Frequently Asked Questions

Program fees and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to another date/program unless Cleveland Metroparks finds it necessary to cancel a program. Participants assume risk of all changes in personal health and affairs. Registrants will be notified if programs are cancelled. 

NOTE: Camp fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Camp registration is not confirmed until you receive your confirmation email.

Please understand - your selection is not held for you during the checkout process. Your child is not officially registered until you complete the process, make payment, and receive your confirmation email. 

*Insider Tip - in order to check out as quickly as possible and secure your spot, consider creating your account (with credit card information entered) in advance. 

Families are encouraged to register for no more than two camp sessions per child to allow other families the opportunity to participate in summer nature camps. 

Children should be registered for camps based on the age they will be at the time of camp. I.e., in the example above this child can only be registered for camps designated for those 6 years and up.

If your child was sick but is now feeling better and has no fever or other symptoms, they are welcome to attend camp. If they are still sick, please keep them at home and call the nature center leading the camp.

Each camp is led by Cleveland Metroparks staff that are certified in CPR and First Aid. If a camper is sick or injured, we will assess the situation and then contact the parents or guardians.   

Unfortunately, we are not able to have children dropped off early for camp. Our staff will be busy with final preparations for the day and are not able to supervise your child. Please do not plan to arrive more than ten minutes prior to the start of your child’s camp.

Please call the nature center leading your camp and let them know when you will be there. While we do understand that things happen, our staff needs to clean up and prepare for the next day. If campers are not picked up in a timely manner, a late fee of $5 per camper for every 15-minute interval past the pick-up time may be charged to your account. 

Our camps are designed for specific age groups and we cannot make exceptions for siblings or friends. There are opportunities for children ages 3 to 17, with over 70 different camp opportunities throughout Cleveland Metroparks.

All camps are led by experienced Cleveland Metroparks education staff. All staff are CPR/First Aid Certified and group size is limited for proper adult to minor ratios. Some camps may have a volunteer assisting with activities. Volunteers have been specially vetted as part of their onboarding process. 

This error message most likely means the camp sold out to other registrants before you could complete your checkout. Try refreshing the page or revisiting the camps listing to see if it is now indicating “join waitlist”, see next Q for more information. 

If a session is indicating “join waitlist,” that session is currently full. We do recommend you still join the waitlist. If a child withdraws from camp, a spot is opened for a new camper from the waitlist. It also lets Cleveland Metroparks know what the demand for that camp is, allowing us to adjust the camps we offer in the future.   

Adding your child to the summer camp waitlist means that if spaces become available, you will receive an email indicating that the space(s) will become available for sale on the website.  The email will tell you what day/time the spaces will be released for sale. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee you a spot. Everyone on the waitlist will have an equal opportunity to register for the spaces when they become available.

Yes, Camp scholarships are available to help cover the cost of Cleveland Metroparks Summer Nature Camps. Individuals who receive aid in the form of SNAP, Medicaid, or the National School Lunch Program - CEP are eligible.  If selected, applicants may be awarded one scholarship per year, per child. Scholarships are a separate process from regular camp registration, you will not receive a scholarship or reimbursement for a camp your child is registered for. Email [email protected] for application and more information.

No, Cleveland Metroparks does not offer any discounts on summer nature camps, but scholarships may be available. Please see above.  

No, camp registrations may not be transferred to other camp sessions.   

Each individual location may have their own drop-off location and procedure, please watch your email for communication from your specific camp. Please be sure to walk your child to their drop-off location, do not send them to the meeting location on their own! When picking your child up, please arrive on time and have your driver’s license ready. All individuals picking up campers must be listed as “authorized for pick-up.” 

Our staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to most children who would like to participate, assuming they meet the essential eligibility criteria. Please contact the nature center leading the specific camp you have questions about, they can best assist you. Together we can determine if this camp will be a good fit for your child.

Yes, we appreciate donations to help other children attend our camps. Please visit Cleveland Metroparks website, donations can be made online to support the Outdoor Education Fund. Donations go directly towards the cost of camp for children in need.  

Yes, please ask your camp leader for the ‘Request for Medication Administration’ form in addition to the standard waiver. They will work with you to get the information needed.

If your child tests positive to COVID before camp, please call the nature center leading the camp for more information on our current COVID exposure policy.

There may be changes in camp guidelines due to any current public health concerns. When registering, please know Cleveland Metroparks will adapt policies based on the current climate. It is unlikely refunds will be given for camps due to camp changes. Children will have the option to wear masks if preferred.