Summer Camp Guide
What kind of clothing should I wear/pack?
Complete packing lists will be sent out for overnight campers closer to camp dates.
Recommended:
- Comfortable clothing that can get wet and dirty
- Snug-fitting shoes (sneakers/tennis shoes)
- Sandal-type shoes (Crocs©, Keens©, Tevas©, etc) and rain boots cannot be worn for field activities.
How much money should campers bring?
- Day camp participants do not need spending money
- Overnight campers are discouraged from bringing more than $20.
- Overnight campers have access to vending machines in the dorms.
What do I need to provide prior to the camper arriving?
- Campers receive handbook with packing lists before camp.
- Release forms due at camp check-in.
- Day campers provide application prior to arriving.
What are the living arrangements like for overnight camps?
- Campers live in campus dorm.
- Assigned one roommate of the same gender.
- Rooms include 2 twin beds, dresser, desk and 2-3 small closets.
- Rooms have individual a/c units.
- Communal restrooms at opposite ends of dorms. One for males and one for females.
- Single rooms are provided only in the event of odd numbers.
- See facilities page for more information.
What sort of supervision do campers have?
- Day camps: 1-2 educators and an intern present
- Overnight camps: A minimum of 1 educator per activity, 3 educators during camp, possibly an intern, and 4-5 counselors for dorms and meals (depending on campers’ ages).
What happens if a camper is injured?
- All Discovery Hall Programs educators are certified in First Aid and CPR.
- If additional medical attention is needed, campers will be transported to the physician’s office or nearest emergency room in Mobile, and parents will be notified.
How are daily medications handled?
- Overnight camps:
- All medications are given to the head counselor at camp check-in.
- Head counselor is in charge of administering daily medications.
- Record of doses are maintained during the camp.
What is done in the event of severe weather?
- Field activities continue as scheduled unless there is thunder and lightning, severe winds, or the possibility of waterspouts.
- Indoor hands-on activities are substituted for canceled field activities for both overnight and day camps.
- Attempts will be made to make-up canceled activities during the camp.
- Please read the hurricane policy in our camper handbooks.
Can I send my child via airplane?
- Yes, but pickup can only be arranged for flights to the Mobile Regional Airport.
- Complete flight details MUST be provided one week in advance.
- Our counselors are responsible for transportation to and from the airport and use Dauphin Island Sea Lab vehicles.
Where are you located?
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is located on Dauphin Island. Find directions and a campus map here.