Is Oasis accredited by the American Camp Association? What is accreditation?
What is the staff to camper ratio, and who are the staff?
What are the camp hours? When is the drop off and the pick up?
Can we visit the camp before signing up for camp?
Does camp provide lunch as well as snack for my child?
Is transportation available?
How are campers divided into groups?
How many weeks must I register for?
Will my child learn to swim?
What is a typical day like?
Is a nurse on site during all regular camp hours?
When do I need to send in my health forms?
Can I send my camper's medication to camp? How?
What if my camper is late or I need to pick up my camper early?
Can I cancel a camp week or weeks?
Do children go on field trips?
What happens on rainy days?
Can I visit my child at camp?
Can I speak with other Oasis Day Camp Families?
Is there anything my child should not bring to camp?
Is financial aid available?
Is Oasis accredited by the American Camp Association? What is accreditation?
Yes. Oasis is proud to have been accredited by the American Camping Association. ACA Accreditation means that Oasis submitted to a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation by the ACA - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Oasis and the ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety, learning new experiences, personal growth and service to the community.
What is the staff to camper ratio, and who are the staff?
At Oasis, our adult to child ratio is always 1:7, 1:5 for our younger campers. Typically, each group of 15-18 children has 2-3 group leaders, depending on age. An additional staff person, a specialist, runs each specific activity in which the children participate. A team of Division Leaders act as supervisors and every site has a nurse or EMT as well as a team of Red Cross certified lifeguards and swim instructors.
What are the camp hours? When is the drop off and the pick up?
Oasis runs a full day from 9am-5pm. Morning drop-off starts at 8:30am and afternoon pick-up is by 5:30pm. For an additional fee, you may sign up for Early Drop Off Service (8:00am-8:30am) or Late Pick Up Service (5:30pm-6:00pm). Oasis Downtown offers a Short Day option from 9am-3pm, please visit the web page for Oasis Downtown for more information about this.
Can we visit the camp before signing up for camp?
For some locations this is possible. We have a number of campus tours and Information Sessions that we would love to have you attend. For more information on campus tours and Information Sessions, click here. During the Information Sessions we will be giving a presentation and slideshow, followed by a Q&A period. Please visit the Info Session page for more dates and information.
Does camp provide lunch as well as snack for my child?
Oasis campers have a picnic lunch every day. Children bring their own lunch in a soft lunch bag. Oasis keeps lunches in coolers until lunch time and provides plenty of water at lunch and throughout the day.
Is transportation available?
Yes. Oasis offers transportation for an additional fee from select neighborhoods within our fee based programs. Check the information page for the specific Oasis camp location you're interested in for more details, including bus itineraries.
How are campers divided into groups?
Campers are placed in groups according to age. It is possible for children to be grouped with friends, if requested and if they are of a similar age. Up to 3 friends can be listed on your child's enrollment form. Please note that we cannot guarantee any request will be met. We will work towards grouping your child with their top choice; however requests must be reciprocated and priority is given to negative grouping requests.
How many weeks must I register for?
At Oasis, families have the advantage to enroll their children around their summer plans. Children enroll for a minimum of two consecutive weeks, a maximum of eight weeks, or any combination you choose.
This is in tune with our philosophy that we believe it takes 2 weeks for children to get comfortable in a new environment. If campers sign up for more than 2 weeks; with a break in enrollment anytime after the first 2 weeks; they will be accustomed to the routine of camp and they will be in the same group with the same campers and group leaders when they return to camp. Swimming lessons will remain consistent and children will not have to be retested when they return.
Will my child learn to swim?
Oasis follows the American Red Cross Learn to Swim model and your child's progression depends on how long they attend camp. If they are only attending for 2 weeks, they will learn some very basic skills and get to practice these skills with the guidance of our swim staff. If your camper is enrolled for the entire 8 weeks of camp, it is likely that they could move up at least one level in the program. Campers are evaluated at the beginning of their first session and placed in an appropriate swim class for their skill level with a swim instructor. Campers can move up to the next swim level at their own pace. At any time, you can check with your child's Division Leader for a progress report on your child's swim experience.
What is a typical day like?
Click here for information on a typical day at Oasis.
Is a nurse on site during all regular camp hours?
Yes. An RN, LPN or EMT is on site daily. In addition, the Site Director and Division Leaders are Red Cross certified in RTE (Responding To Emergencies) first aid, and CPR.
When do I need to send in my health forms?
A completed health form must be returned to Oasis prior to your child's camp start date. You can find camper health forms on this website. Under state law, all campers must have a Health Form on file before attending camp.
Can I send my camper's medication to camp? How?
Any medications being sent to camp will be kept in the nurse's office and must be in their original containers bearing the pharmacy label with your child's name, dosage, and doctor's name. You also must provide written instructions for administering the medication. Please notify us of any food and/or medication allergies your child may have.
What if my camper is late or I need to pick up my camper early?
As long as your camper's Division is not going on a field trip that day, if you're running a little late, just bring them to the Main office so we can check them in and have someone escort them to their group. If your child takes the bus, please call the office to let them know that your child is going to be late so we do not expect them at the bus stop. Please keep in mind that coming in late can affect your child's ability to fully participate in the Oasis Camp experience. Our morning rally at 9:00 am is a big part of our camp day, and many campers look forward to it every day. If you need to pick your camper up early, simply send a note or call the camp office or your camper's Division Leader before the day your child needs to be picked up early to inform us. A staff member will walk your child over to the camp office where you can pick them up at the designated time.
Can I cancel a camp week or weeks?
Yes. You may change the weeks of your child's enrollment. Oasis will provide a refund (minus the deposit after May 28th, 2010) for any unused full weeks (we do not pro-rate weeks) if you are decreasing the number of weeks your child will be attending. When space permits, campers may be able to add or change the weeks for which they are registered. To make any changes to enrollment PRIOR to the beginning of camp contact the Oasis main office at 718-596-4900. Once camp begins, all transactions are handled at the camp location. Contact information for your Oasis camp location can be found on the information page for the Oasis camp location your child is registered for and individual contact information will be provided to you in a Welcome letter prior to the beginning if camp.
Do children go on field trips?
Throughout the summer, your child's group and/or division will go on a variety of trips. On those days, campers will leave on their trips after morning rally and will return for the afternoon wrap-up. Campers should bring their lunch as usual on trip days. *Oasis Downtown Short Day campers are asked to stay for a Tall Day on trip days, please see the Oasis Downtown information page for more details.
What happens on rainy days?
Camp remains open and our programs continue. For a simple rain shower the schedule will continue as normal with a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities. If the inclement weather continues or there is thunder and lightning, the campers would come inside where our program can continue with various activities from crafts, to adventure, to sports. Of course, during lightning and thunder the swim program (if outdoors) will be suspended and swim staff will engage campers in a variety of fun activities. A rainy day is also a wonderful occasion for an all camp activity such as a talent show.
Can I visit my child at camp?
Parents are welcome to visit Oasis at any time, as long as it's not during your child's first week of camp. We do encourage you to allow your child this time to adjust to the program before visiting. When you visit, we ask that you come dressed to participate in all activities planned for the day - that's the Oasis way! If you are going to visit, please be sure to call your camp office at least a day in advance and also be sure to sign in at the camp office upon your arrival so we can maintain the safety of all campers by letting staff know that you'll be joining them.
Can I speak with other Oasis Day Camp Families?
We understand that it may be difficult to choose a camp that's right for your family. Upon request, we will be happy to furnish you with the names of families who have chosen Oasis and agreed to speak to other families about their experience. Simply email info@oasischildren.com and we will put you in contact with a family that has had a recent experience at Oasis.
Is there anything my child should not bring to camp?
Yes! Campers should NOT bring any money, valuables, Pokemon (or other collectible cards) or electronic devices such as i-pods or handheld games to camp. These items are a distraction and tend to get lost or broken easily. If your child brings these to camp, they will be kept in the main office until the end of the day. Also, for safety reasons- rollerblades, scooters, bicycles, and heely-style shoes are not permitted during camp hours. We understand that these may be methods of transportation to and from camp, but they are not allowed once your child arrives at camp, until they are dismissed at the end of the day.
Is financial aid available?
Limited aid is available and awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. A financial aid application process must be completed prior to April 16th, 2010, to be considered for financial assistance. Please call Oasis (before 3/1/09) for more information.
If you have more questions about Oasis Day Camp, please email info@oasischildren.com or call 718-596-4900.