Children's Programs

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• Set up your account prior to registration. If this is the first time you will be registering for a camp or class, or if you have forgotten your User ID and/or Password, go to the start here page; under Login, click on "Create Account" or "Forgot User ID/Password" for help and follow the instructions. If you require additional assistance creating an account or retrieving your Login ID and Password, contact the Registration Office at (703) 792-7060 or one of the camp sites.
   
• Review your account prior to registration. Check the information we have about your account online to be sure we have your household listed correctly (email and phone) and all family members are listed. Verify birth dates of children, as age restrictions are enforced during online registration. Our camps are operated in compliance with state regulations. Children who are found to be under or over the age restrictions of a camp cannot register. Please note: only primary guardians will be able to add family members or request information on the account.
   
• Be prepared to register. You will speed through the online registration process if you have the information you need at your fingertips. This is important as camps fill quickly.
   
• Know Your Username and Password.
   
• Know the camps and camp codes you want. Have second-choice options ready in case you are wait-listed for your first choice.
   
• Add a Class/Program to Wishlist. If there is a program or class you would like to save but are not ready to checkout, you can add the class/program to your wish-list and then add it to your cart at a later time. To do this, make sure you are logged into your account. Once you've clicked on the class or program, click the 'Add to Wishlist' button on the far right.
   
• After you login, use the Summer Camp menu to search for camps and read any important camp updates. To register for a camp, click on the Shopping Cart icon to the left of the camp name on the Search screen. If the camp offers extended hours, you will be asked if you would like to register for them.
   
• Have your credit card information handy. Prince William County accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Download the 2024 Summer Camps Quick Tips Guide
 

★ Checklist for Full Day Camp Programs

• All campers should bring two snacks, lunch, drink and water bottle to camp each day.
• Please pack sunscreen each day, if possible please apply sunscreen before your child comes to camp.
• If applicable, please make sure all medical forms are completed in ePACT and medication is brought with your child on the first day of camp.
• Please complete all required forms in ePACT one week prior to camp.

Registration Deadlines:

Registration for all camps closes 14 days in advance of the first day of camp.

Payments:

Partial Day and Break Camps

Payment in full is due at the time of registration.

Full Day Camps

• A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due at the time of registration, The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days prior to the start of camp.
• Failure to pay the balance in full by the due date may result in your child being removed from the camp.
• A $10.00 multi-child discount will be given to each additional child in the household who is enrolled in the same full-day camp program at the same location.

Cancellations & Refunds:

Partial Day and Break Camps

• Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $10.00 processing charge.
• Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start of camp will result in a forfeiture of all fees.

Full Day Camps

• Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the start of camp will receive a refund minus the $50.00 non-refundable deposit.
• Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start of camp will result in a forfeiture of all fees.

Transfers:

• All fees (including deposits) are transferable with documented notice made more than 14 days prior to the start of camp (from which the transfer is requested).
• Transfers requested less than 14 days prior to the start of the camp (from which the transfer is being requested), will result in a forfeiture of all fees.
• Transfers are not guaranteed and subject to program availability.

Inclusion Request

Walker/Bike Rider Authorization

Medication Drop Off Information & Authorization Form

Asthma Action Plan

Allergy Action Plan

Physical Form (English)

Physical Form (Spanish)

2024 Parent/Guardian Handbook

Code of Conduct

Q: What is your policy on allowing parents to stay and observe camp?
A: Often parents or guardian’s presence during camp can be distracting for some children as well as staff. For this reason, we prefer parents/guardians not stay.

Q: Quick reference for Payments, Refunds and Prorating:
A: Partial Day and Break Camps
Payment in full is due at the time of registration.

Full Day Camps
A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due at the time of registration. New in 2024 -The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days prior to the start of camp. Failure to pay the balance in full by the due date may result in your child being removed from the camp. A $10.00 multi-child discount will be given to each additional child in the household who is enrolled in the same full-day camp program at the same location. For more information, please see the
Parent/Guardian Handbook.

Q: Can I purchase an extra camp T-shirt?
A: Each Full Day Camper will receive one T-Shirt per summer per registered camp location. These shirts are to be worn on field trip days. Please ask the camp manager regarding additional t-shirts for purchase.

Q: Can we switch from one camp program/location to another?
A: All fees (including deposits) are transferable with documented notice made more than 14 days prior to the start of camp (from which the transfer is requested). Transfers requested less than 14 days prior to the start of the camp (from which the transfer is being requested), will result in a forfeiture of all fees. Transfers are not guaranteed and subject to program availability.

Q: Do I have to sign up for the entire summer or can I choose specific weeks?
A: Committing to a full summer of camp is not required. Participants can choose specific camps or weeks that interest them.

Q: Do you offer Before and After extended care options? What are the fees?
A: Extended before and after care is offered for full day camp programs. The hours for extended care are 7a-9a and 5p-6p. Morning or evening extended care costs an additional $30 per week. If both morning and evening care is needed, the cost is an additional $60 per week. Registration and payment for before and aftercare is due 14 days prior to camp start date.

Q: Will campers be going on field trips this summer?
A: Yes! Full day camp programs will be offering field trips this summer and occasionally an on-site specialty program. Information regarding field trips will be communicated through the camp newsletter.

Q: Quick guide to meals at camp
A: We are unable to provide refrigeration or access to a microwave for camper’s lunches/snacks. Generally lunch is held between 11a-12noon. Meals are not provided unless there is a special event scheduled that will include food. Campers should bring 2 snacks and 2 drinks, lunch, and water bottle to full day camps each day, and 1 snack and water bottle to partial day camps.

Q: What about swimming?
A: Swimming is offered at some of our full day camps. Swim days, times, and locations will be communicated through the camp newsletter. All children in PWC Department of Parks & Recreation summer camps will need to pass a swim test before getting in the water. This will determine areas of the pool they are allowed to access and if they need a life vest. More information can be found in the Parent/Guardian Handbook.

Q: Can we switch from one camp program/location to another?
A: All fees (including deposits) are transferable with documented notice made more than 14 days prior to the start of camp (from which the transfer is requested). Transfers requested less than 14 days prior to the start of the camp (from which the transfer is being requested), will result in a forfeiture of all fees. Transfers are not guaranteed and subject to program availability.

Q: What if my child has a disability?
A: The Department of Parks and Recreation offers inclusion based programming. Please find more information on our Inclusion page or contact Veronica Laughman, ADA Coordinator: [email protected].
Complete and submit the Inclusion request form.

Q: If I am not registered for Before Care, how early can I drop my child off?
A: Campers who are not signed up for extended care should be dropped off between 8:45a-9:00a and picked up at 5:00p for Full-Day Camps at no extra cost.

Q: How do you handle inclement weather (heat and rain)?
A: All camp locations have inclement weather policies and Emergency Action Plans. Indoor spaces are available at all locations. In case of extreme heat, activities are modified and outdoor time is limited.

Q: I am wait-listed, what happens now?
A: If space becomes available, and your child becomes eligible for enrollment, you will be contacted by the camp manager regarding the opportunity to register.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: For more information regarding camp policies and procedures, please visit our Parent/Guardian Handbook. For more information regarding our inclusion program, please visit our Disability Inclusion page.
 

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Counselor in Training (CIT) Program assigns youth volunteers to summer camps at Silver Lake Regional Park (Camp Silver Lake), Locust Shade Park (Camp Wingapo), and the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center (Blast Camp, Scamper Campers, and Afternoon Adventures). Applicants must be at least 14 by June 23, 2025.

Camp hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday. Campers are aged 6-12 and participate in activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and more. CIT’s assist counselors and the camp director with daily activities such as preparing arts and crafts projects, supervising and assisting campers with activities, and serving as a good leader and role model. Scamper Campers and Afternoon Adventures are half-day camps and operate Monday-Thursday.

Volunteering as a CIT is a fun way to gain experience working with children, a sense of responsibility and leadership skills.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A C.I.T.?

A Counselor-In-Training assists the camp counselors with:
•    Drop off and pick up supervision
•    Planning, preparing, leading, and cleaning up of activities
•    Interacting with the children
•    Ensures the children’s safety at all times.

A Counselor-In-Training is a(n):
•    Valuable volunteer because of the service he/she provides
•    Organized volunteer who does his/her job well
•    Leader who helps with the program activities
•    Understanding friend to the participants
•    Needed member of the camp community
•    Trustworthy volunteer
•    Energetic source of leadership
•    Eager worker
•    Reliable source of help

As you contribute your time and skills, we hope you will recognize the many benefits that are now available to you.

Through the Counselor-In-Training Program you CAN:
•    Gain valuable work experience.
•    Make use of your talents and abilities.
•    Achieve new skills.
•    Secure job references.
•    Explore career possibilities.
•    Improve communication skills.
•    Develop a greater knowledge of working with children.
•    Learn to appreciate your own abilities.
•    Stimulate new friendships.
•    Receive personal satisfaction by helping other people.
•    Enlarge your world.

The CIT program is offered in two (2) three-week sessions throughout the summer. If selected, Counselors in Training must attend all camp dates for the session: 
•    Session 1 – June 23-27, June 30-July 3, and July 7-11
•    Session 2 - July 14-18, July 21-25, and July 28-August 1

Individuals interested in participating as a CIT, must complete and submit an application no later than March 31, 2025. Applicants will be scheduled for an interview (held on April 23). Selection for a CIT position will be based on the application and interview. Spaces are limited for the program, and we are not able to accept every applicant. Applicants will be informed of selection no later than May 2. A maximum of two (2) CIT’s will be selected for each session at all camp locations.

Once selected, applicants will be provided with directions regarding program registration and payment for their session. The registration fee for the CIT program is $240/session. This fee includes the cost of weekly field trips and camp shirts (uniform). Payment is due after participants are selected, at the time of registration.

All CIT’s must attend a mandatory training session on June 4 along with any site-specific training session to be determined by the camp manager.

For questions regarding the CIT program, please e-mail Ryan Amato, Children’s Program Manager or call (703) 792-4016.

Mary Bockes, Recreation Senior Specialist
Camp Blast, Scamper Campers and Afternoon Adventures
Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center
(703) 792-8677

Jane England, Parks & Center Manager
Camp Silver Lake
Silver Lake Park
(703) 792-5650

Christy Mory, Recreation Specialist
Camp Wingapo
Locust Shade Park
(703) 792-8065

Apply Today