Question 1

I am on the waitlist, what are my chances of getting a spot?

Accepted Answer

We often are able to offer waitlisters spots in camp. We tend to have most spots open up closer to summer or during summer, when most waitlisted families have already made alternative plans. Families have up to 24 hours to accept a spot, you will be notified via email and text message, before it is offered to someone else. We encourage you to join the waitlist at any time, whether that is in February or July, and we will let you know if something opens up.

Question 2

Can I sign up for only 1 or 2 weeks of camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our camps are designed for families to sign up for single weeks, as many as you would like. Whether you are looking for a one-week camp experience or wish to enroll for multiple weeks, our registration process allows you to select the weeks that work best for your family. Additionally, we offer a variety of themed camps each week, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting for your child to explore.

Question 3

Sibling Requests? Will they be together?

Accepted Answer

On the registration form you will have the opportunity to make sibling requests if you register your siblings for the same camp (Wildwood, Heronswood, Bigleaf), whether that is to place siblings:

1) Together in the same small group
If you select this and your siblings are different in age, we will place them with other campers of similar ages for both siblings in this small group. When there is an age gap of 4-5 years, we recommend campers be placed in separate small groups. However, if you believe having your 6 and 10 year old together in the same small group, we will do our best and may contact you. Campers are together during morning circle, then separate into small groups for activities but generally come back together for lunch, afternoon free time and closing circle. On lake days for Camp Wildwood, small groups may go to the lake at separate times.
2) Together in the same camp but different small groups 
If siblings want to be close for part of the day, yet they want to have different friend groups, requesting different small groups will be good for this. 
3) Place them in separate camps (for Camp Wildwood)
For Camp Wildwood: there are 2 camp groups, North & South. You can sign up siblings for Camp Wildwood and request they are placed in separate camps, the drop-off area is in the same field for both camps.

We prioritize Sibling Requests over Friend Requests unless you include a comment on the enroll form.

Question 4

Friend Requests?

Accepted Answer

We do our very best to place campers with friends that are registered in the same camp. If your camper has a lot of friend requests, we may not be able to meet every request.

You can make a friend request on the enrollment form at time of registration, and up until June 1st on your enrollment form if you log back into the enrollment portal.

Log into your account with the link in the email, or this link.  
Select the menu tab > My Account > select camper's name > scroll down to Friend Request section (under Sibling Requests).

Question 5

My child is on the youngest or oldest part of the age range, will they be the only one their age in camp?

Accepted Answer

Our staff keep a close eye on the composition of ages within camp during the registration period, as we know how important it is to have similarly aged peers in camp. It rarely happens that there are not multiples of an age group. However, if we see there are no other campers within 1 year's age of your child, we will email you and give you the opportunity to transfer to a different week or unenroll.

Question 6

Is payment collected at the time of registration?

Accepted Answer

Registering before April 1st: At registration, a non-refundable deposit to hold you space in camp is collected for each week of camp and for each camper. Your remaining balance is collected on April 25th.

Registering on or after April 1st: your full payment is collected.

Question 7

Do you offer priority registration for returning families?

Accepted Answer

Both new and returning families have the opportunity to register at the same time. By providing this equal access to registration, we ensure that all families have a fair chance to secure a spot in our camps, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging for everyone. Whether you are a returning family or joining us for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Question 8

What is the Payment and Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation policy states that the deposit is non-refundable. For the full payment and cancellation policy, including information on cancellations within a certain timeframe, please refer to the detailed payment and cancellation policy.

Question 9

On the day of camp, can I check-in my camper early?

Accepted Answer

Educators are preparing for the day right until the camp start time and are not able to check-in campers early.

Question 10

Can I drop-off (check-in) my camper late, or pick up (check-out) my camper early?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you need to arrive late or leave early, please communicate this with the table staff at the park at check-in or check-out. If you need to arrive late on your first day of the week, email us at registrar@heartwoodnp.org.

For Camp Wildwood and Camp Bigleaf, if you need to check-out your camper while the camp is down at the lake, you can either pick up your camper from the lake (it is a 15-to-30-minute hike, depending upon ability), or come earlier and pick up prior to the camp going to the lake. Camp staff at the park can tell you the lake schedule.

Question 11

Do you provide before or after care?

Accepted Answer

No, our staff are preparing for the day prior to camp start time and have obligations after camp is over. Please be on time for check-out.

Question 12

My camper is only able to attend part of the week, can I get a refund for the days they miss?

Accepted Answer

Our investment in our staff, resources, and overall programming prevents us from providing a discount or refund if your camper attends only a partial week. We strive to maintain the highest standards of programming and supervision for the benefit of all campers, and this requires a commitment to our staffing and resources for the entire duration of the program. With that said, it is common for campers to miss a partial or full day of camp for outside appointments or vacations. Please notify staff at camp prior to the abscense(s). If your camper is going to miss the first day of the week of camp, email us at registar@heartwoodnp.org and the office will notify the camp director.

Question 13

What are your staff to camper ratios?

Accepted Answer

Camp Wildwood and Camp Heronswood have a staff ratio of 1:8, as well as support from volunteer CITs (Counselors-In-Training of middle school and high school age) designated to each camp. We also have camp coordinators and camp assistants to help out as needed.

Camp Bigleaf has a staff ratio of 1:6, as well as support from volunteer CITs (Counselors-In-Training of middle school and high school age) designated to each camp. We also have camp coordinators and camp assistants to help out as needed.

Question 14

What certifications do your camp counselors have?

Accepted Answer

All camp counselors are certified in cpr and first aid; they have also cleared a background check.

Question 15

What is the adult supervision when kids are wading in water?

Accepted Answer

Adult camp staff will be present at all times while campers are at the lake. Small groups of campers rotate in the water with 2 adult supervisors. Camp Bigleaf is allowed to go up to their mid-shin, and Camp Wildwood is allowed to wade up to just above the knee, within Heartwood boundaries.

Question 16

What happens if there is exessive heat or smoke?

Accepted Answer

Please see our Cancellation Policy for details on exesssive heat and smoke.

Question 17

Does my camper need to be potty trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes, campers are required to be fully potty trained.

Question 18

Where do campers use the restrooms?

Accepted Answer

We utilize park restrooms with flush toilets, portapotties, and the vault toilets near the lakeshore (at Saint Edward SP). Camp staff ensure the bathrooms are clear of the public before campers enter. We give campers time to use the bathroom prior to hikes, however in the event of an urgent need to use the restroom during hikes, campers are allowed to "nature pee" with guidance and discretion.

Question 19

Do you provide food, or do we pack a lunch?

Accepted Answer

Campers bring their own nutrious lunches and healthy snacks. In support of families choosing what their campers' use to fuel their bodies, as well as respecting food allergies and restrictions, campers are not allowed to share lunches & snacks. Summer camp is full of physical activity, you may want to pack a little more food than you think your camper needs.

Some camps may forage a small amount of berries or nettles for campers to have a small taste with supervision.

Question 20

Can my camper refill their water bottles at camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All campers are required to come with a full reusable water bottle, and we provide a refilling station.

Question 21

Can my camper bring a pocket knife to camp?

Accepted Answer

Please leave pocket knifes at home.

Question 22

Can my camper bring their cell phone?

Accepted Answer

Cell phones are not allowed at camp. If a camper must bring a cell phone, it must be packed in the bottom of their backpack and may not come out during camp. Cell phones for medical necessity are allowed, please contact us at registrar@heartwoodnp.org to discuss.

Heartwood is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Question 23

Is there a lost and found?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the end of camp each day, lost and found will be at the check-out table. Items not claimed at the end of each week will be sent to our office. We will hold onto these items for one more week, after which they will be donated. Email us at registrar@heartwoodnp.org if you would like to claim an item.

Question 24

What is your discipline policy?

Accepted Answer

You can read about our camp rules and camper expectations and guidelines here: https://www.heartwoodnatureprograms.org/program-policies

Frequently asked questions