FAQs
When can I register for Summer Camp? Do I have to be a veteran family?
Summer camp registration opens to everyone January 16th at 7AM. Regardless if you are a new or veteran family, we strongly encourage ALL families to register as soon as registration opens. For more information on registration or waitlists see our Registration Information page.
Are all summer sessions 5 days a week?
Yes, all summer camp sessions are 5 days a week. While campers can be absent days from a session, these dates cannot be credited or exchanged for other sessions dates (no makeup days).
Does my camper need to be vaccinated and/or will they be required to wear a mask at camp?
At this time, COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to attend camp. This may change depending on requirements set forth by the City of Pasadena or Los Angeles County Health Departments.
Per Pasadena Health Department (PPHD) masking in outdoor settings was lifted on February 26, 2022. This applies to all individuals regardless of vaccination status, at all settings including schools and other youth settings. Masking while outdoors at camp, is optional for campers and staff. TSC understands we have families that have a broad range of comfort with masking and we encourage each family to make the decision that is best for them.
Tom Sawyer follows all Day Camp Health Orders issued by the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Campers should not come to camp if they are not feeling well.
Does TSC provide transportation?
Parents should plan to drop off and pick up at camp each day.
There will be three big yellow bus pick up point in the LA Zoo, South Pas and East Pasadena areas that will provide transportation to and from camp. Seats are limited and fees apply. Sign up at Registration.
Camp transportation to and from the pool and to Outpost activities is provided and included in your camp tuition.
Masks may be required at drop off and pick up, and on any transportation while at camp depending on current health orders.
Can you tell me about water safety and supervision?
Safety is at the core of our aquatic program, and safety of campers and staff is paramount. Aquatic activities at camp require certified, trained staff in appropriate ratios, skill testing, safety systems, rescue equipment, rehearsed emergency procedures, and other guidelines to reinforce risk management and safety.
The key to water safety is proper supervision. TSC employs approximately 6 pool staff supervised by 2 on deck directors. All pool staff are certified by the American Red Cross as Lifeguards, including First Aid, CPR and AED certifications. Lifeguards rotate stations every 20 minutes. Our Lifeguard staff regularly practice response drills to ensure vigilance.
Group Counselors swim with their campers along with lifeguard staff. Additional lifeguards are on deck supervising at all times. We maintain 4:1 supervision ratio of campers to pool staff/lifeguards.
TSC uses float ropes to designate water depths and separate campers accordingly into swim levels for all water activities. When in the water, non-swimmers are within arm’s reach of a supervising adult during swim lessons.
Swimming at camp is different than swimming in a home pool or in other pool environments, due to the length of the camp day and nature of the program. During free swim, all non-swimmers will be required to wear Coast Guard approved life vests. Due to the thoroughness of our swim test, this will be most swimmers.
Campers are in the pool for a 35-40-minute swim block; at least 20 minutes of the block is a lesson followed by free swim. Before free swim, all staff and campers are required to swim to the side of the pool to ensure pool is clear. The pool’s lap lane and deep end are roped off and only used by our highest-level swimmers with supervision.
We conduct swim assessments on a camper’s first day of camp and use a wrist band system to identify swim level. Campers may only leave the shallow end of the pool once they’ve demonstrated proficiency to do so. Swim levels are evaluated on an ongoing basis. A large part of our job is knowing the abilities of the children in the water.
Can you tell me about camp safety?
Safety is at the core of all Tom Sawyer Camps’ programs. Many of our specialist activities at camp require certified, trained staff in appropriate ratios, skill testing, safety systems, rescue equipment, rehearsed emergency procedures, and other guidelines to reinforce risk management and safety.
The key to safety at camp is proper training and supervision, and camper to counselor ratios. The majority of our senior staff are First Aid and CPR certified. All pool staff are certified by the American Red Cross as Lifeguards, including First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
Our American Camp Association accreditation (see FAQ below) is one of the many ways we ensure quality programming that is both safe and impactful. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs. Please email us at info@tsc.camp or call us at 626-794-1156.
Tom Sawyer follows all the Day Camp Health Orders issued by the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Campers should not come to camp if they are not feeling well. If you have questions, please call our office.
Protecting children and youth is core to TSC’s mission. We have a zero tolerance policy for any form of abuse or harassment. TSC carefully screens applicants, including requiring a clear Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprint and child abuse prevention training for all staff.
Can you tell me about who accredits your camp?
Tom Sawyer Camps is a proud to be a member of and be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) for over 40 years! The ACA ensures the highest professional practices and administration in order to provide for the unique experiences offered in organized camping. The ACA’s extensive standards accreditation program requires us to be visited every five years in order to maintain our accreditation.
ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies which helps assure that current practices at TSC reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health and cleanliness but also sets standards for programming, camp staff, emergency management plans, and many other areas. ACA applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront, horseback riding, and adventure and travel.
ACA helps our directors provide the best possible experience for campers. Your child is enrolled in an ACA accredited camp and we are proud of our association with the ACA. TSC is also a proud member of the Western Association of Independent Camps.