SUMMER CAMPS
Youth Programs
Summer Better Than Others
Day Camp
Day Camp Classes
Summer Better Than Others is a series of week-long day camps for students between the ages of 8 and 15. From rock climbing, to Lego engineering, to foundations in fencing, sessions are designed for students of all interests!
Camp sessions generally run from late June to early August, with options to attend multiple classes over a variety of weeks.
Camp Dates
2025 Summer Better Than Others session dates will be published in early winter.
The sessions are five days a week, for three hours either in the morning or the afternoon. Students can choose to attend multiple sessions over the course of the summer.
Courses are generally sorted by age group, and some sessions may only be available for students who have advanced knowledge or skillset in a particular area (i.e. rock climbing).
Learn More
For more information about our Summer Better Than Other day camp program, review our frequently asked questions below.
Registration
When does registration begin?
Summer Better Than Others day-camp registration generally opens in early April. Students or parents can register through our department’s online portal, Ideal-Logic. Class selection, dates, and tuition rates will be available before the launch date.
How late can a student register?
Registration will close when a class is full, waitlists are available for all classes. The last day to register for a course for the following week is Thursday at 5:00 pm.
Courses
My child is advanced for their age. Are they able to take a class listed for an older age range?
All class activities are age-appropriate, and lesson plans target age-specific skills. Only students who fall within the designated age range can register for that class.
How do I let my child’s teacher know about my child’s special circumstances or needs?
In the registration form, there is a question: “Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your child?” Provide any important details that the camp should be aware of to improve your child’s experience, such as physical or learning challenges. This information will be kept confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. We ask that you provide this information before your child’s first class begins.
Where will my child’s class meet, and how will I find specific locations on campus?
All day-camp classes take place on the Southern Oregon University (SOU) campus in Ashland, Oregon. Families will be notified if this location has changed. You will receive a reminder email with detailed information one week before the class begins. The staff will provide the exact class location at that time. To view the SOU campus and building locations, visit sou.edu/map.
Can my child try out a class and switch to another class after the start date if that one isn’t a good fit?
This is not an option we can provide. For guidance on whether a class is a good fit, contact the program coordinator before completing the registration process.
Who’s teaching my child’s class? How can I see what their qualifications are?
Youth Programs takes the safety and oversight of students very seriously. All day-camp instructors are run through a thorough multi-layered vetting process that reviews their subject training, a federal background check, and their experience working with children. All of our primary Instructors are college graduates and many are current or past school teachers. Additional program training is given to all our instructors.
Tuition Assistance
Is tuition support available for those in need?
During online registration, there will be a place in the online form you can fill out and submit to request tuition support. Tuition support is limited to one class per child per year, on a sliding scale based on need. Support is usually limited to half (or less) of the total cost of the class. Once the registration is submitted, our staff will review the information and contact families within two weeks. If tuition support is provided, applicants have one week to pay the remaining balance to confirm their student’s registration.
Cancellation & Refund
What if I need to change or cancel a student registration?
For courses canceled a week or more before they begin, families have these options:
- Receive a full refund, minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. For example, if a course cost $200, a family would receive a refund of $150.
- Transfer their account credit to another SBTO course that is open and suitable. Any remaining balance must be paid at the time of transfer to complete the registration for a new class.
For courses canceled less than one week before they begin, families have these options:
- Receive a 50% refund, minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. For example, if a cancelled course costs $200, a family would receive a refund of $50.
- Transfer their account credit to another open and suitable SBTO course. A $25 transfer fee will be added. Any remaining balance must be paid at the time of transfer to complete the registration for a new class.
For courses canceled after the start date:
- Refunds or account credits will not be issued. Students who are late, no-show, or withdraw early from the course will not receive a refund or account credit.
- Youth Programs cannot accommodate requests for a transfer after the start date of a class.
Could Youth Programs cancel or change a class?
We maintain the right to assign a temporary substitute instructor and activity in the unlikely event of an unexpected instructor absence. This ensures that families do not face last-minute cancellations. If Youth Programs needs to cancel a class in advance, families will receive a full refund, including the $50 non-refundable deposit. In the event that our office must cancel a class, families will receive a full refund including their $50 non-refundable deposit.
Supervision
Will Youth Programs staff be able to walk my child to their next on-campus class if I cannot?
Our staff cannot offer supervision before, after, or between scheduled classes. However, for students in a wheelchair or on crutches, Youth Programs will provide appropriate support.
Can I send a friend or alternative adult to pick up my child if I won’t be able to?
Yes, but we must have prior written consent to allow your child to leave with that individual. To designate a new person for pick-up, pre-authorization must be on file with Youth Programs before the student is picked up or dropped off, this authorization change can not happen during pick-up or drop-off. Please be aware that even authorized persons may be asked to present a photo ID when picking up your child.
Food & Supplies
Do students need to bring their own food?
Each student in a class less than four hours in length should bring a non-sugary snack and a water bottle. Every class will include an opportunity to take a break. Students should bring a sack lunch from home each day for classes that last longer than four hours. No food is available to buy on-site. Youth Programs does not provide snacks or lunches.
Will my child need to bring equipment or wear special clothing for their class?
Students should wear attire that is appropriate for the class they are participating in. For example, rock-climbing students should wear closed-toed shoes and long shorts or pants. Class specific information will be provided to families in the reminder email sent a week before class begins. All special equipment will be provided by Youth Programs. No equipment will be needed from home.
Sickness
What if my student is sick?
Students exhibiting any symptoms of illness, such as but not limited to fever, stomach issues, or respiratory infections, will be asked to go home immediately. Guardians and/or Emergency contact(s) must be available and ready to assist with picking up the child if necessary.
To return to class, students must be fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications (such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen). They also must show improvement in other symptoms for at least 24 hours.
Youth Programs staff must be notified if a student tests positive for COVID.
Upon their return to camp, students are required to wear a mask for the remainder of the week. If the student develops a fever or their condition worsens after resuming normal activities, they should isolate again until they meet the criteria to return to normal activities.
Parental Involvement
Can I come to observe activities and/or take pictures of my child’s class?
If your student’s class features a performance or demonstration open to families, Youth Programs will inform you. All other observations or photography is not allowed.
Can I call or text my child during class hours?
In general, students will not access their phones during class. Should you need to contact your student, or if they need to get in touch with you, Youth Programs will handle this communication.
Are any visitors allowed?
Unregistered individuals, including family members, are not permitted in the Youth Programs classrooms.
