FAQ
What are the registration details?
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Registration is open until classes are filled - we recommend that you submit your registration as soon as registration becomes available. There is no way for us to hold spots, they are available on a first-come, first serve basis. First, we would like to encourage you to simply move to another session so your child can have the experience of summer camp. If a session is full, you are welcome to email us at studioa@umd.edu to place your name on a waiting list.
However, we understand that things come up and you may need to cancel all together.
I'm a University of Maryland Student, Staff, Faculty or Alumnus, do I get a discount?
University of Maryland Affiliates (students, staff, and alumni) get $50 off each week of camp. For current UMD students and staff: log into the camp registration site with you UMD CAS login. For alumni: create your Summer Art Camp Parent account, then email studioa@umd.edu with your UMD email, University ID number, or Alumni Association card. We will verify your alumni status and apply the discount to your account.
What is the refund policy?
REFUND POLICY:
The University of Maryland maintains a strict refund policy for sponsored activities. Full refunds will be granted with 2 weeks notice. There are NO REFUNDS without a medical excuse from a physician for refunds requested less than two weeks before the camp start date.
We understand that medical issues may arise over the summer or just as your child is set to attend camp. Please call us as soon as possible to inform us of your need to cancel. We will ask that you submit a written excuse from your child's physician. If you child is sick and there is time and room, we will work with you to switch your camper to a later session.
What is the Health & Safety Policy/COVID Protocols?
Health and safety are of paramount importance, and Summer Art Camp staff are trained to be prepared to handle health and safety issues. COVID protocols for the camp season will be dictated by State, County, and Campus public health officials. Masking will follow campus mask guidelines. Parents can receive a refund for any camp missed due to a positive COVID-19 test.
What is a typical camp day like?
We hope that there are no typical days - that every day will be a creative adventure. Below is the basic schedule:
Summer Arts Camp Sample Schedule- Blue Group
Time Activity
8:15-8:45 Before Care
8:45-9:10 Camper Drop Off
9:10-9:15 Morning Meeting
9:15-10:15 Blue Group in Drumming
10:15-10:25 Snack/Break
10:25-11:25 Blue Group in 3D Art
11:25-12:25 Blue Group in 2D Art
12:30-1:15 LUNCH
1:20-2:10 Blue Group in Drumming
2:10-2:50 Blue Group in 3D Art
2:50-3:00 Snack/Break
3:00-3:50 Blue Group in 2D Art
3:50-4:00 Community Circle Reflection Time/ Clean Up
4:00-4:30 Camper Pick Up
4:30-5:30 After Care
What is the Performance/Art Show?
Each Friday, campers will showcase what they have worked on during the week. Family and friends are invited to join us at 3:15pm on Friday in Studio A.
What will my camper do during each camp component?
We have a variety of specialist instructors teaching over the course of the 4 weeks of camp. In 2D Art, campers will explore painting, drawing, and other flat art forms. 3D Art has them exploring the world of sculpture, both with traditional ceramic and other mediums. The Performance component varies from week to week, but can include dance, drumming, and theater. In all three components, Campers will work on both individual and group projects with an emphasis on creating work that can be taken home.
Will my child be with his/her friends?
Camp groups are divided by age. If you child wishes to be in a group with a friend, please indicate this on the registration form. If the campers are in a different age group, they will both be placed in the age group of the younger child.
What and when will my camper eat?
Campers must bring their own sack lunch with a nut-free meal and snacks. We are not able to refrigerate the lunches. If your child brings perishable food items, they should be sent in an insulated/cooler bag or packed with an ice pack. Be sure to include a beverage. Lunch will be from 12:15-1:00pm. If your child is staying for aftercare, you should send a snack as we will not provide them. Studio A will not provide any food to the campers.
Please do not send your child with money to purchase food from vendors at the Stamp Student Union - campers will not be allowed to purchase food from the vendors.
Do I need to buy supplies?
No, all supplies are provided. Though at times, instructors may ask campers to bring objects found at home for special projects.
What should campers wear?
Please send your child to camp in clothing that is appropriate and comfortable for the weather. Campers should also bring a backpack or bag to hold their projects and handouts. Campers' footwear should be appropriate for movement and activity - no flip-flops or sandals. Please label clothes, backpacks and lunch bags. Clothing at the Summer Arts Camps has the potential to get dirty! (This is not a good place to wear your irreplaceable favorite shirt.) Campers are strongly encouraged to bring a smock or large, old t-shirt in their backpack to use as needed.
Please do not send your child to camp with valuables including electronic games (eg. Nintendo Switches), toys, trading cards, or money.
Will my camper go outside?
Campers do not go outside everyday. However depending on the nature of the days projects, some activities take place outside. In addition, on nice days counselors may take their group outside to eat lunch. Please note that drop-off and pick-up do take place outside - so we recommend applying sunscreen before coming to camp.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
Campers are in groups with a maximum of 15 campers. Each group will be with a camp counselor, a counselor in training, and an Arts Specialist.
Who are the camp staff?
Our counselors are undergraduate students at the University of Maryland. Our Arts Specialists are a mix of active professionals and Graduate students at the University with expertise in the specialty area.
How does Drop Off and Pick Up work?
Campers will be released ONLY to their parents/guardians or other adults designated on the child's Pick-Up list. If you wish for your child to leave camp with another camper and their designated parent or guardian, please send a signed note with your child explaining the situation. Be sure to include the date of the pickup change and the name of the family with which your child will be leaving.
Drop off and Pick Up will take place on the West side of the Student Union (near the entrance to the Hoff Theater across from the Union Lane Garage). Please note that this is a Fire Lane and unattended cars will be ticketed or towed. Do not leave your car unattended.
For both drop-off and pick up, there will be camp staff waiting at the curb. You should not have to leave your car unattended. Due to the Union's location in the middle of campus, drop off and pick up can take a few minutes longer than you might like - for the safety of your child, we ask for your patience.
If you need to come in - you will have to park in an appropriate parking space. Please note that Union Lane garage will allow for a fifteen minute free parking. Just be sure to get a ticket at the parking kiosk upon leaving the garage.
For After Care pick-up, campers will be waiting on the West side of the Union after 4:50. If picking up prior to this, please let us know or come inside to Studio A.
What if I need to pick my camper up early?
Please let camp staff know that you will be picking your camper up early so that we can have them ready for you. You will need to park in an appropriate parking spot and come into Studio A to sign out your camper - be sure to check in with the counselor. (Again, please do not leave your car unattended outside the Union as it will be ticketed or towed.)
What if someone else is picking up my camper?
If they are not on the pick-up list that you provided to us, please give us a signed note with specifics about who will be picking your camper up and when.
What if my camper will miss a day?
If your child will be missing a day of camp, please call the Studio A office at 301-314-2787 to let us know - you can leave a message if no one answers. If you know in advance that your child will miss a day of camp, please let us know in writing. If your child is absent from camp and we have not received a call or a note, we will contact you to verify.
Where is the nearest bathroom?
The nearest bathrooms to Studio A are the Stamp’s gender-neutral bathrooms on the ground floor, right outside the Center. These are the default bathrooms for our campers, who are always accompanied by a Counselor or Counselor-in-Training when they need to use the restroom. If you would prefer for your camper to use single-gender bathrooms, let us know and we can accommodate that request.
My camper needs to take medication or has special health needs. What should I do?
You will fill out health forms for your camper that will indicate any special needs. Health forms must be turned in prior to the start of camp. If there is something special that we will need to train our staff for, please give us as much notice as possible.
If your camper needs to take medicine (both prescription or non-prescription) - you will need to provide us with written authorization to administer the medication. The authorization will need to include the campers name, the parent or guardian's signature, the name of the medicine, the reason for the medicine, and documentation that at least one dose of a prescription medicine was given to the camper at home. If the camper self-administers the medication, please indicate so on the form. The medicine must be provided in its original labeled container. Again, please give us as much notice as possible so we can train our staff.
Several members of our staff are required to be CPR and First Aid certified. In addition, we utilize the Campus Health Center for any health related needs for which our staff is not trained. The Health Center is located directly across the street from the Arts Camp.
What if my camper misbehaves?
We know that all our campers our perfect angels, but every once in awhile they do misbehave. To ensure a fun and safe experience for all campers, children who behave inappropriately will have their parents contacted immediately. If problem behavior persists, the camper will be asked to leave the program. No refund is available in such situations.
My child will only be 5 years old at the start of camp. Can they participate?
We are not able to accept any campers that are under the age of 6 as of July 8, 2024. We adhere strictly to the State of Maryland's requirements for summer camps and our camper to staff ratio does not allow us to accept campers under the age of 6. We hope your camper will join us next year!