; ?>)
DelNature Summer Camp Families!
We are delighted your child is joining us for Summer Camp at Delaware Nature Society’s DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC). We can’t wait for all the amazing adventures we will have and all the memories we will make!
Camp at Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is all about getting outdoors, exploring, and discovering. DelNature camps offer a unique and safe camp experience that connects children with nature through hands-on, outdoor experiences. Throughout Summer Camp, campers will have the opportunity to explore the marsh, challenge themselves, and of course, make friends.
To make our summer the best it can possibly be, we want to best prepare you for our pickup and drop off procedures, as well as giving you an overview of our policies and what we advise you to send your child with to camp each day. If you have any questions relating to any of the information bellow, please reach out ahead of time at DEECPrograms@DelNature.org or call 302.239.2334 ext. 9170.
Camp will run from 8:30AM-3:00PM, Monday through Friday. Camp is held at the DuPont Environmental Education Center, located at 1400 Delmarva Ln., Wilmington, DE 19801.
Drop-Off: 8:20am – 8:30am
Drop off is in the main parking lot. Adults are asked to stay in their vehicles for drop-off. A camo staff member will meet each camper at their car and escort the camper to their camp group. If your child will be late for drop-off, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing DEECPrograms@DelNature.org or calling 302.239.2334 ext. 9170.
Pick-Up: 2:45pm – 3:00pm
Pick up is in the main parking lot. Adults picking up are asked to stay in their vehicles where a staff member will check their ID. Campers will be escorted to their car and signed out by the individual picking up the child.
We require a valid photo identification for pick-up each day of camp. Campers will only be released to parents, guardians, or individuals who were authorized during registration.
Reminder: DEEC does not provide before or after camp care, so it is important that campers are picked-up and dropped-off during the designated times.
There are a few ways you can help make the drop-off/pick-up process easier, smoother, and quicker.
- If you have any questions/concerns about the camp/your child/early dismissal – please talk to us ahead of time. You can do this by emailing us at DEECPrograms@DelNature.org or calling us at 302.239.2334 Ext.9170 and we will be happy to help.
- Organize your child’s items so it is easy to grab as they get out of the car.
- Put sunscreen/bug spray on before arriving!
- Be understanding and patient through the drop off and pick up process. Our primary job is to keep everyone safe and to do that – it sometimes takes a little longer than normal. Allowing us to be thorough in this process ensures peace of mind that your camper is with the correct trusted adult.
- We are happy to answer quick questions or updates in the car line. For longer discussions feel free to park after dropping your camper off (or picking-up) and meet one of our senior camp staff.
Basic Policies for All Summer Camps:
- Absence: If your child is not able to attend on a particular day, please let us know promptly so the camp is not delayed waiting for your child’s arrival. Email us at DEECPrograms@DelNature.org or call us at 302.239.2334 Ext.9170.
- Non-Parent Pick-Up: Add authorized pick-up people to your campers file during registration. After registration, authorized pick-up people can be added by filling out a non-parent pick-up authorization form. ID’s will be checked at pick-up.
- Inclement Weather at Pick-Up: In case of heavy rain or thunderstorms please stay in your car until the storm abates. We will keep the campers in a safe, dry place during inclement weather, and when safe, staff will take the campers out for pick-up. Please note this may result in late pick-up. Parents who cannot wait out the thunderstorm at pick up are welcome to pick-up their child early.
- Road Closures: During the summer, construction and road closures happen. We will do our best to alert you of these as we become aware of them. Updates will be posted on our website and the DelNature Facebook page.
- Parent Contact Information and Camper Information: On the first day of camp, please confirm that we have the correct parent/guardian and emergency contact telephone numbers. It is important we have the correct numbers should we need to reach you.
- Lunch & Snacks: Campers should bring water, lunch, and snacks. If refrigeration is needed, campers will be asked to use an “Igloo” or similar personal lunch box with a cold pack. Water bottles can be refilled at the water fountain.
- All allergies (food or other), emotional, physical, and behavioral exceptionalities, restrictions, or medical needs must be listed on your child’s registration form, so that we can ensure they have a safe and quality camp experience. Bring any medications labeled and put in a Ziploc bag when you drop-off your child. Medications must be accompanied by a Parent Permission Form for Medication. Medications must be handed to a staff member at check-in on Monday morning.
- Sick Policy: We ask parents to screen their child for illness before coming to camp each morning. If your child is showing any signs of illness, please keep them at home. We will send children showing signs of illness home.
- Refunds, Cancellations & Transfers: Requests for withdrawal, up to 7 days before the first day of the camp session will be honored with a full refund if we can fill your child’s spot at the time of cancellation, with a camper on the waiting list. If we cannot fill the spot, a $50 cancellation fee will be withheld.
Cancellations less than 7 days prior to the start of the camp session are not refundable.
Transfers will be accommodated as available. Two session transfers per child, to another camp session, are permitted. Any additional transfers will be charged a $35 administrative fee.
- Lost and Found: If your child misplaces an item, we have a collection of Lost and Found items at DEEC.
Please leave at home all valuables, weapons, and electronics. Campers are permitted to bring a cell phone, but the cell phone should remain away during camp. If campers need to access a phone, they may use any of the phones at DEEC.
What to Bring:
- Day pack with water bottle, snacks, and lunch. Packs will be stored in a classroom during the day, but water bottles will be carried by your camper to all their activities.
- A change of clothes and shoes – shoes get wet, it’s best to have a dry pair to change in to!
- Non-aerosol insect repellant and sunscreen.
- Bathing suit and towel
- Medication Form (If required, please bring completed form on your campers first day.)
- Please label all your campers’ clothing and possessions.
What To Wear:
- Hat
- Closed-toe shoes for walking– (NO Flip Flops or Sandals)
- Closed-toe shoes for playing in water – (NO Flip Flops or Sandals)
- It’s good to have one pair of shoes that stays dry, so campers don’t get blisters from playing, walking, and hiking in wet shoes.
- Dress for the weather, we go outside if it is raining.
For DEEC Adventurers and DEEC Trailblazers, this camp includes paddling and biking, and requires a few extra items.
Bikes: Bikes should be dropped-off at DEEC at Monday morning drop-up and will remain at DEEC until Friday pick-up. Bikes will be stored in a secure and locked location. If your camper needs to take their bike home during the camp week, please let a camp staff member know in advance. Campers should also bring a helmet and bike lock, if they do not have a helmet or lock, one can be provided for use during the camp week.
Paddling: We suggest bringing the following items for paddling days
- 20 Liter Dry Bag: We strongly suggest purchasing a 20-liter dry bag for your child to store and carry their lunch and belongings.
- Kayak gloves or a pair of good fitting garden gloves are optional, but they help prevent blisters and make hands more comfortable when paddling.
- Optional life jacket: We provide life jackets which we will properly fit for your child, but your child can bring their own if they prefer.
For Eco Artists, we will be doing tie-dye, so each camper will need to bring one item to tie-dye. We will be wearing our tie-dyed items on the last day of camp.
Important Contact Information:
- Camp Contact: 302.239.2334 ext. 9170, DEECPrograms@DelNature.org
- DEEC Front Desk: 302.656.1490 – Front desk is open Tuesday – Friday from 11:00am-5:00pm
We thank you for choosing our summer camp for your child and supporting the work of the Delaware Nature Society.
Hello Insight Evaluations
In order to assure that the summer camp program is of high quality and has a positive impact on your child(ren), Delaware Nature Society is partnering with Hello Insight to evaluate our programs for quality improvement efforts. Because your child participates in Summer Camp for 9-15 year olds, they will be invited to fill out an online or paper survey at the end of their camp week. These surveys measure the impact of the program on your child’s development and capture your child’s experiences within the program, allowing us to make critical improvements to meet their needs. All youth involved in the 9-15 age groups will be invited to participate in this survey.
Please read through the attached letter for more information. If you choose to have your child opt out of this survey, please turn in the form at the end of the letter by Thursday of your child’s camp week. Opt out forms can be sent to Ashlandprograms@delnature.org.