Policies

At Eagles Camps, we offer the option to purchase lunch through Eastern Christian Schools’s very own food service program, Eagle Cafe! Families with children of all ages have the opportunity to order meals, sides, and other offerings to fuel their camper’s activities throughout the week. Multiple options will be offered each day. Some items we are excited to have on the menu include loaded sub sandwiches, freshly grilled hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, Asian cuisine, and of course, pizza!

Campers must bring their own lunch or order from Eagle Cafe. For safety reasons, families are not allowed to order food from outside businesses and have the lunch delivered to camp. This assists in a simplified lunch distribution and assuring each camper has a lunch. Please note that if a camper forgets their lunch we will have a limited number of lunches they can purchase the day of.

What if I need to cancel a week of camp?

In order to cancel a week of camp, Eagles Camps must receive written notice. Please email office@eaglescamps.org.

If we receive notice of the cancellation before June 1, you will receive a partial refund if a refund is owed. After that date, no refunds will be issued. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for medical or family emergencies. Please see below for our refund policy.

Nonrefundable Deposit Policy

A nonrefundable 40% deposit per camper per week secures your child’s spot. Deposits are not transferable between camps, campers, or weeks.

The deposit helps cover expenses associated with camp preparations, including but not limited to staffing, state/town fees and auditing, office administrative expenses and camp supplies, all of which help make camp a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all! Additionally, after a camp/week becomes full, we turn away families (who often fill their campers’ schedules with other activities, even if they joined the wait list). Changes also have implications for groups, which are intentionally crafted based on the age and gender of campers attending a given week. The “special sauce” we apply to grouping has been a winning recipe for over 30 years of camp!

We understand that emergencies do occur, and we work with families when extenuating circumstances arise. Please note: Travel/vacation plans do not constitute emergencies.

What is Eagles Camps’ refund policy?

If a refund is owed, the refund will first be applied to any past due balances or toward the camper’s nonrefundable deposit. Refunds are issued within two weeks of the cancellation date.

For cancellations due to a medical or family emergency (this does not include sports team schedule changes and/or vacation plan changes), please contact the camp office for the possibility of a partial refund.

Not attending a program does not entitle a camper to a refund. When a camper claims a spot for a week, the camper is reserving the space, time, and staffing, whether or not he/she attends.

Eagles Camps reserve the right to cancel any program that does not meet enrollment requirements or due to a significant health crisis. Notification will be provided at least two weeks prior to camp start date. Deposits and payments will be refunded in those circumstances (less credit card fees).

I already paid the deposit. Can I transfer my deposit to a different week or a different camp (e.g., from Eagles Sports Camp to Eagles Outdoor Adventure Camp or Eagles Sports Camp Week 1 to Week 3)?

Deposits are not transferable between camps or weeks. Each camp operates with camp-specific staffing, supplies, expenses, and state/town requirements.

I registered two children for camp, but one child can no longer attend due to changing summer plans. Can I transfer my deposit payment to my other child?

Deposits are not transferable between campers. Deposits are made to secure that particular week, age group, and spot at camp (barring others from joining).

What if my child can only attend a partial week of camp. Is the fee prorated?

Camp weeks are not prorated based on individual camper attendance. When a camper claims a spot for a week, the camper is reserving the space, time, and staffing, whether or not he/she attends.

Are camp staff trained in first aid and CPR?

All Eagles Camps have a first aid and CPR-certified leader, and camp leaders are trained in EpiPen administration and AED response in case of emergency.

Additionally, a qualified health director is on site at all times at Eagles Sports Camp.

Medication Policy

Please note that Eagles Camps staff do not administer any prescription or nonprescription medications without authorization from the camper’s parent/guardian. If your child uses an EpiPen, inhaler, and/or takes any medications that must be given during camp hours, the Permission to Administer Medication form must be completed (this form is part of your camper’s online registration).

What happens at camp if it’s raining or excessively hot?

Camp operates rain or shine! In light rain, campers may still participate in activities outside. If adverse weather or extreme heat prohibits outdoor participation, camps use indoor air-conditioned facilities to continue modified activities and games. In extreme heat, high-energy activities are limited, more time is given to water activities to help campers cool down, and campers rotate time spent outdoors.

Do campers receive a T-shirt?

Yes! Campers registered before June 1 will receive a T-shirt (one per camp). Campers enrolled after June 1 may receive a vintage T-shirt from previous seasons or alternate size. We do order a surplus each year, but can sometimes run out depending on the number of campers that enroll after June 1.

Cell Phones and Other Devices at Camp 

Get Unplugged and Leave Devices at Home! 
Unplugging allows for more time together to actively engage in camp activities and build relationships. If a camper needs to contact a parent/guardian, Eagles Camps have phones available. If a camper brings a device to campus, the device should remain away and off. If the camper needs to use the device, he/she should ask an Eagles Camps staff member for permission and for a designated area to use it; then the camper should turn it off and put it away right away. There are no lockers or locked spaces available for camper devices and Eagles Camps do not assume responsibility for the device should it be misplaced, lost or broken.

Eagles Camps Devices, Supplies, and Equipment

Play Hard, Play Fair, Play Well!
Eagles Camps are committed to supplying quality equipment, supplies, and devices as applicable to each specific camp. Campers are to treat all equipment, supplies, and devices with respect and care. We expect typical wear and tear on equipment, supplies, and devices  when they’re used well and to their full capacity by campers as they “play hard.” We also understand accidents happen, and we desire campers to grow and learn, making some mistakes in that process. However, any excessive, negligent, and/or disrespectfully intentional damage to equipment, supplies, and/or devices will be the responsibility of the camper and his/her family to replace or repair.

At Eagles Camps, all campers are expected to be respectful to staff, other campers, the equipment, and facilities; they are also expected to be honest and considerate in their relationships with others. The camp director/counselor’s job is first and foremost to ensure a safe environment, and next to help all campers enjoy a camp experience that is fun, engaging, and nurtures a healthy competitive (sports) environment. Therefore, campers must follow their camp director/counselor’s instructions at all times.

Discipline Guidelines

Eagles Camps operate on a general “three-strikes policy” unless the level of inappropriate behavior is severe (such as violence), requiring a camper to be removed immediately for the well-being and/or safety of him/herself and/or other campers or staff.

If a camper does not follow the behavior policy outlined above, the following action steps occur:

• Staff will redirect the camper to more appropriate behavior, asking him/her to accept responsibility and apologize if/when necessary and notify the onsite camp director of the conversation.
• If inappropriate behavior continues and affects other camper experiences, he/she will not be able to participate in the group activity for a given period of time and the camp director will notify the parents. The parent contacted will be asked to give a “pep talk” to their son/daughter after which the camper may return to their group.
• If inappropriate behavior continues, the camper may be dismissed from the camp and/or prohibited from participation for the next season. If a camper is sent home for disciplinary reasons, all camper fees are nonrefundable.

Examples of unacceptable behavior:

• Use of illicit drugs
• Not following the behavior policy or camp rules (introduced at the start of each week and including but not limited to: safety instructions, campus boundaries, following directions of camp staff, treating all persons with respect, etc.)
• Disobeying camp directors/counselors, who are there to help campers have a safe and fun experience
• Using profanity, vulgarities, or obscenities
• Stealing or damaging property (owned by the camp, facility, or other campers or staff)
• Intentionally harming or breaking any camp equipment, supplies, and/or devices (whether intended as a joke or not)
• Being disruptive in camp activities
• Leaving an activity without permission (or going outside the boundaries)
• Creating or contributing to the creation of a hazardous environment
• Teasing, making fun of, or bullying other campers or staff
• Violence or aggression of any kind against property, campers, or staff

When hiring summer camp staff for Eagles Camps, the following requirements must be met:

Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years old. 

Background Check: All staff must undergo a thorough background check to ensure the safety of campers. This includes review of any criminal history and verification of any previous child abuse or neglect allegations.

Mandatory Staff Training: All staff members must complete a training program before the camp begins, covering topics such as:

  – Camp policies and procedures.

  – Child safety and supervision techniques.

  – Emergency procedures and crisis management.

  – Inclusion and diversity training.

  – Team building and communication skills.

By ensuring all staff meet these requirements, ensures Eagles Camps  create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers.

Eagles Camps is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all campers and staff. We believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances the experiences of everyone involved. Therefore, we uphold a strict non-discrimination policy in all aspects of our camp programs.

This policy applies to all campers, staff, volunteers, and any individuals involved in the operations of Eagles Camps.

Eagles Camps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strive to create an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Our programs and activities are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. All campers and staff are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Eagles Camps is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure their full participation in camp activities.

Any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or bullying should be reported immediately to a camp director or designated staff member. All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Staff will receive training on diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination policies to ensure they understand their responsibilities in fostering an inclusive camp environment.

At Eagles Camps, we celebrate diversity and are dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels valued and included. Together, we can create a positive and enriching experience for all.

Eagles Camps is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all campers and staff. To protect the health of our camp community, we adhere to the immunization guidelines established for schools in New Jersey.

Compliance with School Guidelines: All campers must meet the immunization requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Health, which align with school vaccination policies. This includes required vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), polio, and varicella (chickenpox), among others.

Documentation: Parents or guardians must provide up-to-date immunization records for their child prior to the start of camp. Acceptable documentation includes:

   – A copy of the child’s immunization record from a healthcare provider.

   – A state-issued immunization certificate.

Exemptions: If a camper has a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, a written statement from a licensed healthcare provider must be submitted. Families seeking a religious exemption must provide a written declaration explaining their beliefs and how they relate to immunizations.

Health Screening: In addition to immunization records, all campers may undergo a health screening prior to camp. Any child showing signs of illness must remain at home until they are symptom-free.

Confidentiality: All health information, including immunization records, will be kept confidential and only shared with necessary personnel to ensure camper safety.

By following the same immunization guidelines as schools, Eagles Camps aims to protect the health of all campers and staff, reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting a safe camp experience. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a healthy camp environment.

Eagles Camps is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff. In the event of an emergency, we have established policies and procedures to effectively manage the situation and minimize risks.

Emergency Policies

Emergency Contacts:

   – Each camper’s emergency contact information must be up-to-date and accessible.

   – Staff will have access to a list of emergency contacts for all campers.

Training and Preparedness:   

All staff will receive training in emergency procedures, fire drills, and evacuation protocols. Regular drills will be conducted to ensure staff and campers are familiar with emergency protocols.

Communication:

In the event of an emergency, communication will be promptly relayed to campers and staff. Parents will be notified through email correspondence.

Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergencies:

   – Assess the situation and call for help if needed.

   – Administer first aid or CPR as necessary until medical personnel arrive.

   – Notify parents/guardians as soon as possible.

Severe Weather:

   – Monitor weather conditions regularly.

   – In case of severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornadoes), move campers to designated safe areas, such as indoor facilities.

   – Stay in safe areas until the threat has passed and it is safe to return to regular activities.

Fire Emergencies:

   – Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the premises immediately using the designated fire escape routes.

   – Conduct headcounts at designated assembly points to ensure all campers and staff are accounted for.

   – Do not re-enter the building until cleared by emergency services.

Missing Camper Procedures:

   – Immediately initiate a headcount to confirm missing camper(s).

   – Notify the camp director and initiate a search of the camp premises.

   – If the camper is not located within a reasonable time frame, contact local authorities and the camper’s emergency contact.

Lockdown Procedures:

   – In the event of a security threat, initiate lockdown procedures.

   – Secure all doors and windows, and move campers to designated safe areas away from windows.

   – Remain in lockdown until law enforcement or camp leadership gives the all-clear.

Natural Disasters (Earthquake, Flood, etc.)

   – Follow specific guidelines for each type of natural disaster.

   – For earthquakes, move to a safe spot away from windows and overhead structures. 

   – For floods, move to higher ground if necessary.

Eagles Camps prioritizes the safety of all participants. By adhering to these emergency policies and procedures, we aim to effectively manage any situation that may arise, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for campers and staff. Regular reviews and drills will keep everyone prepared and informed.