Day Camp

savannah &girls 500Welcome to Outpost Summer Camps!

Summer camp is an exciting time for children. At Outpost, we are committed to each child in our program having a summer full of fun, friends, adventures, and positive experiences. This website is designed to prepare both campers and parents for their upcoming summer at Outpost.

Please read this information carefully. Your child is much more likely to have a successful and positive first day at camp if you have helped prepare them for what to expect. If you have any questions after reading this guide, please call us at (858) 842-4900 or email us at office@outpostsummercamps.com.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Table of Contents

Open House

Prior to the beginning of your child’s session – on the Saturday morning (10 AM to 12 PM) prior to the session – we will offer an Open House where you will be able to ask camp directors questions, drop off any medications, and receive a bag with you child’s shirts, car placards, a photo of their counselor, and a handout with reminders. Open House is located at Canyonside Community Park: 12350 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, 92129.

Drop Off and Pick Up

Drop off is from 8:45 to 9:00 AM daily. Please do not plan to arrive before 8:45 AM as our staff will be setting up camp, and we will not be able to sign in your camper until 8:45 AM. When you turn into camp off of Black Mountain Road, you will drive straight (past the first righthand turn) and turn right just past the playground. Continue straight along the baseball fields, and drop off is on the right side along the curb where you’ll see our light blue check in canopy. Please see here for the drop off location within the park.

When you pull up to the curb, an Outpost staff member will open your car door and help your child out of the car while you remain in the car. Your camper will be walked to the canopy where we’ll sign them in. Then, your child will be walked to the logs to their group’s special spot. After drop off, you will exit camp the same way you entered.

In the afternoon, pick up is between 3:00 and 3:15 PM. Pick up will take place in the same spot as drop off. During Open House (or at drop off on the first day if you are not able to come to Open House) you will be given a placard with your child’s name on it. Please display this on your windshield, and a staff member will bring your camper to your car. Please do not get out of your car. Your child will be escorted to our check out canopy by a staff member. Once you are along the curb and a leadership member is ready to sign your child out, your child will be walked to the car.

If someone is picking up your child who does not have a placard, they will be asked to show their ID, and they will need to be on your camper’s “okay to pickup” list. You are welcome to call our office to any people to this list.

What Happens on the First Day?

On the first day of camp, your camper will meet their counselors and the other campers in the group. Although meeting new people and trying out new things can be fun, many campers are a little nervous on the first day of camp. We understand that being comfortable in those first few moments of camp is important to having a great summer, and our staff do everything they can to help alleviate first day jitters. We work hard to use the first day to form the beginnings of special friendships and group pride.

During the first few days of camp, counselors take extra time to familiarize their groups with camp and to help each camper feel like they belong. We play many name games and get-to-know-you games all session and especially in the first few days of each session.

Morning Campfire AKA Blitz

When your camper arrives at camp, they will be walked over to the logs to Blitz which is our fun way to kickoff to the camp day with songs, cheers, and skits. At the logs, each group has their own designated place to sit. After Blitz on the first day, the campers will work together to create a group name and start to form a unique group identity. It is in these first few days that groups search for a “hidden” fort in the wilderness preserve and make it their own.

Lunch

Campers bring their lunches to camp every day and carry them in their backpacks. Outpost is a peanut-free camp, so please send lunches that do not contain peanuts or peanut butter (“processed with peanuts” is okay). We encourage reusable, insulated lunch bags that easily fit inside your camper’s backpack. Please mark your camper’s name clearly (first and last name) on all of their belongings.

Swimming

One of the adventures your camper will have at camp is swimming. Groups swim everyday at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.

Our #1 priority is to create a safe environment in which campers of all ability levels can have fun and be comfortable in the water.

Under the supervision of lifeguards and directors, all campers in Day Camp are assessed for their swimming ability on their first day of camp. Based on that assessment, they are assigned to an area of the pool with an appropriate level of supervision and guidance. Our swim categories range from “non-independent swimmer” to “shallow end swimmer” to “deep end swimmer,” and special areas of the pool and dedicated staff are set up for each group.

For Day Camp groups, Lower Camp campers (youngest elementary groups) are always in the shallow end or on the steps entering the pool – separated from the deep end by a lane line. If a camper does not pass the shallow end test, they are deemed a “non-independent swimmer,” and they remain on the ramp with their counselor at all times and wear a red wrist band while in the water to signal their swimming status to all lifeguards, counselors, and directors. The Pool Director verifies that each non-independent swimmer has their bracelet and is with their counselor every day of the session prior to them being allowed into the pool. Lower Camp campers are not eligible to take the deep end test.

Middle Camp campers (middle elementary groups) are eligible to swim in the deep end with their group if they pass a second swim test provided by the pool’s lifeguards. The deep end test consists of a swimming the length of the pool then treading water for 60 seconds. Taking the deep end swim assessment is optional for Upper Camp campers. If they opt to not take it, or if they do not pass, they will remain in the shallow end. If they take it and pass, they are welcome to swim in either the shallow or deep end as long as they are near their counselor and their counselor knows which part of the pool they are in.

Upper Camp campers (oldest elementary groups) do not take the shallow end test unless they opt out of the deep end test. On the first day, they’ll go straight to the deep end for their test which is provided by the pool’s lifeguards. The deep end test consists of a swimming the length of the pool then treading water for 60 seconds. Taking the deep end swim assessment is optional for Upper Camp campers. If they opt to not take it, or if they do not pass, they will remain in the shallow end. If they take it and pass, they are welcome to swim in either the shallow or deep end as long as they are near their counselor and their counselor knows which part of the pool they are in.

While we do not provide formal swimming lessons, our closely supervised activities will encourage your child to try new skills and increase their comfort and stamina in the water, whether that means putting feet in the water for the first time, playing pool games in the deep end, or practicing new swim strokes.

Please encourage your child to participate and seek a counselor’s assistance if they aren’t comfortable in the water. Our campers gain so much through the challenges that are put before them and through the sense of accomplishment in meeting these challenges. Campers are required to participate (our minimum level of participation is to change into a swimsuit and put feet in the water) unless there is a note or phone call accompanying the child from home. So please make sure you let us know if your camper has a reason to skip swimming one day (e.g., an earache) as we require all of the campers to participate otherwise. Also, if your camper benefits from goggles, you may send along an inexpensive pair.

Afternoon Campfire

At the end of the day, groups meet at the logs for afternoon campfire. During campfire, groups tell of their special adventures through songs and skits, often challenging other groups to find their Fort or their hidden group flag. Afternoon campfire is a loud and exciting show of group and camp pride and is a wonderful close to a fun-filled day.

Our Small Camp Structure

Our Day Camp Program (grades K-5) is made up of three separate, small camps: Lower, Middle, and Upper Camp. Each camp is made up of 6 groups, and each consistent camp group has 10-12 campers.

Our model of individual groups within a smaller camp has served us very well. The three small camps are each supported by their own Assistant Director. Day Camp is led by Assistant Directors and Directors who are all listed on our directors page. Please feel free to contact your child’s specific director at any point before, during, or after the summer by calling the office at (858) 842-4900. Directors are typically onsite at camp but will return calls as soon as possible, often before or after camp.

Extended

Extended care is available from 8:00 to 9:00 AM and 3:15 to 4:30 PM for an extra fee. Parents may opt to enroll their child in AM Extended, PM Extended, both, or neither. A snack is provided during PM Extended, and campers play games and do camp activities. Spaces are limited, and campers must be signed up for their Extended option every day of the two-week session.

Clothing

At Outpost Summer Camps, children have hands-on experiences in the outdoors. Because of this, your camper may come home full of pride in how dirty they are! We recommend that you send your child in old clothes that are ready to be worn out, and don’t be surprised if shoes are soaked and muddy when your camper gets home!

Campers must wear closed-toe shoes that can get dirty or wet. Shorts are ideal for hot days, unless your child is highly susceptible to sunburn.  Please do not send expensive sweaters or any unnecessary items that could easily become lost. Each day, your camper should come to camp with a backpack, water bottle, peanut-free lunch, and bathing suit (and optional towel). PLEASE HAVE ALL BELONGINGS (from lunch box to camp shirt) CLEARLY MARKED. Do not send money with your child.

Two camp shirts will be handed out at Open House held the Saturday before your camper’s first day. The shirts given will be the size designated on your child’s enrollment form. If you need to exchange them for another size, please return them unworn and unwashed along with a note stating the camper’s name and size desired. We will send new ones home with your camper the next day. Additional shirts can be purchased through the camp office.

Lost and Found

Although our staff will try to prevent articles from getting lost, please encourage your camper to be responsible for their own backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, etc. On the last two days of each week, we hold up any lost and found articles at campfire for the campers to claim, and we often post photos on social media to help you identify lost items. Every attempt is made to return labeled clothing to your children, but we cannot be held responsible for personal belongings brought from home. At the end of summer, we collect the labeled lost and found and contact you if we have found something belonging to your camper. Unclaimed items are given to a children’s charity.

Medical Information

The safety and well-being of your child is of utmost importance to us. Since your child will be in our care, it is extremely important that we are prepared to assist them at any time should a medical problem or emergency arise. You have supplied this information on your camper’s enrollment and health history form. If there is any condition or problem about which you feel the office or your child’s counselor needs to know – or a new medical issue that’s been diagnosed since registration – please call the office with that information.

All of our Senior Counselors and Directors are CPR and First Aid certified. Paramedics are two miles north of us, and we have two excellent hospitals within ten minutes of camp. In the event a child is hurt at camp and needs emergency treatment, the staff will contact the camper’s parents, the emergency contact, and/or the family doctor. Because we are in a day camp setting and, in most instances, you are within an hour’s drive from camp, you are the initial contact. It is important that, in the event of an illness or injury, you (or someone designated by you) are available to come to camp to pick up your child.

Outpost Summer Camps’ accident insurance covers, up to our policy limits, any injuries received at camp to the extent that they are not covered by any other health and/or accident insurance covering the child.

In the event of a non-emergency medical or health concern, Outpost will contact the person listed as “Parent 1.” An Outpost Director will contact you if there is any kind of head injury (regardless of severity), a bee or wasp sting, or any injury that requires care beyond a small bandage. If your child has symptoms of being ill, an Outpost Director will contact you. Depending on the symptoms, you will either be contacted to inform you of the situation or to require that you pick up your child.

Parent Visits

Parent visits are not permitted. If you would like to know more about your child’s time at camp, we encourage you to call our office, and we will connect you with your child’s respective director. We also make every effort to take photos of all of our campers as often as feasible. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and download our Outpost Summer Camps app where all of our photos are uploaded.

Other Important Information

  1. Please do not send any cell phones, electronics of any kind (including smart watches), equipment, toys, or anything valuable. Jewelry and non-waterproof watches should also be left at home. All knives, weapons, or other dangerous items are prohibited. Alcohol, drugs and personal sports equipment are prohibited.
  2. Group pictures are taken once each session. If your camper is absent, they will not be in the picture. The camper will, however, receive a picture of the group with their counselors and friends.
  3. No make-up days can be given for any reason.
  4. Our camp policy prohibits staff from accepting monetary and expensive gifts from parents.
  5. We sometimes leave the main camp area during the day to visit other spots in the preserve like nearby streams and trails where we can hike, play in waterfalls, or have other adventures. Therefore, please let us know in plenty of time if you want to pick your child up early. We are unable to notify parents in advance that their child might be away from the main camp area.
  6. Please remember that the campers do spend time in the sun everyday. Our staff help campers put sunscreen on throughout the day, especially before and after the pool. We strongly recommend that you apply it at home in the morning and consider sending your camper with a hat if they have sensitive skin.
  7. Due to events outside of our control, the pool may be closed without advance notice. On days the pool is closed, we will enjoy other water-based activities.

Talking to Your Child About Making Friends

(Just in case someone’s a little nervous about going to camp!)

Summer camp is a time for adventure, excitement, and exploration, as well as a unique opportunity for your child to make new friends. Making friends is often the main area of nervousness for children before attending anything for the first time.

A few suggestions:

  • Ask how your child is feeling about making friends at camp. If they are nervous or anxious, acknowledge these feelings. “It is hard when you do not know anyone.” Remind them that they are not alone (most campers attend without a buddy). “I know a lot of the other kids are feeling the same way too.”
  • Ask your child what they’ve done to successfully make friends at school or in other environments. For example, “How did you make friends with Timmy?” For example, maybe they asked Timmy what his name is, complimented his cool shoes, or asked him a question about something.
  • Compliment your child on their friend-making skills. If they walk up to someone and introduce themselves, be impressed with their choice to do so. “Introducing yourself to someone you don’t know is a friendly thing to do. They must have liked that.”
  • Suggest some additional ideas. Small, kind gestures of friendship are often the first steps to a long, mutual friendship. “Tangible” ideas like asking a question about a favorite movie or food or letting the potential friend go first in a game help children learn “things to do” to make friends. At camp, we call these behaviors “friendship-making.”
  • Be mindful of your child’s natural pace: Some children are naturally more outgoing than others. It may take some campers a couple days to feel totally comfortable, and that’s okay, too!

Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any concerns or questions about how your child is doing at camp. We welcome these types of calls from parents.

Communication with Our Directors

Outpost Summer Camps is a family-owned business, and we are dedicated to providing a program of the highest quality. As parents ourselves, we welcome your comments, suggestions, questions and feedback at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact us earlier rather than later if you have something you wish to discuss with us. You don’t need to wait for it to feel like a “big deal.” Often, we are able to address any issues more successfully if we are contacted immediately.

Benefits of Outpost Summer Camps

We’re proud of our program and what we do for kids. Here are some key messages that define our program:

Camp is a caring community! Our campers experience belonging and are part of a true community: Getting along with others, accepting differences, and working together. The joys of acceptance and sharing prompt our campers to try out new positive behaviors like making new friends, expressing caring thoughts about others, and successfully resolving conflicts.

Camp is a safe and nurturing environment for children. Kids are at less risk when they have a sense of community, intergenerational relationships, and first-hand experiences. Our trained and caring staff help each of our campers feel loved, capable, and included.

Camp is a vital element in a child’s education! Children connect with the natural world directly at Outpost Summer Camps – not through the filters of television, computers, or other screens.  Discovery, exploration, and active participation are the methods of learning at camp!

Thank you for trusting us with your child this summer. We look forward to seeing you!
Call us with any questions at (858) 842-4900 or email us at office@outpostsummercamps.com