Camps

As guidance about how to best exit the COVID-19 pandemic constantly shifts, we want to share and clarify our operational practices for summer camps. As always, we rely on guidance provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Camp Association, as well as state and local health departments to determine how best to serve our families and keep our campers and staff safe. Our priority is to provide a summer that not only keeps our campers safe and healthy, but also allows them to flourish and regain some sense of normalcy. At this time, we will OPEN our camps with the following protocols and will continue to monitor and adjust as new information becomes available.

COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

In order to meet the health and safety guidelines of the CDC and Franklin County Public Health, our camp administration team has made modifications to our 2021 day camps to ensure best practices are in place for the safest environment possible for your child. We ask that all parents/guardians become familiar with the following COVID-19 policies and procedures.

• Face Masks / Coverings – Guidance from the CDC and Franklin County Public Health directs non-vaccinated individuals to continue to wear a mask while indoors. Less than 9% of our campers are eligible to receive a vaccination and, in order to protect the remaining 91% of our participants, we are asking all campers and staff to wear a mask while indoors. Campers and staff may remove their masks while outdoors in areas where they can maintain 6 feet or more of physical distance, indoors and outdoors while eating and drinking, and indoors and outdoors while engaged in strenuous activity.
• Physical Distancing & Cohorts – Current guidance from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health still recommends small, consistent camper cohorts that remain physically distanced from one another. We are assigning campers to cohorts and will use the cohort system for the duration of the summer. Currently, cohorts are prohibited from mixing with other cohorts; however, we will continue to evaluate the practice of isolating cohorts as more information becomes available.
• Offsite Activities – Current guidance from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health still recommends staying onsite during the camp day. As advertised, we are not offering field trips this summer and will offer limited swimming opportunities to campers at our Wyandot Elementary location. This decision will not change, regardless of updated guidance or information, because of the logistics required to take 300+ people on a field trip in a single day. We look forward to traveling with your campers again in 2022.
• Drop-Off/Pick-Up – We will resume normal parent drop-off and pick-up this summer. Parents/caregivers should park in the designated lot for their campsite and walk campers into camp each morning to sign in. Additionally, parents/caregivers need to enter the campsite each afternoon to sign their campers out of camp.
• Temperature/Health Screens – We will not take camper or staff temperatures upon entering the campsite, but will continue to ask both campers and staff to monitor personal health symptoms and remain at home if displaying signs of any communicable disease. If a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19 please report the positive case to our COVID-19 contact person.
• Sanitation – We will continue to follow all of the sanitation and cleaning guidelines as outlined in our Parent Handbook.

 

COVID-19 Contact Person

In an effort to streamline our communications and respond in a timely manner, we have designated Recreation Administrator Abbey Brooks as the COVID-19 contact person for all City of Dublin summer camps. You can reach Abbey at abrooks@dublin.oh.us or at 614.410.4558 to discuss our policies and/or to report a case of COVID-19 within your family.

What to Bring to Camp

Wyandot Next and Wyandot

• BACKPACK/BAG — Pack and label one bag for your child with all items labeled (water bottle, lunch, hat, sunscreen, extra socks, sweatshirt, etc.). Please ensure all items are clearly marked with your child’s first and last name.
• LUNCH — Campers should bring a packed, peanut-free, lunch to camp if not signed up for the camp meal program. Please note that we do not provide refrigeration or access to microwaves for packed lunches.
• SUNSCREEN — Make sure your child has sunscreen already applied before coming to camp. Pack an additional bottle in their bag for application during camp. Make sure it is labeled with your camper’s name.
• CLOSED-TOE ATHLETIC SHOES — Send your camper in closed-toe shoes appropriate for active outdoor play. Old tennis shoes are best because they are already broken in and will get very dirty. Sandals, flip-flops, and Crocs make everyday activities difficult and put your child at a greater risk to trip, fall, or sustain foot and ankle injuries. (Sandals, flip-flops, etc. are appropriate for pool days, BUT please pack them in your child’s bag).
• WATER BOTTLE — Send a refillable water bottle with your child every day. It is important to keep your camper hydrated throughout the entire day. We discourage drinks with high sugar and/or caffeine content as they do not hydrate your child as well as water.
• SWIMSUIT/TOWEL— Dress your child in a swimsuit underneath clothing on swim dates and pack undergarments for after the pool. There will be time for campers to change before and after the pool, but having them dressed beforehand decreases the amount of time needed for this. You will be provided with your child’s scheduled swim days on the first day of camp. Please check Dublin Pool Rules for acceptable items.

 

Jr. Wyandot and Playground Adventure Camp

• WATER BOTTLE — Send a refillable water bottle with your camper every day. It is important to keep them hydrated and water does the best job.
• SUNSCREEN — Make sure your child has sunscreen already applied before coming to camp. Pack an additional bottle in their bag for application during camp.
• APPROPRIATE PLAY CLOTHES & SHOES — We play inside and outside, so make sure to dress your camper in clothing that is comfortable for summer. Please send them in tennis shoes! Sandals, flip-flops, and Crocs are not permitted and put your camper at a higher risk for accident/injury.
• BACKPACK & BAG — Please put all of your camper’s things, plus any extras your child may need, (hat, extra clothes, sweatshirt, etc.) in ONE BAG that is clearly marked with your child’s first and last name. Accidents can happen, so an extra set of clothes is greatly appreciated!
• Jr. Wyandot only, LUNCH — Campers should bring a packed, peanut-free, lunch to camp every day. Please note that we do not provide refrigeration or access to microwaves for packed lunches.
• NUT-FREE SNACKS — We provide a daily snack for all children. If your child has a dietary restriction, please contact us prior to their first day of camp. Families who wish to provide an alternate snack for their child can do so, please make sure it is completely nut-free.

 

What Not to Bring

We respectfully request that the following items remain at home:

• Personal Sports Equipment
• Animals
• Handheld Video Games
• Music Players
• Phones
• Cameras
• Money
• Trading Cards & Collectibles

 

Summer Camp Parent Handbook

The 2021 Summer Camp Parent Handbook provides parents/guardians with detailed summer camp information.

Summer Camps

Registration is now closed for the 2021 Summer Camps season. The following camps will take place June 7 through July 30.

• Playground Adventure Camp
• Wyandot
• Wyandot Camp
• Wyandot Next
• Dublin Latchkey

 

Getting to Know the Summer Camp Staff

Since we could not host our traditional “Meet the Counselors” get together, we’ve put together a fun yearbook. This way, you can put a face to your child’s camp counselor’s name as well as learn some fun facts about them. We recommend sharing the camp counselor information with your child, so that they can get to know them before their first day!

Specialty Camps

Skyhawks Golf Camp: Participants learn the fundamentals of swinging, putting, body positioning, etiquette and keeping score. The program is specifically designed for the entry-level player, simplifying instruction so that young players can make an easy and effective transition onto the golf course. Every child receives an award certificate and Skyhawks t-shirt.

• REGISTER NOW: June 7 – 10 | Monday – Thursday | 9 a.m. – Noon | Ages 5-7
• REGISTER NOW: June 7 – 10 | Monday – Thursday |1–4 p.m. | Ages 8-12

 

Tennis Clinics: Join a week of fun on the tennis courts. Learn the rules of singles and doubles tennis. Master the proper technique of the forehand, backhand, the lob and serve. Participants compete in games during the week and in a tournament at the end of the week.

• REGISTER NOW: June 7 – 11 | Monday – Friday | 9–11 a.m. | Ages 6-18
• REGISTER NOW: July 12 – 16 | Monday – Friday | 9–11 a.m. | Ages 6-18
• REGISTER NOW: Aug. 9 – 13 | Monday – Friday | 9–11 a.m. | Ages 6-18

 

Shooting Stars Basketball Camp: Join Bally Sports for a highly active basketball camp to help skill development and promote physical activity. Players participate in games and drills that focus on improving the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense and concept of game play. To help players learn different components of the game, play is stopped when teachable moments occur.

• REGISTER NOW: June 21 – 25 | Monday – Friday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Ages 9-12

 

Ancient Ohio Survival Camp: Learn ancient skills needed for survival at an archaeological site located at Ferris-Wright Park. Campers use tools and learn skills that American Indians used 2000 years ago. Throw a spear with an atlatl, try your hand at flint knapping, explore the creek, walk silently through the forest, and learn about the ancient history of the area, all while connecting with nature.

• REGISTER NOW: June 28 – July 2 | Monday – Friday | 9 a.m. – Noon | Ages 8-12

 

OMG Art Camp: Have you ever thought about painting with your head, elbow or feet? How about creating giant sculptures of food or making your own paint brush? This crazy art camp encourages kids to think outside the box and create art in a way that they might not see in their school’s art class. Don’t be afraid to get messy and use your imagination!

• REGISTER NOW: July 7 – 9 | Wednesday – Friday | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Ages 6-12

 

All Sports Camp: Campers will ‘have a ball’ at the Multi-Sports Camp! Each day focuses on a different sport including, but not limited to soccer, basketball, football, floor hockey, and track and field! Staff ensure campers participate in a well- supervised environment that creates positive, social interactions and emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship. Campers play exciting running and group games throughout the week and leave excited about new skills they have learned each day.

• REGISTER NOW: July 12 – 16 | Monday – Friday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Ages 6-12

 

Jr. Cooking Camp: This hands-on camp is perfect for younger chefs who love to cook, bake and help in the kitchen. Participants learn the basics of cooking including measuring wet and dry ingredients, chopping, mixing and following a recipe from start to finish. Bring home new skills and develop culinary creations that are fun and easy to replicate.

• REGISTER NOW: July 14 – 16 | Wednesday – Friday | 9–11 a.m. | Ages 6-8

 

Cooking Camp: This hands-on class is perfect for participants who already have some experience in the kitchen. Students learn kitchen safety, proper measurements, proper knife handling, and a variety of cooking and baking techniques. This class provides participants the opportunity to follow a recipe from start to finish and apply new skills learned in class while cooking.

• REGISTER NOW: July 14 – 16 | Wednesday – Friday | Noon–3 p.m. | Ages 8-12

 

Ceramics Camp: Discover how shapes and forms can be created from clay! Learn clay hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, coils construction and slabs. Try out the pottery wheel throwing and explore clay-decorating techniques such as stains, underglazes and glazing. Have fun and dress to get messy!

• REGISTER NOW: Aug. 9 – 11 | Monday – Wednesday | 1:30–4:30 p.m. | Ages 8-12

 

Photography Camp: Create and edit amazing pictures using a digital camera! Learn how to use a camera and explore making interesting images from portraits to landscapes, candid to posed, and still to action. Edit the images in-camera and with entry-level editing software. Bring your own point- and-shoot digital camera; even an iPhone or iPod will work (bring all cables, charger, batteries, and memory card).

• REGISTER NOW: Aug. 9 – 11 | Monday – Wednesday | 9 a.m. – Noon | Ages 7-12

 

Safety City: Safety City is an early childhood safety education program. The Dublin Division of Police, Washington Township Fire Department and local guest speakers visit throughout the week to discuss safety awareness and preventive procedures. Snacks are not provided during the program. Children are randomly placed into three traffic light color groups. No group requests, other than siblings, are accepted. A 2021online health care form is required to participate.

• REGISTER NOW: Aug. 11 – 13 | Wednesday – Friday | 9–11 a.m. | Ages 5-6
• REGISTER NOW: Aug. 11 – 13 | Wednesday – Friday | Noon–2 p.m. | Ages 5-6

 

Preschool/Youth/Teen Program Updates Mailing List

If you would like to receive e-mail updates on preschool/youth and teen summer camps, please join our e-mail mailing list. Contact Rachel Keitz at rkeitz@dublin.oh.us to add your address to the list.

 

For specific questions about Preschool/Youth & Teen Camps Contact:

Phil Gross
Preschool/Youth Supervisor
pgross@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4552

Rachel Keitz
Preschool/Youth Coordinator
rkeitz@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4575 

Matt Rice
Teen Coordinator
mrice@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4557

Tammy Abel
Program Specialist
tabel@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4573

Jodi Shealy
Adaptive Coordinator
jshealy@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4574

Accommodation Requests

The City of Dublin’s Parks & Recreation Department promotes an inclusive policy for all of our programs. To provide the best overall experience for your child or to carry over IEP accommodations, an appointment must be made for an inquiry of needs. Contact Jodi Shealy, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, at 614.410.4574. An accommodation plan MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO your child’s program or camp registration. This plan is required each camp season.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association© (ACA) has recognized our Wyandot Camps for achieving ACA-Accredited© status for 2021. ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. Its nationally recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp’s operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. For more parent-focused information about accreditation, visit ACA’s website.