What are Maymont Summer Camps all about?
Summer camps at Maymont are filled with activities, crafts, games and exploration. Animals and historic buildings are a major part of the learning experience, and campers have the benefit of one of the most beautiful settings in Richmond as their playground! With fun as the ultimate goal, participants learn about nature and history in a fun and safe setting.
Who are the camp teachers?
Camp teachers are permanent Maymont education staff and summer staff. The Maymont education team has several years of camp and teaching experience. Summer staff includes certified teachers from local schools. Camp interns from colleges and universities are selected based on their area of study and experience working with children. All adults have had background checks and each camp will have at least one adult that is CPR and First Aid certified. In addition, most camps will have trained volunteers, typically from local high schools.
How many campers and adults participate in each camp session?
The maximum number of campers per session varies from 10-20 campers. At least one staff and one volunteer will lead each camp.
What safety guidelines will be in place?
Safety precautions will be in place. Masks are recommended for all campers and teachers while indoors and when social distancing isn’t possible outdoors. The use of hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing will be encouraged. Many activities will take place outside, and social distancing will be observed during all activities. Please review the safety guidelines with your camper each morning.
How do I register?
Online registration is preferred and is available at maymont.org/summer-camps. If you are unable to register online, contact us or call 804-358-7168.
Where do I drop off/pick up my child?
Please check your confirmation email for the exact location where you should drop off your child. We have camps throughout the Summer that take place at the Maymont Farm, The Robins Nature Center and among the historic buildings (near the Hampton Street entrance).
How early may I drop off my child for camp?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of camp to drop off your child. Entrance gates or buildings may not be open earlier than that. Someone will be at the gate/door to let you in. Please note: Maymont opens to the public at 10am.
What should we expect on the first day?
Please accompany your child to the designated location of the camp where you will check in with a Maymont educator. Your child will be given a camp t-shirt that they should wear each day. Camp begins once all campers have arrived. Occasionally some campers have a difficult time with drop-off the first day but almost always settle in quickly and have fun.
I signed up two or more children for camp, but my confirmation email only names one. What’s going on?
Your automatic confirmation email will only list one child’s name. Please look at the receipt amount – if the number corresponds to the number of children you registered, your registrations will be processed appropriately for all participants. If you would like verification, contact us or call 804-358-7168.
Can I sign up my child for a camp that’s above or below their age/grade?
Activities are designed for kids in the grade or age range associated with the camp, featuring lessons that are academically, emotionally and physically appropriate. Please register your child for camps that match up with the correct age or grade.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
We encourage all campers to bring a water bottle (full). Backpacks are optional but handy for carrying water bottles on hikes. A snack break is provided mid-morning. Campers attending a full-day camp should bring lunch.
What about sunscreen and/or bug spray?
Please apply sunscreen prior to camp. Camp staff will not apply sunscreen on the campers. We (fortunately) haven’t experienced the need for bug spray in the past, but if your child is prone to bug bites, they may apply it outside of the classroom.
My child has allergies, do you need to know?
YES! Please alert staff when completing registration about your child’s allergies. We do not purchase snacks containing nuts or peanut butter to err on the side of safety. Parents can check the ingredient lists of snacks on the first day of camp if necessary. If your child carries an Epi-pen or inhaler, make sure to inform the camp staff on the health form, and show the child’s medication action plan to staff on the first day. Only emergency medication may be left with the camp staff and ONLY with an action plan accompanying the medication.
My child has a learning disability or other special needs. Would camp be a good fit for them?
Absolutely! Maymont educators have experience teaching children of all abilities. To help provide the best experience for the camp, we ask that you offer guidance in the registration forms for your child’s specific needs. Teachers can arrange to meet with you prior to camp as well.
My child has an aide to assist them at school. Should they have one at camp?
Yes. Our camps are designed for campers to have a fun and educational experience. Kids who have an aide in their daily school routine adapt much more quickly to the camp routine with their aide attending. Prior to camp contact us or call 804-358-7168, if your child will be bringing along an adult assistant.
I need to pick up my child early/drop off late. Is that okay?
We ask that campers are picked up within 10 minutes of the camp end time. Early pick-ups can be arranged with the lead instructor. We often are out on the grounds with campers during camp hours, so advance notice is helpful. If it is an emergency, please contact Maymont at 804-358-7166, ext. 304, and they can locate us over the radio.
What if it’s really hot or rainy?
If there is a heat advisory in effect, time spent outdoors will be limited. When outdoors, we find shady areas for activities and encourage lots of water consumption! If there is heavy rain or lightning, we activate our “rain plan” and stay inside. In the case of drizzle or light rain, we may still go outside. Your child is encouraged to bring a raincoat on these days, not an umbrella.
Our family had a change of plans and needs to cancel or switch camps.
If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. Your camper can be transferred into a comparable camp at no additional cost if space is available. 50% of the registration fee will be refunded for cancellations made at least three weeks prior to the start of the camp session. No refunds will be available for cancellations made less than three weeks prior to the session. Allow three to four weeks from the time of cancellation for a refund to be issued.
What is the minimum number of campers needed for a camp?
We require at least five campers to be registered for a camp in order to proceed. If the registration is below five for your child’s camp, we will contact you prior to the start date to make you aware of the possibility of a cancellation. The decision to cancel will be made two weeks prior to the camp start date. We can transfer your child to a comparable camp or offer a full refund at that time.
If you have additional questions about Maymont’s Summer Camps, please contact us or call 804-358-7168.