Camp Evergreen

What are Camp’s Operational Hours?

Camp’s normal operational hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3:55 pm. Extended hours are available (see the section on extended day for more details).

What age groups do you serve?

Admission to camp is based on grade level most recently completed in school. Camp serves children who have just finished Kindergarten to the 8th grade. 

What should my child bring to camp?

Bathing suit and towel

We suggest that your child come to camp already dressed in their bathing suit under their clothes.

Lunch in an insulated bag

Lunches are kept in the child cubby in their cabin. Keep in mind that peanut butter is allowed at camp. If your child has a peanut allergy, please contact the office and discuss this matter with the director. 

Snacks

Camp Evergreen provides snacks for campers in Unit 1 and for campers signed up for afternoon extended day. All other campers must bring their own snacks. We do not have a designated snack time for campers in Units 2 and 3 however campers are allowed fetch snacks from their bags during counselor lead activities. 

Reusable Water Bottle

Water bottle filling stations are located around camp. We also serve bug juice in the canteen each afternoon. 

A change of clothes

Please place clothes in separate bag labeled with your child's name

Raincoat/waterproof jacket, extra sweatshirt for rainy days.

Clearly label items sent to camp with your child’s name. This includes all clothing, shoes, hats, knapsacks, and eyeglasses. Your child is responsible for all items brought to camp. 

DO NOT SEND money, cell phones, radios, electronics, stuffed animals, cameras, pokemon cards, expensive jewelry, or any other valuable items.

Campers are strictly prohibited from bringing the following : pets or outside animals (unless approved by the director), drugs, alcohol, weapons (including knives). Camp Evergreen reserves the right to search campers’ personal belongings if possession of illegal substances or weapons is suspected.

What should my child wear to camp?

Send your child to camp in comfortable clothing made for play (trust us, they will get dirty!) We require children to wear closed toe shoes at camp. Flip flops and sandals may only be worn to and from the pool area. 

Please do not send your child in with any valuable Jewlery. If your child's ears are pierced, we recommend they wear studs as opposed to dangly earrings. 

Please dress your child for the conditions of the day. You may want to dress them in layers if it is cooler or rainy. We are outside RAIN or SHINE!

And don't forget: EVERY FRIDAY IS CRAZY DRESS UP DAY!

Cell Phone Policy:

Camp Evergreen has a strict no cell phone policy for both staff and campers. This policy includes smart watches and all connected devices. If your child is found with a cell phone, it will be confiscated and kept up in the office until the end of the day. If you need to contact your child for any reason, please do so through the office.

Sunscreen Policy:

At Camp Evergreen, we prioritize your child’s safety, including protection from the sun’s rays. While we do not provide sunscreen, most parents apply waterproof sunscreen to their child before the camp day begins.

If you’d like sunscreen to be reapplied during the day, please send a labeled bottle of sunscreen with your camper. Please Note that we do not allow aerosol spray sunscreen for safety reasons.

Sunscreen Application at Evergreen:

-Campers will have designated times after swim and during lunch to reapply sunscreen.

-Our staff is happy to assist younger campers with sunscreen application.

-Older campers will be encouraged to apply sunscreen independently, with guidance if needed.

- If you would like sunscreen to be reapplied more frequently, please contact the office so we can get the message out to your child's counselor. 

In addition to sunscreen, we recommend sending your child with other sun protection gear such as sunhats, UV protective clothing, and sunglasses.

Bug Spray and Tick Prevention:

-Accepted Forms: Bug repellent must be roll-on, wipes, cream, or stick type (no sprays).

-Labeling: Clearly label the repellent with your child’s name.

-Storage: All bug repellents will be kept in the nurse’s office for safety.

Tick Awareness and Prevention: We take every precaution to minimize the risk of tick bites during camp activities. Counselors perform regular visual tick checks, especially after hikes and canoe trips.

If a camper is bitten by a tick the camper will be taken to the nurse. The tick will be carefully removed. The area where the tick was found will be marked, and parents will be promptly notified.

Your child’s health and safety are always our top priority as they explore and enjoy the great outdoors!

 

 

Can my child bring in personal sports equipment?

Yes. Outdoor sports equipment, such as fishing rods, bats, hockey/lacrosse sticks, or archery equipment may be brought to camp, and will be stored in the locked cabin of the corresponding specialist when not in use. Archery equipment must include signed permission slip available at the office. Baseball gloves may be kept in the camper’s cubby.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) for boating and canoeing must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. Camp Evergreen reserves the right to reject any PFD that does not meet our standards. Parents will be contacted immediately if it is determined that the PFD does not fit properly or is not in serviceable condition.

 

Medication :

Our Camp Nurse cannot dispense any medicine sent from home, prescription or
non-prescription, to a child without the following :

• A signed and completed Medical History Form. This is to be completed during the registration process.

• A completed Authorization to Administer Medication to a Camper Form. This form, signed by the parent, gives permission to Camp Evergreen’s nurse to administer the medication.

The name of the medicine, dosage, dates and time of day that medicine is to be given should be clearly indicated. All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be in their original containers.

Prescription medications must have the pharmacyabel. If your child must take medications daily, have your pharmacist make up two containers so that we can keep the medicine with the container in the nurse’s office for as long as needed.

Please send a separate note to your child’s counselor, indicating the time your child should report to the nurse’s office for medicine.

What if my child is injured at camp?

All injuries will be reported and treated by the nurse, according to the Camp Evergreen general procedures for specific injuries. In the event of an injury, the camper’s parent(s) will be contacted by the nurse, secretary or director. Notification will be immediate in serious or emergency situations. If a non-life-threatening injury occurs, the camper’s parent(s) will pick up the child at camp and bring them to the hospital or their physician. If the parent(s) cannot be reached, the director will determine if camp needs to transport the camper to the hospital or call for emergency services.

It is the director’s responsibility to report serious injury, in-patient hospitalization, and/or death of a camper or staff person to The Board of Health. It is the camp nurse’s responsibility to call or send a note informing parents whenever first aid is administered to their children, including time frame and documentation.

Alternate Pick-Up:

All parents are requested to list an “alternate pick-up person” on the parent questionnaire. Parents MUST notify the office when the alternate is picking up their child. The alternate will then need to sign out the child in the office or extended day area.

If a person picking up your child is NOT on the alternate list, please notify us in writing via email with the person's name, relationship to the child, and contact information. 

Only a parent/legal guardian may designate an alternate. Camp Evergreen reserves the right to request I.D. from any person picking up a child. Under no circumstances will we accept the word of an alternate that they have been sent to pick up a camper.

 

Early Pick-Up/Late Drop Off:

Parents must sign in the camper in the office if they are dropped off late. Early pickups must be signed out in the office. Please notify the office via email at least two hours before you will be picking up your child.

Extended Day:

Extended day hours are 8 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 5:45 pm. Pre-registration for extended day is priced weekly. Drop-in Extended day is available for the price of $20 per child for either morning or afternoon extended day. If you would like to use the drop in option, please notify the office ahead of time and submit the drop in extended day form along with payment. 

Late charges begin at 5:50 pm; they are $20 for the first 15 minutes, and $5.00 for each additional 10 minutes, payable by check or cash at the time of pick up to the extended day counselor.

Swim Program:

At Camp Evergreen, we prioritize safety, skill development, and fun in our aquatic activities. Our pool is staffed by trained lifeguards and Pool director.  Each group has the opportunity to swim at least once a day in our large inground pool. The first portion of the swim period is instruction where campers can learn the basic strokes and gain confidence in and around the water. The second portion of the swim period is free swim to practice and just have fun!

Swim Test:

At the beginning of each session, Camp Evergreen lifeguards conduct the Camp Evergreen Swim Test for every camper before entering the pool. This assessment ensures that each camper is placed in an appropriate swimming group based on their individual abilities.

The Swim Test consists of the following components:

1. Entering/Exiting the Pool: Campers will enter the designated swim area under the guidance of our lifeguards, demonstrating their comfort with entering and exiting the water safely.
2. Fully Submerging: Campers will fully submerge themselves in the water, demonstrating their confidence and ability to immerse themselves completely.
3. Swimming Back and Forth: Campers will swim back and forth across the pool without touching the pool floor, showcasing their endurance and stroke ability. Campers must be able to demonstrate rythmic breathing while performing a stroke with alternating arm action. 
4. Treading Water: Campers will demonstrate their ability to tread water effectively, maintaining their position in the water for 1 minute.
5. Floating on Back: Campers will be asked to float on their backs

Swim Levels:

Based on their performance, campers will be assigned to one of three skill levels and given a corresponding wrist band:

RED - Non-Swimmer:

Campers who are still learning the basics of swimming or are not yet comfortable in deeper water will be classified as non-swimmers. These campers will receive focused instruction and support to build confidence and develop essential water safety skills. Non-swimmers are restricted to swimming in our “shallow end” of 3 ft depth and are not permitted in our “deep end”

YELLOW - Beginner Swimmer:

Campers who demonstrate basic swimming abilities, such as floating, kicking, and basic strokes, will be classified as beginner swimmers. In this group, campers will receive structured instruction tailored to their skill level to improve their technique and advance their swimming proficiency. Beginner swimmers are restricted to swimming in our “shallow end” of 3 ft depth and middle lane of 4 ft depth. Beginner swimmers are not permitted in our “deep end” unless accompanied by a lifeguard for specific activities. 

GREEN - Deep End Swimmer:

Campers who exhibit strong swimming skills and confidence in deeper water will be classified as deep end swimmers. These campers are proficient in various strokes, comfortable swimming in deep water, and may have experience with diving or other advanced swimming techniques. They will have the opportunity to further refine their skills and participate in more challenging aquatic activities. Deep end swimmers are permitted to swim the entire pool, including the “deep end” of 10 ft depth.

Campers may re test at any point to earn the next swim band.

Discipline Policy :

At Camp Evergreen, we are committed to providing a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every camper has the opportunity to thrive. Our approach to discipline is rooted in understanding, collaboration, and a shared goal of helping all campers have a successful camp experience.

Our Approach:

We recognize that each camper is unique and may require different levels of guidance to fully enjoy their time at camp. To support this, we work closely with parents, guardians, and staff to develop tailored solutions that promote positive behavior and ensure a fun, safe experience for everyone.

Steps we take:

1. Observation and Intervention

   • If a camper struggles to adhere to camp rules, counselors will observe and address the situation directly and constructively. This may involve gentle redirection or discussing the camper’s feelings and behavior in a private, supportive setting.

2. Communication with Parents

   • If the behavior persists, parents or guardians will be contacted to discuss the camper’s challenges. Together, we will explore strategies and create a plan to help the camper succeed.

3. Individual Support Plan

   • A specific plan will be implemented to address the camper’s needs. This may include additional check-ins with staff, designated breaks, or other accommodations designed to support the camper’s adjustment to camp life.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

   • Staff will closely monitor the camper’s progress and communicate regularly with parents to ensure consistency and success

Persistent Challenges: If the camper’s behavior continues to disrupt the camp environment or jeopardizes the safety or well-being of others, despite our best efforts and collaboration with parents, further steps will be taken, which may include:

-Temporary removal from activities to regroup.

-A final review with parents and leadership to determine the best course of action.

-In some cases, dismissal from camp may be necessary if all other options have been exhausted.

Prohibited Behaviors:To maintain a safe and respectful environment for all, certain behaviors are not tolerated under any circumstances, including:

-Drug, Alcohol, or Tobacco Use: Possession or use of these substances is strictly prohibited.

-Fighting or Physical Aggression: Any form of physical harm or threatening behavior toward others.

-Foul Language and Rude Behavior: Disrespectful language, verbal abuse, or actions that disrupt the positive atmosphere of camp.

-Wandering or Leaving Designated Areas: Campers are expected to remain with their group or in supervised areas at all times for their safety.

-Bullying or Harassment: Any behavior that intimidates, demeans, or harms another camper or staff member.

These actions compromise the safety and well-being of the camp community and will result in immediate intervention. There will be no refund or tuition reduction for the time lost due to behavioral problems.

 

Absentees :

Report absentees to camp as soon as possible via Phone or email. If you have signed up for transportation, please notify your driver at his/her given phone number. If your child is absent for 3 or more consecutive days without notification, a member of our staff will contact you. Tuition is not refunded for any absences.

Sick Camper/Mild Illness Policy :

If your child has a temperature or has contracted a communicable virus, your child will not be allowed to participate at camp. If a child shows up to camp ill, s/he will be sent to the nurse’s office and his/her parents will be called to come pick them up as soon as possible. If a child is out for 5 or more consecutive days due to illness and verification via a doctor’s note is given, your child will be allowed to make up this time during another camp session provided there is availability. In the event your child shows symptoms of illness, s/he will be brought to the nurse’s office where s/he will remain while the parents are contacted and asked to come and pick up the child. A more expanded medical policy is available upon request.

Refund Policy :

Our policy is that camp tuition is non-refundable. If your child has to withdraw from camp early, please call the office to speak with the camp director. If you must withdraw your child because of medical reasons, and a doctors note is present, you may be eligible for a credit.

Camp Transportation :

Camp uses North Reading Transportation to provide transportation to and from camp. Pick up and drop off locations are listed on our website. Children may not be left unattended while waiting for the bus. Children will on be released to parents or authorized people. While in camp vehicles, campers must remain in their seat belt at all times. No horseplay is allowed. If campers violate these rules, transportation will be discontinued. Please notify your driver and the camp office any time you will not be using the transportation service.

Transporting your own Child :

Parents transporting their children willrecieve an Official Camp Evergreen Pick Up ID via email before camp starts. Please complete and keep on your dashboard visible through the windshield while picking up your child.

The pickup/drop off area is a cell phone free zone. Please hang up your phone until you have left camp property.

Drop off time is between 8:45 am and 9:05 am. Pickup time is between 4:00 pm and 4:15 pm. After 4:15 pm, your child is considered extended day and you will be charged $20 for the service, payable on pickup.

Please do not arrive early to pick up your child without prior notification to the office. You will be required to sign out your child if you are picking up before 4:00 pm.

In Case of Emergency :

In case of an emergency, Camp Evergreen will send an email blast to parents.

Staff qualifications and questions, grievances or concerns:

All Camp Evergreen staff have had CORI and SORI background checks and three reference checks. Parents are welcome to review background check policies and any policy in our staff manual. Any question or concern about staffing or any issue at camp will be willingly addressed by contacting the camp office and Little Jim.

Getting into Camp :

In order to make drop offs and pickups as smooth as possible, we ask you to enter camp heading north (camp on your right). To maintain the flow of traffic, please do not stop and try to make a left turn to get into camp. If you are heading south, it is easy to turn around up the street on Anthony Rd., exiting via Peter Rd.(see map below). Please do not pull into our neighbors’ driveways in order to turn around. Enter the first driveway at camp, in front of the white house. Follow the driveway around to the sandbox area where children are to be dropped off and picked up. Exit camp via the parking lot, next to the dumpster. Please follow the directions of the traffic control people in the street or driveway. Thank you for your consideration.