Camp Clarita

Little Adventures uses a structured half-day format for ages 3–5. Mornings begin with arrival and exploration, followed by a craft, a group circle, teacher-directed activity, outdoor play, lunch or snack, centers, a second craft, and a closing circle. Weekly themes shape the projects and play experiences. Children must be toilet independent, and families provide lunch or snack and water.

Ranger and Explorer use a full-day group format for older campers. After morning check-in and opening activities, campers move through four activity periods before lunch. The program mixes arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, sports, music, drama, science, nature, cooking, and other group activities. Swimming occupies a regular afternoon block, with lifeguards on duty and a swim test required for deep-water access. Weekly field trips add off-site activities during the published summer weeks.

Early and late portions of the Ranger and Explorer day are lower-structure free-play or extended-care periods. Groups are organized with approximately 20 campers and two staff members. Staff training covers program procedures, supervision, First Aid and CPR, while sign-in, authorized pickup, health forms, and camp clothing rules support the daily operating routine.

Campers bring their own food. Lunches should be labeled with the camper’s name and packed in a paper or soft lunch bag because refrigeration is not available. Families are asked to avoid sending foods that require refrigeration and to include a healthy lunch and drink. Ranger and Explorer campers also bring two snacks and a refillable water bottle for the day. Little Adventures families provide a lunch or snack and water for the shorter morning program. Food should be packed for the child’s scheduled camp day rather than relying on on-site meal service.

Parents or authorized adults sign campers in and out, and pickup procedures require identification when staff do not know the adult. Ranger and Explorer campers stay in the shallow end of the pool unless they pass a lifeguard-administered swim test and have the required parent authorization; lifeguards supervise pool use. Staff complete background checks and First Aid and CPR requirements as part of camp preparation. The handbook also describes emergency lockdown procedures and says families may be notified by phone, email, or text when an emergency affects the site. Campers are expected to follow site rules, remain with their assigned group, and wear closed-toe shoes for regular camp activities.

Families complete health and emergency information before camp and are asked to keep sick children home. If a child becomes ill during the day, staff contact a parent or guardian for pickup. Ranger and Explorer procedures state that staff do not routinely administer prescription or over-the-counter medication. They may assist with a child’s self-administration when written authorization and properly labeled medication are supplied, and emergency EpiPens or asthma inhalers are handled under the program’s stated exception. Staff document injuries, notify families as required, and may call emergency services for serious incidents. Parents are asked to tell the site director about relevant allergies, medical needs, or other information that affects safe participation.

Camp Clarita staffing includes site directors, counselors, and other seasonal team members. Published materials describe staff drawn from school professionals, college students, and qualified high-school seniors or older applicants, with program training before camp. Staff are required to complete background checks and maintain First Aid and Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED credentials. Supervision ratios are program-specific: Little Adventures publishes a 1:8 ratio, while Ranger and Explorer groups are organized at about 20 campers with two staff members, a 1:10 ratio.

Families are encouraged to communicate directly with the site director about behavior, health, or participation concerns. Staff contact parents when a camper becomes ill or when an injury requires notification. Emergency lockdown procedures may use phone, email, or text updates. Registration receipts and program information are sent electronically, and Little Adventures uses a Procare sign-in and sign-out system with family access information provided before participation.

Campers must be signed in and out by an authorized adult, with photo identification used when needed for pickup verification. Required forms and waivers should be completed before participation. Campers wear a Camp Clarita shirt each day and closed-toe shoes; Ranger and Explorer families also pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, lunch, two snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Registration closes at 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before the selected week. The program does not offer customized daily enrollment outside its published weekly attendance options.