FAQ’s
- Are all of the activities outside? What about the heat?
- What is your counselor to camper ratio?
- What are the ages of the campers?
- How many children attend camp?
- Do you feed the campers during the day?
- Can I drop my child off early or pick them up late?
- Can I come to camp, too?
- Do you have camp during the holidays?
- Is your camp religious or secular?
- Can someone else pick up my child from camp?
- Do you do background checks on counselors and employees?
- What if my child can’t swim?
- Do I have to pay for the entire tuition all at once?
- Do you offer scholarships?
- What if my child has ADHD or needs daily medication?
- Will summer campers share the facilities with high school students?
- What is the safety record at Fenster Ranch Summer Camp?
- Can I pay with a credit card?
- What is your Tax ID#?
- What is your cancellation/refund policy?
- What if my child can only attend camp a few days per week?
- Any other questons?
Are all of the activities outside? What about the heat?
Because this is an outdoor adventure day camp, most of our activities are outside, but we try to do most of our outdoor activities in the cooler, early morning hours. After lunch in our air-conditioned cafeteria, most of the activities take place in air-conditioned activity rooms or in the swimming pool. We keep a close eye on the campers to make sure they’re not getting overheated. We have ice water stations located throughout camp, and encourage every group to enjoy a cold, organic fruit snack two times during the day. Sunscreen is applied and reapplied on a regular basis – we use Rocky Mountain Sunscreen because it works great and is some of the highest quality natural sunscreen available. Hats are required while we’re playing outside.
What is your counselor to camper ratio?
For most activities, it’s 1:5. Every group of campers is limited to 30 and includes a leadership team of a Head Counselor, Junior Counselor, and Counselor in Training. Whenever a group goes to a particular activity, like climbing or swimming, there are additional instructors. We keep the numbers of our camp very small to make sure that every camper has the time of their life. And our counselors appreciate the ability to connect with each and every child at camp. Our unusually high counselor to camper ratio is one of the many things that helps keep Fenster Ranch Summer Camp safe and fun.
What are the ages of the campers?
Fenster Ranch Summer Camp is for youth 5 to 11 years of age. If you have a 5-year-old, we strongly recommend that they have attended Kindergarten and/or other similarly structured programs. Otherwise our camp program can be a little too much.
How many children attend camp?
We limit the total number of campers to a maximum of 120 per week. They are divided into four age groups: 5-6, 7-8, 8-9, 10-11. We organize activities for the entire camp in the morning and afternoon, but most of the activities happen within the individual age groups.
Do you feed the campers during the day?
Yes. We are proud to offer 100% organic fruit as a snack to all campers twice during the day. This is the best quality snack available, and we order it through Tucson’s only health food cooperative – the Food Conspiracy Coop. Even if your child says they don’t like fruit, just wait until they try these delicious organic treats. We offer a variety of apples, oranges, melons and other seasonal fruits.
We also offer healthy cookies, crackers, nuts, trail mix and other dry snacks. And we have ice water and nuun (an awesome, all-natural electrolyte drink) available at all times.
We ask that you send your campers with a healthy lunch in a lunchbox. By taking the time to prepare a healthful lunch, you’ll be helping your child and their counselors. Please avoid heavily processed foods like Lunchables; snacks with lots of sugar, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners; and sodas or drinks that are packed with sugar and/or caffeine.
We don’t have the ability to cook or reheat lunches at camp, so please prepare all lunches to be eaten cold. All lunch boxes are kept in a refrigerator until we eat lunch together at 12 p.m.
Can I drop my child off early or pick them up late?
Yes, as long as the camp director is notified in advance. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Courtesy drop off in the morning is 8:30 a.m., and courtesy pick up time ends at 4:30 p.m. If you need to arrange extended care for your child please sign up for our extended day option on your child’s registration form. Extended day drop off begins at 7:30am and pick up ends at 5:30pm for an additional cost of $40 per week.
Can I come to camp, too?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, especially when parents hear about all the fun things we do each and every day. If you have time to spend with your child and their group at camp, we encourage it. Just communicate your intentions with the camp director in advance and we’ll work out a way to have you involved. We know that many parents have talents and skills, so we invite you to plan a Special Activity for your child’s group. Or you could just tag along for the day.
Do you have camp during the holidays?
Yes. We have camp every Monday through Friday, from May 28 through June 27. There will be camp on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th and Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4th.
Is your camp religious or secular?
Secular. Fenster Ranch Summer Camp does not promote any particular religion within our activities, however we don’t discourage anyone from exploring and celebrating their spirituality. We respect all religions, cultures and beings. We encourage young people to be open-minded, responsible, respectful and inquisitive.
Can someone else pick up my child from camp?
Yes, as long as it’s OK by you. We highly encourage carpooling, but need to know that it’s OK for your child to travel home with someone other than the parent/guardian listed on the registration form. Please let the camp director know if someone other than the parent/guardian will be transporting your child to or from camp. More importantly, we would like to know if there is someone who should not have interaction with your child.
Do you do background checks on counselors and employees?
Yes. All of our counselors, facilitators and employees are handpicked because they’re the most fun and responsible people we can find. All adults (this does not include Junior Counselors or Counselors in Training) go through a state and national background check before they are hired.
What if my child can’t swim?
No problem! Our awesome Lifeguards will work with younger campers to get them more comfortable in the water, learn basic water skills, and work toward swimming on their own. Please let the camp director know if your child can not swim, so they may communicate that information to the Lifeguards. Any campers unable to swim on their own will be attached to a counselor while in the pool, both during swimming lessons and free swim time. There have been many campers whose water skills improve dramatically while they’re with us at camp.
Do I have to pay for the entire tuition all at once?
Yes. In order to reserve your child’s spot at camp, 100% of tuition must be received along with the signed and completed registration form. We don’t have any “registration” or “processing” fees. If you are unable to pay for the entire tuition, special arrangements can be made with the Camp Registrar, Marian Dawley.
Tuition is $225 per week. We offer a discounted rate of $200 per week per child if you are registering siblings (two or more).
Will summer campers share the facilities with high school students?
After the high school semester ends on May 18, students return home and we turn the campus into the summer camp you know and love. Starting on week four (June 17) some students will resume summer school classes. Their schedule is coordinated with the summer camp so that campers and summer schoolers don’t have any interaction. Yes, there are some high school students on campus when camp is in session, but you would never know it. Campers are our number one priority, and we make sure that their summer camp experience is the absolute best it can be.
What is the safety record at Fenster Ranch Summer Camp?
We are proud of the fact that our safety record is great! Our staff is well trained in minimizing risk and maximizing fun for your child. Camp Directors and counselors are required to have First-Aid and CPR training. Safety in the pool, on the ropes course, and during all our adventurous activities is always our number one concern. It’s because of our high level of training and genuine care for our campers that Fenster Ranch Summer Camp continues to be a safe and fun summertime experience.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Nope. Personal or business checks are the preferred method of payment (made payable to Fenster School) but we do accept money orders and cash.
What is your Tax ID#?
For parents needing our educational tax identification number, here it is: 86-0196442.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
We understand that summer plans change often, and we don’t think that you should have to pay for something you don’t use as long the Camp Registrar, Marian Dawley is notified within two weeks prior to camp dates. If you are unable to attend a week of camp that you have already paid for, your money will be refunded (minus a $20 administrative processing fee) as long as you communicate with us two weeks in advance of cancellation. Camp always fills up quickly and we start a waiting list. If you can’t join us for a week of fun, there is another child out there that would love the opportunity to attend. Partial refunds and credits are not offered (i.e. if you attend camp for a few days, then are unable to come for the rest of the week). A total of $20 is subtracted from all refunds for processing, paperwork and postage.
What if my child can only attend camp a few days per week?
We know that many children participate in a variety of programs throughout the summer, and we’re excited for the time you’ll spend with us at Fenster Ranch Summer Camp. However, when you register for one week you’re securing your spot for the entire week. Therefore, discounts for partial attendance are not offered. Many of our activities build throughout the week, so campers who attend every other day or every once in a while will miss out on a lot of our community building projects. Our Special Activity leaders plan their activities with 100% attendance in mind, with a culminating activity on Friday.
Any other questions?
Camp related questions contact Shauna McGlamery, Camp Director – here – or at director@fenstercamp.com or call 360-6399.
Registration related questions contact Camp Registrar, Marian Dawley at fenstercamp@gmail.com or call the Registration line 603-8953.