Registration FAQ
What are the camp hours? When is drop-off and pick-up?
Program Hours
7:00 – 8:30 am Morning Extended Hours Program
8:30 – 8:45 am Morning Drop Off / Buses Arrive
8:45 am – 3:30 pm Regular Camp Hours
3:30 – 3:45 pm Afternoon Pick Up / buses Leave
3:30 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Extended Hours Program
Late pick up from Extended Hours will result in late fees.
Please refer to the application for further information.
Can we visit the campus before signing up for camp?
Yes! We have three open houses that we would love for you to attend:
Summer Programs Open Houses
Saturday, January 30 10 AM- Noon
Saturday, March 6 10AM-Noon
Saturday, May 8 10AM-Noon
During the open houses, tours are available and camp staff will be on hand to help you with registration and any questions you might have. If you cannot attend either of these events, we would be happy to give you a tour of our campus at another time. Please contact the camp office at info@congocamp.org to schedule an appointment.
Do you offer any Extended Hours Programs?
Yes. Our Extended Hours Program runs from 7:00 – 8:30 am before camp and 3:30 – 6:00 pm after camp. Please see the Extended Hours Program sections of the website, brochure and application for more information.
Do you offer lunch and snacks?
Lunch and snacks are available to most of our campers. Campers in the Basketball Camp must bring their own lunches every day. Please see the Lunch and snacks sections of the website and brochure for more information.
Do you offer Transportation?
Transportation is available in cluster stops, to limited areas in Northern Virginia. Transportation is only available before and after regular camp hours and to already established areas. You may wish to call our transportation office at (703) 533-9711, ext. 206 to be sure we service your area. Please see the Transportation sections of the website, brochure and application for more information.
What are the change or cancellation fees?
Changes may be made at no charge if the total number of sessions remains the same or is increased.
Administrative charges for dropping sessions (if the total number of sessions is decreased):
$50.00 for each session dropped before May 3rd
Full payment is due May 3rd and no refund are available after that date.
The deposit ($200) will be forfeited if all camp sessions are cancelled.
How are campers divided into groups?
Campers in the Great Adventures through Senior divisions are placed in co-ed groups based on age and the grade they will be entering in the fall. Please see the Groupings section of the Programs page for further information. Travel, specialty, and athletic camp programs are already designated for limited age ranges. Campers in the Basketball Camp program are grouped by age and ability.
Can campers be in a group with their friends?
Our goal at Congressional Camp is for every camper to make new friends as well as strengthen the friendships that are already in place. There is a space on the online registration form where grouping requests may be made. (On the registration site, enter your login and click on the " 2010 Health Form & Pick up Authorization", at the bottom of the page, there is a box where you can fill out your grouping requests.) Requests for campers to be placed in the same group must be made in writing and must be made by both/all parties involved. While grouping campers, every effort is made to maintain a balance of gender and new and returning campers. We cannot group campers together if they are not registered in the same program and/or division. While we will make every effort to honor mutual grouping requests, we cannot guarantee them.
How do swim lessons work?
Congressional Camp provides a combination of instructional and free swim to campers who are not enrolled in a specialty, travel or athletic program. For those campers enrolled in a specialty, travel or athletic program, the pool is available to them but will be used for free swim only. Congressional Camp follows the American Red Cross levels for instruction. Campers receiving swim instruction will be evaluated at the beginning of their first sessions and placed in an appropriate swim level.
Does my camper have to be tested in swimming before we apply?
No. Licensing requires that we ask for an approximate swim level to be chosen on the application, but you are not required to have any formal swim lessons and/or testing prior to attending camp.
Will my camper ride a horse/pony every day?
Campers enrolled in the Great Adventures through Senior divisions will have equestrian activities as part of their regular schedules. Due to the nature of the equestrian program, we try to get campers to that activity on an average of every other day. While we cannot always plan for weather-related cancellations, we do our best to arrange make ups for those.
Supplemental riding lessons are also available at an additional charge to enrolled campers, and registration forms for those lessons will be sent out with the welcome packet.
Is a nurse on campus during camp hours?
Yes. During all hours of operation, a registered nurse and/or clinic aide is on campus to help safeguard children's health.
When do I need to send in my health forms?
For ALL campers, the Congressional Camp Emergency/Health History Form must accompany the application in order for the registration to be completed. The immunization History section of this form does not need to be completed or signed by a physician.
For campers in the Great Adventures division, the Virginia School Health Form must be signed and dated by a physician and submitted at least one week prior to the camper’s first session.
When do I need to send in my proof of ID documentation?
In order for a camper’s application to be complete and eligible for registration, the proof of identification document must accompany the application. Please send one of the approved documents along with the application, and we will send it back with the Welcome Packet. If you do not wish to send the proof of identity document in the mail, please bring it to the Camp Office along with the completed Camp Application and other items required for registration. A staff member will fill out a verification form and hand the document back to you.
Can my camper bring medication to camp?
Yes. Authorization forms are required for the administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Any medications being sent to camp will be kept in the nurse’s office and must be in their original containers bearing the pharmacy label. Over the counter medication must also be in its original container with the original label and directions for use.
Still have questions please email us at info@congocamp.org