Get a taste of Monkey Business in the “off season” for those returning or new to our camp, with single days up in Tilden, a wonderful way to connect with those who have been to camp or for those who would like to check out our program! Come solo or join with friends.
DATES & CURRENT SPACE AVAILABILITY
FALL 2024:
- Monday, October 7
- FULL as of 10.3.24 morning; waitlist available
- Friday, November 1:
- 19 of 40 spaces available as of 10.3.24, as we added another group, so will have two groups.
Other details:
- Waiting Pool-If spaces are taken, please join the waiting pool and we will be in touch asap if anyone cancels.
- For other ways to connect with our camp, check out our School Break Camps
HOURS
Campers: 8:30-4:30 (youth leader details below)
- Camper Drop-off window: 8:30-9:00
- Camper Pick-up window: 4:10- 4:30
- Additional alternate drop-off or pick-up times: contact us if you need this option to check in
Youth Leaders: 8:25-4:35 (with half hour break mid-day away from campers)
- drop-off on time each day, as youth leaders greet campers, and attend the entire day, so they can support staff with the campers until closing.
“It was great! My kiddo loved going to camp, loved the activities and crafts. I thought the youth leaders and directors were all warm and inviting!”
LOCATION & ACTIVITIES & STAFFING
Tilden park, a wondrous 2,000 acre county park, a local treasure, filled with incredible natural wonders where we have been hosting our summer camps for over 25 years. Groups will have time at picnic tables near to Little Farm area of park to play games and do art, and time in the open and wooded spaces for games and nature exploration. We bring in equipment to enrich camp time and always aim to offer a warm, friendly community environment. Location will be texted to you, we do not post here.
We expect for a wonderful group of staff to lead the day, including Zach Bigelow for both days as our Site Director.
“Our child has made lifelong memories at Monkey Business. There is a great mix of activities suited for kids that are introverted and extroverted. We have been coming for years and plan for many more!”
AGES & GROUP SIZE
Ages: Campers, Ages 5.25-10 Age Exception Info-read for exceptions to youngest or oldest ages
Youth Leaders, ages 11+ Open to returning youth leaders at camp or former campers now YL age.
Group Size: We’ll be having a mixed age group of up to 20 kids and 2-4 youth leaders. When the group gets larger, we will split into two smaller age groups, but they will share some of the day together.
Notes about Staff: Camper Ratio and Grouping:
- With an approximately 1:9 camper: staff ratio, kids need to overall follow directions and be kind to other campers. We have about 10 transitions in our day, some with more free-play options, and others with needing to be focus on a particular activity: group times, snack and lunch, and hikes.
“We are so grateful for the experience that Monkey Business Camp provided this year. Our son had a wonderful time in Tilden: making new friends, playing so many games, and exploring the wilderness. He came home each day happy and full of exciting stories to share. The connections and experiences he had at camp brought out the best in him.”
SPECIAL NEEDS & BEHAVIORAL POLICY
Please visit this page to read more about our program and how it might or might not fit for your child with special needs and our behavioral policy. We aim to be able to serve lots of different children, but at times, if your child may need more attention to help them participate, and to do so safely, in activities, or to shift from one transition to the next, it can become unsustainable unless your child comes with an aide to support.
FEES
Our basic day is 8 hours. To support inclusivity, we offer 3 fee tiers. All levels support camp and payment at higher levels gives extra support for diverse programming, our incredible staff, and our scholarship fund which gave out $60,000 over the past year. If you are registering siblings, the lower cost option is possible. We do not track tier choices, please feel good about the choice you make.
Fees for Campers-Register early: Fees will increase by $20 two weeks before camp start dates
base tier-$100; mid tier-$125; or high tier-$150
Fees for Youth Leaders (YLs): only for returning YLs or former camper now YL age. To start the registration process, please e-mail Zach Bigelow 1st: programs@monkeybusinesscamp.com and let him know which date(s) and he will be in touch.
One day: $20; $30; or $40
- Scholarships/Financial Aid: We will offer a reduction from 20-50% off the base tier. Please e-mail office@monkeybusinesscamp.com if you have been a recipient in the past to request and specify the percentage amount. If new to financial aid, please e-mail to share more about your need for lower fee.
- Payment Plans available for campers-a no fee option to pay over a few months
“Our daughter has been attending Monkey Business Camp for years and it is a highlight of the year. She loves being in Tilden all day, working on art, being creative, and making friends. We highly recommend Monkey Business.”
LOGISTICS
- Campers bring their own lunch and an additional 2 snacks (morning, afternoon), water bottle and sunscreen if they use.
- Nuts and nut butters-for most groups, default will be that these are okay to pack for snacks, lunches. We have folks with allergies, but have found for most part, over past two years we shifted to allowing, usually they are okay if others eat. We can and will make groups nut free as needed, and we will communicate before camp in that case.
- Rain or shine, unless a windstorm.
“Monkey Business has been my favorite camp for many years. Our two sons started off as campers and moved into positions as counselors-in-training which was a fantastic experience for them. They loved all the nature activities, the songs, the art, the field games, the friendly and attentive culture, the inclusiveness and the wonderful staff. I highly recommend Monkey Business and I think it provides children with a really joyful camp experience embedded in nature. The Tilden setting is especially beautiful, with hikes to Little Farm and surrounds.”