Summer Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
How can I register for camp?
Using the links on this PAGE for 5-10 year olds and this PAGE 10-14 year-olds!
Where CAN I find a calendar of all the CAMPS offered?
Using the links on this PAGE for 5-10 year olds and this PAGE 10-14 year-olds!
When is the laTEST I can register?
If there is still space in a camp, online registration is open through the Friday 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?
Yes, young artists are never turned away from a Mudlark program due to financial need. There is a separate registration link for scholarship pricing for all of our summer camps. To secure your student’s spot, you follow the camp-specific scholarship pricing link, complete the form, and select the level of scholarship you need. There are no additional steps or requirements for securing a scholarship at Mudlark. If the registration processes your student has been fully enrolled.
Can my child come to camp unregistered?
No, we must have a registration form for every child 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. If after checking your inbox and spam 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?
We do not give refunds for days when campers are absent once camp has begun.
What if my child can no longer attend a camp I registered them for?
If your young artist can no longer join us for their program, please notify us via email at education@mudlarktheater.org. Unfortunately, if we are notified within two weeks or less of the first day of camp, we cannot provide a refund or credit towards a future program. If we are notified before that two-week mark, we can refund your payment or transfer it to a different camp.
What if the camp I want to register my child for is full?
If you attempt to register for a camp that is 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 registering for a camp waitlist it means we do not have a spot for your camper.
Pick up and drop off
Where does camp take place?
All camps will take place at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.)
How does drop off and pick up work?
Drop-off begins 15 minutes before the start of camp at Mudlark HQ (1417 Hinman Ave.)
Campers should check in with their instructors when they arrive at camp. On the first day, Mudlark staff will be on the lawn to help parents and campers find their instructors. Pick-up happens immediately following the end of camp, and we ask that parents 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.
Who can pick up my child from camp?
Only the people who are indicated on your registration form. To add someone to your form, you must send your child with a signed note indicating the additional people you’re authorizing to pick them up from camp.
Can my child sign themselves out?
Yes, but you must have already given them permission on your registration form. If you didn’t indicate on their registration form and wish to change it, you must send your child with a signed note, specifying that they now have the right 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 child 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 campers)
Can I stay and watch camp?
No, we have found that young actors can get easily distracted, or embarrassed when there are non-participant observers. We work hard to build a safe space where our young actors 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 7-14 years old and signed up for a morning and an afternoon camp 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 camper use.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer lunchtime supervision to children who are not staying for an afternoon camp.
Do I need to bring a snack?
During camp your child will be provided with a small snack, typically Pretzels and Skinny Pop as a gluten-free option. Campers are also welcome to bring their own nut-free snack.
Can the instructors give my child medicine?
Our staff is not allowed to administer any kind of medication with the exception of Epi-Pens in the case of a medical emergency and only with the express written permission of a parent or guardian. Please administer all medication before or after the camp hours. If you have a unique situation, please contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org.
ILLNESS AND ABSENCES
If your child is ill and you believe they may be contagious, or unable to make it through the camp day, please do not send them to camp. This is particularly important during an ongoing pandemic.
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 camper is medically unable to wear a mask, contact education@mudlarktheater.org to discuss how we can make a plan for them to safely attend camp. For everyone’s safety, you may need to present a doctor’s note as proof of inability to wear a mask.
If your child has a medical condition which our instructors should be aware of, please either note it on their registration form or email education@mudlarktheater.org.
Many of our camps build towards performances, and every day is valuable. We highly encourage your child to attend every day of camp. If you have a planned absence, please contact our education team at education@mudlarktheater.org or let your child's instructor know ahead of time.
Showcases
How do I know if my Child’s camp has a showcase?
If you signed up for a 5-7, 8-10, or 10-14 Three Week Camp, 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 campers and counselors 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
10-14 Three-Week showcases are always on the last Friday of Camp at 5:30pm