Camp Parent Handbook
A parent handbook for a youth/day camp — welcome, daily schedule, what to bring (and not bring), drop-off/pickup procedure, health and medication policy, behavior expectations, communication, weather/emergency plan, and contacts.
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Cedar Ridge Summer Camp — PARENT HANDBOOK Summer 2026 Welcome to Cedar Ridge! We're thrilled your camper is joining us for a summer of friends, adventure, and fun. This handbook covers what you need to know to make the season smooth and safe. ======================================================== HOURS & DAILY SCHEDULE ======================================================== Camp 9:00am–4:00pm; extended care 8–9am & 4–6pm. Typical day: arrival/free play, morning activity blocks, lunch + rest, afternoon electives, snack, closing circle, pickup. ======================================================== WHAT TO BRING ======================================================== Backpack, refillable water bottle, lunch + snack, sunscreen (apply before camp), hat, closed-toe shoes, swimsuit + towel on water days, change of clothes for younger campers. What NOT to bring: Phones/tablets/electronics, money, valuables, toys from home, weapons of any kind, peanut/tree-nut products (nut-aware camp). ======================================================== DROP-OFF & PICKUP ======================================================== Drop-off 8:50–9:00am at the main gate; sign in. Pickup by 4:00pm (6:00pm extended); photo ID required, only authorized adults release a camper. Late pickup fee $1/min after a 10-min grace. ======================================================== HEALTH & MEDICATIONS ======================================================== Medications must be in original containers with a signed authorization; given by our health coordinator. Keep sick campers home (fever-free 24h before return). Notify us of allergies/conditions; EpiPens/inhalers stay with the camper or office per plan. ======================================================== BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ======================================================== Be kind, be safe, be a good sport. Bullying, hitting, or leaving the group is not tolerated; we use positive redirection and will call parents for serious or repeated issues. ======================================================== COMMUNICATION ======================================================== Weekly email newsletter; urgent matters by phone/text. Photos shared in the private parent portal (opt out at registration). Reach the director anytime during camp hours. ======================================================== WEATHER & EMERGENCIES ======================================================== Activities move indoors for heat/rain/lightning. In an emergency we follow our evacuation/shelter plan and contact parents; reunification at the main lodge. Air-quality and heat-index limits apply. ======================================================== CONTACTS ======================================================== Director: Pat Lee, +1 503 555 0140. Office: register@cedarridge.example. Address: 1200 Cedar Ridge Rd, Portland, OR. Please keep this handbook handy. Camp policies are detailed here for your information; the signed registration and waiver govern enrollment.
About this template
A camp parent handbook answers the questions families ask before the first day, in one place, so drop-off is calm and staff aren't fielding the same calls all week. Lead with a short **welcome**, then the practical core: the **hours and daily schedule** (and extended-care times), **what to bring** — with the universal reminder to label everything and apply sunscreen before arrival — and **what not to bring** (electronics, valuables, and, for many camps, nut products). The safety sections matter most: a clear **drop-off/pickup** procedure (sign-in, photo ID, only authorized adults, late-pickup fee) prevents the most serious incidents, and the **health and medications** policy (original containers, signed authorization, sick-child/fever rules, allergy/EpiPen handling) keeps kids safe and you compliant. Round it out with **behavior expectations**, how the camp will **communicate** (newsletter, urgent phone/text, photo policy), and a **weather/emergency plan** with a reunification point — the thing parents most want to know exists. Two notes: a handbook is **informational, not the contract** (the signed registration and waiver govern enrollment), and camps are **state-regulated**, so reflect your state's licensing, ratio, and medication rules (and ACA standards if accredited). Keep it warm, scannable, and current each season.
When to use it
- Onboarding families before a camp season.
- Communicating schedule, policies, and what to pack.
- Setting drop-off/pickup, health, and behavior expectations.
- Sharing the communication and emergency plan.
What to include
- Welcome and hours/daily schedule.
- What to bring and what not to bring.
- Drop-off/pickup procedure (ID, authorized adults, late fee).
- Health & medication policy and behavior expectations.
- Communication, weather/emergency plan, and contacts.