Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do at camp?
The question could be more accurately framed as "what don't you do at camp?" Not much. We play soccer, basketball, hockey, flag football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, handball, kickball, dodgeball, war ball, breathbreaker, prisoner, home run derby, rugby, cricket, rounders, spud, scully, marbles, tag, red rover...and Kabadi. We have arts & crafts, science, lanyards, woodworking, relay races, scooter races, boxcar derby races, food fights, daily contests, bubble-wrap sumo wrestling, bubble-wrap freeze dances, human bowling, human car washes, dry-dock surfing, Quiddich, carom games... We bring in snow, a climbing wall, water slides, giant slides, an obstacle course, a carnival, Sponge Bob ... We don't, however, offer bobsledding or fire-walking. Maybe next year.

What is your typical SOF day like?
Drop off is between 9:15 and 9:30. As the kids arrive they have supervised free play - the 6s and 7s as a group, the olders as they wish. We then bring the entire camp together for a Coach Steve theme of the day, announcements, a contest (note holding, scary face-making) and a round of Simon Says. Then the morning's activities are presented (ex. soccer - always soccer - basketball, homerun derby, scooter hockey and arts & crafts) and the kids are free to choose what they want to do. An hour later we add another one or two activities. Right before lunch, we gather for a round of dodgeball...with a twist. We use our 48" wide soccer ball and roll it across a circle. Get touched, you're out...and then you get to help push the ball. Next comes lunch, sunscreen re-application and free play. We then begin our afternoon activity which reflects the "theme of the day." World Cup, Sherlock Holmes Scavenger Hunt, Quiddich, Survivor Brentwood... Next comes water play - balloons, squirt bottles, super soakers - re-enacting famous battles of history - Saratoga, Gettysburg, the Death Star... A different water battle every day. We finish up with make-your-own ice cream sundaes (the coaches do the judicious scooping) and then pick-up is between 3 and 3:30.

What is the difference between SOF and Rookie Camp?
Rookie Camp is SOF Lite. The activities are kinder and gentler. We still play sports and do arts & crafts but what day would be complete without face painting, story-time, a treasure hunt, water balloons and a trip to the prize box? The ages for Summer of Fun are 6-11. Rookies are 3.5 to almost 6. Those in that upper range present our greatest placement challenge and this is where we need your help. Some thrive in the big kid program; some still need the smaller, more nurturing confines of Rookie Camp. It's not an exact science, each child is different. With that said we are open to discussing the possibility of allowing children to change camps. And while Rookie Camp also begins its day at 9:30, we have an early bird pick-up option of 1:00 and a regular day pick-up of 3:30 (or anytime after 3:00).

What is the camper to coach ratio?
5:1.

Can my child be in the same group as his friend?
In Rookie Camp, that's not an issue. All the kids are together in one place. It's not a problem in SOF either. The 6s and 7s will hang together and the older kids will be free to float among friends.

I've heard that you let many of the young teens (10-13) be Trainers who assist during activities. Can my child work at camp?
Summer of Fun has historically been a camp "...of the kids, for the kids and by the kids..." And we've prided ourselves in promoting from within. The younger kids look forward to being the older kids. The older kids look forward to being assistant coaches... But what we've learned from the past is that even the most diligent and responsible 12 or 13 year old is still...only 12 or 13 years old. There's a big difference between wanting to help, and when confronted by a cornucopia of fun possibilities, actually helping. In an effort to ease the transition to responsibility we instituted the "Trainer" program. Trainers are 10-12. They can help with activities - if they want to. They are also free to engage in a program of sports and skills designed just for them, which makes them feel singular and special. And the t-shirt with "Trainer" written across the back is a big lure.

I've got issues with security and bathrooms.
SO DO WE - We go over this with the children every day: No one leaves an activity without telling one of the assigned staff where he or she is going. No one goes off on his/her own and no one goes to the restroom, which is monitored all day long, without an escort. A staff that is ever mindful of its responsibility to our campers and our families strictly enforces these rules.

Can I pay by credit card?
Yes.... absolutely!

What is your cancellation policy? Do you issue refunds?
Most camps, when referring to a cancellation policy, say in essence, "you snooze, you lose." Translation - once you've paid up, kiss that moolah goodbye. We've always been more flexible and less doctrinaire. Prior to June 1st all fees are refundable. After June 1st and before the first day of camp, all fees will be refunded minus the $250.00 Per Child Deposit. After the start of camp, given adequate notice, we will work with you to come up with a fair and equitable resolution. With no notice, there's nothing we can do.

What if I want to come one week early in the summer and a few days later on? Can I do that?
You bet. You can come one day, 45 days or any amount in between. Flexibility is our middle name.

Do you serve Lunch?
We do. For a mere $5/day you can forget about getting up to make sandwiches your children won't eat. Mondays and Thursdays we serve pizza. Tuesdays it's chicken nuggets and fries. Wednesdays we have quesadillas (cheese or chicken) and Fridays we end the week with burgers, hot dogs and fries.

If you don't have a pool, how do you keep the kids cool?
Considering our landlocked, black-topped campus we are the only fully-functioning water park in Brentwood. Every day we set-up our pools, waterslides, slip n slides or ziplines. We trot out the water cannons, sprinklers, supersoakers and water balloons and create new and novel ways of beating the heat and staying cool. Water is an integral component of everything we do. Ask about the Human Carwash. It's a highlight. Of course we can't stay wet all day long so to keep cool we also hold activities in the school's air-conditioned auditorium...until it's time to turn on the hose.

What should my child bring to camp?
A hat - verrrry important. Athletic shoes - and socks - (no sandals, flip flops, crocs or clogs unless packed in a backpack and brought out for water play). Change of clothing, extra t-shirt and shorts (for after our daily water play). All items should be name-taped or laundry marked. One look at our prodigious Lost and Found will tell you why. And a towel (again, post-water play and also labeled). HOT TIP - BRING A TOWEL FOR YOUR CAR. Squishy shorts make for slippery seats. ***PLEASE - NO VALUABLES - LEAVE WATCHES, BRACELETS, NECKLACES, DIAMOND EARRINGS AT HOME. Rest assured - anything that can be lost, will be lost. Also camp is a GAMEBOY, DS, PSP and TRADING CARD (of any ilk) - FREE ZONE. Leave 'em home.

Should my child bring water?
Not necessary. We provide water all day.

How about sunscreen?
You paint 'em in the morning. We slather them at lunch. If your child is allergic to certain brands of sunscreen then by all means please send the appropriate sunscreen with him to camp. If any specific instructions are required we ask that you forward them in writing.

How do I know the weekly schedule?
The weekly schedule will be posted on the website. In addition, when you sign-in your child in the morning you can obtain a copy of the weekly schedule.

Do you offer bus transportation?
Sorry, no.

Where can I find the medical form?
It will be attached to your email confirmation. But here ya go!!

If I have more questions how can I get in touch with you?
You can reach us by phone at 310-451-4220 or email coachsteve@coastsports.com or info@coastsports.com. We'll get right back to you with the answers.