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Departments :
Parks, Recreation and Culture :
Summer Camps
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Due to MCPS school closings for renovations:
- Camp FunZone is cancelled this summer.
- Camp Quest will be moved from Diamond ES to Brown Station ES (851 Quince Orchard Blvd).
- Camp Imagination will be moved from Rachel Carson ES to Thurgood Marshall ES (12260 McDonald Chapel Drive).
Welcome to the City of Gaithersburg’s Summer Camp Program! For those who have participated in the past, thank you for supporting our programs. For those who are new, we hope that this summer's experiences for your child or children will be a happy one!
The City of Gaithersburg is dedicated to providing your child with the best summer camp experience. To accomplish this goal, the City has three components to the summer camp program. The first component is our Specialty Camp Program which includes clinics such as volleyball, tennis, and skateboarding. The second component is the Youth Activity Program (YAPs). The YAP site offers a shorter day camp experience, from 8:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Finally, our All Day Camp Program offers campers a full range of activities including games and sports to swimming and field trips.
Registration will be accepted through RecXpress, by mail, fax, or in person at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park beginning at 6 a.m. on registration day.
For more information about Summer Camps, Clinics, registration or the Summer in the City Camp Guide, please call 301-258-6350 to speak with a member of the Summer Camp Team.
2013 Dates to Remember:
Volunteer and Employment Opportunities
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All Day Programs
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Partial Day Programs
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Registration Reminders
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Full day camps run from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Extended care will only be offered in the
afternoons from 4 – 6 p.m.
| Session 1 |
Tuesday, June 18 – Friday, June 28 |
(9 days) |
| Session 2 |
Monday, July 1 – Friday, July 12 |
(9 days)* |
| Session 3 |
Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 26 |
(10 days) |
| Session 4 |
Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2 |
(5 days) |
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* No camp July 4 |
Full payment for all camps is required at the time of registration unless you select the payment plan option. A complete explanation of the option can be found on the registration form. Each camp is designed for a particular age group. Camps are broken down by age,
not by grade. Participation in the elementary school camps is based on age as of
September 1, 2013. Participation in the middle school camps is based on age as of
September 30, 2013. To qualify for a City of Gaithersburg Resident Rate, the child must live within the
City’s corporate limits. All residents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the
time of registration. All faxes, drop-offs, mail-ins, and online registrations will be taken beginning at 6 a.m.
on February 6 for City residents, and on March 6 for open registration.
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Camper Information
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The City is committed to providing your child with a safe and fun summer experience. As a parent, help us help your child have a successful summer by providing accurate and factual information about:
- Your child’s date of birth, grade, age
- Allergies and regular medications
- Any special medical needs your child might have
- Accurate address/phone numbers
A series of required camp forms will be mailed to you approximately one month before the program begins. These forms will also be available beginning April 1. Forms MUST BE completed and returned to the camp site on the first day your child attends camp. If your child is not currently attending a school in the State of Maryland, you must provide a copy of the child’s immunization records.
The following PDF files contain a Consent Form, Medication Form, and Character Agreement that must be completed, printed, and signed in order for your child to attend camp. All forms are to be submitted on the first day of the program.
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Age Appropriate Camps
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Each camp is designed for a particular age group. Participation in the elementary school camps is based on age as of September 1, 2013. Each all-day elementary school camp is comprised of units of approximately 20 campers. Each unit is supervised by a Senior Counselor, who is at least a high school graduate, and a Junior Counselor, who has completed at least tenth grade. Participation in the middle school camps is based on age as of September 30, 2013. All camp sites have a Team Leader and one or two Assistant Team Leaders. These positions are normally filled by teachers or college-age students.
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Air Conditioning
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The City requests air conditioning at all sites where available. Please note, however, that most of the gymnasiums in use by our programs do not have air conditioning.
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Americans With Disabilities Act
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The City of Gaithersburg is committed to making reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Behavior Policy
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Appropriate behavior by participants is expected at all times. All campers will be asked to sign a Character Agreement detailing the department’s guidelines on behavior and responsibility. The staff will work cooperatively with parents to keep them informed of inappropriate behavior and solicit their support to resolve conflicts and encourage positive interaction. Participants who remain disruptive after consultation with the parents may be dismissed from the program.
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Emergency Program Cancellations
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Camps at MCPS schools will not be held if schools are closed due to weather related emergencies. For information regarding delays and closures of MCPS facilities, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. However, the operational status of camps located in City facilities is determined by the Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture. Please check the City’s website or call our emergency cancellation number, 301-330-0050 x 2432, for up-todate information regarding emergency program cancellations in City facilities.
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Extreme Heat & Code-Red Ozone Alerts
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When code red ozone alerts and high temperature warnings are issued, programs will limit their outdoor activity and may provide alternative activities, including quiet games, water play and special events. However, activities will still be held outdoors for short periods of time.
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Field Trips
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Your camp registration fee covers the cost of all field trips. No additional fees are required for your child to participate. Transportation for all field trips will be provided by the City of Gaithersburg or Montgomery County Public School buses and/or vans.
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Financial Assitance
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For families in need of financial assistance, full and partial Camp scholarships are available to those residing within the corporate City limits through the Dolores Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund. Financial assistance packages are available below and at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park. Completed financial assistance forms must be approved prior to registration. Financial aid recipients must still pay a $30 deposit per camp session. Applications received after June 1 may not be approved before the beginning of camp, so please submit your application as early as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Financial aid is NOT available for sports clinics, specialty middle school camps, Creative Tot Time, or Children’s Summer Art Camps.
For questions regarding financial assistance, contact Betty Woods at 301-258-6350 x 112.
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Inclusion Program
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Special needs children ages 6 – 14 may be eligible to participate in our Summer Camp programs. If your child has special needs, a volunteer inclusion companion may be assigned to work one-on-one with your camper to enhance his or her experience over the summer. The objective of this program is to mainstream the child into the overall camp setting. The emphasis is not to give special or unusual attention to children, which tends to set individuals apart, but rather to create an atmosphere of friendship and acceptance. Registration and requests for companions must be made at least three weeks before the start of the program. For more information please contact Kimmie Alcorn at 301-258-6350 x 115.
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Late Pick Up Penalty
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A late fee of $3 per every 10 minutes will be charged to parents who arrive late to pick up their children. Payment is due upon arrival and a child may not participate again until the late fee has been paid.
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Program Site Changes
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Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture may need to move a program to an alternate site. Parents will be notified of all changes as soon as possible.
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Refund Policy
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Refund requests must be made in writing at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Refunds for summer camp are subject to a withdrawal fee of $30 per session. A $10 withdrawal fee per session will be charged for cancellation of extended care. For a copy of the City’s complete refund policy, please contact Tim "Smitty" Smith at 301-258-6350 x 125.
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Send a Kid to Camp
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Each year the City receives hundreds of applications from families in need who want their children to enjoy the energizing, educational and challenging experiences offered by the City of Gaithersburg Summer Camps. The Dolores Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund, named in loving memory of the daughter of a former Planning Commissioner and citizen activist, helps fund City of Gaithersburg families with full and partial financial assistance so that their children can participate in our summer camps. Last year 101 families were awarded assistance, and the number of applications is expected to increase for the 2013 camp year. With the number of incoming applications growing, we would like to thank our neighborhood sponsors, Bellos Pizza, Carmen’s Italian Ice, and Whole Foods Market – Kentlands, for their generous contributions to the scholarship fund. A special thanks also goes to the Kentlands 5K for their support. Join in the 5K fun this year, August 31, 2013.
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