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George School Day Camp FAQs

 

Learn more about GSDC activities and review the FAQ below. You can also email or call us at 215.579.6689 for more information.

What makes George School Day Camp special?

GSDC is in its 47th season! We emphasize the Quaker philosophies of respect for the individual and each person’s responsibility to the group. Our beautiful 240-acre campus, combined with the Newtown Friends School campus that is solely dedicated to our lower camp division, offers campers a summer experience that is rewarding, meaningful, and fun!

What does camp tuition include?

Tuition includes all camp activities, snacks, lunch, field trips, and special on-campus events.

What are your camp hours?

Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before and after care are available for an additional fee.

Do you offer extended care?

Before and after care are available for an additional fee.

Before care runs from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

After care runs from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is provided every day. A sample menu can be viewed here. Camper-friendly foods such as pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets, and sandwiches are served. There is also a fresh salad bar daily. Campers are provided an afternoon snack every day.

We are a nut-free camp, and do our best to accommodate most food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Can I arrange a visit to campus before the first day of camp?

GSDC hosts open houses where families can come meet our camp staff, ask questions, and tour the facilities. Open House information can be found on the GSDC home page.

We also host a Meet and Greet just prior to the start of camp in June. Campers can meet their counselors, pick up their camp t-shirt, and get excited for camp!

What is swim instruction like at camp? What qualifications do the swim instructors have?

Our swim program is led by the summer camp Aquatics Director. We also have certified water safety instructors (WSIs) as well as additional lifeguards on staff. We utilize the Red Cross swim instruction program. Camper swimming ability is assessed, and they are grouped by skill level. Lessons occur at least 3 times a week and pool time is scheduled every day of camp. Campers are taught the skills they need to become safe and confident in the water.

Our indoor, 8-lane, 25-yard pool has a shallow end of 4 feet and a deep end of 7 feet. We use tot docks in the shallow end to allow the children to stand in approximately two feet of water and feel secure. We do not allow flotation devices to be used in the pool.

What kind of training do you provide for your staff?

All camp staff complete extensive training on behavior management, skill development, and camp health protocols. We continue to train our staff throughout the summer. All senior leadership staff, as well as our head counselors, are CPR, First Aid, and AED (automated external defibrillator) certified.

What should my child bring to camp every day?

We suggest that campers bring the following items each day:

  • Backpack to carry belongings (campers will be given a t-shirt and water bottle)
  • Water bottle (Refillable)
  • Swimsuits (2) for the pool and/or water play
  • Towel
  • Swim goggles (optional)
  • Swim shoes (flip flops, rubber thong shoes, aqua shoes, or crocs)
  • Sunscreen (please apply sunscreen before arriving at camp; we have campers re-apply throughout the day)

Will my camper be grouped with their friends?

Camp is all about bonding with friends, new and old. At the time of registration, space is provided to indicate your camper’s friend requests. We make every effort to honor group requests, but they are not guaranteed.

Who instructs activities at camp?

Our activity leaders are dedicated individuals who enjoy teaching children. We have many certified teachers who share their love for teaching and expertise with our campers.

Are there special events at GSDC?

Yes! Our campers love the special events we provide throughout the summer! We bring performers and entertainment in-house to keep the fun rolling all summer long! Amazing Race, Carnival Day, and Color Games are some camper favorites. Each week offers special events and surprises that keep the fun and excitement in full swing throughout the summer!

Who can I speak to about my child’s day?

You will have the opportunity to message your child’s head counselor directly through MyCampApp (more information regarding this service will be sent out as we get closer to the start of camp). You are always welcome to email us at gsdc4kids@georgeschool.org or call us at 215.579.6693 to speak to someone regarding your child.

Is there a registered nurse on the premises during the camp day?

The nurse’s station is staffed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camp leadership staff, as well as all head counselors, are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED (automated external defibrillator).

What happens on a rainy day or extremely hot day at camp?

When extreme weather happens, campers will follow an amended schedule for heat or rain. Our Fitness and Athletics Center (FAC), along with Newtown Friends School, are fully air conditioned and can house all of our campers if needed. On heat or rain days, we make sure to bring children inside, hydrate, and stay safe.

What is your refund policy?

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. You may pay the deposit by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or eCheck. This deposit will be credited against the remaining balance of your camp tuition. The $200 deposit is non-refundable.

All camp fees (camp tuition and extended care) must be paid in full by June 1. Unpaid balances may jeopardize your child’s attendance at camp. Late fees will be assessed on any outstanding balance after June 1.

If you need to reduce the number of weeks your camper is attending, your account balance will be adjusted to reflect the difference in cost between the two packages. If you have paid your account balance in full or the adjustment results in an overpayment, the difference in cost will be credited to your account and you will receive a full refund of the overpayment amount. 

If you cancel your child’s camp registration prior to June 1, all monies paid will be refunded less the $200 non-refundable deposit.

If you cancel your child’s camp registration between June 1 and June 15 for any reason, a $100 cancellation fee will be charged, and you will be entitled to only a 30 percent refund of any tuition monies paid.

Those who cancel after June 15 will not be entitled to a refund of any tuition paid.

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