FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When a child signs up for Camp Vertical, they also choose a specific activity group to engage in for the week.  When kids are split into groups, they will be split by activity group.  To ensure that friends will be together, they should sign up for the same activity group.

If the activity group that your camper wants is full, you can choose to put them on a waitlist. We highly recommend that you register for an alternate activity group first, and then go back and add your camper to the waitlist for their first choice to ensure your camper has a spot in camp. Our waitlist is automatic, so you will not be notified before your camper is moved. If you sign up for a waitlist spot it is assumed that it is your camper’s preference. When you are at the top of the waitlist and a spot opens, your camper will be automatically moved and charged the registration fee. You will be notified once the registration has been updated. Since we don't have the capacity to add spots to enlarge our camp, waitlist spots only open up if another camper cancels or transfers out of that activity group. Cancellations occur up until a few days before the camp week begins and waitlist moves can happen at any time. Although we are typically able to move the first few kids off each waitlist into their preferred activity group, many campers do not receive a spot from our waitlist. If you are on two waitlists for a given week and you receive your first choice, you will need to request that your camper be taken off the other waitlist option manually to avoid getting moved to another spot in the future. If you decide you no longer want your child on the waitlist, please contact us right away to make sure a change is not made to your child's registration.

A $25 nonrefundable deposit is due for each week of camp at the time of registration, payable by credit card. To cancel your registration(s) or transfer to a different week/activity group, please email the camp office at summercamp@elmbrook.org. Unfortunately, registration changes cannot be processed from the parent account. Cancellations must be requested by the Thursday before the registered week to be refunded the amount you paid (less the nonrefundable deposit). To transfer your registration to a different week, please email the office with the desired week and activity group preference. Do not request a cancellation; there is no fee for changing weeks. Our registrar will process the transfer if spots remain in the week you are requesting. To switch activity groups within the same week you're registered for, please email the camp office and we will process the transfer if spots remain in your desired activity group.

There is no fee for students entering 9th-12th grade who wish to volunteer at camp!

Yes! At Camp Vertical we don’t want the cost to keep kids from experiencing camp. To apply for a scholarship: Email summercamp@elmbrook.org and request a scholarship application Fill out the scholarship application Register for camp and pay the $25 deposit to secure a spot Scholarships will be decided once families have registered and paid the deposit. To help families plan, we expect the first round of scholarships to be decided by April 1st. The agreed-upon terms will then dictate how fees are taken care of in those individual situations. What about payment plans? Our rolling due dates for camp fees spread out your payments over the summer and therefore removes the need for individual payment plans. Please plan accordingly!

There is a registration fee of $120 per week of camp for Camp Horizon (camp offered for 7th and 8th graders) to cover registration costs. This includes a $25 non-refundable deposit upon registration.

Camp fees per week per camper for Camp Vertical: $200 per week Your camper will be able to choose one activity group per week to participate in. You can sign up for as many weeks as you'd like! A $25 nonrefundable deposit is due for each week of camp at the time of registration, payable by credit card. After your deposit, the balance of your registration fee will be automatically charged to your credit card on file 2 weeks prior to the start of each camp week. This spreads out your payments over the course of the summer. If you prefer, you may choose to pay in full when you register or in advance of the automatic charge date by logging into your account.

A $25 nonrefundable deposit is due for each week of camp at the time of registration, payable by credit card. After your deposit, the balance of your registration fee will be automatically charged to your credit card on file 2 weeks before the start of each camp week (exact dates listed below). This spreads out your payments over the course of the summer. Alternatively, you may choose to pay in full at the time of registration or in advance of the automatic charge date by logging into your account.

Any additional fees for extended care that have been added to your account will be automatically charged to your card on file the day the charges were incurred.

All refunds will be paid less the nonrefundable deposit(s) that have been made to your account. Refunds will be issued if the following criteria are met: —The cancellation is requested by the Thursday prior to the week of camp you are canceling. —Sickness: If a child is ill the week they are to attend camp, a transfer of registration can be made without penalty as long as there is space available to complete the transfer. If there is no space, a full refund minus your deposit will be processed. Refunds will not be issued for the following reasons: —Cancellation was requested after the Thursday prior to the week camp. —Parent choice: A day of rest, family trip, sports events, etc. —Discipline: A day requested by the Camp Director so that behavior problems may be dealt with. Physical violence will result in a child going home and after discussion with a parent may result in the child being asked to take one or more days off from camp. When a refund is granted your funds will be returned to you in the same manner in which it was paid within two weeks of the cancellation.

Home Run: It's a good idea to bring your own glove so there are enough to go around. Outside the Lines: It's a good idea to wear clothes that you are comfortable getting messy or painted on. Ready, Set, Go! Required safety equipment: helmet and knee pads. We suggest you also bring your own wheels! H2O: Campers should be prepared to get wet each day, so bring a swimsuit and towel! For all other activity groups you will be notified via email of any additional items/equipment to bring to camp.

For most activity groups, there is no required equipment. The Elmbrook campus is a big place and our lost & found grows very large every summer... so we tell our kids if you don't absolutely need it, leave it at home! Please leave all technology safe at home. We will ask campers and volunteers that phones remain tucked away if they absolutely have to bring them to camp. If you need to contact your child during the camp day please call the Camp Office and we will help get information to them. We do encourage you to pack a personal water bottle for your child. Remember to provide a lunch from home each day. (Except for Thursday which is free hot dog day!) There is no refrigeration available so please include ice packs in your lunch box or pack something non-perishable.

Our days are planned full of fun activities for your children, and phones, etc. easily get lost at camp, so we recommend that campers and volunteers refrain from bringing their technology to camp. If you choose to send your camper or volunteer with a phone or smart device, we still ask that you go through the camp office to communicate with your child so we are in the loop and can assist with early pick-ups or any problems during the camp day.

We desire for every camper & and volunteer to have the very best experience here at camp! In order to maintain a safe and fun environment for everyone, all campers & and volunteers are expected to: —Listen to and follow directions from all staff. —Follow safety guidelines. Stay with your leaders at all times. Ask permission to use the restroom/get a drink. Do not run away from camp staff. —Respect themselves, others, and their environment. Clean up after yourself. No disrespectful or inappropriate language. Respect camp property. No teasing, fighting, or hitting. ​​ When a camper or volunteer shows behavior that steps outside of these guidelines they can expect the following: —Staff will first redirect behavior and remind the camper of the rules. —For continued disruptive behavior, supervised time away from the group activity may be appropriate as a cool-down period, and parents may be contacted for further conversation. —Referral to Camp Director. Campers will be sent home for physical violence or consistent behavior concerns and may be asked by the Camp Director to take additional days off from camp. No-tolerance policy for physical aggression We do not tolerate kicking, hitting, shoving, or other forms of physical aggression. If a child engages in this behavior, he or she will be sent home immediately for the day without warning. If your child has a history of behavior issues at school or camp, we encourage you to talk to the Camp Director ahead of time so we can discuss how to help your child have a successful week at camp.

If your camper or volunteer has special needs, an emotional or behavioral disorder, or an IEP at school, please include this information in your registration to let us know how we can best help them have a successful summer with us. Our Special Needs Coordinator may further connect with you so we can be helpful in continuing the school-year successes you have had into the summer!

We do not provide lunch nor will there be an option to purchase lunch at camp this year, so campers should bring a bag lunch from home. We also recommend they bring an extra snack to eat during the day. Well-fed kids are happy kids! There is no refrigeration available so please include ice packs in your lunch box or pack something non-perishable. We do not require lunches to be nut-free. If your child is severely allergic to nuts, note that in the medical section of your registration form and talk to the Camp Director. As always, Thursday is a FREE HOT DOG DAY! Campers will receive a hot dog, chips, and carrots. You are welcome to send a bag lunch on Thursdays if your child does not eat hot dogs.

Kids should dress comfortably for the weather. Shoes with backs are strongly recommended because kids will be running around. Sometimes camp is messy, especially camps with arts & and crafts themes. It's a good idea to leave your best clothes at home and wear things that can get messy. If your camper's activity group is having a special dress-up day, we'll email you ahead of time. We recommend that you apply sunscreen before your child arrives at camp, as kids will be outside during check-in, lunch, and check-out.

When you register your child for camp, please be sure to include yourself on your camper's approved pick-up list, as well as any other friends or family members who may pick up your child. You may change or add approved pick-up names at the registration tent when dropping off your child in the morning, or by emailing or calling the camp office. Children will NOT be allowed to leave with someone not on the approved pick-up list. All adults must present a photo ID and be listed on the child's approved pick-up list in order to check out children from camp. *A volunteer who is 16 years of age and has a state-issued ID can check themselves out of camp with parental permission and prior notification to the camp office. They may also check out a younger sibling if they are on the approved pickup list, with parent permission and prior notification to the office staff.

Check-in for Camp Vertical runs from 9:00 - 9:30 am every morning. Feel free to drop your child off at any time during that window. ​ Check-out will take place from 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm every day. If your child has not been picked up by 4:00 they will automatically be checked into Afternoon Extended Care and $7.50 will be charged to your account. All Check-In and Check-Out will take place under the tent in the north parking lot at Elmbrook Church. At 3:30, you can meet your kids anywhere down the stairs from the north parking lot, in the plaza. Rain-Day Check-in will be located inside the lower north lobby and Rain-Day Check-out will take place in the gym. View Check-In/Out Map:

Camp runs from 9 am - 3:30 pm, and we offer an extended care option in the morning and afternoon. Morning extended care begins at 7:30, and afternoon extended care will go from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Extended care is an extra charge of $7.50 per camper/volunteer, per session, per day. Siblings of volunteers who will be attending the required 8:15 am daily meeting can receive a voucher for free morning extended care beginning at 8:15 am. You do not need to register in advance for Extended care; all campers and volunteers who are not picked up at 4:00 pm will be checked into Extended and the additional fee will be charged to your account. Any campers or volunteers who are not picked up by 5:30 pm will receive a $7.50 late fee on their account. Any additional fees for extended care that have been added to your account throughout the week will be automatically charged to your card on file the Saturday following each camp week.

Yes! After a great week at camp, we can’t wait to show off all we have done! Please join us on Friday at 3pm for our parent program in the gym, an end-of-the-week celebration where grandparents, friends, and neighbors are all welcome. Regular checkout will be at 3:30 across from the gym in the green space. Campers must be checked out with camp staff!

Check-in for Half-Day Adventure begins at 12:30 pm in the gym lobby. Don't forget to eat lunch before arriving! Rain-Day Check-in is also in the gym lobby. Check-out for Half-Day Adventure is the same as the full-day camp, which will take place from 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm every day under the tent in the north parking lot. At 3:30, you can meet your kids anywhere down the stairs from the north parking lot, in the plaza. Rain-Day Check-out will take place in the gym. If your child has not been picked up by 4:00 they will automatically be checked into Afternoon Extended Care and $7.50 will be charged to your account. View Check-Out Map:

Your child's safety is our first priority! When you arrive on Monday morning your child will be given a waterproof wristband to wear all week long. This wristband will be scanned to check your child in and out of camp and ensures that only people on your approved pick-up list are checking out your child. Camp Vertical check-in begins at 9:00 am and ends at 9:30 am. Please note ALL children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult to be checked in. A “responsible adult” is a person who is 16 years old or older, has a state-issued ID, and is in charge of the well-being of the child at that time.

We understand that families have different schedules and appointments to manage. To arrange for early pick-up, please fill out an early pick-up form when dropping off your child in the morning, or call or email the camp office. Notifying us in advance will help us have your child ready for you at the appointed time. Please come to the camp office for all early pick-ups and we will bring your child to you. If you arrive for an early pick-up without prior arrangement, please allow for a 10-15 minute wait while we locate your child and their belongings. Please note, we are unable to accommodate early pick-up for Camp Vertical after 3:10 pm. Campers transition from small activity groups into a loud, high-energy large group gathering to wrap up at approximately 3:15 each day. During this time, it is difficult to call campers to the office. ​All late arrivals & and early pick-ups will take place at the camp office (by the gym).

Our leaders are first-aid trained and notified of any allergies listed on your campers' medical forms. We also have a Camp medic onsite to deal with any issues that may arise. Nut allergies: While our building isn’t nut-free, activities that we do in camp activity groups do not contain peanuts or tree nuts. We do not require lunches to be nut-free, so if your child has a severe allergy, please talk to the Camp Director about lunchtime accommodations.

If your child gets sick at camp, the Camp Medic or Camp Director will contact you at the numbers you have provided. Any injuries that happen at camp will first be handled by the Camp Medic. Minor bumps & and bruises will be treated onsite. For more serious injuries, including all head injuries, you will be contacted by the Camp Medic at the numbers you have provided. If your child is sick and will be missing a day of camp, you do not need to notify us. For an illness that will force your child to miss multiple days of camp, please contact the Camp Office.

Please have your camper stay home if they have any of the following symptoms: Fever (in the last 24 hours) Diarrhea and/or vomiting (in the last 24 hours Pink eye or other eye infections (red, crusty, or watery discharge) Sore throat Sneezing or cough, if persistent and/or productive Colored nasal discharge: could be a sign of an infection • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin) Any skin infections that are red, swollen, draining, or spreading • Skin eruptions or rash Any communicable disease (chickenpox, hand foot mouth disease, COVID, Influenza, etc.)

We have a Camp Medic onsite to help care for the first-aid and medical needs of our campers including medications. Key leaders at Camp Vertical will work with the Camp Medic to ensure that consistent delivery of medication is a priority. Parents need to inform the medic and supply all that is needed for their child’s doctor-prescribed medication needs, including instructions and an ample supply of medication. The parent will fill out a form at the tent during Monday morning check-in, supplying written permission and instructions for the staff to follow. These tasks are entirely the parent's responsibility and must be repeated at the beginning of each week the child attends camp. Parents are also responsible for collecting the remaining medication each Friday at check-out. After you have registered your child for camp, you must complete the medical forms before your child's first day of camp. We must have this information to ensure your child's safety. To access your medical forms: —Log in to your account —Under "My Account Dashboard" there will be a light orange bar that says "1 Medical Form needs to be completed. Click here to begin." —If you don't see your dashboard try clicking the "Account" button in the upper right corner of your screen.

We always have water stations available to campers. We also carefully monitor the heat index and bring children indoors if the heat index reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yes! We have a Camp Medic onsite to help care for the first-aid and medical needs of our campers including medications. Our leaders are also first-aid trained.

If you have attended camp with us in the past, you may notice that Camp Zoom will not be an option this year. Camp Vertical will offer programming for kids 7 years old through kids going into 6th grade in the fall. Unfortunately, we will not be offering Camp Zoom for our younger friends.

After some consideration and prayer, the Camp team has decided that we will be offering Camp Vertical at one location this summer, and this will be the Brookfield Campus. We believe that the best way to meet the needs of families and staff is to consolidate our staff and resources to one location and maximize what we can do in one place. We recognize that this may be a loss for families in the Lake Country area, and we are happy to answer any questions about this through summercamp@elmbrook.org.

Unfortunately, we will not be offering half day camp this summer. Campers can always arrive late, or get picked up early. You can call or email the camp office if you have an early pick-up, or stop by the check-in tent when your camper gets dropped off to let us know.

If you are applying for a staff position, and want to be part of camp, we recommend that you register to volunteer to ensure you have a spot in case you do not get hired.

You must be 15 years old by June 1st to apply for a summer staff position.

We are once again putting together a team of Student Leaders in Training (SLTs) to work alongside our full-time summer staff. SLTs are unpaid staff positions. You must be 15 years old by June 1 to apply as an SLT. These positions are created for people who hope to be a part of full-time paid staff in the future. It is an opportunity for camp to invest in you while you learn the ropes of being a leader and get experience volunteering with kids at camp. There are a limited number of SLT positions available. Not everyone who applies will be accepted to the program. All SLT applicants will be contacted for an interview in March and will hear back about whether or not they were selected to be an SLT in April. We encourage anyone applying for an SLT position to also register to volunteer in case you are not selected to be an SLT this year.

To register as a Volunteer: Decide which weeks you want to serve at Camp Fill out the volunteer application You will be notified about next steps Volunteer registration opens on February 1.