Frequently Asked Questions
Swim
Q: How many times a day do campers go swimming?
A: All campers swim twice daily. Each day, campers receive Red Cross instruction as well as free swim. Explore campers may only have one swim a day, half instructional and half free swim. Full Day campers may also opt for an additional swim as an elective or club choice.
Q: What are your safety procedures while the children are in the pool?
A: We are extremely conscious of safety everywhere in camp, and especially at the pool. Children enter the pool in an orderly manner and follow our protocols to insure that safety is of the highest priority. A buddy check system is in place at all pools and children are divided into small groups for instruction.
Q: What will you do if my child is afraid of the water?
A: Working with you, we will encourage your child to take small steps to feel more comfortable in the water. In some of our pools, children can stand anywhere in the pool, so that they can always touch the bottom.
Q: Who will watch my child in the pool?
A: The pool is very well supervised by an aquatics director, certified mature lifeguards, water safety instructors, and their counselors.
Q: What is the ratio of campers to lifeguards in the pool?
A: While the county requirement for lifeguard to swimmer is 1:25, our campers are assigned to small groups according to age. For children 8 and above the ratio is 1:10, for children less than 6, the ratio is 1:5. In addition, your child’s counselors supervise campers during swim activities.
Q: My child swims in the deep end of our pool at home. Will he/she be allowed to swim in the deep end of the pool at camp?
A: In order to swim in the deep end of our pool, children must pass a strict deep water test. Campers are required to demonstrate their stamina in the water, and display an understanding of safety while swimming with other children in the area. All deep water swimmers wear bracelets for easy identification.
Q: Can my child be swim tested before camp?
A: Yes, we offer a pre-camp swim evaluation in June. Call our office for an appointment.
Q: How will I know what kind of progress my child is making in the pool?
A: Campers are assessed on a continuous basis. We send home weekly progress reports. You are always welcome to call our office to speak to our swim records administrator.
Q: Do you provide towels?
A: Yes. Ivy League provides daily towel service for all on-campus campers. Some of the campers prefer to bring their own towels. If that is the case, please make sure they are clearly labeled with the camper’s name.
Transportation
Q: How long is the bus ride?
A: Bus runs are written so that the greatest number of children have the shortest ride possible. We use only air conditioned mini-buses for all of our runs. All of our buses are equipped with two way radios and GPS - drivers are in constant touch with our office.
Q: How will I know my child’s bus run number and approximate pick up time?
A: Our drivers leave a form in your mailbox and an Ivy League flag on your lawn several days prior to the beginning of the camp season. This will include the bus run number, driver’s name and approximate pick up time.
Q: Are the bus drivers affiliated with Ivy League Day Camp?
A: All of the drivers are Ivy League employees, supervised by our Director of Transportation. Many of our bus drivers also work on campus during the camp day. Some of the drivers drive for school districts during the school year and work for us during the summer. All our bus drivers have a Commercial Driver’s License.
Q: Will my child ever be alone with the bus driver?
A: While the driver is attending to the road, a bus counselor will be able to assist your child with whatever he/she needs. Bus counselors ride the buses on a daily basis and handle any issues that might arise.
Q: Does the bus driver check the bus at the end of the day to make sure there are no children left on the bus?
A: Yes. At the end of every bus run, the driver does a check of the bus to be sure everyone is off the bus, and no belongings are left behind.
Q: What other children are on the bus and what are the ages of the other children?
A: All children on the bus are Ivy League campers. Mini-day campers attending 10:15am-3:15pm have their own bus runs. Most campers on full day buses range in age from 5 years to 11 years old. Sometimes, teen travel campers (12-16 years old) will also be on the bus, however, they are often away on trips or have late pick-ups.
Q: Do you provide car seats for the children?
A: As per the DOT, car seats are not required on mini-buses. Ivy League does has a supply of car seats and 5-point harnesses specifically designed for our buses. However, if you wish, you may provide a car seat of your choice for your child. The car seat will be returned to you at the end of the summer.
Q: What if no one is home when my child is being dropped off?
A: We will always try to contact a parent or emergency contact if possible. If no one is available to get your child off the bus, the driver will re-attempt to bring your child home at the end of the bus run. If this is not possible, or if no one is home at that time, the driver will return your child to camp where you may pick your child up.
Q: Can my child be dropped off at another location and can another child go home with him/her?
A: We always try to accommodate special requests. If there is room on the bus, we will gladly transport your child to another location or have a friend go home with your child. Please request this from the transportation office in advance so that we may make every effort to accommodate your request.
Q: What is the earliest time I can drop my child off at your camp and what is the latest I can pick him/her up?
A: In lieu of transportation, Ivy League provides a playgroup to accommodate working parents. Children may be dropped off as early as 7:00am and be picked up as late as 6:00pm.
Medical
Q: Is there a full time registered nurse and EMT?
A: A full time registered nurse is always on campus along with several EMT’s.
Q: How will I know if my child has been to the nurse?
A: Every child who visits the nurse’s office during the day will receive a treatment report letter home that day. If necessary, the nurse may also call you to discuss any issues.
Q: Can medications be dispensed at camp and who does it?
A: Medications can be given to your child at camp with written authorization from your physician. All medications need to be in the original bottle, and accompanied by instructions from your doctor as to the dosage and times to be administered. Medications are dispensed by the camp nurse.
Q: When and where do I drop off my child’s medication?
A: Medication may be dropped off at the nurse’s office, or sent into camp with the bus driver. Please do not send medication in with your child. If you camper is on a daily medication, it should be dropped off prior to the start of camp.
Q: My child has a medical condition and takes medication. Is it necessary for all of your staff to know?
A: We will inform only those people who need to know about your child’s medication in order to keep him/her safe at camp.
Q:Who provides medical care during off-campus trips?
A: On each trip there is at least one member of our staff certified in Responding to Emergencies, an advanced first aid course.
Q: What is your policy for dispensing medication when children go off-campus or on trips?
A: As per the instructions of your doctor, our nurse will pre-package the medication to be given to your child by the trip leader.
Q: Can I leave an Epi-pen for my child?
A: Yes. Epi-pens may be left with the nurse with a doctor’s prescription and Emergency Action Plan. Epi-pens will accompany your child on any off-campus trips. The Division Head who is trained to recognize signs of anaphylaxis will assist your child in using the Epi-pen should it ever become necessary. We ask that you also provide an additional Epi-pen for your child’s daily bus ride. Our bus drivers receive Epi-pen training as well.
Q: Who will go with my child if there is an emergency?
A: In case of an emergency, your child will be transported to the nearest emergency room accompanied by a responsible staff member. We will call you immediately to have you meet us there.
Q: Is Ivy League a peanut free camp?
A: We are a peanut aware camp. We do not serve peanut butter or any foods containing peanuts or tree nuts.
Q: Do you supply sunscreen and how often is it applied?
A: We have sun screen on campus and will apply it after each swim for our youngest campers. Some parents prefer to send in their own sun screen which we will apply after swims as per your requests. Our older campers, whether they use our sunscreen or bring their own, apply it themselves.
Q: Do you spray for ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy?
A: Yes, we spray periodically for all of the above.
Programming
Q: Is the program the same every day?
A: The program varies on a daily basis in order to expose children to all of the activities on campus. Lunch and two swims are always at the same times, as are club and elective periods. Our schedule runs on a six day rotation using color days.
Q: How long are the activities?
A: Most sessions are 30 or 45 minutes in length. Each swim, including change time takes 1 hour. The number of activities varies from group to group and the program your child is enrolled in. Your child’s schedule will be posted on the camp portal and is available in our office.
Q: Are there teachers at every activity?
A: Our Creative and Performing Arts, Athletics and Adventure areas are led by teachers and/or coaches. This ensures a high quality curriculum for each activity. In addition to specialists, your child’s counselors participate at each activity area to help your child succeed.
Q: What will you do if my child won’t participate?
A: Your child’s counselors and Division Leader will work with your child to find ways that he/she is comfortable participating in each activity.
Q: What do you do if it rains?
A: If a rainy day is called, our Full Day campers will typically take a trip to a movie, roller-skating rink or bowling alley. The remainder of the day will be spent in our indoor, air-conditioned rooms, doing special rainy day activities. Our Mini Day campers will always remain on campus.
Q: Do you offer tennis lessons?
A:Yes. Ivy League offers all campers from the first grade and above in our on-campus programs an opportunity for semi-private tennis lessons either before or after camp. There is no additional charge for these lessons, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find enrollment information on our camp portal or by calling the office.
Q: Is horseback riding included in camp?
A: Our Mini Day and Kindergarten campers have pony rides in their regular schedule at no additional charge. Semi-private horseback riding lessons are available for a nominal fee during the camp day.
Food
Q: How will I know what is being served for lunch each day?
A: In June, you will receive a full menu for the summer. In addition, the daily lunch selection will be noted on our camp portal.
Q: What if my child does not like the food?
A: Our daily lunch program includes a large variety of food so that there is usually something everyone loves. During the pre-season call with your child’s Division Leader, please let us know what your child likes to eat and we will do our best to accommodate.
Q: What about food allergies?
A: Please let us know what your child is allergic to so that we can be sure your child is not exposed to any food containing that substance. For children with very special dietary needs, parents may supply the food and we will prepare it daily especially for your child.
Q: Do counselors monitor what the children eat?
A: We will monitor what you children eat and encourage them to make good choices. If your child is not eating, your Division Leader will contact you so we can work together to ensure that your child eats. Counselors will also cut up food as necessary.
Q: Is there a salad bar?
A: In addition to daily food choices, there is a full salad bar. Items vary daily with a healthy assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. The older divisions visit the salad bar and serve themselves. All other campers are served by their counselors.
Q: Are there drinks provided?
A: A variety of drinks are provided, including water, lemonade, apple juice and fruit punch.
Q: What snacks do you offer?
A: Afternoon snack is generally ices or ice cream. If your child needs a special snack, due to allergies or dietary needs, please send the snacks in ahead of time labeled with your child’s name. For the younger children and those with later lunch times, we offer fresh fruit as a morning snack as well.
Q: Who prepares the food?
A: Our food is prepared by our kitchen staff under the supervision of our certified Food Service Director. The kitchen is cleaned daily and sanitized by our kitchen staff.
Q: Is the kitchen inspected?
A: The kitchen is inspected each summer by The New York State Department of Health.
General
Q:What security measures are in place for visitors?
A: Every person entering our campus is stopped by camp personnel at the entrance. In addition, all of our staff wear camp shirts so that anyone will be stopped and questioned immediately. No visitors are allowed on campus unless they obtain a visitor’s pass or are accompanied by a staff member.
Q: How big is your camp?
A: Our camp is a medium-sized camp spanning over 16 acres.
Q: How many campers attend your camp?
A: We generally have about 500 campers at any given time.
Q: How old are your counselors?
A: Our counselors range in age from high school seniors to adults.
Q: Can I extend my weeks if my child loves camp?
A: Sure. As long as there is room in the group and on the bus, we will be happy to extend your camper’s weeks. Just call our office.
Q: Can my child be in the same group as his friend?
A: Children entering the same grade can be placed in the same group by request. Our campers are kept with the same group of children summer after summer unless otherwise requested.
Q: Do I need to send my child with water?
A: No. Drinking water is located throughout the campus. Counselors encourage children to drink often. In addition, all camp staff members are trained to recognize signs of dehydration.
Q: My child has never gone to camp. What if he doesn’t like it?
A: We want every child to have a successful camp experience. If your child has tried camp for several weeks, and in spite of all of our efforts is not feeling good about the experience, we will prorate the tuition and refund any balance.
Q: Can my child bring money on camp trips?
A: In order for us to best supervise your child, and for your child to partake in the entire activity, we have found that it is better for young children to leave money at home. Older children are permitted to bring money on trips.
Q: Do you permit “shadows”” at camp?
A: Yes. Shadows must be interviewed by one of our directors and must wear a camp shirt throughout the summer. Please discuss your child’s needs with the directors so we can ensure the most successful camp experience.
Q: What is your policy on custodial issues?
A: Please discuss any issues with our directors and provide necessary paperwork to document custody. Without paperwork from the courts, either parent has the right to take their child from camp.
Mini Day
Q: Can my Mini Day camper wear diapers?
A: Sure. If your child is not potty trained, we ask that you provide a supply of diapers as well as swim diapers so that he/she may go into our pools.
Q: Who will change my child if they wear diapers?
A: Counselors and Division Leaders will change your child as necessary.
Q: Can my child go in the pool with swimmies or a bubble?
A: Camps are not permitted by law to allow children to wear a flotation device such as swimmies in any pool. Mini day campers swim in pools shallow enough for each child to stand comfortably.
Q: Does Mini Day go off campus?
A: Mini Day campers do not leave the campus.