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Daily logistics
What are drop-off and pickup times? Drop-off: 8-8:30am. Pickup: 3-3:15pm. Not picked up by 3:15? Camper automatically goes to Extended Day.
What should I bring, and what stays home? Bring: small backpack, labeled water bottle, lunch/snacks with utensils (no fridge or microwave), sunscreen. Leave home: valuables, electronics, weapons, alcohol, pets, personal computers or USB drives.
What should my camper wear? Comfortable clothes to move in, closed-toe shoes (this one matters most), a light layer for chilly tech rooms. TIC t-shirts hand out week 2.
What does a typical day look like? 8-8:30am drop-off, 8:30-11:30am first activity block, 11:30am-12pm lunch, 12-3pm second block (switches Tech/Athletics from the morning), 3-3:15pm pickup.
Is there an Extended Day option? Yes, 3-5:30pm, optional add-on. Full session or drop-in pricing available.
What about lunch? A third-party lunch vendor delivers to camp if you order and pay online in advance.
Can I do half days or just one week? Not recommended, camp isn't pro-rated and the full two weeks is where the tech curriculum and partner work really pays off.
What happens on the last day? Afternoon open house, visit your camper's counselor, see tech projects and athletics in action. Can't make it? Projects post online within a week
Health and safety
What happens if my camper gets sick or hurt? The Health Advisor calls you right away. Prescription meds need a Medication Authorization Form completed before day one, in original containers. Sick campers need pickup within 60 minutes.
How does TIC handle emotional wellbeing? If you think your camper may struggle this summer, loop in the Site Director ahead of time so we can prepare their counselors.
What happens in an emergency? Parents are notified immediately. Life-threatening situations mean authorities are called right away. Weather/disaster updates go out by email, web, and phone, keep your contact info current.
How does pickup verification work (carpool cards)? Required for every pickup, including Extended Day. Emailed 2 weeks before each session. Anyone without a card gets an ID check against your approved pickup list before release.
What's the weather policy? Water bottles are required. Sunscreen is provided. Outdoor play stops after 10am on Code Orange heat days or worse (except scheduled Water Days).
What's the behavior policy? Zero tolerance for bullying or harassment. Staff proactively redirect issues early; persistent problems mean a call home. Severe cases can mean dismissal with no refund
Programs and groups
What are "Juniors" and "Seniors"? Ages 7-15 total. In DC/MD: Juniors are rising 2nd-5th grade, Seniors 6th-10th. In VA: Juniors rising 2nd-4th, Seniors 5th and up. Kids on the cusp can be grouped to stay with friends.
Does my camper have to take programming first? No, it's not a prerequisite for any other tech option. If your child has a hard time sitting still, digital photography or animation can be a better starting point.
Can my camper choose more than one tech option per session? They focus on one per session for real mastery, but can pick a different one each session they attend, or go deeper by repeating.
Why does my camper share a computer? It's intentional, it builds collaboration and communication skills, and campers consistently say it's part of what makes the experience click.
What if my child doesn't like sports? "Sports" is broad here, it includes dance, yoga, four square, gymnastics, and non-traditional games. Most reluctant athletes end up enjoying it.
Can I request friends be grouped together? Yes, via the Camper Info form at registration. Full-day grouping needs the same tech option; otherwise friends can be together during athletics. Grade gaps of 2+ years may not be honored.
Why only one Athletics Special per session? Specials happen during the athletic time block, so they conflict with each other, only one fits per session.
What are Innovation Stations? A makerspace-style, opt-in activity during the tech portion of the day
Inclusion and support
What if my child needs special accommodations? TIC's 4:1 ratio has supported kids with mild learning disabilities and some physical disabilities. Staff aren't special-education trained, so talk to us before applying if your child needs close behavioral supervision. Noting an IEP or similar at registration helps us prepare.
What is GROW!? A voluntary lunchtime group (2x/week) for campers and staff who are girls, nonbinary, or gender expansive, building visibility and addressing inequities.
What is the Mutual Aid Fund? 1% of every registration funds financial assistance for families who need it, 100% of the fund goes directly to that assistance.
How does TIC handle bullying? Not tolerated. Staff are trained to spot it; incidents go to the office with a call home, severity can mean dismissal with no refund.
Registration and policies
What's TIC's tax ID? 46-0767005, also printed on every statement.
Is TIC licensed and accredited? Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). In MD, this extends to state licensing. In VA, TIC qualifies for an instructional-program licensure exemption.
How many sessions do most campers attend? About 40% attend one session and return summer after summer, 30% attend two, 30% attend three or more (VA state limits cap it at three).
Can a preschooler or kindergartner attend? Campers need at least minimal reading ability and typically at least first grade completed. VA's Langley School site offers a separate Pre-K to 1st program.