Summer Camp Resources
General Policies
- Prohibited Items: Tobacco, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms, and fireworks are strictly prohibited on camp premises. Violation of this policy may result in immediate dismissal. Additionally, electronic devices such as radios, CD players, smart watches, cell phones, MP3 players, and handheld video games are not allowed and will be confiscated.
- Personal Belongings Check: For the health and safety of all campers and staff, administrative staff may request that your camper inventory their belongings in front of them if there is reasonable cause.
- Visitor Policy: Visitors must have prior approval from the Summer Camp Director. To ensure security, please provide an advance notice for visits. All visitors must check in and out at the camp office and wear a visitor’s pass. Guest meal costs are $7.00 for breakfast, $8.00 for lunch, and $9.00 for dinner. Please notify us 48 hours in advance for meals and pay the office administrator upon arrival.
- Telephone Policy: Campers can only use our telephone in case of an emergency. Phone calls to campers are discouraged. Parents may contact administrative staff if needed. *Campers are not permitted to bring cellular phones or smart watches.*
- Friendship Policy: Camp Albemarle fosters friendships and does not permit public displays of affection beyond friendship. Inappropriate sexual behavior will result in dismissal.
- Dress Code: Modest attire is required. Clothing with offensive slogans or themes is prohibited. Girls should wear one-piece swimsuits or tankinis that cover the belly; boys should wear swim trunks. T-shirts over swimsuits are allowed. Girls should avoid sports bras alone, short tops, short shorts, and tight clothing. Boys should not be shirtless except at the waterfront or pool and must not show their underwear. Shoes and appropriate clothing must be worn in the dining hall. Sandals are permitted, but closed-toed shoes and water shoes are needed for specific activities.
- Graffiti Policy: A fine or clean-up charge will be applied for graffiti.
- Fire Extinguishers: Discharging fire extinguishers unnecessarily is dangerous and will incur a fine.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed on camp premises.
- Laundry Service: Laundry service is available only for Leaders in Training (LITs).
- Lost and Found: Camp Albemarle is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Parents should label all clothing and personal items with the camper’s full name. Lost items are displayed during closing ceremonies and will be held for 7 days if labeled. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity. Parents are responsible for shipping and handling costs of returned items. For lost items, contact us at 252-726-4848 x203 or email [email protected]. Items without names will be donated weekly.
Check-in and Check-out Info
Check-In Procedures:
Overnight & Adventure Camps
Location: Camp Albemarle on the Sound, 156 Albemarle Dr, Newport, NC, 28570
Check-In Time: Begins at 3:00 PM on Sunday
- Arrival: When you arrive at Camp Albemarle, staff members will be waiting by the road to greet you. They will provide you with welcome information and assign you a number. This number determines your place in the check-in line.
- Parking: At the direction of the staff, you will drive into the field beside the pool and park. Please remain in your vehicle until your number is called or you receive other instructions from staff.
- Proceed to Check-In: When your number is called, please bring everything you can carry to the check-in table located in front of the office. If you have additional items, you can make a second trip by looping around the bathhouse to avoid traffic at the check-in area.
- Cabin Drop-Off: After completing the check-in process, proceed to your camper’s cabin. At the cabin, feel free to share any helpful information with the counselors and assist your camper in moving in and setting up their bunk.
- Goodbyes: Once everything is settled, give your camper a hug, say your goodbyes, and have a safe ride home!
Safety Information:
- Speed Limit on paved road is 10mph and 5mph on gravel
- Camp Albemarle is a Tobacco Free Facility, No Smoking or vaping permitted
- No pets are allowed
Adventure Day Camps
Location: Camp Albemarle in the Pines, 1201 Sam Hatcher Road, Newport, NC, 28570
Check-In Time:
- Monday: 8:30-9:00 AM
- Every other day: 9:00 AM
- Arrival: Upon arriving at Camp Albemarle in the Pines, follow the signs and guidance of our staff to ensure a smooth check-in. This will be a drive-through process, so please stay in your vehicle.
- Direction to Pavilion: At the signs direction, turn left onto the gravel road leading to the pavilion. Once there, a counselor will assist your camper in exiting the vehicle.
- Sign-In Process: As your camper exits, a staff member will sign them in and confirm the names of those authorized to pick them up.
- Medication Drop-Off: After your camper is signed in, you’ll move forward to the side where you can drop off any medication with the health staff. If your camper does not have any medication, you can skip this step and continue driving.
- Exit: After check-in is complete, continue down the gravel road and turn right, re-entering Sam Hatcher Road.
Safety Information:
- Sam Hatcher Road is graveled, once on camp property the speed limit through camp is 5mph
- Camp Albemarle is a Tobacco Free Facility, No Smoking or vaping permitted
- No pets are allowed
Late Arrivals:
If you know in advance that your camper will be arriving later than the normal check-in time please email Brad Basto [email protected] to let him know your camper's name and planned arrival time. If you are stuck in traffic on the day of check in and or something comes up and you need to check-in later, please call the office at 252-726-4848 x1 and leave a message with an estimated time of arrival and your Camper’s name.
Check-out Procedures:
Overnight and Adventure Camps
Location: Camp Albemarle on the Sound, 156 Albemarle Dr, Newport, NC, 28570
Closing Ceremony: Begins at 2:00 PM on Friday
Arrival Time: Please plan to arrive no earlier than 1:30 PM to pick up your camper.
- ID Check: Upon arrival, please have your ID ready for staff to check at the road before parking.
- Parking: Following the direction of our staff, you will park in the field beside the pool.
- Closing Ceremony: Make your way to the Vesper Dell by the water, where we will have our closing ceremony. Please wait until after the Closing Ceremony to pick them up.
- Medication Pick-Up: Retrieve any medications turned in during check-in from the healthcare staff.
- Lost and Found: Check the lost and found, located in front of the Camp Store, for any misplaced items.
- Luggage: Collect your camper’s belongings from their cabin, ensuring you have everything you brought.
- Conversation: On the way home, take time to listen and ask questions about your camper’s experience at Camp Albemarle!
Day Adventure Camps
Location: Camp Albemarle in the Pines, 1201 Sam Hatcher Road, Newport, NC, 28570
Check-Out Time:
- Daily: Begins at 4:00 PM
- Friday: Begins at 3:45 PM
- Arrival: Upon arriving at Camp Albemarle in the Pines, follow the signs and guidance of our staff to ensure a smooth check-out. This will be a drive-through process, so please stay in your vehicle.
- Identification: Each day, please bring identification to verify that you are one of the approved individuals authorized to pick up your camper.
- Follow Check-In Instructions: Follow the same directions given during check-in for where to go for check-out each day.
Friday Check-Out Specifics:
- Medication Pick-Up: Retrieve any medications turned in during check-in from the healthcare staff.
- Camp Store Balance: If your camper has money left in his/her account at the end of their camp session, we can refund it to you by informing a staff member at check-out (if paid in cash we can refund that day, if paid by card it will take a couple weeks to refund back to card) or you can leave the money in the account, and we’ll transfer the money to our campership fund.
Cancellation Policy
Cancelation Policy
- For cancellations up to 21 days before camp, a refund will be given of the balance paid, minus $50 per session per child.
- There will be no refund for cancellation within 21 days of the camp event.
- Once the camp session begins, there are no refunds. (Campers who are sent home during camp due to illness, inappropriate behavior, or homesickness are not eligible for a refund.)
- The camp director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose conduct becomes in any way detrimental to the best interests of other campers. No refunds will be given in these cases.
Options for Cancelations
- Contact us: Email at [email protected] or phone at 252-726-4848 x201.
- Switch weeks/camps: If you would like to cancel a registration to switch into a different camp or week, please contact our office at 252-726-4848 x201.
Cabin Mate Policy
Cabin Mate Policy:
Please list the full name of ONE CABINMATE your child would like to be paired with. The cabinmate must be registered for the same camp and camp week. This request must be mutual, meaning both campers must request each other. To keep things fair and simple, we cannot accommodate requests for groups or multiple cabinmates. To avoid any confusion or disappointment at check-in, please make sure to confirm the cabinmate choice is mutual. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to give us a call. No changes to cabinmate assignments can be made at check-in.
Mail and Email Policy
Letters and Packages from parents:
For any packages, DO NOT send candy, baked goods, or packaged food of any kind. Food and sweets are magnets to all kinds of critters! To discourage the sending of food or candy, any received will be disposed of. Campers are offered dessert daily and special treats on occasion.
If you plan to send a letter through the US Postal Service please make sure it is postmarked two weeks in advance of their arrival. Letters that arrive after they have departed are not forwarded on to the camper. We also accept letters and packages at check-in.
Send postal mail to the following address:
Your camper’s name
c/o Camp Albemarle
156 Albemarle Drive
Newport, NC 28570
Email:
The information on how to send emails will be given at check-in. Emails will be printed Monday-Thursday at 9:00 AM and delivered at dinner. Remember the cut-off is 9:00 AM. Make sure to send in time for it to be delivered on the day you want it delivered. Campers do not have the ability to send outgoing emails.
Letters from Campers
If you wish for your campers to write home be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with them. Each summer we receive letters back that are addressed incorrectly by our campers. These letters are precious but due to time, cost, and the inability to determine who to send them to we have to throw them away. This can be avoided and you can receive these letters by helping your campers out with stamps, self-addressed envelopes and stationary.
Lost and Found Policy
- Camp Albemarle is not responsible for items left behind, lost, or stolen.
- Parents are urged to label all clothing and personal items with a permanent marker with the camper's full name, not just initials.
- Items found during each week of camp are displayed at closing ceremonies.
- Items with First and Last names will be held for 7 days. Any items not claimed after 7 days will be given to charitable organizations. Parents will be responsible for the cost (shipping and handling) of mailing any items.
- Please call our office as soon as you realize your camper is missing an item. 252-726-4848 x203 or email [email protected]
- Items without names will be donated to a charitable organization at the end of each week.
Homesick Policy
It’s natural for campers, especially first-timers, to experience homesickness. Sometimes, parents may receive a homesick letter only to find out that, by the time they call, their camper is already enjoying themselves.
At Camp Albemarle, we prepare extensively to ensure campers feel at home from the moment they arrive. Our counselors plan engaging activities and icebreakers to help campers make new friends and settle in quickly.
Even with our dedicated staff’s support, there are things you can do at home to help prevent or minimize homesickness. Here are 7 Do’s and 1 Don’t to prepare your child for a fantastic summer camp experience:
Do:
- Have the Conversation: Discuss camp with your camper, highlighting that while it may be challenging, it’s also a great opportunity for growth and new experiences. Reassure them that missing home is normal.
- Practice at Home: Help younger campers practice daily routines like bedtime and organization. Familiarity with these routines can ease their transition to camp.
- Pack Together: Involve your camper in packing. This helps ensure they have everything they need and makes them feel more prepared and confident.
- Encourage Communication: Let your camper know they can talk to their counselors if they start feeling homesick. Our trained staff are equipped with strategies to help campers feel comfortable and engaged.
- Develop Strategies: Evening times can be tough. Discuss with your camper strategies to make bedtime easier, like bringing a comforting item or thinking of happy memories.
- Stay Connected: Write letters to your camper before they leave and drop them off on check-in day. This ensures they receive mail from home during their first few days at camp.
- Use Positive Language: In your letters, focus on the exciting activities your camper will enjoy and encourage them to achieve their camp goals. Avoid topics that might increase their homesickness.
Don’t:
- Avoid the Pick-Up Deal: Never promise to pick up your camper if they feel homesick. This can undermine their confidence and create a mental crutch. Instead, encourage them to embrace this new experience and build their independence.
We are committed to partnering with you to help your camper adjust and thrive at Camp Albemarle.
Camp Albemarle’s Approach to Homesickness:
- Our staff undergo thorough training on handling homesickness. Counselors inform the director if a camper is homesick and work to involve them in activities and fun.
- If necessary, the director will consult with the counselor and communicate with parents about the situation. While a phone call might not always help, supervised calls can be arranged if needed.
- The goal is for the camper to stay and enjoy camp. Parents will be consulted if a decision needs to be made about whether to continue or return home.
Our priority is to make every camper feel comfortable and included. We understand that for some, being away from home can be tough, and we aim to find the best solutions for both the camper and their camp community. Let’s work together to ensure a positive and memorable camp experience!
Wait List Policy
If your preferred camp is full, you can add your child to the waiting list through our registration system. Should a spot become available, we will contact you by phone. You will have 24 hours to respond. If we do not hear from you within that time, your camper will be removed from the waitlist. *If you no longer wish to keep your child on the waitlist, it is your responsibility to notify us.*
Forms, Waivers, and Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance:
Please contact our Office Administrator at [email protected] so we can send you the appropriate forms.
Waivers for Adventure Camps:
You will be contacted via email by our staff prior to arriving to camp if your camper is signed up for Adventure Trek or LITs with attached waiver forms.
Medical and Medication Form:
The Medical Form can be completed online through the same account used for camper registration. If your camper will be bringing medication to camp, please ensure the Camper Medication Administration Record (MAR) Form is also completed.
The Medication Administration Record (MAR) Form must be signed by both the parent/guardian and the camper’s authorized prescriber (physician, dentist, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse) for each medication the camper will bring to camp.
These forms are required annually; however, if your child is attending multiple sessions within the same summer, they only need to be submitted once. Please complete and upload these forms online 2 weeks before session and bring a copy to check-in.