Seattle Day Camp FAQs

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about Mountaineers Seattle Day Camp Programs.

common questions about Seattle Summer CampS

If you don't see the answer you are looking for, please email our camp team at summercamp@mountaineers.org with any questions!

what is camp like?

Where and when does Camp start and end?

Seattle Day Camp runs at The Mountaineers Program Center - 7700 Sand Point Way NE, located inside of Magnuson Park. Drop off starts at 8:45am, and pick up at 3:45pm. We ask that parents pick their children up no later than 4:15pm, otherwise, they will be charged a fee.

What does a typical day at Camp look like?

Seattle Day Camp consists of rock climbing, outdoor skills, swimming, games, crafts, and more. Every day at The Mountaineers Program Center we go swimming and learn different types of curriculum (first aid, navigation, kayaking, etc) to teach us how to have fun and be safe outdoors. Field trip days take us to different parts of Washington and Seattle, so we can dive deeper into the theme of the week. Here's a typical day at Mountaineers camp:

7:45–9:00am: AM Extended care (optional)
8:45–9:00am: Check in
9:00–9:15am: Morning meeting and song
9:15–10:20am: Ice breaker games or outdoor curriculum
10:20–11:10am: Rock climbing
11:10–12:00pm: Nature craft
12:00–12:30pm: Lunch
12:30–2:30pm: Swimming
2:30–3:30pm: Group game
3:30–3:45pm: Afternoon meeting
3:50–4:00pm: Pick up
4:00–5:30pm: PM extended care (optional)

WHAT DOES MY CAMPER NEED TO BRING TO CAMP?

We recommend that campers wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes for outdoor activities. Campers are responsible for bringing lunch, snacks, and water bottles unless specified otherwise. Staff will provide an afternoon snack. A typical day at camp calls for a day pack, sun protection, swimwear, water bottle, layers, and anything else to keep your camper happy and healthy.

Please do not send your camper with special items that could get lost or left behind. Trading cards are not allowed at Mountaineers Day Camps.

What is The Mountaineers Camp electronics policy?

Electronics are not allowed at Mountaineers Day Camp. If campers are sent to camp with phones or other electronic devices we ask that these devices remain off and away throughout the day. Devices that are out will be confiscated by camp staff when necessary and returned to families during check out at the end of the day.

All communication with family during the day should be facilitated through or approved by camp staff.

What are the ages for Mountaineers Camp?

Mountaineers Day Camps are for campers ages 6–12
Counselor In Training Program is for teens ages 13–17

Age Exceptions: Generally speaking campers must be within a month of their sixth birthday to attend camp (i.e. if a camper turns six on August 25, he would be eligible to attend any camp week beginning July 25 or later). All exceptions are made at the discretion of the Camp Director.

How do you group kids together at camp?

We group campers into six age groups at Seattle Day Camp:

Trailblazers (age 6)
Pathfinders (ages 6 and 7)
Nomads (ages 7 and 8)
Voyagers (ages 8 and 9)
Vikings (ages 9 and 10)
Explorers (ages 11 and 12)

All groups will get to try each activity throughout the week. Activities will be tailored to each age group respectively.

can my camper be grouped with a friend?

Absolutely! Our summer camps allow one friend request, as long as that request is mutual. Please write the full name of one friend and ensure that your friend lists you on their registration. Friends of different ages will be placed with the younger group.

Please note that a friend request is not a guarantee. While we do everything we can to group friends and siblings together upon request, we are not always able to group all requests together and may make changes based on other grouping requirements.

Does Camp Run during holiday weeks?

Yes, but on a modified schedule. The Mountaineers recognizes Juneteenth and July 4th as holidays during the summer. Therefore, these weeks of camp change yearly to accommodate each holiday. See yearly schedule for annual holiday week offerings and updates.

registration

How do I register my camper(s) for Camp?

In order to register for summer camp, you need to:

Have a Family Membership with The Mountaineers (either guest or member)
Register your child for summer camp. Follow this link for a step by step guide on setting up your account and registering for camp.

Beginning in 2022, Day Camp Registration will run using a lottery model. New and returning campers are eligible for the lottery, which accepts applications in early January each year.

what paperwork do I need to fill out?

To be able to register for camp, you will need to complete the Youth Information Form and Youth Programs Form. Both can be found on your camper's profile under "Youth Forms." Field trip waivers will be emailed out and available at Monday check-ins when necessary.

what happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full?

If the week of camp is already full, you may join the waitlist. There is no cost to join the waitlist and no obligation to sign up once you're on it.

What happens if I'm on the waitlist and spaces open up?

You will receive an email inviting you to register if space becomes available and you are at the top of the waitlist. You have five days to sign up for that offering. If you decide not to sign up in that time period, we will email the next family on the list and offer them the spot.

Do you offer Scholarships for Camp?

The Mountaineers strives to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education and conservation opportunities for all members and youth in the communities we serve. Please follow the Scholarship link to learn more and apply for a scholarship. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks prior to registering for camp.

What is your refund (transfer and cancellation) policy?

Campers cancelling before May 1 will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee. Campers cancelling between May 1 and two weeks before the registered session will receive a 50% refund. Campers canceling within two weeks of the registered session will not receive a refund. This policy also applies to camp transportation services. Exceptions to the policy are rare and occur at the discretion of the Camp Director.

Transfer policy: Campers can transfer from one session to another without penalty until 2 weeks before the session they are transferring out of. Transfers within 2 weeks of the registered session will be considered a cancellation. Ability to transfer is contingent upon available space in the session the camper wishes to transfer to.

In the event that the camp team cancels a course or activity, campers effected by the cancellation will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee.

extended care

What is extended care?

Camp hours are from 9am to 4pm. Campers have the option to enroll in extended care. This allows you to drop off as early as 7:45am and pick up as late as 5:30pm. During this time we will offer a snack as well as structured and unstructured activities such as games, crafts, and bouldering. Campers are also welcome to bring games, books, and activities for this time.

(On Mondays we will not be able to accept any campers before 8:45am. On Fridays we will not be able to oversee any campers past 4:00pm.)

how do I sign up for extended care

To enroll in extended care add the additional "extended care" activity to your cart when signing up for camp.

safety

how do the mountaineers deal with serious allergies?

As part of the registration process, you'll complete a detailed health history form with any information regarding health concerns. All medications and EpiPens should be given to your camper's Counselor on Monday and taken home Friday. All staff is trained on how to use EpiPens in case of an emergency. Please contact the Camp Director with any specific concerns or instructions.

how do you know the right camper is going home with the right adult?

The Youth Programs Form provides the option for creating a Kid Code. This word, phrase, or collection of numbers or letters allows The Mountaineers to release your camper to anyone who knows your Kid Code. In the event a person tries to pick up your child and cannot remember the Kid Code, Mountaineers staff will check ID and only release the child if that person is on the authorized pick up list.

What are the protocols for swimming at camp?

Each week of day camp includes swimming. For weeks with climbing or adventure themes this includes swimming at the Magnuson Park Waterfront. For weeks with water themes campers will also have the chance to try kayaking and/or rafting. PFDs are provided and worn by all staff and campers who participate in boating activities. If campers are not strong swimmers or are uncomfortable in moving water, we recommend registering for climbing-focused weeks such as Ropes and Rock Week or Rockstar Week.

When at the swim beach campers must: have a swim buddy, be under direct supervision of their counselor when in the water, and pass the lifeguard-on-duty's swim test to swim in water deeper than their waist. Campers can always choose how much they want to participate in swimming activities.

What requirements are in place for staff members?

Camper safety is our top priority. All staff members are required to pass background checks and attend a week of program-specific training, a majority of which is devoted to camper safety. All staff members are required to complete a first aid certification course within the past two years and review waterfront safety protocols during training week.

Can't find the answer you are looking for?

Email our summer camp team at summercamp@mountaineers.org for more answers!