Camp Information and FAQs - Nisqually Reach Nature Center

Time and Location

Classic Beach Camps are 4 days 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Early camp check-in begins at 8:30 am each day of Classic Beach Camp. Check your camper into camp anytime between 8:30 and 9:00 am at no extra cost.
The Nisqually Reach Nature Center is located on Luhr Beach at 4949 D’Milluhr Dr. NE, Olympia. We are a different organization and location from the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Please see below for the check-in and check-out procedures.

Check-in Procedure 8:30-9:00 am

Nisqually Reach Nature Center requires that all campers be signed in to camp by an adult. Each morning, please bring your camper to the camp staff with the sign-in clipboard, sign your name, and write the time in the designated spaces on the clipboard. The camp staff will greet you and your camper, give the camper a name tag, and direct them where to go next.
This procedure helps ensure the safety of your child. We cannot assume responsibility for campers whose adults do not adhere to this sign-in procedure.
Camp staff will begin sign-in at 8:30 am. You may sign your camper into camp anytime between 8:30 and 9:00 am.
Late arrivals and absences: if you are running more than 15 minutes late (arriving after 9:15) or your camper will be absent, please call 360-459-0387 and let us know.

Check-out Procedure 4:00 pm

Camp staff will begin sign-out a few minutes before 4:00 pm.
Only authorized people may pick up a camper. This is to ensure your camper’s safety. Campers will be released only to people authorized by the parent/guardian on the camper’s registration form. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify camp staff of any changes in authorization. If someone new must pick up your camper, please notify camp staff in person or over the phone (360-459-0387) ahead of time. Those picking up campers should be prepared to show photo identification to staff upon request.
Someone 15-17 years old (such as an older sibling) can be on the pick-up list as long as they have photo ID.
Please be prepared to show photo ID every day of camp during pick-up. Different camp staff may be in charge of camper sign-out on different days, and may not recognize you.
After camp staff has verified that someone is authorized to pick up a camper, that person must sign out the camper on the sign-out clipboard. Each afternoon, sign your name and write the time in the designated spaces on the clipboard.
Early pick-up: If you must pick up your camper before 4:00, please talk to camp staff in the morning during sign-in to coordinate a plan for the early pick-up that day.
Late pick-up: Please call 360-459-0387 and let us know.

Lunch and Snack

Lunches and snacks are not provided during Classic Beach Camps. Please send your child with a healthy, nonperishable lunch and at least two snacks each day.
We have a lunchtime and two designated snack times; one in the morning, and one in the afternoon.
Food must remain in the camper’s backpack or bag except during designated lunch or snack times. Indoor cubbies are provided, but no refrigerator or microwave is available.
We ask that campers not share their food with other campers due to potential unknown allergies.
If possible, use reusable containers as much as possible to reduce plastic and potential litter.
Please also bring a reusable water bottle with water in it. We have water available for refilling. Staying hydrated is essential in an outdoor summer environment.

What to Bring for Classic Beach Camps

Lunch and two snacks
Reusable water bottle with water, 16 oz (half-liter) or larger recommended. Campers will be able to refill their water bottles.
Please have your camper wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather and ok to get dirty. We will be outside on the beach and using craft supplies.
Shorts that end above the knee or swimsuit bottoms to change into. During free time on the beach, campers are allowed to wade in the water up to their knees. For safety, they must wear footwear at all times, even in the water.
Sandals, water shoes, or old sneakers that stay on the feet and can get wet and dirty. We will be on a rocky beach, in water, sand, and mud.
Extra footwear that will remain dry. Your camper will likely be more comfortable if they have dry shoes to wear after time on the beach. Our floors will appreciate it as well!
Small towel for drying legs/feet after wading.
Change of clothes- clothes may become wet and muddy. Bathrooms are available for changing.
Sun hat, sunglasses, or other sun protection. We will be outside for part of the day.
Sunscreen that your camper can apply themselves. Camp staff/volunteers can offer verbal advice on when and how to apply sunscreen but cannot apply sunscreen to campers’ skin.
Backpack or bag to keep food and clothing items together. Indoor cubbies are provided.
(Optional) face mask- wearing a mask at camp is not required at camp in 2023.
(Optional) a small camera with your camper’s name on it. Please note: camp staff/volunteers are not responsible for lost or damaged cameras.

What NOT to Bring

Flip flops or slip-on sandals
Toys or valuables; camp staff and volunteers are not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Knives or weapons
Electronics such as cell phones, tablets, or gaming devices (a small camera is ok, see above)

Camper Information Forms

During registration, we ask for only a few pieces of information about your camper in order to streamline this process. Later, you’ll be asked to provide further information.
In June or July, you’ll receive an email asking you to fill out additional information needed to attend NRNC camp. Such as any allergies, medical concerns, and emergency contacts for your camper. The email will contain a link to a digital form.
We need to know this information for your child’s safety; please take the time to carefully fill out this form. We cannot accept a child into camp if this form is incomplete.
About a week before the first day of your child’s camp session, you’ll receive an email with information such as check-in/out procedures and what to bring to camp. This information is also available on this webpage.

COVID-19 Safety

There is no vaccination or PCR test requirement for campers in 2024.
Wearing a mask is optional for all campers, camp staff, and volunteers.
Lunch and snacks will be eaten outside.
For everyone’s safety and comfort, please keep your sick child home until they feel better and no longer present the danger of passing on their illness. If your child is sick on a camp day, please call 360-459-0387 to let staff know that your child will be absent.
Please notify camp staff if your child or any member of your immediate household contracts COVID-19. It is important for us to notify other camp families as soon as possible.

Cancellations and Refunds

There is a non-refundable $25 cancellation fee for all cancellations and transfers.
If you cancel more than four weeks in advance, you will receive a full refund, minus the $25 cancellation fee.
If you cancel between two and four weeks in advance, you will receive a 50% refund, minus the $25 cancellation fee.
No refunds can be issued for cancellations less than two weeks before the camp start date or after the camp has started.
To cancel for any reason, please email the Education Director.
If the Nisqually Reach Nature Center cancels camp due to dangerous weather conditions or another emergency, you will receive a full refund.

Camp Waitlists

There is a maximum of 14 campers in each camp session.
If the camp session is full, you may add your child to the waitlist by emailing the Education Director. We will contact you if a space opens up.
For waitlisted camps that are more than two weeks from the start date, if you are on the waitlist and offered a spot in the camp, you will have 48 hours to confirm your spot. For waitlisted camps less than two weeks from the start date, you will have 24 hours to confirm your spot before it is given to the next person on the waitlist.

Member Pricing

You must have a Pigeon Guillemot (household) level membership or above to receive the member’s discount for camp.
Please log in to your NRNC membership account to pay the members’ price for camp.
If you do not yet have a membership and would like one, please purchase a membership before registering for camp in order to receive the member’s discount.
Learn more about NRNC memberships and sign up here.

Camp Scholarships

To apply for a scholarship, register for the desired camp and select the “Scholarship $0” option
Fill out a scholarship application form and submit by April 15, 2024.
For Classic Beach Camps, you will be notified by May 15 whether you received a scholarship and for what amount. Any remaining camp fees not covered by the scholarship will be due by May 31.
We have limited scholarship funds, so please apply only for the amount you need.

Camp Staff/Volunteers and Safety

There are up to 14 campers at the Nisqually Reach Nature Center at a time and 1-2 camp staff and 2-4 volunteers with them at all times.
All camp staff, guest speakers, and NRNC volunteers working with camp undergo a background check through Washington State Patrol and the Family Watchdog registered sex offender list. Only people who pass the background checks are allowed to work or volunteer at the NRNC.
The NRNC building is closed to the public during camp days. Only campers, NRNC staff, and NRNC volunteers have access to the building during camp. Bathrooms are located inside the building.
Some camp activities take place on Luhr Beach, located right outside the NRNC building. This beach is open to the public. Campers are given boundaries and are within sight of camp staff or volunteers at all times.
Camp staff and volunteers are trained in child abuse prevention, heat stress safety, behavior management techniques, and NRNC camp policies and procedures. Additionally, camp staff are trained in first aid and CPR.
All precautions are taken to prevent serious injury to campers. In the event that a minor injury occurs, first aid such as a Band-Aid will be administered by camp staff. Parents will be notified during pick-up.
If a more serious but not life-threatening injury or illness occurs, camp staff will administer first aid and parents will be called. If they cannot be reached, one of your listed emergency contacts will be notified. Depending on the injury or illness, your child may need to be picked up early.
In the event that a major injury or health problem arises and emergency medical care is required, the following steps will be taken:

1. 1. 911 will be called and immediate first aid will be administered by camp staff until professional services arrive.
  2. Parents/guardians will be contacted. If they cannot be reached, one of your listed emergency contacts will be notified.
  3. A staff person will remain with your child until you or your emergency contact person arrives, including accompanying your child to the hospital.
  4. NRNC staff will record the incident in writing. A copy of the incident report will be given to a parent/guardian and a copy will be retained by NRNC.

No Before- and After-care in 2023

Due to low demand, before- and after-care will not be offered in 2024.
We offer early check-in beginning at 8:30 am for each day of Classic Beach Camp. Bring your camper to camp anytime between 8:30 and 9:00 am at no extra cost.

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