered very flexible registration and pride ourselves on how welcome newcomers feel.
No. PSDC provides everything your child needs however older campers are permitted to bring small amounts of money on trip days.