Dear DelNature Camp Parents,
Welcome to Canoe Adventures!
We are thrilled to be welcoming you to our program this summer and we can’t wait for all the amazing adventures we will have and all the memories we will make!
Summer Camp at Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is all about getting outdoors, exploring, and discovering. DelNature camps offer a unique and safe summer experience in natural areas and preserves while connecting children with nature through hands-on, outdoor experiences.
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 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 ashlandprograms@delnature.org or 302.413.5071.
Please note: Campers will leave the premises for off-site excursions and for that reason, late drop off and early pick up are unable to be accommodated.
Full Day Programs for Grades Completed 7-9:
Drop Off: 8:20am – 8:45am
Drop off is in the main parking lot, please follow the signs that indicate camp drop off. Adults dropping off will be asked to stay in their cars for drop-off. A camp staff member will meet each camper at their car and escort the camper to their camp group.
Pick Up: 2:45pm- 3:15pm
Pick up is in the main parking lot, please follow the signs that indicate camp pick up. Adults picking up will also be asked to remain in their vehicles where a staff member will check their ID. Campers will be called and delivered 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.
To help the line move quickly please have your child’s last name posted in your front windshield.
Before & After Camp Care:
Before Camp:
Before Camp Drop Off | 7:30am – 8:15am
- If your camper is attending Before Camp, drop-off is in the main parking lot between 7:30am and 8:15am.
- Please park in a designated parking spot and walk your child to our camp staff in our Picnic Area, where they will sign your camper in.
- Please do not join the car line to drop your camper off in before camp. Staff will not know to receive your child from your car early.
After Camp:
Pick Up | 3:15pm – 6:00pm
- If your camper is attending After Camp, pickup is at the Lodge. To reach the lodge, park in the main parking lot and follow the main paved path. The stairs leading up to the lodge are located to the left, if you are walking along the paved path from the parking lot to the Nature Center.
What to Bring
- We will have designated snack time during After Care so bring an extra snack!
Making Drop Off & Pick Up Smoother:
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 AshlandPrograms@DelNature.org or calling us at 302.239.2334 Ext.1003 and we will be happy to help.
Prepare your child – especially for young children. Explain the process. The drop-off and pick-up are a “drive through” where only the child gets out of the car. So, goodbyes, hugs, and kisses all happen in the car and the camp staff will help your children to the camp instructor.
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 in the picnic area. One of the amazing DelNature staff members will be able to direct you to who you need.
Basic Policies for All Summer Camps:
- DelNature Behavior Policy: Click here to view the DelNature Behavior Policy for Summer Camp. Please review with your child before their camp week.
- Homeroom App: Your hub for camp updates and pictures during the camp week: This summer we will be using the homeroom app to share updates during your child’s camp week. We will be posting pictures and notifying parents of any important information and reminders throughout the week. Check the app to stay up to date with camp news. The week before your camp you will receive an email with instructions to access the private group for your child’s camp. We can’t wait to share all the fun of summer camp with DelNature parents!
- Absence: If your child is not able to attend on a particular day, please let us know promptly so the class is not delayed waiting for your child’s arrival. Email us at ashlandprograms@delnature.org or call us at 302.413.5071.
- Non-Parent Pick-Up: Add authorized pick up people to your child’s file during registration. After registration, authorized pick up people can be added through our front desk. 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 staff will then bring the campers out for pick up. Please note this may result in late pick up. Parents who cannot wait out the thunderstorm 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.
- 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.
- Allergies & Medications: 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 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 home. We will send children showing signs of illness home.
- Electronics & Cell Phones: Cell phones and other electronics are not permitted at DelNature camps. Our electronics policy is designed for campers to spend meaningful time in nature and promote connection within camp groups. Unless otherwise indicated in your parent letter packing list, please leave all electronics at home.
What To Bring:
Day pack with water bottle, snacks, and lunch. Packs will be with campers or left in the van
Dry bag to put necessary items in for the boat
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
Medication Form (If required, please bring completed form on your campers first day.)
Filled out permission form for Octorario Reservoir
What To Pack:
- Lunch – Please pack in a waterproof container (like a dry bag).
- Water Bottle
- 20 Liter Dry Bag: We strongly suggest purchasing a 20 liter dry bag for your child to store and carry their lunch and belongings.
- Rain jacket if rain is in the forecast
- Towel
- Medication Form (If required, please bring completed form on your campers first day.)
What to Wear:
- Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet and dirty.
- Close-toed water shoes or sneakers that can get wet and that stay on.
- Paddle gloves or a pair of good fitting garden gloves are optional, but they help prevent blisters and make hands more comfortable when paddling.
- Hat (helpful for sun and insect protection)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Closed-Toe Shoes – Old Sneakers or Water Shoes (NO Flip Flops or Sandals)
- Dress for the weather, we go outside if it is raining.