Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQ

Who can attend?
My child came last year, should they come again?
Do you have a cancellation policy?
What other policies do you have?
What is your policy on students with special needs?
How is the 1st Grade program different from the elementary program?
Can I sell my eBook or continue my blog/podcast after camp?
How can I prepare my child for camp?
Do you accept funds from home-school funding programs?

AIW CAMP ONLINE FAQ

Can I sign-up for an online session and later transfer to an on-campus session?
How will we create our own ebooks and blogs/podcasts?
Other than an internet connection, what technology do I need?

AIW CAMP ON-CAMPUS FAQ

Will you be opening other locations?
The camp in my area is being held at a different school than the one I attend. Can I still come?
Do you provide lunch and a snack?
Do you provide extended care?
What is your late pick-up policy after camp?
Will I get any cool free stuff at camp?
Can my parents come with me?
What t-shirt size should I order?
How will elementary campers create their own ebook?
How will middle school campers create their projects?


GENERAL FAQ


Who can attend?
Adventures in Writing Camp is open to students entering grades 1-8. Campers should be registered for the grade level they will be entering in the fall. The 1st Grade program is designed for rising 1st graders, while the Elementary program is for rising 2nd-5th graders. Finally, the Middle School program is open to rising 6th-8th graders.


My child came last year, should they come again?
Yes, we develop a NEW camp curriculum each year! Returning campers will practice new writing skills, while also building on the ones they learned last summer. Elementary campers sing along to brand new songs (along with some old favorites), participate in new challenges, and of course, publish another e-book. Middle schoolers explore new projects (we currently rotate curriculum between blogging, podcasting, and video-making), and continue to develop their unique voices as writers.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes! Our policy, called our WORRY FREE POLICY, is designed to leave as much flexibility for families as possible while still allowing us to plan, supply, and staff each location appropriately. The policy, and the optional Registration Protection, are outlined below:

WORRY FREE POLICY
If you have to cancel, for any reason, and do so by 5:00 PM PST on the Wednesday before the first day of your registered session, we will issue you an account credit for all tuition fees paid. These credits do not expire. Your credit can be used by the camper who is no longer able to attend camp as registered, or may be transferable to any immediate family member who is age/grade eligible to attend a session of Adventures in Writing Camp. Credit Card (or check) refunds will be given only with the purchase of Registration Protection (see terms below).

Participants who begin their registered camp session but do not complete the session are not eligible for a voucher or partial refund. Individuals who do not check-in or attend their registered session without providing notice of cancellation (“no shows”), or cancel after 5:00 PM PST on the Wednesday before the first day of their registered session, will not be eligible for an account credit.

REGISTRATION PROTECTION
Adventures in Writing Camp offers Registration Protection for $35 per camper per session, due at the time of registration. Registration Protection entitles you to a full refund of your camp tuition fees paid towards the session you are canceling, as long as cancellation occurs by 5:00 PM PST on the Wednesday before the first day of their registered session. Please note that only the camp tuition, and not the $35 Registration Protection or the $15 Registration Fee, are refunded in this scenario.



What other policies do you have?
In addition to agreeing to our cancellation policy, parents will be asked to review and agree to the following policies when registering for any of our on-campus or online programs:

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
To ensure a safe, creative and fun environment for all participants in Adventures in Writing Camp, all participating campers/families must agree to abide by the camp Behavior Management Policy.

Step 1:
The Site Director will complete the Major Behavior/Incident Documentation form for any significant behavior incident. Significant behavior incidents include:

  • Hitting
  • Stealing
  • Actions that compromise the safety of fellow campers or staff
  • Actions that interfere with the ability of campers to learn or staff to instruct in a positive, supportive environment
  • Defiance (of camp rules and reasonable staff requests)

Step 2:
Once the site director has filled out a Major Behavior/Incident Documentation form, the student must review it. A copy of this form will then be sent home to the parent(s)/guardian(s) along with a Behavior Agreement. The Behavior Agreement outlines the responsibility of each person involved (the student(s), the parent(s) and staff) in preventing future incidents. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must then sign the forms and return them with the student the next day. The signed form will be kept on file.

Step 3:
A Warning of Dismissal Letter will be given to the parent/guardian if the behavior agreement has been breached. The parent and student must sign the site’s copy of the letter.

Step 4:
If the behavior issue persists following the Warning of Dismissal Letter, the student will be dismissed from camp activities. This action will be taken only after consultation between the Camp Director and staff member(s) involved. The Dismissal Letter will be filled out by the staff member involved and the Site Director, and then given to the parent. No refund will be offered in the event of dismissal. While we do not anticipate the need to dismiss students and will work with all parties involved to prevent matters from reaching this point, we have implemented this policy to promote a safe, creative and fun learning environment for all camp participants.

MEDIA POLICY
By registering my child/children for Adventures in Writing Camp, I grant permission for their image, voice and likeness to be photographed, recorded or otherwise captured by employees, representatives or designees of Adventures in Writing Camp, including members of the media and/or others. I understand that their image, voice, likeness or comments may be used by Adventures in Writing Camp for future marketing on websites, brochures, advertisements or other forms of communication.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY
In consideration of my minor child/ward being allowed to participate in this camp program, its related events and activities, I, the parent/guardian, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: 1. Even with our safety measures, we are unable to guarantee that your child will not be exposed to another student or staff member, or other individual who is carrying the COVID-19 virus. As you may know, individuals may be asymptomatic and can carry and spread the virus to others unknowingly. Prior to making your decision, we urge you to consult with your healthcare provider and assess the risks of choosing to return your child(ren) to in-person learning; and the risk of injury at and around youth programs is always present; and there is also risk of injury from such outside camper activities to which you may consent, and FOR MYSELF, SPOUSE, AND CHILD, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my child’s participation; and 2. I willingly agree to comply with the program’s stated and customary terms and conditions for my child’s participation. If I observe any unusual or concerning activity at camp, I will remove my child from participation and bring such to the attention of the Site Administrator (Camp Director), and/or AIW Camp home office. 3. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS Adventures in Writing Camp, Ringtail Learning, Inc., Kids Love Writing, their officers, directors, officials, agents, owners and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used for activity (“Releasees”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, regarding my child and/or arising from his/her activities, WHETHER ARISING FROM NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, except for willful misconduct, or otherwise to the fullest extent of the law. I HAVE READ THE RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND THEIR TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE DISPUTES
IN THE EVENT OF ANY DISPUTE PERTAINING TO ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR PERTAINING TO THE SERVICES RENDERED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO ATTENDANCE AT THIS CAMP, INCLUDING ANY CLAIM FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR OTHER LOSS, INCLUDING ANY CLAIM AGAINST ADVENTURES IN WRITING CAMP, RINGTAIL LEARNING, INC, KIDS LOVE WRITING, ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, OWNER, OFFICIAL, EMPLOYEE, OR AGENT OF THE CAMP OR OF ANY FOREGOING ENTITY, EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO BINDING ARBITRATION TO RESOLVE SUCH DISPUTES, BY CLAIM FILED, BEFORE JAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, TO BE ARBITRATED HERE OR SUCH OTHER VENUE AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE JAMS ARBITRATOR, SUCH ARBITRATION TO PROCEED UNDER THE JAMS RULES. In the event either party to this agreement incurs any expense as a result of the other party’s failure to comply with any provision of this agreement, the non-complying party shall be liable for reimbursement of any and all such expenses or attorney fees directly or indirectly related to failure to comply. In the event any legal action or proceeding occurs which is in any manner related to or pertaining to this agreement, attempting to challenge in a non-arbitral forum such as a court of law the validity or application of this agreement, the party who substantially prevails in that court or non-arbitral proceeding shall be entitled to receive reasonable costs of such action or proceeding including attorney’s fees. In the arbitration itself, each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees. The following disclosures are intended to help you thoroughly understand the significance of agreeing to arbitrate any controversy, or claim, or issue in any controversy or claim which may arise between the undersigned client and the attorney: A) ARBITRATION SHALL BE FINAL AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES. B) THE PARTIES HERETO ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES IN COURT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL. C) PRE-ARBITRATION DISCOVERY IS GENERALLY MORE LIMITED THAN AND DIFFERENT FROM COURT PROCEEDINGS. D) THE ARBITRATOR’S (S) AWARD IS NOT REQUIRED TO INCLUDE FACTUAL FINDINGS OR LEGAL REASONING AND ANY PARTY’S RIGHT TO APPEAL OR TO SEEK MODIFICATION OF RULINGS BY THE ARBITRATOR (S) IS STRICTLY LIMITED. E) THE ARBITRATOR OR PANEL OF ARBITRATORS WILL TYPICALLY INCLUDE AN ATTORNEY OR JUDGE, ACTIVE OR RETIRED. BY ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING, YOU ARE SIGNIFYING UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. I hereby certify that my minor/ward is in good health and fully able to participate in all activities of the Camp. By electronically signing, I am stating that I am also aware of and accept the risk inherent in the program activity. I agree as well to hold harmless and indemnify Adventures in Writing Camp, Ringtail Learning, Inc., Kids Love Writing, their officers, directors, owners, officials, agents and employees, from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, refunds or expenses which are sustained, incurred or required out of the actions of my dependent in the course of the camp. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND OUR OBLIGATIONS STATED THEREIN AND ALSO THE RIGHTS OF ADVENTURES IN WRITING CAMP, RINGTAIL LEARNING, INC., AND KIDS LOVE WRITING, AND HERBY AGREE TO ACT IN ACCORDANCE. I further expressly agree that the waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

What is your policy on students with special needs?
Students with special needs are welcome to attend, provided that any registered aid who accompanies them during the normal school day also accompanies them during the duration of their time at AIW Camp Online. To register a student with special needs (and their aid) please contact us for more details.

How is the 1st Grade program different from the elementary program?
The 1st grade program is designed for beginning writers, and does not require any pre-requisite writing skills! The 1st grade class will work together on a shared writing piece, which allows them to practice collaboration and teamwork skills. The program also provides plenty of opportunities for campers to channel their creative energy through games, crafts, and structured play. Rising 1st graders with advanced writing skills who are ready to write an independent e-book are welcome to register for the Elementary program as 2nd graders.

Can I sell my eBook or continue my blog/podcast after camp?
We will make information available on how to post your eBook for sale, as well as other things to consider if you do sell your eBook. The decision on whether or not to make your eBook available for sale will be made by each family individually. Similarly, we will provide parents information on how to take over an administrative role if you and your camper decide together to make the blog/podcast public.

How can I prepare my child for camp?
Congratulations on your decision to support your young writer’s development! In the weeks leading up to the start of your session, we will be sending several e-mails with information and suggestions to make the first day of camp… and all the days that follow… as fun and educational as possible. If you just can’t wait for those e-mails, here is a quick preview: What to bring: 1) A lunch and a snack (Bay Area families have the option to purchase lunch through a third party) 2) Sunscreen and a water bottle. What to read: Families in the 1st grade and Elementary programs are encouraged to read the camp mentor text and listen to the camp songs prior to the first day. If your child has any hesitation, we recommend watching the camp video on our homepage as well as reading books from the Lemur Library. Middle school campers can begin to think about a topic for their project.

Do you accept funds from home-school funding programs?
At this time we do not accept funds from Valiant, Summit, or other home school funding programs.


AIW CAMP ONLINE FAQ


Can I sign-up for an online session and later transfer to an on-campus session?
Yes, so long as there is space in your desired grade level and location you can easily transfer from one session to another. To do so, login to your parent portal and navigate to “My/Manage Campers.” In the Upcoming Sessions, find the session you would like to transfer from, and click the “Transfer” button. This will then prompt you to transfer to a new camp or course.

How will we create our own ebooks and blogs?
Campers entering grades 1-5 will be using “Book Creator Online” to create their ebooks. Campers entering grades 6-8 will use Edublogs and WeVideo to create their blogs/podcasts. Students will learn how to use the app so that they may continue their creativity after the camp session is complete.

Other than an internet connection, what technology do I need?
Campers entering grades 1-5 will be using “Book Creator Online” to create their ebooks. It will work on devices that can run the Chrome or Safari browser – including Chromebooks, Windows laptops/PCs, Apple devices such as iPads, MacBooks and iMacs, and other brands of handheld devices like Chrome tablets, Android tablets or Surface tablets.

Campers entering grades 6-8 will use Edublogs and WeVideo to create their blogs/podcasts. We recommend a laptop, PC, Chromebook, or a tablet with a keyboard, or a similar device for east of typing. Edublogs is compatible with all major browsers.


AIW CAMP ON-CAMPUS FAQs


Will you be opening other locations?
Many of our locations are still determining if they will allow outside groups on campus this summer due to COVID, and we anticipate announcing more locations in the coming weeks… or possibly months. For a current list of locations and their status, click here.


The camp in my area is being held at a different school than the one I attend. Can I still come?
Of course! Students from other schools (and home schooled) students are welcome to attend. In fact, each camp typically has groups of students from several schools. You can tell your friends to sign up too!

Do you provide lunch and a snack?
This summer, as a result of COVID, we are not offering the option to purchase lunch. Please send your child to camp with a snack, lunch, and a water bottle each day. We apologies for the inconvenience and hope to be able to offer lunch in the future.


Do you provide extended care?
Supervised Play is offered at most location from 8am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm. Check the session detail page for the specific hours and offering for your desired location.

What is your late pick-up policy after camp?
There is a late-pickup charge of $1 per minute for campers picked up after 3:10 pm.




Will I get any cool free stuff at camp?
Yes! After you register, each camper will receive instructions for downloading digital copies of this year’s camp songs and an e-book version of Mister Lemur’s newest mentor text (elementary campers only). 1st grade and Elementary campers are encouraged to read the book and listen to the songs before camp begins (although middle school students are welcome to enjoy them as well!). All campers will also receive two Adventures in Writing Camp T-shirts. Plan to wear one of the two shirts to camp each day.


Can my parents come with me?
Sort of! Parents are welcome to observe the morning assembly from 9:00 to 9:25.  After that time, camp participation will be limited to enrolled campers and registered aids for students with special needs.

What t-shirt size should I order?
All camper t-shirts are sized for youth. The following sizing is recommended by the manufacturer. Chest: With arms down at sides, measure around the upper body, under arms and over the fullest part of the chest.
S = 6-8 (chest 26-28)
M = 10/12 (chest 28-30)
L = 14/16 (chest 30-32)
XL = 18/20 (chest 32-35)

How will elementary campers create their own ebook?
We will be working with an app called Book Creator. Students will learn how to use the app so that they may continue their creativity after the camp session is complete.

How much time will my child spend using an iPad?
While iPads are a great tool for creating an eBook (and for exciting reluctant writers), they are not a substitute for traditional pencil and paper writing. We use traditional writing mediums in tandem with technology, and campers generally spend approximately 30% – 35% of their writing time on iPads.

Do I need to bring my own iPad to an on-campus session?
Nope. We ask that students do NOT bring their own iPad to AIW Camp. We will be providing tablets for students to use while they create eBooks, and the introduction of camper-owned iPads into the camp will likely lead to confusion and mass chaos. We also ask that students do not bring phones, tablets, or other electronic devices to camp. In the event of an emergency, parent/guardians can call the camp director to contact their child.

How will middle school campers create their projects?

We will be working with apps on camp-provided technology (iPads and/or Chrome Books). Students will learn how to use age-appropriate platforms with age-appropriate controls in place. The program is designed for camp staff to review content before it is posted during the camp period.

We cycle through various writing-centric projects across summers. For years where the blogging project is offered, parents will have the opportunity to allow their child to continue blogging after the completion of camp. To do this, the parent will become the “administrator” on the account with oversight rights… and responsibilities! You will receive more information on this during and at the end of camp seasons where the blogging program is offered.