Select a link below to read more about a topic.
Deposit and Refund Policy
Waiver and Release of Liability
Camper Behavioral Policy and Expectations
Camper Removal Policy
Managing Medical Needs of Campers
Managing Medical Needs of Diabetic Campers
Photo Release Waiver
Permission to Transport Off Campus
Deposit and Refund Policy
Please read this section carefully. Whereas the camp would like to be as accommodating as possible to unusual circumstance, the refund policy is a strict policy.
Each camp’s deposit is non-refundable. No exceptions.
HORIZONS USA
Initial deposit: is non-refundable and is due at the time of registration to hold your child’s place for selected camp(s). Horizons USA requires a $500 deposit at the time of registration. This is important because this deposit will trigger the release of a visa invitation letter that can then be used to secure a needed tourist visa. Be sure to check to ensure student’s issued passport has at least 6 months of valid time remaining on it from the camp end date!
Balance of tuition is due by April 15 (less initial deposit) for selected camp(s).
Refund policy: If, for whatever reason, a camper withdraws between April 16-May 15th, families will be charged a cancellation fee of $400 and all other tuition monies (less initial $500 deposit) will be refunded. No refunds will be awarded after May 16th. Any outstanding balance after April 15th can jeopardize your child’s attendance at HORIZONS USA and families may be assessed a $100 late payment penalty. No refunds will be given after May 16th.
Waiver and Release of Liability
I understand that participation in HORIZONS USA camp (the “Camp”) exposes my child to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen and unforeseen, major or minor injuries. These hazards and risks include, but are not limited to, serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”). I understand that Injuries and Damages can arise, as a result of negligence or otherwise, from natural causes; physical conditions; activities, which may include but are not limited to swimming, games, and other athletic, nature, travel and recreational activities; and activities of others.
In consideration for my child’s acceptance and participation in the Camp and intending to be legally bound, I confirm that:
- My child’s participation in the Camp is voluntary and I and my child voluntarily assume all risks associated with my child’s participation in the Camp.
- I understand that neither Camp Concepts assume any responsibility for any Injuries or Damages arising from or connected with my child’s participation in the Camp.
- My child has had the opportunity to consult with appropriate medical personnel and by virtue of our decision to register for the program(s) I declare that my child is physically fit for participation in the Camp.
- My child agrees to comply with all applicable rules and policies of the Camp, now or decided in the future.
- This Waiver and Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Waiver and Release is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Waiver and Release shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable.
MY CHILD, A MINOR, AND I RELEASE AND DISCHARGE CAMP CONCEPTS AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, RENTAL SITES, CONTRACTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, AND WAIVE ALL CLAIMS, SUITS AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND AGAINST ANY AND ALL OF THEM, FOR DEATH, DISABILITY, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, THAT MAY HEREAFTER ACCRUE TO MY CHILD, MY CHILD’S EXECUTORS, ADMINSITRATORS, HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, AND SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, ME, AND MY EXECUTORS, ADMINSITRATORS, HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH MY CHILD’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMP. I AND MY CHILD FURTHER AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS CAMP CONCEPTS AND ITS OFFICERS, RENTAL SITES, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY CLAIMS, SUITS AND ACTIONS OF ANY KIND CAUSED BY MY CHILD’S NEGLIGENCE WHILE A PARTICIPANT IN THE CAMP.
I am the parent/legal guardian of my child. I affirm, by virtue of my registration, that I acknowledge that I have read this Waiver and Release and understand it. By registering and paying a deposit, I have therefore read and accepted these policies and this Waiver and Release my child and I are giving up legal rights. I understand that this is a binding legal document.
Camper Behavioral Policy & Expectations
We believe all children have a powerful urge and curiosity to learn about themselves and the world around them. The best opportunities for learning come from socialization, exploration and discovery such as what a day camp experience can provide. It is our goal to do as much as possible to ensure your child will have a safe and fun time at camp. Safety and fun includes both physical and emotional safety. Our senior staff has been trained to handle interpersonal conflicts and facilitate conflict resolution sessions as they arise. We will not call home with each and every interaction that may occur at camp. We will first spend time processing the situation with the child (or children) and seek resolution to each situation. Typical child Interactions that involve disappointment, miscommunication, misinterpretation or other contentious situations will undoubtedly occur and are a normal part of kids learning how to manage real life social situations. We will do our best to make turn these situations into valuable learning experiences for those involved. We would greatly appreciate the positive support from home, as together; we seek to help your child further develop in this area of life.
Campers cannot be physically or verbally aggressive. While minor outbursts may result in frustration and hurt feelings, extended and consistent aggressive behavior cannot be managed in this program, especially when it impacts the experience of other campers or staff. Acts of violence or aggression towards campers or staff are dealt with seriously. Possible consequences for repeated behavior could include suspension or expulsion from camp. It is our job to maintain an atmosphere of fun & safety for all campers.
We expect and encourage campers to participate in all scheduled activities. We typically solicit the help of the parents when children continuously refuse to participate and who do not respond to our prompts. The family and camp goals should be the same: to provide your child with a summer program filled with diverse activities, enriching social stimulation and learning opportunity in a caring and supportive atmosphere.
Camper Removal Policy
It is our hope that through parental support and open communication that both Camp Concepts and parents/guardians can work in harmony when assisting in the behavioral development of a child. We are committed to and believe that camp should be a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable experience for all, and the misconduct of one camper, or a group of campers, should not be allowed to impact negatively on the experience of others. Camp Concepts reserves the right to dismiss a camper when a camper’s behavior has become unmanageable or has created a volatile environment for other campers and/or staff member, or when a camper’s behavior has become violent and/or dangerous towards another camper and/or staff member. If, in the rare case, a camper is unable to manage their behavior appropriately for their individual or other camper safety or well-being, he/she may be expelled from the program. No refunds will be given under these conditions.
Managing Medical Needs of Campers
We do require international campers to purchase student travel insurance. We DO NOT RECOMMEND purchasing this insurance in your native country. American doctors are not likely to accept international travel insurance and it will be the responsibility of that child to pay for the medical services rendered. We DO recommend parents/campers purchase the travel insurance listed on our web site.
Not every Camp Concepts camp will have the services of a Registered Nurse. The majority of injuries that occur at camp are not severe. The majority require basic first aid needs or simple love, comfort and attention. For those sites that do not have a nurse on duty, emergency situations will be dealt with by either calling 9-1-1- or calling the parent or guardian.
It is our goal that every camper can feel safe, secure and well cared for in the day camp setting. If your child has a medical condition that the camp needs to accommodate, please make the camp aware of those needs on the camper medical emergency form that you will fill out at the time of registration. (Please see below if your child is diabetic. The camp will contact you regarding the establishment of a camper medical management program.) Please be aware that should the extent of medical needs not be fully divulged on the medical emergency form at the time of registration to camp, the camp reserves the right to suspend admittance into camp until an effective camper medical management plan can be established. Camp Concepts, its counselors and staff may not be trained to provide for all physical, mental, emotional or otherwise medical needs of all children. Should a physical, mental, emotional or otherwise medical condition of a camper be above and beyond what is deemed typical for this type of camp or such care be beyond that which the camp, camp counselor or staff member be specifically trained for, the parents may need to provide, at their expense, a one-on-one assistant.
For our locations that do have a nurse on duty, our nurse holds and dispenses all medication except for inhalers which may be kept by the camper but the camper must notify the nurse whenever the inhaler is used. Camp counselors and other non-medical camp staff are not encouraged to administer medication to campers but may do so in times of need.
Please be aware that a nurse may not always be available when a situation with a camper arises. When the nurse is not available, the parents, emergency medical assistance (911) will be notified depending on the circumstances.
Should you have concerns regarding your child’s health and/or participation at camp, please contact the Director who can put you in touch with the camp nurse.
Managing Medical Needs of Diabetic Campers
Our program is a diverse and includes varying degrees of physical activity that includes movement such as running, walking, kicking, throwing, and more. These activities take place on and off campus. The campus terrain is uneven and not well suited for campers who require the use of crutches, scooters or wheelchairs. Please consult the director if your child has mobility (or any other medical, behavioral, emotional or other issues) hindrances that might impact their summer camp experience or require special accommodations on behalf of the camp and its staff.
At the time of application, the parents of a diabetic camper must submit an individualized Diabetes Medical Management Plan prepared by the camper’s physician. The Plan should include the following:
- Blood Glucose monitoring, including the frequency and circumstances requiring blood glucose checks.
- Insulin administration (if necessary, including doses/injection times prescribed for specific blood glucose values and the storage of insulin.
- Meals and snacks, including food content, amounts, and timing.
- Symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), including the administration of glucagon if recommended by the camper’s treatment plan.
- Symptoms and treatment for hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
- If necessary, checking for ketones and appropriate actions to take for abnormal ketone levels.
If equipment is needed for blood glucose testing, this must be provided by parents. A diabetic camper may check his or her blood sugar levels as scheduled or necessary in the presence of the camp nurse in an appropriate setting. The camp nurse will contact the parents BEFORE the start of camp to discuss implementation of the Plan with the parents and diabetic camper.
Photo Release Waiver
I understand that photographs of my child may be taken and used by Camp Concepts/Advantage-USA for the sole purposes of advertising, or in audio-visual presentations, parent gatherings, promotional literature, or in other similar ways. If you prefer your child’s photograph NOT be used, you must contact us in order to OPT OUT: email accounts@campconcepts.org and say that you DO NOT want your child’s image to be used in any form of camp advertisement.
Permission to Transport Off Campus
Because Camp Concepts/Advantage-USA offers programs in several different locations, some of the age groups we serve may take off campus trips. These trips are viewed as a supplemental enhancement to our on site program and therefore we may travel out of camp either for a scheduled trip or unscheduled such as in the event of rain. The transportation modes may be hired or leased vans, busses or even public transportation such as busses or trains. For these trips, we typically contract First Student Inc. to provide bus transportation to and from these activities. We do also hire, lease or own transport vehicles for the purpose of transporting students. By registering your child for a HORIZONS USA camp you acknowledge that for these trips your child could be riding in a school bus or leased van/sprinter to and from these scheduled events. All policies and guidelines of HORIZONS USA as well as agreements related to HORIZONS USA or its programs still apply within, on, or near the vicinity of any transportation vehicle used by HORIZONS USA and all its affiliates and programs for purposes directly or indirectly related to the camp.