Parent Information

The information below reflects pre-pandemic campus offerings. Updates will be made accordingly and in consultation with the relevant departments.

Welcome to Fairfield University! Our staff is dedicated to providing an educational and fun summer camp experience for your child. While your son or daughter enjoys a fun and interactive summer camp experience, we want parents to know that safety is our top priority.

Fairfield University offers fun and learning for children of all ages. Programs are offered in the areas of: Academics, Arts and Recreation, Computers, Film, and Sports. All instructors are fully qualified and many classes use the University's state-of-the-art sports, education, and physical activity facilities.

Following is a listing of some of our campus-based summer camp programs. Please note, that most of our athletic camps listed below are independently operated and licensed by the State of Connecticut.

Academic/Arts Programs

• Academic Immersion
• BASE Camp
• Brooklyn Jesuit Prep (BJP)
• Computer Camp
• Missoula Theatre Camp
• Cristo Rey
• Pre-College Workshop
• Media Camp
• Summer Scholars

Athletic Camps

• Softball
• Men's Soccer
• Men's Basketball
• Women's Basketball
• Women's Soccer
• Field Hockey
• Men and Women Swimming
• Men's Lacrosse

Every year, Fairfield University looks to improve and provide the best possible programs in the safest environment for children and young adults. We review our camp's policies and procedures annually, and institute any necessary changes to better ensure the well being of our campers. Outlined below are some of the measures we take to ensure that all students have an enjoyable and safe camp experience.

Camp Staff

Each camp independently selects and trains their staff. All instructors and counselors receive training and information about their responsibilities and expectations; campus policies, procedures, and enforcement; appropriate crisis/emergency responses and reporting procedures; safety and security procedures; and confidentiality issues involving minors. Per University policies, all camp instructors and counselors are required to pass background checks and to provide the University with proof of all required licenses where applicable.

Supervision

All campers and students on campus who are under the age of 18 are considered minors. Counselors and staff members supervise and accompany campers throughout their program, including escorting campers to and from all destinations and during the entire lunch hour. Campers are not permitted to leave their camp area and/or classroom buildings without the supervision of instructors and/or counselors.

Additionally, campers are not allowed to leave the campus for any reason without written permission from their parents/guardians and unless accompanied by an authorized adult.

Emergencies

If parents need to contact their child for an emergency during the camp day, they should contact the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090. For a non-emergency question, parents should contact their camp director or the Office of Dean of Students at (203) 254-4211. Camp director contact information will be provided to you before the start of camp.

If there are any concerns about a camper, camp staff or the Department of Public Safety will attempt to contact parents at the emergency contact number provided at registration.

Summer Camp Safety/First Aid/Emergencies/Medication

Protecting our campers is our number one priority on campus. That means being ready for the unexpected. We employ safety practices aimed at ensuring an enjoyable experience by all. All of our Public Safety officers are EMTs and are the first responders for medical emergencies. There is also a nurse available 24 hours a day when camp is in session.

In the event of extreme weather conditions (heat, lightening/thunder, etc.) or where high temperatures, heat indexes and/or the issuance of a heat advisory requires it, all outdoor activities will be suspended and campers will be relocated to indoor facilities until either the weather condition passes or the conclusion of the camp for that day. Camps have plans in place to keep campers busy with activities appropriate to the camp, and which can be conducted inside.

All of our youth programs are licensed by the Department of Public Health to ensure health, safety, and the comfort needs of campers and staff.

Department of Public Health

Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to be respectful and courteous to one another and all staff members, participate fully in the camp program, observe the camp and University rules, and respect the campus facilities.

Program participants and staff are expected to abide by all University regulations and may be removed from the program for non-compliance of rules. Students must abide by the following:

• The possession or use of alcohol, drugs, fireworks, guns, and other weapons is prohibited.
• The operation of a motor vehicle by minors is prohibited while attending and participating in the program.
• Rules and procedures governing when and under what circumstances participants may leave University property during the program
• No violence, including sexual abuse or harassment, will be tolerated
• Hazing of any kind is prohibited. Bullying including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying are prohibited.
• The use of tobacco products is not permitted and smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.
• Theft of others' property will not be tolerated.
• Misuse or damage of University property is prohibited. Charges will be assessed against those participants who are responsible for damage or misusing University property.
• The inappropriate use of cameras, imaging, and digital devices is prohibited, including use of such devices in showers, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants. The University reserves the right to regulate and/or prohibit the use of any and all electronic devices while camps are in session.

Behavioral problems will be handled individually by each program and could result in program dismissal. No refund will be given.

Pool

Students must abide by the following program rules in the pool area:

• Camp swimmers must arrive as a group.
• Senior Camp Counselors and staff must accompany campers at all times.
• Two counselors must be in the locker room at all times with campers.
• Buddy system is expected before, during, and after each swim.
• Campers must leave together as a group.

Field House

• A Senior Camp Counselor is in the field house at all times with campers.
• Each camp group must have two counselors accompany them between Alumni Hall and the Field House.

Camp Cancellation

The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any camp due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. If there is a heat advisory, counselors will provide indoor activities for campers.

Residential Camps/Programs

Residential Campers reside in two residences (one for male, one for female) on Fairfield University's Quad. Housing and food services offer a friendly environment for youth. The residence hall community also offers an excellent atmosphere for fun, learning, and growth.

University and State policy requires that youth groups provide a minimum of one counselor for every eight participants between the ages of eight and fourteen. Counselors must be 18 years or older and of the same gender as the participants. Fairfield University's Office of Residence Life also provides one resident assistant (a Fairfield University student) per building for youth campers and programs.

Campers are responsible for their own property; therefore we suggest they lock their room and keep their key with them at all times. If the room key is lost, campers must report the loss to a counselor or program director immediately so that a replacement key can be issued. The cost for replacing a lost key is $50. We urge campers not to bring valuables with them. The University is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Telephones are not provided in residence hall rooms. There is one emergency phone available on each floor of each dorm. Cell phones are permitted at the program but we ask that they are turned off during the program and activities.

When campers check out of the residence hall, please make sure they have all of their personal belongings. The University is not responsible for belongings left behind.

Rooms

Small refrigerators and microwaves are in the dorm rooms. The rooms are not air-conditioned; it is highly recommended campers bring their own fan! Additional items to bring:

• Bedspread/sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Bed linens for an extra long twin bed
• Desk lamp, flashlight, or bed lamp
• Soap and shampoo
• Towels and shower shoes

Dining Hall

All meals will be served in University dining halls, and vegetarian meal options are available. Shirts and shoes must be worn in the dining halls. Campers may eat as much as they want but should not waste food or remove it from the dining areas. Campers are expected to be courteous to dining hall personnel.