FAQ

We do take requests for campers to be paired with their friends. We will try our best to please such requests, but we cannot guarantee it. Please email us with your request 2 weeks before your camp week begins. We will not take requests after that as groups are made in advance,

We recommend that all parents send their campers with the following items:

1. 1. • • Sunscreen, sun protection, and bug spray (please arrive to camp with it already applied).
        • Comfortable athletic clothes and sneakers (close-toed shoes required).
        • Swimming clothes, towel, and water shoes or sandals.
        • Hat or baseball cap.
        • Bagged lunch and plenty of snacks.
        • Water bottle (campers should have enough to last them throughout the day).
        • Backpack or drawstring bag.

We ask that you do not send campers with

1. 1. • • Electronics- campers do not need electronics during the camp day. If you would like to send your camper with a phone, we ask that it stays in the backpack during the day and is only used for emergencies. If a counselor notices an excess of phone usage, they will confiscate it until the end of camp day
        • Inappropriate or immodest clothing, including vulgar images or language.
        • Weapons of any kind including pocket knives.

We separate children by their age for all activities throughout the day. The age groups are; Tiny Sprouts (Age 4) Sprouts (5-6), Farm Pals (7-10), and Junior Farmers (11-14). Age ranges may change from week to week depending on the age of campers present.

For the best experience, enroll your camper in 2 weeks of camp. We ask that you do not enroll your camper in more than 2 weeks so that every child can have a chance to come to camp.

Typically, a camper to counselor ratio is 6:1.

Each camp group has a treehouse homebase. In the case of heavy rain or thunderstorm, campers will report to their homebase where they will stay dry and safe. If there is life-threatening, inclement weather, such as a severe thunderstorm or tornado we will send campers home or cancel camp for the day.

Your child’s safety is our number one goal here at Mary’s Land Summer Camp. Our camp is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Health, our staff is background checked, fingerprinted for child safety, CPR trained, and has a background in mandated reporting. Children will always be supervised when around farm equipment and machinery. We are accredited by the American Camp Association, which is a rigorous process.

“ACA Accreditation means that Mary’s Land Farm submitted to a thorough (up to 290 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry,” said Judith Bevan, National Standards Commission.

“Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization,” Bevan said.

In the mornings, campers will engage in simple farm chores like feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and tending to a small garden. Later, campers will talk to different farmers about their jobs and learn some of the science behind many farming practices. After lunch, campers will have time for outdoor games and adventurous activities. The day will end with a quiet reflection/mindfulness activity and a trip to the creek to cool down and explore. (This may change throughout the week to meet the needs of the campers and employees).

We make our best effort to give all children a full farm experience with diligent attention to their allergies. However, it is very hard to control allergies on a farm. We have had many successful campers with a range of allergies. Active parental cooperation is appreciated

We are an open air camp with a passion for enjoying the outdoors, but we understand that MD summers can be intense. Campers will take many water breaks throughout the day to stay hydrated. They will also visit the creek to cool down in the water and shade. Lasty, as a respite from the heat, each camp group has a treehouse in the woods where they will eat lunch and participate in other activities like crafts and science studies.

You bet. We understand that different families have different formative desires for their children, and we respect that. Also, we do not supply campers with food, so you are free to pack whatever reaches your religious dietary restrictions.