Summer Camps

How long have the McDonogh Summer Camps been in operation?
McDonogh Summer Camps have been offering high-quality programs to the local community for over 80 years.

What is the camp's registration process like?
Links to our online registration are available on almost every page of the summer camp website. The process is streamlined so that parents may choose camps and bus service along with setting up payments.

Can the camp make an age exception?
Our camps do have age requirements for each specific camp. However, if you feel your child would get more value out of a program outside their specified age range, feel free to contact the camp office at 443-544-7100 or summer@mcdonogh.org.

How long are summer camps?
Six weeks. The first day of camp is Monday, June 23, and the last day of camp is Friday, August 1.

Is camp closed for any days during the summer?
Yes, camp is closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day.

What should your son or daughter bring with them to camp?
Approximately three weeks prior to the start of camp, parents will receive an informational email from the director of their child’s camp. If your child is attending more than one camp, you will receive individualized information from each director. These informational emails will include specific items for your camper to bring for the camps they are attending.

Is transportation provided to and from the camp?
McDonogh’s well-maintained bus fleet provides transportation to and from over 40 community stops in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard counties. Transportation is optional; the cost is $40 a week per camper. Families must sign up during the registration process for bus service to and from one of our community stops.

The routes are carefully constructed to be as fair as possible to all families involved. Group stops are utilized for our summer camps to provide greater safety when picking up and dropping off campers. Buses cannot be altered to accommodate "around the block" pick-up, nor can they be lengthened or altered for more individualized service.

Is swimming part of the daily schedule?
Swimming is provided daily for the following six camps: Camp Red Feather, Camp Red Eagle, Senior Camp, All Sports Camp (not to be confused with individual weekly sports camps), Outdoor Adventure, and Tennis Camp. All of our other camps do not offer swimming as part of their programming.

What happens if my child gets sick?
Our infirmary is staffed by three nurses during the summer. If a child becomes sick or suffers an injury, our nurses will care for the camper and contact the parents or guardians. 

What is the camp's cancellation policy?
If you must cancel a camp for ANY reason before June 1, 2025, you will receive a refund of payment, less a $200 administrative fee per child. There are no refunds for any reason after May 31, 2025, for absences including, but not limited to illness, family vacations, sports schedules, or changes in the camper’s personal schedule. Additionally, no refunds will be offered if camp is closed due to "Acts of God" such as a tornado, power outage, etc., or for any reason that would prohibit the camp from operating safely. 

What is the pace of the day?
Arrival on campus for our carpool families starts at 8:30 a.m. Carpoolers will be greeted by counselors and directed to their designated arrival area. At 8:55 a.m., campers will walk with their counselors to their first activity, and by 9:00 a.m. most camps will be starting their first activities of the day.

Lunch is provided to all campers between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with each camp having a designated 30-minute lunch period during that time frame. Campers end their daily activities at 3:30 p.m., at which time they will proceed to the same area that was designated for arrival. Carpoolers can be picked up as early as 3:35 p.m. while bus riders will begin to load their buses at 3:45 p.m. By 4:00 p.m., all campers should be picked up by a parent or on a bus for dismissal.

Is the camp focused on fun or skill-building?
A combination of both. Our philosophy has always been fun with a purpose. So, while camp is designed for the ultimate fun experience, campers will learn a variety of skills depending on the camp they attend.

How is the staff trained?
All our camp staff are vetted by our Human Resources Department. This includes fingerprinting and the required completion of several online training courses. Additionally, staff are required to attend our Staff Orientation day for in-person training prior to the start of camp.

Are the meals balanced and are they included in the cost of camp?
All full-day campers receive lunch at no extra charge. The nutritious meals are carefully planned and prepared by our experienced food service staff that also serves the McDonogh students during the school year. Camp menus will be posted in early June and include daily offerings as well as information about nutrition, allergies, etc.

Can you visit the camp beforehand?
Yes, individual tours can be scheduled at any time during the year. Please call the camp office at 443-544-7100 to schedule your family’s tour.