Program Policies

Updated January 6, 2023

Policies are subject to all applicable laws. This information supersedes information in Parent Handbooks from previous years and all previous versions of these policies.

Schoolhouse of Wonder continues to update our policies as public health guidance evolves. We encourage families to review current expectations from time to time to keep up with changes, especially with their camper(s) a day or two before their camp week starts.

Before completing your purchase, you must agree to be bound by our COVID-19 and Program Policies as listed here.

COVID-19 Policies

Please see our COVID Policies and Precautions

Program Policies

Waivers/Permissions

I permit my child to participate in all Schoolhouse of Wonder (“Schoolhouse”) activities.

Program Policies

Assumption of Risk and Indemnity: Schoolhouse conducts outdoor educational and recreation programs that may take place in public parks and unimproved areas with natural woods and water features. Schoolhouse provides age-appropriate safety instruction regarding outdoor skills, plants, wildlife, and supervised activities; however, there are always risks inherent to participating in such activities. I understand that Schoolhouse activities have inherent risks, including potential exposure to COVID-19, and I hereby assume all risks and hazards incident to my participation/my child’s participation in all Schoolhouse activities and recreation activities provided by third-party vendors. On behalf of myself and my child, I further waive, release, absolve, indemnify, and agree to hold harmless Schoolhouse of Wonder and its employees, supervisors, organizers, officers, directors, participants, volunteers, vendors, land use partners (including but not limited to City of Durham Parks and Recreation; Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces; North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation; Triangle Land Conservancy), as well as all persons or families transporting participants to and from activities, from any legal claims, liabilities, damages and costs for any physical injury or damage to my personal property sustained during my use of Schoolhouse property and/or my participation/my child’s participation in any Schoolhouse activities.

Personal Items: I agree that my child will not bring electronics, hand-held games, sports or gaming equipment, toys, money, trading cards, or valuables to Schoolhouse programs. I understand that Schoolhouse is not responsible for any personal items lost, stolen, or damaged in its programs.

Food Sharing: Food sharing during camp (e.g. snack and lunch) is prohibited, except between siblings.

Payment, Cancellation, Transfer, and Refund Policy

For COVID-19 related cancelations, please see our COVID-19 policies.

We limit spaces in each camp to ensure a quality experience. Our cancellation guidelines and policies are based on our duty to fulfill commitments we’ve made to our participants, to our camp staff, and to take care of the land where we operate. Please complete this registration only if you understand and agree to abide by the following policy.

Payment in full, or a deposit and choice of payment plan, is due at time of registration. Your space in the camp will be reserved as soon as your order is submitted, regardless of whether you’ve paid in full or selected a payment plan. Payment in full must be received by the specified date for your participant to be admitted to camp.
All cancellation, transfer, or change requests must be made in writing via email to schoolhouse@schoolhouseofwonder.org.
1. You Need to Cancel Summer Camp (camps occurring from May 30 through August 25, 2023)
  If participant cancels:
  - On or before March 31: 75% of tuition is refundable
  - On April 1 through May 29: 50% of tuition is refundable
  - On or after May 30: no tuition is refundable
  - All refunds are subject to a 3% processing fee
2. You Need to Cancel School Year Camp (all camps occurring outside the Summer Camp schedule listed above)
  If participant cancels:
  - 30 days prior to the first day of the camp session: 100% of tuition is refundable, minus a $40 administrative fee.
  - Less than 30 days prior to the first day of the camp session: no tuition is refundable.
3. Schoolhouse of Wonder Needs to Cancel
  - If Schoolhouse must cancel before the start of a camp session due to a circumstance beyond our control (e.g., weather, government orders) you will receive 100% credit.
  - If Schoolhouse must cancel before the start of a camp session for any other reason, you receive a 100% refund paid to the original payment method or 100% credit.
  - If Schoolhouse must cancel during a camp session you will receive a pro-rated credit.
  - Credits must be used by the end of the following January.
When a participant registers for camp, we work hard to ensure that everything is in place to have a fantastic experience. Unfortunately, we cannot credit, refund, or prorate tuition for scheduled or unscheduled absences, no-shows, or days missed for any reason other than a change in school placement. We continue to stand behind our Dirty, Tired, Happy Guarantee.
Transfers and Other Registration Change Requests
- All transfers and other registration changes are dependent upon available space.
- More than 14 days prior to the first day of camp: A $40 administrative fee will be charged per child, per change.
- Less than 14 days prior to the first day of camp: We are unable to make any changes or grant transfer requests, except for adding aftercare.

Please note: If there is a difference in cost between your current registration and the camp you wish to transfer into, we will issue a dollar-for-dollar credit for the difference (if the new camp has a lower rate) or require payment of the balance in full (if the new camp has a higher rate) at the time of transfer.

Times, Drop-Off and Pick-Up (Summer Camps)

Program Times: Unless noted, camps begin at 9:00 a.m. Depending on the camp season and the age of the camper, pick up time is either from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. or 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.. For 5-6 year old camps, optional Aftercare can be purchased to extend supervised activities until 5:00 p.m.
Drop-Off: Morning drop-off is scheduled from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at our Durham and Orange locations. Morning drop-off is scheduled from 8:15-9:00 a.m. at our Wake locations. Campers must be signed in with Schoolhouse staff upon arrival.
Pick-Up: Unless noted, afternoon pick-up is scheduled for 3:00-3:30 p.m. or 5:00-5:30 p.m..
Late Charges: By continuing, you agree to pay Schoolhouse of Wonder a late pick-up charge of $5.00 for each 10 minutes after 3:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. respectively.
Early pick-up option: For 5-12 year old camps, 7-9 year old camps, 10-12 year old camps, and Discovery Days, an early pick-up option if available from 3:00-3:30 p.m. During Drop-Off, please specify which, if any, days you wish to pick your child/children up at 3:00 p.m. In order to maintain proper ratios and ensure the safety of the camp groups, Schoolhouse staff are not able to escort your child/children for an early pick-up. If for any reason you need to pick up your child at a time outside of the designated pick-up times, please call the field phone and a staff member will direct you to where you can meet them.
Please update your pickup permissions in your electronic record or send Schoolhouse an email if you expect your child to be picked up by someone other than the family member(s) listed on the registration form. Absent extenuating circumstances, Schoolhouse cannot accept permission by phone.

Times, Drop-Off and Pick-Up (Intersession/Track Out Camps)

Program Times: Unless noted, camps begin at 9:00 a.m. Pick up time is 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Drop-Off: Morning drop-off is scheduled from 8:00–9:00 a.m. for Durham and Orange Camps. Morning drop-off is scheduled from 8:15–9:00 a.m. for Wake camps. Campers must be signed in with Schoolhouse staff upon arrival.
Pick-Up: Unless noted, afternoon pick-up is scheduled for 5:00–5:30 p.m. See Early Pick-Up Options below.
Late Charges: By continuing, you agree to pay Schoolhouse of Wonder a late pick-up charge of $5.00 for each 10 minutes after 3:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. respectively.
Early pick-up option: An early pick-up option if available from 3:00–3:30 p.m. During Drop-Off, please specify which, if any, days you wish to pick your child/children up at 3:00 p.m. In order to maintain proper ratios and ensure the safety of the camp groups, Schoolhouse staff are not able to escort your child/children for an early pick-up. If for any reason you need to pick up your child at a time outside of the designated pick up times, please call the field phone and a staff member will direct you to where you can meet them.
Please update your pick up permissions in your electronic record or send Schoolhouse an email if you expect your child to be picked up by someone other than the family member(s) listed on the registration form. Absent extenuating circumstances, Schoolhouse cannot accept permission by phone.

Medical Treatment Policies

Authorization for Emergency Medical Care: I certify that my child’s medical information is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Should an accident or emergency occur that requires my child to receive medical care, I request and authorize Schoolhouse staff to administer first aid, contact my child’s physician or dentist, and/or call an ambulance to take my child to a physician, hospital for emergency treatment, or active EMS in the event it appears necessary and a parent or guardian cannot be contacted in a timely manner, as Schoolhouse staff deem appropriate under the circumstances. I give my permission for Schoolhouse to transmit and disclose my child’s medical information to the treating medical personnel. I hereby give to any physician, dentist, hospital, or other health care provider consent to perform any x-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment, under the general or special supervision of the designated physician/dentist specified above or, if unavailable, any licensed physician or dentist. I agree that I will be financially responsible for the costs of such treatment and transportation.
Accident and Health Insurance: Participants are responsible for their own accident and health insurance when participating in Schoolhouse on-site or off-site programs.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: I agree to apply sunscreen and insect repellent (if preferred) prior to my child arriving at Schoolhouse and to send additional sunscreen (and insect repellent if preferred) to Schoolhouse with my child each day. I hereby give permission for Schoolhouse staff to supervise and assist my child to re-apply his or her own sunscreen (and insect repellent if preferred) before water time and/or as needed throughout the day. Campers may not apply sunscreen or insect repellent to each other or share products. Schoolhouse of Wonder provides sunscreen for emergency use only.
Medication: An adult must register all medications, prescription and nonprescription, directly with a counselor during check-in and initial the Medication Log. Schoolhouse employees may only administer medication to a camper with written authorization from you (a parent or guardian). We will only check in the exact number of doses the camper will receive during the week.
Prescription medications must be in original pharmacy containers and labeled with the participant’s first and last name, medication name, date filled, expiration date, and correct dosage instructions. The dosage will be given exactly how it is written. At least one dose of medication must be administered at home before any medication can be administered at camp, except for live-saving emergency medications such as epi-pens.
Nonprescription medication must also be provided in the original container that includes directions for use. Medication will only be administered in accordance with the written directions.
Special Needs: Schoolhouse is committed to helping as many kids as possible with the camp experience, and reasonable modifications will be considered. While we hope to offer our camps to as wide a range of children as possible, it is not possible for us to offer one-on-one care. We ask that you provide detailed answers to the questions about your camper in the registration process. Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis with the appropriate camp staff. If your child has serious behavioral, physical, or psychological considerations, please discuss camper readiness with the Schoolhouse Program Director or designee.
Registrant Expectations: Schoolhouse reserves the right to decline the application of any child, or send home any child who, according to staff discretion, is disrupting the experience of other children. If a child is dismissed due to behavioral/social issues, tuition is not refundable.

Behavior Management Policies

Safety: Our primary goal is to maintain a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe environment for all participants. Our role in any behavior management situation is to promote the camper’s safety, comfort, and growth. We strive to prevent problematic behaviors, and we avoid punishment as it removes a growth opportunity. Being proactive and preventative, using proximity and positive messages, and being specific when we offer feedback are constant themes throughout staff training and are easily seen in our daily interactions with children. We also try to identify what may be driving the behaviors. Is the camper hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired?
Redirect Disrespect: Disrespectful behavior is often a precursor to unsafe behavior. In order to keep children safe, we strive to identify and redirect disrespectful behavior as it occurs.
Reroute: When redirection is unsuccessful or when instances of unsafe conduct occur, we follow these general steps which we call a ‘reroute’:
1. Reconnect with the camper – stop talking and listen, communicate calmly, validate their feelings, reflect what we hear. We will reiterate or clarify expectations, making sure they understand, and let them know the next steps.
2. The camper will be given a clear verbal warning.
3. Staff will remove the camper from the group to have a longer conversation and engage the camper with leading questions that get them to think about what’s going on. Tell me what happened. What do you think should happen now? Throughout, we will maintain connection with the camper (e.g., kneeling rather than standing over them).
Call caregiver: If the unacceptable behavior continues our staff will contact you (the parent/guardian) to build an agreed upon action plan.
Suspension and Expulsion: Instances of physical, emotional, or sexual harm will result in the immediate removal of the camper from the group and a call home. Such instances could result in a camp suspension of one to five days (depending on severity) or expulsion from camp. No refund will be given in such cases.

Schoolhouse of Wonder reserves the right to modify, at any time, any of the policies described or privileges granted.

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