What should my child wear or bring to camp?
Campers should wear comfortable play clothes, and fully-enclosed sneakers and socks. Campers need to bring a towel, a one-piece swimsuit, flip flops or slides and sun lotion with an SPF of 50 or more.
The rule is, if you want it back, please label it! Everything should be labelled (especially clothes and shoes). Hydration stations of ice-cold water and disposable cups are set up at each activity area and water breaks are built into the schedule, however, you are welcome to pack a water bottle if preferred, again, please make sure it’s labelled.
How do you handle dietary restrictions and picky eaters?
We serve kid friendly meals (think pizza, hambrugers and hotdogs, mac n cheese). During registration, you will provide us with information about your camper’s food restrictions and any allergies. Our kitchen is nut free and we typically offer gluten-free, lactose-free and vegetarian or vegan options. Salard bar and a PBJ sandwich is always available. You are also welcome to prepare meals from home for your child to eat each day.
Will my child be grouped with campers their own age and what are your ratios of care?
Yes, children are grouped according to age and ability. The camp makes every effort to create coeducational groups, whenever possible and staff adher to safe ratios at all time.
Ratios of care are: Ages 5-8: 1 staff member to five kids
Ages 9-12: 1 staff member to ten kids
What if my child becomes sick or injured at camp?
The camp employs a full-time, licensed nurse to head the clinical department and care for our campers and staff. A nurse is on duty at all times. In the event of accident or injury, staff will bring a camper to the clinic and remain with the child until they are ready to rejoin the group or the child goes home.
The nurse will make this determination, and if necessary, the parent/s will be notified. If the camper is injured and if the nurse cannot reach the parent/s, the emergency person/s listed on the camper's form will be contacted.
What activities are offered for the campers?
The camp offers a variety of traditional and not so traditional camp activities, which may include: arts & crafts, nature exploration, hiking, segways, music & dance, chapel-time, high ropes/challenge course, theater arts, target shooting, sports, story-time, archery, boating, scavenger hunts, swimming, life-skillz classes and themed events like our multi-cultural festival and Christmass in July.
Important Note: Campers on Flexi-Day may not be able to do all preferred activities as these vary depending on theme and rotation.
Can I tour the camp before registering?
Absolutely! We are happy to schedule tours of the facilities and to answer any questions you might have. To schedule a tour, please call the camp office (978) 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org. We also have a virtual tour option that you can view in the comfort of your own home. Simply click on the link below to get started.
Day Camp Virutal Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7Yln1?fs=1&info=0&initload=0&logo=0&sd=1&thumbs=1&vr=1
How do I pick up my child early?
If you need to pick your child up early from camp, please notify the Unit Leader in the morning during Drop Off. If you need to make us aware of a change of pick up time or person during day, please contact the Camp Office at 978 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org so we can notify the Unit Leader and have the camper(s) packed up and ready for you.
Do I get a refund if my child cancels from camp?
If your child is sick and cannot attend camp, please contact the camp office on 978 448 5763 as soon as possible so that we can notify the Unit Leader. As per our Terms and Conditions, a refund is issued on receipt of a note from a medical provider confirming the medical reason the child is unable to attend camp.
No refunds are given if the family decides not to send the child to camp for non-medical reasons or if attendance has to be terminated due to challenging behavior.
Read our Payment & Refund Policy here: https://grotonwood.org/youth-payment-refund-policy
How does the drop off work?
Drop-Off is from 8:30-9:00am and is drive-thru style for efficiency. On arrival, drive into camp parking lot and line up behind the other vehicles. Please remain in your vehicle at all times. Our camp staff will check your child(ren) in and assist them in getting out of the car and into morning activities. Pick Up procedures operate in the same way. If you would like to speak with the Unit Leader an appointment for an in-person meeting or telephone call can be arranged by calling (978( 448 5763 or emailing office@grotonwood.org.
What is your policy on bullying/harrasment?
Campers are held accountable to our Camper Behavior and Expectation Guidelines, which are simiar to classroom rules. Incidences of bullying and/or harassment are dealt with immediately. We investigate each incident by listening to all the parties involved and validating the issues raised.
If appropriate, we will bring the involved parties together for a mediated conversation with the aim of finding a resolution that everyone finds acceptable. depending on the severity of the incident, parents will be included in the discussion and/or will be notified of the incident in real time or at the end of the day.
To read our Camper Behavior and Expectation Guidelines click here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5aae8ecf12b13f16ff57bd9c/t/67608e81bc047c548f562535/1734381185753/CAMPER+BEHAVIOR+EXPECTATIONS+AND+GUIDELINES+2025.pdf
What does ‘Theme of the week’ mean?
Each week, or session, has an exciting and different theme that forms the basis for our activities for that particular week. Themes in the past have included Harry Potter Camp, The Disney Gospel, Circus Circus, Explore the World, Neon Glow! and Under the Sea to name a few. Themes make camp exciting for both new and returning campers, and provide a more immersive experience for all. Costumes are strongly encouraged!
Check our Youtube channel for previous themes and all the fun we have at day camp! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9-_U5tDRxS5RdKyZ8u-qPYuJPi_DmmY
Can I choose what activities my child does?
Grotonwood designs the activity schedule for each week so that it fits the theme. This provides a fun and exciting rotation of camp activities for both new and returning campers.
We cannot guarantee that your child will have the opportunity to participate in all the activities they want. This is especially the case if your child is registered for Flexi-Day.
My child can't swim... How do you keep them safe in the water?
Buddy Checks: On arrival to the waterfront, campers are assigned a buddy (swim partner) by the head lifeguard. Buddies are campers of similar swim-level and provide added safety and accountability. Buddies must stay close to each other throughout the duration of the swim-block. Buddies will be given a shared number, which they must remember for count-off every 15 minutes, when the lifeguard sounds the whistle.
Lifeguards: our American Red Cross certified lifeguards supervise campers’ safety at the waterfront. They are responsible for completing a Waterfront Orientation, for implementing Buddy Checks and for supervising the swim-testing.
Swim-testing: Children wanting to swim in the lake will have the opportunity to take the swim-test. Swim-testing is optional.
Campers who do not take the swim test will remain exclusively in the paddle area (the shore) and wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Swim tests shall be conducted under close supervision of a lifeguard and without the use of a PFD. Only one person at a time will be swim tested with two lifeguards to ensure safety.