Summer Day Camp FAQ

How will you communicate with me?

Official communication will be via email to the email address you provided at registration.

I registered for camp, but didn’t receive a confirmation email. Why?

If you haven’t received an email confirmation of your registration, please check your junk/spam folder to see if the email is there. Or you may have mistyped your email address. Please contact us at registration@lhf.org or (515) 278-5286 to confirm your registration.

The camp I want is full. Can I get on a waitlist?

We do maintain a waitlist. Please call us at 515-278-5286 to be added. Should a spot become available, we will call the first person on the list and give them 24 hours to respond. If they decline or fail to respond we will continue down the list.

Can I sign up for a different grade level camp?

No.  You must select the camp for the grade level your child will be entering in the fall.  Camps are designed for grade level appropriate activities and learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for that grade/age.  We want to ensure that every camper has the best experience while here.

Can I cancel a camp registration?

We do not offer refunds for cancelations.  Please read our Cancellation Policy here.

Do you provide food?

No. Some camps will cook, but not on a daily basis. Campers must bring their own snacks and lunch. Refrigeration and microwaves are not provided. In addition, we recommend that campers eat a hearty breakfast before arrival—camp is a high-energy activity!

What are sign-in and sign-out procedures?

You will receive an email the week before camp with your camper’s assigned flag color and counselor name.

Full-day and morning campers should arrive between 8:45 and 9 a.m. unless registered for early drop-off. Afternoon campers should arrive between 12:45 and 1 p.m. Morning campers will return to the flag area for pick-up at noon, while full day and afternoon campers will return at 4 p.m. unless registered for late pick up. For camper safety, each camper will be signed out by a parent or authorized adult (listed on your Camper Information Form) with a picture ID. We will check IDs every day. If a person not on our list or someone without an ID tries to pick up your camper, we will call you for authorization.

Do you have before and after care?

Yes, before and after care is available for an additional fee for most camps. Early drop-off and late pick-up are sold separately. The fee covers each day during the week. Campers registered for early drop-off may arrive between 7:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. Campers registered for late pick-up must be picked up at the Conference Center by 5:15 p.m.

Got to camp late? Need to leave early?

Campers must arrive on time and leave at the scheduled time. For full day camps, if you will be unable to drop off at the start time, you can drop off your child at noon. If you need to pick up your camper before the end of the day, you can do so at noon. Please send an email to daycamp@LHF.org or call (515) 645-9810 to let us know so we can be prepared. If a half-day camper cannot arrive on time or needs to leave early, they will need to miss the day.

How should I dress?

Camp will take place inside and outside, so dress for the weather and potentially in layers. Closed-toe shoes are required at all times.

Can I bring a backpack?

Yes, they are a convenient way for your camper to carry their belongings.

What are camp hours?

All full-day camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-day morning camps run from 9 a.m. to noon, and half-day afternoon camps run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Can I stay with my child in camp?

Camp is a program designed for children who can remain in a group setting without parental involvement. Exceptions are made for children needing an interpreter or one-on-one liaison.

What do you do during severe weather?

As an accredited American Camp Association camp, our procedures regarding excessive heat and severe weather are in line with their best practices, and are reviewed regularly. During excessive heat, we do many things, including: incorporating more breaks for drinking, moving activities to shaded areas or indoors, playing more water games, and eating lunch in air-conditioned buildings. During severe weather, such as thunderstorms, we move campers and camp activities to designated shelters for the duration of the storm.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, we offer scholarships to cover a portion of Living History Farms Summer Day Camp fees. Scholarship applications will open in late January. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received and are subject to eligibility requirements and availability of funds.

MORE INFORMATION

Checklist

The following items are required:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Lunch and snacks
• ID for parent or guardian

The following items are recommended:

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Hat that shades your camper’s face

Do not bring:

• Electronic devices
• Pets
• Glass containers
• Weapons of any kind, including toys