Parents/Guardians must complete a Child Information Form for each child attending a summer camp.

This form helps instructors with accessing contact information, identifying authorized persons for program pick-up, and gathering additional details to help keep your child safe while in our care.

Only one form is required for the summer, even if a child is enrolled in multiple camps.

 Child Information Form

The City of Eden Prairie is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and accessibility for all residents.

If you need support due to a disability, please contact Inclusion Services at 952-949-8456 (TTY: 952-949-8399). To ensure that we meet your accessibility needs, please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

If your child needs inclusion services, please include this information in the Child Information Form. Inclusion Services staff will email you the forms that need to be completed and returned before the first day of camp.

Find more information about the City's disability and inclusion services at edenprairiemn.gov/Inclusion.

If you have any questions, please email InclusionServices@edenprairiemn.gov.

Health and Safety Forms 

Health and Safety forms must be completed and returned before your child attends camp if they have any of the following health conditions or medical needs:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Inclusion services
• Medication distribution
• Seizures

Please include this information in the Child Information Form so our staff can email you the forms that need to be completed and returned before the first day of camp.

Forms are confidential and are reviewed by camp instructors prior to attendance. Information is shared with all camp instructors as needed for the health and safety of the participant.

Medication Guidelines

• All medication, prescription and over-the-counter (e.g. Tylenol or Benadryl), must be in the original container and clearly labeled
• Only send the dose needed for that day
• All medication is stored in a secure location until given to the participant

Parents/Guardians are required to sign their child in and out of the program each day.

Each camp location has specific check-in and check-out times to ensure smooth transitions and minimize disruptions to activities. A welcome email including this information will be sent out to you prior to the first week of camp.

Parents/caregivers may need to present a photo ID during pick-up. Campers will only be released to authorized individuals listed on the Child Information Form.

If your child is riding their bicycle, or walking to and from the program, the unaccompanied minors permission must be acknowledged in the child information form.

Authorized Persons for Pickup

Parents/Guardians are required to notify staff and complete the pick-up authorization section of the Child Information Form that states who your children may be released to at the end of the program.

Changes in Schedule/Vacation

Please let counselors know if your child will be absent due to vacation or changes in your child’s schedule.

Late Parent Pickup

Children attending a program through the Parks and Recreation Department are required to be picked up by the ending time. A $1-per-minute fee will be assessed for late pick-ups (after a 10-minute grace period). Participants will not be allowed to return to the program until the late fee charges have been paid.

During Program

We appreciate any feedback you can offer to ensure your child has the best possible experience. Please provide any comments or concerns you have about your child’s experience, as well as any positive feedback, to the counselors at the site your child is attending.

Program Survey

At the end of each camp or program you will receive an online survey. We ask that you provide your honest feedback so we can continually provide the best experience for both you and your child.

Contact

Parks and Recreation Department
952-949-8442

Nicole Weedman
Senior Recreation Supervisor
952-949-8456

Max Melby
Outdoor Center Recreation Supervisor
952-949-8479

Kristen Twitchell
Art Center Recreation Supervisor
952-949-8304

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts

On rare occasions, there are last-minute program changes or cancellations due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. In addition to receiving emails with this information, you can opt in to receive timely text notifications when these changes occur. Message and data rates apply.

How it Works

When a text message is sent to a member of your household who is registered for a program, the texting system does the following:

1. Verify if there is an opted-in cell phone number attached to the registered individual.
2. If yes, the text is sent to just that individual's cell phone (for this reason we do not recommend listing a child's cell phone under their individual name).
3. If no, the text is sent to every opted-in cell phone listed under Household Primary.

Set up your text message notifications through the Parks and Recreation registration system today.

Setting it Up

Each member of a household may have their own cell phone number associated with their name and can opt in for text messages. Text messages are only sent to the individual on the account registered for a program. If that individual does not have an opted-in cell phone number associated with their name, the system will text all opted-in cell phone numbers listed under Household Primary.

Step 1 —Opt In

Log into your account, click your account name on the top right and a drop-down menu will appear. Under "Update" select "SMS Update."

2. Each cell phone number on the account will appear here and is opted out of text messaging by default.

3. Select "Opted In" for each number you wish to set up for text messaging.

4. Click "submit" at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2 — Receive a Text

Soon after submitting the opt-in information, a welcome text like the example below will be sent to each cell phone number that was opted in.

You can opt out at any time through your household account under SMS Update or you can simply reply STOP to any text to opt out.

Camp programs are held rain or shine and will take place at their regularly scheduled times and locations.

Programs will not be canceled due to inclement weather. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors to the park building.

Each household may use its own discretion in deciding whether to send their child to camp based on weather conditions. Refunds will not be issued for children who are kept home.

If your child will be absent, please notify us by emailing parks@edenprairiemn.gov so we can inform camp counselors.

To ensure a successful experience for your child, the program has established a set of expectations for counselors, parents and children.

Children

• Respect counselors, other participants and parents
• Follow directions and program rules
• Respect property and equipment
• Display appropriate social skills and actions
• Be a team player
• HAVE FUN!

Counselors

• Be a positive role model
• Be present and prepared for the program
• Be involved in activities with children
• Provide a positive, safe environment for the children
• Accept and support each child as a unique individual
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and other counselors

Parents

• Model appropriate behavior for your child
• Share information that helps counselors understand/support your child’s needs
• Follow guidelines established in the program
• Communicate with counselors if there is an issue with the program
• Return information by the date it is needed
• Recognize your child’s positive accomplishments

The health, safety and well-being of every camper is our primary objective. Participants are expected to follow behavior guidelines.

When a participant demonstrates consistent inappropriate behavior or has needs that transcend program expectations, counselors identify the areas of concern or need and make an action plan to promote successful participation.

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Physical attempts to cause injury to self or others
• Physical attempts to cause destruction of property
• Leaving designated program area with the intent to run away or hide from counselors
• Verbal abuse
• Consistent unsafe behavior
• Disruptive or disrespectful attitude towards counselors, other participants or oneself

If your child has a minor injury, our counselors, who are all First Aid and CPR-certified, will administer First Aid if necessary and will notify you when your child is picked up.

In the event of a serious injury, 911 will be called and the Parent/Guardian will be contacted. Our counselors will administer First Aid as necessary until emergency personal arrive. We will do our best to ensure the health and safety of your child.

Sick Children

If your child is ill, please do not send them to the program. If your child will be absent, please notify us by emailing parks@edenprairiemn.gov so we can inform camp counselors.

Children are not allowed to attend programs if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
• Fever of 100°F or more
• Rash–if cause of rash is unknown
• Any contagious illness such as lice, scabies, chicken pox, pink eye or ringworm
• Bacterial infection such as strep throat, ear infection or impetigo
• If your child is showing any symptoms of COVID-19

If a child becomes sick at the program, we will notify the parent/guardian to pick up the child. If we are unable to reach the Parent/Guardian, the Emergency Contact will be asked to pick up the child. Children must remain out of the program for 24 hours from the onset of the illness or until healthy.

Sick Days

Our program does not provide reimbursement for sick days taken by the participant. Should your child become ill and not able to attend our program, you will still be responsible for payment of any registered sessions missed.

Children who participate in our programs may need to take medications for different reasons and at different times of the day (i.e. asthma, allergies).

To ensure camp counselors are informed and prepared to properly administer your child's medication, please provide this information on the Child Information Form. Recreation staff will email Parents/Guardians the required health forms based on the information provided.

Make sure your child comes to our programs with insect spray and spray sunscreen each day.

• All containers should be clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name
• Please apply one or both products prior to your child’s arrival at the program
• Counselors will remind children to reapply throughout the day
• If your child needs assistance in applying the products, counselors will assist
• No sunscreen or bug spray will be provided

Children attending camps at the Community Center, Prairie View Park and Riley Lake Park have the opportunity to swim.

Before campers enter the water, camp counselors and lifeguard staff will review the swimming area rules and assess each camper's swimming ability.

At the Community Center, campers will receive wristbands identifying their swim abilities and indicate which swimming areas they are able to access.

All counselors are selected based on their education and experience working with children, and are certified in first aid and CPR.

Counselors receive extensive training through the City’s Parks and Recreation and Human Resources staff prior to working with the children.

Training topics covered:

• Performance expectations
• Customer focus standards
• Harassment prevention and respectful workplace
• Inclusion and disability awareness
• Program planning
• General policy and procedures at the program site

All counselors must complete a background check before working in the programs and having contact with children.

Most of our programs take place outdoors, so please dress your child for the weather.

• Ensure your child wears shoes that will not come off while running; preferably tennis shoes. Outdoor Center camps require closed toe shoes.
• Pack spray sunscreen to protect your child from sunburn, bug spray to keep away the bugs and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Some days we will be painting, so it is important to pack an art shirt.
• Label all your child’s belongings.
• Parents of preschoolers, please pack an extra set of clothing in case of an accident.
• Children will get dirty, so plan accordingly.

A water bottle is a great way to help us keep your child hydrated through out the day, water is available at all camp locations.

• Participants who stay for an all-day program need to bring a bag lunch
• Snacks are not supplied
• Children are not allowed to share snacks.

If your child experiences any food allergies please include that information on the Child Information Form.

We will do our best to ensure the security of your child’s belongings.

However, please do not bring unnecessary items to camp such as: MP3 players, toys, cell phones, handheld games, etc.

The City of Eden Prairie is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Photographs and video are periodically taken of participants which may be published online or in print.

Bring

• Labeled bag for personal items
• Water bottle
• Lunch (full day)
• Snack (2 for full day)
• Spray-on sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Change of clothes (younger ages)

Keep at Home

• Money or any valuables
• iPods, cell phones or other electronics
• Toys, balls, playing cards