Wow! It's hard to believe we’re almost at the end of May and we're only 33 days until our first day camp! The school year is wrapping up, and camp season is almost here!

We've been working hard to prepare for our campers' arrival come the end of June. This email is the first in our series of weekly updates leading up to camp. I’ll share bite-sized pieces of information to make it easier to digest than a lengthy handbook. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Here are some quick facts for this summer:

Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Drop Off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am

• Pick Up: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm

• Extended Hours:Additional fees apply, and campers must be registered in advance. Drop-in extended hours are available.

  • Before Camp: 7:30 am – 8:30 am

  • Afternoon Camp: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Camper Forms: All forms must be completed before your camper's first day. This includes the Camper Information Form, Waivers & Agreements, Camper Code of Conduct, and Health Immunization Certificate (MDH-896).

• Medications: If your camper needs any medications (including over-the-counter or vitamins), a Medication Administration Authorization (MDH-4758-A) must be submitted with the medication. For asthma, include an Asthma Action Plan and Medication Administration Authorization (MDH-4758-C). More details on medications and emergency protocols will be shared in a future email. Please reach out with any questions.

Contacting Camp: Our phone number is 301-852-0909 and is available during all camp hours, feel free to text or call. For after-hours inquiries, email us at info@CampRipplingBrook.com.

Communication from Camp: We value communication and want to keep you informed.

• Daily Emails: If your child’s usual response to "How was your day?" is "Good," or my least favorite to hear from my son: “I’m not telling you,” our daily emails will help. We’ll share activities, announcements, weather updates, and more.

• Weekly Emails: The week before your child's camp session, you’ll receive a reminder email with important information such as spirit days, packing lists, and drop-off/pick-up procedures.

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. We’ll try to post a couple times daily but sometimes we get a bit distracted with the fun we’re having.

• SmugMug: For a closer look at camp activities and the joy of camp, we’ll upload photos to SmugMug, accessible with the password SummerCamp. Each week will have it’s own password provided in our daily emails.

Groups & Camp Size: We’re committed to offering a rich camp experience filled with activities, friendships, and memories. We’re excited to see our growth this year and are anticipating between 4-5 groups of no more than 20 campers each week. 

We’re counting down the days and are looking forward to meeting all our families! Remember, we offer a $25 referral discount on registration for each family you refer to camp. For example, if you refer 3 families, you’ll receive $75 off. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. Here’s a preview of upcoming emails:

• May 28: Activities Overview

• June 4: Health, Medications & Safety

• June 11: Procedures & Daily Camp Schedule

• June 18: Staff Introductions & Training 

• Last minute reminders before your campers’ week(s) of camp

• A survey after your campers’ week(s) of camp

Thank you!

Kate