Summer Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
How can I register for camp?
Using the links on this PAGE for Grades K-5 and this PAGE Grades 6-8. All registrations will be through our Hi-Sawyer Widget.
Where CAN I find a calendar of all the CAMPS offered?
Using the links on this PAGE for Grades K-5 and this PAGE for Grades 6-8!
When is the laTEST I can register?
If there is still space in a camp, online registration is open through the Friday at 4pm before the camp begins. However, many of our camps fill up months in advance, so we highly recommend you register for camps ASAP.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards and e-checks through our online registration platform.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Payment for camp is due at the time of registration. If you attempt to register for a camp that is currently full you will be put on the waitlist. If and when a spot opens up, you will be contacted by a Mudlark staff member for payment information. Please contact office@mudlarktheater.org or (847) 448-0708 with questions about payment.
DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
Since our first day, Mudlark has always offered unconditional scholarship support. No child has ever been turned away from a Mudlark program due to financial need and we stand by that legacy today.
While some families need 100% of the cost covered, many families are able to provide at least some of the registration fees. Thank you for understanding that every contribution, no matter the size, helps us deliver our mission to as many young artists as possible.
Scholarship promo codes for all of our summer camps can be found HERE. To secure your young artist’s spot, add the promo code for each camp for which you are registering. There are no additional steps, questions, or requirements to secure scholarship support at Mudlark. After the registration process, your young artist has been fully enrolled.
Can my participant come to camp unregistered?
No, we must have a registration form for every participant at camp so our staff have all pertinent medical and emergency contact information.
I registered but didn't receive any sort of confirmation. What do I do now?
You should receive a confirmation email if your registration is processed successfully. You can check on your Sawyer account for your registered classes. If after checking your inbox and Sawyer account you still have not received a confirmation, please email education@mudlarktheater.org to confirm your registration status.
Do you give prorated refunds for camp absences?
Our Camps are prorated for sessions that have missing days due to Holidays. We do not give refunds for days when young artists are absent once camp has begun. As a small, non-profit we carefully budget our summer programming and hire instructors based on our enrollment numbers.
What if my participant can no longer attend a camp I registered for?
If your participant can no longer join us for camp, please notify us via email at education@mudlarktheater.org. Unfortunately, if we are notified less than one week before the first day of camp, we cannot provide a refund or credit towards a future program. If we are notified before that one-week mark, we can refund your payment or transfer it to a different camp.
What if the camp I want to register my participant for is full?
If you attempt to register for a camp that is already full you will automatically be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you do not hear from us after being added to a camp Waitlist it means we do not have a spot for your young artist in this program.
Pick up and drop off
Where does camp take place?
All camps will take place at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.) Our Offices & theater spaces are inside the First Congregational Church's Community Center.
How does drop off and pick up work?
Drop-off begins 15 minutes before the start of camp at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.)
Young artists should check in with their instructors when they arrive at camp. On the first day, Mudlark staff will be on the lawn to help guardians and young artists find their instructors. Pick-up happens immediately following the end of camp, and we ask that guardians make every effort to be on time.
what happens if I am late for pick up?
We try to be as understanding as possible, but if a parent/guardian is over 15 minutes late, Mudlark reserves the right to charge a $15 late pick-up fee. Repeated late pick-ups will result in a $25 late pick-up fee per occurrence. Please call or text the Mudlark number if you are running late.
Who can pick up my participant from camp?
Only the people who are indicated on your registration form through Sawyer when you initially sign up for camp. To add someone to this list, you must send your child with a signed note indicating the additional people you’re authorizing to pick them up from camp or email the education team at education@mudlarktheater.org.
Can my participant sign themselves out?
Yes, but you must have already given them permission on your registration form. If you didn’t indicate this on their registration form and wish to change it, you must send your child with a signed note or email education@mudlarktheater.org, specifying that they now have the ability to check themselves out.
Do you provide child care before or after the camp?
Unfortunately this year we are unable to provide Before Care or After Camp Care.
camp day
What should my participant bring to camp?
Clothing they can easily move around in
Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops, please!)
Sun protection (lotion, hat, etc.) for outdoor activities, park breaks, and lunch
Labeled, refillable water bottle
Nut-free snack
Nut-free Sack Lunch (if coming for the full day - no microwaves or refrigerators are available to young artists)
CAN MY participant BRING THEIR DEVICES TO CAMP?
Yes, but they will only be allowed to use it during snacks, lunchtime, or for emergencies. If instructors find this disruptive, they may be asked to put their devices away. Parents can always call or text the Mudlark office number during camp hours if they need to get in contact with their young artist.
Can I stay and watch camp?
No, we have found that young artists can get easily distracted, or embarrassed when there are non-participant observers. We work hard to build a safe space where our young artists can be spontaneous and creative without self-censorship. However, many of our camps include a final showcase where students can share what they’ve learned with family and friends.
HOW DOES LUNCH WORK?
If your child is in Grades 2-8 and signed up for a Morning and an Afternoon program in the same week, they can stay for lunch at no additional charge. They will eat and play games, supervised by Mudlark staff.
Lunch is NOT provided by Mudlark. You must send your child with a lunch if they’re staying for the full day. Please ensure lunches are nut free, and note that Mudlark does not have a refrigerator or microwave available for young artists’ use.
Does my participant need to bring a snack?
During camp your young artist will be provided with a small snack, typically Pretzels or Skinny Pop as a gluten-free option. Young artists are also welcome to bring their own nut-free snack.
Can the instructors give my child medicine?
Our staff is only permitted to administer Epi-Pens in a medical emergency, and only with written or verbal permission from a parent or guardian. Please ensure all other medications are given before or after camp hours. For unique circumstances, contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org.
ILLNESS AND ABSENCES
Many of our camps build towards performances, and every day is valuable. We highly encourage your young artist to attend every day of camp. If you have a planned absence, please contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org or let your young artist's instructor know ahead of time.
If your child is ill, please do not send them to camp. If your child is being treated for a contagious condition please let us know so we can be alert for symptoms in others, and take appropriate precautions. If your young artist has a medical condition that our instructors should be aware of, please either note it on their registration form or email education@mudlarktheater.org.
Showcases
How do I know if my Child’s camp has a showcase?
If you signed up for a K-2, 3-5, or 6-8 Three Week Camp (not including 3 Week League of Adventure or Mockumentary), your young artist will have a showcase. One-week camps DO NOT end in a shared showcase for friends and family to watch. There will be an INTERNAL sharing with other young artists and instructors during the camp day.
How do I purchase tickets for my child’s showcase?
You can reserve your tickets on our Summer Showcase PAGE. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.
When is my child’s summer showcase?
You can see all the specific days/times on our Summer Showcase PAGE.
Jr Mudlarkians showcases are always on the last Friday of camp at 11:30am
Mudlarkians showcases are always on the last Thursday of camp at 5:30pm
6-8 Three-Week showcases are always on the last Friday of Camp at 5:30pm