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 my children be together in the same group?
- Do all of the campers ride horses?
- Can someone else pick up my child from camp?
- Do you offer an open house and can I check out the facilities?
- 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?
- Habla Español?
- 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 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 Coppertone Water Babies SPF 45 because it works the best and is hypoallergenic. 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 20 (15 for the 5-6 year olds) and includes a leadership team of a Camp Counselor, Junior Counselor, and Counselor in Training. Whenever a group goes to a particular activity, like horseback riding, 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. If you have a 12-year-old that loves Fenster Ranch Summer Camp, we recommend one of our Overnight Adventure Camps.
How many children attend camp?
We limit the total number of campers to 75 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. Groups are limited to 20 campers per group (15 in the 5-6 year old group) to maximize safety and fun.
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 when a camper is celebrating their birthday, we treat the whole camp to eegee’s frozen fruit drinks at the end of the day. 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—either before or after camp—we encourage you to make these arrangements with the Camp Director as soon as possible. Before and after camp care is available for $5 per half-hour, and one of our awesome counselors or junior counselors will arrive early or stay late to play games and activities with your child.
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 June 2 through August 1. We do special events for Summer Solstice (June 20) and we always have a super fun celebration on Independence Day (July 4). Parents and siblings are invited to celebrate with us.
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 my children be together in the same group?
Sure. We put campers into four age groups (5-6, 7-8, 8-9, 10-11) but are always flexible when it comes to placing campers with their siblings or friends. If you would like your child in a group with a particular person, just note that on the registration form.
Do all of the campers ride horses?
No. Horseback riding is for campers 7 years of age and up. However, the 5 and 6 year olds will get to spend time with the horses and will participate in a horse-oriented activity once a week. Campers will get a one-hour trail ride once a week on the private trails winding through the desert and Sabino Creek. Professional horseback riding helmets are provided, and campers must wear closed-toe shoes while on horseback.
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 offer an open house and can I check out the facilities?
Before camp begins in June, the facilities are utilized as a college preparatory high school and nearly all of the 120 students live on campus. So it doesn’t really become a summer camp until June. In order not to interfere with the regular high school schedule, site visits are not encouraged. We invite parents to visit when camp is in session, after June 2. That way you can really see the fun in action!
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 Lifeguard 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 Lifeguard. 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 director.
Tuition is $175 per week. We offer a discounted rate of $160 per week if you pay for six weeks or more. If you have more than one child, this discount can apply for two campers for three weeks, three campers for two weeks, etc. As long as you are purchasing a total of six weeks or more, you only pay $160 per child per week.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. Each summer we offer a total of 20 one-week scholarships to low-income families. Nine of these scholarships are donated to Angel Charity, and are auctioned off at their annual ball. Six are donated to Tucson Jewish Family & Children Services’ Refugee Resettlement program, and five to individuals who apply for a scholarship. Scholarships will entitle the camper to one full week at camp for a discounted rate of $50.
For a scholarship application, please download here:
Fenster Scholarship Application
What if my child has ADHD or needs daily medication?
Send ‘em! Fenster Ranch Summer Camp is a great venue for children with special needs. Many of our counselors are trained to attend to the special needs of youth, including ADHD, autism and other childhood challenges. If your child requires daily medication, please leave the medication (with the child’s name, age and daily dosage) with Barbara, our Registered Nurse.
I’ve heard that The Fenster School is for “troubled” teens.
Will summer campers share the facilities with high school students?
As the Director of Fenster Ranch Summer Camp and the Outdoor Education Director of the high school I can honestly say that the high schoolers are no more or less troubled than any other high schoolers I have ever worked with. The Fenster School is one of the few reputable boarding schools that works with youth to deal with their issues instead of kicking them out and passing the responsibility on to their parents or another institution.
After the high school semester ends on May 19, students return home and we turn the campus into the summer camp you know and love. Starting on week four (June 18) 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.
Habla Español?
Claro que si! Hay muchos niños que hablan Ingles y Español (o Español solamente), y la mayoria de nuestros guias son bilinguales. Fenster Ranch Summer Camp es un buen opportunidad para aprender idiomas y culturas diferentes. No tememos clases para aprendiendo Ingles, pero es un parte natural de nuestros actividades.
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 counselors are required to have First-Aid and CPR training, the director is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and we have a Registered Nurse on hand at all times. Safety in the pool, while horseback riding, 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. Sure, accidents do happen, which is why we have a Registered Nurse on staff.
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 for tax reporting purposes, here it is: 86-0196442.
What is your 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. If you are unable to attend a week of camp that you have already paid for, your money will be refunded (minus a $10 administrative processing fee) as long as you communicate with us in in advance. 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 $10 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?
Just email Matthew Nelson, Camp Director - here - or at director@fenstercamp.com or call 404-7992. Because Matthew often works out of town as a professional outdoor guide, you can also try contacting Shauna McGlamery, the Assistant Director, at shaunamcg@yahoo.com or call 360-6399.
