SOAR CAMP SERVICES

List of 17 frequently asked questions.

• What does my child need to bring to camp?

  In addition to lunch, campers should wear sneakers and clothes in which they can be active each day. Be prepared to spend time both outside and inside. There may be specific specialty camps or activities that require additional items, but in that event, you will receive a specific letter from the camp for which your child is registered. Additional information about the daily packing list can be found in the Welcome Packet you received in the mail. 

• How will the age difference in the camps set up for grades 4-9 be handled?

  While 4th – 9th grade is a wide age range, all of the camps set for that age group include activities that are applicable to all grade levels. The teachers are prepared to cater to the needs of the individual campers who sign up. Some will provide age and ability specific instruction (i.e. Lacrosse Camp) and all will promote a healthy learning environment in which all grade levels will work together.

• What if it rains?

  The camp staff is prepared with both indoor and outdoor activities in the case of inclement weather. Some specialty camps such as sports camps will still be able to use the gym and other areas for their specific activities.

• Do all campers need to fill out a medical form?

  Students who are currently enrolled in Valley School do not need to fill out the medical form because we already have a medical form on file from the school year. If there are any changes or additions since the fall, please inform the camp staff by filling out the summer camp medical form. All campers who are not Valley School students MUST submit a completed summer camp medical form by June 1st.

• What about snacks and other food?

  Camp will sometimes provide a small snack for younger campers. If there are any food allergies, please be sure to include that on your health form.

• Can my child come for a half day?

  No. SOAR at Valley is a full-day program. We strive to arrange camp activities in a way that there are both morning and afternoon options that appeal to all campers. If there is not your top choice specialty camp, perhaps it’s time to try something new!

• What happens during the lunch hour?

  The lunch hour will provide time for all campers of all ages to interact through lunch, recess, and camp-wide games or activities. We will follow guidelines put in place by our local, state, and federal health agencies as well as the American Camp Association and National Association of Independent Schools. A priority of Valley Schools’ character education is that older students learn the importance of kindness towards younger students and younger students get to feel the connection of having an older buddy. Similarly, all campers will have the opportunity to connect with kids at other age levels during the middle of the day activities.

• Who are the camp staff?

  All of the camp staff are full-time teachers either at Valley School of Ligonier or another area school. Among them, they teach all grade levels and a variety of subjects. They are passionate about working with students and excited to share their expertise with summer camp!  We also have regional high school students serve as assistant counselors to the counselors.  All counselors have active clearances as required by law.

• Are there maximum or minimum number of campers?

  The maximum number of campers will vary for each camp. Register early to ensure your spot in your top choice camp. The minimum number for each specialty camp is set at 4 campers. In the event we need to cancel a specialty camp due to low numbers, you will be contacted and may choose a different option or receive a full refund. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding in regards to potential changes in program.

• Is there a camp nurse?

  There is a camp nurse, and all teachers are trained in basic First Aid and CPR. If you have any questions or concerns regarding medical needs, please contact Carole Paterson-Wright with any questions. 

• Why is there a photo release?

  In addition to the possibility of using photos in future camp publication, we are excited to share camp photos each week through a secure website. Parents will receive login information at the start of the week so they will be able to view photos of each day’s camp activities.

• Are there camp t-shirts?

  Yes! Each registered camper will receive a free summer camp t-shirt on the first day they arrive in the summer.

• What if we need to cancel after registering?

  You will receive a full refund if you cancel prior to May 12th, (one month from the first day of summer camp). After May 12th, there will be a

  $75 cancellation fee and the rest of the money will be refunded.

• What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?

  Campers should be dropped off in the front circle of the school building by 9:00am each day. If riding the bus, please make sure you are at the bus stop 5-10 minutes early. Camp staff will be ready to greet your child when they get off the bus at Valley school. Pick-up will be in the front of the school building.

• Can high school students be involved in SOAR camp?

  Yes! We are looking for high school age students to be counselors this summer.

• Is there a chance for parents to see what their children do at camp?

  Yes! There will be a short parent open house at the end of the day on Friday’s each week. During this time, parents will be able to come and see what each camp has done that week. Information will be sent out to each parent at the start of camp with more details. We are hopeful that this event will take place in the summer of 2021. We will keep you updated as we know more. 

• Is busing available?

  Yes! Busing is available from Mt. View, Latrobe, and Ligonier. Please click the link on the main page for the bus times and locations.