Camp Policies and FAQs

 

General information

The camp day runs 9am-3pm. Campers should be dropped off no earlier than 8:55am and picked-up no later than 3:05pm (Late pick-up fees apply).

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Registration for camp is not complete until the Camper Registration form and payment for programs is received. 

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Campers must be picked up by an adult listed on their Camper Registration form. To add/change information please email info@gahagannature.org. Adults picking up youth must have photo ID. 

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What should my child bring to camp?

Sample packing list:

Non-refrigerated lunch and AM snack

Water bottle 

Bug spray

Closed toe shoes/extra socks (no flip-flops or open toed shoes)

Change of clothes

Backpack/durable bag

Rain gear and weather appropriate clothing

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Please label all belongings with the camper's first and last name. 

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What should my child NOT bring to camp?

Use of electronics and personal items is not allowed at camp.

We ask that cell phones are not brought to our programs.  This eliminates the chance of the phone being a distraction, lost, stolen, or damaged. If the circumstance arises that we need to communicate with a participant’s family, we can do so using Gahagan facility phones. The Gahagan Nature Preserve assumes no responsibility for phones brought to camp. 

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Please leave toys and trading cards (Pokeman, Yu-Gi-Oh!) at home. The Gahagan Nature Preserve is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

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What should my camper be able to do in order to participate in Gahagan Camp programs?

Your camper(s) must be able to attend to their personal needs, be able to move independently from place to place, and must be capable of effective interactions in group based programs. We accept any child that allows us to maintain our set child to staff ratio and does not require medical needs beyond the needs of basic First Aid. All campers enrolled in the program must be fully toilet trained as Gahagan staff/volunteers are not trained or permitted to provide diapering or restroom assistance.

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We’re willing to work with families to make reasonable accommodations. Please contact us at 989-275-3217 or at info@gahagannature.org for more information.

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What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Camp will be held in inclement weather unless dangerous to participants and staff. Camps have access to buildings throughout the program day. All programming is weather dependent.

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How is discipline handled at Gahagan?

The Gahagan Nature Preserve is interested in the welfare of all participants. Participants in our programs are expected to follow the rules of the program and the direction staff/volunteers. A participant’s failure or inability to follow rules or directions may result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action may be called for when a participant disrupts program by requiring constant one-on-one attention; inflicts physical or emotional harm on others; abuses staff or is otherwise unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program.

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When disciplinary action is called for, staff will notify the parents/caregivers of the situation and discuss a solution. If improvement does not occur, the following steps will be taken:

The Gahagan Nature Preserve reserves the right to accelerate the disciplinary process as it sees fit and based on the severity of the incident. Parents/caregivers will be notified any time a child is exhibiting behavior that endangers themselves or others and may be sent home immediately.

• First incident: Parent/caregiver will be informed of incident by phone or at pick up.

• Second incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended for the rest of the day. Parent/caregiver should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.

• Third incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended from camp for the rest of the week. Parent/guardian should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.

• Fourth incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended from camp for the rest of the summer. Parent/guardian should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.

 

Registration fees will not be reimbursed for the remainder of a camp session following a participant’s suspension.

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What do I do if my child cannot attend a day of camp or needs to arrive late?

Absences, Late/Early Pick-Up, & Disciplinary Action

• If the program participant is ill or cannot attend camp for any reason, please notify us prior to the program’s drop-off time at 989-275-3217 or by email at info@gahagannature.org.

• Late or early pick-up: if the program participant will arrive late or need to be picked up early please communicate this with Gahagan staff before the start of the program day. Staff will inform the caregiver where the group will be located at the time of arrival/pick-up so the child can be signed in/out.

• If the program participant is not picked up by the program’s end time (3:05pm), a fee of $1/minute will be billed. 

• If the program participant is suspended from a program during the course of disciplinary action, program fees will not be reimbursed for that program. If a participant is suspended for the remainder of the season, they will not be expected to pay any camp fees for weeks they do not attend.

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Refunds and Cancellations

• Cancellation requests must be made via email to info@gahagannature.org.

• Refunds of 80% may be given upon cancellation with at least 10 business days’ notice.

• Cancellations made less than 10 business days in advance will not be refunded and fees will not be transferred to another program.

• If the program participant leaves camp early due to illness or injury, the registration fee may be refunded at a pro-rated rate, or the child may be able to attend a later session. If the program participant leaves camp early or arrives late due to homesickness, behavior issues, or for any other reason, there will be no refund or pro-rated fees.

  • Special circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis with documentation of positive COVID-19 test, a family medical issue, death in the family, or other circumstances.

• Registration fees already paid will not be refunded in order to use another payment method.

• If Gahagan finds the need to cancel any program, full refunds will be given.

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What if my child is on prescribed medication that needs to be taken during camp?

We ask that all efforts be made for families to administer medication outside of camp hours. If medication must be given during the camp day please arrange details with Gahagan staff. Medication must be in the original container with the camper's name and prescription directions clearly labeled. 

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Is there financial assistance available?

The Gahagan Nature Preserve strives to make sure our programs our accessible. Because of donations from our generous community, a limited amount of camp scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact us at 989-275-3217 or info@gahagannature.org for more information and scholarship application. 

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How can I donate to Gahagan?

Donations support our programs and operations at Gahagan. Donations can be made through our website, via mail to the address below, or in person. If you would like your donation to go specifically towards our Camp Scholarship Fund, please indicate this when making your donation. Thank you for your support. 

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Gahagan Nature Preserve

PO Box 421

Roscommon, MI 48653