Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of our most commonly asked questions about summer camp at Camp Ten Trees. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime!
How much does camp cost?
Camp Ten Trees has a sliding scale tuition system and ample scholarships available. Camp Ten Trees will never turn a camper away because of an inability to pay. Tuition rates are listed as part of the camp application and guidance is provided on choosing the right tuition for your financial situation, as well as an application for financial aid.
How much does camp cost?
Camp Ten Trees has a sliding scale tuition system and ample scholarships available. Camp Ten Trees will never turn a camper away because of an inability to pay. Each year's tuition range is listed on the Summer Camp page. Tuition rates are listed as part of the camp application, and guidance is provided on choosing the right tuition for your financial situation, as well as an application for financial aid.
Where is camp located?
For the safety and privacy of our campers, volunteers, and our rental site, the specific locations of camp sessions are kept confidential. All parents and guardians of an enrolled camper will receive the physical address of camp in the welcome packet, which is sent out a couple of months before camp starts. Camp drop-off and pick-up occurs in or very near Seattle.
Are you ACA accredited?
In Washington state, summer camps are not legally required to hold an accreditation. Camp Ten Trees is not officially accredited with the ACA (American Camping Association). However, we opt-in to following all accreditation standards to ensure a safe and well-supervised camp program. Camp Ten Trees is an active member of the ACA and ensures policies and procedures align with up-to-date standards.
What age campers can attend camp?
Our programs are for youth ages 8 to 17. Campers under the age of 8 or over the age of 18 are not permitted in our programs under any circumstances. Youth Week is for ages 8 - 13 and Teen Week is for ages 13 - 17. LEADS is for 16 and 17 year olds, and Trans Camp is for ages 8 - 17. Our 13 year-olds are welcome to choose which session they are most interested in, and our Program Director is available to help you and your camper make that decision!
My camper is neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, etc). Will they be included at camp?
Camp Ten Trees is committed to inclusive programming as much as possible. Camp can be loud, dirty, cold or hot, and tiring. We know that for many of our neurodivergent campers (and staff!) this can be difficult for sensory needs, emotional regulation, and general comfortability at camp. We have a dedicated team of volunteers that create low-sensory options built directly into our program, and work to support our neurodivergent and disabled campers throughout their experience. We also recognize that conflicting accessibility needs may exist, and not every program we offer will be right for every camper. To discuss your campers specific needs, please reach out to our Program Director at any time.
What sort of activities are offered at camp?
Every year, we offer new and engaging activities led by our amazing staff and occasionally outside organizations. Some activities your camper can count on every year include: lake swimming, boating, archery, arts & crafts, group games, a talent show, and campfires. A core part of our program is our Social Justice programming, where all campers engage in hands-on workshops and discussions about identity, anti-racism, disability justice, current social and political movements, self-advocacy, and more.
Who are the counselors and staff at Camp Ten Trees?
Outside of camp they are teachers, college students, bakers, mental health counselors, world travelers and more. These dedicated and brilliant volunteers build positive relationships with the campers, ensure their physical and emotional needs are met, and create a magical and affirming place for all youth. Every volunteer goes through an extensive hiring process before being offered a role, including an application, interview, reference checks, and background check. All volunteers are required to attend an in-person training program directly before our camp sessions start.
What are the cabins like at camp?
Most of the cabins are open to the outside. Some have just three walls, some have 3/4 height walls, and some have tent walls. Every cabin has a roof and a platform off of the ground. Campers should prepare for the possibility of chilly nights by packing a warm sleeping bag, a blanket, and at least one warm sweatshirt. If you need any support getting these items, please reach out and let us know how we can assist. (If your camper has specific needs around housing, such as access to an outlet to power a CPAP machine, or a close walk to main camp, please let us know early on in your application process so we can work with you to meet your camper's needs.
What are the cabins like at camp?
Most of the cabins are open to the outside. Some have just three walls, some have 3/4 height walls, and some have tent walls. Every cabin has a roof and a platform off of the ground. Campers should prepare for the possibility of chilly nights by packing a warm sleeping bag, a blanket, and at least one warm sweatshirt. If you need any support getting these items, please reach out and let us know how we can assist. (If your camper has specific needs around housing, such as access to an outlet to power a CPAP machine, or a close walk to main camp, please let us know early on in your application process so we can work with you to meet your camper's needs.
How are cabins assigned?
Most cabins are grouped by age, not gender. In the camper application, campers will be able to select various preferences around sound and energy levels, bedtime, and more. Our staff and volunteers work carefully to assign cabins aligned with these preferences, and our cabin counselors help build a positive cabin community during sessions.
What is your cancellation policy?
For cancellations prior to April 1st, a cancellation fee of 10% will be deducted from your refund. For cancellations on or after April 1st but before June 1st, a cancellation fee of 25% of your selected tuition will be deducted from your refund. For cancellations after June 1st, no refunds will be given for any reason. If full payment is not submitted by June 30th, your camper will forfeit their spot at camp and be moved to the waitlist. If you are unable to submit full payment by June 30th, please contact info@camptentrees.org to set up an alternative payment plan.
What's the food like at camp?
All of our food is homemade by our onsite volunteers. Our meals range from camp classics like sloppy joes or macaroni to teriyaki, burrito bars, and even some Ten Trees-unique recipes. Our volunteers are dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious, and filling meals for all campers.
My child has an allergy or other unique dietary need. Will they be able to eat at camp?
Camp Ten Trees maintains a completely peanut, treenut, and shellfish- free kitchen. Camp Ten Trees volunteers are committed to feeding every camper and we can accommodate almost any allergy or dietary restriction, except for air-born allergies that are not peanut, treenut, or shellfish. Some dietary needs we have experience supporting include dairy, dye, and other allergies, vegan and vegetarian diets, gluten-free and Celiac, ARFID, and more. Specific meal plans and accommodations can be coordinated with our Program Director and our Food Inclusion Specialist volunteers prior to camp.
What if my camper needs full-time, 1-on-1 support?
Every camper needs a little 1-on-1 support from time to time, such as when they're upset, homesick, or don't yet know how to tie their shoes! But some campers need more individual support than that. If your child has 1-on-1 support at school for behavioral, medical, or emotional needs, they will likely benefit from that same level of support while at camp. Camp Ten Trees cannot guarantee 1-on-1 support will be provided, but we are committed to providing accommodations for as many campers as possible. If your camper would benefit from 1-on-1 support while at camp, please indicate this on your camper application AND reach out to our office by phone or email so we can learn more about your camper's individual support needs.
What is medical and mental health support like at camp?
Every session of camp has a qualified medical and mental health team. Our medical team (Serenity) is made up of nurses, doctors, naturopaths, and students of medicine and are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers. Every session is staffed by at least one fully certified and actively licensed medical professional such as a nurse or nurse practitioner. Our mental and behavior health team (Sunshine) is staffed by therapists, counselors, social workers, and graduate students of those fields, all overseen by a registered Clinical Supervisor.