Navigating Summer Camp Registration and After Care Programs in Lanham, MD

Registering your child for summer camp can be an exciting yet detailed process. To ensure a smooth experience, especially when considering after care programs in Lanham, MD, understanding the necessary forms, required information, and camp policies is crucial. This guide, tailored for parents in and around Lanham, MD, will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for summer camp registration with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

Essential Forms and Participant Information for Camp Enrollment

Maryland law mandates that every camper must have a complete set of forms for each camp location they attend. These forms must be submitted before the camp session begins—no exceptions. It’s the parent or guardian’s responsibility to ensure all required forms are delivered to the campsite. To streamline this process and address health and safety measures, M-NCPPC requires all summer program participants to provide specific information through the PARKS DIRECT registration system.

Starting February 1, 2025, you can access the Activity Section in PARKS DIRECT to complete the “Summer Program Participant Information” (activity code 16600-300A). This section gathers vital details, including:

Emergency Contact Details: Name and phone number of a person to contact other than a parent or guardian.
Physician Information: Name and phone number of your child’s doctor.
Swimmer Status: Indicate if your child will take a swim test or be designated as a non-swimmer.
Health Concerns: Disclosure of any physical, psychiatric, or behavioral health issues. Answering “Yes” will generate a Health-Medication Form with your Day Camp Confirmation Receipt, which must be completed and returned if your child has allergies, illnesses, medications, or uses medical devices like inhalers.
Immunization Status: Information about your child’s immunization history. Depending on your response and your child’s schooling, a Maryland DHM Immunization Certificate may be required.
Sunscreen Assistance: Indicate if your child needs help applying spray-on sunscreen during camp hours.

A PDF icon indicating a downloadable document.

Once you complete this section for one child, the information will automatically populate for any subsequent camp session registrations for the same child throughout the summer, simplifying the process for multiple enrollments or after care programs.

Day Camp Forms: Your Checklist for Enrollment

After completing the participant information online, you’ll be directed to a forms page where you can download and complete the necessary forms for summer participation. All forms must be submitted to each program location your child attends by June 1st. Missing forms will prevent your child from attending camp sessions.

Here is a comprehensive list of forms you may need to download and submit:

Participant Profile Form

A PDF icon linking to the Participant Profile Form, used to collect general information about the participant.

Summer Program Authorization Form – English

A PDF icon linking to the English version of the Summer Program Authorization Form, required for program participation.

Summer Program Authorization Form – Spanish

A PDF icon linking to the Spanish version of the Summer Program Authorization Form for Spanish-speaking families.

Health/Medication Form

A PDF icon linking to the Health/Medication Form, necessary for campers with health conditions or medication needs.

Maryland Department of Health Immunization Certificate

A PDF icon linking to the Maryland Department of Health Immunization Certificate, required for proof of immunization in specific cases.

Sunscreen Application Consent Form

A PDF icon linking to the Sunscreen Application Consent Form, allowing staff to assist with sunscreen application.

Participant Electronic and Communication Devices Policy and Waiver

A PDF icon linking to the Electronic Devices Policy and Waiver, outlining rules for electronic device use at camp.

Participation Assessment Form

A PDF icon linking to the Participation Assessment Form, needed for campers with disabilities requesting support.

Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver (English)

A PDF icon linking to the English version of the Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver for specific activities.

Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver (Spanish)

A PDF icon linking to the Spanish version of the Specialized Activity Permission Slip and Waiver for Spanish-speaking participants.

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

Understanding Camp Policies and Extended Care Options in Lanham, MD

Familiarizing yourself with the camp policies ensures a clear understanding of expectations and procedures. Here are some key policies to note for M-NCPPC summer camps, which are relevant if you are seeking After Care Programs Lanham Md as extended care often serves this purpose.

General Policies

Holiday Closure: Day camps are closed on July 4th for Independence Day.
Transportation: Parents/guardians must provide transportation to and from the camp.
Sign-in/Sign-out: Campers must be signed in and out by authorized adults.
Lunch: Campers bring their own lunches. Non-perishable lunches are required at sites without refrigeration.
Participation in Activities: Campers are expected to participate in all off-site events and field trips, except for optional amusement park trips, which incur an extra fee.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; sandals are not allowed.
Residency: Most camps are open to all jurisdictions, but some prioritize Prince George’s County residents. Always check the activity description for specific details.
Personal Belongings: It is advisable to leave personal items like iPods at home.
Camp Type: Day camps are generally co-ed unless specified otherwise.
Age Requirements: Campers must meet the age requirements by the end of the camp session.
Registration Assistance: For registration problems, contact the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-2255.
Program Changes: All programs and activities are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions (code orange or higher).
Registration Basis: Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tax ID: M-NCPPC’s Federal Tax Identification Number is 526-001-550.

Cancellation, Payment, and Refund Policies

Cancellation Refund: 100% refund or PARKS DIRECT credit if M-NCPPC cancels a camp.
Check Policy: A $35 fee applies to returned checks due to insufficient funds, in addition to bank charges. Starter checks are not accepted.
Fee Assistance: Fee assistance is available for Prince George’s County residents with demonstrated financial need. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the camp starts. Contact customer service for details.
Late Payment Penalties: Failure to make full payment by the due date (June 1 or July 1) may result in space forfeiture and loss of the $50 deposit. Late payments, if accepted, incur a $20 fee.
Late Pickup Fee: A $10 fee per camper for every 15 minutes of late pickup will be charged. Payment is due at pickup. Contact the campsite if you anticipate delays.
Payment Options: Accepted payment methods include VISA/MasterCard, checks (until June 1), and cash. A $50 non-refundable deposit per session is required, with scheduled payments for the balance. Credit cards are not automatically billed for scheduled payments.
ParksDirect: Online registration via PARKS DIRECT accepts major credit/debit cards. M-NCPPC ensures payment security and confidentiality of personal information.

Extended Care: After Camp Options in Lanham, MD

For parents needing care beyond regular camp hours, many locations offer extended care options, functioning as after care programs Lanham MD for summer camps.

Availability: Supervised, unstructured playtime is often available after camp hours. Check the camp brochure for specific locations offering extended care.
Hours: Before Care typically runs from 7-9 am, and After Care from 4:30-6 pm, if offered for a specific camp. Enrolled campers are guaranteed extended care if it’s available for their camp.
Exclusions: Extended care may not be available for preschool camps, half-day camps, or where otherwise indicated.

Additional Important Information

Required Forms Deadline: All forms are due by June 1st. No exceptions.
Disability Services: M-NCPPC supports inclusive participation. Request disability modifications at least two weeks prior to the camp start date. Therapeutic recreation programs are exclusively for Prince George’s County residents. Contact [email protected] or 301-249-7200 for disability modification inquiries.
Wait Lists: If a camp session is full, you can join a waitlist and register for an alternative camp. Transfers to your first-choice camp are penalty-free if a spot opens.
Withdrawals & Refunds: Withdrawals are subject to a $50 non-refundable fee per child, per session. Extended care withdrawals (with continued camp enrollment) incur a 20% fee. Contact the program facility to process withdrawals. For registration errors, transfers or withdrawals without penalty are allowed within the first two weeks of resident registration or on the same day of error by calling the Help Desk.

By understanding these guidelines and preparing in advance, especially if you are seeking after care programs Lanham MD, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable summer camp experience for your child with M-NCPPC. For further assistance, contact the Customer Service Help Desk at 301-699-2255.