Salmon Science Camp Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I sign my child up for salmon science camp?
A: Call 425-392-8025 or e-mail celina@issaquahfish.org to check availability. Once availability has been established, go to www.issaquahfish.org and print out the registration and medical release forms, complete and mail with a check to:
FISH
125. W. Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Q: Can I save a spot in camp for my child by simply calling or sending an e-mail?
A: No, registration is only guaranteed once payment and registration forms have been received by Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.
Q: What time is salmon science camp?
A: Salmon science camp is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first week of camp starts July 7. The last week of camp begins August 4. There is no before or after camp care.
Q: My child turns nine in August. Do I need to register him for the 6-8 year-old program or can I enroll him in the 9-11 year-old session?
A: Parents may place their child in either age group. The decision should be based on child’s maturity and developmental level and ability to handle social settings with kids who are younger or older than them.
Q: I have a nine-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter. I want to register them in the same camp. Which age group should I choose?
A: If parents want to register more than one child in the same camp, we suggest considering the age differences, maturity levels and the children’s ability to handle social settings with kids who are younger or older than them.
Q: How do the activities differ between the age groups?
A: Most of the activities are the same, however, the older age group activities require reading and writing skills and material will be presented at a more advanced level.
Q: Can I pay registration fees with cash or a credit card?
A: Yes, you may pay with cash, check or credit card. If you’d like to pay with cash, call FISH at 425-392-8025 to schedule a time to drop off your money and pick up a receipt. If you’d like to pay with a check, mail it to the FISH office with your child’s registration forms.
To pay by credit card, go to http://www.issaquahfish.org/summer_camp_payments.html and click on the appropriate "buy now" button. That will take you to a secure link where you can enter your credit card information. Your credit card will be charged the appropriate camp fee, plus a $2.50 handling fee.
Q: I paid for a FISH student membership last year. Do I need to renew the membership to get the discounted camp rate this year?
A: Yes, FISH memberships are valid for one year from the enrollment date. Discounted rates apply to memberships that are current during the camp session, not the time of registration.
Q: What’s
included in a FISH membership?
A: FISH members enjoy discounts on salmon science camp registration and birthday
party packages, as well as reduced Watershed Science Center rental rates. FISH
members also receive three to four newsletters annually and full access to the
Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. A yearly membership meeting is held for FISH members
who would like to learn more about the organization and its plans for the
future. All donations made to FISH are tax deductible.
Q: I will be unable to pick up my child from camp because of work obligations. Can I have another parent or relative pick up my son?
A: If the parent(s)/guardian(s) listed on the registration form will not be picking up their child from camp, a signed note must be submitted to FISH listing the dates and circumstances of alternate pickup. A signed note must also be submitted if your child will be walking home or taking public transportation to and from the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. FISH is stringent about these policies because child safety is our top priority.
Q: Does FISH provide before of after-hour care?
A: Due to a lack of funding, FISH does not have staffing available to provide after camp childcare. Children enrolled in salmon science camp must be picked up at 3 p.m. each day.
Q: What’s the adult-to-child ratio during Salmon Science Camp?
A: The maximum number of students per camp session is 15. There will always be two adult staff members and one junior helper (between the ages of 12-15) onsite each day. The junior helpers are former camp students and are selected for their exceptional leadership skills and maturity. Adult staff members have extensive experience working with young people. Celina is the education coordinator for FISH and has been teaching camp programs since 2003. Beverly is our program assistant and has a lot of experience working with children of all ages. She has been on staff with FISH since September 2007, and was a volunteer with FISH for several years beforehand.
Q: Does FISH perform background checks on staff members and volunteers?
A: Yes, each staff member and volunteer representing FISH is run through the Washington State Patrol database. A person with a history of criminal activity toward or with children is immediately dismissed from consideration for employment or volunteerism with FISH.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: If you choose to withdraw from summer camp after you have registered you can make a request to our organization for a refund. We may elect to keep some part of your program fee to cover administrative costs, at our discretion. Any cancellations made one week prior to camp start date will not be refunded. All requests for refunds must be made in writing. Refunds may take up to six weeks to process.