We know you may have questions about online registration, or what your child needs for a specific program or how to cancel a class, that's why we created this list of frequently asked program questions. 

• Registration & Payments
• Safety
• Activities, Field Trips and Sports
• General Questions

Further Questions? Contact Jillian Bracken, Summer Camp Coordinator, at (617) 227-5838 ext. 10 or jbracken@hillhouseboston.org.

Can I sign up for individual days?
No, but you may sign up for individual weeks.

Can you switch from one camp week (session) to another?
Yes, you can switch between sessions and camps. For example, you may register for Session 1 in Day Camp and Session 2 in Sports Camp Option.

What about refunds or credits?
Each of Summer Camp requires a non-refundable 10% deposit (scholarship applicants included). Refunds, minus the 10% deposit will be provided if we receive notice of the cancelation two weeks prior to the start of camp. If a cancelation is requested within two weeks of the start date, a 50% refund will be issued. If a cancelation is requested after the start date, no refunds will be issued. Refunds will not be issued for missing individual days. A doctor's note is required for refunds related to medical issues.

What paperwork/permission slips are required?
Prior to starting camp, a parent or guardian must submit a completed and signed medical form, signed immunization record, and photo/swim release (when applicable to camp) to Jillian Bracken, Summer Camp Coordinator at 127 Mt. Vernon Street. Paperwork may also be submitted via fax at (617) 227-9251. Please note that your child will not be able to attend camp until we have received all required paperwork and forms. All forms must be submitted by June 1, 2010.

On the first day your child attends camp, you will also fill out a pickup sheet which authorizes other individuals to pick up your child from camp. Please note that all individuals who pick up a camper must have proper photo ID and be listed on the pickup sheet.

Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available for those who need assistance. Information on how to apply can be found on our website under Programs.

What is the refund policy?
Refunds, minus the non-refundable 10% deposit, will be provided if we receive notice of the cancellation two weeks prior to the start of camp. If a cancellation is requested within two weeks of the start date, a 50% refund will be issued. If a cancellation is requested after the start date, a refund will not be issued. Refunds will not be issued for missing individual days of camp.

Yes, all summer camp staff is professionally trained by the American Heart Association in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Staff members also carry a medical kit with them at all times. 

What are the age and qualifications of camp instructors and staff?
Camp instructors and staff vary in age (all are at least 18 years of age), and are fully qualified for their role in the Hill House Summer Camps. All summer staff attend a 5-day training program at the beginning of the summer. All instructors and staff go through a lengthy interview process, and must pass both a criminal background and sex offender check.

If I had a Medical Form from last year's camp, can I use it?
No, parents and guardians must submit a new medical form and signed waiver every year. Within one month of registration, you will receive a family welcome guide which includes these forms. All forms must be submitted by June 1, 2010.

What if my child is on daily or prescribed medication?
Hill House is not able to distribute medication, and under no circumstance should a camper self-medicate. If you have special circumstances or needs, please contact Ian Moorhouse, Associate Director at (617) 227-5838 ext. 18.

Activities, Field Trips and Sports

Do campers have a choice of activities during the day? What are their options?
Yes, choice time has been built into both Day Camp and Sports Camp Option. Day Campers will have a daily opportunity to read, play board games, participate in art or cooking project and more. Sports Campers will have the opportunity to play a sports of their choice for 45 minutes each day.

How competitive are the Hill House Summer Camps?
All programs at Hill House are fun and not competitive. There is friendly competition, but sportsmanship and teamwork is emphasized.

Will my child be swimming? What if my child doesn't know how to swim?
Day Campers will swim at the Charles River Park Pool each morning. Sports Campers will have the opportunity to swim in the morning if they choose. Campers who pass a swim test will be allowed to swim in the shallow end of the pool. Once a child passes the test, they do not need to take it again. Campers who do not pass the test are allowed to swim in the little kid's splash pool. The pool provides American Red Cross trained and certified lifeguards, and our summer staff are with campers in the pool at all times.

Do you have to pay extra for field trips?
No, the cost of field trips is included in the weekly camp fee. Campers are NOT permitted to bring spending money on field trips. Please remember to pack a lunch, snack and drink for field trip days. Kiddie Kamp does not go on any field trips.

General Questions

Does Hill House provide lunch or snacks?
No, but we provide insulated backpacks to all children registered for Day Camp and Sports Camp Option so campers can store their lunch and snacks.

What happens if it rains or is excessively hot?
In the case of inclement weather during camp, Day Campers stay at the Firehouse and participate in fun indoor activities such as team games, board games, and art projects. Outdoor camps will be moved to 60 Joy Street or the Firehouse. If it is excessively hot, campers are kept cool and calm by drinking plenty of water and enjoying relaxing activities. All parents will be notified via email and phone of any changes in drop off or pickup location.

Do you accomodate children with special needs?
Yes, we are able to accomodate campers with special needs. Please contact Ian Moorhouse at (617) 227-5838 ext. 18 to discuss how we can ensure your child has an incredible summer at Hill House.

What is the discipline plan?
Discipline is dealth with on an individual basis and is determined by the counselor in charge of the group. Any camper who violates basic safety rules while at camp will be asked to sit out of activities. If the issue persists the counselor will inform the Camp Director. The Camp Director will determine if further action is necessary including contacting parents or guardians. All summer staff is trained in behavior management and active listening.

Can my child be in a group with their friends?
Yes, as long as the children are of similar age and in the same camp. Please submit friend requests at least one week before your child attends camp. Hill House will make every effort to honor these requests. Please keep in mind that if your child is not matched in the same group as a friend, there are many times during the day where children of the same age will mix; such as swimming, lunch, and outdoor games.

What is my child NOT allowed to bring to camp?
All personal items should be kept at home, including iPods, cameras and similar equipment. Campers are not allowed to bring weapons of any kind to camp. The Camp Director will immediately notify parents if a camper has an item which is not permitted at camp.

Can I visit camp before signing my child up?
Yes, Hill House is hosting a Summer Camp Open House on Thursday, May 20th from 4:00-7:00pm. You will be able to meet summer and full-time staff, as well as other camp families and view our facilities. If you cannot attend this event, feel free to stop by the Firehouse (127 Mt. Vernon Street) Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

What if my child is 5 or turning 5 right before the camps begin?
Summer Day Camp is for ages 5-10 and is offered only in a full day format (9:00am-4:00pm), while Kiddie Kamp is for ages 3-5 and is offered in half day sessions or a full day option or 4 and half year olds. When choosing a camp, keep in mind the specific needs of your child, and which age group may best them best.

Where are pickup and drop off locations?
Day Camp: Firehouse (127 Mt. Vernon Street)
Sports Camp Option: Monday - Boston Common; Tuesday-Friday - Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields on the Esplanade
Kiddie Kamp: Monday - 60 Joy Street; Tuesday-Friday - Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields on the Esplanade

Can I pick up my child early or drop them off late?
Picking up your child early or dropping them off late can disrupt the camp without prior notification. Please notify the Camp DIrector 24 hours before or the request cannot be guaranteed. If you are running late or your child is sick and you have not notified the Camp Director, please contact Jillian Brackenm, Summer Camp Coordinator at (617) 227-5838 ext. 10.

My child wears diapers or is not fully potty trained. Can they still attend camp?
No, all children must be out of diapers and fully potty trained before they can attend camp.|

Where will my child be changing for the pool?
Day Campers change for the pool at the Firehouse and are separated by gender. If you prefer, campers may come to camp already dressed in their bathing suits (we swim in the morning) with a change of clothes for after swimming. Please be sure to pack a change of clothes and towel if your child will be swimming. Sports Campers who will also be swimming in the morning may come to camp already dressed in their bathing suits or use the private changing facilities provided at the pool.

What is the best way for me to communicate with my child's counselor?
Attend the Summer Camp Open House on Thursday, May 20th from 4:00-7:00pm. Once camp begins, you may call the main office at (617) 227-5838 ext. 10 and leave a message for a counselor. The staff member will make every effort to return your call within 24 hours. Camp Directors will distribute their contact information to parents when camp begins.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Jillian Bracken, Summer Camp Coordinator
jbracken@hillhouseboston.org
(617) 227-5838 ext. 10

Joe Parlow, Program Coordinator
jparlow@hillhouseboston.org
(617) 227-5838 ext. 11