Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Can I sign my child up for multiple weeks of camp?
Lobs & Lessons camps are designed for specific age groups each week. These camps all vary in the activities presented based on the age group, therefore, youth may only sign up for one week of camp. The Young Aces golf and tennis camp is an exception. Youth can participate in both Lobs & Lessons and Young Aces camp as the activities and skills presented are different. Young Aces camp is only available for the 3rd-5th grade age group. For Discovery, youth may sign up for as many weeks as they choose as classes vary each week.
Is there a camp discount available for multiple youth, multiple weeks or VCU affiliates?
We do not offer discounts, however we do provide two types of scholarships. Visit Summer Programs for more information on camp cost and scholarships.
Are scholarships need-based? What is the criteria when determining which type of scholarship will be awarded?
Yes, scholarships are need-based and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit Summer Programs to download the scholarship form for guidance on what documentation to include in the scholarship packet.
Which camps/classes still have spaces available?
In the online registration system, if a class is already full, you will be given the option to sign up for the waiting list. If a space becomes available, parents will be notified and offered the space based on their rank on the waiting list.
Is the Lobs & Lessons tennis camp for advanced youth?
Lobs & Lessons camps are designed for beginner to intermediate players. The program utilizes the QuickStart Tennis method using modified equipment. All tennis skills stations and activities are play based and designed to incorporate as much movement as possible.
Are there academic requirements for Discovery?
Discovery is open to all rising 6th – 8th grade youth regardless of their academic performance. Home schoolers, public and private school students are all welcome, and classes are structured to welcome varying levels of academic attainment.
Are youth required to participate in the sports activities during Discovery’s Healthy Lifestyles program?
All youth are expected to fully participate in all Healthy Lifestyles activities. This program compliments the career exploration classes offered throughout the day by incorporating physical activity at the end of the day.
What should I do if my child needs accommodations due to a medical, sensory, developmental or other health concern?
We are committed to working with families to make our programs accessible to any child who is interested in participating. We recognize that many children have unique needs and require some minor adjustments to our programs or alternative arrangements to ensure they can participate as fully as possible. We would be more than happy to work with your family to determine how best to go about this. This will start with us gathering some information (both from you and potentially your child's doctor) about these health concerns. We will then have a conversation between our team and your family where we can begin to understand a bit more about your child and what accommodations might be necessary. While we are not able to provide personal aides, assistants, or assistive devices, we are happy to discuss what reasonable accommodations we can make. This process can take some time so please complete the Summer Programs Accessibility Form (PDF) as soon as possible (ideally 4 weeks prior to the start of your week of camp) to discuss. If your child needs accomodations for medical or dietary reasons, please complete the Medical and Dietary Release Form (PDF) as soon as possible.
Logistics
Does my child have to eat the breakfast and lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are a provided option during registration, giving you the choice to select both, one or neither. If your child is a selective eater, we suggest packing their food each day as the menus are scheduled by FeedMore. You can cancel your meals up to two weeks prior to the start of camp. The deadline is in place to prevent wasted meals.
What supervision will my child have during camp?
Camps operate at a 1:8 ratio of counselors/instructors to youth. Along with the counselors, administrative staff will assist in all aspects of the day. During swimming, counselors are in the water with the youth and there are life guards on duty.
Does my child need a cell phone at camp?
No, cell phones are not needed and are not allowed during camp. If a child uses a phone during camp, it will be retrieved by a staff and only given to the parent during pick-up. If a child needs to call home, they can ask a counselor and if a parent needs to reach their child, they may call the Center at 827-0802 (Lobs & Lessons) or 828-9276 (Discovery).
Where do they swim and are swim lessons provided?
Located inside the Cary Street gym, the pool offers an array of features including a circle swimming lanes pool, drop slide, water basketball and more. Swimming is the only portion of the day that is not instructional, but free time for youth. A swim test is required in order to access some areas of the pool, but is not required to enjoy swim time. For Lobs & Lessons camp, there is an option at registration to express interest in a swimming lesson that might be offered during this time.
Does my child need a tennis racquet, swimsuit or other equipment/materials?
All necessary equipment and materials for activities will be provided. Your child will need to bring a towel and swimsuit each day for afternoon swimming. If your child would like to bring their own racquet, for example, they are welcome to do so. For Lobs & Lessons, please have your child wear comfortable, athletic clothing and tennis shoes; a hat, sunscreen and water bottle are also suggested. For Discovery, youth are also encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as they will be walking across campus for classes. If they will not be swimming, they need to wear tennis shoes in order to participation in other Healthy Lifestyles activities. If special clothes are needed for a specific class, Discovery staff will contact parents with instructions.
How can I receive the tax identification number for camp so I can receive the appropriate tax credit?
You can request the tax identification number for either camp by sending an email to discovery@vcu.edu.
Directions and Parking
View detailed directions and parking information. Please note, the ramp next to the MFYC is NOT ours and cannot be used for drop-off/pick-up, and if used, you may be towed. Curbside pickup is also available.
Drop-off and Pick-up
What is the procedure to drop-off/pick-up my child from camp?
Parents do not need to sign in their child for camp, however children must be signed out before they can leave. For drop-off, you have the choice to park and bring your child to the door or let them out at the sidewalk to come into the building. For pick-up, you can utilize our new curbside pick-up service or park and walk up to the building. For sign outs, you will need to have a photo id and be on the approved pick-up list for that child.
Can we drop off earlier than the posted times?
Due to the scheduling of camp activities and staff, we only have a 15 minute window for drop-off and pick-up. Lobs & Lessons camp will not open until 8:45 a.m. and 8:30am for Discovery. We do not recommend dropping children off early, as youth will not be supervised or have access into the building.
What if I need to pick up my child early from camp?
For Lobs & Lessons, youth remain at the Youth Center all day, allowing for ongoing pick-up with the exception of swimming from 2:45-4 p.m. For Discovery, youth are in a variety of classes across VCU campuses as well as on off-site field trips; therefor early pick-up is only offered during lunch (12- 12:30 p.m.) or healthy lifestyles (3:30-5 p.m.) for classes within walking distance of the Center. Youth can only be signed out from the Youth Center, not picked up directly from classes. In an emergency, staff will work with you to accommodate these needs.
Can my child come late to camp?
For Lobs & Lessons, youth may be dropped off late but please notify staff in advance. For Discovery, youth who are not in a full-day class, may be dropped off late during lunch time, 12-12:30 p.m.
How do I notify the Youth Center that someone else will be picking up my child from camp?
When you complete your online registration, you will be prompted to fill out emergency contact information for your child. These individuals are authorized to pick up your child. If you need to add an additional name to this list, please email their name, phone number, and relationship to you to Lobs & Lessons camp: cccarter@vcu.edu; Discovery Camp: discovery@vcu.edu.
Is there a fee for late pick-up?
Yes, there will be a fee each time your child is picked up late. The fee begins at 10 minutes and is $10 and then increases by $5 for each five minutes thereafter.