SUMMER CAMP

Of course we want everyone to have fun at camp, but we need to know everyone is healthy and safe first. All our staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and we have staff available to administer medications. We also always have a health supervisor (a doctor and/or nurse) on call for consultation as needed. We are fortunate enough to also be within a short distance from emergency medical care as well. Our goal is to work in partnership with families to make sure we are prepared to address any health or safety concerns that come up while at camp.

We always want everyone to feel comfortable enough to address any concerns with a staff member. We strive to create a safe environment through various means such as a camper never being alone with only one other person, low staff to camper ratios, pick up procedures, providing health care and communicating that care as necessary.

Camp Rippling Brook is divided into three different age groups: Little Campers, Junior Campers, and Senior Campers.

Our "Little Campers," entering grades PreK-Kindergarten, will have a designated Recharge time.

Little Campers = Campers entering PreK-Kindergarten

Junior Campers = Campers entering 1st-3rd grades

Senior Campers = Campers 4th-7th grades

The only options that will appear when registering are the ones your camper is age eligible for, the age is based on how old they will be on the first day of camp for the season.

See more detailed about schedules and activities.

It's a fun and busy day at camp! Our Little Campers, campers entering grades PreK through Kindergarten, have a designated Recharge time for approximately 45 minutes after lunch. During Recharge, all Little Campers relax on cots and enjoy story time. Campers are asked to be respectful and quiet for those resting or listening to the story. Little Campers should bring their own rest items (blanket and sheet or nap roll, pillow, and a stuffed animal) which will be sent home each week.

Junior and Senior Campers, entering 1st grade and above, do not have Recharge.

Health and safety are our number one priority for all our campers and staff and we strive to provide a positive experience for everyone. If your family has any concerns regarding special needs, including significant physical, mental, emotional, social, and/or behavioral concerns, please contact camp to discuss this further via phone at 301-852-0909 or emailing info@campripplingbrook.com. Our goal is to be as prepared as possible for each camper’s arrival and knowing about any potential challenges in advance will allow us to better support your family and specifically your camper. After some discussions, it may be decided by camp that a one-on-one support may be needed and camp may ask your family to contribute towards the additional cost.

Please see the medications section if your camper will be required to take medications (prescription and/or over-the-counter) while at camp.

While we always do our best to provide a safe and healthy environment, sometimes injuries and illnesses happen. We always take any of these circumstances seriously as camper and staff care is our top priority. In these situations campers may be taken to our health center and your family will receive a phone call from one of our staff.

If your camper is not feeling well because of an illness we may be able to treat them in the health center. However, if your camper continues to not feel well after 30 minutes, we may ask that they get picked up early. If your camper is not feeling well before camp begins they should stay home.

If your camper becomes injured while at camp our staff will treat within their scope of care. Any emergencies and injuries that need further attention may require outside care. In any of these cases, our staff will notify your family before or at pick up depending on the severity of the situation. If your camper requires outside care a doctor must provide a note stating the camper may return to camp and if there will be any restrictions.

Our camp consists of diverse needs and it is important we are made aware of any allergies before attending camp. Knowing the type of allergies, reactions and how to treat any symptoms should be completed on your camper’s forms. Staff are made aware of any allergies in advance and do their best to keep those with allergies away from any potential allergens.

Please note we are NOT a nut free facility, we are an ALLERGY AWARE facility and will allow campers to bring nuts and nut products to camp. However, we will work with families on a case-by-case basis to determine if special accommodations are needed to ensure the safety of your child.

If any emergency medications are required camp should be given those in advance or upon arrival to a leadership or health care staff, please remember that a doctor’s note will be required. These will be returned at the end of the week or as requested by the family. Please see the medications section for more information.

All medication should be checked in with camp leadership or health care staff during drop off. Please do not pack your camper’s medications in their belongings. All prescription medications brought to camp must be in the original container, have written orders (Medication Administration Authorization form) signed by a medical professional, include the camper’s name, dosage, and time to be administered. All medication, including over-the-counter medications, must be checked in and dispensed by the appropriate staff. If your camper has asthma and requires an inhaler or other asthma-related medication, an Asthma Action Plan and Medication Administration Authorization Form is required and must be signed by the prescriber. Medications may be picked up at the end of the week or as requested by the family. Any medication not claimed within a week is required to be disposed of properly by Maryland State law.

If a camper requires emergency medications, such as EpiPens or inhalers, our staff will keep that on them throughout the day. The medication will follow the camper around from one activity to the next. All inhalers should be accompanied by written orders (Asthma Medication Administration Authorization form) signed by the prescriber. Self-administration must be indicated on the written orders (Medication Administration Authorization form).

Appropriate use of sunscreen and bug spray are important for your camper’s comfort and safety while at camp. Sunscreen and bug spray are NOT considered medication and do NOT require special permission to be used while at camp. Your camper should come to camp with sunscreen and bug spray on in the morning and bring some in their backpack to be reapplied throughout the day. Sprays are encouraged as staff cannot assist with lotions. Staff will remind campers to reapply throughout the day as necessary and at regular intervals.

All campers must be fully potty trained to attend camp. Unfortunately, Camp Rippling Brook may have to dismiss any campers with consistent issues.

Camper health insurance information is required as part of the forms to attend camp. This information will be used if your camper requires medical attention outside of camp. In these events, your family will be notified immediately. Your family’s health insurance is responsible for covering any medical charges and/or prescriptions that are provided.

Any health care provided through our health center or first aid are no additional cost.