2025 Island Camps Parent Handbook

Welcome to Island Camps Summer Camp! This survival guide provides an overview of policies, procedures, and responsibilities to ensure the best experience for all campers and their families. Please read this document thoroughly and feel free to reach out with any questions.

At Island Camps, our mission is simple: get kids excited about surfing and adventure in a safe and supportive environment. Since 1978, we have been dedicated to cherishing childhood, fostering individuality, and building positive relationships through surfing and ocean-based activities.

Our Commitment:

• We strive to provide every camper with:
• A safe and clean place to surf while learning respect for the ocean.
• A well-balanced program that blends surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP), education, and adventure.
• Opportunities to learn new skills and improve existing ones.
• A fun way to develop life skills through teamwork, confidence-building, and ocean appreciation.
• A welcoming, social atmosphere where campers form friendships and lasting connections.

Our Goals:

• Help each camper have fun!
• Teach and develop surfing skills.
• Foster self-respect and confidence.
• Encourage positive relationships with staff and peers.
• Promote physical fitness and overall well-being.
• Build leadership skills and teach responsible decision-making.
• Cultivate social responsibility and respect for others.
• Cultivate respect and appreciation for the environment.
• Build our staff—many of your counselors started as campers, inspiring the next generation.

To complete registration, the following forms must be submitted:

1. Register your camper via our Active Network portal.
2. Program Participant Waiver | Digital.
3. Photography Permission Form | Digital
4. 2025 Summer Camp Medication Form (if applicable)

All required forms must be completed before the camper’s first day.

Island Camps maintains a 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio to ensure a safe, personalized, and fun camp experience. Each camp is led by trained counselors and a dedicated camp manager.

Our staff includes:

• Handpicked, highly qualified counselors with experience in surf instruction and youth programming.
• Background-checked employees who are CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Annual staff training to ensure the highest safety and instructional standards.

We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. Below are our guidelines for refunds and transfers. All requests must be emailed to info@islandcamps.com.

Cancellation & Payment Policies

At Island Camps, we understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible while maintaining the quality of our programs. Below are our updated guidelines for refunds, transfers, and payments.

All cancellation and transfer requests must be emailed to info@islandcamps.com.

PAYMENTS

• Full Week Registrations: A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your camper’s spot. The remaining balance is due one week before the start of camp.
• Daily Registrations: Full payment is required at the time of registration.

CAMP CANCELLATION REFUND POLICY

• All refunds will incur a 10% processing fee, unless the cancellation is made by Island Camps.
• Cancellations received at least 2 weeks before the camp start date will receive a 90% refund.
• Cancellations received 1 week before the camp start date will receive either a 50% refund or a credit for a future week/day of camp.
• Cancellations received 72 to 24 hours before the camp start date will be offered a credit toward a future camp session.
• If a doctor’s note is provided, Island Camps will issue a 90% refund to the original form of payment.

CAMP TRANSFER ADMINISTRATION FEE POLICY

A $10 transfer fee will apply when rescheduling a missed camp week or day.

How to Transfer a Missed Camp Day

1. Log into Active Camp.
2. Select "Transfer Activity."
3. Pick the campus your child attends
4. Pick the missed date on the calendar.
5. Choose the new date for your child to attend.

Transfer Fee Rules

• $10 per transaction, not per day.
• Multiple days in one transaction = $10 total.
• Separate transactions = $10 fee each time.

Example:
✔ Transfer 3 missed days in one transaction → $10 total.
✘ Transfer each day separately → $10 per transaction.

Island Camps qualifies as a childcare provider for tax purposes. Families may request a Childcare Tax Statement for tax filing. It is the responsibility of each parent or guardian to retain their receipts for tax reporting. For tax documentation, use the following Tax ID Island Surf and Sport: 59-2806478

Parents must walk their child to the welcome desk and sign them in and out each day.

• Drop-off: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
• Pick-up: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Late registrations: Please bring proof of registration to verify enrollment.

Location:

• Deerfield Beach
  Kirk Cottrell Pavilion
  314 NE 21st Ave
  Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Boca Raton - Red Reef Park
  1400 N Ocean Blvd,
  Boca Raton, FL 33432

Camp regular day ends at 3:30 PM (or 5:00 PM for extended care). Families will be charged a late fee if a camper is picked up after 3:30 PM. You can always call us if you are running late and enroll them in extended care for $25 a day or $100 for the week. If you do not pre plan your extended care the following fees will apply.

• First offense: $1 per minute that you are late.
• Second offense & beyond: $2 per minute.
• If a child is not picked up 20 minutes after camp ends and we do not receive communication from the guardian BSO will be contacted.

If you anticipate a late pick-up, text the site manager at 954.281.2797 with the camp location
and camper’s full name.

All campers will enjoy:

• An introduction to the greatest sport on earth.
• CPR and First Aid-certified surf instructors.
• A 6:1 camper-to-staff ratio for a safe and fun learning environment.
• Soft foam surfboards, perfect for all skill levels.
• A BPA-free water bottle (donated by Dr. Pam Orthodontics).

Full-week campers also receive:

• SPF 50 rashguard (lycra surf shirt).
• Island Camps Sports Pack (Friday giveaways from sponsors).
• A professional surf photo to take home.

In addition to surfing, campers will experience a variety of exciting activities that enhance their connection to the ocean, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories. These activities vary by location and may be adjusted due to weather or staffing.

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) – Explore the calm waters and practice balance and coordination.
• Skimboarding – Learn to ride the shore break like a pro.
• Shallow Water Diving.
• Beach soccer and volleyball – Team games designed for fun and friendly competition.
• Sandcastle building – Unleash creativity while constructing epic sandcastles.
• Fishing – Campers will have access to fishing poles and bait for fun shoreline fishing.
• Professional Photoshoot – Capture campers in action with professional surf photography.
• Watermelon & Pizza Party Fridays! – End the week with a celebration!
• Tubing Adventures – When conditions allow, campers will enjoy an exhilarating ride on a towable tube.
• 7-Eleven Field Trip (Deerfield Beach Campers) – A fun mid-week treat to grab a snack and cool off.
• Science Fun (Sand Volcanoes & Ocean Experiments) – Hands-on science activities that educate while entertaining.

While Island Camps primarily operates on the beach, we offer off-site field trips to enhance the camp experience.

Key Field Trip Policies

• Campers must wear shoes at all times.
• A bathing suit cover-up (such as shorts or a skirt) is required for field trips.
• Campers must follow all safety guidelines provided by camp staff and field trip operators.

Deerfield Planned Field Trips Include:

• 7-Eleven Treat Run (Deerfield Beach Campers) – A quick field trip for a snack and hydration break. Campers bring their own money. Parents, please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Fishing – Deerfield Beach walks over to Sullivan Park
• The International Fishing Pier - a quick visit to our city’s beautiful fishing pier where kids can observe the ocean from above.

Boca Raton Planned Field Trips Include:

• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
• Fishing – West entrance of Red Reef Park

Field trips are subject to weather conditions. If a trip is canceled, campers will participate in engaging alternative activities to ensure a great experience.

What Campers Should Bring

• A healthy lunch and two snacks – Please pack enough food to keep your camper energized throughout the day.
• A refillable water bottle – Hydration is key! Water refill stations will be available.
• Sunscreen – Apply before arrival, and pack extra for reapplying throughout the day.
• Swimwear & rashguard – Full-week campers receive a rashguard on Monday.
• Flip-flops or sandals – Easy to slip on and off during beach activities.
• Towel – A must-have for drying off after surf sessions.
• A labeled backpack – Keep all belongings together and easy to identify.
• Hat
• Goggles

Optional Items

Campers may bring personal gear if they prefer to use their own:

• Sunglasses
• Fishing poles

Camp is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items.

Leave It in the Car or at Home

To keep the focus on fun and adventure, campers should leave unnecessary items at home, including:

• Nice jewelry or anything that could get snagged during activities
• Excessive sugary snacks or drink
• Handheld gaming systems & electronics

Let’s unplug, ride the waves, and enjoy the experience!

Prohibited Items That May Lead to Dismissal

• Weapons or ammunition (real or toy)
• Drugs, alcohol, or any illegal substances
• Adult content (digital or printed)
• Clothing with inappropriate imagery or language

Camp reserves the right to determine inappropriate items and take immediate action if.

Check Lost & Found daily —because nothing wipes out good vibes faster than a missing towel, a lone flip-flop, or a pricey water bottle!

• Don’t underestimate the power of a Sharpie and a name! Labeling your camper’s gear helps lost items find their way back faster.
• Check in at the front desk for any items found at camp.
• At the end of each week, staff will send parents a photo of unclaimed lost items via email and text.
• Unclaimed items at the end of summer will be donated or discarded.
• Stay on top of your camper’s gear and keep the adventure going!

To ensure camp remains safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone, campers are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Respect themselves, fellow campers, staff, and camp property.
• Follow safety rules and fully participate in activities.
• Practice good sportsmanship—cheer for others and encourage every effort, even the wipeouts!
• No throwing, kicking, or shaking sand.
• No climbing on lifeguard towers, fences, trees, rooftops, or unauthorized structures.
• No roughhousing, wrestling, or play fighting.
• Campers must remain seated while eating.
• Shoes must be worn during field trips and fishing activities.
• Hydration and sun safety are required throughout the day.
• Restroom breaks require the buddy system, with staff supervising from outside.
• Any behavior that endangers the safety or well-being of campers or staff will not be tolerated.

Discipline & Positive Reinforcement

At Island Camps, discipline is used to teach and reinforce positive behavior, not punish. Our progressive discipline approach helps guide campers toward making better choices.

1. First Infraction – Verbal Warning: Staff will explain the misbehavior and remind the camper of expectations.
2. Second Infraction – 10-Minute Time Out: The camper will take a break from the activity.
3. Third Infraction – Parent Notification: The camper will call their parent to discuss their behavior.
4. Fourth Infraction – Parent Disciplinary Letter: Parents will receive written documentation of the ongoing issue.
5. Severe Behavior – Immediate Removal: If a camper threatens safety, immediate removal from camp is required, and parents will receive a Disciplinary Letter.

How We Handle Discipline

• We praise in public and correct in private—campers will never be publicly shamed.
• Rules and boundaries are clearly stated upfront and consistently enforced.
• Staff model the behavior we expect from campers.
• Positive behavior is encouraged through praise and recognition.
• No physical punishment, verbal abuse, or shaming will ever be used.
• Only paid staff may discipline a child—volunteers are not permitted to enforce consequences.
• All major incidents will be documented through Behavior Reports.

Illness & Contagious Conditions

Sick children should not attend camp. Campers with a fever or contagious condition (e.g., pink eye, ringworm) will not be allowed to participate and must be picked up immediately. A doctor’s note may be required to return.

Head Lice Policy

Campers must be lice- and nit-free to attend camp. If lice are detected, parents will be notified and must pick up their camper. Campers may return 48 hours after treatment, provided they are lice-free.

Minor Injuries

Staff are trained in first aid and will treat minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises. A written record is kept for any injuries requiring first aid, and parents will be notified at pick-up.

Serious Injuries

If a camper experiences a serious injury requiring immediate medical attention, such as a broken bone, deep cut, or head trauma, 911 will be called immediately, and the camper will
be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. A staff member will accompany them and remain until a parent or guardian arrives. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.

Staff are trained in first aid and will assess injuries promptly. Minor injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, will be treated on-site, while more serious incidents will follow emergency procedures to ensure the camper’s safety.

Parent or emergency contact will be notified prior to releasing camper to medical care.

If a camper requires medication during camp hours, parents must complete a Medication Release Form before sending medication to camp. All medications must be in a sealed Ziploc bag and in the original prescription container.

Prescription Medications

• Must be in original packaging with a prescription label.
• Inhalers must have the box or container with the prescription label attached.

Non-Prescription Medications

• Must be in original, labeled packaging.
• Regular OTC medications require a doctor’s prescription label.

EpiPens & Inhalers

Campers with EpiPens or inhalers may keep them on hand. Parents should coordinate with the Camp Manager to determine who will carry the medication.

At the end of each week, a copy of the completed Medication Release Form will be emailed to parents for their records.