Summer Camp FAQs & 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 a summer 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 via phone or email anytime! We're happy to help!

  • Weekly themes are listed on our camp pages.

  • 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.

  • Teachers share daily photos, videos, and activity recaps via a private parent app. You'll receive an invite before camp starts.

  • No. We do not incorporate nap times into the daily schedule.

  • 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).

About Camp & Themes

Age Groups, Requirements & Drop-Off

    • Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs, 3-day afternoons 3–5pm): At least 2.5 years old by the first day of camp. Ideal for new drop-off experiences; not fully potty trained is OK.

    • Ages 3–8 (full-day weekly 9am–2pm): At least 3 years old by March 1, 2026; must have prior drop-off experience and be fully potty trained.

  • Children under 3 do not need to be potty trained—we support your methods and change diapers as needed. All children 3+ must be fully potty trained.

  • We use gentle, child-led separation with lots of love and patience. Caregivers can stay nearby initially. Prepare your child with positive talk about fun friends and activities. Tears are normal! We're ready with hugs and will call if you need to return. Our goal: build trust, strong bonds, and a sense of love/respect for your child.

Schedule, Locations & Logistics

    • Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs afternoons): Drop-off at 3pm; pick-up at 5pm (no add-ons).

    • Ages 3–8 (full-day): Early drop-off at 8:30am; extended day until 4pm (subject to availability/enrollment).

  • Yes! Just let us know in advance (e.g., for travel or shorter days), and we'll have your child ready.

    • Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs afternoons): Always at our nurturing Willow space — 529 Willow Avenue.

    • Ages 3–8 (full-day): Grouped by age across 537 Park Avenue and 529 Willow Avenue. Families receive notification of the assigned location shortly before camp starts.

  • 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.

  • Each camper must wear the Hugs & Bugs Club tshirts every day. Each family will receive two shirts. Additional shirts are available for purchase at $15/each. Please also dress your child in clothes appropriate for messy outdoor play. Include at least one full change of clothes (shorts, shirt, underwear, and socks), all labeled. Any soiled clothing will be sent home each day in a bag. To prevent the risk of injury, please send your child in closed-toe shoes or sandals. No flip flops or open-toe sandals.

  • A labeled water bottle, healthy nut-free snack/lunch, change of clothes, and weather gear (e.g., rain boots, muddy buddy, sunscreen/hat). A detailed packing list comes closer to camp. Please see a full checklist at the bottom of this page.

  • Yes, hydration is key! We remind children to drink often, refill bottles throughout the day, and top them off at pick-up.

  • Yes, please pack a healthy, nut-free snack and lunch. We promote nutritious eating and notify families of class allergies.

  • 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). We'll notify the group of other allergies and ask families to avoid those items.

Staff, Ratios & Safety

    • Full-day (3–8 yrs): No higher than 8:1

    • Afternoon (2.5–4 yrs): No higher than 4:1

  • Yes, all staff are CPR-certified and pass criminal background checks.

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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Bring immunization records or an exemption letter. Children should also remain home for 72 hours after any vaccination.

  • Register securely on our site via Sawyer (credit/debit card only) for seamless, secure payments.

  • A 5% sibling discount applies at checkout (cannot combine with others).

    • Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs): Session-based only (full 6 weeks; no week swaps or changes).

    • Ages 3–8: Weekly options available.

  • No discounts, credits, make-ups, transfers or prorated refunds for missed days (illness, travel, emergencies)—no exceptions.

  • Join the waitlist—we email everyone if spots open. Registration then opens first-come, first-served (not based on waitlist order).

  • Sawyer collects a non-refundable 3.5% processing fee on the full camp cost at booking.

    • Full refund (minus 3.5% fees + $350 non-refundable deposit per week/session) if canceled in writing by April 1, 2026.

    • 50% refund (minus 3.5% fees + deposit) if canceled by May 1, 2026.

    • No refunds, credits, transfers after May 1, 2026—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.

PDF: Welcome Email to Enrolled Campers

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. These will stay at the studio.

  • 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.

  • Three packs of unscented sensitive-skin baby wipes (used for art projects, play, and general cleaning).

  • One box of gallon-sized zip-lock bags.

  • Bathing suit.

  • Towel.

  • Spray sunscreen. Please apply before arriving; we will reapply as needed.

  • Water shoes with closed toes.

  • Outdoor shoes or sandals with closed toes.

  • 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.

Please Email the Following Information in ONE Email

Use your child's name as the subject line. Send everything in ONE email to hi@hugsandbugsclub.com so nothing gets missed:

  • Immunization records or Letter of Exemption

  • Completed online permission form (only needed once, even if enrolled in multiple weeks)

  • Health intake form (Attached to welcome email. It is a fillable form for you to complete and attach).

  • List of allergies with protocols. Please note if your child requires an EpiPen, a separate form is required

  • Alternate pickup contacts: driver's license photo and phone number

  • Early pickup notice: Please let us know if your child will be picked up earlier than 2pm.

  • Adding Early Drop off: Please let us know if you would like to add this option.

  • Adding Extended day: Please let us know if you would like to add this option.

  • Preference for your child to be placed with a current friend. Please note, this is not guaranteed, but we will do our best.