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youth counselor

Summer Camps

Our experienced team of counselors, innovative programming, and daily activities make Camp Cardinal the best option for your kids.

Camp Counselor leading children in a line

Camp Counselor Employment

Have you ever wanted to work at a Stanford summer camp? We hire multiple positions for every season!

More information about 2022 summer camps will be released soon. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive more information. Check the ‘Youth Programs’ box!

General Information & FAQs

How do I know if I qualify for the Stanford Affiliate Discount?

The following qualify for the Stanford Affiliate Discount:

  • University Exempt/Non-Exempt Employee
  • University Faculty
  • University Temporary/ Casual Employee
  • University Retiree
  • University Family Member
  • University Post Doc
  • University Student- Undergraduate/ Graduate
  • University Alumni
  • Stanford Health Care Employee
  • Stanford Children’s Health Employee

What COVID-19 precautions will be taken?

  • Beginning Monday, April 10, 2023, Stanford University will no longer require a COVID-19 Vaccination to attend Camp, however the University strongly recommends vaccination and bi-valent boosters for all summer participants.
  • Participants must test (using a Color or rapid test) within 24 hours of the start of the program week and show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result at check-in. 

Where will my child be located during camp?

A majority of our day will be spent at Arrillaga Outdoor Education Recreation Center (AOERC) or on Roble Field.

How do I register for Camps?

Follow the link on our most current Camp page here. When space is full, please sign up your camper for the waitlist and we will reach out to you if a spot opens up. Campers will be placed on a waitlist in the order applications were received.

How do I pay for Camp? Can I cancel my registration?

Full payment for all programs as well as extended care and any additional financial options is due upon enrollment. $100 per camp week is considered a non-refundable deposit.

Changes to and/or withdrawals from camp sessions, including extended care, are subject to a $15 administrative fee per change. 

The final day to get a refund for all Summer camps (minus the non-refundable deposit) is Monday, May 30th. There will be no refunds after this date for summer. All cancellations must be received in writing by 6:00 pm on May 30th. Please email us at campcardinal@stanford.edu.

If a camper is not behaving in accordance with camp safety, policies and expectations, the camper may be dismissed from the remainder of the session(s) without refund.

Can you group my child with their friend?

Yes, usually. If they are the same age group, please let us know on the first day of camp that you would like them to be together and we will accommodate you as best as we can. 

Please note that we like to accommodate such requests in the interest of keeping things fun (it is CAMP, after all!). Sometimes, however, we may choose to separate a group of friends for personnel or behavioral reasons.

I am only available for one day of Camp. Can I pay for just one day at a time?

When we allow a camper to enroll for one day of camp, we’re taking away a spot from a camper that may have come for the whole week. Because of this, staffing requirements, and other factors, we do not prorate our Camp weeks.

Other things to note:

  • There will be no reduction or refund of fees for camp programs because of absence, illness, suspension/expulsion, or withdrawal due to changes in family circumstances during camp sessions.
  • No partial enrollment or proration is available.
  • Please allow up to 3 weeks for refunds to be processed.

Photography

Unless otherwise specified in writing, the undersigned gives permission for photos and video to be taken for future brochures or published anonymously on the Stanford Recreation website or other online sites without compensation.

Late Pick Up

If your child is not picked up at the pick-up time, a late fee will be assessed.

1-15 Minutes…$25

16-25 minutes…$35

26-35 minutes…$45

Campers that are continually picked up late may be withdrawn from the camp program.


The Week of Camp

What is the policy regarding early drop-off or late pick-up?

We will be closely monitoring COVID-19 and we will make the decision if we will have extended care as we get closer to summer.

Can my camper arrive late or leave early for a doctor’s or other appointments?

If you need to schedule an appointment for your camper, we recommend doing so early or late in the day for easier drop-off and pick-up. If you have to miss anything, please let us know as soon as possible by email. Let your camper’s group leader know about the appointment at check-in the day before the appointment so they can give you the location of the camper’s group at your expected arrival or departure time or the contact information to reach them.

When will I receive a packet with all of the relevant information about Camp?

The Wednesday prior to your program starting, you will receive a parent packet via email with additional program information and camp policies.

Can my child bring a phone or other portable electronic devices?

We strongly discourage campers from bringing electronic games, music players, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Not only are they vulnerable to being taken, forgotten, and broken, they discourage personal interaction and participation. Campers that bring electronic devices and accessories do so at their own risk. If campers do bring these items, counselors will ask that they keep these devices in their bags and out of sight throughout the camp day. We want campers to interact with each other and the counselors while being active for the best camp experience possible!

What should my child bring to camp?

Please label everything so we can more easily return it to you if it is left behind:

  • A bag or backpack
  • SUNBLOCK! Please apply sunblock in the morning before drop off and we will remind campers to reapply throughout the day.
  • Hat
  • Book, comic book, coloring book or other item for down time after lunch (please no cell phones or electronic games – we don’t want them to be lost or taken!)
  • Lunch every day. We recommend that plenty of snacks are also packed
  • Optional: swimsuit, goggles, sandals, towel 
  • Reusable water bottle

Additional Camp Policies

Camp activities are subject to cancellation based on camper enrollment.


Additional Questions?

If you have a question that is not answered by our FAQs, please email us at campcardinal@stanford.edu.