What will a regular day look like for my camper?

  • No day at camp is exactly the same! VSU Summer Camps offer 7 weeks of camp, where each week is a different theme. A regular camp day is made up of free-time, opening activities, theme-based hands-on cumulative activities, snack breaks, scheduled recreation time, indoor pool time, and arts and crafts activities. Activities will vary depending on site and time constraints.

How many campers are in a group?

  • 10 - 11 campers with a maximum of 1:6 ratio of staff. Minimum of 2 staff members at all times.

Where will camp be held?

  • VSU Student Recreation Center, 1300 Sustella Ave, Valdosta, GA 31698

What is the age range for campers?

  • 6 - 11 years old.

What are the camp hours?

  • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Who is supervising my child while they are at camp?

  • VSU Youth Camps employs college-age adults as summer camp counselors. All counselors are trained in First Aid and CPR by nationally recognized organizations, such as the American Red Cross. Counselors also attend a week-long and intensive mandatory training. All staff members are 18 years of age and older, and are required to have a current background check on file.

 Registration

When can I register for camp?

  • Registration opens April 1st

 How do I register my child for camp?

  1. Click "Register."
  2. The system will walk you through filling out and submitting the registration forms.
  3. The registration and registration deposit fee must be submitted at the same time.
  4. Online registration is preferred and is available at https://shopcampusrec.valdosta.edu/
    1. If you are having issues registering email reccamps@valdosta.edu

 What is the cost of camp?

  • General public: $180 per week.
  • VSU-Affiliate: $140 per week.

What is the payment policy?

  • The registration deposit is $30. This will be due at registration. The final payment is due on the first day of camp each week.

Is there a refund/cancellation policy?

Yes. We will refund a registration deposit fee through the method in which it was paid up to 30 days before the start of each camp week. Cancel 14-30 days out partial refund minus the $30 fee. Cancel within 14 days no refund will be issued.

  • Registration deposit fees are transferable to other camp weeks.
  • No refund will be available if the camp participant attends any part of the camp week.

Is there a discount?

  • Yes! We offer VSU Affiliate, Service Member, and multiple camper discounts. 
  • Please email reccamps@valdosta.edu for more information.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off

How does pick-up, drop-off, and parking work?

  • Location: VSU Student Recreation Center, 1300 Sustella Ave, Valdosta, GA 31698
  • Drop-off: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Pick-up: 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM
  • Campers are required to be signed in and out by a legal guardian each day of camp.

What should I do if I need to pick up my child early?

  • Driver's license/photo ID must be shown at pick-up. 
  • The adult picking up the camper must be listed on the pick-up list.

What should I do if I need someone else to pick up my camper?

  • Camp staff must have written and signed permission from the parent/guardian in advance.

Lunch

Are meals provided?

  • No, campers are required to bring their own lunch.
  • No refrigeration/perishable/heating of any food will be available.
  • Lunches will be stored in an air-conditioned room.
  • Campers can bring extra snacks if they want. We will be providing a morning and afternoon snack. (One will be a healthy option.)

How are food allergies handled?

  • We ask that all allergies be listed on your camper's medical forms so that we can plan accordingly.

Health and COVID-19 Safety

My child has a learning disability or other different needs. Would camp be a good fit for them?

  • Absolutely! We are committed to creating an inclusive community where all campers are welcome. To help provide the best experience for your camper, we ask that you offer guidance on the health form of your child's specific needs.

 My child has allergies, do you need to know?

  • Yes! Please alert staff on the health form about you child's allergies. We do not carry snacks containing nuts or peanut butter. If you child carries and Epi-pen or inhaler, make sure to inform the camp staff on the health form, and show your child's medication action plan to staff on the first day. Only emergency medication may be left with the camp staff and ONLY with an action plan accompanying medication.

What precautions are you taking this summer for COVID-19?

  • You can access VSU's current COVID-19 guidance policy here.
  • VSU staff will be following the CDC Guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facility.

What is your behavior policy?

  • If a camper's conduct poses physical harm or risk to self or others, we may ask to meet with guardians or other caretakers to develop and implement strategies to help with success. After a reasonable amount of time and effort has been made, in the absence of improvement, the individual may be asked to forego the summer camp experience until alternative behaviors are learned.

Other Camp Questions

What should my camper bring each day?

  • Full water bottle.
  • Swimsuit to change into. 
  • Campers will have access to locker rooms.
  • Plastic bag to place wet swimsuits in after pool time is over.
  • Sunscreen (self-applied), hats, sunglasses, etc.
  • Backpacks are optional but handy for carrying water bottles, swimsuits, etc.

What should my camper wear?

  • Campers should dress appropriately for the weather.
  • They should wear comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement.

Do you have a lost and found?

  • Yes. If your child loses an item while at camp, please ask the camp counselors to check the Lost and Found before or after camp. If you realize an item is missing after the camp week has ended, please check with the front desk for missing items.
  • We recommend labeling all personal items in order to easily identify when lost.

Can my child bring a cell phone to camp?

  • Yes. Campers are allowed to bring their cell phone, but they will be required to be always locked away in their assigned locker.

What should I do if I still have more questions?