Summer Programs Information

During registration, select the option to apply for financial assistance and complete that section before submitting your form. Our team will review your request and email you with a decision, along with a link to complete your payment and finalize registration.

Please note: payment must be completed within 14 days of receiving your determination.

Here are some essential criteria that all campers must meet before attending camp

• Able to follow a daily schedule independently
• Willing to participate in all activities throughout the week
• Comfortable sharing a sleeping space with new peers (overnight camp)
• Demonstrates strong emotional regulation
• Able to go to sleep at an appropriate time
• Able to wake up without assistance

We maintain a 10:1 camper-to-counselor ratio to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where each camper receives meaningful attention. This allows our staff to build connections, provide strong supervision, and foster teamwork, friendship, and fun throughout the experience.

Because our camps are structured around a group-learning model, we are not able to provide individual support. If you have any concerns or questions, please email the camps office at camps@saintmarys.edu.

How does campus housing work? 

All campers staying overnight will reside in the College’s residence halls. Rooms are double, triple, or quad occupancy. No camper will be assigned to a single room. Room assignments may be adjusted as needed to best support the overall camp community and ensure a positive living experience for all participants.

What security measures are taken?

Campus safety is a top priority at Saint Mary’s College. The campus is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and security personnel conduct routine rounds and building checks to help ensure a safe environment for all campers and staff. Residence halls are secured after curfew, with exterior doors locked to limit access and support overnight supervision procedures.

In addition, emergency campus telephones are located throughout campus grounds, providing a direct connection to campus security if assistance is ever needed. These layered safety measures are in place to help families feel confident that campers are supported and protected throughout their stay.

For non-emergency concerns, campers and families may contact Campus Safety at (574) 284-5000. In the event of a true emergency requiring immediate response, 911 should be called right away.

Do I need to bring my camper’s medication to check in? 

Yes. All prescription and non-prescription medications must be turned in to the Camp Nurse at check-in in original, unexpired containers with clear instructions and fully documented on required health forms or with a physician’s note/prescription.

How is medication administered? 

The nursing staff administers all medication. Medication is typically administered before breakfast and before bedtime. Campers who require medications on a different schedule will be brought to the nursing staff at designated times for administration. Over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen, Tylenol, ect) is available for campers, as long as proper documentation has been completed before camp.

What happens if my child gets sick at camp? 

Parents/guardians will be contacted if a camper has a fever (100.4°F or higher), needs medical care, or has health concerns. Campers who are ill may be moved to a designated sick room for care and monitoring. You may be asked to pick up your camper if needed. Campers may return once they are well and approved by staff. If your camper is unwell before camp, please keep them home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

What happens in a medical emergency?

In the event of a medical emergency, the on-campus nurse will assess the situation and determine next steps, including calling an ambulance if needed. Families will be contacted as the situation unfolds. If a camper is taken to the hospital, a staff member will stay with them until a parent or guardian arrives. Camp staff will also provide support to help campers stay calm and feel safe during and after any emergency.

Homesickness

It’s natural for campers of all ages to miss their families, friends, and homes when they find themselves in a new environment, particularly if it is their first time away. Please do not be alarmed if your camper mentions homesickness. Symptoms usually disappear within the first day or two of camp, as campers begin to make new friends and become familiar and comfortable with their new surroundings and routines.

For information about preparing your camper for camp and ways to help with homesickness, please check out this article from the American Camp Association

Severe Thunderstorm Watch / Warning

Camp staff will closely monitor weather conditions during a severe storm watch and adjust camp activities. During a watch or warning, all outdoor activities will be moved indoors. If lightning strikes within a 10-mile radius of Saint Mary’s College, all campers must remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last strike.

Tornado Watch / Warning

Camp staff will closely monitor weather conditions during a tornado watch and adjust camp activities accordingly. In the event of a tornado warning, all campers and staff will shelter in the designated areas according to location on campus. If a tornado warning does happen, camp staff will contact all families once the warning has been lifted. Campers will be released to parents or guardians upon request. 

Excessive Heat Warning

Camp staff will closely monitor weather conditions and adjust activities to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Outdoor activities may be shortened, moved indoors, or rescheduled to cooler parts of the day. Campers will be encouraged to drink water frequently, take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, and wear appropriate clothing for hot weather. Staff will also monitor campers for signs of heat exhaustion and ensure that everyone has access to cool areas and hydration throughout the day.

During periods of excessive heat overnight, additional steps will be taken in the residence halls to help campers stay comfortable. Fans will be provided in dorm rooms, and upper transom windows will be opened to help increase airflow whenever possible. Staff will also monitor room temperatures and, if necessary, campers may be relocated from warmer rooms to cooler areas of the building when space allows.

Fire

In case of a fire, staff and campers will proceed to the nearest exit and assemble in a safe area designated by the building they are exiting. Families will be notified in the event of a fire. Campers will be released to parents or guardians upon request. 

Emergency Drill

An emergency drill will be held within the first 24 hours of the student's arrival at camp. Students will be given clear instructions on what to do. They will also be notified that this is a drill and not a real emergency. 

Expected Camper Behavior

To ensure a safe and positive experience, campers are expected to follow all camp rules, respect others and campus spaces, stay on schedule (including meals and activities), use the buddy system, and communicate with staff if they need help or feel uncomfortable. Overnight campers must also follow designated curfews.

Prohibited Behaviors

Bullying, harassment, aggression, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated. This includes refusing to follow rules, using inappropriate language, damaging or stealing property, disrupting programs, leaving campus without permission, substance use (including vaping), sexual conduct, or taking photos without consent. Saint Mary’s is a tobacco-free campus.

Consequences

Behavior issues are addressed progressively: a first offense results in a warning and parent notification, a second offense involves a meeting with families, and a third offense may result in dismissal. Serious infractions may lead to immediate removal from camp without a refund.

Where will campers eat during camp?  

Campers will enjoy meals at Noble Family Dining Hall, which offers a variety of options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Dining hours are: Breakfast (7:30–8:30 am), Lunch (11:30 am–1:15 pm), and Dinner (4:30–6:30 pm). Campers will also have access to the 1844 Grill, a made-to-order dining location with a coffee shop and convenience store for purchasing snacks and drinks throughout the week. Please note the 1844 Grill is card only.

How are food allergies and dietary needs handled? 

The health and safety of campers is a top priority. Please list any food allergies on your camper’s health form. If special dietary accommodations are needed, contact the Camps Office at least two weeks before camp at camps@saintmarys.edu or (574) 284-4778 to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Can campers bring snacks or purchase items on campus? 

Yes. Campers are welcome to bring snacks for their dorm rooms but should avoid nut-based items to help protect those with severe allergies. Campers are responsible for keeping their spaces clean. Throughout the week, campers may also purchase snacks and drinks from the 1844 Grill, a made-to-order dining location that includes a coffee shop and convenience store (card only). In addition, campers will have the opportunity to visit the Shaheen Bookstore to purchase apparel, gifts, and other items (cash or card accepted).