Summer Camp Faq

info

  • Registration and Preparing for Camp

    Can I start a reservation and finish it later?

    Yes! You may return to finish your reservation at any time. Please keep in mind that your camper's spot is not reserved until the $75 nonrefundable deposit has been paid.

    When you return, log in to your UltraCamp account and find the reservation under My Reservations. Be careful not to create a new account or begin a second reservation.

    Does my account balance need to be paid before my camper arrives?

    Yes. Your camper's balance must be paid in full before they arrive at camp.

    You may make a payment through your UltraCamp portal or call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176, and we will be happy to help you pay by phone.

    What is your cancellation and refund policy?

    A $75 nonrefundable deposit is required when you make a reservation. Any additional payments are refundable if the reservation is canceled before the camper's session begins.

    To cancel a reservation, please call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176, and we will help you through the process.

    What should my camper bring to camp?

    We have put together a packing list to help your camper arrive prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable week at camp.

    Please review the Base Camp: Things to Bring before packing. Be sure to label your camper's belongings with their full name, and please leave any electronics or prohibited items at home.

    How do I provide my camper's immunization information?

    You may complete this requirement in any of the following ways:

    1. Upload a copy of your camper's immunization record under Incomplete Tasks in your UltraCamp account.
    2. Enter the immunization information manually in the Camper Health History Form.
    3. If your camper is not immunized, you do not have the records, or you choose not to provide them, complete and sign the immunization exemption section in the Camper Health History Form.
    How do I submit my camper's medications?

    Please list all medications on your camper's Camper Health History Form before arriving at camp.

    On Registration day, our camp nurses will review the medications and instructions with you. Please bring all medications in their original, clearly labeled prescription containers.

    Can camp accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

    We serve vegetarian and vegan meals, and we do accommodate food allergies and other dietary needs. Because each situation is different, other types of accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Please call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176 or email us at summercampoffice@campwawona.org before your camper arrives so we can discuss their specific needs and let you know what options are available.

    Can my camper stay in the same cabin as a friend?

    You may submit a buddy request during the reservation process. To add one later, open your camper's reservation in UltraCamp, scroll to Additional Information, and select Edit Information under Buddy Requests. You may also call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176 for assistance.

    Please submit all buddy requests before registration day. We will do our best to accommodate them, but cabin assignments are not guaranteed. Our team considers several factors to create a safe, comfortable, and positive cabin experience for everyone.

    Requests made on registration day are unlikely to be accommodated.

  • Arrival and Departure

    How do I get to Camp Wawona?

    Camp Wawona is located at:

    8110 Forest Drive
    Wawona, CA 95389

    When you see the Camp Wawona sign, turn right and go up the hill. If you are at the Swinging Bridge parking lot, you have gone too far.

    What should I say at the Yosemite entrance gate?

    Let the ranger know you are traveling to Camp Wawona for camper drop-off or pickup.

    Please review the Yosemite National Park Entrance Guidelines before your trip.

    What time is drop-off and pickup?

    Registration and drop-off are on Sunday from 3:00–5:00 p.m.

    Pickup is on Friday from 3:00–5:00 p.m.

    Please plan to arrive within these timeframes so our team can keep registration, departure, and the camp program running smoothly.

    What happens if I arrive late for drop-off or pickup?

    Please plan to arrive during the designated drop-off and pickup times. Late arrivals can interrupt the program and require additional staff coordination.

    A $100 automatic late fee will be charged to the primary card on file if you arrive late for drop-off or pickup. If you know you will be delayed, please call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176 as soon as possible.

    Can someone else drop off my camper on registration day?

    Yes! Another trusted adult may bring your camper to camp.

    Before your camper arrives, please make sure the account balance has been paid and all required registration forms have been completed and signed. They must know all medical information for your camper. Make sure your authorized pickup list is up to date because the only person who can add or change that list is the primary contact for the camper.

    Can I pick up my camper early?

    We strongly encourage campers to remain for the entire session. Our program is designed so that each day builds on the last, and leaving early may cause your camper to miss meaningful activities and end-of-week traditions.

    When an early pickup is necessary, please call the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176 in advance. This gives our team time to notify the appropriate staff and prepare your camper for departure.

    A $100 early pickup fee will automatically be charged to the primary card on file.

    Can someone else pick up my camper?

    Yes. Before pickup, the primary contact listed on the camper's reservation must add that person to the authorized pickup list.

    To update the list online, log in to your UltraCamp account, scroll to Pickup Authorization, and select Edit Authorizations. You may also call the Summer Camp Office for assistance.

    The authorized person's name must match the name on their ID exactly. If the information does not match, we will not be able to release the camper.

  • During the Camp Week

    Can my camper bring a phone, smartwatch, or other electronics?

    No. Phones, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, and other electronics are not allowed at camp.

    We want campers to have the opportunity to unplug, enjoy nature, build friendships, and be fully present throughout the week. Electronics should remain at home or with the adult bringing the camper.

    Any electronics brought to camp will be collected and safely stored in the Summer Camp Office until pickup.

    Can I call or speak with my camper during the week?

    We encourage families to avoid calling campers during the week unless it is truly necessary. It can take a day or two for campers to settle in, and hearing a parent's voice may sometimes make homesickness more difficult after they have begun adjusting.

    If your camper needs to contact you, we will allow them to call from the office. Families may also contact the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176 if an important situation arises and they need to reach their camper.

    Can I send mail to my camper?

    Absolutely! Campers love receiving mail. Because delivery may take several days, we recommend mailing letters 3–5 days before your camper's session ends.

    Please include your camper's full name and Camp Wawona on the envelope:

    Camper's Full Name
    Camp Wawona
    8110 Forest Drive
    Wawona, CA 95389

    Mail received after your camper has left will be returned to the sender. Campers may also send outgoing mail, although letters mailed during the week may not arrive home until after the session ends.

    You may also send an email to your camper. Our team will print it and deliver it to them.

    Can I bring a care package at drop-off?

    Definitely! Please bring the care package to the Summer Camp Office and clearly label it with your camper's full name and the day of the week you would like it delivered.

    Our team will make sure it reaches your camper on the requested day.

    What happens if my camper becomes homesick?

    Homesickness is completely normal, especially during the first few days of camp. Our counselors are trained to support campers as they adjust, connect with their cabin, and become more comfortable with the camp routine.

    We will encourage and care for your camper while helping them participate in activities and build friendships. If the homesickness becomes more serious or does not improve, a member of our team will contact you so we can decide on the best next step together.

    Can parents or family members visit during the session?

    To protect our campers' safety and avoid interrupting the program, visitors are not permitted during camp sessions.

    We take great care in knowing exactly who is on campus and who has access to our campers. All staff members complete a thorough screening process, including reference checks, background checks, and fingerprinting. Limiting visitors helps us maintain that same secure environment throughout the week while allowing campers to fully participate in the camp experience.

    Do campers need spending money?

    Campers do not need spending money, but we do have a camp store where they may purchase small souvenirs, limited toiletries, snacks, hats, T-shirts, and hoodies.

    Campers may bring cash, but we recommend adding store credit to their account instead. Store credit may be added during registration, by calling the Summer Camp Office at (559) 347-3176, or at the camp store on registration day.

    Store credit is nonrefundable. Any remaining balance will be donated to the Worthy Camper Scholarship Fund.