Camp Policies
Please read the following policies prior to registering your child for camp. During the registration process, you will be asked to check a waiver box indicating that you have read, understand, and agree to the policies listed below. Thank you!
Payment is due at the time of registration. If you need to make alternate arrangements, please contact us at camp@oxbow.org prior to registering.
Oxbow is happy to offer a community-funded sliding scale program. At checkout, there will be options to either slide up or down from the camp’s valued cost. If none of the option work for your family, don’t let this keep you from experiencing camp! Reach out to us before registering at camp@oxbow.rog.
Only one coupon discount may be applied during registration.
Oxbow Members: To receive your 10% Member Discount on your total Camp registration cost, please ensure that you are signed in to your Oxbow account. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout. If you need a reminder of your login info, please reach out to us at members@oxbow.org.
If you choose to cancel or leave a camp session for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible camp@oxbow.org or call the OxEd Camp Cell Phone at 425-419-6068. Our refund policy is as follows:
Cancellation made 15 or more days prior to the camp session start date: Oxbow will retain $75 per registered camper for administration and processing fees; the remainder will be refunded within 7-14 days of the cancellation.
Cancellation 14 days or less prior to the camp session starting date through camp start date: Oxbow is unable to offer any refunds or credits.
After the camp session has begun, if an extreme unforeseen circumstance or hardship causes a camper to miss two or more days of camp, Oxbow will decide on a case by case basis whether to refund the per diem camp fee for missed days of camp. Oxbow is unable to offer refunds for a single or partial missed day.
In the past, we’ve enjoyed spending camp days outside rain and shine, only retreating to the barn in rare instances of lightning. Our indoor spaces are unable to accommodate campers long-term, and with the increased threat of summer wildfire smoke in Western Washington, it is necessary to have an updated plan in place to ensure the safety of our campers and staff.
Smoke/Air Quality
Before and throughout camp sessions, Oxbow Staff will consult the Washington Department of Ecology website for updates on air quality, as well as forecasts from the NOAA & National Weather Service website. If Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at our on-site air quality monitoring station (accessible on the PurpleAir website, station ID: Oxbow Lake) reach 150 or above, or if our specific Snoqualmie Valley site conditions are deemed unsafe for staff and campers by the Director, we will reach out to all families, first via email then via phone call, by 8:00AM to cancel camp for the day. If your child has additional health concerns or sensitivities and must be withheld from camp, please let us know as soon as possible.
Extreme Heat
Staff will also be closely monitoring the weather forecast for extreme heat that may occur during programming. We will use the US National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for Carnation, WA to plan ahead, and Oxbow has several thermometers on site, including an alcohol thermometer in the shade in the living playground that we can use to measure real-time conditions and make modifications to programming accordingly. If the forecasted temperature is predicted to be (or reaches) 89 degrees or above, we may make modifications to the program, including taking extra measures to ensure the safety of the campers and participants (reduced activity levels, more frequent water/cooling breaks, more frequent shade/rest breaks), and may shorten or adjust the program schedule. We will make sure to inform you of any modifications that would impact program schedule or logistics as soon as possible. Because Oxbow has limited areas with shade or covered spaces with cool airflow, at the Executive Director’s discretion a site-wide closure may be instituted if temperatures reach 92 degrees or above.
Flood
Due to Oxbow’s location directly on the banks of the Snoqualmie river, we are subject to regular flooding during certain times of the year. While these events typically occur during the winter, they can occur at any time of the year. Fortunately, we have plenty of warning before most flood events occur, and regularly monitor the Carnation river gauge station via the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance’s Floodzilla website. Any levels above 50 feet may cause flooding that impacts the farm or makes roads to and from the farm impassable, and could result in closure of the site to staff and/or the public until the waters recede to safe levels. If flooding is predicted for your program, we will contact you as soon as possible and inform you of our plans, which may include cancellation and/or adjustment to the program schedule.
Refunds due to Acts of Nature
If two or more camp days are cancelled due to smoke, flood, fire, air-quality concerns, or severe weather, we will offer a refund for the total number of cancelled days, at 50% of the per diem rate. These conditions pose a huge threat to outdoor recreation, agriculture, and environmental organizations, and we are grateful for your support and understanding.
If you choose to cancel or leave a camp session for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible at camp@oxbow.org or call the Camp Cell Phone at 425-419-6068.
Our staff will regularly monitor community COVID-19 activity and transmission rates, as well as local/regional health system readiness based on the King County Department of Health’s Covid-19 Outbreak Dashboard. We will implement policies and procedures based on recommendations from local health organizations and will communicate any changes as they happen. Oxbow has and will continue to prioritize policy that minimizes the potential for exposure to Covid-19 and other communicable illnesses for campers and staff, while preserving the integrity and value of the camp experience and activities. As an outdoor-based day camp, most of our activities are conducted outside, or in well-ventilated spaces, and in areas where social distancing is easy to facilitate.
Our full COVID-19 Health & Safety guidelines and policies for guests (including campers) who will be on-site at Oxbow are available here.
Our counselors are trained in helping campers make friends, but we will also honor group requests as possible. Here’s how you can help ensure your camper is grouped with one or two of their friends or family members:
- When making group requests, please ensure that the request is going to be the best fit for your camper. Camp groups are primarily established based on age, which aims to provide engaging and developmentally appropriate programming. Requested camper “buddies” should be within 1-2 years of age.
- Group requests will be honored ONLY if both parties list each other as requests.
- Requests must be received at least one week prior to the camp start date
- We are unable to guarantee placement/transfer into a preferred camp group for week- or day-of requests.
- Please note that we’re unable to guarantee group requests with more than two campers. Our camp is designed to foster an environment that encourages campers to make new friends, while also maintaining relationships with all their other friends at camp.
Photographs and video that represent our educational programs, events, and work help tell the story of Oxbow’s mission and introduce new participants to our programs. We ask for your support by agreeing to the photo waiver within the online registration form, helping us to share our work and mission with more people.
By agreeing to the photo/video release, you grant permission for Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center to capture still or motion picture images of yourself/your child and/or audio recordings of you/your child’s voice while participating in Oxbow programs or events for use on our website, promotional/marketing or outreach purposes, including but not limited to electronic or print materials, or print or broadcast media.
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center will never sell still/motion picture images or audio recordings to parties beyond the organization.
Oxbow prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of our campers. All camp staff are CPR & First Aid certified, have passed a background check, and always carry a first aid kit, radio, and cell phone in case of emergency. Additionally, all camp staff receive training in early childhood development and emotional wellness to ensure that every camper receives the support they need.
Please note: our camp staff will work with each camper to ensure they have a successful camp experience; however, we are not able to provide constant one-on-one adult support. If your camper needs one-on-one support during camp, a trusted adult helper is invited to attend camp with your child! Please let us know what your camper needs and/or make arrangements by emailing camp@oxbow.org.
All injuries and behavioral incidents will be clearly communicated to parents/guardians, and a detailed response plan is in place for on-farm emergencies, which include weather/environmental threats, any accident requiring use of CPR/First Aid, and injuries requiring a visit to a hospital. Our online registration forms include space for you to alert us to specific concerns, allergies, or needs. Please contact us if you have any questions about specific needs. We will do our best to accommodate.
If your child is carrying an epi-pen for anaphylaxis, Benadryl, or other medications, please notify your group leader (and your child) about where that medication is kept. Please note: if your child has experienced anaphylaxis in the past, they MUST carry a current epinephrine device and Benadryl in an outside, accessible pocket of their backpack.
Any and all medications (inhalers, etc) that your child may need should be packed safely in their backpack. Make sure that your child is aware of the location of these important medical devices or medications.
Please see our Cancellation and Refund policies above if your child experiences a minor injury during or outside of camp that takes them away from their camp session for more than a day.
Click here to review your Oxbow Camp Medical Waiver. During the camp registration process, you will be asked to electronically sign this document. This will be done by checking a box after having a chance to read and review the waiver.
Our immunization policy reflects the Washington State public schools and childcare facilities policy on immunizations/vaccinations. Required vaccinations are listed below. Campers with religious or medical exceptions must submit proof of exception to the Camp Director prior to the start of camp. Measles (MMR) vaccination is required and not eligible for exemption as per WA state law. For more information on how to submit your proof of exception for other listed vaccinations, please contact camp@oxbow.org. Please visit https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/schools/immunization for more information on Washington State immunization/vaccination requirements for public schools and childcare facilities.
Immunizations required by schools and childcare facilities should be up to date. These include:
(1) Chickenpox (Varicella);
(2) Diphtheria;
(3) German measles (Rubella);
(4) Haemophilus influenzae type B disease;
(5) Hepatitis B;
(6) Measles (Rubeola);
(7) Mumps;
(8) Pneumococcal disease;
(9) Polio (Poliomyelitis);
(10) Tetanus; and
(11) Whooping cough (Pertussis).
Full disclosure of your child’s medical, emotional and behavioral status upon registration is required in order for us to create the most enjoyable, safe and harmonious camp experience for your child and for all campers. Our capacity to work with a wide range of challenges is significant, but we can only do so when we have all of the information. Nondisclosure of medical, psychological or behavioral challenges may result in a child being sent home from camp mid-week without refund. This information is confidential and will only be shared with our educational staff members.
Please note: our camp staff will work with each camper to ensure they have a successful camp experience; however, we are not able to provide constant one-on-one adult support. If your camper needs one-on-one support during camp, a trusted adult helper is invited to attend camp with your child at no additional cost. Please let us know what your camper needs and/or make arrangements by emailing camp@oxbow.org
Oxbow asks parents and guardians to be open communicators and share the following safety expectations with their campers: Safety Expectations
- Only wade in water in pre-approved areas up to knee height
- Climb trees no higher than the camper’s head height
- Wait to be invited before harvesting and tasting plants
- Stay with the group at all times
- Keep closed-toe shoes on at all times, even while wading
- Exercise safety with rocks and sticks
Certain areas of Oxbow will be off-limits. Camp Staff will address any safety-related concerns as they become apparent.
Oxbow Camp leaders work with camp groups to establish a group contract at the beginning of each week that is specific to their group dynamics and group needs, but the behaviors that we expect from every camper to ensure a safe and fun camp experience for everyone can be read here.
In the case that Camp staff must reinforce expectations and boundaries, we will utilize a three-warning system to give campers the opportunity to improve their behavior. You can read more about the specifics of our three-warning system here.
Some behaviors will not be tolerated during camp and will warrant immediate removal from camp, with no refund. Behaviors that will not be tolerated include:
- Abusive behavior. This includes behavior that puts the camper’s own safety and/or the safety of others at risk physically or mentally, including bullying, fighting, throwing/hitting with objects, and verbal abuse
- Group/gang bullying
- Intentional or inappropriate invasion of privacy during restroom use, changing clothing, or other private moments
- Derogatory statements about social status, religion, national origin, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance, intelligence, habits, hobbies, school performance, physical size, ability, appearance, and similar personal subjects
Parents will be communicated with daily via email and in-person with updates on the activities and experiences their campers had. Please allow for a few extra moments during camper check-out to talk briefly with your camp instructor – they may not have much to report, but this is an important opportunity to connect with your campers’ instructor about how their day went, to share triumphs and challenges, and to ensure that your camper is supported in the ways they need. If you are carpooling, the person who is signing the camper out should be prepared to check in.
We ask that parents support the effort to keep campers safe. If you hear about a concerning incident, please make sure your group leader or camp director is immediately made aware of the incident by emailing camp@oxbow.org or by calling the Camp Cell phone: 425-419-6068.
If a camper requires one-on-one staff attention for more than 50% of the camp day, they may be asked to stay home or bring an adult helper.
Wednesday is a cut-off day, meaning if a camper’s behavior prompts the need for constant redirection, pulls staff resources/attention away from the group, or has created safety concerns for other campers or families, the camper will be sent home after Wednesday regardless of whether or not three warnings were issued on that day. Oxbow staff will ensure that parents are made aware of this possibility and are given adequate information and time to support their camper’s behavior improvement. Sending a camper home from camp is a last resort.
Oxbow’s camps aim to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive place for all campers and their families, and if that environment is compromised by a camper, staff, or volunteer, we will address the issue to the best of our abilities. Becoming an inclusive and anti-discriminatory organization is a journey, and we appreciate your understanding, support, and allyship in this continued effort. We will be receptive to your feedback and concerns.
In order to be as inclusive and equitable as possible during camp, we’ll work with your campers to ensure that diversity is valued and that campers receive the support they need during a camp week. This might take the form of:
- Group agreements that emphasize treating people well in terms of our differences
- Using pronouns or nicknames that are appropriate for someone’s gender identity
- Storytelling that may have same-gender protagonists in a relationship
- Normalizing appropriate exploration and natural curiosity around these topics
- Group reflection and discussions on these topics