Camp FAQs and Guidelines

Welcome back, and welcome to those joining for the first time! Since 2015, we have been dedicated to creating a nurturing space where children feel deeply loved, connect joyfully with nature, and build genuine friendships. We are so excited for days filled with laughter, play, reunions with old friends, and new bonds forming every day. Our camps prioritize outdoor exploration and fresh air whenever possible, with cozy indoor time in our nature-inspired spaces for creativity, relaxation, and relief from the heat. We embrace the magic of unstructured play, true socialization, and following the children's lead.

Although many questions are answered below, please feel free to reach out! We're happy to help!

What does a typical day look like?
Days follow a gentle routine: warm welcomes and free play with friends, circle time (stories & songs), snacks, outdoor exploration, lunch, creative/messy art, and pick-up. We let children's energy guide timing—no strict clocks on fun! On beautiful days, we may spend the whole time outdoors; rainy days mix indoor coziness with puddle-jumping. No screen time ever—focus is on real connections, nature, and play.

How will I know what my child is doing each day?
Teachers share daily photos, videos, and activity recaps via a private parent app. You'll receive an invite before camp starts.

Do children take naps?
No. We do not incorporate nap times into the daily schedule.

Do you go outdoors every day? What if it rains or snows?
Yes—outdoor play every day! Rainy days are magical: puddle-jumping, worm hunts, dirt digging, and nature potions. Send rain boots and a full muddy buddy suit/rain gear. We stay inside only for extreme weather (e.g., lightning/thunder).

Age Groups, Requirements & Drop-Off:

What age does my child need to be?

• Ages 3–8

Does my child need to be potty trained?
All children 3+ must be fully potty trained.

Schedule, Locations & Logistics:

Do you offer early drop-off or extended day?

Early drop-off at 8:30am; extended day until 4pm (subject to availability/enrollment).

Can I pick up my child early?
Yes! Just let us know in advance (e.g., for travel or shorter days), and we'll have your child ready.

What parks do you visit?
We love the nature areas of Church Square Park and the community garden (Park & 6th), plus other local green spots. A full list is shared before camp.

What should my child wear?
Please dress your child in clothes appropriate for messy outdoor play. Include at least one full change of clothes (shorts/pants, shirt, underwear, and socks), all labeled. If joining for camp in the colder season, please make sure to bring winter coat, snowbib, snow boots, gloves, hats. Any soiled clothing will be sent home each day. To prevent the risk of injury, please send your child in closed-toe shoes or sandals. No flip flops or open-toe sandals.

What should my child bring?
A labeled water bottle, healthy nut-free snack/lunch, change of clothes, and weather gear (e.g., rain boots, muddy buddy, sunscreen/hat).

Do children get frequent water breaks?
Yes, hydration is key! We remind children to drink often, refill bottles throughout the day, and top them off at pick-up.

Do children bring snack and/or lunch?
Yes, please pack a healthy, nut-free snack and lunch. We promote nutritious eating and notify families of class allergies. No sweet treats please.

My child has allergies. Are you nut-free? Can staff administer an EpiPen?
Hugs & Bugs Club is a nut-free zone: no nut products allowed. Staff are trained to administer EpiPens and follow emergency protocols (no other medications). A separate form must be completed. We'll notify the group of other allergies and ask families to avoid those items.

Staff, Ratios & Safety:

What is your staff-to-child ratio?

• No higher than 8:1

Are staff CPR-certified and background-checked?
Yes, all staff are CPR-certified and pass criminal background checks.

Can parents stay and watch?
Camp is drop-off for smooth routines, but we welcome involvement! Coordinate with staff to join an activity or be a surprise story reader.

Safety and Cleanliness
We are committed to minimizing risks through thoughtful practices that keep everyone safe and healthy. This includes warm greetings upon arrival, handwashing upon entry, designated indoor-only shoes kept at the space throughout the session, and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas throughout the day.

Registration, Policies & Refunds:

What is your health policy?
To protect our campers, families, teachers, and their loved ones, we ask everyone to prioritize health. Please take a full health check of your child and household before each camp day. Do not send your child if they or any household member has had symptoms of illness such as a fever of 99 degrees or higher and symptoms including, but not limited to cough, cold or flu-like symptoms, COVID, RSV, coxsackie, or stomach virus, vomiting, diarrhea or has used a fever reducer in the past 72 hours.

If your child develops symptoms or a fever while at camp, they will be gently cared for and you will be called for immediate pick-up within 10 minutes. Your child must stay home for at least 72 hours after symptoms fully resolve and with a doctor’s note.

What is your vaccination policy?
Bring immunization records or an exemption letter. Children should also remain home for 72 hours after any vaccination.

How do we register and pay?
Register securely on our site via Sawyer (credit/debit card only) for seamless, secure payments.

Are there discounts?
A 5% sibling discount applies at checkout (cannot combine with others).

Do we get refunds/credits for missed days? No discounts, credits, make-ups, transfers or prorated refunds for missed days (illness, travel, emergencies)—no exceptions.

What happens if the camp/session is full? How does the waitlist work?
Join the waitlist—we email everyone if spots open. Registration then opens first-come, first-served (not based on waitlist order).

What is your refund policy?
Sawyer collects a non-refundable 3.5% processing fee on the full camp cost at booking. No refunds, credits, transfers after —no exceptions (including illness, vacation, emergencies). We appreciate your understanding. This supports our small, local Hoboken business and reliable planning.

A Note on Our Community
The only thing we do not tolerate is intolerance. Hugs & Bugs Club has always welcomed every family in our community regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, family structure, vaccination status, or any other aspect of identity. We celebrate diversity, kindness, and respect, and we uphold these values every single day.

First Day Checklist

Please label every item with your child's name. (Teachers will use Sharpies on items without labels.)

• Clothes to get messy! Dress your child in clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Some days are messier than others and might not wash out. We plan activities and love encouraging child-led exploration!

• Indoor slippers or grippy socks to be worn inside only.

• Muddy Buddy suit or rain gear for rainy days and puddle jumping.

• Rain boots: Bring as needed.

• Labeled, spill-proof water bottle filled with water only. No juice or milk. Water will be refilled throughout the day.

• Water shoes with closed toes as needed.

• At least one full change of clothes: shorts, shirt, underwear, and socks. All items labeled.

• Show & Tell item: a favorite toy or treasure to share with friends! This can be each day or once a week.

• Found items: Interesting rocks, sticks, or other nature finds make great art supplies, please bring them in!

• Labeled lunch filled with food your child enjoys. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.

• Labeled Daily snack: A fresh, healthy snack such as fruit, veggies, or cheese. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.

• Labeled Extended day snack: An additional snack if your child is staying for an extended day. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.