Is Oasis accredited by the American Camp Association? What is accreditation?
Yes. Oasis is proud to have been accredited by the American Camping Association. ACA Accreditation means that Oasis submitted to a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation by the ACA - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Oasis and the ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety, learning new experiences, personal growth and service to the community.
What is the staff to camper ratio, and who are the staff?
At Oasis, our adult to child ratio is always 1:5, 1:4 for our younger campers. Typically, each group of 15 children have 2 group leaders. An additional staff person, a specialist, funs each specific activity in which the children participate. A team of Division Leaders act as supervisors and every site has a nurse or EMT as well as a team of certified lifeguards. For more information on our staff, click here.
What are the camp hours? When is the drop off and the pick up?
Oasis runs a full day from 9am-5pm. Oasis Downtown runs a short day option from 9am-3pm. For an additional fee, Oasis also offers bus service or an early drop off, late stay option.
Can we visit the camp before signing up for camp?
Yes. We have a number of campus tours and open houses that we would love you to attend. For more information on campus tours and open houses, click here.
During the open houses we will be giving a presentation and slideshow. Please visit the Open House page for more dates and information.
Do you offer extended day care in the morning and afternoon?
Yes. For an additional weekly fee. Or you can pay for AM or PM.
Does camp provide lunch as well as snack for my child?
Most campers bring their own bag lunch (please make sure to label them) in a soft lunch box/bag. The lunches will be kept in coolers until lunch time. Oasis will provide your child with water and an afternoon snack. Campers at Oasis in Tarrytown, Oasis in Bayside and Oasis in Madison also have the option to purchase lunch (this must be paid with their camper registration).
Is transportation available?
Yes. Oasis offers transportation for an additional fee from select neighborhoods. Bus itineraries are available before the start of camp.
How are campers divided into groups?
Campers are placed in groups according to age. It is possible for children to be grouped with friends as per the parent's request. The camper will be grouped with particular friends as long as there is space in the group, they are of similar age and in similar programs. Oasis will try its hardest to honor all such requests but cannot guarantee friend placement.
What is the difference between signing up for camper weeks?
Campers must sign up for 2 consecutive weeks at Oasis. This is in tune with our philosophy that we believe it takes 2 weeks for children to get comfortable in a new environment. If campers sign up for 2+ weeks it means that they will often be with the same group of children and the same group leader for their camp experience at Oasis. Swimming lessons will remain consistent and children will not have to be retested at the beginning of the each session.
What is the procedure for swim lessons?
Oasis follows the American Red Cross model. Campers are evaluated at the beginning of their first session and places in an appropriate swim class with a swim instructor. Campers can move up to the next swim level at their own pace. At any time, you can call the Oasis and ask to speak with the swim director for a progress report on your child.
What is a typical day like?
Click here for information on a typical day at Oasis.
Is a nurse on site during all regular camp hours?
Yes. A registered nurse or EMT is on site daily.
When do I need to send in my health forms?
A health form will be mailed to you upon receipt of your registration form and should be returned prior to your child's camp start date. You can also find camper forms on this website. Under state law, all campers must have a Health For on file before attending camp. Click here for a copy of the Oasis Health Form.
Can I send my camper's medication to camp? How?
Any medications being sent to camp will be kept in the nurse's office and must be in their original containers bearing the pharmacy label with your child's name, dosage, and doctor's name. You also must provide written instructions for administering the medication. Please notify us of any food and/or medication allergies your child may have.
What if my camper is late or I need to pick up my camper early?
No worries. If you camper arrives late, just bring them to the Main office so we can check them in and have someone escort them to their group. If your child takes the bus, ensure to call the office to let them know that your child is to be late so we do not expect them at the bus stop. If you need to pick your camper up early, simply bring a note or call the camp office before noon the day your child needs to be picked up to inform us. A staff member will walk your child over to the camp office where you can pick them up at the designated time.
Can I cancel a camp week or weeks?
Yes. You are allowed to change camper weeks. Oasis will provide a refund (minus the deposit after May 30th, 2008 - when all payments are due in full).
When space permits, campers may be able to change sessions for which hey are registered?
Yes. Simply arrange this with the Oasis main office.
Do children go on field trips?
Throughout the summer, your child's group and/or division will go on a variety of trips (except for Oasis Central Park Hi.5). On those days, campers will leave on their trips after morning rally and will return for the afternoon wrap-up.
What happens on rainy days?
Camp remains open and our programs continue. For a simple rain shower the schedule will continue as normal with a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities. If the inclement weather continues or there is thunder and lightning, the campers would come inside where our program can continue from crafts and adventure to sports. Of course, during lightning and thunder the swim program (if outdoors) will be suspended where swim staff will engage campers in a variety of fun activities. A rainy day is also a wonderful occasion for an all camp activity such as a talent show.
Can I visit my child at camp?
Parents are welcome to visit Oasis at any time after the first week of camp. However, we do encourage you to allow your child to adjust to the program before visiting. When you visit, you must come dressed to participate in all activities planned for the day - that's the Oasis way! If you are going to visit, please be sure to call our camp office a day in advance and also be sure to sign in at the camp office upon your arrival.
Can I speak with other Oasis Day Camp Families?
We understand that it may be difficult to choose a camp that's right for your family; therefore, we will be happy, upon request, to furnish you with the names of families who have chosen Oasis. Simply email info@oasischildren.com and we will put you in contact with a family that has had a recent experience at Oasis.
Can my child bring his/her ipod, cell phone or gameboy to camp?
Campers should NOT bring any money or valuables to camp. These items are a distraction and then to get lost or broken easily. If your child brings these to camp, they will be kept in the main office until the end of the day. At any time, you can always call the Oasis office who can immediately get in touch with your child.
Is financial aid available?
Limited aid is available and awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Please call Oasis (before 3/1/08) for more information.
If you have more questions about Oasis Day Camp, please email info@oasischildren.com or call 1 800 317 1392