Q. This is my child's first camp experience. How do you relieve separation anxiety?
A. Our drop-off procedures are designed to alleviate separation anxiety. Parents drop their children off in our turn-around driveway so that separation takes place outside the Camp perimeter and is not associated with the camp experience. That way, Camp has only positive associations. Parents are welcomed to call the Camp and our office staff will be pleased to check on your child for you.

Q. Can I visit Hillcrest during Camp to see my child?
A. We ask that parents do NOT visit the Camp, except for special events such as birthdays (please call the office to arrange a mutually convenient time). However, we have two Visitors' Nights each summer at which parents can see their children's projects, meet the counselors, and watch their children in action.

Q. Is it a problem if my child isn't yet toilet-trained?
A. Not at all! Our counselors are prepared to deal with children who aren't toilet-trained. Campers are taken on frequent trips to the bathroom. Although we do not use diapers, we encourage children to use Pull-Ups. Children are never forced are made to feel badly that they are not yet toilet-trained. Rather, consistency is emphasized and we work with parents to ensure continuity between Camp and home. We kindly ask that you send Little Swimmer Diapers for swimming

Q. Is it a problem if my child has never had swimming lessons before?
A. Not at all! Children are encouraged and never forced by our fully qualified swim staff. We have two pools: a shallow recreational pool in which children play games, and an instructional pool in which children develop swimming skills during a one-on-one lesson with a swim counselor. Lessons are designed to meet each camper's individual needs and abilities. At the end of Camp, children are provided with swim certificates indicating what they have accomplished.

Q. What if my child is afraid of water?
A. No child is ever forced to partake in swimming. If a child prefers not to participate, s/he is allowed to remain in the recreational pool or, if even that causes anxiety, s/he is permitted to sit around the perimeter of the pool or participate in another group for the duration of the swim time.

Q. Do I send snacks?
A. Daily snacks are provided as well as a constant supply of fresh water to prevent dehydration. We are a completely nut-free Camp and therefore no snacks have any trace of nuts. However, if your child has another food allergy, you are invited to discuss it with us so that appropriate snacks may be provided. Parents are also more than welcome to bring in special snacks for special occasions, such as birthdays (please call the office to arrange a mutually convenient time).

Q. Do you apply sunscreen?
A. We ask that parents apply sunscreen to their children in the morning, REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER (it has a tendency to change and cloud cover doesn't guarantee protection from the sun's harmful rays). Parents also provide sunscreen in their children's bags, which is then (re) applied after the swim.

Q. What if my child has bad allergies?
A. We are a completely NUT-FREE Camp. No products with nuts or nut traces are consumed or even opened on the premises. For children with other food allergies, an individual snack plan can be created.

We have also implemented an "Extreme Allergy Plan" that allows us to administer appropriate first aid in the case of any adverse allergic reaction. For those children requiring Epi-Pens, one is kept with one of the child's counselors at all times, and a second one is kept in the office.

Q. How old must my child be to attend Camp?
A. Your child must be aged 3, 4, or 5 years old by December 31 of the year in which s/he would start Camp. For example, a child born in 2006 would be eligible to attend Camp in 2009, 2010 and/or 2011.

Q. How are campers placed into groups?
A. Children are assigned to their perspective groups based on their age. All groups are co-ed and comprised of both male and female campers. If you have any specific requests, please feel free to contact the camp.

Q. How does Hillcrest handle health-related issues?
A. Your child’s health and safety is Hillcrest’s number one priority. Depending on the specific health issue, we will administer first aid accordingly. We will always contact the parent/guardian if we have any health or safety-related concerns.