what to expect for summer 2026

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​​REQUIRED NUMBER OF WEEKS

Campers do not have to enroll in the whole summer, but will be required to select a minimum of 3 weeks.

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WHAT"S UP WITH SESSION 9?

In order to be eligible for Session 9, campers must enroll in 6 or more total sessions (including Session 9) or register for Stars & Comets for the 2026 - 2027 school year.  We often refer to Session 9 as our Max Adventure Week because it typically includes even more fun activities and field trips (and usually a few surprises).  Check out the Field Trip / Activity Schedule found on the Registration Page for a list of that week's activities.  That is also why that week carries an additional $10 cost.  We must limit enrollment during Session 9 to correlate with some of our summer staff returning to their school year employment (with the school system) and some of the classrooms on campus needed to be turned over early to get ready for the school year.   Thank you for your understanding!

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CANCELATIONS

More than ever, it is extremely important that you only sign your child up for the weeks they will attend this summer.  After registering, families can cancel a session for a camper by May 26 at 50% of the cost of tuition. After May 26, full tuition will be due whether your child attends or not.

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​​WHAT HAPPENED TO VBS WEEK?

This summer, Palm Harbor UMC will again host a special night-time VBS experience that will occur after camp hours have ended.  That experience will be instead of a daytime VBS that had been part of the camp day of one session prior to Summer 2025.  This new concept started last year and we are excited to expand on it this year.

 

This summer, VBS week is expanding, going from 4 days to 5 and going adding a 1/2 hour.  It will be June 15 - 19 from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM and campers can be directly checked out of Camp CUBBER and into VBS by a camp staff @ 6:00 PM WITHOUT a parent having to transfer them from one program to the other.  In addition, all 5 nights of VBS will include dinner!!  We want to make attending the evening VBS experience as easy and convenient as possible this summer.

 

In addition, this summer's VBS will be a DIRECT EXTENSION of the Camp CUBBER theme, as VBS 2026 will be Epic Journey: Evening Adventure!  With that,  camp families are DEFINITELY INVITED to join in the fun and enroll in VBS if desired.  And since your family will already be registered for Camp CUBBER and have camp paperwork completed, you will be able to sign up for VBS online (one available).  A link to sign-up for VBS will be emailed out to existing camp families as we get closer to the summer since the Children's Ministry Department is still putting the finishing touches on what VBS will look like this summer.  Stay tuned for more information and signups!

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Got a camper that can't attend the evening VBS experience?  Don't worry, Camp CUBBER will of course still have plenty of elements of faith, kid appropriate Bible stories, and positive character values throughout the summer, just like it always has!

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UPDATED PERSONAL ELECTRONICS POLICY

After much consideration and reflection, camp administration has decided for a significant update to our camp personal electronics policy. Please note:

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Personal Property, Cell Phones, & Personal Electronics (Updated for Summer 2026):  Cell phones are not needed at camp. We find they are not appropriate for our younger campers and often detract from the overall camp experience for older campers. Additionally, due to their size and automatic access to cellular data, it can be difficult to consistently ensure appropriate content.  With that in mind, please review this updated policy.

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• General Responsibility & Care:

  • All personal property, including electronic devices and emergency-use cell phones, is brought at the camper’s own risk.

  • Camp CUBBER and its staff are not responsible for lost, misplaced, damaged, or stolen items.

  • Lost items found at camp will be placed in Lost & Found or the camp office (electronics).

  • Items not claimed by the end of the summer will be donated or discarded.

  • Items lost on field trips are the family’s responsibility to recover.

  • Camp staff may inspect personal belongings if necessary for safety, policy enforcement, or dispute resolution.

• Cell Phone Policy by Camper Group:

  • Bear Pack Campers: Cell phones are not permitted.

  • Expedition Group Campers: Cell phones are not permitted.

  • Space Team Campers:  Cell phones are strongly discouraged.  If a Space Team camper brings a cell phone to camp:

    • It must be turned off and kept inside the camper’s backpack

    • It is permitted for emergency use only

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Important: For Summer 2026, cell phones are NOT considered an approved electronic device, even on designated electronics days. All cell phones fall under emergency-use-only guidelines, including during field trips.  Families wishing to track their child are encouraged to use alternatives such as an Apple AirTag, Tile, or other similar devices.​

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• Communication with Campers During the Camp Day:  

  • Some parents attempt to contact their child directly via cell phone during the camp day. For safety reasons, all camper communication must go through the camp office as camp staff cannot verify who is contacting a camper via a personal device.

  • Parents may call the camp office at any time to speak with their child, or leave a message that camp staff will promptly deliver.

  • All camp staff carry cell phones and/or communication devices for emergency situations.

  • Approved Personal Electronics (Non-Cell Phone)​

    • On designated electronics days only (as listed on the Week @ A Glance calendar), campers in approved grade levels may bring limited devices such as:

      • Tablets/iPads without cellular service

      • Nintendo Switch or similar gaming device

      • Kindle or similar e-readers

      • Digital cameras

    • When & How Devices May Be Used:

      • Only on designated electronics days (as marked on the Week at a Glance calendar)

      • During camp-appropriate times, such as before/after care, free time, game room (or similar settings), to/from a field trip (and for taking photos during the trip).  Personal electronics may NOT be used during regular camp classes, including: Art, Science, Sports & Rec., Outdoor Active Play, Creative Reading & Writing, and similar activities.

      • Space Team Reminder - even on electronics days, cell phones must remain off and stored in backpacks, unless used for a legitimate emergency.

• Appropriate & Inappropriate Use:

  • Appropriate uses of approved personal electronic devices include playing camp-appropriate games, listening to camp-appropriate music, taking photos for personal use only (photos taken at camp may not be posted on social media).  All games, apps, music, and content must be appropriate for a Christian summer camp and may be checked randomly by staff.

  • Inappropriate uses include (but are not limited to):

    • Social media of any kind (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.)

    • Video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

    • Phone calls, texting, or direct messaging (including communication with parents)

    • Internet browsing or searching

• Consequences for Misuse of Personal Electronics:

  • Campers using personal electronics inappropriately will have the device confiscated and stored in the camp office.

  • Confiscated devices must be picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the day.

  • Continued misuse will result in the camper no longer being permitted to bring devices and may lead to further disciplinary action per the Code of Conduct (see #17).

  • Severe misuse, even a single incident, may result in advanced disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from camp.

  • Cell Phone-Specific Enforcement (Space Team):  Campers caught using a cell phone for non-emergency purposes will be instructed to put it away.  Failure to comply, or repeated non-emergency use, will result in the phone being confiscated for the remainder of the day.

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GROUP SIZES

Target group sizes will again be 18 students.  We are again using the updated separations of our rising 2nd grade class to be able to do this better this summer (more on that below).

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2ND GRADE DIVISION

In order to continue to offer group sizes that we are proud of, we will again split 2nd Grade by birth date this summer. 2nd Grade campers born on or before 12/31/18 will be placed with Expedition. 2nd Grade campers born on or after 1/1/19 will be placed with Bear Packs. We believe this will also help split the group more appropriately (by age) and more evenly. Families may opt to have their child born before on or before 12/31/18 remain with the Bear Packs (if space is available), but similar to camp policy for other grade moves, we cannot move younger students up. Thank you for your understanding with this.

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MORE FUN TOGETHER

While each group will still have their own homeroom, again this summer our campers will start and end the day in a combined group since numbers are often lower at those times.  Each division of camp (Bear Packs, Expedition Groups, Space Teams) is made up of 9 groups. Within those 9 groups, there will be 3 subgroups of 3 that will start / end the day together.  These will be the rooms (and ages) closest to the campers in each of those group,  This means each group will start the day from 7 AM to approximately 8 AM and end the day from approximately 5 PM to 6 PM with students from 2 other groups in a combined room.  This will allow groups to still have enough campers (and staff) to be playing games and doing fun activities throughout extended care.  If you do not find your child's group in their regular homeroom around those times, they are likely in their opening / closing room.​​

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PLACEMENT REQUESTS

This summer you have the option for a first choice and second choice for friend placement requests for your child.  Please note that ONLY one child may be listed on each line.  Also, the first choice listed will be the child we work diligently to place your camper with; however, if the child listed as the first choice does not register for camp (or is not in the same age group as your child), we will work diligently to place your camper with the child listed as their second choice.  Again, the second choice will not be considered UNLESS the first choice is either not registered for camp or is not in the same age group as your child.

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HEALTH POLICY

​Please remember that the most significant way to prevent this and many other illnesses is to NOT SEND your child to camp if he / she is feeling ill in any way or has any symptoms.  Campers who are ill, whether the illness is communicable or not, should not attend camp. Camp will continue our health policy from that past few summers:

 

Campers who exhibit any signs of illness (including, but not limited to a fever) will not be admitted to camp. Campers who develop a fever, or exhibit any other signs of illness during the camp day, will need to be picked up from camp immediately. As a parent you understand and agree to pick up (or make arrangements to have your child picked up) within 1 hour of being notified of him / her becoming ill. Campers who
inform camp staff of any illnesses or symptoms (whether verifiable or not) will also fall under this category and will need to be picked
up.

Similar to Pinellas County Schools, Camp CUBBER has a "no-nit" policy. Anyone with live lice or nits will be sent home from camp until all
nits and lice are removed. Campers will be checked upon returning to camp. Camp CUBBER may also check for suspected cases of lice,
check entire groups where suspected or actual cases have been reported, and / or do random lice checks as deemed necessary or
appropriate by camp administration. If you discover your child has lice, please inform the camp office right away.
 

In addition, please note that campers who test positive for COVID-19, or any communicable disease, will need to remain out of camp for the time period recommended by the CDC and / or Florida Dept. of Health.  Campers who have been exposed to COVID-19 will not be required to isolate, as long as that exposure is not ongoing.  If exposure occurs inside the home and the camper is not able to isolate from the person(s) with COVID-19, camper will need to remain out of camp until exposure has ended (everyone is healthy again).  Staff, campers, volunteers, and parents / guardians may opt to wear a face mask on campus, if desired.

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FIELD TRIPS / ONSITE ACTIVITIES

We have some amazing field trips lined up for Camp CUBBER 2026!  In addition, campers will also enjoy at least one special onsite activity and one fun spirit day each week as well.  Those will be listed on the field trip / activity schedule once finalized (prior to the start of registration).

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Please remember that Camp CUBBER does not have control of the weather and there is always a possibility that an outdoor field trip could be rained out, especially during the summer.  There are also other circumstances that may occur that are outside of our control (field trip location issue, transportation issue, etc.).  Camp DOES NOT have the ability to move or reschedule trips.  If possible, the cancelled trip will be replaced with a special onsite event.  NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN DUE TO FIELD TRIP CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES.

 

COST

Registration:  $50 (Stars & Comets), $60 (Returning Campers), $70 (New Campers)

Weekly Tuition* (K - 4th Grade):  $185 per week / per child for Sessions 1 - 4, 6 - 8; $145 per child / per week for Session 5; $195 per child per week for Session 9

Weekly Tuition* (5th - 8th Grade):  $195 per week / per child for Sessions 1 - 4, 6 - 8; $155 per child / per week for Session 5; $205 per child per week for Session 9

*Sibling discount of $5 per week available on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th child (must be attending same weeks).

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MEALS / SNACKS

Campers will need to bring a lunch from home daily (and campers will eat in their classrooms).  Camp  will again provide a lunch on Fridays for all campers at no additional cost (included in your tuition).  Typically that will be a pizza lunch.  Pizza lunch will include one or two slices of pizza, chips, dessert, and drink.  If you feel like that will not be enough lunch for your child, you are obviously welcome to pack a supplemental lunch on Fridays.  Some field trips may include lunch as part of the trip.  Those will be noted as such on the Week @ A Glance Calendars.  Camp will also continue to offer afternoon snack (also included).

 

DROP-OFF

We will offer car circle from 7:00 AM - 9:15 AM.  This is the preferred way to drop off campers in the morning.  Campers will be assigned one of three drop-off locations (based on grade of the child).  If there is a line, camper must remain in their vehicle until driver is able to pull up to the check in staff.  Families with campers in multiple age groups may have to visit multiple check-in locations.  If your child is not present by 9:15 AM when car circle closes, he / she will be considered absent for the day.  If your child has an earlier departure than 9:15 AM for a field trip he / she will need to arrive at the earlier field trip departure time, which will be listed on the Week @ a Glance Calendars during the summer.

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PICK-UP

Campers should be picked up between 3:45 PM and 6:00 PM by coming into the building.  Parents will need to park and come in using the double doors underneath the large blue overhang.  Advance notice will be needed if pickup must occur before 3:45 PM.  Camp ends promptly at 6:00 PM.  Because the pickup process will take longer than in prior years, please be sure to plan accordingly and allow yourself additional time to come into the facility, sign out, and proceed to your child’s room by arriving prior to 5:55 PM.  Late fees will be strictly enforced this summer.

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STAFFING

Most groups will have 2 group leaders working opposite shifts.  One group leader will work a morning shift, and one will work an afternoon shift.  These will primarily be the same group leaders interacting with your child throughout the course of the summer.  We hope that campers will establish fantastic relationships with their group leaders again this summer as that has always been one of the best parts of Camp CUBBER.

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Being active is a big part of camp and that won’t change!  Campers will have both indoor and an outdoor active play time.  Indoor active play will be in the gymnasium or another larger room and outdoor active play will be on the playground, field, court, etc.  Both indoor and outdoor active play time will still be with only the campers in their group.  There will also be active games as part of the regular daily camp activities in each group’s room.

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CUBBER+

Similar to last summer, most weeks will have a CUBBER+ option as part of extended care for either our Expedition Groups, our Space Teams, or both.  Since it comes with an additional cost, enrollment in CUBBER+ is completely optional.

 

CUBBER+ will again have several different options throughout the course of the summer AND will be a weekly enrollment so you can pick and choose the activities that interest your child (and not have to sign up for weeks your child isn't attending).   More information on the offerings and how to sign up for those will be available as we get closer to the start of camp, but some of the options from Summer 2025 were basketball, flag football, and volleyball.

 

​​We look forward to having you join us for a fantastic 2026 SUMMER CAMP!