More Info about BASE Camp
Data and guidelines around COVID-19 continue to change daily, requiring us to be agile and adaptive in our planning. All of our camps will be offered in person. Vaccinations will not be required for all camp staff and campers. We will continue to monitor public health conditions and the latest guidance from federal, state and local health officials.
This FAQ document was last updated on January 16, 2023.
WHO CAN GO TO BASE CAMP?
BASE Camp is open to any 1st-8th grade (as of Fall 2023) elementary or middle-school student from any school, public or private, in Oak Park, River Forest, Galewood, Forest Park, Berwyn, Riverside, Chicago, and beyond! Have your grandchild or other relations visiting from out of town? They are also welcome to join us at camp!
DO I REGISTER MY CHILD BASED ON THEIR GRADE THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR?
As with most camps, you should register your child based on their grade level the next fall. So a child who will enter second grade the fall after camp would register as a second grader.
WHO TEACHES AT BASE CAMP?
We have a blend of beloved District 97 teachers and partnerships with expert community members who bring passion for their subjects to the camps. They are supported by mature and fun high school and college-age youth counselors. All BASE Camp staff have cleared background checks to ensure a safe, positive environment for kids.
MY CHILD HAS AN IEP & RECEIVES CLASSROOM SUPPORTS; CAN THEY PARTCIPATE IN BASE CAMP?
BASE Camp strives to be an inclusive environment for all children in our community. While we staff our camps with certified teachers along with certified teaching assistants and a social worker, we cannot guarantee the assistance of a one-on-one aide. We do our very best to ensure it is a positive experience for all campers, and we encourage you to contact us at basecamp@opef.org to discuss any questions or concerns about whether BASE Camp is right for your child. When registering for camp, please share information in our camper form (accommodations) about your camper’s learning, physical, emotional and/or behavioral needs. This will help us to make BASE Camp a great experience for your child.
WHAT IS YOUR FOOD POLICY AT CAMP?
Campers who are registered for both a morning and afternoon camp will eat lunch and enjoy a supervised, unstructured recess during the midday break (an hour for elementary campers; 45 minutes for grades 7-8).
Several factors are involved:
- Our staffing costs are higher than most summer camps. We are committed to hiring experienced (often certified) teachers, and we pay them a stipend comparable to what they would earn if teaching summer school for the school district. We also offer our enthusiastic Youth Counselors a competitive hourly rate.
- We have continued to expand our scholarship offerings to a larger number of families, given the new financial hardships many families in our community are facing.
- We rely on revenue raised by BASE Camp to support our free in-school and after-school enrichment programs in all D97 schools.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR BASE CAMP?
Refunds, less a $25 fee per camper per session, must be requested no less than 14 days before the first day of registered camp sessions. No refunds will be issued after that date. Contact us at basecamp@opef.org to cancel a camp registration. In the unlikely event that we cancel a BASE camp session, we will issue a refund or offer a spot in another session.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BASE CAMP?
We offer both full and partial scholarships. Families who live in Oak Park, attend D97 schools, and qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for full scholarships. Partial scholarships are also available to other families who need extra support to afford summer camp. Please visit this page for more information or contact us if you have questions.
IF THE CAMP IS FULL, SHOULD WE SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST?
YES! As people’s plans for the summer change, we often find we have space in previously full camps. We also might open up new spots or sections of popular camps depending on demand.
HOW WILL YOU HANDLE DROP OFF AND PICKUP THIS YEAR?
As in past years, teachers and youth counselors will spread out on the playground/blacktop outside with signs about 10 to 15 minutes before camp starts and again right after camp ends. Parents/campers will check in outside with either the teachers or youth counselors as soon as they arrive. Late arrivals should be escorted to the camp office, typically at the front of the school.
ARE YOU OFFERING EXTENDED CAMP FOR WORKING FAMILIES THIS YEAR, AND HOW WILL THIS WORK?
We will offer extended hours for an additional fee. Early drop off will be available from 8 to 9 am, and extended camp runs from 3 to 6 pm. Extended camp features a mix of structured activities and games and unstructured play. Whenever possible, extended camp will take place outdoors.
WHO IS ADVISING YOU ON COVID-RELATED PRACTICES?
A committee of parents, staff, and board members created our COVID protocols. They are based on the most current guidelines from the Center of Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and District 97 guidelines for facility usage. Dr. Tara Brito of Oak Park Pediatrics served on this committee, reviewed the guidelines, and will continue to offer professional guidance as the public health situation evolves.
WHAT ABOUT VACCINATIONS?
Vaccinations will not be mandatory for all camp staff and campers, per the Oak Park Department of Public Health. For questions about this policy, please contact Latonia Baker at lbaker@opef.org.
WHAT IS YOUR MASK POLICY, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE?
The mask policy will be announced closer to the start of camp and will be based on the latest guidelines for vaccinated individuals.
WILL YOU HAVE A NURSE ON SITE THIS SUMMER?
While we consult with D97 nurses for Epi Pen training and medicine policies, we typically do not hire an on-site nurse for BASE Camp. We have been advised that it is not necessary because of COVID-19 . Our teachers and administrative staff are trained in basic first aid and capable of handling typical health issues. We encourage families to consult with their child’s physician regarding any specific health concerns, including those related to COVID-19.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A CAMPER DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS AT CAMP?
If a camper develops potential COVID-related symptoms, they will be asked to remain in a safe, isolated area until a parent is contacted. In certain cases, our medical advisor with Oak Park Pediatrics will be consulted for medical guidance on next steps.
HOW & WHEN WILL PARENTS BE INFORMED IF SOMEONE AT BASE CAMP TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
We will notify all parents/guardians and the health department immediately following a positive test result for COVID-19, and work with local public health officials on quarantine, testing, and isolation recommendations and/or requirements.