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“It feels like my kids have attended every camp in the Washington area. After last summer, Camp Arena Stage went straight to the top of the list. What makes it stand out? The activities are not your run-of-the-mill camp offerings. Where else can you try your hand at fashion design and your feet at South African gumboot dance? Arena Stage’s counselors are not only talented and full of energy but they know how to bring out the best in the campers, even tweens and teens! You could see that at the end-of-camp show-in which every performer was given a standing ovation by his or her peers.”
– Parent Janice Kaplan, Washington, D.C.

Since Camp Arena Stage is affiliated with a major theater, will my child be doing only theater activities? >
Why is Camp Arena Stage now offering two sessions? >
What are the differences between sessions? >
What measures are in place to ensure the safety of my child? >
What is the procedure for regular drop-off and pick-up? >
What is the cost and procedure for early drop-off/extended day? >
What about lunch? >
How qualified is the Camp Arena Stage staff? >
What is Camp Arena Stage’s policy on cell phones? >
What can my child look forward to at camp? >
What if my child wants to change his/her schedule? >
When can I see my child’s work at camp? >
How can I contact Camp Arena Stage? >
What if my child is too old to be a camper? >
What do other parents think of Camp Arena Stage? >

Since Camp Arena Stage is affiliated with a major theater, will my child be doing only theater activities?

No. Although Arena Stage is our parent organization, Camp Arena Stage is a multi-arts camp. This means we offer activities in visual arts, music, dance media and recreation as well as theater. We have artist-educators in each area, so we can provide quality, creative instruction in all the arts, giving your child many exciting activities to choose from in creating his/her personal schedule.

Why is Camp Arena Stage now offering two sessions?

Parents asked. We listened. In 2007 Camp Arena Stage added a 2-week session. Parents of past campers love the time the 4-Week Intensive affords their campers to explore the arts and build community. However, the 2-Week Session responds to a few parent requests: more flexibility in planning summer schedules, the fun of Camp Arena Stage with a shorter time commitment, and the opportunity for campers to spend 6 weeks at Camp Arena Stage.

What are the differences between sessions?

Both sessions feature the talented and caring staff, excellent arts instruction, commitment to camper choice and the spirit of Camp Arena Stage. But there are some differences.

The 4-Week Intensive is the ultimate Camp Arena Stage experience. In addition to four weeks of in-depth arts exploration and instruction, campers go on field trips, have special theme days and share their work in a final Arts Extravaganza. Because more campers attend this session, there are more Daily activity choices.

It would be impossible to condense the 4-week session into two short weeks. During the 2-week session, campers experience the community and energy of Camp Arena Stage and receive the same top-notch arts instruction. However, with our commitment to process over product, there is simply not time for field trips and a final performance. Extended day care is not available during this session. The 2-week session is a great introduction to Camp Arena Stage or a follow-up for returning campers.

Campers are welcome to register for both sessions – and, because they choose their own schedules, they can decide how similar those sessions will be.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety of my child?

We thank you for entrusting your child with us, and his/her safety is our priority. First, in the interest of preventing emergencies, we maintain a high level of supervision: the ACA-recommended counselor-camper ratio of 1 to 10. Each camper has a group leader that they check in with at the beginning and end of the camp day for attendance (see below for more details). This is also the camper's point person in case of emergency. We have procedures in place for any type of emergency and all staff members are trained in these procedures. Campers will be briefed on what to do in an emergency and will participate in a drill the first day of camp. If your child is in need of medical attention, staff members are trained in CPR and First Aid. We are also located adjacent to Georgetown University Hospital.

Should camp be closed due to unforeseen circumstances or should an emergency arrive, parents and guardians will be contacted. A detailed message will also be available by calling (202) 554-9066, ext. 808 and on Arena Stage’s website.

What is the procedure for regular drop-off and pick-up?

Campers may begin to arrive at 8:45 p.m. All campers will receive a map in their registration packet designating a drop-off and pick-up point. Immediately upon arrival, campers will check in with their group leader, a special counselor assigned to a small group of campers, for attendance. Pick-up begins at 4:00 p.m. sharp and must be complete by 4:15 p.m. At the end of the day, campers are signed out with their group leader. Campers will only be released to persons authorized by their parent/guardian and cannot leave camp grounds without being signed out.

To make drop-off and pick-up less congested, we encourage campers to carpool. Please indicate your interest in forming a carpool on your child’s registration form.

What is the cost and procedure for early drop-off/extended day?

Early drop-off and/or extended day are available for the entire 4-week session only. Early drop-off is an additional $120; extended day is an additional $240. Drop-ins are welcome at a daily rate. Campers who have registered and paid for these extra services may be dropped off as early as 8:00 a.m. and must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. During their extra time at camp, they will be supervised and led in activities by camp staff. We consider these times an extension of our camp day. As such, your child will not just sit around and wait.

What about lunch?

Due to special diets, allergies, cost and general pickiness, Camp Arena Stage does not provide lunch. Each camper is to bring a WELL-MARKED lunch and water bottle to camp each day. That way all campers can eat what they like! Camp Arena Stage will provide a healthy afternoon snack.

Please note: Camp Arena Stage is not a peanut-free environment.

How qualified is the Camp Arena Stage staff?

The short answer: very. The music, theater, dance and visual arts department heads are professional artists and educators with expertise in their fields and extensive experience working with young people. Our senior counselors are college graduates or graduate students, and junior counselors are undergraduate students. The CITs (counselors-in-training), who assist the counselors and department heads, are rising high school juniors, seniors or recent graduates. All staff members undergo a careful interview process, including class observation by Arena staff and background checks. We have done our utmost to hire accomplished artists who, first and foremost, care about and excel in working with young people.

What is Camp Arena Stage’s policy on cell phones?

Campers are not permitted to have cell phones at camp. They are a distraction and easily lost. However, we understand that you may need to contact your child during camp hours. You are welcome to leave a message any time at (202) 554-9066, ext. 808. We are happy to discuss any extenuating circumstances that would necessitate your child having a cell phone while at camp.

What can my child look forward to at camp?

A lot! Your child can look forward to exciting activities during the five activities they choose to participate in each day, called Dailies. Our staff strives to make each activity exciting, intriguing and fun. Also, after lunch every day, campers can watch or participate in the Noontime Show. Some days guest artists and/or counselors will perform. Other days the campers will take the stage, perhaps to demonstrate what they are learning in class or because they just want to perform. The Noontime Show is followed by the Choice period. The activity offerings during Choice change each day, and each camper may participate in an activity of their choosing.

What if my child wants to change his/her schedule?

At Camp Arena Stage, we believe campers should have choices. Therefore, in the first three days of camp, they are welcome to change their schedule if space allows. This empowers campers to be decision makers. After three days, though, their schedule is final. This encourages discipline and dedication – both important qualities for art and life.

When can I see my child’s work at camp?

For the 4-Week Intensive, July 24, 2008 is our Arts Extravaganza and dedicated to showing parents, family and friends what Camp Arena Stage is all about. Campers will provide demonstrations and perform and display their work. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.  In both sessions, some activities will have a final sharing during the Noontime Show on the last day of the session.

Parents are also welcome to visit camp at any time. However, we would encourage you to let your child experience the independence that comes with being at camp for the day. Please call the on-site office if you intend to visit and sign-in as a visitor upon your arrival.

How can I contact Camp Arena Stage?

If you have questions prior to the start of camp, please call our camp message line at (202) 554-9066, ext. 808. Your call will be returned promptly. You can also e-mail us at camp@arenastage.org.

What  if my child is too old to be a camper?

Camp Arena Stage employs a select group of rising high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates as counselors-in-training (CITs) and volunteers. CITs and volunteers undergo a full week of staff training and, during the camp session, assist in activities and serve as group leaders. Ideal candidates for these positions should be mature, responsible, energetic, and have arts interests and experience working with young people. Interested students should e-mail a letter of interest/introduction to camp@arenastage.org. Interviews are conducted in early Spring.

What do other parents think of Camp Arena Stage?

In 2007, 96% of parents said they were extremely likely to recommend Camp Arena Stage. Referrals are available upon request.

• My son was happy here, made friends, felt safe and basically loved being able to do improv and play music and be accepted. Thank you!
• We loved the freedom it offered our children to exercise their creativity, follow their special interests and try new things.
• Camp Arena Stage seemed to inspire her creative juices; the diversity was wonderful.
• Camp Arena Stage was a place where my daughter felt respected, appreciated and loved.
• The variety and quality of the activities was excellent. My daughter improved skills while learning new things in a very supportive and encouraging environment.
• The staff worked to create a positive atmosphere. A lot of the campers are at an age where their personalities tend toward the negative and the critical, but somehow you got a bunch of preteens and teens to support and encourage each other!
• Counselors truly care and make each child feel special and valued.
• This camp has magic - it runs like a dream and works great for kids. We love it.
• It is just the most supportive, positive and joyful environment. It's our third year.
• I love that my daughter is so happy every day.
• The supportive atmosphere in combination with a high energy, loving and genius staff makes all the difference. In just two years here my daughter has come so far! The confidence she has developed here is unbelievable.