Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been asked many times most of the following questions. If the answer to your question isn’t here, please give us a call at 609-466-1212 or email us at campinfo@ramblingpines.com . We’d be happy to fill in the blanks!
What are the camp sessions?
Camp runs from Monday, June 26th and ends on Friday, August 18th with bus transportation. Campers can enroll for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 weeks. Our minimum requirement is 2 consecutive weeks.
What are the camp hours?
Camp hours are 9:00AM to 3:30PM. Buses will pick up your child between 7:45AM to 8:45AM and the buses leave camp at 3:45PM. For an additional fee parents may drop off campers between 7:30AM to 8:45AM for beforecare and pick them up at aftercare between 3:30PM to 6:00PM.
Is the camp accredited?
Yes, Rambling Pines is accredited by the American Camp Association.
What does it mean to be accredited?
Being accredited by the American Camp Association means that Rambling Pines Day Camp has meet and/or exceeded industry standards for program quality, and the health and safety of campers and staff and that the camp has met and/or exceeded the guidelines for needed policies, procedures and practices.
What are the ages of the campers?
Our youngest campers are 3 years old and potty trained and our oldest are entering 9th grade. (click here for program details)
How many campers are in a group?
There are about 14 to 18 campers in each group. Campers are grouped by gender starting in first grade.
Who are the camp directors and what is their experience?
Please go to a message from the directors and meet the directors for more information.
What are the ratios of campers to counselors in each group?
Our ratios vary depending on the ages of the campers. In camper groups from Pre-school to 1st grade, there are five children to every staff member. Groups are staffed with counselors (teachers, parents or college students) and junior counselors (a young adult going into 11th or 12th grade). The Group staff are with the campers throughout the day and look after all their needs. The day is spent going from activity to activity which are led by a specialty counselor. Our specialists are teachers, coaches or professionals in their particular field. The group staff actively participate and assist the children in their specialty activities
In our camper groups 2nd grade and up, there are eight children to every staff members. Groups are staffed with counselors (teachers, parents or college students) and junior counselors (a young adult going into 11th or 12th grade). The Group staff are with the campers throughout the day except when the groups disperse for elective activities. The rest of the day is spent going from activity to activity which are led by a specialty counselor. Our specialists are teachers, coaches or professionals in their particular field. The group staff actively participate and assist the children in their specialty activities.
Do you have a parent visiting day?
Every day is a visiting day. Parents may come any day and spend time observing their child. If you would like to visit, stop by the camp office to get a visitor's badge and we will direct you to your child’s group.
Are there any extra fees or charges?
Most everything such as transportation, lunch, snacks, camp shirt, camp bag, sports equipment, special events and more are included in the camp fee. There may be additional fees for before/aftercare, or if you choose to tip the counselors.
What about water and sunscreen?
We have water fountains and water jugs placed around the camp property. We teach the importance of hydration during staff training and take many water breaks throughout the day. Campers may bring sunscreen or we have sunscreen stations located around the grounds. We suggest you apply sunscreen to your camper before coming in the morning and it will be reapplied after instructional and free swim periods.
How do you screen your staff?
Every staff member is thoroughly interviewed, and three references are checked. We also administer a national criminal background and sex offender check on all our staff.
How do campers get to and from camp?
Air conditioned, door to door transportation is provided using the Rick Bus Company. We have been using the same bus company for over 30 years. All our mini buses are equipped with seat beats, driven by professional drivers and assisted by trained bus counselors. Prior to the start of camp each camp family will receive a notice estimating their specific pick up time.
Parents may also provide their own transportation if they like.
What do I need to send to camp every day?
Everyday the campers should wear sneakers and play clothes. We recommend that the camper wear a bathing suit to camp under their clothes. In their backpack (provided by the camp) campers should pack an additional bathing suit, towel, flip flops to wear to/from the pool and sunscreen.
Is camp competitive?
Our camp is active and fun, not competitive. Next to safety, we encourage sportsmanship above all.
What if my child doesn't know anyone at camp?
One of the primary goals of child development is learning to make friends. We think camp is perfect for meeting new people and making new friends. Our counselors are trained to facilitate good relationships between children and are dedicated to helping each child to make friends at camp. Each Monday is treated as the start of a new session, and new campers are made to feel welcome.
What is served for lunch and snack?
We serve food that campers love to eat: pizza, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, meatball subs, macaroni & cheese, hamburgers, hotdogs and more. We also offer every day bagels, soy nut butter sandwich with or without jelly, turkey sandwich with and without cheese, salad, fruit and a dessert. All meals are served with ice water and low-fat milk. There is an afternoon snack of ice cream or ices at the end of the day. First grader and younger campers enjoy a morning snack.
Is peanut butter or are nuts served at camp?
No, we are peanut butter free and tree nut aware. We serve I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter as a substitute.
At Rambling Pines, "nut aware" means:
No outside food is permitted in camp (whether by staff or campers, except if approved by the RN/Infirmary) and the camp meal supplier uses only nut-free products. Frequent hand-washing, good table hygiene, and specific training for group leaders who supervise allergic children round out the nut-aware protocol and general allergy protocol.
We cannot guarantee "nut-free" because of the small percentage of ingredients in commercially-supplied food items which may have been processed with the same equipment as nut-containing items, nor can we promise that a child might not have leftover peanut-butter on his hands from breakfast, and, upon arrival at camp, touch a doorknob or other shared surface. Nut aware means we minimize the chance of contact and ensure the appropriate response if an allergy is triggered. Nut-free is nearly impossible in a school or camp setting.
Do I need a doctor to sign the camp medical form?
NO, the camper health form can be completed entirely by you. You will need to provide some basic immunization information, which you may need to request from your child’s doctor if you do not have a copy.