River Camp FAQs
REGISTRATION/BEFORE CAMP:
- When will River Camp begin accepting registrations for the summer?
- How soon should I register?
- Can my child attend more than one session of camp?
- How does the waitlist process work?
- I’m a River Parkway Trust Member; when can I register and where do I find my discount code?
- What happens after my child is registered?
- What is River Camp’s cancellation/refund policy?
- How are groups assigned?
- Can I request my child be grouped with their friend?
- Can my business sponsor River Camp?
AT CAMP:
- Where do I drop my child off/pick my child up each day?
- When does camp start/end?
- Can my child leave early/arrive late to camp?
- What if my child is sick or unable to attend camp for another reason?
- My child doesn’t know how to swim! Can they still participate in water activities?
- What does my child need to bring to camp each day?
REGISTRATION/BEFORE CAMP:
When will River Camp begin accepting registrations for the summer?
Camp registration for River Parkway Trust Members opens on February 1st. Camp registration opens to the public on March 1st. Registration is completed online using the UltraCamp website.
How soon should I register?
We recommend registering as soon as possible to ensure you receive your first choice of session. Most weeks fill up by mid-April.
Can my child attend more than one session of camp?
Yes! Fresno campers may register for up to 2 weeks of River Camp or Young Explorers each summer. Firebaugh campers may register for up to 4 weeks of River Camp each summer.
How does the waitlist process work?
If your desired session is full, you may register your camper for the waitlist through the UltraCamp website. If/when a spot opens up for your camper you will be automatically notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to register. If you do not register within those 48 hours your spot will be forfeited and offered to the next camper on the waitlist. Please note: River Parkway Trust staff are unable to assess the likelihood that a spot will open up for your camper, as the variables are beyond our control. We are able to tell you your camper's current spot on the waitlist.
I’m a River Parkway Trust Member; when can I register and where do I find my discount code?
River Parkway Trust Member registration opens February 1st. Members receive the discount code and early registration access code for the season via e-mail the week prior to Members registration opening (the last week of January). If you did not receive a copy of the discount code, please contact the Director of River Camp Programs at (559) 248-8480 ext. 157.
What happens after my child is registered?
You will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail immediately upon registration. This e-mail will include a copy of your registration and basic camp information. Additional information will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the beginning of your registered camp date. View the River Camp Camper Guide here.
What is River Camp’s cancellation/refund policy?
A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration: $50 for River Camp or $25 for Young Explorers. Full refunds (less the deposit amount) will be given if requested at least 7 days prior to your camp start date. If you cancel less than 7 days prior to your camp start date, refunds will only be given for medical or family emergencies. If you need to cancel, please do so by calling our office at (559) 248-8480 ext. 157.
How are groups assigned?
Campers are grouped by age into individual groups of 12-14 campers led by a counselor and 1-2 Junior Leaders. Typically, the members of a group will be no more than 2 years apart from each other (e.g. the youngest group member is 6 and the oldest group member is 8). We strive to create an environment conducive for children to thrive socially and emotionally as they experience nature. It has been our experience that having campers more than 2 years apart in age in the same group creates a developmental gap that reduces the positive social interactions of the group.
Can I request my camper be grouped with their friend?
Parents may request that their camper is in the same group as friends or family during the online registration process. While we do our best to meet as many of these requests as possible, “group-with” requests are not guaranteed. *If there are special circumstances that require your camper to be grouped with someone >2 years apart in age from them, please contact the Director of River Camp Programs at 559-248-8480 ext. 157 with this request.*
Can my business sponsor River Camp?
Yes, sponsors give local youth the chance to improve their health and well-being through a week of outdoor play and exploration! Business sponsors gain visibility to over 600 individual families through perks such as logo placement on our website and social media, the River Camp banner, and the famous River Camp t-shirts that are spotted throughout the region and worn by campers year-round. For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Bryna De Fede, Donor Relations Manager, at bdefede@riverparkway.org.
AT CAMP:
Where do I drop my child off/pick my child up each day?
Young ExplorersCampers begin and end each day at the River Center. Check in/check out will take place in the covered pavilion just North of the 2 story historic Ranch House. Click here for a map to the River Center.
River Camp Adventurers at Scout IslandCampers begin and end each day at the River Center, where they are signed in/out and meet the River Camp Bus. Campers and staff members ride the bus to Scout Island (where camp is held) in the morning and return at 4:15 in the afternoon. Click here for a map to the River Center.
River Camp Rangers at Owl HollowCampers begin and end each day at Owl Hollow, approximately ½ mile from the River Center. Please note that once you have entered the gate to Owl Hollow, the speed limit reduces to 5 mph. The check in/out process is a drive through system where a staff member will meet you at your car, check in/out your camper, and then take them directly to their counselor (AM) or bring them directly to your car (PM). Click here for a map to Owl Hollow.
River Camp Voyagers at Sycamore Island Campers begin and end each day at Sycamore Island (39664 Ave 7 1/2, Madera, CA 93636). Upon arrival to Sycamore Island you will see a large clapboard sign directing you down a narrow driveway to the entrance gate. A staff member will greet you at this gate and give you instructions on how to get to picnic shelter where check in/out will take place.
River Camp at FirebaughCampers begin and end each day at the Andrew Firebaugh Community Center (1655 13th St, Firebaugh, CA 93622) and Park/Rodeo Grounds. Check in/out will take place directly in front of the park.
When does camp start/end?
Young Explorers9:00am – 12:00pm
River Camp Adventurers8:45am – 4:15pm
River Camp Rangers9:15am – 3:45pmRiver Camp Voyagers9:30am – 3:30pm
River Camp Firebaugh9:00am – 3:00pm
Can my child leave early/arrive late to camp?
We strongly encourage you to schedule your camper’s session to minimize any scheduling conflicts that require late arrival or early pick-up. In the event that such a conflict is unavoidable, please make arrangements with the Camp Director or the AM/PM Assistant (Adventurers only) in advance. Late arrivals or early pick-ups will take place once a day at 12:30 pm.
Adventurers early pick up takes place at Scout Island (7695 N. Van Ness Blvd). Parents will meet their camper and a staff member in the gravel parking lot. Directions will be provided by AM/PM Assistant or Camp Director upon scheduling.
What if my child is sick or is unable to attend camp for another reason?
If your child is going to miss a day of camp, please contact the AM/PM Assistant or Camp Director ASAP to notify us of the absence. If your camper has not been checked in by 8:50 am you will receive a phone call from camp staff checking on their status for the day. The Trust does not offer prorated refunds for missed days of camp.
My child doesn’t know how to swim! Can they still participate in water activities?
Though we strongly encourage all River Campers to complete basic swim lessons prior to participating in River Camp, swimming proficiency is not required. During swim-time or water activities your camper will be supervised by 1-2 lifeguards (site dependent), up to 3 counselors (including their counselor), up to 2 mentors, and 6-12 Junior Leaders. Life vests are available for all campers and will be required for all campers at River Camp Firebaugh, and all campers in the youngest 2 groups at River Camp Adventurers unless specifically communicated by guardian. Some optional activities, such as canoeing or ‘floating the river’ require all participants to wear a life vest. The general swim area does not require a life vest (excluding previously stated), but many of our campers wear life vests at all times when they are in the water. Water activities are completely optional, and children may remain on dry land if they desire.
What does my child need to bring to camp each day?
- Please have your child wear the following to camp each day:
- Swimsuit (worn under clothing; no changing room available)
- Shoes that can get wet (NO FLIP FLOPS)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Please have your child bring the following to camp each day:
- A morning snack
- Lunch (no refrigeration is available)
- An afternoon snack
- Full, reusable water bottle
- Extra sunscreen
- A towel
- River Camp will provide:
- All activity supplies
- Water safety equipment
- River Camp T-Shirt
- Drinking water/Gatorade
- Hand sanitizer
If you have additional questions not addressed above, please contact Katie Kincaid at kkincaid@riverparkway.org or at (559) 248-8480 ext. 157.