Details and Policies for Summer Camp
Where
When
Drop-off times differ depending on whether or not children are participating in the morning literacy instruction.
The drop-off time for children participating in the literacy lesson is between 9:00 and 9:30.
The drop-off time for children not doing literacy is between 10:00 and 10:30.
The pick-up time is 3:30-4:00.
Cubbies
Each child will be assigned a numbered cubby in which to put their belongings. We'll help your child find their cubby on their first day.
Shoes
We have an indoor no-shoe policy at Activate for kids. Their shoes will go in their cubbies. Some kids wear socks, and some go barefoot. Parents don't need to remove their own shoes if they're coming inside momentarily.
We have recess at Johnson Creek Park, a short walk from Activate. There is a creek where kids can go wading. We require kids to wear water shoes in the creek for safety reasons.
Crocs or similar shoes are the easiest to manage in the spring and summer because kids can wear them as their everyday shoes. They can also wear them in the creek by just pulling off their socks. Then, they can walk back in wet shoes that’ll dry by the end of the day. Another reason we recommend Crocs is that they’re closed-toe, providing more protection.
Camp Shirts
Campers get one camp shirt per summer. They wear them as swim shirts on swim days, which are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This helps us keep track of campers in the crowded pool and offers some sun protection.
Don’t worry if your child’s Activate shirt is in the laundry on a swim day. We’re not overly strict with this rule. But if they don’t wear their Activate shirt swimming, they should wear a different swim top that covers their torso and shoulders for sun protection.
Campers are not required to wear their Activate shirts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Additional Activate shirts are available for purchase at this site https://activate.gearupsports.net. You might consider buying a long sleeve if you have a sun-sensitive child.
What to Bring Everyday
Lunch and Snacks
Water Bottle
Sunscreen (optional)
Change of Clothes (optional, but recommended in case they get wet in the creek)
Large Backpack
What to Wear and Bring on Swim Days
Campers should arrive at camp wearing a swimsuit and Activate shirt
Towel
Plastic Bag for Wet Belongings
Change of Clothes
Goggles (optional)
Transportation
We use a passenger van and a minivan for transportation.
Water Safety in Swimming Pools
In order to swim in the deep end, campers must successfully complete a swim test. The test involves swimming a distance of 25 meters without touching the bottom of the pool. Backstrokes and doggy paddles are not permitted during the test. Each kid is allowed to make one attempt at passing the swim test per week. However, kids who have previously passed the swim test in earlier Activate programs are not required to take it again.
Children under 48 inches will stay within arm’s length of an adult.
Sun Safety
We advise you to apply sunscreen to your child before camp.
If your child brings sunscreen, we will ensure they reapply it after lunch.
Campers should wear swim clothes that cover their torso and shoulders.
Creek Safety
We allow children to wade in Johson Creek during recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They will be under direct supervision, and we use a stretch of the creek without drop-offs, deep water, or swift currents.
For safety reasons, kids are required to wear water shoes, preferably closed-toe shoes like Crocs.
Children are allowed to go as deep as their knees.
Children are required to wash their hands when they return.
Medication Administration
If your child requires medication during camp or has an inhaler or EpiPen, please inform us in advance.
Behavior
If a child's behavior is unsafe, extremely disruptive, or defiant, they will be sent home and may not return to camp for the remainder of the summer. A prorated refund will be given.
If a child teases or name calls, an incident report will be written, and staff will contact the child's parent/guardian. If it happens a second time, we will document it again and contact the child's parent/guardian. If it happens a third time, they will be sent home and may not return to camp for the remainder of the summer. A prorated refund will be given.
Contact
If you need to contact us during camp hours, you can text or call us at 503-389-0153. Texts are preferred. If you text us, please identify yourself.
If you need to contact us outside of camp hours, email is preferred: greg@activateschool.pdx.com.