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Camp Guidelines

Please review the guidelines below to help prepare your camper for a safe, successful and fun summer at Camp Recky.

About Camp Recky

Mission, Values and Camp Outcomes

Camp Recky Core Values

  • Safety: Safety is our top priority.
  • Togetherness: All campers and staff are accepted for who they are. At Camp Recky, everyone is able to be their true camp self.
  • Fun: Staff and campers will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Camp Motto
Creating the extraordinary camper experience.

Camp Outcomes
Through sport and recreation, campers gain confidence while developing skills such as initiative, problem-solving and critical thinking. Campers have the opportunity to be their true camp self in a safe, inclusive environment while building friendships that can last a lifetime.

Accreditation

Camp Recky is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This accreditation reflects a commitment to high standards in areas such as staff training, safety procedures and program quality.

  • Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities
  • Experiential learning opportunities
  • Caring and qualified staff
  • Leadership and personal growth opportunities
Camp Readiness

Camp Recky is open to children ages 6 - 12 who have completed kindergarten. Please consider the following when determining readiness:

  • Can your child change clothing independently?
  • Can your child manage personal needs such as eating and toileting?
  • Can your child follow directions in a structured environment?
  • Does your child require a daily nap? (Camp does not provide nap time.)
  • Does your child have specialized medical needs requiring one-on-one support?
Accommodations

If your child needs accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Camp Recky office at 614-688-8787 or camprecky@osu.edu.

Accommodation requests must be submitted by May 1, 2026.

If one-on-one assistance is required, a paraprofessional aide must attend camp and complete a university background check.

Family Communication and Support

Communication and Family Involvement

A positive camp experience is a partnership between families and staff.

  • Talk daily: Share updates about your child.
  • Ask questions: Learn about your child’s experience.
  • Call: Contact the Camp Recky office during the day.
  • Email: Reach out at camprecky@osu.edu.
Addressing Concerns

If you have concerns, we recommend the following steps:

  • Speak with your child’s counselor or program leader.
  • Contact the camp director if concerns continue.
  • Escalate to the camp coordinator if needed.

For formal complaints, contact the Franklin County Department of Health or Children Services.

Health and Medical Information

A current Camper Health Form is required for all campers.

Providing accurate health information helps ensure your child’s safety and success at camp.

All health forms are due by May 1, 2026.

Medication at Camp

All medications must be approved and submitted with proper documentation prior to camp.

  • Medications must be in original containers.
  • A completed medication authorization form is required.
  • Camp staff cannot administer unapproved medications.
Illness and Communicable Disease

To prevent the spread of illness, campers who are sick should remain home.

Parents will be contacted if a camper shows symptoms during the day and must be picked up within one hour.

Camp Policies and Safety

Behavior Expectations and Discipline

Campers are expected to:

  • Respect others
  • Follow staff directions
  • Stay with their group
  • Demonstrate safe behavior

Camp Recky follows a progressive discipline process focused on safety and growth.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Camp Recky maintains plans for:

  • Daily safety and supervision
  • Accidents and injuries
  • Emergency situations and evacuations

Staff are trained annually in safety procedures and emergency response.

Lunch and Snacks

Campers must bring a nut-free lunch and snacks each day.

  • No food sharing is allowed.
  • No refrigeration or microwaves are available.
  • Campers may not purchase food on-site.