In-Person Camp FAQs
What if my child requires special accommodations?
Because of our 1:4 teaching ratio and the supportive nature of our staff, TIC has had success with children who have mild learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADD, ADHD). We have also served children with physical disabilities (e.g. deafness or spina bifida). However, our staff is not trained in special education. Therefore, parents of children with behavioral conditions which require very close supervision must, before submitting an application, discuss with us whether TIC is appropriate for their child. If your child requires any special accommodations or receives services in school (such as an IEP), it is hugely helpful to us if parents note that on their registration and communicate with their Site Director prior to their child starting at TIC. The more we know ahead of time, the better prepared we can be to ensure your camper has the best possible experience with us!
Why should my child take programming?
We believe that programming is an essential part of learning to do anything really powerful and creative on the computer. The benefits are explained here. Many kids come to camp wanting to design “video games.” That’s what programming teaches! (Of course, game design is not the only thing one can do in programming.)
What’s the COVID-19 Refund & Cancellation policy?
Should the pandemic cause TIC Summer Camp to cancel any 2021 camp sessions before it begins, a full session refund will be processed, and after a camp session has already begun, we will provide a prorated session refund for the days canceled. We will automatically refund your camp tuition to the payment method you provided during registration. Please allow up to 4 to 6 weeks for us to process your refund. For all other cancellations, the standard refund policy will apply.
Are you accepting friend requests?
Yes! We would love for households and friends to stay together but they must choose the same tech option (and be similarly aged). When you register, you are required to complete a “Camper Info” Form. This is where you will write the names of your friends. Groups this year will be in cohorts and the same in technology and athletics. For more information on cohorts, see TIC Scenarios & Protocols.
What is the TIC Mutual Aid Fund?
TIC's Mutual Aid Fund is how financial assistance will be funded at camp. This past year many families have been financially impacted in a negative manner, which may prohibit them from being able to attend camp. The Mutual Aid Fund is a way for members of our community who have not been negatively impacted financially to donate in order to make camp accessible for others. Families can donate now when completing their camper registration or donate directly on our website on our TIC Mutual Aid page- starting Feb. 1. Camp is a community and it is our duty to look after those who are in need in our community.
What are “Juniors” and “Seniors”?
Our campers are ages 7 to 15 years old. Juniors are elementary school age kids, rising 2nd through 5th graders Seniors are secondary age kids, rising 6th graders and up. For campers “on the cusp,” between junior and senior, we will change their groups to keep friends together.
The group designation is more important in sports than in technology. Because of our individualized instruction, campers will learn what they are ready for and proceed at their own pace in either Junior or Senior technology. In sports, it is important to play with other kids the same age and size.
Why can’t my preschooler or kindergartner come to camp?
Our program is appropriate only if campers know how to read, at least on a minimal level. Also, having been to first grade gives them the added socialization skills that are necessary for collaboration in the computer lab and teamwork on the field.
Will campers have partners or share equipment?
TIC usually operates in pairs, sharing a computer. This summer each camper will have their own computer to use during technology (except film). They can choose to work with a partner or work on their own but always using their own monitor, keyboard and mouse. A silicone keyboard cover will be used for easy disinfection between Junior’s and Senior’s, as well as the mouse and monitor.
Why is there no MD campus this summer?
This was an extremely difficult decision because of our long tradition of having a location in MD, but we were unable to procure a sufficient location. Many schools are consumed with the current issues and are taking the summer to regroup and renovate. If the other locations are not convenient, please consider Camp OptimisTIC in July so we can see you!
Will Extended Day be offered?
Updated (4/8/21): Yes! At this time we are able to offer Extended Day. Please visit our Extended Day page for more information.
How does TIC deal with bullying?
Bullying is not tolerated at TIC. Our staff is trained to be alert to any evidence of bullying. A camper who bullies other campers is sent to the office and parents are called. Depending on the severity of the incident, the camper may be asked to leave camp, with no refund of tuition.
What if my child isn’t into or doesn’t like sports?
Don’t be intimidated by the word “sports.” We just want to get the kids moving and expose them to a wide array of activities, including traditional and non-traditional sports. There is something for everyone, and we make sure both experienced and reluctant athletes are happy. Most kids who have had a negative team experience thrive at TIC because we make it FUN! We also offer plenty of indoor games, which can include dance, yoga, four square, gymnastics, and lots of crazy games. In addition, we encourage our Athletics staff to learn which activities their group enjoys the most so that we can include those on our flexible schedule.
Does my camper have to take programming first?
Programming is only a prerequisite for robotics. All other technology options are available without programming knowledge. Please consider your child when registering for technology options. Kids as young as 7 years old can definitely benefit and thrive in programming but if your child has a hard time sitting for long periods of time, then we would suggest beginning with a session of graphic design or animation first. It is also important to note that Programming requires basic typing skills.
Is it possible to go half days or for only one week in a session?
We do not recommend this because your camper will only experience our real “product” by attending the full two weeks due to our technology schedule and the fact that they work with a partner or in a small group. We also do not pro-rate sessions for partial attendance.
Why are there no discount opportunities?
We are not able to offer discounts in 2021 due to the lower capacity of campers this year due to COVID-19 protocols.
Can I choose more than one tech option per session?
At TIC, campers don’t just get a “taste” of each technology. They learn to master one skill at a time by following through on a project of their own design in just one chosen tech option. Campers may, however, choose to do a different option in each TIC session they attend, or deepen their skills if they repeat a tech option in another session. Since the instruction is individualized, there is never any repetition— they learn only what they want or need at any point. Many skills from different tech options can also be used to enhance projects in new tech options.
Will you be eating lunch outside every day?
We will be eating outside as much as possible but some days will be dependent on rain or extreme heat. The campers will definitely be staying in their cohorts for lunch as well. If we have to eat inside due to the weather, it will be staggered with no large groups, only in cohorts.
Do campers usually register for 1, 2 or more sessions?
About 40% of our campers attend for only one session, but come back summer after summer. Approximately 30% attend for two sessions since the instruction is individualized and there is no repetition. Campers either choose to dive deeper into their favorite tech option or take another program to add to their learnings. 30% attending three or more sessions. In VA, campers may not attend more than three sessions per state licensing limitations.
Why can’t my child take more than one extra cost option in the same session?
Drama and tennis may conflict with each other in the athletics portion of the schedule.
What is TIC’s tax ID#?
TIC’s new tax ID# is 46-0767005. It is also printed on every statement we send you.