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!

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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 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.

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 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.