FAQs

Q?What time does camp begin/end?
A.

Camp begins at 9:00am and concludes a 4:00pm each day at Craig Regional Park.  Extended Care is available from 7:30am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 5:30pm (additional fees apply).

Q?My child is not a swimmer or strong swimmer. How will they be supervised during swimming times?
A.

A shallow wading area is provided for younger non-swimmers.  All areas are supervised by certified Red Cross Lifeguards and camp counselors.

Q?How much spending money should I send to camp with my child?
A.

Campers will have a chance to purchase snacks at the swimming area Monday through Thursday.  Snacks, candy and drink items can range in price from $0.50-$1.00.

Q?Do I need to pack a lunch for my child?
A.

Campers should bring a lunch each day.  Campers who bring their lunch should use ice packs, if needed, as they will be kept in non-refrigerated areas.  No lunch warming/heating equipment is available. Water will supply water during lunch and throughout the day and a light snack will be provided at break times.

Q?Can my child request to be with a friend?
A.

Yes, many campers will come to Camp Gilligan with a special friend or two.  We are pleased to honor requests for friends of similar gender, age and grade.  Because new friendships are a significant part of the day camp experience, we seek to assemble groups that will allow new friendships to develop.  There may be a two or three year age spread within a group.

Q?What shouldn’t I bring to camp?
A.

Due to the creative and fun activities of camp, we ask that campers do not bring cell phones, MP3 players, Gameboys etc. to camp. If they are brought, counselors will collect them and have them brought to the camp office. Camper can then pick up the item at the end of the day. If your child comes with a cell phone, we will ask that it be turned off and not used. We ask that parents call the camp office if they need to contact their child. The camp cannot be held responsible for damaged or lost items.

Q?What is the dress code?
A.

Campers should wear casual clothes based on that day’s weather; such as, jeans or shorts, t-shirts (camp t-shirt if possible), sneakers are recommended.  Please label additional items with your child’s full name.  Campers clothing must be modest.  Please do not send your child in short shorts, or skirts, overly revealing shirts (ie. spaghetti straps, mesh), or inappropriate slogans.  No undergarments should be visible.  Shoes must not prevent campers from participating in activities.  Boys and girls bathing suits should not be overly revealing (ie. Speedos or bikinis. Girls should wear one piece swim suits during swimming.

Q?What is the cancellation policy?
A.

Tuition will be non-refundable with the exception of a death in the family or an illness accompanied by a note from your physician. There are no refunds for absences, change of sessions or withdrawals after camp starts.

Q?How are staff members selected? What is the ratio of campers to staff?
A.

Camp Gilligan staff is comprised of collegians, graduate students and professionals. Staff members are selected based on Christian maturity, youth work experience, strong communication skills, diverse skills and backgrounds, and zest for life. Candidates undergo an extensive interview, reference checks and criminal background checks prior to hiring. Most staff members are CPR certified, depending on their role.

Counselor/camper ratios are 1:6 or 1:8 max depending on camper ages.

Q?Is Camp Gilligan connected with any other associations?
A.

Camp Gilligan is a member of ACA (American Camping Association) and CCCA (Christian Camp and Conference Association), which provide guidance, resources and networking among camps worldwide. Camp Gilligan is also a member of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

Q?Can I call or visit my child while he or she is at camp?
A.

We ask that parents refrain from visiting or calling your child during the camp sessions. We also request that you do not leave a cell phone with your child during camp as this will hinder their camp experience.

Q?How does Camp Gilligan handle behavioral problems with campers?
A.

We work hard so that every child will develop greater social skills and succeed at camp. Disrespect, mean or violent behavior, including teasing or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.

If discipline problems arise, we handle each conflict on an individual basis. In most cases, a camper will participate in dialogue explaining the inappropriate behavior and receive relevant consequences. Continued misbehavior will result in a contract between the camper, parent, and director. Broken behavior contracts result in the camper going home early from camp with no tuition reimbursement.

Q?What should I bring to camp?
A.

Your child should bring a bathing suit (see dress code), towel, sunscreen, and bagged lunch. Put your child’s name on everything so that items can be returned if they are lost or misplaced.