Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/summer-camp/get-ready-camp
10/29/2025 3:37 pm

children playing with a colorful parachute at summer camp

Get Ready For Camp

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Jump To:

 
Age & Registration Positive Behavior Camper Expectations Dress for Success What to Bring (and Leave at Home) Food Health & Wellness Inclusion & Support Participant Pick-up Field Trips Safety & Supervision Communication & Questions

Welcome! We’re so glad your camper is joining us for a summer of fun and new friendships. Here’s what to know before camp – quick reminders to help your camper have the best experience possible.

Age & Registration

  • Campers must be within the camp’s age range as of August 31 of the current year.
  • Full-day camps require campers to have completed kindergarten and be age-eligible.
  • Proof of age and kindergarten completion may be requested to confirm eligibility.

Positive Behavior

We believe in kindness, encouragement, and positive choices!

  • Staff use praise, clear expectations, and redirection to guide behavior.
  • Parents and staff work together if ongoing participant challenges arise.
  • Serious or unsafe behaviors (fighting, bullying, vandalism, weapons, etc.) may result in suspension or removal without refund.

Camper Expectations

Campers help make camp great when they:

  • Stay with their group and follow directions.
  • Use respectful language and actions.
  • Try new things with a positive attitude!

Parents/Guardians help make camp great when they:

  • Partner with staff to help create a great experience for their camper.
  • Encourage their camper to try new things with a positive attitude!
  • Read and understand camp policies and procedures.

Dress for Success

  • Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for active play.
  • Swimsuits should provide full coverage and stay securely in place during active play and swim activities.
  • Avoid flip-flops, foam shoes, or clothing that is revealing or has inappropriate messages.

What to Bring (and Leave at Home)

  • Pack a lunch, a refillable water bottle, and snacks as noted in your camp info.
  • No electronic devices or personal items unless approved.
  • Raleigh Parks is not responsible for lost or broken items.
  • Label all personal items.
  • All fieldtrip fees are covered, campers do not need to bring money for snacks or spending.

Food

  • Pack lunches and snacks that can stay fresh at room temperature; insulated lunch bags are recommended.
  • All food should be ready to eat; microwaves and refrigerators are not available.
  • Campers may not share food or drinks with others, siblings included.
  • Store-bought items can be brought to share with the group. They must be unopened and include ingredient labels. Please notify staff at least 24 hours in advance if you plan to bring food for everyone.
  • Let camp staff know about any food allergies or dietary needs so we can plan accordingly.
  • Food delivery services (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats) are not allowed during camp hours.

Health & Wellness

  • Please keep campers home if they’ve had a fever of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious conditions or symptoms within the past 24 hours.
  • Please keep campers home if they have a physical injury that does not allow them to participate in camp activities safely.
  • Campers who become ill will rest in a supervised area until pick-up.
  • Report any medical needs or allergies before camp begins so we can prepare appropriate support.
  • If a participant needs to take medication during program hours- please notify the camp staff as there will be additional forms to complete. 

Inclusion & Support

Raleigh Parks welcomes all participants! If your camper may benefit from program modifications or medical support, please contact Inclusion Services (919-996-2147) at least 14 days before the program start date.

Participant Pick-up

  • Authorized persons are required to have a Raleigh Parks current year key tag or photo ID to pick up participants.
  • Notify staff of anyone new picking up your child.
  • Late pick-ups (after camp closing) may incur fees and could affect future participation.

Field Trips

  • Don’t forget your Raleigh Parks camp t-shirt! (applicable camps only)
  • Buses depart on schedule - please arrive early!
  • Parents arriving after departure may transport their child to the trip location.
  • No refunds for missed field trips.

Safety & Supervision

  • Visitors are not permitted in camp programs.
  • Personal care (including toileting & dressing) must be done independently by the participant.
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray before drop-off and pack it for reapplication. Encourage your child to stay hydrated and wear a hat. For safety, campers must complete and pass a Raleigh Parks swim test to swim without a life jacket. Campers who do not take the test or do not pass it will wear life jackets during water activities.  *For applicable camps.
  • Raleigh Parks facilities are open to everyone during program hours. Camp programming and participants have their own space, and staff ensure things run smoothly. 

Communication & Questions

We’re here to help!

  • Email camp.registration@raleighnc.gov for registration, withdrawal, payment, waitlist, and authorized pick up questions.
  • Contact your camp location for site-specific questions or support.

Supported Services

 
Summer Camp
Back to Parks and Recreation
Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Related Services:
Summer Camp

Subscribe