Summer Camps

What is your cancellation policy?

• If a family needs to move their registration to a different camp session in 2024, a transfer of both the deposit and camp fees will be allowed on a space available basis. Any cost difference will be reimbursed or charged at the time of the transfer.
• If a family needs to cancel their registration, they can do so prior to April 1st and receive a refund of camp fees (not including registration fee). If a camper cannot attend camp due to illness, the balance of their camp fees (not including registration fee) will be refundable after a health care provider’s documentation has been provided. 

What ages of children can come to camp?

Our camps are for ages 2 to 14 years old, with Summer Term courses being up until 18 years of age. Most of our programs run from 9 a.m until 2 p.m. 

Is there an afternoon program?

Yes! We offer an afternoon session of Prowler Adventures from 2 p.m until 5 p.m and AfterCare from 5 p.m until 6 p.m. Pick up your child any time before 6 p.m. There is no carpool line for Extended Day. If you would like to add AfterCare as an option to a previously purchased camp, please contact summerprograms@greensboroday.org. 

Does my child have to be a student at GDS?

ou do not have to be a GDS student to attend summer camps. However, we do offer summer camps that are exclusive to GDS students, including the Jumpstart camps and a select few Summer Term courses.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

We ask that students who are 3 years old and above are fully potty trained. 

What about accessibility and inclusion?

GDS Summer Programs aims to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all campers by providing the widest possible access to our building, exhibitions, events, and programs. While we hope to offer our camps to a many children as possible, it is not possible for us to offer one-on-one care. If your child can benefit from any modification and/or support in order to fully enjoy their time at camp, please contact summerprograms@greensboroday.org 

What should my child bring?

• Snack: Morning and afternoon camps have a snack break. Please send a snack that will provide your child with energy for fun activities!
• Lunch: Please provide a non-refrigerated lunch for your child. Make sure your child’s lunch container is labeled with their name.
• A labeled reusable water bottle.
• Closed-toe shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe footwear, such as sneakers, is extremely important for our campers’ comfort and safety. Shoes with wheels such as Heelys are not permitted in camp.
• Optional: Nap items (for children 4 years old and below), sunscreen, bug spray 
• Don’t Bring: Cell phones, money, and gaming systems.

Why was I waitlisted?

Once a camp is full, families may add themselves to a waitlist. This allows us to ensure we stay within safe staff/child ratios. If a space becomes available, the camp office will contact you. If you are contacted regarding an opening, you will have 24 hours to confirm and complete payment.

Can students bring cell phones?

If a child must bring a cell phone to camp, it is to remain in a book bag out of sight for the duration of camp and lunch. If a camper has the phone out during camp time, they will be reminded to put it away. Excessive reminders will result in the phone being removed until pickup.

What are the staff/camper ratios?

Our specialty camps have a maximum of 20 campers while our camps for ages four and below have a maximum of 16 campers. 

Who are your teachers?

Our teaching staff are active and previous classroom teachers as well as educators from formal and informal backgrounds. All teachers, teaching assistants, and counselors complete a background check.

Pickup and Drop-Off Procedures 

• We use three carpool locations. Camps will be assigned per location for drop-off/pickup based on their camp. Your confirmation email will outline which carpool location to use.
• Drop-off begins at 9 a.m. for morning camps and 2 p.m. for afternoon camps. Signs will be placed outside to direct you to our carpool line.
• When you pull up, provide staff with your camper’s name and their camp name, or place a sign in your car window with this information. A staff member will walk your child to their waiting area.
• The pickup location will be the same as drop-off. To ensure your child’s safety, anyone picking up your child must be listed on their Authorized Pickup List. A staff member will walk your child to your car. Please be patient with the carpool line!

Are you passionate about working with kids, having fun outdoors, and making a difference? Our summer camp is looking for enthusiastic, creative, and energetic individuals to join our team! Whether you're an experienced camp counselor or just looking for an unforgettable summer experience, we have a variety of positions where you can grow, learn, and inspire.

At GDS Summer Camps, we provide a safe, supportive, and exciting environment where both campers and staff can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll help create lasting memories, build meaningful relationships, and be a part of a community that values teamwork and fun.

If you’re ready to spend your summer making an impact while having a blast, we want you on our team! Apply today and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure!

Apply Today