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Policies & Forms

Mandatory and Optional Forms

All mandatory Shady Side Summer Programs policies and forms are completed as part of the online registration process. This includes:

  • Photo Release and Policies Form
  • Summer Camp Rules
  • Health Form
  • Bus Stop Supplementary Form

The Authorization for Medication form is mandatory only if taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication during camp hours. This includes EpiPens and inhalers. This form is due prior to the arrival at camp. 

You will receive more information about forms to fill out during the registration process. Questions? Contact us. 

Camp Rules

Shady Side Summer Programs ascribes to the Guiding Principles of Shady Side Academy: Honesty, Kindness, Responsibility, Respect and Safety. It’s paramount that campers act accordingly and participate as good citizens in the Shady Side Summer Programs community.

Things that are never okay at camp:

  • Hitting, shoving, pushing or physical violence
  • Verbal abuse, offensive language or bullying
  • Lying or manipulating the truth
  • Stealing or taking things without asking
  • Destroying property
  • Possessing, using or distributing drugs or alcohol
  • Bringing weapons of any kind to camp
  • Ignoring counselor or staff directions

Consequences at camp:

We expect all campers to demonstrate care, respect and responsibility at all times; campers must also exhibit self-control, kindness and follow instructions. Campers who do not follow the rules will be asked to take responsibility for their actions. We understand that children make mistakes, and therefore allow a “Three Strikes” disciplinary protocol.

  1. If a camper breaks a rule, s/he will receive a verbal warning from a counselor or camp director.
  2. If the camper ignores the verbal warning and continues with poor behavior, both the camper and a parent/guardian may be asked to meet with the camp director to help the camper make a constructive plan for improved behavior.
  3. If, after the meeting, the camper still does not follow the camp rules, s/he may be suspended and/or asked to leave the program. In this case, a refund will not be issued.

In extreme cases, to ensure the safety of the camp community, the camp director(s) reserve the right to expel campers at their own discretion. In this situation, the “Three Strikes” policy will not apply, and refunds will not be provided.

Parent/Guardian Rules

Support your child(ren)! Parents are also responsible for the success and safety of their campers. We thank you in advance for taking the time to help ensure that each child has an optimal camp experience.

  • Notify Shady Side Summer Programs in advance if your child has any specific learning, emotional, social, medical, behavioral or special needs. Please refer to the Shady Side Summer Programs Health Form for more information.
  • Keep children home from camp when they are ill and/or pick them up if they become sick at camp.  If your child experiences a fever at home, please reach out to the camp nurse regarding Shady Side's protocols for a return-to-camp.  Shady Side Summer Programs requires all participants to adhere to all Shady Side Summer Programs current state, local and federal guidelines/policies regarding infectious illnesses.
  • Only parents and guardians may bring medications to camp, and they should do so before camp begins. Our nurses can only accept labeled prescription medicines in original containers and will distribute during the day as required. For the well-being of all children, please do not use camp as a time to transition a camper off of medications.
  • Respect our hard-working staff by ensuring timeliness at drop-off and pick-up.
  • Please regularly check the email address you provided during registration to stay apprised of all news, events, and information. This is our primary means of communication, summerprograms@shadysideacademy.org.
  • For the safety of all children, parents and guardians are not permitted to visit campers during the camp day. If an emergency arises and you must contact your child(ren) please contact our camp office so we can immediately assist you.

Additional Policies