Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I register my camper and then our plans change?
Where is Camp Wa-Ya?
What should my camper bring to camp?
Should I pack water for my camper?
What should my camper NOT bring to camp?
What should my camper wear to camp?
Does Wa-Ya provide Lunch or Snack?
Will my Camper be able to buy their lunch?
Will my Camper need money?
What if my camper loses something at camp?
We recognize that schedules change, and we try to be as flexible as possible. We have the following cancellation/refund policy.
Changing the weeks of camp is always free, subject to the availability of camp spots.
Cancellations made two weeks before the first day of the camp session can receive a 95% refund.
Cancellations made one week before the first day of the camp session can receive a 50% refund*.
Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the camp session are non-refundable unless the canceling party can find another camper to take their place*.
*These refund amounts are subject to change. If there is a cancellation and the spot is paid for by a full-paying camper then the camper who canceled may receive a 95% refund.
All Camp Wa-Ya programs start and end their day at Tumwater Historical Park - 802 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501.
Campers should bring a healthy lunch, plenty of water to drink and at least two snacks to every day. Please send only non-perishable foods because refrigeration is not possible. Campers should also bring their own water bottle to stay hydrated during the day. We ask that campers not share food or water bottles with other campers due to possible viruses or unknown food allergies.
Send your child to camp with a backpack with their name on it to keep all of their belongings together. Please have your camper bring a towel, change of clothes, insect repellent, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. It is recommended that parents/guardians apply sunscreen to camper’s arms, legs and back prior to arriving at camp.
Yes, we recommend sending your camper with at least 1 32 oz water bottle (or 2 smaller water bottles). Though we fill coolers for the kids and our staff make regular trips to the restrooms and drinking fountains, parents are ultimately responsible for sending their child with plenty of fluids for the day.
Cell phones, video games, personal CD players / stereos / iPods, expensive jewelry / watches. New or expensive clothes, toys and card games, weapons, alcohol and drugs. Personal sports equipment (unless otherwise specified), vehicles, animals. Campers have no need for, and should not bring money. The Wa-Ya team is not responsible for any items that are lost or stolen, and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will reimburse or replace lost, stolen or broken items.
Campers should wear clothing suitable for an active day at our outdoor camp. Appropriate items would include shorts, t-shirts, light jackets (for chilly mornings), and athletic, close-toed shoes (no sandals). Please label all items sent to camp with the child’s first and last name. Our camps use discovery and play as a major part of our camp program; thus, we encourage you to dress your child in clothing that you do not mind getting dirty or stained with art materials in the course of your child engaging in a fun activity. We also request that you send an extra pair of clothes with your child each day.
No, due to a concern for allergies and food sensitivities, especially in an outdoor environment where we can be far from medical care, we require all campers to bring their own food from home each day for both lunches and snacks. Their snacks will be available to them at all times. Water will also be available at all times.
No. Campers should not bring any money to camp. Campers will have no access to stores or vending machines. If your camper forgets his/her lunch, the camp staff will contact you to let you know that they don’t have a lunch. You should make every effort to bring a lunch to him/her.
No. Camp fees include all day trip admission and site fees. There will be no time devoted to food buying or any other retail activity during camp.
We know that sometimes things get lost or forgotten. Please label all of your child’s belongings. There will be a designated Lost and Found box at camp - please check for your child’s items there. Lost and found items are kept at Wa-Ya for two full weeks and then donated to charity. Wa-Ya will not be responsible for camper’s possessions that are lost or stolen.