What to expect on the first day

Welcome to summer at Oak Tree Camps!! Revised May 2025

We’re so glad to have you! Below is everything you need to know to get your camper ready for the first day.

✅ Pre-Check-In Instructions

Pre-check-in is required every Monday.This helps us keep things smooth and safe!

• Download the SPACES App to check in digitally.

• Trouble with the app? No worries—you can also log into your account online.

📍 Camp Location

EMORY Campus – 22 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA

Look for directional signs and the OTC banner to guide you in.

🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Drop-Off: 8:30–9:00 AM (camp starts promptly at 9:00 AM)Please arrive by 9:00 AM.If arriving before 8:00 AM, pull into Peavine Parking Deck.

• Parents must stay in vehicles during drop-off.

• Pre-check-in is digital.

Pick-Up: 4:30–5:00 PM

• Park along the street. Staff will bring campers to you.

• Early Pick-Up? Send a note with the morning greeter.

  • No early dismissals after 3:30 PM.

  • Please notify us by 12:00 PM for early pick-up.

  • After 12 PM, we can’t guarantee your child will be ready.

Note: Drop-off and pick-up must happen at this location.If your camper will walk or bike home, send written permission to the Camp Director.

⏰ Before & After Care

Available by request (day-by-day basis):

• Before Care: 7:15 AM – 8:30 AM

• After Care: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Sign up for extended care here. Please let us know by Sunday if you’ll need care that week.

• Arrivals after 5:30 PM incur a $10 fee

• After 6:30 PM, an additional $1 per minute will be charged

🚌 Thursday Field Trips

Each Thursday, we venture to exciting Atlanta destinations!

Check the Events Calendar in the SPACES App for details.

🎒 What to Bring

• ✅ Sunscreen (available if forgotten)

• ✅ Insect Repellent (available if forgotten)

• ✅ Face Mask (optional; available if forgotten)

• ✅ Hat

• ✅ Change of Clothes

• ✅ Closed-Toe Shoes (no sandals)

• ✅ Morning & Afternoon Snacks

• ✅ Lunch (nut-free, please!)

• ✅ Reusable Water Bottle

• ✅ Backpack

• ❌ No cash, jewelry, electronics, or valuables (OTC is not responsible for lost or stolen items)

• 🏷️ Label all personal items!

💦 Water Days

We swim daily at Emory and enjoy frequent water play at SMP!

Pack the following:

• ✅ Swimsuit

• ✅ Water Shoes

• ✅ Towel

• ✅ Plastic bag for wet items

👋 Meet the Team

Get to know our amazing staff! Head to our blog →

🗓️ A Day at Oak Tree Camps

Every day is a new adventure! Your camper’s day will be filled with fun, learning, movement, and creativity. From STEM challenges to messy art and splash time, it’s always something exciting!

We can’t wait to grow, play, and explore with your camper this summer! Our daily schedule will be as follows: C.H.A.T.S. = Cooling, Hydrate, Transition & Sanitization

Time	Activity
8:30–9:00 AM	Drop-off, Check-in, Restroom Breaks, & Sanitizing
9:00–9:30 AM	Activity 1
9:30–9:45 AM	C.H.A.T.S.
9:45–11:00 AM	Activity 2
11:00–11:15 AM	C.H.A.T.S.
11:15–12:30 PM	Activity 3
12:30–12:45 PM	C.H.A.T.S.
12:45–1:45 PM	Lunch
1:45–2:00 PM	C.H.A.T.S.
2:00–3:00 PM	Activity 4
3:00–3:15 PM	C.H.A.T.S.
3:15–4:15 PM	Activity 5
4:15–4:30 PM	C.H.A.T.S., Clean Up & Pack Up
4:30 PM	Pick-Up

(C.H.A.T.S) We have allowed for an additional 15 minutes throughout the day for sanitization, cool down, and also accounting for restroom breaks as needed. We know you may still have questions We have rolled out the Parent Handbook to cover all the other details

• Please be sure to go over the Camper Code of Conduct with your child. You received this during registration

• Review Medical Authorization forms if your child needs prescribed medication.

One more thing You may see young faces helping out with our campers. These young faces are a part of our Counselor in Training Program. It is the goal of the CIT program to help mold young individuals that can flourish as staff members at Oak Tree Camps, set goals, and move on to greater endeavors using the tools we have provided. CITs have finished the 10th grade, show a willingness to learn and grow, and be very energetic. They undergo a 15-hour “staff training” with the goal of providing CITs the tools needed to work with campers. The expectation is always to present themselves as role models to staff and campers and exemplify the core values of Oak Tree Camps. CITs are never alone with campers. Each CIT is paired with a Counselor over the age of 18 with experience in handling campers. CITs will be there to greet parents and campers with a smile every morning. Through the success of the CIT program, we have many campers move on to become CITs, which is our ultimate goal. If you would like to know more about the CIT program and how to apply, see our JOB BOARD