Whether your child or teen is participating in summer camps held on campus or attending an offsite workshop sponsored by West Virginia University, rest assured we are committed to providing your child with the best experience possible. As professionals, we know we are entrusted with your children, and we take this responsibility to protect your children very seriously.
A Camp for Every Child
Camp can last from just a few days or stretch to all summer long. It's well worth the trouble to investigate camp programs before your camper packs a backpack. These questions help you explore the options.
- What is your child's age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.
- How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?
- Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?
- What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.
- Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.
Before the program begins
Once you have selected the best program for your child:
- Completely and accurately fill out all registration forms.
- Discuss appropriate behaviors with your child or teen before the program begins.
- Inform program staff of any concerns or special needs of your child or teen.
- Inform program staff about any medical information and/or prescriptions change between the time of registration and the beginning of the program. It’s critical for parents to review their child’s special medical needs with program staff at least three weeks in advance to ensure all information is accurate.
- Make transportation arrangements. IF someone other than you (child’s parent or legal guardian) is picking up your child, complete the mandatory Pick-Up Authorization form.
- Report any concerns promptly to the program staff or to childrenoncampus@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-5600.
Each individual involved in children’s programming agrees to follow the established university code of conduct. In addition, our program faculty, staff, students and volunteers undergo a background screening and complete training focused on identifying the warning signs of child abuse or neglect, including physical or sexual abuse and how to report.