What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Cancellation/Refunds ETC is planning an in-person summer camp season, with some additional online options. We understand that there are a lot of unknowns surrounding summer camp, so we are offering flexible options for families who may need to adjust their summer schedule. For cancellations at the opening of registration until one week ahead of camp:

• A full refund minus ETC’s camp system transaction fees* (9%)

Can I transfer my registration to another week or camp?

Campers are able to switch weeks or camps as long as there is still space available in the program into which they plan to transfer. Transferring to a camp with a different price will alter the campers’ remaining balance accordingly.

When is my registration payment due?

For all registrations, half of camp cost is due at the time of registration, the second half of payment will automatically be charged on June 1st, 2021. All registrations after June 1st, will have to be paid in full. If your family has special circumstances that prevents you from paying in full by June 1st, please contact the office as we can work with you to set up a payment plan that works for you. Waiver An ETC waiver must also be signed by June 1st. You can sign it at the time of registration or log into your account at any time to sign it.

I registered my child for camp, when will I learn more details about the camp?

A welcome email will be sent out at least a week in advance to parents and guardians containing specifics about camp details, reminders, what to expect, and other important information.

Can I let a camp director know more specific information about my child?

If more information is needed about a medical concern or behavioral issues, you may list any specific information in the camp registration form or please contact the ETC office at (703) 271-0222 or info@educationaltheatrecompany.org

Do I have to sign a release or waiver? What forms are required?

Yes, an ETC waiver must be signed by June 1st. You can sign it at the time of registration or log into your account at any time to sign it. All film camp attendees must also sign the Photo & Video Release in order to attend camp.

Who directs and works at the camps?

Our ETC Camp Directors are highly trained teaching professionals in the DC metro area. They specialize in the specific camp themes or topics and many are year-round ETC teaching artists. We also have a pool of professional, college, and high school camp staff that join us each summer.

What's the camper to counselor ratio?

All of our summer camps maintain a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, except for ETC Beginnings for Preschoolers which has an 8:1 ratio. This year, in accordance with local state, city and building regulations, ETC’s ratios may be lower depending on the number of participants and staff allowed in the space.

Where is camp? The location is listed as TBA!

The locations for many of our camps are still being determined by Arlington Public Schools, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and our private partners. Check our website for the most updated locations. We also post notices to our mailing list as locations are updated. You can sign up for our mailing list on the homepage of our website. We also recommend following updates on the Arlington Parks and Recreation website. County locations are subject to change which is out of ETC control. If a change in location or camp time is necessary, families will be notified immediately. If the change does not work for your family, ETC will process any cancellations or transfers if necessary according to our stated policies.

What's the schedule for each day of camp?

Each camp begins with a full camp activity, normally a warm-up or getting to know you game. After that, campers rotate through different theatre activities whether it is an improvisation game, acting exercise, movement exercise, rehearsal, filming/editing, or arts and crafts. Campers will then have lunch and downtime/outdoor break. The afternoon will be filled with more of those activities or oftentimes campers will rehearse for the sharing if applicable.

Will campers go outside?

As of now, all camps will have both indoor and outdoor time. All of our in-person program guidelines will be enforced at all in-person programs. Teens may not have scheduled outdoor time, but they will have the opportunity to go outside if desired. Film camps will film in small groups outdoors throughout camp. ETC will follow local, state and CDC guidelines recommendations. Our partner sites are evaluating if our ETC camps can be held indoors or if they will need to be completely outdoors. We will remain flexible and provide families with any updates to camps as soon as possible.

What does my camper need to bring to camp?

Water - Water fountains will not be accessible for ETC camps. We advise that your camper brings a full water bottle with their name on it to camp each day. Water bottle will not be able to be refilled due to building restrictions. Sunscreen and Bug Spray - We suggest applying sunscreen and/or bug spray to your child before camp if desired. ETC staff will not be able to assist in application of sunscreen or bug spray, but campers may bring their own to apply during camp if necessary. If your camper is joining us for one of our film camps, we recommend sunscreen and bug spray specifically as they frequently film in wooded areas next to the camp site. We are happy to remind them to re-apply before heading outside.

Is lunch or a snack provided?

Campers in full-day camps should bring their own lunch to camp each day. Lunch will be held outdoors when possible. We eat lunch around 12:00pm. Many of our younger camps will have scheduled snack breaks, but it is also a good idea to pack snacks for older campers and anyone attending extended day that they can eat on their own.

Who do I tell if my child has allergies?

When registering, please list any allergies in the online registration form. Our office and camp directors will be monitoring this list and providing any information to camp staff. If there are campers who have allergies, we will notify parents in our welcome email as to what foods are restricted.

Are camp staff CPR and First Aid certified?

All of our camp directors are certified in First Aid and CPR. If your child has an EpiPen for food allergies, please talk to your camp director on the first day. If you would like to leave your child’s EpiPen with the camp staff for the entire camp, please feel free to do so, or you can leave it in your child’s bag. We also keep first aid kits at all of our summer camps and will notify you at the end of camp if first aid was administered. If a larger injury takes place, we will contact the parents immediately. This very rarely happens. Our staff will err on the side of caution and will report all incidents.

Where and when do I pick up or drop off my camper?

Each camp has its own drop off and pick up area assigned and will follow our in-person guidelines. Specific information will be emailed out to parents in their camp welcome email a week before camp begins. Ideally we will hold drop off and pick up at the same location each day, but if something changes, you will be notified. We will often be setting up prior to the start of camp and will begin check in promptly at 8:55am.

What if I can't make it to pick up on time?

Camp ends promptly at 12:00 for half day preschool camps, 3:00pm for full day camps, and 5:00pm for extended day depending on the location. Parents/Guardians will be assessed a late fee of $1 per minute for any child not picked up within 10 minutes of the end of camp.

Will there be a performance or sharing at the end of the camp?

Due to Covid restrictions, camps may not be able to accommodate all types of regular activities including performances or sharings at the end of the camp. The activities and performances will be discussed with the ETC staff and planned according to local state, government, and CDC guidelines as well as the restrictions of the specific camp site. In the past sharings have included informal games, stories, and scenes they have rehearsed in camp to evening performances or film screenings. If possible, family and friends are all invited to attend.

What are the camp Rules of Conduct, and what's the 3 Strike Rule?

ETC sets high expectations for our campers and hope to challenge them artistically as well as to provide a fun experience. To maintain these goals of the camp, all campers must all agree to the rules of conduct. These rules and our 3 Strike Policy will be sent out in the welcome letter as well as reviewed on the first day.

How do I log into my Active account?

Just click here: Active Login

What is ACTIVE Advantage and do I have to enroll?

ACTIVE Advantage is a non-ETC rewards program offered through Active Camps and Classes, ETC’s 3rd party registration system. This is not required to enroll in an ETC camp. Upon registering for an ETC program, you will have the option to join their trial rewards program ACTIVE Advantage. If you checked the box in error, please contact the ACTIVE customer support team at ACTIVEadvantage@ACTIVE.com or by phone at 866-561-0647 to unenroll. From ACTIVE Camps and Classes “ACTIVE Advantage is a rewards program that allows registrants to sign-up for other programs and purchase gear at discounted rates. After they have registered for a program, they are offered a trial membership for ACTIVE Advantage, and if they consent to enrollment, they must cancel before the trial membership is over to avoid being charged the membership of $89.95 (annual price). If they do not enroll, they are not charged. Please note that the offer appears after registration has been completed and registrants MUST check the accept box to be added as a trial member. It is not automatic.”

Where do I register for ETCs Falls Church Camps?

ETC partners with the City of Falls Church to offer a spring break camp and three comedy camps each summer. If you want to register your child for Improv Comedy Troupe, Make ‘Em Laugh Comedy Camp, or Sketch Comedy, you can do so HERE. If you have any questions about payment or registration please contact the Falls Church Community Center at (703) 248-5077.

Is there a weather policy for camps held at the Lubber Run Amphitheater?

Several camps will be held outdoors at the Lubber Run Amphitheater. There is ample shade, but in the case of inclement weather, we will follow Arlington Parks and Recreation camp cancellation guidelines.

How can I sign my child up for Extended Day?

ETC offers extended day for many of our youth camps. This year, due to limitations on camp space from the county, we are only offering afternoon extended day from 3pm-5pm at some of our camps. ETC reserves the right to cancel extended day up until two weeks prior to the start of camp due to low registration or changes in local, state, or CDC recommended guidelines. In this case, a refund would be issued. For our full refund policies; click HERE.

How do I redeem my ETC credit?

If you received a credit from a previous ETC program, it will be shown as available credit in your Active account. To redeem your credit, when selecting payment in the cart, select ‘Pay in full’ and then your credit balance will appear. You can then check the box to use your available credit balance. If your credit balance is less than your purchase, the remaining credit will stay in your account to use in the future. If your credit balance is more than your purchase, the system will deduct your credit from your cart and then you can pay for the remaining amount with your payment of choice.