Frequently Asked Questions

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:When will River Camp begin accepting registrations for the summer?
A:Members only registration opens on February 1st of each year. Public registration opens on March 1st of each year. Registration is completed online using the UltraCamp website.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:How are groups assigned?
A:Campers are grouped by age into individual groups of 9-11 campers led by a counselor and 1-2 Junior Leaders. Typically, the members of a group will be no more than 2 years apart from each other (e.g. the youngest group member is 6 and the oldest group member is 8). We strive to create an environment conducive for children to thrive socially and emotionally as they experience nature. It has been our experience that having campers more than 2 years apart in age in the same group creates a developmental gap that reduces the positive social interactions of the group.

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:How soon should I register?
A:We recommend registering as soon as possible to ensure you receive your first choice of session. Most weeks fill up by mid-May.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:Can I request my camper be grouped with his/her friend?
A:Parents may request that their camper be in the same group as friends or family during the online registration process. While we do our best to meet as many of these requests as possible, “group-with” requests are not guaranteed. *If there are special circumstances that require your camper to be grouped with someone >2 years apart in age from them, please contact the Community Programs Director at 559-248-8480 ext. 104 with this request.*

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:How does the waitlist process work?
A:If your desired session is full, you may register your camper for the waitlist through the UltraCamp website. If/when a spot opens up for your camper you will be automatically notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to register. If you do not register within those 48 hours your spot will be forfeited and offered to the next camper on the waitlist. Please note: River Parkway Trust staff are unable to assess the likelihood that a spot will open up for your camper, as the variables are beyond our control.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:Where do I drop my child off/pick my child up each day?
A:Campers begin and end each day at the River Center, where they are signed in/out and meet the River Camp Bus. Campers and Junior Leaders ride the bus to Scout Island (where camp is held) in the morning and return in the afternoon.

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:Can my child attend more than one session of camp?
A:Yes! Each camper may register for up to 2 weeks of River Camp or Young Explorers each summer.

River Camp Scout Island
Q: Can my child leave early/arrive late to camp?
A:We strongly encourage you to schedule your camper’s session to minimize any scheduling conflicts that require late arrival or early pick-up. In the event that such a conflict is unavoidable, please make arrangements with the Camp Assistant Director in advance. Late arrivals or early pick-ups will take place once a day at 12:30 pm, with parents meeting the Camp Assistant Director at the upper Scout Island gate near Fig Garden Golf Club.

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:I’m a River Parkway Trust Member; where do I find my discount code?
A:River Parkway Trust members receive the discount codes for the season via e-mail before Members only registration opens on February 1st. If you did not receive a copy of the discount code please contact the office at (559) 248-8480.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:What if my child is sick or is unable to attend camp for another reason?
A:If your child is going to miss a day of camp, please contact the Camp Assistant Director ASAP to notify us of the absence. If your camper has not been checked in by 8:50 am you will receive a phone call from camp staff checking on his/her status for the day.

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:What happens after my child is registered?
A:You will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail immediately upon registration. This e-mail will include a copy of your registration and basic camp information. Additional information, including a copy of the Camper Guide, will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the beginning of your registered camp date.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:My child doesn’t know how to swim! Can he/she still participate in water activities?
A:Though we strongly encourage all River Campers to complete basic swim lessons prior to participating in River Camp, swimming proficiency is not required. During swim-time or water activities your camper will be supervised by 2 lifeguards, 6 counselors (including their counselor), and 6-12 Junior Leaders. Life vests are available for all campers. Some optional activities, such as canoeing or ‘floating the river’ require all participants to wear a life vest. The general swim area does not require a life vest, but many of our campers wear life vests at all times when they are in the water and you may request that your camper wear a life vest whenever in the water. Water activities are completely optional, and children may remain on dry land if they desire. If you have special requests regarding swim time for your camper, please discuss them with the camp counselor at Monday morning check in or note them on the emergency information form.

River Camp (All Programs)
Q:What is River Camp’s cancellation/refund policy?
A:A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration: $50 for River Camp or $25 for Young Explorers. Full refunds (less the deposit amount) will be given if requested at least 7 days prior to your camp start date. If you cancel less than 7 days prior to your camp start date, refunds will only be given for medical or family emergencies. If you need to cancel, please do so by calling our office at (559) 248-8480 ext. 104.

River Camp Scout Island
Q:What does my child need to bring to camp each day?
A:Please have your child wear the following to camp each day:
Swimsuit (worn under clothing; no changing room available)
Shoes that can get wet (NO FLIP FLOPS)
Sunscreen and a hat

Please have your child bring the following to camp each day:
Lunch (no refrigeration is available)
Full, reusable water bottle
Extra sunscreen
A towel

River Camp will provide:
All activity supplies
Water safety equipment
River Camp T-Shirt
Drinking water/Gatorade
Morning and afternoon snack