FAQ – Catalyst Camps

Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Program

What should I expect from the camp curriculum?

Our curriculum is designed to establish a learning environment that is safe and supportive, where healthy risk taking is encouraged, and where campers feel free to contribute their ideas. Our daily activities serve as a starting point for campers to explore their ideas on weekly topics. Some activities may only last 1 hour, some may expand the entire week, and all of our activities are geared toward developing positive relationships and giving campers the assets they need to be successful in life.
What is the daily schedule like at camp?

The Catalyst Camps camp day is built from our essential elements and customized based on the local community. We make adjustments gradually based on assessing and observing the needs of our campers, while recognizing the importance of consistent routines for camper comfort. See the About Us page for more about our camp elements and individual location pages for custom samples.
May I drop off my child any time during the day?
What is your policy on younger campers attending camp?

We welcome all children entering Kindergarten (at least 4 years of age by first day of camp) through 8th grade as campers at Catalyst Camps. We do require that campers are fully potty-trained and able to handle basic self-care. We welcome a conversation before registering to see if the day camp experience is right for your younger camper. Typically we recommend starting with part-time (2 or 3 days per week) and shorter time frames at camp each day for younger campers until they get acclimated to camp life. Campers who are transitioning into Kindergarten with no prior preschool or routine group settings may find the boisterous energy of camp more intimidating, and waiting another year for school experiences may be best. We can’t wait to have your camper join us when they are ready!

Meals & Snacks

How do meals and snacks work at Catalyst Camps?

We will be providing snacks for the summer of 2022, but Parents/Guardians are encouraged to pack a nutritious lunch and 2 snacks each day for their camper. Please note that campers generally do not have access to refrigeration or microwaves, so food should not require cool storage or heating for deliciousness.

Catalyst Camps is a nut-free camp program. Please DO NOT give your child any nut products for lunch and snacks. If a nut product is brought to camp, it won’t be thrown away, however it will be sent home with a note.
Is Catalyst Camps a Nut-Free camp program?
What about water and drinks?

All campers need to bring a water bottle and will be encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking fountains are also available and will be routinely disinfected throughout the day, however we will encourage campers to refill water bottles rather than drink directly from water fountains. In the summer of Covid-19, we recommend sending your child with a large and well-labeled water bottle that holds plenty of water to limit need for refilling.

Financial/Tuition/Payments

Do you offer any discounts?

All locations off a sibling discount and military family discount.

Sibling Discount: Families receive a $20 off discount on weekly camp fees for the 2nd camper and each additional camper for siblings attending the same week(s). Siblings must be enrolled concurrently and discounts are applied to the child(ren) with the lowest rates. The discount will be automatically applied during the checkout step with online registration.

Military Family Discount: Children of both current and veteran military families can use a discount code to receive $20 off registration. Please contact us to receive the discount code.
How do payments work?

Health & Safety

How should my camper come prepared for camp each day?

Campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get a little camp dirt on ’em. We suggest campers bring a change of clothes, in a backpack or sack, just in case they get a little too messy.

Campers must wear closed-toed shoes that secure around the heal. Backless sandals/slippers are only allowed during water activities. Campers are highly encouraged to bring a hat and sunglasses, and come to camp with a first coat of sunscreen already applied. Campers should arrive with a mask covering their nose and mouth.
Do you provide sunscreen?

All campers need to bring their own sunscreen to camp and will be encouraged to re-apply through various parts of the day. Campers should label their sunscreen, keep in their backpack between applications, and not share with other campers. Catalyst Camps will not be providing sunscreen during the summer of 2022 due to Covid-19 and the need to limit shared resources.

Staff Qualifications

Do your staff receive background checks?
What kind of training do staff have?

We hire fun, diverse, and creative kid-magnets who understand the importance of physical and emotional safety for campers. Our camp teams come from multiple experiences such as day camp professionals, school teachers, college students, child care workers, and all kinds of other interesting lives.

Our camp staff for Catalyst Camps go through multiple workshops to be the best camp team in the world! (Okay, we can’t actually claim the world by fact, but we will try). Camp workshops and certifications include:

Catalyst Camps Camp Culture & Leadership Workshops

CPR/First Aid certification

Supervision, Mandated Reporter & Personal Rights of Children training

Summer Safety training (heat and outdoor exposure)

In addition, we have designated staff certified in

Medication Administration training