The participant may bring electronic devices such as mp3 players, iPods, gaming devices etc, however these devices must remain on the bus.

No, food will be taken care of for the overnight portion and the Recreation and Parks department would rather your child spend money on souvenirs or postcards to remind him/her of the experience.  The participant should not bring food with them as food in the tents may attract animals and/or insects. 

Yes.  It is important to discuss budgeting with your camper so that they understand the money that you are sending with them is what they have to spend.  All camper's money and wallets will be kept in a locked security safe, until needed.  Money and wallets will be given to campers upon request. 

If you feel it is necessary, you may set up envelopes with daily allowances inside.  Please mark the envelopes with the camper's name and number or a day of the week.  The staff will only give the camper the envelope for the specified day along with any remaining money they have. 

Unfortunately, your child will be moving around a lot while participating in the camp and will not be able to receive mail.  If you would like to write letters for your child and mark them with instructions for a staff member to give them to your child periodically throughout the camp we would be happy to oblige.  The letters should be given to a staff member upon checking in for camp. 

On a similar note, please be sure to send postcard stamps with your child if they intend on sending postcards to friends and family. 

During Trip Check-In:  In the event of severe weather warnings such as tornado or thunderstorm "watches," check-in times will continue as scheduled.  In the event of severe weather, it is possible that departure may be delayed. 

Prior to Trip Check-In:  In the event of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, we may wait as late as the morning of Check-In day to confirm the actual status of the storm prior to making a decision about departure.  If it is determined that there is a safety risk, a decision will be made to either delay or cancel the trip. 

During the Trip:  In the event of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, we will determine when or if we will be affected by the storm prior to making any decisions to return home.  Should a storm approach, we will make a decision as to whether there is time to return home safely or if it is better to seek local shelter.  Parents will be made aware of any and all decisions as quickly as possible.  Please be patient. 

If Returning to Jacksonville Due to Weather:  All campers will be brought back to the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center where parents are to pick the camper up.  Parents will be notified when to expect the children to arrive back to the recreation center. 

Please do not try to call the Recreation and Parks Department or the City as we will call you and let you know the status of the trip. 

Your camper should not bring the following items:  Mouthwash, Snacks, and Knives.

The participant may bring a cell phone with them.  If the presence of the cell phone becomes a distraction from the camp activities, the cell phone will be held by a camp supervisor.  The participant may obtain approach the supervisor who is holding the phone if it is needed.  It is recommended that for the participants 7 - 9 years in age, that the cell phone be given to the supervisor to keep for the duration of the overnight portions of the camp.

The staff to participant ratio is 1:8.  All staff members are trained in first aid and CPR as well as handling of emergencies, safety, camper needs, vehicle safety, equipment handling and other camping aspects.

The campers sleep in tents, provided by the City of Jacksonville however your child will be responsible for having a sleeping bag and the necessary accompaniments  that go with the sleeping bag for comfortable rest.  (Please see the What To Bring Checklist).

Campers sleep four to a tent and male and female campers do not share tents. 

No, the City of Jacksonville provides the camping gear needed for the overnight portion of the camp.  We also provide the food for the overnight portion as well!  The camper will be responsible for a sleeping bag and the necessary accompaniments as well as personal and hygiene items.  (Please see the What To Bring Checklist for more details)

No, please review the checklist along with the packet of information received from the Recreation and Parks Department regarding details of the camp and decide what your child may or may not need.  Please note, your child's name should appear on everything that comes with your child.

Also, it is helpful for your child to assist in packing his/her belongings so that he/she is aware of what was packed and what belongs to them. 

All of the necessary medical, allergy and medication  information regarding your child should have been submitted in the Permissions and Consent Forms as well as the Administration of Medication Request and Consent Form.  These forms must be completed prior to the start of camp.

Prior to departing, campers must turn in any prescription medications so that a staff is prepared.  All prescriptions must be brought in their original pharmacy-labeled containers.

All forms must be completed prior to the start of camp.  The forms include: Camp Waiver Forms, Emergency Medical and Surgical Treatment Forms (notarized), Health History and Physician's Consent Forms (must be signed by a doctor or health care provider), and Administration of Medication Request and Consent Forms (only necessary for those who will be bringing medications to camp).