Please notify the SS-ROV Camp Staff in writing by email if, after registering your child, your plans change and your child won’t be able to attend. Depending on the date of notice and the reason for cancellation, some, all or none of the fee may be refunded.

Before camp begins:
If a written cancellation is received by email at least 30 days prior to the start of camp, the total amount paid minus $50 will be refunded. If written cancellation is received by email between 10 and 29 days prior to the camp start date, up to one half of the registration fee will be refunded; however, if we are able to fill the spot from our wait list, the total amount paid minus $75 will be refunded. If a written cancellation is received by email in less than 10 days prior to start of camp, no refund will be given. The only exception to this no refund policy is in the case of a family or medical emergency. We require an explanation and documentation along with your cancellation request before we can refund the total amount paid minus $75.

After camp begins:
There will be no pro-rated registration fees for late starts or departures once camp begins, including for vacation plans. For family and medical emergencies, a written justification is required, and requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Any dismissal due to behavioral issues/misconduct will result in a forfeiture of 100% of the participant’s registration fees.

Minimum enrollment requirements:
SS-ROV Camp offers space for up to 24 students per session. The camp needs a minimum of 12 students per session in order to be sustainable. If less than 12 students enroll in a particular session, it will be cancelled and parents/guardians will be notified immediately. Space in any available, alternative session would then be offered. Beyond that, those affected and not re-enrolled will be refunded the original registration amount in full. We will make every effort to avoid cancellation and do apologize for any inconvenience this scenario might cause.

The SS-ROV Camp curriculum will engage campers, but all campers are encouraged to be at their best behavior to enhance their own learning experience and that of others. We recognize that the camp occurs during summer months and some campers may be inclined to have a looser attitude toward adhering to camp objectives. That, unfortunately, would not only be disruptive to the goals of the course and the enjoyment of the camp by others, but it can also compromise the safety of fellow campers. Thus, in order that our message is very clear – and in the interest of providing a great learning experience and keeping everyone safe – each session will begin with an orientation that will outline expectations for behavior.

The Behavior Basics:

• Listening! The first rule of safety is to listen to the staff and interns. They are trained to make sure that campers have what they need, understand what to do, and ensure everyone stays safe. Listening to instructions and being able to ask for help when needed can only happen when there is cooperation among all.
• Teamwork! The more complex the activities get, the more important it is for teams to work together. Sharing ideas, collaborating, and building together – it’s all part of what scientists and engineers do everyday.
• Respect! Physical space, personal items and course materials all need to be respected in order for the SSROV Camp to be a good learning environment. Campers need to feel safe; they need to know their space and possessions will be respected. This will allow the campers to relax, concentrate, and have fun with the projects.
• Awareness! While at Camp, take a look around you. Are you where you are supposed to be? By being aware, you are more likely to 1) maintain good communication and collaboration with your teammates, 2) stay on track with activities, 3) learn more, and 4) stay safe! No wandering off!

Dismissal policy:

Dismissal from camp due to misconduct, although rare, can happen with repeated disruptive, unsafe or disrespectful actions.

To ensure that each student enjoys camp in the safest environment possible, all camp Staff members and Interns are required by the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pass a criminal background check and an online course offered b the Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Office at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The online course is based on UAF’s Protection of Minors Policy and instructs personnel how to respond if a child has been endangered by neglect or abuse.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: we are prepared!

We require all staff members and interns to be certified by the American Red Cross in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid*.  Camp personnel know how to provide immediate care in cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies until advanced medical personnel arrive.

Red Cross-approved first aid kits are present during camp. Each staff member and intern has a list of emergency numbers appropriate for the venue.

Parents will be notified immediately using the phone number provided if there is an emergency situation.

*Red Cross First Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training and certification meets the needs of workplace responders, professional rescuers, school staff, professional responders and healthcare providers, as well as the general public.  All course options align with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Can my child be partnered with a friend?
If your child wants to be partnered with a friend or friends while at SS-ROV camp, please let us know at the first day of the camp and we will do our best to accommodate your camper’s request.

Is there extended day care for my child?
SS-ROV Camps run from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Level II Camps) or from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Level I Camps). Staff and Interns arrive at 8:00 AM to prepare and leave at 5:00 PM after cleanup. We appreciate the difficulty in getting children to camps while upholding a job, therefore we offer extended hours for most Level I camps. For an additional fee of $100 per child, per camp, we will accommodate children attending Level I camps arriving at 8:30 AM and leaving at 4:30 PM.

Can my child come late, can I pick up my child early or can my child skip a day of camp?
Because of the modular nature of the camp, a child can miss part of a day and still have the background to finish the remaining modules and activities. However, it is best if the child is there in the morning to understand the broader scope of the activities and how they fit within the science theme.

Can I see what my child is doing?
DEFINITELY, and it is encouraged. We encourage all parents to come early to see what their child is doing. From 4:00 to 4:30 PM every day, Level II campers will be completing journals and picking up after the last module. This is a perfect time to engage your child and have them explain what they did and why. Additionally, we will give the campers homework, mainly as a means to have dialogues with their parents and siblings, highlighting the activities that the campers completed during the day. We also encourage Level II Camp parents to attend presentations on Friday starting at 3:00 PM.

What precautions do you take to ensure that my child is safe at camp?
SS-ROV Camp staff and interns have extensive safety training prior to employment. All staff possess current CPR/First Aid certifications, are screened through criminal background checks. Campers are under constant supervision, and our ratio of staff to camper is at least 1:6. For more information please see the safety section.

Does my child need to bring a lunch?
Your child needs to bring a lunch to camp. Make sure any food allergies are listed on the medical form.

Do I need to provide my child any special personal equipment for camp?
SS-ROV provides all of the materials and equipment that the camper needs. However, we will have activities outside that involve water. A dry shirt may make the day more comfortable should it get wet.

What to Bring:

• Lunch and snacks
• Sunscreen and raincoat – many activities take place outdoors

What not to Bring:

• No electronics please. The one exception is cameras (or phones with cameras, if necessary).
• Weapons of any kind: knives, firearms, etc.
• Fireworks, matches/lighters or any hazardous materials
• Alcohol or tobacco, in any form
• Non-prescription (illegal) drugs, drug paraphernalia
• Chewing gum
• Cash
• Anything you or your camper wouldn’t want to get ruined