Sometime during the week prior to the start of each program.
Yes, once a program has reached its maximum capacity, students can enroll on the waitlist. When a camper cancels, the next camper on the waitlist will be notified for registration.
You may cancel your registration up to two weeks prior to the program start date and receive a full refund.
Cancellations made between 8-14 days prior to the program start date will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the program start date receive no refund.
Email youthprograms@jmu.edu to request cancellation. No refund will be given for a “no show” or for a cancellation request received the day of or anytime after the start date of the program. Refunds will not be given due to any illness a student may develop while attending a youth program.
For day campers, check-in times and locations are specific to each camp. Instructions will be emailed out sometime during the week prior to the start of each program. Check-out will take place at the same location as check-in unless otherwise noted.
For residential (overnight) campers, information for check-in on the first day of camp will be emailed out sometime during the week prior to the start of camp. Camp-specific dorm assignments, as well as maps and addresses will be included. Check-out will take place at the same location as check-in.
Campers are supervised 24/7 by a team of professional male and female camp assistants, as well as JMU faculty and staff. For residential camps, all camp assistants live in the residence halls and supervise all campers throughout the week.
Camp assistants are JMU graduate and undergraduate students, as well as other local college students, who are vetted through an extensive hiring process that includes interviews, reference checks, criminal background checks, and training relevant to the particular program for which they are hired.
Some full-day programs and all residential programs will eat their meals on campus in our dining facilities and/or have catered meals provided by JMU dining services. Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle that is labeled with their first and last name to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Bringing a nut-free snack is also encouraged.
If your child has special dietary needs, food allergies, etc., please indicate this on the registration form (notification must be given prior to the start of the program).
All schedules are subject to change (and often do). Because so many variables can make a program schedule unpredictable (i.e. weather, etc.), we don't typically provide day camp schedules. However, tentative schedules are provided at check-in for all residential programs.
Cell phones and/or electronic devices offer the best means for campers and parents to keep in touch during the program. Therefore, we do not prohibit cell phones from any program. However, cell phones should not be used during any scheduled programing or activity and should NEVER be a source of disruption while in attendance at the program. Campers should refrain from using cell phones and/or electronic devices (i.e. iPads, ear buds/pods, computers, etc.) during the program they attend unless otherwise authorized. If campers are unable to adhere to this policy, the program staff may confiscate the electronic device until the end of the program.
The James Madison University Police Department is provided with all program information regarding students/staff in attendance, location on campus, etc. prior to the start of every program per JMU policy. JMU PD regularly patrols the campus and surrounding area. There are interior courtesy telephones in buildings, Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA) phones in stairwells, and outdoor emergency “Blue Light” phones across campus that allow instant communication with JMU Police. The dedicated on-campus emergency number is 540-568-6911. For more information, please see the Public Safety website at www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/.
Students/parents must review and sign the Student Code of Conduct. The JMU School Professional & Continuing Education expects each camper to have a successful camp experience. Therefore, the failure of one or a group of campers to meet program expectations will not be permitted to impact negatively on other campers. Disciplinary steps, outlined in Student Code of Conduct, may be omitted or repeated at the discretion of camp staff.
If your camper is interested in attending James Madison University, we highly encourage you to take advantage of your time here! To schedule a campus visit, contact the Office of Admissions at 540-568-5681 or visit their website.
What does the cost of camp include? Camp costs are all-inclusive and cover tuition (i.e. curriculum, instructors/staff, use of classrooms/campus space, etc.), dorm lodging, field trip fee and transportation, meals, and all camp-specific materials and supplies needed for the program.
What clothing does my camper need to bring to camp? During the day there will be a lot of walking, so comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are a must! Also, with the weather being unpredictable, please include a raincoat or umbrella. Additionally, most camps include a trip to UREC, so be sure to pack a swimsuit! We also expect campers to dress as if their own school's dress code were enforced during camp. Summer Honors Institute Only: Please pack at least one nice outfit for the closing ceremony.
What supplies will my camper need in the dorm room? Campers residing in campus residence halls are required to bring their own linens and toiletries. Ideas of what to bring:
Toiletries
Bedding (sheets, blanket for X-long twin or a sleeping bag)
Pillow
Sunscreen
Tennis/running shoes
Bathing suit
Shower shoes
Alarm clock
Bath towel/wash cloth
Snacks for room
Extra cash for snacks, outside food, souvenirs
Books/games (for evening downtime)
Will my camper have access to the internet while at camp? Yes, residential campers can request guest login information when they arrive.
Can my camper request a roommate? Yes! We do accept roommate requests and try our very best to meet them! To request a roommate, please contact us at least one month prior to the start of the program.
What if my camper needs to leave campus during camp? For safety reasons, campers are to remain on campus for the duration of camp unless the program activity requires otherwise. If a camper must leave campus for any reason, we must have prior written permission from the parent/guardian. Any camper found off-campus without permission will be required to call home to speak with their parent/guardian directly and may be dismissed from camp immediately at the discretion of camp staff. There will be no refunds for any camper dismissed from the program for this reason.
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