WHAT TO PACK
Please be sure to label all items to help them get back to you if lost or left behind.
THE BASICS
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Backpack Water bottle (refills available)
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*Lunch with extra snacks
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Sun Screen
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Insect Repellent
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Full Set of Extra Clothes
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Sweatshirt
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Sneakers
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Raincoat/Poncho
*PRO TIP: Pack more snacks then you typically do for school. Kids are very active at camp and tend to go through their fuel quickly!
NOTE: There is no refrigeration available onsite so please pack lunches accordingly.
WATERFRONT
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Bathing suit
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Towel Sandals, flip flops, or water shoes
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Swim Shirt (great for sun protection)
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Goggles (not required, but many kids enjoy having)
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Scroll through to read about our all-outdoor activities
Kingston’s Camp is an all outdoor day camp. We want to ensure that all participants in our program can access the offered activities safely with consideration of their physical, developmental, and emotional needs. We offer a variety of activities to capture differing skill levels and children’s interest or strengths.
If you feel like your child has any limitations that may prevent them from safely participating in the following activities, please let us know.
CAMP SCHEDULE
Scroll through an overview of out daily camp schedule.
Please note, it is subject to change due to expected factors such as a special guest presenter, or unexpected conditions/factors, such as weather.
WHAT IS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
GOPHER PROGRAM?
The Gopher Program is a leadership program for children entering 7-9th grade. This program provides a safe, enriching, and dynamic outdoor program. They spend their days team-building, maintaining camp, learning basic hand tool skills, outdoor skills and helping teach games and activities to the younger children as positive peer role models. Many of our Gophers go on to become CITs and staff members within our program.
*Gophers are expected to be present for their entire scheduled week. View extended Gopher hours.
HISTORY OF THE GOPHER PROGRAM
This program was originated by campers who enjoyed camp so much that they wanted to continue during their middle school years. “Gopher” is a play on gofer, someone who helps to do small jobs and errands. They have become essential members of our camp community that help our program function on a day to day basis. As this program has grown, we have seen the extreme value and benefits to having this age group have an unplugged place to be themselves, form friendships, and practice their emerging leadership skills.
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES
Main Program 9:00am-3:00pm
Morning Extended Hours: 7:30-9:00am
Afternoon Extended Hours: 3:00-5:30pm
ARRIVING AT KINGSTON'S CAMP
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DO NOT PARK ON THE STREET when dropping off or picking up your child. Please pull into the parking lot and follow the indicated loop. During busy times follow the counselor who is directing traffic. They are there to help you and will get you in and out as quickly as possible. The safety of you and your children are of utmost importance to us. If you need more time to drop off or pick up your child, please park in one of the indicated spots and we will help you to facilitate this transition smoothly.
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Our gate opens at 7:30 and closes at 5:30. Do not drop off your child off to camp if the gate is closed, or there is no apparent staff member to receive your child. We will never leave a child alone at camp, and will stay with your child until they are picked up by a listed adult. A daily charge will be added to your invoice for children picked up beyond closing time to cover staffing costs.
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If you are registered for our Main Program you may come in as early as 8:45 and pickup as late as 3:15 without extra charges. Most days campers being picked up at 3 pm will be in the pond until 2:50, giving them 10 minutes to change and gather their items.
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If you are signed up for extended hours, children can be dropped off anytime in the morning, and will be typically be done swimming by 4 pm.
CAMPER SAFETY
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For your child’s safety, every person is checked in and signed out of Kingston’s Camp. Please tell the staff in the morning who will be picking your child up in the afternoon. Your child will only be released to the person you requested in the morning or those listed as an Emergency Contact/Authorized Pickup.
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All parents/guardians should be accompanied by a staff when on camp property. This is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you need to enter the camp beyond the parking lot, please discuss this with a staff member and they would be happy to assist you.
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Please remember that our parking lot is private property and is a part of the camp. Please keep all interactions on the camp premises appropriate. Any vehicular accidents that occur on the property are the responsibility of those in control of the vehicle at the time.
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Please keep all pets in the vehicle when dropping off campers.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
ABSENCES: If your child is not present by 9:30 that day, we will assume they are not going to attend. Please contact Kingston's Camp via phone if your child is not attending for a reason that may impact other campers/staff members.
CHANGES IN DROP OFF/PICKUP: If you need to drop your child off later than 9:30, and no one is at the front to receive your child please call us so we can have a staff member help to transition them into camp. If you need to pick your child up earlier than scheduled, let us know in the morning, when dropping off your child. If there are no staff members present at the entrance at the discussed time, please call us so we can assist with this transition.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
COMMUNICATION
CAMP-WIDE COMMUNICATION
If an emergency happens during the camp day which would impact all campers, a text message communication will be sent to all camp families in attendance that day through our emergency system with a follow up email shortly thereafter. This includes emergencies that will impact pickup and drop off procedures.
CHILD SPECIFIC INJURY/ILLNESS
If there is an illness, injury, behavioral concern, or emergency that impacts your child specifically that cannot wait until pickup you will be contacted via phone directly.
MINOR FIRST AID
If an incident happens throughout the day such as an injury or insect sting requiring minor first aid where the child is able to recover and return to their day, you will be notified at pickup of this occurrence. Non-emergent communications and/or general information about the program will typically be communicated through email
INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES
In the case of inclement weather Kingston’s Camp has three pavilion tents to provide coverage for rain.
In the case of more significant weather including high winds, hail, thunder/lightning campers will be able to access parked staff cars for more significant shelter. It is recommended that children have a change of clothing and rain gear in their backpack for abrupt changes in weather.
To keep everyone as safe as possible, we do not recommend parents attempt to pick up children in the midst of severe weather if the roads are unsafe to drive.
If the weather is so significant requiring emergency or early closing for the day, parents/guardians will be contacted via our text message emergency system with details and instructions for pickup.
In rare occurrences if camp is closed for the day due to significant weather damage or anticipated weather you will be notified via our emergency text system by 7:00am. There will be no refunds due to children not attending due to inclement weather or weather related closures.
POND OR ACTIVITY CLOSURES
Larkin’s Pond is a natural water body and is frequently monitored for bacteria levels to ensure it is safe for swimming. Occasionally, if the bacteria count is too high the pond will be closed for swimming. If allowed, boating will continue to be an option during this time.
Additionally, there are sometimes unanticipated reasons why a planned activity cannot be offered including staffing availability or weather.
Kingston’s Camp does not provide refunds due to pond closures, or if an anticipated activity is unable to run for the week your child is scheduled.
EVACUATION
If there is a need for campers to be evacuated from the camp property they will be escorted with staff to Camp Hoffman parking lot at 2850 Ministerial Road. Text message alerts will be provided with pickup information and pertinent details.
CAMPER EXPECTATIONS &
PROGRAM INFO
KINGSTON'S CAMP MISSION
To provide children the opportunity to play, grow their skills, enjoy their summer, connect with nature and each other within an all outdoor day camp environment. Kingston’s Camp fosters curiosity, confidence, and friendships through outdoor play and community building. We provide a place for children to unplug, explore, learn, and thrive by connecting with nature and with each other.
PROGRAM GOALS & OUTCOMES
Children learn best through play. Kingston's Camp provides a safe and supportive environment for children to play and promote their skill development, including:
SOCIAL SKILLS
Being part of a group, forming and maintaining friendships
PHYSICAL SKILLS
Learning specific skills such as swimming, boating, and archery along with activities such as field games, arts & crafts and building projects
PLAY SKILLS
Fostering creativity, cooperation, communication during structured and unstructured play activities
RECREATION & LEISURE
We want our campers to enjoy their summer. Being an all outdoor camp they will likely come home, dirty and tired from the activities of the day!
REGARD FOR NATURE & OUR ENVIRONMENT
Learning and respecting our outdoor environment and practicing ways to be a good environmental steward
SELF-EXPRESSION & ACCEPTANCE
We want campers to feel comfortable with being who they are while also promoting acceptance of others within our camp community
LEADERSHIP SKILLS & COMMUNITY
Kingston's Camp is a supportive community where children of all ages can display their strengths. Many Kingston's campers work their way up through our program to become leaders within our program
CAMPER READINESS & CAMP POLICIES
We are committed to creating a camp community where every camper feels safe, respected, and valued. We understand that camp is a great place for children to build on their existing skills. Our program is designed for children who can participate in a group setting with shared supervision. Additionally, an all outdoor program can be an adjustment for some. We encourage families to reach out if they have questions about readiness or support needs so we can work together to determine the best fit.
To ensure a safe and positive experience at Kingston’s Camp, campers should be able to demonstrate the following skills with age appropriate supports within a group setting:
SAFETY
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Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
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Ability to stay with staff and within the designated camp boundaries during outdoor activities.
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Awareness of personal space and boundaries.
INDEPENDENCE AND SELF CARE
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Use the restroom independently (port-o-johns are available on site).
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Change clothing independently.
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Ability to apply sunscreen/bug spray independently or allow staff to assist.
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Transition between activities.
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Manage their own food and water intake throughout the day given camp-wide reminders and within a structured routine (snack, lunch, water breaks).
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Able to clean up after themselves.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS
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Ability to interact respectfully with peers and staff.
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Ability to manage emotions with support (frustration, excitement, etc.)
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Ability to follow basic group rules and routines.
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Can tolerate winning or losing games.
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Can manage the day without use of electronics.
PHYSICAL READINESS
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Tolerate being outdoors for the duration of the camp day and within various weather conditions.
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Manage clothing in consideration of the temperature.
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Ability to walk, run, and participate in moderate physical activities safely.
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Ability to manage personal belongings such as carrying a lunchbox and packing a backpack.
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Ability to participate with waterfront activities as developmentally appropriate.
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Can sit unsupported for 15-20 minute periods during activities such as lunch or circle time.
COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSIVENESS
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Ability to understand and respond to staff directions in group settings.
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Can communicate basic needs to staff such as requesting the bathroom or reporting injuries.
PERSONAL FACTORS
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Enjoys the outdoors and participation in the activities offered within our program.
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Can participate safely during both structured and unstructured periods of the day.
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Can get along with peers in a group setting without significant conflict.
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Is able to be a respectful community member.
RULES TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE WHILE GROWING TOGETHER
We understand that children are growing individuals, and camp is an environment to learn and practice important social, emotional, and life skills. Our goal is to create a community where all participants feel emotionally and physically safe, supported, and connected. Conflict resolution strategies, parent consultation, and staff support will be used as needed to help children navigate challenges.
However, if a child exhibits behaviors that are significant or persistent and compromise the safety or well-being of themselves or others, the camp director reserves the right to dismiss the child from the program without a refund.
The following expectations apply to all staff, campers, and parents/guardians:
FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES: All participants must be able to follow through with safety procedures. Especially the ability to follow through with emergency procedures and staying in areas with staff supervision.
TREAT OTHERS RESPECTFULLY: All participants are expected to behave in ways that are emotionally and physically safe.
BRING ONLY APPROVED ITEMS: See What to Pack for guidance. Kingston’s Camp is a technology-free environment; personal devices should not be brought to camp unless medically required.
By participating in Kingston’s Camp, all families and campers agree to abide by these guidelines to ensure a safe, supportive, and fun camp experience for everyone.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
Kingston’s Camp recognizes that summer camps and outdoor spaces have not historically been inclusive spaces for everyone. We also recognize how important the experiences and community of summer camp can be for growing and developing minds.
Our program is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where every camper, family, and staff member feels valued and included, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family structure, ability, socioeconomic background, or lived experience. We strive to foster a community built on respect, kindness, and empathy. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or exclusion are not tolerated. Our staff model inclusive behavior and support positive interactions among all campers. We aim to make camp accessible to children of varying abilities and will work with families to provide reasonable accommodations.
Please review our Camper Readiness and Activity Descriptions, and reach out with any questions about your child’s participation.
TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA
Kingston’s Camp is a screen-free environment. Campers are not permitted to use electronic devices, including cell phones, during the camp day. This policy supports our focus on outdoor play, learning, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. If a camper brings a device to camp, it must be stored in their backpack (in a communal area) or in our secure lockbox for the day. Please remind your child of this expectation before attending camp.
If you need to contact your child during the day, please call us and we will connect you. For schedule changes, early pickups, or changes in authorized pickup persons, please communicate via phone or email rather than relying on your child to relay messages.
Staff Device & Social Media Guidelines: Staff may only use phones for educational or program-related purposes (identifying plants, enhancing activities with music). Staff are instructed to keep social media accounts private and not share access with campers. Staff may not “follow” or “friend” campers on social media. Any concerns regarding staff communication with campers online should be reported immediately to the Director.
Photography & Media Use: Photos taken at camp are used only for Kingston’s Camp marketing purposes, including our website and social media accounts. Photos are not regularly shared with families, as we aim to keep our staff and campers fully engaged and present during their camp experience.
KINGSTON'S
CAMP
2795 Ministerial Road
West Kingston, Rhode Island
401-783-8620
CLICK HERE to contact Larkins Pond Beach Club