Policies for All Programs

This Policies page outlines key expectations, responsibilities, and guidelines that help Monkey Business Camp run safely and smoothly.

• Clear expectations to support a safe, well-run camp experience
• Policies designed with safety, fairness, and thoughtful planning in mind
• Details here work together with the Camper Agreement accepted at registration

It is designed to help families understand how our programs work and determine whether our camp is a good fit.

The links below highlight the most commonly referenced sections. Additional policies and details appear throughout this page and in the Camper Agreement accepted at registration.

Refunds & Transfers | Program Fit & Behavior | Payments & Late Pick-Up | Illness & Medications | Safety & Emergencies

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Refunds, Transfers, Cancellations

How to request: After reviewing the options for your dates, email office@monkeybusinesscamp.com and state your preference (refund or transfer/credit).

Camp requires advance planning and staffing, which is why our refund and transfer options change as camp approaches. We aim to be fair, transparent, and consistent while also ensuring camp can run safely and sustainably. Transfers are usually more flexible than refunds, and when circumstances beyond anyone’s control arise, we focus on offering credits whenever possible. We incur significant non-recoverable costs well before camp (planning, staffing, rentals, etc.). For that reason, we’re unable to make exceptions for issues affecting your ability to attend (e.g., illness, travel, schedule changes, relocation, job loss, behavioral issues at camp).

Tip: Transfer fees are lower than refund deductions. Transfers can move to a specific future session or be saved as credit.

School Break Camps (Autumn, Winter, February, Spring) & Special Events

(“First camp start date” = the first day of the earliest session you originally enrolled in, even if you transfer later.)

Financial aid recipients: From 60 days up to 15 days prior → Refund minus 75%; Transfer/Credit minus 50% per session. No refunds after 14 days.
JC & Older CIT: Up to 60 days prior → Transfer/Credit minus 50% per session. No refunds after that.

Summer Camps

Financial aid recipients: From Mar 2 up to 41 days prior → Refund minus 75%; Transfer/Credit minus 50% per session. No refunds at ≤40 days.
JC & Older CIT: Up to 60 days prior → Transfer/Credit minus 50% per session. No refunds after that.

Other Important Details (Refunds/Transfers/Cancellation)

• Applies to full sessions only (not partial days/weeks).

• Advance-access deposits (when offered) are non-refundable and transfer-only.

• Low enrollment: If we cancel a program, you may transfer or receive a full refund.

• If camp is affected by events beyond our control (such as weather, air quality, fire, or public health emergencies), refunds may not be available, but we provide credits when appropriate.

• Refund method: To original payment method unless ≥180 days after your initial transaction—then by check (allow up to 8 weeks).

• Program details may shift due to safety or operational needs, and these changes don’t qualify for refunds.

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Force Majeure (Events Beyond Our Control)

If camp is canceled, modified, or postponed due to events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., government orders; severe weather/natural disasters; war/terrorism; civil unrest; strikes; epidemics/pandemics; contamination; illegality/impossibility; facility unavailability), you will receive a credit for all monies paid, redeemable through February 1, 2027. For interrupted programs, credits are prorated for the missed portion. Such changes do not constitute a service failure.

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Program Fit / Special Needs & Behavioral Policy

Monkey Business Camp is a mostly outdoor, play-based day camp centered on fun, respect, and community. We welcome diverse learners and have successfully supported many children with a wide range of needs.

Our program is a strong fit for children who enjoy being outdoors, moving their bodies, and participating in a mix of free play and group activities. Camp works especially well for kids who benefit from structure paired with flexibility, and who enjoy building relationships over time in a familiar, community-centered setting.

Children are expected to participate safely in group settings and engage with peers and staff using listening, kindness, and flexibility. Children who require frequent one-on-one support or who struggle significantly with group transitions may find this setting challenging.

This section is designed to help families thoughtfully assess whether our program is a good fit for their child.

Program Structure (to help you assess fit)

• Mostly outdoor, play-based day camp
• Mix of free-choice and staff-guided group activities
• Requires listening skills, patience, and flexibility during transitions

Staffing: Approximately 1:9 staff-to-camper ratio; groups of about 25 total people (campers, youth leaders, and staff).

Daily Flow: A blend of free-choice and group times (circle, meals, stories, walks). Group activities typically last about 20 minutes and require listening, kindness, and participation.

Transitions: Approximately 10 transitions per day (e.g., activity → hand-washing → lunch).

Environment:
• Summer Camps: 100% outdoors
• School Break Camps: ~80% outdoors

Group Experiences: Large-group activities (such as games, skits, or carnivals) occur at least once daily with another group (50 people), and all-camp activities typically happen once per session (50-100 people).

Some children thrive immediately in this setting. Others do best with advance family–staff planning and ongoing communication. In some cases, our camp environment may not be the right fit.

Family Responsibilities

Families are expected to:

• Provide full and accurate disclosure at registration (and updates as needed) about challenges, diagnoses, and supports that help their child succeed
  • Arrange camp-only supports if your child has school accommodations (available at school break camps; limited in summer due to program size)
  • Maintain medication plans; staff cannot administer scheduled daily medications (see Medications)

If we determine that a child’s needs exceed what we can safely support within our ratios or program scope, we may request shortened days, days off, or withdrawal from camp.

We strongly encourage families to consult their child’s therapist, teacher, or medical provider before enrolling—and to have a backup plan if our setting turns out not to be the best fit.

Behavioral Expectations & Dismissal

If a child is unable to continue attending camp due to behavioral issues that arise during the session, refunds are not available, as these situations occur after staffing and planning commitments are in place.

Monkey Business Camp reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to dismiss a camper without refund if their behavior poses a safety risk to themselves, other campers, or staff.

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Communications

• You will receive essential information by email; enrolled families are added to our list (unsubscribe any time).

• Add office@monkeybusinesscamp.com to contacts/safe senders to prevent spam filtering.

• During camp, day-to-day logistics use the group text thread (see Parent Info Packet).

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Confirmation, Tax ID & Receipts

• An automatic confirmation email arrives after registration. Verify session(s) and details.

• If you don’t receive it, log in to confirm your enrollment and contact the office if needed.

• Log in anytime to view charges/payments and print receipts for taxes/reimbursement (Account Summary lists business name, Tax ID, dates, hours, and payments).

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Fees & Payments

Enrollment is secured by full payment or an active payment plan. Missed or failed payments may result in cancellation and fees, and standard refund policies apply. Full payment terms are outlined in the Camper Agreement signed at time of registration.

Card issues: If your card is compromised/expired, contact the office to update.

Late pick-up fees: If not in line by final pick-up time, $14/half hour or $26/hour; billed to card on file after review. On-site staff cannot waive fees (contact office for extenuating circumstances).

eCheck chargebacks: $15 fee; we immediately charge the balance + fee to the card on file. If no card on file, provide one within 24 hours to keep the registration.

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General Illness Prevention & Protocols

Policies may evolve.

• Keep your child home until symptoms are significantly improving and fever-free/vomit-free for 24 hours without medication.

• Consider masking (especially after respiratory illness or close contact).

• Reduce exposures before/during camp to avoid missed days (no illness refunds).

• Contagious periods (typical): Flu ~1 day before symptoms, lasts 5–7 days; Colds 1–2 days before, up to 2 weeks if symptoms persist; COVID-19 1–2 days before, often highest in the first few days after symptoms.

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Medical & Safety Procedures

Medical & Dental Emergencies

In medical emergencies, we contact 911 and parents/caregivers or other emergency contacts. A staff member will remain with your child until you arrive or care is transferred.  Please ensure you or a nearby contact is reachable during camp.
For dental emergencies, parents or other emergency contacts will need to come to camp.  Knocked-out teeth have the best outcomes if replaced within 1 hour.

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Air Quality & Environmental Decision-Making

For outdoor safety decisions (including smoke and poor air quality, fire), Monkey Business Camp monitors local and regional AQI data and refers to established local guidance, including the Berkeley Unified School District Air Quality Response Plan. Although Red Flag days are relatively rare in Berkeley, conditions can change quickly. Red Flag days issued by the Berkeley Fire Department mean summer camp does not operate. In other unsafe conditions, responses may include modified activities, relocation, shortened days, or cancellation.

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Medications

• Staff cannot administer scheduled daily meds/herbs. Please give those before/after camp or come by during the day if necessary.

• “As needed” meds must be listed on the medical form with dosage and conditions for use.

• Bring meds in original packaging; give to the Site Director (stored in first-aid backpack).

• Self-carry (older campers only) requires a signed consent form.

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Lice/Nits

If lice or nits are discovered, families will be contacted for prompt pick-up and treatment is required before returning.

Detailed eradication steps → Parent Info Packet

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Staffing for Late Pick-Ups

We typically maintain two staff on site; at the very end of the day, a single staff member may remain with your child until you arrive.

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Food Program

Families send lunch, two snacks, and a water bottle. Camp may offer occasional treats or cooking projects (vegetarian/organic/kosher/dairy and gluten free options when possible).

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Check-In/Out, Authorized Pick-Up & ID

• Staff check children in/out based on your times (used to calculate late fees).

• Only release to individuals on your Authorized Pick-Up list (update in your Household area 10 days before camp).

• For changes after that, text the camp thread (we can update your account for future sessions).

• IDs are checked only if you alert us to a situation requiring it.

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Self Check-In/Out (Optional)

Optional self check-in/out is available by permission, typically for older campers and  youth leaders; families assume responsibility during those times.

Details → Registration / Parent Packet

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Confidentiality & Copyright

Camp documents and website content are copyrighted. Please do not share or reuse without written permission from Monkey Business Camp.

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Statement of Understanding

The statements below summarize key responsibilities families agree to when registering.

• I have provided full disclosure of behavioral/medical/physical/psychological conditions relevant to my child’s participation; lack of disclosure may result in dismissal without refund.

• I agree to pay in full for services.

• I understand late pick-up fees will be charged to my card on file per the policy here and in the Parent Info Packet.

• I agree that all adults involved with my child’s participation will follow the Parent Info Packet and these Policies.

The full Camper Agreement, including additional legal and operational details, is reviewed and accepted electronically at registration. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to read both documents carefully and reach out with questions before enrolling.

These policies help ensure Monkey Business Camp remains a safe, joyful, and well-run community for all families.