SUMMER CAMP DETAILS
What are the differences between Signature Camps and Specialty Camps at Fort Wonder?
Fort Wonder Signature Camps are weeklong, full-day (9 AM – 3:30 PM) camp programs. Each Signature Camp session features a wonder-inspiring weekly theme, and campers engage in unique scholastic, arts and athletic activities that are congruent with that week’s theme. Campers are divided into groups by age, and activities are tailored to be developmentally appropriate for each group. Each Signature Camp has a particular grade-range for participants, from Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade (2024 - 2025 academic year).
Fort Wonder Specialty Camps are weeklong, half-day camp programs (9 AM – 12 PM or 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM) where campers can immerse themselves in a specific topic related to academics or fine arts. Specialty Camps are hosted by Fort Worth Country Day faculty/staff and select educational professionals from the Fort Worth community. Each Specialty Camp has a particular grade-range for participants, from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade (2024 - 2025 academic year).
What should my camper bring to Fort Wonder?
Campers should bring a refillable water bottle and a nut-free snack. Campers are strongly encouraged to wear sunscreen to camp and are welcome to bring additional sunscreen for reapplication throughout the day. Campers who are attending a full-day Signature Camp or a morning and an afternoon Specialty Camp during the same week should bring a nut-free lunch. Please make sure you label everything with your camper’s name!
What should my camper wear to Fort Wonder?
Campers should dress in attire that is comfortable and suitable for a wide variety of activities. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for all campers. Campers are encouraged to apply sunblock prior to arrival at camp.
REGISTRATION
How do I register for camp?
Visit our registration portal to complete your online application and submit your tuition payment. Completed registration forms and fees for all Fort Wonder programs are due in full prior to the start of each program. Early registration is encouraged, as program sizes are limited. A camper is not considered registered until online registration and full payment are received.
What is the deadline for registration?
You can register for Fort Wonder Camps until 5 PM on the Thursday before a session starts (pending availability). Unfortunately, in the interest of keeping campers safe and due to camp logistics, we are not able to accept registrations after this deadline.
The camp I wanted is sold out. What should I do?
If your preferred camp is sold out, please feel free to sign up for the waitlist for that program. There is no fee associated with the waitlist, and there is no obligation to enroll should you be given the opportunity from the waitlist.
I’m on a waitlist; what happens if a space becomes available for my camper?
If a space becomes available for your camper, you will be contacted by our office and you will be given an opportunity to enroll in the program.
My camper will not be able to attend the full week of camp, is that OK?
Because our camp curriculum builds upon itself over the course of a week, we do not recommend campers missing days of camp. That said, we understand that summer schedules can be very busy, so if your camper needs to miss a portion of a camp program, we can accommodate that. We cannot, however, prorate the cost of camp programs, and we are not able to offer makeup days for missed portions of camp.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests that are submitted in writing by May 1, 2024, are eligible for a full tuition refund minus a $50 cancellation fee per camp enrollment. (This cancellation fee applies to all enrollment cancellation requests, regardless of a camp's registration status.) Tuition is nonrefundable after May 1, 2024. Extended Care fees are non-refundable. Camp fees cannot be refunded or prorated for missed days, including unexpected absences.
Can I transfer to a different Fort Wonder camp?
Pending availability, you can transfer your camper's enrollment to another 2024 Fort Wonder Camp by submitting your request via writing. Tuition differences from one camp to the next will be applied to your credit card on file, and a $10 fee is applicable for each transfer. Transfers are not available after 5 PM on the Thursday before your camp week. Contact us to make arrangements for your camper's transfer to a different camp session.
Is financial aid available for Fort Wonder Summer Camps?
At this time, financial aid is not available for Fort Wonder Summer Camps.
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP
Where do I drop-off my camper?
Our camper drop-off car line is located at the front of the Fisher Dining Pavilion at FWCD; signs on campus will help direct you to the exact location.
In the interest of safety and for logistical considerations, camp families are encouraged to utilize our car line drop-off procedure, where campers are escorted by staff members from your car into camp, saving you time and expediting the drop-off procedure for everyone.
For families with campers who need some extra time getting out of the car and/or for campers who are a little anxious about coming to camp, families are welcome to park their car in the Kindergarten Lot and walk their campers into the Fischer Dining Pavilion for check-in.
Where do I pick-up my camper?
Camper pick-up is located in front of the Fischer Dining Pavilion. Guardians will be asked to show their pick-up pass, and Fort Wonder Staff will then escort campers to their respective cars.
If guardians would rather park and pick-up their campers, they are welcome to park in the Kindergarten Lot and bring their pick-up pass to our walk-up station to complete the camper check-out procedure.
Where do I park my car for pick-up/drop-off?
In the interest of safety and for logistical considerations, camp families are encouraged to utilize our car line drop-off/pick-up procedure in front of the Fischer Dining Pavilion at FWCD. Fort Wonder staff members will escort your camper to/from their car.
For campers who need some extra time with the transition to camp, families are welcome to park in the Kindergarten Lot and walk their campers into the Fischer Dining Pavilion for morning check-in. In addition to the afternoon car line, walk-up station will be available for camper check-out in front of the Fischer Dining Pavilion.
What do I do if I arrive late for drop-off?
If you arrive late for drop-off, please park your car in the Kindergarten Lot and walk your camper into the Fischer Dining Pavilion, where a Fort Wonder Staff Member will be available for late camper check-in.
If you anticipate arriving more than 30 minutes after the start of your camp, please contact Fort Wonder via telephone (817.266.9604) so that we can arrange for a Fort Wonder staff member to check in your camper and escort them to their appropriate camp location.
What do I do if I need to pick up my camper early?
To arrange for an early pick-up, please call 817.266.9604. A Fort Wonder staff member will escort your camper from their camp activity to the car line location in front of the Fischer Dining Pavilion at your preferred pick-up time.
What happens if I am late picking up my camper?
Campers who have still not been picked up 15-minutes after the conclusion of their camp session will automatically be enrolled in Extended Care, and their account will be charged the single-day drop-in Extended Care fee ($25/day).
EXTENDED CARE
Is Extended Care available?
Our Extended Care program is an add-on option for campers in Fort Wonder Signature Camps and Specialty Camps. Supervised by camp staff, campers have the chance to choose from a variety of activities in Extended Care. Extended Care options are available on a daily or a weekly basis and can be added while completing your camper’s online registration, or by contacting our camp office.
What are the Extended Care hours?
Early Care: 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
After Care: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
How much does Extended Care cost?
Early Care: $15/day
After Care: $25/day
How do I sign up for Extended Care?
Extended Care is available as an add-on purchase when registering for Fort Wonder Signature Camps and Specialty Camps. Simply add your preferred Extended Care options when completing your online registration.
If you decide that you would like to add Extended Care after you have already completed your camp registration, simply call our office (817.266.9604), and we will complete your Extended Care registration over the phone.
LUNCH
Is lunch provided by Fort Wonder?
Due to the wide range of dietary restrictions of our campers, lunch is not provided by Fort Wonder Summer Camps. Campers should bring their own daily lunch in a disposable or reusable bag, with their name clearly marked on their lunch container. During the pre-lunch hours, camper lunches are kept in an air-conditioned space (please note, refrigeration is not available for camper lunches).
What is your policy on peanuts and tree nuts?
Fort Wonder Camps are nut-free, meaning that Fort Wonder Camps will not serve any food with peanuts or tree nuts. We ask our campers and staff to not pack peanut butter or any nut products in their lunches or snacks. Please check all food labels to be sure that they do not say, “contains peanuts” or “may contain peanuts” before sending them to camp with your camper.
What else does Fort Wonder do to help manage food allergies?
Fort Wonder has detailed safety procedures for managing camper allergies. Each staff member is trained on identifying allergic reactions and proper usage of EpiPens. Staff members are briefed on camper allergies before the start of each week of camp, with our camp nurse overseeing the distribution of each camper’s allergy-management plans to our staff. Snack and lunch breaks are closely monitored by our camp staff, including the camp nurse. In the interest of preventing exposure to allergens, campers are not allowed to share food with each other at Fort Wonder.
