For Parents
What are the groups like?
Each Teen Camp session is small to create a tight bond between the campers. Teen Camp creates a place for teens to make new friends and try new things in a safe, supportive and supervised environment.
Please visit the Registration page for information on registering for camp.
Can I pay with credit card?We can only accept cash or checks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding payment, please contact Camp Director Catherine D'Arcey.
We will send you a confirmation and information about camp via e-mail. If you have not received anything within two weeks of registering, please email us.
What should my teen bring to camp?
Teens should bring a lunch or lunch money ($7-$12 a day), a water bottle, a swimsuit, towel and sandals (for swimming), sneakers (for sports and games), sunscreen and any medications (to be checked in at the office). If teens wish to bring their own sports equipment they are more than welcome to do so. Please make sure EVERYTHING your teen brings to camp is CLEARLY LABELED with their name. Teen Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
Where is the drop-off and pick-up location?
Teen Camp pick-up and drop-off is at the Sand Volleyball Courts located between the Ford-Burnham Pavilion and the Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation. (Click here for a map of the area.) There are metered and permit parking spots, bike racks and Marguerite shuttle stops very close by. For safety reasons, please check your teen in and out of camp with a counselor at the beginning and end of each day.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION:
Parking on Stanford University campus is enforced Monday through Friday between the hours of 6am and 4pm. Parking in all lots requires a Stanford University issued parking permit. Parking without a permit, in red zones, on landscaping or in other areas not designated for parking will result in a citation issued to your vehicle. Please bring a few dollars worth of quarters for the week to park at a meter. The cost for metered parking is $1.50 per hour.
My teen is on medication, has a medical condition or has special needs. What should I do?
We have dealt with many different teens with special needs over the years and have a system that works well for everyone. First, you should indicate any and all issues on your registration form. The first morning of camp, bring any medications, instructions, and concerns into the Fencing Office located in the Arrillaga Sports and Recreation Center. Camp Director Catherine D'Arcey and the counselor team will be well informed of the relevant circumstances and what to do in case of an emergency. Please, for the safety of everyone at camp, DO NOT send any undisclosed medication with your teen. Catherine is reachable at 650.725.3001 and more than happy to meet with you before camp to discuss any special needs or concerns.
My teen needs to be picked up early, late or by someone not on the registration form. What should I do?
If your teen needs to leave camp early, please inform us at least one day ahead of that time. We travel all over campus and often spend most of the day away from the Arrillaga Recreation complex, so if you arrive there unexpectedly you may not find us. Please contact us by phone, email or written note indicating the time your teen needs to leave camp and who will be picking him/her up and we'll have him/her ready to go when you arrive.
My teen is feeling ill, has a doctors appointment or will be missing camp for some other reason. What should I do?
Please inform us at the earliest possible time via email or on the camp cell phone (650.833.9565 ). Unfortunately, we cannot refund or pro-rate days at camp missed.
For Teens
Will I know anyone at camp?
That depends on where you're from and if you have attended camp in the past. The majority of our teens come from the Bay Area, but we often have teens from all over California, the country and even around the world. By the end of the first day, there won't be a stranger in camp.
Will there be boys/girls in my group?
Yes. All sessions are co-ed.
My friend is coming to Teen Camp. Can we be in the same group?
Of course! Everyone in each session is in the same group because we keep camp so small.
Who are the counselors? Is anyone coming back this summer?
This year James (Jimmy) Bording and Joanna Green will be returning as counselors. For more information check out the Counselor page.
Will there be a camping trip this year?
Instead of camping, on the last day of each session we will have a farewell-barbeque lunch. We'll grill burgers and hot dogs, sign t-shirts, listen to music and have a chance to say goodbye to our new friends.
It's called summer BREAK not summer run around all day. Why should I want to come to camp when I've got a Wii and a fridge full of Hot Pockets?
Sitting at home watching The Price is Right in your PJs until 2pm has its merits, but wouldn't you rather have gone rock-climbing, made a new friend and smashed them with a dodgeball before noon?
I don't "do" sports. Is this a sports camp? Will I fit in? OR
I'm a bit of a jock. Is this a sports camp? Will I fit in?
Our camp is designed to accommodate all skill and experience levels in a variety of sports and games. We strive to have our games be non-competitive and fun. We explain all the rules before each game and make sure everyone understands. Even though we place little emphasis on the final score, we play very hard. However we are not a "Skill and Drill" camp. If you're looking for a camp to help you excel at a particular sport, this camp might not be your first choice. We try to have something for everyone to enjoy and be good at.
Can we buy lunch?
Whether you bring or buy lunch, we will all eat together on the lawn next to the Tressider Student Union every day we are on campus. It's a bit like the food court at the mall and there is something for everyone. The only day that you MUST bring money for lunch is when we go to Raging Waters because no food is allowed in the park.