• Monday morning begins with check-in shortly after 8:30am. Oatland’s gate will open automatically at 8:30am. 
• Please do not follow arriving staff and volunteers through the gate prior to 8:30am.
• Park in the visitor parking lot and walk your child up the sidewalk to check in. 
• Be prepared to allow around 15 minutes of your time for a short orientation which begins at 9:00am.

• All campers will arrive at the student drop-off location between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Earliest drop off is 8:30! Staff will not be available to supervise any campers arriving before 8:30. Oatland Island policy does not allow children under the age of 14 to be on the property without adult supervision.
• At 9:00, campers will divide into their classrooms.
• Classes usually go out on the trails early for activities to avoid the midday heat.
• If you are going to arrive late, after 9:00, we must know in advance by a written note, e-mail, or phone call to the camp coordinator.  With notification, we will try to have your child’s class near the Welcome Center for drop-off.
• Without previous notification, you will be responsible for locating the class on the property and escorting your child where they need to be to join their class.
• Campers are usually back in their classrooms between 11:00 and 1:00 to cool down and have lunch. *Please be aware that most camp activities take place outdoors, however, some “cooling off” time is necessary throughout the day.  During these times and during lunch breaks, videos or movies may be shown to the class. Our videos include educational documentaries and G-rated movies.
• Another outdoor activity is scheduled for the afternoon, followed by a snack.
• Campers are dismissed between 3:00 and 3:30 pm.

• LUNCH Pack a lunch for your camper each day.  Lunches must not require refrigeration or the use of a microwave.  We suggest packing lunches in reusable containers in order to cut down on the waste we produce. Snacks such as sno-cones or popsicles will be provided.
• WATER Please send a clean refillable water bottle to camp each day.
• CLOTHING For your child’s safety, Oatland Summer Camp T-shirts must be worn every day.  A change of clothes should be provided each day in the event of accidents.  Shoes with socks are recommended, as sandals/flip flops do not protect feet on the trail.                                *Sprinkler Day Attire* One or two days each week, your child will have the opportunity to cool off with some splashing fun!  A reminder will be sent to you to let you know which day to send in extra items.  A bathing suit or a change of clothes that can get wet, as well as shoes that can get wet, are a must.  Squirt guns and towels are optional.
• PERSONAL ITEMS such as lunchboxes, water bottles and backpacks should be marked with your child’s name. At the end of the summer, all remaining items will be discarded.
• DO NOT send bug spray or sunscreen!  Please apply these items prior to arriving for camp each morning.  If bug spray is necessary, we recommend spraying only on clothing instead of skin. Oatland is notorious for red bugs/chiggers-avoid them by applying bug spray to under garments where elastic meets the skin and on socks and shoes.  Board of Education policy states: The parent is responsible for the application of sunscreen or insect repellent, because of the potential of over application and allergic reaction.  Students should not be allowed to bring or apply these items at school for the same reasoning. Like other over-the-counter medication, they have the potential of being abused or given to others causing illness.

• Campers will receive one free t-shirt for each week of camp attendance.  It will be given to them on the first day of camp.
• For your child’s safety, Oatland Summer Camp t-shirts must be worn every day.
• All previous years’ colors are acceptable attire.
• Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $10.00/each at the time of registration.

Oatland Island Summer Camp uses a four-stage disciplinary plan to control continuous disruptive behavior among camp students.

• Disruptive behavior is initially addressed by the classroom teacher.

• If the student’s behavior does not improve, the child is brought to the Summer Camp Coordinator’s office and the parent is notified of the issue.

• Upon the third incident, the parent is notified again, and thus informed that if the behavior continues, the child may be dismissed without refund of camp fees.

• In the event of a fourth incident, the child is dismissed for the remainder of the camp session.

• Afternoon Carpool begins at 3:00 and ends at 3:30.
• You will receive a ‘car tag’ with your child’s name on it when you check-in for camp. You must bring it every afternoon to pick up your child.  The person with this tag is the person that we know is allowed to pick up your child.
• This tag is also your ‘ticket’ to come through the admission booth without paying admission! After checking in at the admissions booth, follow the one-way road to the right around the building. Please have your tag visible so we can read your camper's name. We will have your child ready to be picked up at the end of the sidewalk in front of the main building.
• Do not line up for carpool before 3:00.  Doing so creates a backed-up line that prevents visitors from being able to come in and park.  If you arrive before 3:00, you will be asked to wait in the parking lot, then at 3:00 you may drive around the building to join the carpool line.
• Do not park in the visitor lot and walk across the carpool line to get your child.
• Picking up your child after 3:30 will result in a $10.00 Extended Care fee.

• If you need to pick up your child early, before 3:00, we must know in advance by a written note, e-mail, or phone call to the camp coordinator.
• With notification, we will try to have your child’s class near the Welcome Center for pick-up.
• Without previous notification, you will be responsible for locating the class on the property and escorting your child back to the classroom in the Welcome Center to get their personal belongings.
• You will need to bring your car tag inside in order to pick up your camper early.

• Extended Care must be pre-arranged before the camp week begins.
• The fee is $40.00 for each child for each week.  Extended care fees are non-refundable.
• Special circumstances approved by the camp coordinator may allow for a $10.00/day arrangement.
• Extended Care parking is in the back of the Welcome Center in the circle around the palm tree. Do not turn right at the stop sign after the admission booth as if you were going to visitor parking or carpool.  Continue straight ahead toward the palm tree.
• Park and bring your car tag inside the Welcome Center to pick up your child.
• Campers enrolled in Extended Care will be in the conference room.
• If you are arriving between 4:00 and 5:00, our gate will be closed.  Press the blue button on the gate keypad and a staff member will answer.  In a loud and clear voice, say “Extended Care!”
• Extended Care ends at 5:00.  Additional fees may apply for tardiness.

• On Friday at 2:00pm, you will have the option of early dismissal. This will allow time for parents and siblings to walk the Oatland trails free of admission. This is also a good time to check Lost and Found for personal items and to pick up additional crafts. 
• Campers do not have to participate in Open House and may stay until 3:00. However, we will not have afternoon carpool.  Please park in the visitor parking lot and come inside the main building to your child’s classroom with your car tag. If you arrive after 3:00, your child will be in the conference room and must be picked up by 3:30 pm.  
• Extended Care will be provided on Friday for those enrolled.

• Oatland has a very strict policy against pets on the property. This policy ensures the safety of your pets and our animals on exhibit.
• The No Pets Policy includes drop-off and pick-up! If you must have a pet with you during drop-off or pick-up, it must be contained in a kennel inside your vehicle.

• PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN DRIVING ON OUR PROPERTY!
• Gopher tortoises are very active during the summer months and cross our roads and parking lots often.  
• Please be aware and protect this threatened species!

• Once your original application is processed, any changes to your camp selections will result in a $35.00 processing fee.  If you must cancel a camp, you must do so with at least a two-week notice. 
• Cancellations made within two weeks of attending camp are not entitled to refunds.
• Refunds for Extended Care are not available.

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center does not have an onsite medical technician or nurse.
• If your child needs medication during camp hours, you must be available to administer the medication. This includes both prescription and OTC drugs.  Please contact the summer camp coordinator regarding inhalers, nebulizers, and epi-pens. 
• Please continue all behavior enhancing medications!

Safety precautions will be taken at all times during camp activities.

In the event of illness or injury, the Parent/Guardian will be contacted immediately.

By submitting a signed Oatland Island Summer Camp application,

the Parent/Guardian consents to the following:

• If the Parent/Guardian is unable to be contacted after numerous attempts, medical treatment deemed necessary by a licensed physician or dentist will be utilized.
• In a life-threatening situation, emergency medical care will be provided to ensure your child’s safety.
• If deemed necessary, your child will be transferred to a hospital.
• The Parent/Guardian will accept full financial responsibility for the payments of all charges made for medical services rendered.
• The Parent/Guardian will absolve school officials of any liability who in good faith comply with this procedure.