GOT QUESTIONS?
We'd love to hear from YOU.
Got questions about camp, partnerships, year-round events, or just wanna drop a "Hi"?
Shoot us a message – we're always here and quick to reply!
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WHAT DOES A DAY AT DEAN LOOK LIKE?
Welcome to a day at DEAN Adventure Camps, where every moment is an opportunity for fun, learning, and exploration.
Here's a snapshot of our action-packed schedule:
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am: Flexible Morning Drop-off & DEAN Zone Activities (a selection of games, crafts, and more!)
- 9:00 am - 9:15 am: Energizing Morning Introduction
- 9:15 am - 10:30 am: First Activity Period
- 10:30 am - 10:45 am: Snack & Outside Break (weather permitting)
- 10:45 am - 12:00 pm: Second Activity Period
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Recess Break
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Third Activity Period
- 2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Snack & Outside Break (weather permitting)
- 2:15 pm - 3:45 pm: Final Activity Period
- 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm: Clean Up & End of Day Closing
- 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Flexible Pick Up + DEAN Zone Activities (nature hikes, crafts, snacks, games & more!)
Get ready for a day full of adventure and discovery at DEAN!
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WHAT IS DEAN’S PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICY?PaymentWe understand that flexibility is essential. While we request full payment upfront, we are here to support your needs. If you require more time or assistance due to financial hardship, don't hesitate to contact us at deanteam@deancamps.com. We'll be happy to discuss payment plan options or other additional options to try to accommodate your circumstances.CancellationsWe understand that plans can change. Here's our flexible refund policy:
- Until June 1: Full refund available, minus a $100 fee per program. For example, if you've registered for 2 programs, your refund will be the total amount minus $200.
- After June 1: Fees become non-refundable. But don't worry! You can change your camper's program selection at no extra cost as long as the total number of sessions stays the same.
- If a desired change isn't possible due to full programs, we'll issue a credit with no expiration date, which can be used for future programs or transferred to another camper's account.Scheduling ChangesWe are here to help figure out the schedule that works best for you and your family. If you need to move a week or choose a different class, no problem. We will make changes at any time as long as there is space in the program.If you decide to add additional weeks, we will also make sure that you receive the best pricing based on the number of weeks a camper is attending. -
LUNCH? ALLERGY PRECAUTIONS, DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, PICKY EATERS?
We're excited to team up with Haverford College for our camp's lunch and snack offerings, ensuring your child enjoys tasty, nutritious, and safe meals. As part of your camp fee, we include lunch, snacks, and drinks for convenience and assurance.
Special Dietary NeedsUnderstanding the importance of dietary needs and food allergies, Haverford College is well-prepared to accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies. Their experience in serving a diverse student body ensures every camper's dietary needs are met with care and precision.
Dietary & Allergy-Conscious DiningThe college boasts a dedicated gluten-free room, ideal for campers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Vegetarian and vegan options are readily available daily, and all food items are clearly labeled with ingredients and potential allergens like wheat, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
Food Safety StandardsTo uphold food safety, we kindly ask that no outside food be brought onto campus. This policy is crucial for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring quality control.
Communicating Dietary RequirementsManaging dietary restrictions or food allergies can be challenging, and we're here to help. Please inform us of any specific needs your child has by including them in the medical forms. Our team is always available to address any concerns or queries you may have.
Picky Eaters
We recognize that some campers may have specific dietary preferences and be considered picky eaters. Fortunately, our partnership with Haverford College provides us with an extensive range of dining options to cater to every palate. In fact, we're spoiled for choice! DEAN has access to a daily rotation of hot lunch items, which includes both vegan and vegetarian alternatives. Additionally, there is a sandwich, salad and pizza bar, a variety of cereals, fresh fruits, veggies, and an array of snack items that are available every day. We truly believe that with this diverse selection, there's something to satisfy every camper's taste buds.
Open Door Policy
Should you have any questions about our meal offerings or policies, please feel free to reach out to our camp office. We're committed to providing a dining experience that's not just delicious but also safe, inclusive, and reassuring.
Varied Weekly Menus
Our weekly menus will change, offering a variety of choices. You'll receive detailed menu information in our weekly welcome letters, sent out the Monday before your child's registered camp week." -
ARE SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF CAMP?
Everything your camper needs for an epic adventure is included in the registration cost! From essential safety gear like helmets and pads to creative tools like sewing machines, we've got it all covered.
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WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER(S) BRING TO CAMP?
We're all about ensuring your camper has the time of their lives! With a mix of indoor and outdoor adventures, it's important they come prepared for action. We recommend sturdy, closed-toed sneakers, weather-appropriate clothing with extra layers, and a readiness for fun-filled, active days. They might get a bit messy, dirty, or even wet – it's all part of the adventure! Each day, please pack:
- Sunscreen for sunny days
- A towel for water fun
- A change of clothes for post-adventure comfort
- Bug repellent (optional, but handy)
Let's gear up for an unforgettable week at DEAN! -
WHAT SHOULD BE LEFT AT HOME?
We've got all the fun and gear covered! To keep your camper’s day carefree and focused on adventure, we kindly request leaving personal items like toys, electronics, or special keepsakes at home. This helps avoid any loss or damage in the hustle and bustle of camp activities.
While we provide all necessary equipment, including helmets and safety pads, campers are welcome to bring their own if they prefer. Just a little reminder: DEAN Adventure Camps isn't responsible for any personal items brought to camp. Let's keep it simple and fun! -
WHERE IS HAVERFORD COLLEGE LOCATED?
The address to Haverford College is 370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041. You can check out their campus map HERE.
The Monday prior to your registered week(s) of camp a welcome email will be sent with specific instructions to where we are located on campus with our pick-up and drop-off instructions.
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WHAT IS DEAN ADVENTURE CAMP’S CELL PHONE POLICY?
We encourage a phone-free zone to maximize engagement and fun! We kindly request that campers keep their cell phones tucked away during camp activities. If we notice any calling, texting, or phone use, we'll gently remind them to focus on the adventures at hand. We completely understand the importance of cell phones, but at camp, we're all about living in the moment and diving into the exciting activities we have in store!
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DOES MY CHILD NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCE?
We welcome campers of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced! Our instructors are equipped to guide campers of all skill levels. We’ve created a no-pressure zone where everyone can freely explore new skills, at their own pace. It's all about discovery and fun; no experience is needed!
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What do you do in case of inclement weather (rain, heatwaves, smoke)?
We closely monitor weather conditions to ensure a safe and coordinated response and ready for whatever the weather may bring! Our cool, air-conditioned indoor spaces are perfect for those less-than-sunny days. While we love the great outdoors, we always prioritize safety, so we'll head outside for breaks whenever the weather is on our side.
For our outdoor adventurers, a little rain won't stop us! We have access to Haverford College's incredible indoor facilities, so the fun continues, rain or shine. We aim to spend as much time as possible outdoors, always keeping safety at the forefront. -
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS INJURED?
Camper safety is our top priority! We make sure every camper is geared up with all the necessary safety equipment and learns how to use tools and equipment safely.
In the rare event of an injury, our First Aid and CPR-certified staff are on hand to respond swiftly. We also have the backing of Haverford College's Campus Safety Department for extra peace of mind. For minor boo-boos like cuts and scrapes, our instructors are well-equipped to provide care. For more serious injuries, we're prepared to promptly seek emergency medical assistance. -
CAN WE SIGN UP FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK?
Absolutely! We're thrilled when campers return year after year, week after week. It's all about skill-building and growing with us each time they join a camp program. Plus, we're all for mixing it up – one week in culinary arts, another as an Eco Explorer in our Trailblazers program. At DEAN Adventure Camps, we see each day as a chance for campers to dive into something new all summer long in a fun, easy-going atmosphere. It's the perfect place to discover new passions and have a blast doing it!
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CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE CAMP T-SHIRT?
On the first day of each camp week, we'll be handing out DEAN Adventure Camps T-shirts – a cool summer essential for every camper! Each camper gets one T-shirt for the season.
You can let your camper wear their DEAN tee to camp, making those busy mornings a breeze. Or, it can be a fun keepsake, a special reminder of all the awesome times they had with us at DEAN Adventure Camps. Either way, it's more than just a shirt – it's a badge of adventure! -
What Goes Into the Cost of Camp?
Choosing the right summer camp involves careful consideration of cost and, of course, the safety and quality of programming. We want to transparently explain why our pricing is set at $699, assuring you that every dollar spent is an investment in an enriching and memorable experience for your child(ren).
We understand that camp costs can differ significantly across the region due to various factors. At DEAN Adventure Camps, our mission and purpose is to offer a high-quality and nurturing environment for your child's growth and development. Below, you can explore some of the specific areas where we invest our financial resources to ensure an exceptional camp experience. While we offer options that cater to different budgets, rest assured that each choice reflects our commitment to providing top-notch quality programming.
Competitive Salaries for Exceptional Instructors:
We believe in providing the best possible environment for your child's growth and learning. Our dedicated team of instructors is highly trained, experienced, and passionate about what they do. To attract and retain top talent, we pay our instructors competitive salaries, ensuring your child benefits from their expertise.
Lunch and Snacks
As part of our commitment to providing a seamless and worry-free experience, we include all meals, snacks, and beverages in the camp fee. With this inclusive approach, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your child will receive nourishing and delicious meals throughout their time at camp.
Materials and Supplies
To encourage exploration and learning, we provide all the necessary materials and supplies your child needs for their various activities so there is no barrier to entry. From sewing machines to bikes, skateboards, robots, and safety equipment, everything is included.
Extended Hours for Your Convenience
We understand the demands of family life. Trying to be in 7 places at once is not an option. We decided that we will make our camp day complement more realistic schedules without any additional costs. You can drop off your child(ren) at 8am and stay till 5:30pm all for one price.
A Beautiful Location
We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong partnership with Haverford College, which enables us to provide an exceptional camp experience.
While we are always mindful of the costs, it's important to note that we chose this location to create a safe, inspiring, and enriching environment for our campers, complete with top-notch maintenance and facilities.
We are excited to build this new location as our summer home for our camp community for years to come.
WHY THE REBRAND?
After 22 amazing years as The Handwork Studio and Velocity Adventure Camp, we've evolved into DEAN Adventure Camps. It's our way of keeping the adventure going and ensuring your kids have GREAT experiences with us, year after year!
A message from our Co-Owners, John & Laura Kelly.