Summer Camp Registration: Essential Forms and Information for 2025

Planning your child’s summer camp experience? Ensuring a smooth registration process is key. Maryland law requires that all campers have a complete set of forms for each camp location they attend. To help you prepare, this guide outlines the necessary forms and information to ensure your child is ready for a fun and safe summer camp experience with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Completed forms are mandatory and must be submitted before the first day of camp – no exceptions.

For any questions or assistance before, during, or after registration, please don’t hesitate to contact the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-2255 or email [email protected]. We are here to help make the registration process as easy as possible.

Required Participant Information for Summer Programs

To safeguard the health and well-being of all summer program participants, M-NCPPC requires answers to a few essential questions. Starting February 1, 2025, this information can be conveniently submitted through the PARKS DIRECT registration system in the “Activity Section.” Simply register your child for the section titled “Summer Program Participant Information” (16600-300A) and complete the required questions. This step is crucial – children cannot attend any camp sessions without this information completed. The required information includes:

Emergency Contact Details (Non-Parent/Guardian):
- Emergency Contact Name: Provide the full name of an individual who can be contacted in case of an emergency, other than a parent or guardian.
- Emergency Contact Phone Number: Please provide a reliable phone number for the designated emergency contact.
Physician Information:
- Physician’s Name: State the name of your child’s primary physician.
- Physician’s Phone Number: Provide the phone number for your child’s physician’s office.
Swimmer/Non-Swimmer Designation:
- Is the participant a swimmer/non-swimmer?: Indicate whether your child will participate in a Swim Test or be designated as a Non-Swimmer. Detailed information about swim tests can be found in the camp brochure or online flip book, typically on page 4.
Health and Medical Considerations:
- Are there any health problems including physical, psychiatric, or behavioral problems of which we need to be aware?: Answer “Yes” or “No.” A “Yes” response is necessary if your child has any health concerns such as allergies, illnesses, takes medication (prescription or over-the-counter), or uses emergency medical devices like inhalers or EpiPens.
- If you answer “Yes,” a Health-Medication Form will be generated with your Day Camp Confirmation Receipt upon registration completion. This form is mandatory and must be completed and returned to camp staff before your child can participate in the day camp program. If you answer “No,” no additional health forms are required.
Immunization Status:
- Has the participant been immunized?:
  - Yes – student in a Maryland public or private school: If “Yes,” and your child attends a Maryland public or private school, you do not need to submit a Maryland DHM Immunization Certificate.
  - Yes – student is home-schooled or was in a school outside of Maryland: If “Yes,” and your child is home-schooled or attended a school outside of Maryland, you will need to provide a Maryland DHM Immunization Certificate.
  - No: If “No,” you will need to complete and submit the Maryland DHM Immunization Certificate.
  - For both “No” and “Yes” (home-schooled or out-of-state school), the Maryland DHM Immunization Certificate will be printed with your Day Camp Confirmation receipt. This certificate must be completed and returned to staff before your child can participate.
Sunscreen Application Assistance:
- Does your camper need assistance with applying “SPRAY-ON” sunscreen during program hours or outdoor trip activities?: Indicate if your child requires staff assistance with spray-on sunscreen application during camp hours or outdoor activities.

Once this information is completed for a child, it will automatically populate for any subsequent camp session registrations throughout the summer, streamlining the process for multiple camp enrollments.

Day Camp Forms: Download and Complete

After completing the required participant information online, you will be directed to the forms download page. Here, you can access and download all necessary forms for summer camp participation. A complete set of forms must be submitted to each camp location your child attends before June 1st. Submission by this deadline is critical, and children will not be able to attend any sessions if forms are outstanding.

Here are the downloadable forms available:

Download Participant Profile Form

Download Summer Program Authorization Form – English

Download Summer Program Authorization Form – Spanish

Download Health/Medication Form

Download Maryland Department of Health Immunization Certificate

Download Sunscreen Application Consent Form

Download Participant Electronic and Communication Devices Policy and Waiver

Download Participation Assessment Form

Download Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver (English)

Download Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver (Spanish)

Please Note: The Participation Assessment Form is only necessary if your camper has a disability and requires support through the Program Access Office or is attending a Therapeutic Recreation camp.

Essential Camp Policies for Parents

Understanding camp policies is crucial for a successful summer camp experience. Here’s a summary of the key policies you should be aware of:

General Camp Policies

Holiday Closure: Day camps will be closed on July 4th for Independence Day.
Transportation: Parents/guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from camp.
Sign-In/Sign-Out: Campers must be signed in and out daily by authorized individuals.
Lunch Requirements: Campers must bring their own lunches. For locations without refrigeration, please pack non-perishable items.
Field Trip Participation: Participation in off-site special events and field trips is mandatory, excluding optional amusement park trips (if offered).
Amusement Park Trip Fees: Amusement park trips (if scheduled) incur an additional fee.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are required for safety; sandals are not permitted.
Residency Restrictions: While most camps are open to all jurisdictions, some are exclusively for Prince George’s County residents. Always verify activity descriptions for specific residency requirements.
Personal Belongings: It’s best to leave personal items like iPods and valuable electronics at home.
Camp Gender Composition: Day camps are generally co-ed unless specified otherwise.
Age Requirements: Campers must meet the age requirements by the end of the camp session they are attending.
Registration Assistance: For registration issues, please call the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-2255.
Program Changes/Cancellations: All activities and programs are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions (code orange or higher).
Registration Basis: Camp registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Federal Tax ID: The M-NCPPC Federal Tax Identification (ID) Number is 526-001-550.

Cancellation Policy

In the event that M-NCPPC cancels a camp session, registrants are entitled to a full 100% refund or a PARKS DIRECT credit.

Check Payment Policy

A $35 fee, in addition to any bank charges, will be assessed for checks returned due to insufficient funds. Starter checks are not accepted.

Extended Care Program Options

For parents needing care beyond regular camp hours, extended care options, including after care all day program services, are available at many locations. Check the camp brochure or specific camp flyer for locations offering extended care.

Availability: If offered, Before Care runs from 7-9 am and After Care is available from 4:30-6 pm. Enrolling your child in the main camp session guarantees a space in extended care if it is offered for that camp.
Limitations: Extended care is generally not available for preschool camps, half-day camps, or where otherwise indicated. Confirm availability for your specific camp location and program.

Fee Policy and Financial Assistance

M-NCPPC facilities and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disabilities, or financial ability. Inability to pay program fees does not prevent participation. Fee assistance is available exclusively for Prince George’s County residents. Applicants must provide formal proof of financial need, and completed applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the camp start date.

For fee assistance information, contact customer service: [email protected] | 301-699-2255.

Understanding Camp Fee Definitions

Camp session fees are categorized into groups based on residency:

(R) – Residents: Residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
(NR) – Non-Residents: Individuals residing outside Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties.
(IA) – Impact Area Residents: Residents within the Impact Area of the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex/Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center. Impact Area residents receive reduced fees for programs at these specific facilities.
For Impact Area information, call 301-583-2400 or TTD 711.

Late Payment Penalties

If you choose the deposit option and full payment is not received by the specified due date (June 1 or July 1), your camp space may be forfeited, and you will lose the $50 deposit. If late payment is accepted, a $20 late payment fee will be added.

Late Camper Pickup Fee Policy

A late pickup fee of $10 per camper for every 15 minutes (or part thereof) will be charged if campers are picked up after the scheduled program closing time. Payment is due at the time of pickup. While understanding emergencies occur, parents are requested to call the campsite if a delay is anticipated.

Payment and Scheduling Options

M-NCPPC accepts VISA/MasterCard credit and debit cards, checks (until June 1st), and cash for payments. You can choose to pay the full amount upfront or opt for a $50 deposit per camper per session at registration, with the remaining balance scheduled for later payment (except for PARKS DIRECT telephone registrations).

The $50 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Scheduled Payments

Scheduled payments must be paid in full by June 1st for camp sessions starting on or before July 19th, and by July 1st for sessions beginning after July 19th. (Personal checks are not accepted after June 1st for any camp session). You can pay your balance early online, and the system will record it as a credit to your PARKS DIRECT account. On the due date, the system automatically applies this credit to the outstanding balance.

Please note: Your credit card account will not be automatically billed.

PARKS DIRECT Online Registration

Register conveniently online via PARKS DIRECT. The platform accepts major credit/debit cards and funds. M-NCPPC utilizes advanced payment security measures, ensuring customer information confidentiality. Personal information is not given, shared, sold, transferred, or rented to third parties.

Required Forms: Deadline and Importance

Maryland state law mandates a complete set of forms for each camper at every registered campsite. Completed forms are due by June 1st – no exceptions – and must be submitted before the camp session begins. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure all necessary forms are delivered to each campsite. Campers without completed forms on site will not be permitted to attend any camp sessions.

For tax form completion, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) Federal Tax Identification (ID) number may be required.

M-NCPPC’s Federal Tax ID is 526-001-550. For instructions on obtaining your childcare tax receipt, please visit childcare tax receipt instructions.

Disability Services and Inclusion Support

M-NCPPC is committed to inclusive programs and encourages the participation of individuals with disabilities. To request and receive disability modifications for Summer Camps and Extended Care programs, please register at least two weeks prior to the program start date.

Therapeutic recreation programs are exclusively for Prince George’s County residents.

All disability modification requests for camps must be indicated on the Health Form, noted in PARKS DIRECT accounts, and requested a minimum of two weeks before the camp start date.

For inquiries regarding disability modifications, please contact [email protected] or 301-249-7200 (MD Relay 7-1-1).

Wait Lists for Full Camps

If a desired day camp session is full, you have the option to add your child’s name to a wait list and register for an alternate camp session. Should a spot become available in your first-choice camp, your registration and payments can be transferred upon request without any penalty.

Withdrawals and Refunds

Withdrawal and refund requests for fully or partially paid registrations are subject to a $50 non-transferable, non-refundable withdrawal fee per child, per session. Withdrawals from extended care (while remaining enrolled in the associated camp) will incur a 20% fee, without exceptions. Program withdrawals must be processed through the facility offering the program.

Registration Errors

Mistakes happen! For day camp registrations, transfers or withdrawals without penalty are permitted within the first two weeks after Resident registration opens. For all programs, registrations made in error can be transferred or withdrawn without penalty on the same day by contacting the Park and Planning Help Desk at 301-699-2255.