ALL-DAY EXPLORER CAMP
Girls in fort

The purpose of All-Day Explorer Camp is to provide a fun, safe, recreation-based all-day camp experience to children of various ages, interests and backgrounds. We strive to build camp community and enhance each campers’ individual skills and confidence.

Our goal is to build a camp community that is kind, supportive and welcoming – where children thrive and grow stronger through being exposed to and trying new things. We help campers develop friendships, work well in groups, and progress toward attainable goals. And at day’s end or week’s end or summer’s end children are more prepared to face their next challenges.

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.”
—Elizabeth Lawrence

Pricing

Prices are per week of camp, Monday-Friday.

2023 Prices

Full Week Camps: $395 for residents, $401 for non-residents
Single-Day Guest: $95 residents, $101 non-residents (space available one week prior to start of camp)

Single-day signups for multi-day camps are permitted; space is available and assessed at $95/day for residents and $101/day for non-residents. Please contact Recreation Program Manager Shannon Buxton at shannon@biparks.org or 206-842-5661 #125.

Hours
  • Flexible Drop-off: 7:30-9:00am
  • Structured camp activities: 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Flexible Pick-up: 4:00-5:30pm
Drop-Off and Pick-Up

CAMP ACCESS: Explorer Camp access is via the outside entry door awning at the west end of the Aquatics Center. Parents/Caregivers are asked to remain outside while staff escort campers.

SIGNING CAMPERS IN AND OUT: A photo ID is required by anyone picking up your camper. Parents or guardians are responsible for signing campers in and out on the roster, including times. Any additional adults must be on the authorized pick-up list and have their photo ID ready. Campers may not leave camp with an unauthorized adult. Anyone picking up your camper must be listed on your camper’s authorized pick-up list and be prepared to present a photo ID at pick-up.

MAKING CHANGES TO AUTHORIZED PICK-UP:  Changes to your camper’s authorized pick-up list must be done by the parent/guardian who filled out the registration form with proof of ID. Staff cannot change the approved pick-up list over the phone.

  • Separated parents: If the parents are separated but not legally divorced, the staff may not deny access to a child by either parent. Appropriate court-issued documents are required for staff to deny parental access.
  • Divorced parents: Either parent may pick up the child unless a court order indicates limited or no visitation. Such custody agreements must be kept on file with the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.
  • Guardianship: Copies of appropriate legal guardianship documents must be on file with the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.

LATE PICK-UP FEES: As with most childcare facilities, a $1 per minute late fee is accrued and applied to your account after camp closes at 6p. Late fees must be paid before that camper returns to base. If a camper remains after camp and the Explorer staff have not been notified by a parent or other authorized adult within one hour of camp closure, the Park District may notify the camper’s emergency contact or appropriate authorities.

Fees and Cancellations

FEES

Explorer Camp registration is available online or at the Aquatics Center by phone at (206)842-2302 or in person. All fees are due in full prior to participation.

REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS

Refunds will be in the form of an automatic credit to the appropriate BIMPRD household account.

  • Programs canceled by the Park District will receive a full refund.
  • Refunds will not be granted after a camp, even with a doctor’s note.
  • If you call to leave a cancellation message outside of business hours, all calls are time and date stamped.

Unless a doctor’s note is received, the following refund policy applies:

  • Requests made seven days or more prior to the start of the program will receive a full refund, less a $10 service charge. The seven-day period does not include the day the class begins (i.e., the seventh day is the day before the class starts). Counting backwards to the first day, a refund request must be received no later than midnight before the first day of the seven days.
  • No refunds will be granted if requests are received less than seven days before the start of the program.
  • No refunds will be granted if requests are made once the program has started.

Some exceptions may be made for documented injury or illness. Please call us at 206-842-5661 #125.

Camp Policies

STAFF: Our staff is trained in working with children, day camp operations, CPR, and first aid. All staff and volunteers are mandated child abuse reporters. Camp staff is excellent with children; however, they are not permitted to babysit, transport in personal vehicles, or have contact with campers outside the camp.

SUPERVISION: All-Day Explorer camp is not designed to provide one-on-one care. Contact the Park District or Program Manager if your camper requires individual support to be successful.

RATIOS: We adhere to the following staff to camper ratio:1 staff for every eight campers.

WATER PLAY: Not all camps offer swimming or water play. Check the camp schedule to confirm your camper’s days in the water. Swimsuits and towels are required to participate in water play. If a camper forgets their swim things or chooses not to participate, alternative supervised dry activities will be available.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT: Campers whose behavior disrupts or endangers other campers’ ability to enjoy camp may be dismissed from camp without a refund. Examples are:

  • Verbal abuse or bullying
  • Physical aggression
  • Inappropriate touching
  • Leaving the designated camp area without an authorized adult

ILLNESS: Do not bring sick children to camp. In the event of unintended exposure to an infectious condition, families will be notified as quickly as possible. We will contact parents to pick up your camper immediately if:

  • Camper is feeling ill for 30 minutes or longer
  • Camper has a fever of 100.1 degrees or higher
  • Camper is vomiting
  • Camper has diarrhea, persistent cough, watery or inflamed eyes, acute skin rash, or sore throat.

Children absent because of the contagious disease may return with a statement from a physician indicating the child is no longer contagious.

Children absent because of lice may return when there is no sign of lice or nits.

In the case of an injury, staff will make every effort to ensure proper care. Care may include first aid for minor injuries, contacting a parent or guardian, or calling local emergency care providers. In an emergency, staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian before treatment.

MEDICATION: Explorer Camp staff are not authorized to provide medication to campers; however, staff may assist campers to self-medicate inhalers. If your camper requires an EpiPen®, please see the Explorer Camp Program Supervisor at the start of the camp session.

INSURANCE: The parent or guardian is responsible for any medical expenses related to any injury incurred at camp.

EMERGENCIES: Camp staff is prepared and trained to activate emergency procedures in the event of severe weather, fire, building evacuation, or other immediate safety measures.

What to Bring
  • Lunch
  • Filled water bottle
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Plastic bag for wet items
  • Wear closed-toe shoes (leave flip-flops and sandals at home)
  • Small tote bag or backpack (to hold belongings)
  • Sunscreen
  • Please label all belongings with the child’s name

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Only allow your camper to bring items necessary for the day camp. Extra money, toys, sports equipment, candy & gum, and personal electronics stay home.

OPTIONAL SNACKS: Two daily snacks are provided by Explorer Camp. If you choose to send a snack from home for your camper,  Please send nut-free items only. Snacks should not require refrigeration or microwaving.

SUNSCREEN: For spring and summer camps, pre-apply sunscreen to your camper every day before camp. If additional applications are necessary, send sunscreen with your child to reapply later in the day. Remember to label the lotion with your child’s full name.

DRESS CODE: Campers should wear play clothes or athletic apparel to safely and comfortably participate in messy camp activities and games.

Special Accomodations

To ensure your camper’s success at All-Day Explorer Camp, please contact the Park District at least two weeks before camp if special accommodations are required. This allows us to assess and determine if we can adequately provide the necessary support. We are committed to creating an inclusive and enriching camp experience for every camper.

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