Frequently Asked Questions About Camp

New Families: We understand that sending a child to camp for the first time can be scary! Learn about our team, facility, and program. It's our hope that the information in this section will help you decide if Cub Creek Science Camp is the right camp for your child and answer any questions you may have about our program. Please feel free to call the office at 573-458-2125 if you have any questions. Returning Families: There are things for you! From reminders for times for check in & check out to the ASIT Program- you can get your refreshers and information on this page, too!

Click a link below to help you navigate to your question or scroll the page.

General Cub Creek Questions

Questions relating to camp's history, full- time and summer staff, and other basics.

Preparing for Camp & While at Camp

These are all questions relating to drop off, pick up, packing and other camp preps. It also includes information on how you would communicate with your camper and pre-camp paperwork.

Programs and Activities

Here you'll find information about our range of camp classes/courses and the related questions.

Cabins and Camp Facilities

Here you'll get answers to questions about cabin size and layout, the camp store, dining hall, etc.

Camp Staff and Hiring

This is common Q's about how we hire and screen staff (including past campers/ASITs) and what our supervision ratios are like.

Registration, Payments, Refunds, Policies, Etc

Here is a section relating to registration and the start of refund/payment policies (with links for the full policy).

Health and Safety

Read our common Q's about camper safety, our Nursing staff, and COVID policies .

Medications, Dietary, and Special Needs

Find Q&A about how medications are administered, accomodations of dietary restrcitions, and special needs for campers here .


General Qs About Cub Creek

How long has Cub Creek Science Camp been in operation?

Cub Creek Science Camp has been in operation since 1993. We have been in our current location at Bear River Ranch since 2002. 2022, will be camp's 30th summer!

What is Cub Creek's primary focus?

Cub Creek Science Camp started because of a lifelong dream of Lori's to create a fun, educational environment where curious kids can explore and learn about things that interest them, under the guidance of motivating staff. Because animals and science have always been Lori's great interests, she chose to make them the underlying theme of Cub Creek Science Camp. All activities are fueled by an appreciation for curiosity.

Who are Cub Creek's Directors?

Camp is operated and facilitated by a team of Directors year-round. Lori and Scott Martin are the Founders and Owners of Cub Creek Science Camp. Anna is camp's Director; She oversees the summer program, manages the camp staff, both in the summer and year-round, and maintains and manages the health and safety of camp's 300 animals! Ari is camp's Assistant Director and Creative Director. She assists Anna in overseeing the camp staff and program, but has a focus on camp activities, camp photography, the ASIT program, and Animal Camp Jamaica! Our full-time team is rounded out by Natalie, camp's Office Assistant. She manages and oversees all office operations, including registrations, camp questions, and camp communications. For full biographies of our camp's full-time employees click HERE!

How many campers attend camp during one session?

At capacity, 240 campers will be at a single session (week) of camp. That includes our teen-leadership campers called ASITs.

Where is Cub Creek Science Camp Located?

Camp is located on Bear River Ranch in Rolla, Missouri. Camp's address is 16795 State Route E, Rolla, Missouri 65401. You can get to camp in a couple ways from anywhere nearby using I-44 and/or Highway 63. For specific directions, click HERE or give us a call!

Who are your summer staff members?

Our summer staff are typically college students or recent college graduates, ages 18 to 24, with a love of animals, science, children, and the outdoors. Many of them are studying to become veterinarians, educators, zoologists, etc. Many of our staff are also former Cub Creek campers who want to give back the same experience they had at camp.

Preparing for Camp & While at Camp

What day and time is check-in?

The drop off time for Cub Creek campers is always on the Sunday of the session between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. On check-in, there is a set of locations that all families visit to make sure your child is prepared for their week at camp. This includes visiting the Nurse for campers with medications or allergies & The Camp Store to make sure your camper has money on their spending account. Campers may not fully tour camp, but they will be able to show you camp on the last day! For the full information to prep for check-in, please read the Parent Handbook. For our teen leadership program's check-in information, please check the ASIT page.

What options are available for transportation to and from camp?

We offer transportation for all campers flying into camp via St. Louis International Airport. Transportation service between camp and the airport is available starting at $85 for the trip to camp and $100 for the return trip to the airport for departure home. We ask that all campers flying into St Louis to camp make sure they read, understand, and plan for travel according to camp's Transportation Guidelines. To read this, click HERE. For regular campers flights should be scheduled to arrive between 10 am and 1 pm on the first day of camp, and depart between 1 pm and 4 pm on the last day of camp. We must have exact flight information by May 1st; a late fee will be assessed for flight information received after May 1st.

Most of our campers are driven to camp by their parents or carpool with a friend. Parents driving for long distances often spend the night in one of our area hotels.

What type of communication will I have with my child while at camp?

All campers are given the opportunity to send e-mail each day in our computer cafe during their free-time. Campers have a list of the emails that were provided to camp in the cafe so that they may reference exact email address of loved ones. On the first day of camp, we ask you to stop by the Computer Cafe on the tour to make sure that the email addresses provided are correct - you may also add other email address! *Campers may ONLY email people whose emails are approved and provided. Campers are also welcome to visit the office to confirm email addresses and ask for others if they do not have them. Campers recieve mail from you every day at lunch. Parents, guardians, friends communicate with campers via the parent portal. Information regarding the Parent Portal including how to use it and how to log in, will be provided to parents prior to camp and also at camp check-in.

When do I pick my child up on the last day of camp?

The pickup/check-out is between 9:30 am and 11:00 am on Saturday for all campers, including ASITs. On check-out day, your camper is allowed to give you a full tour of camp-please plan on spending at least 30 minutes to an hour touring camp. Check-out is also the day when you can do Early Bird Registration for the next summer with a special deal, you can shop at our camp store, there will be animals available for permanent adoption, and you can purchase camp photos. Full information for check-out can be found in our Parent Handbook. **Please do not bring pets to check-out. They will not be permitted into camp.

How do I know if my child is ready to go to a sleep away camp?

Camp has been known to help campers gain independence and learn some soft skills in communication, cooperation, and kindness. All kids can benefit from this! It's hard to say that one indicator is universal for all future campers, but we would suggest just asking your child if he or she is ready! Opening up the conversation at first can be all the answer you need. We don't at all want any camper to be "forced" into camp or a situation that they are not ready for. However, we find that while going to sleep-away camp for the first time may be scary, the benefits that our campers walk away with greatly overshadow their initial trepidations. The real question is... "How do I know when I am ready to send my child to sleep-away camp?". Sometimes, a parent's own fear keeps a camper from growing here at camp. Try sleepovers, overnight stays at the grandparents or friends, or weekend trips away from home! These may be helpful indicators for how to determine you and your camper's readiness. If you'd like to talk more about your camper's readiness, give us a call!

My child is shy. Will she fit in?

Our staff are trained to help ALL campers fit in. The first day of camp is spent learning each other's names, familiarizing everyone with the camp set-up and the week's activities, and breaking the "awkward" ice. Our staff are kind and silly - That alone can help anyone feel less self-conscious and more comfortable! The buddy system is used when moving between activities so no camper is left alone. This is primarily for safety, but it is great in getting campers paired up with low-pressure. We have seen even the most shy camper become the one leading all the songs to all of camp on the last day! We try to build and maintain an environment of inclusivity each session to help campers feel a sense of belonging. In short, camp is for all kids. There is a place here for quiet kids, too.

How can my camper become an ASIT?

The ASIT Program is for highschoolers who are current/past Cub Creek campers. All ASITs should be in highschool, having finished at least 9th grade, while in the program (no exceptions!). We also require that all ASITs have attended Cub Creek in the past for at least one year. Anyone who fits that basic criteria is eligible for the program. Each year, our camp staff contribute highly to letting us know who we should invite to camp as an ASIT in the coming summer. They submit their "Recommendations" for campers in their cabin and campers who take classes like ASIT for a Day and the LIT course. That information is gathered by our Assistant Director, who then compiles an invitation list. To read ALL the criteria that we consider when selecting future ASITs, please go to our ASIT Information page.

What will my child need to bring to camp?

A suggested packing list is located in the Parent Resources section of the website. The only items we require all campers and staff to have are closed-toe shoes and a water bottle. Cub Creek will provide all necessary activity equipment and there are no additional fees for activity supplies. Campers are encouraged to bring items that make them feel at home and comfortable, but camp is a technology-free-zone, so cell phones, tablets, computers, and other electronics are not allowed. Our camp store is also well-equipped and has any items of clothing and toiletries campers may need. And in the case your camper is to need anything, you are welcome to send them a package or talk to a member of the management team to help work that out.

Can parents visit camp?

We don't recommend visiting a camper during their week. Many times this can be disruptive to their progression, growth and schedule. However, we will never tell a parent that they can't see their child! Parents who have children staying for multiple weeks are welcome to visit camp on the Saturday or Sunday between a week. During a camper week, and all campers in camp, no visitors may go beyond the camp's office. Parents who are visiting campers should arrive at the office starting at 9 am. They may choose to stay and visit with the camper(s) in the office, or take them to lunch or an activity. We ask that campers be returned to camp prior to evening activity at 7:30 pm. Please set up visits and off-camp trips in advance with our office manager by calling 573-458-2125 or emailing office@bearriverranch.com. If you are taking your camper off property and it's not the end of their session, they must be signed in and out at the office.

How do I know if Cub Creek Science Camp is right for my child?

If your child is ready for a sleep-away camp and loves animals, exploring nature, adventurous activities, and/or learning about science, then Cub Creek Science Camp will be an excellent fit! We have so many activity options here at camp that every camper can find something they love! The best way to know, is to talk to us about camp! Give us a call or schedule a camp tour! To read more about this you can view our First Time Families page.

What forms will I need to fill out?

Every camper is required to have paperwork on file for them prior to attending camp. This includes:

Medical History. This outlines a campers medical past and present including mental and emotional history.
Medication Form signed by a Physician. * For campers taking ANY medications, supplements, or vitamins on a schedule while at camp, they need our medical form signed by their doctor prior to their arrival at camp. For medications that are as needed (inhalers, epipens, OTC or prescribed) we do not need a physician signature. This is ONLY for campers who are needing a scheduled and regular/daily administration of a medication, supplement, or vitamins by our Nurse/Health team.
Authorization and Consent. This form outlines expectations and mutual agreements between you and camp.
Immunization History. You will upload a record of your child's vaccination records. In the case that they are not vaccinated, you will upload a letter saying that you have chosen to not vaccinate and saying that you understand/assume possible risks.
Proof of Insurance. You will upload a copy of insurance card, front and back.
Transportation Plans. All families will tell us how they are planning to get their camper to and from camp.
All of this paperwork is now handled online through our Camp Database , Campwise.

What do "multi-week" campers do on the weekend?

On Saturday, when the campers who are not staying for the weekend prepare to leave, the multi-week campers (we call them "stay-overs"), have a special day planned. Firstly, we plan an activity in the morning during camp's check-out time that keeps them engaged and busy. Once check out is over, they come to the dining hall to have lunch and continue on with the day. Each stay over weekend is different! During the June sessions, campers can plan their weekends along with their designated stay-over staff. In July, during what are our typical "two week sessions" we have majority of campers staying at camp so their is a planned evening activity, pool time, and more! All weekends, campers staying-over will do laundry. You can read about the weekends at camp here.

Programs and Activities

What activities are offered at camp?

Our activities are what make us stand apart from other camps! At Cub Creek Science Camp, we have a variety of animal related activities for all kinds of animal lovers. Jr. Vet, Adopt an Animal, and Amazing Animals are our three most popular animal activities. Chemistry, Physics, and Pond Study are camp’s most engaged hands-on science courses. But what is summer camp without archery and friendship bracelets?! We offer all of the favorite "traditional" camp activities such as tie-dying, outdoor living skills, archery, fishing, swimming, and crafts. Each night comes to a close with an Evening Activity, where all of camp comes together. You can dive deep into our camp activities HERE.

What if my child does not get into the course or class that he/she wanted?

Our most popular courses like Jr. Vet, Adopt an Animal, and Amazing Animals, have no maximum! This means, each camper who wishes to be in those three courses is guaranteed to be able to take these courses! We know that many campers come to camp to enjoy those specific activities so we have designed them to be able to handle a large number of campers and we have planned for them to be offered multiple times. We also train staff the most in these to be able to provide them to more campers. With some of our other activities, safety or space requires the course to remain capped at a certain number. We try our best to get all campers into the classes and courses they came to camp for, adding supervisors or changing the schedule is a possibility when needed. The best advice we can offer is to send your camper with a list of the activities they want to do while at camp. This way their counselors can have a visual to help them get into the activities they want. We also know this is easier said than done, but encourage your campers to feel empowered to speak up for themselves. We are determined to help every camper have the experience they are expecting!

What is a typical day's schedule?


7:00 am Early Bird activity (optional)
8:00 am Breakfast
9:30 am 1st Activity period
10:45 am 2nd Activity period
12:00 pm Free Time
1:15 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Siesta/Cabin Rest Time
3:00 pm 3rd Activity period
4:15 pm 4th Activity period
5:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Activity
9:00 pm Night Owl (optional)
9:45 pm Junior Lights Out
10:30 pm Senior Lights Out

How are activities grouped?

Our program is divided into Junior campers and Senior campers. Junior campers are those campers who are 7-11 years and (up through 5th grade); Senior campers are 12-17 years old (finished 6th grade and up). During our activity periods, campers are grouped as Seniors and Juniors.

What is "Junior" or "Senior"?

At Cub Creek, campers are divided into two age groups to help us with activity/class sizes and assigning cabins. Juniors are campers who are 7 to 11 years old and who have finished up to 5th grade before the start of their camp session. Seniors are 12 to 17 years old and have finished at least 6th grade prior to their camp session. There are only a few activities that "Seniors" can do but that "Juniors" cannot: Leap of Faith on the Ropes Course, Survival Camp Out, and Riflery.

How do I sign up for "Vet Camp", "Animal Camp", or "Science Camp" ?

ALL of Cub Creek is Vet Camp, Animal Camp, Science Camp, and more ! Our campers have access to ALL 100+ activities in all the different subject matters and interests. By signing up for Cub Creek, you have given your child the ability to do it all!

What is the difference between a course and a class?

Courses and classes are the names given to the camp activities that campers choose for their activity periods each day. Each camper will choose two courses for each week at camp and two classes for each day of camp.

Courses are activities that campers participate in all week long. If a camper signs up for the chemistry course, for example, each day at the same time she will meet with the chemistry instructors and the same group of campers who also signed up for chemistry. During this course, she will make flubber, create giant bubbles, and make a rainbow in a jar, as well as other fun experiments that will help her understand more about states of matter, compounds, mixtures, etc.

Classes are activities that change daily. If a camper did not sign up for the weeklong chemistry course, he would still be able to participate in one or more of our chemistry classes, such as a 1-hour class on flubber or giant bubbles.

In our Activity Periods section under Camp Activities, you will note symbols next to the Classes and Courses of camp. These will better help you navigate all the activities our campers can enjoy. Read more HERE

Cabins and Facilities

Tell me about the cabins.

Each 1600 square foot cabin has air-conditioning, 2 private, in-cabin bathrooms and showers, 8 semi-private bunk rooms with a bunk bed in each , a large covered porch, and a central meeting room. While campers spend most of their time away from the cabins, we think it is important that campers are able to get a good night's sleep and have a comfortable area to lounge when not outside. Each cabin is built to accomodate 16 campers and 4 counselors. Campers share bunk rooms in pairs and live in the front half of the cabin. Counselors have their own bunk space in the back half of the cabin. You can see and read more about our cabins HERE.

What type of meals are offered?

There is no short answer to what is offered at meals! All of camp's breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are different. In a typical week waffles, pancakes, hash browns, bacon, and eggs would be served for breakfast; hamburgers, cold sandwiches, pasta salad, and chicken nuggets would be served for lunch; and dinner would be anything from spaghetti to chicken wings! All of camp's meals are served buffet style, allowing campers to choose what and how much of what is being offered for that meal. A variety of juices and milk is offered at every meal. There are always alternative options for meals including bagels, cereal, PB&J, ramen, mac and cheese, fresh fruit, and a salad bar.

How are cabins grouped?

In Cabins, campers are arranged according to their age and sex. In each cabin, we want to make sure that campers are within one grade year of each other (Ex. 3rd and 4th graders or 7th and 8th graders) to allow for cabins to be as close in age/maturity as possible. We honor cabin requests given to us as best as we can. If campers are cabin requested and in different grades and different ages, the cabin make up will match that of the younger camper. We will never place a younger camper in a cabin with majority older campers to meet a cabin request.*Keep in mind that cabin sizes and cabin ages are dependent on the campers signed up for camp.

How are cabins grouped?

In Cabins, campers are arranged according to their age and sex. In each cabin, we want to make sure that campers are within one grade year of each other (Ex. 3rd and 4th graders or 7th and 8th graders) to allow for cabins to be as close in age/maturity as possible. We honor cabin requests given to us as best as we can. If campers are cabin requested and in different grades and different ages, the cabin make up will match that of the younger camper. We will never place a younger camper in a cabin with majority older campers to meet a cabin request.*Keep in mind that cabin sizes and cabin ages are dependent on the campers signed up for camp.

What is available in the camp store?

The camp store is a favorite place to visit during the afternoon free period. Our camp store is extensive and covers all the bases! We sell essentials like toiletries and personal items, items for entertainment such as coloring books, journals, and playing cards, but also snacks, stuffed animals and apparel!

How much money should I put on my camper's store account?

Parents typically budget about $50 per camper, per week, but of course, we think that parents should provide whatever they wish for their campers! When placing money on account, please be aware that money left over in the account is not refunded. At the end of a camper's session, all monies above $5 are available for transfer to future Cub Creek/Animal Camp Jamaica session. This money will be automatically applied, no need to request it. Money under $5, or specified, will be donated to camp's scholarship and animal care fund. We ask that campers not carry cash or cards at camp. It's unfortunately too easy to lose and keeping track of what's spent is hard with cash. Parents are encouraged, but not required, to put money on a camper's account in the camp store.

Can I monitor/limit my child's store spending?

Sorry, no. Our store is not attached to a system where parents can directly monitor spending. We do not reach out to parents to tell them how much is on their campers account during a session or if they have run out of money. Most times... you'll know if your camper has run out in the session becuase they will send you an email! Camper's cannot over-spend in their accounts, so you won't be asked to pay a "debt". Families may always add additional funds to their camper's accounts during a session if they wish. Please keep in mind that we do not refund unspent money from the store. Instead, we apply all unspent money above $5 to their future camp session. If you are worried about "too much candy", we do limit kids to no more than three sugary items per day.

Camp Staff and Hiring

My child is a former camper, when can they be staff?

Information on our staff requirements and hiring can be found in the "Join Our Team" section of our website. As a former camper parent who is about to transition into a "staff parent" here are the things you need to know. When your camper transitions into a paid position here at camp, our communications will also transition into being solely with them. We cannot discuss hiring, payment, or any other "job related" information with you. This will be difficult- for both of us! But we want to 1. Encourage a mature and professional relationship with camp so that our staff understand this new boundary 2. Make sure that our staff understand expectations and their work information as we need it communicated from us directly to them. All hired and paid staff must be high-school graduates- no exceptions. All staff must apply online, do an interview, and pass a background check. If your child is interested in working at camp, PLEASE do not reach out on their behalf. Encourage them to send us an email, call, or chat with us on the website. Before inquiring, please make sure to read all the information posted on the website.

How do you screen your staff?

All applicants to Cub Creek Science Camp must complete an application. This requires reference checks, past employment, and information about them. Selected applicants whose references have been checked, will interview with a member of our Director's team. We try to conduct all interviews via video chat or in-person. Once hired, a clean background check must be completed on our end before a staff member begins their mandatory two-week staff training. Prior to camp, all staff are required to watch and be quizzed on training videos provided to our team via a "Expert Online Training", a company devoted to preparing staff for summer camp with training tools in video format. Lastly, before working with us during the summer, all summer camp staff must train with us during our in-person staff training at Cub Creek. This two-week time period allows for us to get to know the members on our team personally to make sure they are the right fit for camp. They are given the opportunity to learn camper's structure, goals, and expectations prior to working with us for the following 10 weeks of camp.

What are your supervision ratios?

Our cabins are set up to have a max of 4 counselors. Depending on the summer, a cabin can have anywhere from 2 to 4 counselors per 16 (at max) campers. In activities, depending on the safety needs, we can have one staff monitoring up to 12 campers. 12 is our general maximum for average activities. However, activities like riflery and archery require more supervision and have two assigned staff members to them per 12 campers. In a General summer, we have anywhere from 40 to 60 counselors, who are all instructors in our activities. A full staff team is close to 100 staff members who are also additional instuctors and supervisors.

Can we request a certain staff for our cabin?

Not really :/ Here's the truth: If you had a staff from a previous summer/session - we LOVE to hear that! We pass that information on to our staff! However, we place staff in cabins who we believe are best fit for a specific age group and we place campers in cabins based on their age and possible camper requests. We do not assign campers to cabins based on the staff.

Registration, Payments, Refunds, Policies, Etc

Find more FAQs specific to Registration, on the REGISTER page.

How do I Register for Camp?

Registration is simple! To begin a registration, click here. That link will take you to the "Registration Page" on our website which outlines our camper database, Campwise. And has some "registration specific" information for you. If you are wanting to see camp's prices, dates, and most recent availability, you go to camp's Dates and Rates page. That page is easily accessible at the very top blue bar of our website.

When should I sign up for camp?

As soon as possible! Sessions begin to fill and your options narrow starting in January! We have also seen sessions begin to close then, too! Once your deposit for your chosen week or weeks has been paid, your spot for camp is reserved! If you are considering camp, and you need time to think, we understand. But in the late Winter into Spring session availability will change greatly. If you'd like to Register now, click HERE.

What is included in the Cost of Camp?

Tuition costs include housing, meals for each day of camp and access to all our activities. When you register for Cub Creek, tuition covers our amazing camp experience, but it also accounts for our modern cabins with air-conditioning, multiple in-cabin bathrooms, up to 4 staff per cabin, and spacious bunks rooms.

How long should my camper attend?

Every camper is different and how long they should attend is entirely up to you. You should base that decision on your family's summer schedule and your camper's readiness for sleep-away camp. However, if the formation of strong friendships is a goal, we recommend at least two weeks. Campers are able to build stronger bonds over the course of two weeks. They are given more time to connect with cabin mates and counselors and feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Two weeks may also be the amount of time that some campers need to feel most comfortable at camp. Program wise, campers are able to participate in more classes and have the chance to retake old courses and try new ones! Evening activities also change up in the second week of camp to include the incredible Floop-a-Flar, a water relay race!

Can I switch a camper's session?

To switch camper weeks, you can call, email, or use our chat feature to let us know where we can move your camper's registration. You are not able to move a camper's week on your own in Campwise. When you email or chat, please give your full name and your camper's full name along with the week they are currently in and the week you are hoping to move to. If you leave us a voicemail, let us know the same information and we will send you an email confirmation letting you know when it is done..

What is camp's refund policy?

Please read camp's full refund policy here. In short, your deposit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person or year of camp. If you cancel before your camper's session prior to April 1, all monies paid (minus deposit) is refundable; April 2nd to May 1 50% is refundable (minus deposit); After May 1st, nothing is refundable. However, if you cancel camp and your camper does not attend a session, any fund paid towards camp store, transportation fees, or photo flash drives is refundable. All payments that were made on card and were not given the 3% fee upon charge will have the 3% assessed at refund. There are no-refunds for campers who are asked to be picked up for behavioral issues or for camper who parents/guardians decide to pick up earlier than the session end date.

Health and Safety

Do you have a Nurse at Camp?

We have a Camp Nurse who lives on-site adjacent to the Health Lodge all 10-weeks of camp. Our camp nurse is responsible for overseeing the administration of medication as well providing first aid when needed. While prevention is the best policy, we are prepared to handle medical issues and injuries that may arise at camp. If we have a need that cannot be met at camp, we are only 15 minutes away from a local walk-in clinic, that is able to provide medical diagnosis and treatment. We are also just ten minutes away from our local hospital.

Will I be notified if my child is sick or injured at camp?

Parents will be notified if their child needs medical attention that requires something beyond that which can be administered on-site or if their child spends more than 3 hours in our health lodge. (The nearest hospital is only 10 miles away, and we also have several walk-in clinics that we utilize IF needed, which are also only 10 minutes away.)

How do I know my camper is safe?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents. Safety at camp is our highest concern and priority. We follow the American Camp Association's (ACA) guidelines for health and safety requirements. We have a record and procedure in place for ALL emergencies, any natural disaster, and any unexpected problem. Furthermore, we require all that in order to work at camp, each staff member must be interviewed, screened, and background checked; they also receive two weeks of training before they work with the campers. We stress the importance of the buddy system to staff members and they know to keep up with and account for their campers at ALL times. While camp is in session NO ONE other than camp staff is allowed past the Camp Office. All camp visitors are asked to wait for their campers or friends in the main office. Parents are always welcome to call the office with any questions or concerns. Overall, when thinking about "safety", you should know that our reputation and name is important to US! We want to maintain a healthy and safe camp environment and provide the best service for our camp families because that's what we want to be appreciated and known for. Read more about camp safety here.

How do you deal with homesickness?

While at camp, if a camper is feeling homesick, we try to keep them very busy and involved with their peers. We have found that being able to keep their mind busy on an activity helps for them to distract their homesick thoughts. In the rare case that the camper is still not adjusting after a few days, our camp director, Anna, will get involved personally. If it is needed, she will call you to discuss and make a plan that works for your child, you, and camp. Campers do not call home when they are homesick; In many cases getting on the phone makes them feel worse! Instead, they are encouraged to send emails and write letters. We wish to help every camper overcome their homesickness and help them have a sense of accomplishment after defeating it.

Where can I read about your updated COVID policies?

You can read about camp's most recent updated COVID policies here. You should know that in 2020 and 2021 we ran in-person camp for our full 10 week schedule. We hope and wish that COVID procedures will be a thing of the past for Summer 2022 and beyond, but obviously cannot predict that. We did not and do not plan to *require* campers or staff to be vaccinated, though we encourage those who are attending camp who are eligible to consider protecting their families and campers by doing so. We did not require a negative test prior to attending camp. Policies as it relates to COVID will certainly fluctuate with whatever is needed to maintain a healthy camp environment. * Our camp' refund policy remains the same if you decide to cancel camp for any reason.

Medications, Dietary, and Special Needs

How do you handle prescription medication at camp?

We have a full-time nurse on staff during the summer. She oversees medication distribution at camp along with her assistant. There are four times when campers are given their prescription medication(s): all three meals and before bedtime. According to your camper's needs and what is suggested by your physician, while at camp, your child should take medications at one or more of those designated times. Medications are kept in the health lodge under the watch of the Nurse. She brings only the proper medications to the dining hall to be passed out at meals, and the night medications are passed out in the health lodge. Parents are responsible for coming to camp with medications sorted according to the schedule they have outlined on the Medication Form (Campwise). We require a physician's signature to pass any medication, vitamin, or supplement to your child on a scheduled basis. More information about Medications including how to package them can be found HERE.

My child may need some special help, will this be a problem?

We are happy to provide reminders, prompts and assistance to insure that campers are able to stay happy, healthy and safe at camp. Staff are trained to assist campers in a fun and positive ways, to ensure that they wash their hair, brush their teeth, wear clean clothes, keep their belongings organized, make it to their activities and even with assisting them in making friends. However, we do require that campers be able to take basic care of themselves. They should be able to perform hygene and basic care on their own without direct help from a counselor or staff member. We are not able to provide one-on-one assistance to campers and our staff are not trained to be able to bathe, clothe, etc a camper. We will be happy to talk to you prior to camp about any concerns you have, or about things we need to be aware of in order to ensure a wonderful camp experience for your child. Be sure to give us as much information as possible on your child's camp paperwork and reach out to us by phone with any questions.

How do you handle over-the-counter medications at camp?

There is a section in the Medical History form in Campwise where the parent indicates which over-the-counter medications are okay and gives permission for the camp to administer them when necessary. If permission is given, the nurse will pass the medication as needed. The nurse will administer over the counter medicine according to the labeled instructions unless accompanied by a physician’s order. If any over the counter medication is to be administered on a regular/scheduled basis, a physician’s signature is required, and you will be responsible for packing those medications for their daily administration.

What if my child has an allergy or dietary restriction?

Campers who have allergies or dietary restrictions should be aware of their own restrictions, however, that is no problem for us! In the case of allergies: All allergies should be listed and notated in a camper's medical information paperwork. Campers who have inhalers or epi-pens will carry them with them in their camp nametag. This will allow for them to have easy access to them at any time. For allergies that require an as needed medication, campers are able to visit the nurse at any time, even outside of med passing times, to get the medications they need. All allergies, no matter the kind, are specified with a sticker on a camper's nametag. In the case that a camper has an allergy to a particular food item, the Nurse, and all camp staff are made aware, and can help a camper keep track of any allergens in the meal options. Campers have access to ingredient boxes and can always ask the kitchen staff and directors for clarifications. We take special precautions for nut allergies, that includes keeping the peanut butter at ONE location in the dining area. Peanut butter jars never come to a cabin's table or to any other spot than the PB&J table. We, also, do not use communal cleaning rags to clean up any peanut butter as to not spread the oils. For dietary restrictions/needs, families have several options. Parents may opt to send their campers to camp with their meals. In this case, a special refrigerator in the kitchen with access ONLY made by campers with food in that refrigerator, the kitchen staff and lead of the kitchen. This can be anything from special milks, vegetarian/vegan substitutes, etc. Campers also have the option to purchase vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy free items from the dining hall's gift shop attached and accessible from the main dining area.


FAQ - Counselor explaining camp procedures - Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp
FAQ - Camper wondering question - Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp
FAQ - Counselor answering campers questions - Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp