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Sea Stars and Bluefish
Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoundWaters easy to get to?
Yes. SoundWaters is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from exit 9 off I-95.
Directions to the SoundWaters Center.

My child is entering 3rd grade in the fall, what program should I sign them up for?
You should sign your child up for Bluefish (grades 3-5). The grades listed for all programs are designed to be the grade your child will enter in the Fall of 2012. Please contact us if you have any questions.

If I am not a Stamford resident how do I get into the park?
You will be mailed a parking pass for your session(s). If you lose your pass or need additional passes, you can pick them up on the first day of camp.

What forms do I need to submit besides the registration form?

The State of Connecticut requires us to have a Health Form on file for every camper. You may either use the SoundWaters Health Form found here or the State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record. The form must be signed and stamped by the Doctor's office. Please note, there is no need for a separate physical exam, as long as the last routine exam your child took is within the last three years.

If the doctor finds it necessary to send medication with your child to the camp, you need to provide us with an Authorization for Administrations of Medication form found here stamped and signed by the doctor's office for each medication prescribed. Please read the form instructions carefully! The medications must be received by the SoundWaters staff at the same time your child is admitted to camp. We will not be able to admit your child to our camp without the medication and properly filled out Authorization for Administration of Medication Form.

All Medical forms are due back to SoundWaters by June 1, 2012.

Forms may be submitted By Mail: Camp SoundWaters, 1281 Cove Road, Stamford CT 06902 By Fax:(203)967-8306 By Email: oczebiniak@soundwaters.org

Do the campers go swimming?
Yes, campers will go swimming watched by our own certified lifeguard. Proper attire, bathing suit and water shoes are required. SoundWaters offers 5 optional swim lessons per session for the Sea Stars & Bluefish programs.

Do I need to pack my child a lunch?
Yes. Children must also come with their own water bottle with their name written on it.

What should I pack for my child everyday?
The camp SoundWaters gear list can be found here

• A bathing suit and towel (Sea Stars should come to camp with their bathing suit on)
• Change of clothes
• Water shoes for swimming (water shoes must have a heel-strap, no flip flops)
• Water bottle with child's name on it
• Healthy Lunch and snacks
• Sun block
• Rain gear (weather dependant)

When is payment for camp due?
A non-refundable Deposit of $200 per session is due at the time of camp registration. The balance payment of tuition for each session and any additional amounts due for extended hours is due May 1, 2012. An early registration discount of $50 per session, to be applied to balance due, is offered for all sessions registered for by March 31, 2012. If registration is made after May 1, 2012, full payment for tuition and any additional amounts for extended hours is due at time of registration.

Do you offer early drop-off or late pick up?
Yes, SoundWaters offers extended hours.
Extended hours run 8:30 am - 9:00 am and 3:00 pm - 5:00pm and cost an additional $50 for a one week session and $100 for a 2 week session.

Do all Bluefish campers stay for the overnight?
All Bluefish campers are welcome, however not all choose to stay. You may return in the morning for the last day festivities. Campers and staff all sleep in SoundWaters center that has a security system. Overnights are held on the second Thursday of two week sessions. One week sessions do not include an overnight.

Can my child be in the same group as his or her friends?
Yes, Camp SoundWaters place campers into groups according to age.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. SoundWaters offers scholarships to those that are eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the State of CT. Applications are available here.

Who are the counselors?
Camp SoundWaters staff are college graduates or are in pursuit of a degree in the fields of science or education. Some staff members are upper level high school students who have attended SoundWaters programs over the years. All summer staff attends training before the beginning of Camp. Training includes CPR, First Aid, SoundWaters education programs, swimming safety and canoe training, mandated reporter certification, behavior modification and teaching techniques.

What is a typical day like?
The activities vary depending on weather and session. Below you will find a basic daily schedule (subject to change):

8:30am	Early campers arrive
9:00am	Sign-in at bridge
9:10am	All campers walk to SoundWaters Center (late arrivals must park and walk camper(s) to camp office for sign-in.
9:20am	Morning Circle - Discuss day's schedule, share news or particpate in a group game.
9:45am	Environmental Activity - explore habitats, water quality testing, make a cloud, community beach service, gardening.
11:00am	Art Activity - Long Island Sound in a bottle, sand art, water colors, beach sculptures etc.
12:00pm	Lunch
1:00pm	Science Activity - Squid dissections, birding, microscopes, population studies, live animal creature features, build a watershed, volcanoes, sinking and floating, build a "boat".
2:30pm	Wrap-up
3:00pm	Sign-out at bridge
3:00-5:00pm	Late hours

Other activities include…optional swim lessons, free swim, animal story time, adventure games, educational games, exploring, discovering, and non-stop fun!

Cancellation Policy
SoundWaters reserves the right to cancel a session due to insufficient enrollment. In this event, you will be notified and a full refund of amounts paid will be made. No refunds will be made and there will be no credit given for absences, family vacations, withdrawals or camp closings.

What if I have more questions?
For more information please contact Olena Czebiniak at oczebiniak@soundwaters.org or (203) 406-3319.