Recreational Services

UToledo Kids Summer Camp offers a dynamic, engaging program for children ages 5 to 12, running for 9 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The camp focuses on personal growth, teamwork, and fun through a variety of physical activities, outdoor exploration, and team-building exercises.

We minimize screen time and do not include nap time, encouraging campers to engage with peers and the environment. While we celebrate diversity, campers may be exposed to language from peers based on different backgrounds. The camp is not educational, but emphasizes social development and physical activity. We recognize that emotional or sensory triggers may occur, and while we provide support, we are not equipped to manage complex needs. Disciplinary actions may be applied to encourage positive behaviors.

Overall, the camp provides a positive, inclusive, and enriching environment for campers to grow and make lasting memories.

Snacks will no longer be provided by Recreational Services and parents are expected to pack their camper a snack. Lunch is not provided and campers are expected to pack a cold lunch. Campers should also bring a reuseable water bottle. Campers will not have access to microwaves. Lunch Boxes or bags should be labeled with the campers full name.

Lunches should NOT include the following food items or be contained in food items brought for lunch due to common allergy concerns:

• Nuts
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Peanut Butter
• Shellfish

The deadline for registration and payment is the Tuesday prior to the start of each camp week by 8 a.m. See Pricing and Payment Schedule section above with specific dates.

Yes! There will be a waiting list created. Full payment is due the Tuesday prior to each camp week. Beginning Tuesday mornings, prior to each camp week, we will begin to pull from the waiting list for spots that have not been paid in full.

If you do not hear back from the UToledo Kid’s Summer Camp Admin team, please assume that spots are filled and we have no availability left.

We partnered with ParkUToledo to offer complimentary parking for camp participants from June 3 through August 2 (excludes weekends and Camp Holidays: June 19 and July 4). Lot 18 is free during Camper Drop-off from 8 - 9 a.m. and Camper Pick-up from 4 - 6 p.m. Lot 18, is the only lot where camp parents will not be ticketed during the outline timeframes and days above. It is up to the person listed as head of household to relay parking information to authorized pick-up people. This excludes metered parking spots.

Outside of these hours, pay at the metered lot or purchase a daily parking permit via the ParkMobile app.

• Lot 8 use Zone #9236
• Lot 9 use Zone #9264
• Lot 18 use Zone #9239

Or, you can purchase a valid parking permit for the summer for $23.30 at the Student Rec Center front desk. 

Learn more about parking on campus.

Student Recreation Center Member Services Desk: 419-530-3700.

Point of Contact: Coordinator, Competitive Sports & Youth Camps, Gracelyn Jones

Email: kidscamp@utoledo.edu

The cost of camp is $180 - $200 per week for one camper. 

Camps runs Monday through Friday. Drop off is 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Camp day with activities start at 9 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m. Camper pick-up is between 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

We cannot transfer camp weeks in our system. If you need to change weeks, if appropriate conditions are met, a refund can be provided. It is the parent's/legal guardian's responsibility to register for the desired week. 

At this time, we only offer discounts for those who have multiple children attending camp. Please reach out to the coordinator of camp by emailing kidscamp@utoledo.edu.

When requesting a special discount code via email, please include the first and last names, as well as the ages of each child. Additionally, please provide the first and last name of the person registering the child.

You can sign-up using our online Rec Portal or at the Student Rec Center front desk. If signing up before the active semester, make sure to click the current summer semester to view the sign-up link.

Campers will be divided into small groups based on age and ability and will have assigned counselors for the duration of the day.

All Camp Rocket Staff and Recreational services staff receive the following training:

• American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid which includes Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills
• Emergency response Action Plans from the University of Toledo
• Child Abuse and Neglect Training
• Discrimination in the workplace
• Title IX: Responsible Mandated Employees
• Minors on Campus Training

All Camp Rocket Staff go through the following background checks:

• Ohio Criminal (LUCAS) Check
• Criminal Check

Campers will never be alone; campers will always be in a group with a counselor and a minimum of two campers. Parents will always have access to the weekly activity schedule to know location of their camper. Schedule is subject is change. 

Camp Rockets will teach and reinforce good hand washing techniques and covering coughs and sneezes.

All activities are challenge by choice. This means campers have the right to refuse any activity, or the right to participate in any activity to their comfortability level. Camp Rocket Staff will encourage campers to participate in activities to develop new skills. If a camper chooses not to participate we ask that they are not a distraction for the other campers who are participating in the activity.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may want to call in to check on their camper during the day. While this is allowed, there should be a reasonable expectation that Camp Rocket Staff will not be able to immediately respond to a call. The call will be noted, and then information will be passed to the Camp Director or Kid's Camp Student Specialist who will call back when available.

Camper age eligibility is 5 - 12 years old.

We offer a max of 80 spots a week for those who wish to sign-up for camp. Campers will be broken into three groups by their age. Color groups are broken down by: 

Blue group: 5 - 6 year Olds 

Purple Group: 7 - 8 year Olds 

Orange Group: 9 - 12 year Olds

** Request to switch groups to join friends or family members must be discussed with the Camp Director prior to camp. Accomodations are not guarunteed, but can be arranged by scheduling a meeting with the Camp Director.

As of Summer 2024 before and after care will no longer be offered. Camper check-in will be begin no earlier than 8 a.m. and camper pick-up will be between the hours of 4 - 6 p.m.

• Closed-toed shoes
• Sun Screen
• Mosquite Spray
• Reusable water bottle
• Bathing suit and towel
• Backpack or Bag
• Medication (If needed, medication form must be completed at check-in)
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Extra Set of Clothing
• Lunch Bag/Box (Food Items, Drink, Utensils in needed, Etc.)
• Other snacks to have throughout the day

• Jewelry
• Cell phones/ipods/ other electronic devices
• Gum
• Weapons are strictly prohibited
• Medication without appropriate form completed
• Personal life jackets (provided by Rec Services)
• Valuable items that could be lost and stolen
  
  • If these items are brought to camp, this is an accepted risk. UToledo Rec Services is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Campers should not bring valuable items to camp with them, as we do not have a secure location to store those items.

Our staff members are members of the community, often times University of Toledo students who have passion for early childhood development and leadership.

All Camp Rocket Staff go through the following background checks:

• Ohio Criminal (LUCAS) Check
• Criminal Check

The minimum ratio is 1 counselor to 6 - 7 children.

Yes, there will be swimming activity time during camp. The aquatic center staff are certified American Red Cross Lifegaurds. Swim tests are required for campers who desire to swim without a life jacket. Wearing a Rec Services Life jacket is required for any camper that does not pass the swim test. Rec Services life jackets are checked annually for safety inspection. Personal life jackets are prohibited. 

Recreational Services staff are responsible to keep all facility spaces clean. Camp Rocket Staff are responsible to keep camp facility spaces clean and safe through the utilization of cleaning products and a schedule of cleaning duties. 

Campers are responsible for their personal items and are required to assist in maintaining a clean and safe camp environment.

Handwashing and general cough and sneeze protocols will be reinforced amongst campers and camp staff.

Campers are required to always wear closed-toed shoes, unless in the aquatic center/pool or lockers rooms. Toledo weather is generally hot during the summer months. Campers should be wearing appropriate clothing for outdoor weather and are encouraged to bring a light jacket. Please be aware that campers will engage in outdoor and craft activites and campers should dress appropriatey. Protective clothing is provided as needed (i.e. oversized t-shirts for painting, etc.).

Parents will be encouraged to provide an extra set of clothing in case of accidents or messes.

At this time, we do not offer any form of financial assistance or scholarships for camp fees.

• An authorized pick-up person is someone designated by you who has permission to collect your child from camp. This ensures that only trusted individuals are allowed to pick up your camper for safety reasons.
• To update your list of authorized pick-up persons, please contact our camp office or log into your registration account. Make sure to provide the names and contact details of any new individuals you wish to add or remove from the list. It’s important to keep this information up to date for your child’s safety!

• Yes, we welcome children with disabilities, both intellectual and physical, to attend camp! We strive to create an inclusive environment where all campers can participate in activities and have a positive experience.
• Please note that we are not experts in handling all disabilities, so if your child has specific needs or requires accommodations, we encourage you to reach out to us prior to registration. This way, we can work together to ensure a supportive environment for your child. Your child’s enjoyment and safety are our top priorities!

• If your camper has lost an item, please encourage them to check with their camp counselor or the lost and found area. We have a red Lost & Found bin for parents, guardians, and families to look through when dropping off or picking up their camper. This bin is located at the check-in/out table.
• Please note that the lost and found box is emptied at the end of the day on Friday, and any unclaimed items will be taken to Goodwill. To help us return lost items quickly, we recommend labeling all personal belongings with your child’s name.