WT Summer Camps

WT Summer Camp Cancellation Policy

All WT summer camp offerings are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event of a cancellation, Winchester Thurston will attempt to notify families in advance and refund the entire course fee. If a camper must cancel and cancellation is received 21 days before the class start date, you will receive a full refund (less a $20 non-refundable registration fee). If cancellation is received less than 21 days, but at least 14 days before the camp start date, you will receive a 50% refund of the camp cost. There is no refund for cancellation received less than fourteen days before the WT Summer Camp start date.

WT Summer Camp Program Change Policy

We understand that family schedules can be complex and that sometimes changes need to be made to an original plan. We will gladly support families with schedule changes for a fee of $25 per change.

Registration

• What age do I register for? 
  • Please register for the camper's rising grade. If your camper is currently in 1st grade, look for 2nd grade camps. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions for grade levels, even if your camper really loves the camp! 
• What is your refund/change fee?
  • Cancellation/Refund Policy: All summer camp offerings are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event of a cancellation, Winchester Thurston will attempt to notify families in advance and refund the entire course fee. If a camper must cancel and cancellation is received 21 days before the class start date, you will receive a full refund (excluding the $25 non-refundable registration fee). If cancellation is received less than 21 days, but at least 14 days before the camp start date, you will receive a 50% refund of the camp cost. There is no refund for cancellation received less than fourteen days before the camp start date. Refunds issued will be in the form of an initial payment method (credit card or check.) 
  • Change policy: We understand that family schedules can be complex and that sometimes changes need to be made to an original plan. We will gladly support families with schedule changes for a fee of $25 per change.
• When will we get back off the waitlist?
  • Unfortunately, it's hard for us to predict when any camper might get off a waitlist for a camp. If a spot opens up, we will reach out to the first camper on the waitlist to see if they’re interested in moving. If not, we go to the next person in line. We always recommend selecting a backup camp to ensure you have a spot this week. Sometimes campers get so excited about a backup option that they choose not to move to their first choice!
• Can you please add more spots/a new section to X camp?
  • We wish, but sadly, it's not that simple. Adding a section or more spots depends on the instructor, staffing, and location availability. If we do open up additional spots or sections, they will go to the waitlist first. 

Camp Day to Day

• What should my camper bring?
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch (unless you pre-registered)
  • Any medications if needed
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Extra snacks if you have a hungry camper. WT provides AM/PM snack
  • Sunscreen if you do not want to use Summer Camp SPF 50
  • Change of clothes
  • Rest blanket or towel for quiet time
  • (Please be sure to label anything you bring to camp!)
• What should my camper NOT bring?
  • Technology 
    • Phones must remain in backpacks unless absolutely necessary. Tablets and handheld gaming devices are not permitted. We want campers to be together without being technology-focused! During the camp day, you can get ahold of your child (and vice versa) through the Camp Director’s contact information, which will be shared closer to summer. Campers who use technology for medical reasons will be in contact with our on-campus nurse.
  • Favorite toys 
    • While we know how important a special toy is to your child, camp is a dynamic environment, and items can go missing amid the fun. Favorite toys are best kept at home, safe and sound. 
• What is Teddy Bear Camp?
  • Our only 1/2 day session (9:00 a.m. - Noon) was created for campers aged 3 (Junior Pre-K). This is a great way to test social settings, meet new friends, and enjoy different weekly themes designed to inspire creativity, education, and fun. Early childhood educators teach all of our sessions!
• Do kids rest?
  • Yes! Our youngest campers (ages 3-Kindergarten) have a structured rest time during the day, but we strongly encourage even our older campers to take some time to cool down after lunch.
• Is there a nurse?
  • Yes! We have a trained nurse on staff each week to dispense medication and handle any injuries, assess situations, and be an extra happy member of the WT Summer Camp Team! 
• Is WT Summer Camp nut-free?
  • We are not. While our kitchen is nut-free, we are not a nut-free campus. All of the staff have access to our allergy list, and we work to ensure the safety of any and all allergies and dietary restrictions! 
• Is there AM/PM care
  • Yes! We understand that not everyone can drop off at 9 am or pick up by 4 pm. AM care starts at 7:30 am, and aftercare goes until 5:30 pm. 
• What are the transportation options?
  • We offer transportation via van from Aspinwall for camps at our Shadyside campus and a bus that takes students to and from Allegheny RiverTrail Park.  Families MUST pre-register during the registration process.
• You guys are amazing! What are the dates for next year?
  • Thanks! You’re terrific, too. We don’t know next year's dates yet, but we’ll let you know when we do!

ARP Camps (Allegheny RiverTrail Park)

• Where is ARP?
  • This magical location is right on the Allegheny River in Allegheny RiverTrail Park near the Highland Park Bridge in Aspinwall. 285 River Avenue, Aspinwall PA 15215.
• When is ARP?
  • Our camp day runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and runs for 5 weeks!
• Is there transportation daily?
  • Campers have the option to pre-register for round-trip transportation from our Shadyside Campus. Transportation includes morning care beginning at 7:30 a.m. If you plan to pick up after 4:30 pm please register for aftercare! 
• What happens at camp?
  • Campers will meet daily at the park and rotate in small groups through activities and surprise guests linked to the weekly theme. Together, campers will have the opportunity to participate in challenges, art activities, group games, experiments, and collaborative projects as they work their way through the week's challenges. We will also host inspiring visits from community members who will share their talents and passions with us!