Frequently Asked Questions

The three core values of Artistree’s programming for children are: Respect, Safety, Have Fun. Please review these with your child before attending a program, particularly in regard to their behaviors that apply.

Behavior and Discipline procedures are in place to ensure participant safety and allow for healthy learning environments, providing participants with the best experiences.

Artistree educators strive to make every attempt to be proactive regarding participant behavior. We provide engaging, thoughtful activities, and use best judgment and appropriate action when handling common disruptive behavior.

The following unwanted behaviors may result in the temporary or permanent removal of a participant from their Artistree class:

• Endangering the health (mental and physical) and safety of children and/or staff

• Use of profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity (hostile or offensive language)

• Refusing to follow behavior guidelines or camp rules; disrupting a program or running away from the group; failure to respect the physical boundaries of others

• Destruction or theft of Artistree or personal property belonging to others

If a participant does not follow the behavior guidelines, we will take the following action steps as behavior problems progress:

• Staff will redirect the camper to more appropriate behavior.

• If unwanted behavior continues, the participant will be reminded of behavior guidelines and rules and create an action plan on how to correct the behavior. Staff will follow up with the caregiver at pick-up time if necessary.

• If a child’s behavior still affects the safety or experience of other participants, at this time the participant will be given a short time out to reflect on their actions. A telephone call to parents will also be made at this time.

• If inappropriate behavior continues, as a final action step the participant may be dismissed from camp.

These guidelines are applicable to all Artistree participants . Participant fees are non-refundable if a participant is sent home for disciplinary reasons. Physical violence or bullying toward another participant or staff member can result in immediate dismissal from the program.

If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here regarding program operations, please feel free to contact: Sheena Solitaire at 802-457-3500 ext 128 or programming@artistreevt.org.

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email from Sawyer upon registering for a camp. Artistree will also send you an email the week before camp. Please check your spam folder and inbox for the email confirmation.

Camps are refundable up to 14 calendar days before the camp start date, minus the non-refundable deposit per camp. Camps canceled within the 14 days prior to the start date of the specific camp are non-refundable. If the camp you are registered for is canceled by Artistree, you will be refunded your tuition in full.

*Note: Some camp program prices may vary slightly.

Camps are transferable only if there is room in the camp you would like to be moved into and transfers must be requested 14 calendar days prior to the start of the camp that you would like to be transferred into. If there is a price difference in the camps, you will be expected to pay the difference at the time of the transfer to hold your spot.

Sibling discounts are applied when two (or more) campers are registered for the same program. If you have two children in different camps the same week, they are not eligible for a discount. Please feel free to call our office with any questions.

Yes. All campers must be in the age range of the camp by the first day of the camp. For example, your child must be 5, 6, or 7 years old by the first day of camp to be in a 5-7 camp. They cannot be 8 or older.

Our camps are specifically designed for the age ranges associated with them, so we thank you for your understanding. If there is a developmental need that necessitates a different level of curriculum, please contact us. If a child is accidentally registered in a camp that they are not in the correct age range, Artistree staff will contact you to figure out finding an appropriate camp for your camper.

Yes. We require all children to be potty-trained (no Pull-Ups). As with all camps, we ask you to send a change of clothes. We reserve the right to remove campers who are not potty-trained without a refund. If a child arrives in Pull-Ups, please expect a phone call as Pull-Ups, for our purposes, are considered diapers. Artistree is not a licensed day care facility and therefore is not able to change diapers.

Artistree camps are thoughtfully designed to be drop-off programs. If a child requires additional assistance due to developmental needs, please contact Artistree staff to arrange accommodations. Having parents or caregivers present during the camp can be distracting for other campers so we please ask that you plan to drop-off and pick-up your child at the designated times.

As of summer 2025, all camp counselors will need to be 16 years old by the start of their employment with Artistree. Interested 15 year olds can apply to our CAT program (Camp Apprentice Training) to assist with art or theatre camps. If you are 15 and turn 16 mid-summer, you are welcome to apply to be a CAT and then discuss becoming a counselor after your birthday with the Camp Director. For more information about the CAT and Counselor roles at Artistree please check our Opportunities for Teens page.

Most direct communication for camp will be through email or office telephone or with the camp instructor or camp leader at pick up or drop off. Please make sure that when you register your child, you include the email and phone number for the person who will be the main contact for the camper during their time at Artistree. Additional communication will be shared at pick-up, over the phone, or via email. Please feel free to reach out to our camp staff with other questions via email or phone. Please make sure that the phone numbers we have for you on file are up to date and will be answered during the camp day. Please make sure that your phone is turned on when your child is at camp in case of an emergency.

Artistree staff want to hear and help with any questions and concerns caretakers have about their campers experience. We expect caretakers to express their questions and concerns with as much good will and amiability as possible.

Please have all personal items labeled with the child’s name. Although we do our best to encourage each camper to keep their belongings together, Artistree is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please make sure you bring ONLY what your child needs each day. This includes:

• Full change of clothes

• Reusable water bottle

• Morning snack (e.g., small bag of pretzels; packet of apple sauce)

• Lunch (for campers that are enrolled in afternoon camps as well)

• Additional snacks as needed

• Light jacket or sweatshirt

• Swimsuit, towel and water shoes for water play 

The following items will not be permitted:

• Personal electronics and/or valuable items

• Mobile phone use during camp is NOT permitted - if you need to reach your child during camp for an emergency, please call the Artistree office at 802-457-3500.

• Toys

• Any valuable or cherished items (camp can be an exciting day, so items might be accidentally misplaced and forgotten!)

Campers should wear clothes that they do not mind getting dirty! Sneakers are best for playing at Artistree. Sandals are not recommended. It might be a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, in case your camper gets chilly. We also recommend sunscreen; if you would like your child to wear sunscreen/bug spray, please apply before dropping off your camper in the morning. Water play may be part of a camp so please include a swimsuit in your campers’ backpack.

We periodically photograph and film camp activities for marketing and archival purposes. We will never include any names of individuals in the photos. Please indicate on your account during registration if Artistree does not have your permission to be photographed or recorded. We will respect your choice. If there is additional photography taking place (e.g., marketing, news segment, etc.) you will receive communication via email or phone.

Please note: all participants in theater camps will be filmed and photographed. If you have any questions about this please contact our camp director at programming@artistreevt.org.

Camps run from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Please review our camp hours below: 

• 8:45 - 9:00 am - Morning/Full Day Camp drop-off

• 9:00 am - Camp day begins

• 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm - Pick-up for Morning Camps

• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Lunch and outdoor play for all day campers

• 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm - Afternoon Camp drop-off

• 4:00 - 4:15 pm - Pick-up for Afternoon/Full Day Camps

Drop-off occurs from 8:45-9:00 am or 12:45-1:00 pm at the yellow tents by the playground. Park in the main parking lot at Artistree and walk your child to the covered pavilion. Parents should sign in and sign out their child each day. On Mondays, camp instructors will be available to meet and greet families. After signing in each day, your child’s camp counselor will escort them to the playground for free play until the camp morning begins. 

PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY IN THE PARKING LOT AND DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO WALK UNESCORTED IN THE PARKING LOT. 

We understand that occasionally caregivers will be late due to situations outside of your control. If you are running late, please contact our staff to let us know or call the office at 802.457.3500.

If your child has an accident and has a change of clothing, our instructors will make sure your child is ok and make sure that your child changes into clean clothes. If your child forgot a change of clothes, we will send them home in Artistree clothing that will need to be washed and returned by the end of the week. You will receive a note home and, if the situation necessitates, a phone call.

Cell phones, video games, and other personal electronic devices can easily become distractions at camp, so we ask that you please keep these items at home. If your child does bring a cell phone to camp, they will not be permitted to use it during the camp day. If there is an emergency and you need to reach your child, please contact the camp staff. If your child is attending a camp where technology is requested (ex: Digital Music) we will let you know in advance.

Please clearly label all lunch boxes, water bottles, jackets, changes of clothing, and anything else your child may be bringing to camp. Lost and found items will be stored in the lobby of Artistree. Typically, summer lost and found items are donated or discarded by September following summer camp.

Student artworks that are not taken home are usually kept until September. If you think your child has left artwork here, please call the office or plan to pick it up as soon as possible.

Ceramic pieces are typically not ready on the last camp day due to the firing process. You will receive an email when your camper’s pieces are ready for pick up. The email may come from Sawyer, our registration system, so please be sure to check your spam email.

In order to protect the health of all campers and staff, Artistree asks that you monitor your child’s temperature and health symptoms before attending camp.

Children must be kept at home when showing signs of the beginning of an illness or contagious disease, or when feeling too ill to participate in an educational setting. 

We expect caregivers to communicate with us regarding any communicable illness or infection so that we may notify all caregivers of our campers. These conditions include but are not limited to: pink eye; chicken pox; measles; mumps; strep throat; or lice. If a child develops a fever of 100.0°F or higher, vomits, or has loose stools while at camp, the caregiver will be called to pick them up.

If your child has a fever, please keep them at home and do not return to camp for 24 hours following the fever or with a doctor’s note. For example, if your child has a fever on Monday, they are eligible to come back to camp on Wednesday at the earliest if they do not have a doctor’s note. Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to camp. 

If your child complains of feeling unwell enough to participate in scheduled educational activities, we will call you and discuss options. If they are clearly showing signs of illness, including but not limited to: two loose stools, chicken pox, lice, pink eye, vomiting, productive cough, yellow/green mucus, runny nose not related to allergies, persistent headache, and so on, you must come pick your child up as soon as possible. You may also assign another caregiver at the start of camp who may pick your child up if you are unavailable or unable to do so promptly. We sincerely appreciate your help in keeping our staff and fellow campers healthy and safe.

These policies are in place to ensure the child’s well-being along with the well-being of the other children at camp and their families. If a child is sent home for illness during the camp week, a refund will not be issued.

Please make sure that the phone numbers we have for you on file are up to date and will be answered during the camp day. 

Artistree does not have medical professionals (ie: school nurse) on site. Our staff have First Aid/CPR training. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to pick up or not send sick campers to camp. 

As of June 2023, Artistree no longer requires campers to wear a mask during classroom activities. Masks will be optional for indoor and outdoor play. We are adhering to the MVSU district COVID-19 guidelines as well as the State of Vermont guidelines and will continue to adapt these guidelines as the local and state guidelines are updated. 

While we strongly recommend vaccinations, we will not be requiring vaccination or proof of vaccination for campers.

No. It is the policy of Artistree to not issue full or partial refunds based on the health of a child. By visiting Artistree, you voluntarily assume all risks related to any potential infectious or contagious disease.

If a child takes a daily medication, the caregiver is expected to administer it before or after camp. If absolutely necessary, please discuss the options with an Artistree staff member. 

If your child has an Epi Pen, please notify staff at drop off and indicate this on the camper’s Sawyer profile. Epi pens will be stored with camp instructors and counselors and will be given only if necessary. If a mild allergic reaction occurs, Artistree staff will call the child’s emergency contact for approval before administeringBenadryl.

We do NOT provide lunch for campers; please send a packed lunch with your camper(s) who are attending full day camps. Lunch should not require refrigeration or microwaving. Please send your camper with snacks to enjoy throughout the camp day. If your camper needs a lunch and comes without one, please plan to have a caregiver drop off a lunch at the front office before noon.

Out of our concern for safety, campers cannot walk over to Teago General Store to buy lunch. Camp staff and counselors will not be able to purchase lunches for campers.

Out of concern about food allergies, we encourage campers to not share food or lunch with others. Thank you for your understanding!

We expect caregivers to alert Artistree staff of any allergies and may accommodate on a case by case basis. Please make sure to fill out your child’s Sawyer profile with all information about their allergy and feel free to reach out to Sheena Solitaire (programming@artsitreevt.org) with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your understanding that we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Out of concern about food allergies, we encourage campers to not share food or lunch with others. Thank you for your understanding!

We welcome all types of learners at Artistree and believe that the creative arts can benefit all children. With that in mind, knowing more about your child is helpful to our instructors, as we have to get to know the campers quickly in a one week session! Please fill out your child’s profile in Sawyer fully at the time of registration. Any information you include will be shared only with their instructors and camp counselors for the purpose of creating the best learning experience possible. If you prefer to have a conversation, please email Sheena Solitaire at programming@artistreevt.org.

If a minor injury occurs at camp (cut, scrape, etc.), an Incident Form will be filled out and the appropriate action will be taken by camp staff. When necessary, a phone call will be made to the caregiver. If a non-life threatening injury or illness needs more immediate care, Artistree staff will contact the caregiver and make arrangements for next steps. For more severe injuries, Artistree will call 9-1-1 emergency services. In the event of any head injury Artistree staff will contact the caregiver.

The three core values of Artistree’s programming for children are: Respect, Safety, Have Fun. Please review these with your child before attending a program, particularly in regard to their behaviors that apply.

Our first priority is the safety of our campers. Behavior and Discipline procedures are in place to ensure camper safety and allow for healthy learning environments, providing campers with the best camp experiences.

Artistree educators strive to make every attempt to be proactive regarding camper behavior. We provide engaging, thoughtful activities, and use best judgment and appropriate action when handling common disruptive behavior.

The following unwanted behaviors may result in the temporary or permanent removal of a camper from their Artistree camp:

• Endangering the health (mental and physical) and safety of children and/or staff

• Use of profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity (hostile or offensive language)

• Refusing to follow behavior guidelines or camp rules; disrupting a program or running away from the group

• Destruction or theft of Artistree or personal property belonging to others

If a camper does not follow the behavior guidelines, we will take the following action steps as behavior problems progress:

• Staff will redirect the camper to more appropriate behavior.

• If unwanted behavior continues, the camper will be reminded of behavior guidelines and camp rules and create an action plan on how to correct the behavior. Camp staff will follow up with caregiver at pick-up time if necessary.

• If a child’s behavior still affects the safety or experience of other campers, at this time the camper will be given a short time out to reflect on their actions. A telephone call to parents will also be made at this time.

• If inappropriate behavior continues, as a final action step the camper may be dismissed from camp.

These guidelines are applicable to all Artistree campers. Camper fees are non-refundable if a camper is sent home for disciplinary reasons. Physical violence or bullying toward another camper or staff member can result in immediate dismissal from the camp.

If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here regarding camp registration or operation, please feel free to contact: Sheena Solitaire at 802-457-3500 ext 128 or programming@artistreevt.org.