Camp FAQs

Get ready for a smooth camp experience with these handy tips and insights

 

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Welcome Email:
Once you have registered, you will receive a Welcome email from the camp coordinators the Thursday before your camper’s session begins. This email will include the following important information:

• COPA Emergency Form

• Summer Camp Info and Behavioral Policy

• Session Schedule

• Map of Mitchell Park Community Center or Foothills Park

• Camp Leadership Team (CLT) Bios

Contacting Camp:
For all registration issues, please contact Chris Sanchez. For all other inquiries, please contact the Camp Coordinators. Please be aware that coordinators operate on a part-time basis until a few weeks before the camp starts. Response times may be slightly delayed. For urgent matters, please include both the coordinators and Chris Sanchez in the correspondence.

Attendance and Registration:
Before attending our programs, ensure you've registered your child to participate. Online registration is available via Enjoy! Online. Please note that we cannot provide any refunds or make-up camps due to absences.

Waiting Lists:
If the program you are interested in is full, you may place your child's name on the waiting list. If waiting lists grow and resources permit, another camp may be added to accommodate participants off the waiting list. If someone withdraws and a spot in the camp opens, we’ll contact the first participant on the waiting list. If offered a spot, you will be given a deadline to register and complete payment.

Locations:
 

 

 

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Transportation:
Unfortunately, bus transportation to Foothills Nature Preserve will no longer be available this summer or in the foreseeable future. You will be responsible for providing transportation to and from any camp you register for. While we recognize the loss of bus transportation may be limiting, we apologize for any inconvenience.

Drop-off/Pick-up Information:
First day of camp:

• Campers must have a completed emergency form turned in to the CLT of their camp before the parent/guardian’s departure on the first day.

• Every parent/guardian authorized to pick up your camper must show a valid photo ID to the camp staff the first time they pick up.

• No self-check-out:

  • We no longer allow campers to check themselves out. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact the Camp Coordinators.

• Please note our new late policy:

  • Parents/guardians of children picked up late will be charged $10 for 10-15 minutes, $25 for 15-30 minutes, and $50 for 30-60 minutes per family.

Camp Emergency Forms:
Please remember to fill out and bring your camper's emergency form on the first day of camp. This includes information on your child's allergies, authorized pick-ups, and other emergency information. Your child will NOT be allowed to attend camp without this completed. If you wish to complete the emergency form virtually, you must do so by 9:00 AM the Thursday before your camper's first day. Otherwise, the parent/guardian dropping off on the first day will be required to bring a printed copy or fill out a new form at the check-in table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Child is Not of Age or About to Be of Age:

Please send an email to PA.SummerCamps@CityofPaloAlto.org if you want to sign up your camper, but they are not of age or about to be of age before the camp starts, and you still want to sign them up for a specific program. Please include the following information:

• Camp Name

• Your camper's age

• Camp's Session Code (if you have it)

• Please note that this is not a guarantee. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Camper Aides:

• Camper aides are welcome at camp, but they must be approved at least one week prior to the start of camp and complete a Live Scan background check before camp begins.

• Please contact Chris Sanchez if your child requires an aide at camp.

Camp Guidelines:

The City of Palo Alto camps are in full compliance with the most current State and County guidelines around childcare, camps, and other educational or recreational institutions for children. Please note safety protocols may change as conditions and directives change. Campers must demonstrate respectful behavior, positive choices, and active engagement. Unacceptable actions are addressed progressively. For more details, refer to the Program Behavior Expectations Policy.