ICG is launching a new lottery registration system this year designed to de-stress you and improve accessibility.
There’s no mad dash to your computer at noon on Wednesday. The lottery registration form opens February 12 and closes February 25. Register anytime in that window. On February 26th, we will start processing the lottery and by 4 pm on March 2, we will let you know your camps. You will have until March 9 to confirm your weeks and set up a payment plan.
After the lottery is complete, all remaining spaces will be available, first come, first serve, starting March 12.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I register for camp?
Register for camp using this registration form. For more details, see our lottery registration guide in 3 easy steps. You will be asked to create an account with a password. If you created an account and password last year, you can use it again this year.
How do I make a payment?
You can make a payment online through the registration form via VISA, Mastercard, or eCheck.
You can also mail or drop off a check made out to Ithaca Children’s Garden (704 W. Buffalo St. #4, Ithaca, NY 14850).
Do you have a waitlist? What are the chances of getting a post once on the waitlist?
Yes. Camps fill up fast and we do maintain a waitlist. We can’t accurately predict the chances of getting a spot when you’re on the waitlist. If an opening occurs, families are contacted in the order they were added to the waitlist. You’ll have 48 hours to notify us you’d like to take the spot before we contact the next family on the list.
Is there still a benefit to being a Garden member or returning camp family?
Yes, half of the camp spaces in each week will be reserved for returning camp families and ICG Members, as in prior years. ICG Members also receive a $10 discount off their shopping cart. Learn more about Membership benefits here.
What about siblings?
Siblings will get paired together and considered as one number in the lottery. If it’s important that your kids be in the same week, please rank their weeks the same.
How much does camp cost?
Full Day (Willows & Maples) camp is $295 per week.
Half Day (Acorns) camp is $180 per week.
Do you offer payment plans?
You may set up a payment plan with your credit card through the registration form. We ask that your camps be paid in full by June 1, 2020.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, scholarships are available for all ICG educational programs, including summer camp. It is ICG policy to never turn away anyone away due to inability to pay. The scholarship form is embedded in the registration form. Your spaces in camp will be reserved while we review your scholarship application and get in touch with you about what we can offer. You will be asked to pay a $30 deposit to reserve your space. Please don’t hesitate to call (607-319-4203) or email (register@ithacachildrensgarden.org) with any questions.
Free Lunch is 50% off the cost of camp.
Reduced Lunch is 30% off the cost of camp.
We will review each application individually. Free or Reduced Lunch qualification is not required for scholarship. Personal circumstances will be taken into account.
Will there be a deposit?
Scholarship applicants make a $30 deposit with the registration form. Otherwise, the deposit to register is $50. If you don’t get into any camp weeks, we will refund you completely. All deposits get applied to your camp balance.
What is your cancellation policy?
Should you need to cancel your camp registration, please be advised of the following refund structure:
– Cancellations made by MARCH 15 will receive a full refund, minus a 20% administration fee.
– Cancellations made by by APRIL 15 will receive a 50% refund.
– Cancellations made by MAY 15 will receive a 25% refund.
No refunds will be granted after MAY 15 with the exception of cases of serious illness or injury and this request must be accompanied by a physician’s note. A camper who does not arrive, arrives late, leaves early, or attends only a part of the session will not receive a refund. If a camper is experiencing a difficult adjustment to camp or is sent home because of a behavior problem, no refund will be granted. ICG refunds all payments for enrollments cancelled by us, unless otherwise noted above. Refunds will not be granted to weather-related cancellations.
What is the difference between Full Day and Half Day camp?
Full Day camp is for children ages 6-9 and 10-13 and runs from 9 am – 4 pm. Complimentary early drop off available beginning at 8:30 am. Aftercare is available from 4:00-5:30 pm for a fee of $10 per day per child. Children who are 5 years old but completing kindergarten in June 2020 are eligible for full day camp. The pace of the day, activities, and expectations reflect the development and abilities of school age children.
Half day camp is for children ages 3-5 who are 3 years old on or before May 1, 2020 and runs from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Complimentary early drop off available beginning at 8:30 am. The pace of the day, activities, and expectations reflect the development and abilities of preschool children.
Do you offer aftercare?
Yes. Aftercare is available for Full Day campers from 4-5:30 pm. The cost is $10 per day, per child.
My child is 5, can they attend Full Day camp?
5 year olds that complete kindergarten in June, 2020 and will turn 6 by December 1, 2020 are eligible for Full Day camp.
Does my child need to be potty trained to attend Half Day camp?
Yes. We understand that many 3 and 4 year olds are still refining their skills and we will help them navigate occasional accidents with dignity and kindness. Children that still wear diapers or pull-ups/training pants during the day are not ready for Half Day camp.
How many children are in each camp?
Acorns: Half Day camp has 15 children ages 3-5 per week
Willows: Full Day camp has 36 children ages 6-9 per week
Maples: Full Day camp has 12 children ages 10-13 per week
Who makes up your summer staff?
All camp staff are a minimum of 18 years old and are comprised of a blend of college students and adults who have completed their degrees and have related experience. High school students may assist at camp but do not count toward ratio minimums and always work alongside older camp staff.
What is your staff training program like?
All camp staff receive 2 weeks of training prior to the camp season. This includes camp systems, policies, health & safety, and ICG philosophy. Significant amounts of time are spent on child development and playwork principles. We role-play challenging situations and camp transitions and bring in guests to explore topics such as bullying, cultural competencies, positive behavior guidance, and building camp community. Staff work together during training to prepare the Garden for camp and ready rainy-day kits and plan unique activities. By the first day of camp they are a cohesive and supportive team.
What is your staff to camper ratio?
The maximum ratio for our Half Day camp is 1:6, but is often maintained at 1:5.
The maximum ratio for our Full Day camp is 1:12, but is often maintained at 1:8.
Do I need to pack a snack or lunch?
Yes. Please pack a morning snack and a lunch. We will provide an afternoon snack. On Fridays, all campers have the opportunity to make pizza on the grill for lunch. They will most likely need a lighter lunch on Fridays.
My child has dietary restrictions or allergies. Do you make any accommodations?
All afternoon snacks we provide are vegetarian and nut-free. Staff are alerted each week to campers with allergies and their group leader will provide extra support as needed. Campers wash hands both before and after morning snack and lunch to prevent allergen contamination on program materials. Please contact us before the camp season begins should you have concerns about your child’s allergies at camp (register@ithacachildrensgarden.org).
What is Pizza Fridays?
Quite possibly the best day of the week. Every Friday campers and staff make pizza on the grill for lunch. We’ll provide dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Campers will be able to harvest additional herbs and toppings form the Garden. If your child has a dietary restriction, they are welcome to bring gluten free dough, vegan or kosher cheese, or other items on Fridays. Check these in with camp staff in the morning so they can be labeled and added to the cooler. Although your camper might not need a full packed lunch on Fridays it is helpful for them to have some small items: piece of fruit, snack, some veggies, to round out their pizza meal.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
– Healthy camper who has sunscreen applied
– Appropriate clothing for the weather
– On rainy days, a raincoat or poncho
– Footwear that can get wet (e.g. water shoes or crocs)
– Dry change of clothes, in a labeled gallon-size ziploc bag, including socks & underwear
– One morning snack. ICG will provide an afternoon snack.
Nutritious lunch
– One full water bottle labeled with their name
– Sunscreen labeled with their name
– A towel
– Signed All Community Agreement (on Mondays)
What is a typical day like?
What are your camps like?
Themes & Activities:
Each camp has a theme that informs the morning activities of the week. We try to balance daily activities to provide many ways to interpret the theme: fine motor, gross motor, exploratory, experiments, games, group and individual endeavors. There are typically three activities each morning that all campers rotate through. Each Wednesday morning we hike the Black Diamond Trail, letting us explore that week’s theme in the forest or along the creek. Special guests often join us to share their expertise.
Structure vs. Free Play:
Mornings at Ithaca Children’s Garden Summer Camp are structured. Campers participate in Garden Call, join together for morning meeting and rotate through themed activities in their smaller groups. After lunch the program shifts to child-led free play. We often begin in the Hands-On-Nature Anarchy Zone but spread into other areas of the Garden as well. Our staff shift from educators to playworkers during this time and their role is to support children’s play so that it is as freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated as possible. Around 3pm each afternoon campers wrap up their play and assemble under the story tree for closing circle after which snack is served. Stories, games, and free play in the Village Green keep us busy until parents arrive.
Large groups vs. small groups:
Half Day campers spend the majority of their time as one group with up to 15 children and a minimum of 3 staff. They may play or engage in activities in self-selected smaller groups within the same are of the Garden.
Full Day campers begin their days with Garden Call in their small groups. This short burst of tasks help gel them as a group as they take care of the Garden, be it feeding the chickens, watering the tomatoes, or harvesting for snack.
All camp joins together for morning meeting which often includes songs, stories, and/or games. Campers rotate through morning activities with their small groups then join together for lunch under the story tree. Afternoons are devoted to child-led free play. Groups mix during this time as campers decide where and with whom they’d like to play.
Small groups are determined primarily by age so that activities and the pace of transitions can meet them where they are developmentally. However, we are responsive to campers requests and needs and make changes as needed to ensure groups are a good fit for all involved. If your child is attending camp with a friend, let us know and we can ensure they are in the same group. The same holds true for siblings. Please let us know if you’d like them in the same group for the week.
How are groups determined?
Groups are usually determined by age. We give consideration to siblings and friends and use our judgement on campers who do better in separate groups. Groups are together for transitions and morning activity rotations. During opening circle, lunch, afternoon free-play, and afternoon snack campers will be free to choose who they spend their time with.
Can I request my child be in the same group as or not in the same group as a friend or sibling?
Yes. It’s good for us to know if siblings do better together or in separate groups. Friends often find being in the same group makes camp even more awesome. Please email your request to register@ithacachildrensgarden.org at least a week before camp begins. The earlier the better.
My child LOVES Garden Magic, can they attend both weeks?
In an effort to ensure that campers have access to their favorite camps, we are repeating three of our most popular themes this summer: Garden Magic, Garden Chefs, Eco-Explorers, and Forts, Dens, & Hideouts. These camps tend to have the longest waitlists. The second camp week of these themes will be an exact duplicate of the first week. Campers will only be able to attend one week of each of these camps.
Can I attend camp with my child?
The ICG camp day is structured to provide total care and enrichment for your child with your child’s safety, wellbeing, and development in mind. It can be confusing and sometimes stressful for children to have parents stay or drop in without notice. If you anticipate a need to visit the site during the day, please alert the camp director.
We want every child to feel comfortable and welcome at camp. Parents are invited, especially if ICG camp is a new experience, to support your child in making a smooth transition into camp. If your child benefits from more leisurely transitions, please plan to utilize the 8:30-9 am period to help your child feel prepared for their day. We request parents say goodbye to their camper by 9am with encouragement for a wonderful day at camp. Although campers are typically delighted to say goodbye to their adult and hello to their camp friends, if you find your child is requesting more of your presence than this time after the first day, please contact the camp director.
My child needs a 1:1 aide or special assistance to attend camp. Can this be provided?
Currently, ICG is not equipped with the staffing to provide 1:1 for campers in our care. Several campers have successfully participated in camp with outside special assistance and 1:1 aides arranged by families. Please contact Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Education Director at (607) 319-4203 or register@ithacachildrensgarden.org to talk more about your child’s needs and the support person that may be accompanying them to camp.
My child has special needs that may impact their camp experience. How do I communicate these with you?
Please provide as much information as possible on your registration form. Our Education Director will reach out to you with questions or for additional information well ahead of your camp experience. If at any time you’d like to ask questions or provide additional information please email register@ithacachildrensgardnen.org or call (607) 319-4203 and we’d be happy to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.
What happens when it rains?
We play through sprinkles and light rain. During heavy rain, we’ll move activities into the Kids’ Kitchen or the adjacent Kiwanis Pavilion. Emergency shelter is available at our office location, the former Puddledockers on W. Buffalo St. (a short 7 minute walk from the Garden) should the forecast call for such precautions.
What if I need to pick up my child early?
Please let staff know at check-in that morning what time you will be picking your child up. We’ll do our best to have them ready to go by the time you arrive. Should something arise during the day that requires pick-up before 3:45pm, please call or text the Assistant Camp Director. Phone numbers will be provided in your reminder email and posted the first day of camp at check-in.
What if we will be late to camp?
If you know you will be late prior to that morning (e.g. a scheduled dr. appt), please notify our staff at check-in or pick-up the day before. Should you be running late or if your child is sick and won’t be attending camp that day, please call or text the Assistant Camp Director. Phone numbers will be provided in your reminder email and posted the first day of camp at check-in.
Can my child come to camp if they are sick?
No. It’s very hard to participate and enjoy your time at the Garden if you are not feeling well. If your child is unwell due to vomiting, fever, or diarrhea, he or she may not return to camp until they have been symptom free (without the aid of medication) for a full 24 hours. If a child is found to have symptoms which appear to be infectious or otherwise prohibit the child from enjoying his or her camp experience, he or she will be sent home for the day. Symptoms are based on, but not limited to: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent coughing, fever, or lethargy. If your child becomes sick during the day, you will be notified and asked to pick him or her up immediately. If your child is sent home sick, he/she will be expected to remain home the following day or until such time as his/her symptoms dissipate.
What is your sunscreen policy?
Campers should arrive wearing sunscreen. If your child has not applied sunscreen when they arrive our friendly camp staff will ask you and your camper to apply sunscreen before you say goodbye. After lunch each day, full day campers will reapply sunscreen. Our staff will encourage campers to apply their sunscreen as independently as possible but can assist if asked. If you’d rather your child not reapply sunscreen after lunch, we require a signed note from a parent or guardian. Should your child forget their sunscreen, we have backup on hand they may use.
Where do you go on Wednesday hikes?
Most Wednesdays we head up the Black Diamond Trail adjacent to the Garden. Should our camp theme or sense of adventure guide us elsewhere it will be posted Wednesday morning at check-in.
More questions?
Contact us! Give us a call at 607-319-4203. Send en email to register@ithacachildrensgarden.org or stop by our new offices in the old Puddledockers location behind the Classrooms @ GreenStar (704 W. Buffalo St. #4).
