Summer Camps Handbook

For comprehensive information about your specific camp—including dates, times, costs, and activities—please visit the BGSU Summer Camp website at BGSU Summer Camp website.

A few weeks before camp begins, you will receive a Know Before You Go document with essential details such as check-in information, a campus map, and other key information.

To ensure you receive all camp updates and materials, please add falconyouth@bgsu.edu to your contacts or safe sender list and check your email regularly.

Check-in and Check-out: Campers are required to report to their designated camp location each morning and check in with their camp lead. (Note: Campers in Farm 2 Fork Juniors and IGNITE STEM must be checked in and out by an authorized adult. Only individuals on the authorized pick-up list will be allowed to pick up campers.)

Late Arrivals: If a camper will be arriving late, please inform the camp lead via the Remind app.

Late Pick-Up Policy: Campers must be picked up promptly at the designated end time. An aftercare fee may be applied for late pick-ups. Please check your specific camp’s policy for details.

Early Pick-Up: If a camper will be leaving early, notify the camp lead via the Remind app ahead of time. 

Absences: If a camper will be absent, contact the camp lead through the Remind app to inform us before the start of camp.

Bowling Green State University is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all youth participating in our summer camp programs. To ensure a positive environment, all individuals involved in BGSU Summer Camps are expected to uphold high standards of behavior. Our goal is to maintain an environment where all campers can learn and thrive.

General Expectations

• Be kind and respectful to peers, staff, and self.
• Listen to and follow directions from staff members.
• Follow all safety guidelines and stay with assigned groups.
• Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings to yourself (no roughhousing, hitting, or inappropriate physical contact).
• Use appropriate and respectful language at all times.
• Stay within authorized camp areas and remain with the designated group.
• Take care of camp property and respect the space and belongings of others.
• Keep toys, money, phones, and electronics in backpacks or at home unless directed otherwise.
• Follow all building and program rules.

Prohibited Behaviors

Unacceptable behaviors by staff, campers, visitors, or family members will not be tolerated in any camp-related space and may result in removal from the program. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Use of profanity, threats, or intimidation.
• Harassment of any kind.
• Physical or emotional harm to self or others.
• Disruptive or obstructive behavior.
• Dishonesty or misrepresentation.
• Violations of local, state, or federal law.
• Possession of weapons or dangerous items.
• Inappropriate attire.
• Use or possession of illegal substances (including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs).
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Misuse of cameras or other recording devices.
• Bullying, including physical, verbal, or cyber forms.
• Non-compliance with staff directions.

Our staff will review these expectations with students at the start of the program and reinforce them throughout camp. We believe that clear expectations and consistent guidance help campers develop self-discipline and make positive choices. Campers are expected to take responsibility for their actions and contribute to a respectful community.

Ensuring the health and safety of all campers is a top priority at BGSU Summer Camps. The following policies outline the necessary procedures and requirements to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

Medical Forms: Prior to attending camp, all campers must submit medical forms via CampDocs, which include information on allergies, medications, and any existing health conditions. These forms are essential to ensure proper care and must be submitted prior to the first day of camp.

Medication Policy: We do not plan for camp staff to administer any medication. If a camper needs to take medication during camp hours, please speak with your camp lead to discuss procedures. Campers who require medication must have proper parent authorization and clearly labeled medication. For

over-the-counter items like sunscreen or bug bite treatments, parents/guardians should ensure that campers bring their own labeled products. Camp staff are not permitted to apply these items directly. 

First Aid & Emergency Protocols: Basic first aid will be administered by trained camp staff as needed. If first aid is administered, parents/guardians will be notified by camp staff. If a camper requires care beyond basic first aid, parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up their camper and attend to their medical needs. In the event of a medical emergency, 911 will be called immediately, and parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible. Emergency contact information must be current and easily accessible during camp hours.

Sick Child Policy: To protect the health of all campers, campers who are ill should not attend camp. Campers with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious conditions (such as pink eye or lice) should stay home until symptoms have resolved and/or they have been cleared by a medical professional. Parents or guardians will be notified to pick up any camper who becomes ill during camp hours.

Hydration & Sun Safety: Campers will be provided with a refillable water bottle and are reminded to drink water regularly, especially during outdoor activities. Sunscreen should be applied before arriving at camp, and campers are encouraged to reapply throughout the day.

Staffing Protocols: All BGSU summer camp staff members have passed thorough background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of our campers. Our staff members are carefully selected and trained to provide a positive, engaging, and secure experience for all participants. 

BGSU Summer Camps strive to accommodate campers with allergies. We understand the importance of creating a safe environment and will make every effort to reduce exposure to allergens.

Notification & Documentation: It is essential that parents/guardians communicate any allergies—whether related to food, insects, environmental factors, or other triggers—to the camp lead before the start of camp. This ensures that we can adequately prepare and take necessary precautions. Please make sure all allergies are clearly listed on the medical forms included in CampDoc. In addition to completing the medical forms, please notify camp leadership directly to discuss your child’s specific needs.

Medication & Emergency Response: If your child uses an EpiPen, inhaler, or other necessary emergency medication, they should carry it with them at all times. At the start of camp, parents/guardians should review proper usage with the camp counselors to ensure staff are familiar with the procedure. We encourage campers who are old enough and capable to self-administer their EpiPen, inhaler, or other allergy-related medications when necessary. If your child needs assistance or supervision, please discuss this with the camp lead during check-in.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience, we recommend that campers bring a few essential items each day:

• comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and pack sunscreen 
• bug spray 
• extra snacks (if permitted for their specific camp). 
• camp bag, reusable water bottle, a name tag, and a folder for camp materials and handouts

Please refer to the Know Before You Go checklist provided before camp for any additional items specific to your camp program.

To keep camp safe and focused, campers should not bring:

• Toys or games 
• Personal electronics (like handheld gaming devices) 
• Money or other valuables

These items can cause distraction or disruption, and BGSU Summer Camps are not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. If a camper chooses to bring a personal item despite this recommendation, they do so at their own risk.

Phones: If your camper brings a phone, it should remain in their pocket or camp bag during camp activities. Phones should only be used during designated times with staff permission or during an emergency.

BGSU Summer Camps are prepared to take reasonable steps to ensure camper safety during inclement weather and emergencies. In the event of rain or extreme heat, camp activities will be moved indoors whenever possible. Camp staff will have an indoor plan ready, allowing campers to continue participating in engaging and safe activities without disruption.

On Day 1 of each camp, staff will review emergency procedures with campers, including protocols for fire, severe weather, and lockdown/intruder situations. If your child requires special accommodations during an emergency, please discuss this with the camp lead by the start of camp. Throughout the camp, staff will continue to review these procedures as needed to maintain safety and preparedness.

In case of an emergency, parents will be notified with timely updates via the camp’s designated communication channels. It is important to keep your contact information up to date to ensure you receive these notifications promptly.

The Media and Photograph Release is to be completed by each camper in CampDocs. Our policies regarding media and photography are outlined within this document. By participating in camp, you consent to your child being photographed or recorded for camp promotions unless you opt out through CampDocs.

While BGSU makes every effort to respect privacy preferences, we cannot control photos or videos taken by other campers or parents and subsequently posted on personal social media accounts. We strongly encourage campers and families to respect the privacy of others by not posting images of fellow campers without permission.

BGSU is committed to creating a supportive environment for all participants and strives to ensure everyone can fully participate in camp activities. If your camper requires modifications to participate in camp activities, please contact Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu, 419-372-8495, prior to camp.