Parent Volunteer Guidelines

Alta Summer Camp Parent Volunteer Guidelines

At Alta Summer Camp, we believe that children thrive when families, caregivers, and educators work together. As part of our commitment to inclusion, community, and transparency, parents and guardians are welcome to join us for an occasional hike, activity, or even a full camp day when arranged in advance.

Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for families to experience camp while maintaining a safe, respectful, and consistent environment for all campers.

Welcome to Camp!

We are excited to have you join us. During your visit, you are a valued guest and role model within our camp community.

Before Your Visit

  • Please coordinate your visit with camp administration in advance.
  • Sign in and out according to camp procedures.
  • Follow all camp safety guidelines, including transportation, hiking, and emergency procedures.
  • Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate gear.

Your Role as a Parent Volunteer

Parent volunteers are present to:

  • Participate alongside campers.
  • Support camp activities when invited.
  • Share in their child's camp experience.
  • Help foster a positive and inclusive community.

Parent volunteers are not responsible for:

  • Supervising groups of children.
  • Managing behavior of campers.
  • Administering discipline.
  • Making program decisions.
  • Directing staff or altering camp schedules.

Respecting Camp Staff

Our counselors are trained professionals whose primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of all campers.

We ask that parent volunteers:

  • Follow the direction of counselors and camp leadership.
  • Allow counselors to manage behavior, transitions, and group activities.
  • Avoid correcting or disciplining campers other than their own child.
  • Address questions or concerns privately with camp leadership rather than in front of children.

Remember: counselors may make decisions based on group safety, licensing requirements, camper needs, weather, or other factors that may not be immediately visible.

Interacting with Other Campers

Campers often enjoy meeting parents and learning about different families and backgrounds.

Please:

  • Be friendly, welcoming, and inclusive to all campers.
  • Use positive and respectful language.
  • Encourage children without comparing them to others.
  • Respect each child's personal space and comfort level.
  • Refrain from posting photos of other campers on social media unless permission has been obtained through camp administration.

Please do not:

  • Share personal opinions that may be inappropriate for a mixed-age group.
  • Give gifts, money, treats, or food to campers without staff approval.
  • Take responsibility for supervising children who are not your own.

Supporting Camp Culture

Alta Summer Camp values:

  • Respect
  • Kindness
  • Inclusion
  • Curiosity
  • Community
  • Outdoor stewardship

As a guest at camp, we ask that you model these values through your words and actions. Children learn from what they see. A calm, respectful, flexible adult helps create a positive experience for everyone.

Confidentiality & Privacy

While visiting camp, you may observe interactions involving other children.

Please respect the privacy of all families by:

  • Not discussing other campers outside of camp.
  • Not sharing personal information about children or families.
  • Directing any concerns regarding camper safety or well-being to camp leadership.

Safety First

For the safety of all campers:

  • Stay with the group at all times unless directed otherwise by staff.
  • Follow hiking and outdoor safety instructions.
  • Notify a counselor immediately if you observe a safety concern.
  • In an emergency, follow staff directions promptly.

Thank You

Thank you for helping us create a camp community where families feel welcomed, children feel supported, and counselors can focus on providing a safe, enriching experience.

We are grateful to partner with parents in building the magic of Alta Summer Camp—one hike, one adventure, and one meaningful connection at a time.