What are the camp hours?

Camp Cool offers a structured day from 9:30am-3:30pm. We offer before-camp care from 7:30am-9:30pm and after-camp care from 3:30pm-6:00pm. There is no charge for extended care and we encourage parents to take advantage of the service.

What activities will my child participate in at Camp Cool?

At Camp Cool we do it all. From traditional camp offerings such as sports, games, and arts & crafts to science and engineering activities, we try to expose our campers to as many different experiences as possible. Our day is structured so that campers have the opportunity to participate in their favorite activities daily. Take a look at the sample schedules below to get an idea of how we structure our days.

New for 2011- Since we got early approval from Burtonsville Baptist Church, we have been planning since January. Along with an ever-increasing list of possible new activities, the following are definite:
Rock Band 3- This year, RB launched its “Pro Mode” in which the players learn to ACTUALLY PLAY guitar, keyboard, and drums.
Rope Ladder- During the first two weeks we will design and build a ladder like the carnival type game. We will then practice for a few weeks, then win all of the electric guitars and eight foot bears at Six Flags.
Electricity Generators- We have been consulting with an electrician and are very excited about this. We have done activities in which students have used little hobby motors to generate enough power to light a small light bulb. This summer, we are going to try different methods with a goal of producing enough power to store and use to power general household items.
Videos- Ongoing SNL-type skits. The results from that one week were incredible last summer. With some good editors and advance planning, we will put out some great stuff this summer.

-Sample Schedule

-Math Review Schedule (Tuesday & Thursday)

Once afternoon snack has been served the campers select their free time activities. Activity choices include: sports, computers, video games, board games, and playing at the playground.

How are campers grouped?

Campers are grouped by grade. Typically, two to three grades make up a group. On the sample schedules, the groups were as follow:

Tigers- Grades 1-3

Devastators- Grades 4-6

The Force- Grades 7 & 8

What should my child bring to camp?

Monday through Thursday your child should bring lunch. Afternoon snack is provided daily. On Friday, pizza and beverages are served to the campers for lunch (no additional charge). Last summer, over 200 watermelons replaced the chips and Kool-Aid, as we opted to serve fresh fruit and water in their place. Sorry, Frito-Lay.

Campers have 15 minutes of silent reading daily (DEAR time). If your child has a favorite book, he/she may bring it to camp. Otherwise, we have a broad selection of book to choose from.

If you have not mailed it prior to the session, please be sure to return the Information Form on the first day of the session. We are legally prohibited from accepting any campers without the form.

Is the program educational?

Yes and no. Camp Cool is what we have termed "pseudo-educational". Math reviews are structured to help the campers minimize any loss of skills during their summer break. Computer lessons introduce the students to different skills and reinforce others. Our science and engineering projects are used to spark creative thinking and problem solving as opposed to scientific theories. We have tried to create an environment in which the campers see the learning activities as fun as opposed to work.

Is there a sibling discount?

Camp Cool offers a $25.00 sibling discount.

If your children will be attending fewer than four sessions, it will break down like this for each session-

$255.00 for the first child, $225.00 for the second= $480.00 total. A $150.00 deposit is due at time of registration with the balance of $330.00 due on the first day of the session.

For four or more sessions it would be $225/$200= $425 total per session. After the $150 deposit, the balance is $275 per session.

What is the camper to staff ratio?

For educational activities such as math review and computer lab activities, the ratio is typically 7 campers per staff member. For activities such as sports or arts & crafts, it is about 10 campers per staff member.

When are session balances due?

Session balances are due on the first day of the session.