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Sea Stars and Bluefish
Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoundWaters easy to get to?
Yes. SoundWaters is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from exit 9 off I-95.
Directions to the SoundWaters Center.

My child is entering 3rd grade in the fall, what program should I sign them up for?
You should sign your child up for Bluefish (grades 3-5). The grades listed for all programs are designed to be the grade your child will enter in the Fall of 2010. Please contact us if you have any questions.

If I am not a Stamford resident how do I get into the park?
Non-residents will receive a parking pass for their session(s) in the Camper Welcome package.

Do the campers go swimming?
Yes, campers will go swimming watched by our own certified lifeguard. Proper attire, bathing suit and water shoes are required. SoundWaters offers 5 optional swim lessons per session for the Sea Stars & Bluefish programs.

Do I need to pack my child a lunch?
Yes. Children must also come with their own water bottle with their name written on it.

What should I pack for my child everyday?

• A bathing suit and towel (Sea Stars should come to camp with their bathing suit on)
• Change of clothes
• Water shoes for swimming (water shoes must have a heel-strap, no flip flops)
• Water bottle with child's name on it
• Healthy Lunch and snacks
• Sun block
• Rain gear (weather dependant)

Does SoundWaters offer a payment plan?
Yes. We will devise a payment schedule that suits your needs. A $200 deposit is required for each session and final payment must be made 2 weeks prior to the start of your camper's program.

Do you offer early drop-off or late pick up?
Yes, SoundWaters offers extended hours.
Extended hours run 8:30 am - 9:00 am and 3:00 pm - 5:00pm and cost an additional $50 for a one week session and $100 for a 2 week session.

Do all Bluefish campers stay for the overnight?
All Bluefish campers are welcome, however not all choose to stay. You may return in the morning for the last day festivities. Campers and staff all sleep in SoundWaters center that has a security system. Overnights are held on the second Thrusday of two week sessions. One week sessions do not include an overnight.

Can my child be in the same group as his or her friends?
Yes, Camp SoundWaters place campers into groups according to age.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. SoundWaters offers scholarships to those that are eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the State of CT. Applications are available here.

Who are the counselors?
Camp SoundWaters staff are college graduates or are in pursuit of a degree in the fields of science or education. Some staff members are upper level high school students who have attended SoundWaters programs over the years. All summer staff attends training before the beginning of Camp. Training includes CPR, First Aid, SoundWaters education programs, swimming safety and canoe training, mandated reporter certification, behavior modification and teaching techniques.

What is a typical day like?
The activities vary depending on weather and session. Below you will find a basic daily schedule (subject to change):

8:30am	Early campers arrive
9:00am	Sign-in at bridge
9:10am	All campers walk to SoundWaters Center (late arrivals must park and walk camper(s) to camp office for sign-in.
9:20am	Morning Circle - Discuss day's schedule, share news or particpate in a group game.
9:45am	Environmental Activity - explore habitats, water quality testing, make a cloud, community beach service, gardening.
11:00am	Art Activity - Long Island Sound in a bottle, sand art, water colors, beach sculptures etc.
12:00pm	Lunch
1:00pm	Science Activity - Squid dissections, birding, microscopes, population studies, live animal creature features, build a watershed, volcanoes, sinking and floating, build a "boat".
2:30pm	Wrap-up
3:00pm	Sign-out at bridge
3:00-5:00pm	Late hours

Other activities include…optional swim lessons, free swim, animal story time, adventure games, educational games, exploring, discovering, and non-stop fun!

What if I have more questions?
For more information please contact Olena Czebiniak at oczebiniak@soundwaters.org or (203) 406-3319.