General Questions

What are camp hours? JFGM camps are half days, either from 9AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM

How does pickup and drop-off work during regular camp hours? Pickup and drop-off areas are located at the upper garden employee back gate, located behind the organ pavilion. Parking is available at the organ pavilion lot. A detailed map will be available in your acknowledgement email after registering. For safety purposes, we do not release children to anyone not listed in registration. We check ID daily at checkout time. To add someone to the authorized list, you must email Alex Horn at education@niwa.org.

Whom do I contact with questions? You can contact the Education and Programs Coordinator at education@niwa.org or 619-232-2721 ext 1511

Is extended care available for campers? Extended care is unavailable

Registration and Payment Information

How do I register for Summer Camp? Camp tickets can be purchased through our website. If tickets are not yet available, keep an eye on our website for updates.

Are all camp weeks the same? The content of each week repeats with minor changes due to instructor availability. Our main camp webpage will have a schedule of all activities.

Do you offer payments plans, financial aid, or scholarships? We do not offer payment plans. Scholarships available will be listed on the webpage.

What do I need to do once I have started the registration process? After registering, be sure to check your acknowledgement email for confirmation and further instructions. Please note, you will receive a separate email for instructions and the receipt. If you do not see the acknowledgement email, please check your spam and promotion folder.

Can I show up the day of camp and wait to see if a spot opens up? No. Registration must occur before the first day of camp. Our camp spots fill quickly, so we strongly suggest registering as soon as reservations are made available.

Do you have a waitlist? Yes. Those needing to be on the waitlist can email education@niwa.org

What if I need to cancel a reservation? For cancellations, call our Education and Programs Department at 619-232-2721 ext 1511. Reservations may be cancelled up to 7 days prior to the camp start date for a 10% fee. Reservations cannot be refunded later than 7 days prior to the camp start date.

I registered my child before I became a JFGM member. Can I be refunded the difference? No. In order enjoy membership benefits, you are required to become one prior to registration.

Health and Safety

What are the camp rules? We expect our program participants/campers and our staff to show kindness and respect for others. Dangerous behaviors and physical aggression are not acceptable. We also take any camper’s unescorted departure from the group seriously, and require a conversation with a legal guardian should a camper run away from the group. Our team members are trained professionals who use positive behavior management strategies during program time. If a camper does not respond to these strategies, a phone call home will be made to solicit the help of a parent or legal guardian. If the challenge persists, the camper may be removed from the program without a refund of program fees.

The general rules that we will go over with campers are:

  • Be kind to people, plants, and animals.

  • Stay safe, and help your friends stay safe.

  • Have fun!

How do you accommodate campers with varying abilities or accessibility needs? We welcome campers of all abilities and accessibility levels, and will work with caregivers to the best of our ability to ensure that all campers have a safe and inclusive experience. Please list any assistance your child may need during camp when registering. If your camper requires health, toilet, or behavioral support during the camp day, an aide can attend camp with them.

How many campers are in each group? Up to 20 campers per group

Camp Basics

How does JFGM utilize photos taken of the campers? If you provide consent, photos may be shared for promotional or grant purposes. Taking photos does not guarantee they will be used.

Is there an opportunity to meet Summer Camp team members? Camp team members will be present at pickup and drop-off, and are available for a quick check-in. If anything comes up during the camp week, feel free to reach out to us so we can provide the best experience for your camper.

What should my child bring? Campers should bring snacks, a water bottle, and a towel or yoga mat. Campers are responsible for keeping their valuable items safe, including cameras and phones. Please label the items your camper will be bringing with them with the child’s name.

Can my child have a phone? While your child may bring their phone in order to contact you, we ask that phones are turned off and put away during camp sessions out of respect for their fellow campers and instructors.

What should my child wear? Campers will be both indoors and outdoors, so be mindful of daily weather reports and dress appropriately. Comfortable layered clothing, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes with socks are required. Hats are highly encouraged.

What food should I pack for my child? Please pack a few light snacks and a reusable water bottle. Campers must be able to open and maneuver all snack items independently. Avoid items with nuts, when possible.

Are drinks or water made available for my child during the day? Camp team members will refill camper water bottles throughout the day. If your camper forgets their water bottle at home, we will provide a cups for them to use.

Can I give my child money to purchase snacks, lunch, or souvenirs? No. Please visit the garden with your child after camp to purchase any additional items.

What are the late drop-off and early pickup protocols? Please call or email if you think you will be late. If you miss an activity, you will not be able to get a partial refund. If you need to pick up your camper early, please coordinate ahead of time with our Education and Programs Coordinator. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will be charged $1 for every minute.

Will there be a lot of walking? The garden is a large space, and there will be days where they will go out walking. Make sure your child wears comfortable, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes with socks.

Will my camper spend a lot of time in the sun? Much of campers' time is spent outdoors, so please prepare for this by applying sunscreen in the morning and providing your child with a hat. Our camp team members cannot apply sunscreen, but your camper is welcome to bring their own to reapply later.

Can I sit in or volunteer at my child’s camp? No. To give campers the full experience, we do not allow parents or guardians to join camp.

Do you have a lost and found? Items left for more than 10 days will be donated. Please label all of your camper’s belongings with their name.

How do I inform Summer Camp staff of a change in pickup? Please email education@niwa.org if there’s a change in who is picking up your child. Please make sure your approved pickup has their ID.