Discovery Day Camp

Our weekly themes are the highlight of our weeks! Please note there is an additional $10 fee for out-of-camp field trip weeks (Weeks 3 and 6). 

Campers will play games, make crafts and enjoy the outdoors!  

• Before Care Snack Provided 
  • M-F, 7:00 am - 8:30 am
• After Care Snack Provided 
  • M-F, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 
• Single Day AM or PM: $15/each
• Before & After Care Combo: $120/wk

• All campers not picked up by 5:05 pm will have a single extended care added to their account ($15). The fee will be added to the camper's account and must be paid before attending additional weeks. 
• All refunds  must be requested online 7 days prior to the registration deadline for each week. This means 2 weeks before the week begins. All refunds are subject to a $15 cancellation fee. (non-refundable deposit)

Campers will need to bring their own lunch Monday - Friday.  Please use ice packs to keep the lunch cool if needed.

1. Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Answer: Only if it is 7 prior to the registration deadline. This means 2 weeks before the week the camper starts. All refunds are processed online and are subject to a $15 cancellation fee (non-refundable deposit). 

2. What should I send with my camper daily?

Answer: A labeled water bottle, a packed lunch (recommend with ice packs if you want it to be cold) and a backpack with a suit, towel and sunscreen (when the weather is hot, we break out the sprinklers and water games).

3. What if the weather looks bad?

Answer: If the weather shows extended thunderstorms or extreme heat for an extended period of time, we will move the campers to Flint Lake (backdoor). This move will be posted on the DDC 2026 Facebook Group page, on the Valpo Parks homepage (www.valpoparks.org), texted (if enabled) and sent to the primary email on the camper's account.

4. Do I have to pay everything up front?

Answer: No. We offer two payment pans: Pay monthly (sign up early to have lower payments) or pay a deposit and pay the rest on May 25 (or anytime between!). However, all campers must be fully paid for before summer camp begins. 

6. What does a typical day look like?

Answer: It begins with free time, followed by group time, lunch, additional free time and group time. Free time is where all ages interact and Group time is when they are divided by their Fall 2026 grades. Each Tuesday is a "field trip activity" and Thursdays are all-camp activities. Stay tuned for our 2026 calendar as we finalize the details.

7. How does drop off/pick up work?

Answer: Cars line up by the DDC shelter until drop off begins at 8:45 am. Please make sure your child is checked in before leaving. (Before & After care drop offs at basketball court). For pick up, IDs are requested to check against each camper's pick up list before releasing the camper. Counselors assist campers getting in and out of cars to make the process efficient. 

8. What if my camper will be absent?

Answer: No notification or phone call is needed.  Campers that don't arrive by 9:15 am are assumed to be at home.

9. What if I can't pick up my camper by 5 pm?

Answer: You can add additional pick up people at any time. We understand emergencies happen and if that is the case, please call the camp.  

10.  Can I pick my camper up early?

Answer: 

• There is a designated time available for early pick at camp: 12:45 - 1:30 pm.
• We ask that parents use this specific time because this is when all campers will be at the main camp, rather than across Rogers Lakewood at another activity. 
• During this time, counselors will be placed at the red gate to check IDs and check out campers in a timely manner. 

11. What should I know about the Park Store?

Answer: Only CITs will have the privilege to visit the park store and purchase treats on Fridays.

12. What if my question is still not answered here?

Answer: Check the 2026 Parent Informational Guide, email Enrichment Director Katie Ridinger at kridinger@valpo.us or call us at 219-462-5144.