Family Information Hub
Welcome to the family information hub! Here is where answers to our most commonly asked questions can be found, as well as other need-to-know information for families preparing their child for the best summer ever at Porter’s.
Behavior Policy
Expectations for Respectful, Safe Conduct
We believe camp is a place for growth, learning, and connection. Our community thrives when everyone contributes to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. The expectations below help ensure a positive experience for all campers.
Our Commitment
Our goal is always to create a camp experience where campers feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow. Clear expectations, consistent follow-through, and strong partnerships with families help make that possible.
All campers are expected to:
- Demonstrate kindness, integrity, and respect toward peers, staff, and community members.
- Contribute to a safe and welcoming environment through respectful language and appropriate behavior.
- Engage in camp activities with a positive attitude, teamwork, and cooperation.
- Interact responsibly and respectfully in group settings.
- Follow instructions from staff and adhere to camp rules.
- Make decisions that support the health and safety of themselves and others.
- Communicate feelings appropriately, work through challenges, and resolve conflicts respectfully.
- Take responsibility for personal care and age-appropriate independence (including hygiene, nutrition, and hydration).
- Be honest and accountable for their actions
These expectations apply in all settings: on campus, in dorms, during activities, and on program outings.
Our Approach to Supporting Behavior
We recognize that camp is a learning environment, and campers are still developing social, emotional, and self-regulation skills. When challenges arise, staff approach them with care, consistency, and a belief in growth.
Our staff prioritize:
- Clear expectations and proactive support.
- Coaching, reflection, and problem-solving conversations.
- Restorative practices that help campers understand impact, repair harm, and make better choices moving forward.
Whenever possible, campers are given opportunities to learn from mistakes and adjust their behavior with staff guidance.
Communication With Families
Families are important partners in supporting camper success. When concerns arise that impact a camper’s experience or the well-being of others, families can expect timely communication from camp leadership. This may include sharing concerns, discussing support strategies, and outlining next steps.
When Expectations Are Not Met
While we strive to support growth and learning, there are limits to what the program can accommodate. Repeated or serious violations of camp expectations – particularly those involving safety, respect, or community well-being – may result in structured conversations with staff, opportunities for reflection and repair, and increased involvement from camp leadership.
In cases where a camper is unable to meet expectations despite support, or when behavior poses a risk to themselves or others, Porter’s reserves the right to require early dismissal from the program. Decisions regarding continued participation are made at the discretion of the Director of Summer Programs, in alignment with the Summer Programs Handbook.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
We take the social emotional health, safety and overall well-being of our campers very seriously. To help you identify if your child is ready to participate in our camp programs, please review the following criteria prior to registration.
What does camp readiness look like?
All campers must be able to do the following independently at a developmentally-appropriate level for their age:
- Demonstrate kindness, integrity, and respect for all members of the community.
- Contribute to a safe and welcoming learning environment, using respectful language and appropriate behavior.
- Engage in camp activities with a positive attitude, demonstrating teamwork and cooperation.
- Must be able to interact responsibility and respectfully in a group.
- Able and willing to follow all instructions from staff, adhere to camp rules, and refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to self or others.
- Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper use of campus facilities and equipment.
- Demonstrate age-appropriate emotional regulation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- Must be in good health – physically and emotionally- and have the ability to participate in a positive and cooperative manner.
- Communicate needs and concerns verbally at a conversation level of English.
- Exhibit emotional maturity to handle the sleep-away-from-home aspects of the Summer in Farmington program, including living independently in a group setting and taking care of their own personal needs; this includes, but is not limited to, responsibility for personal hygiene and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration.
- Our dining options include non-restrictive, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free options.
- Understand and comply with Major Summer Camp Rules, as outlined in the Summer Programs Handbook (available on our registration portal).
Discover techniques for how you can encourage camper readiness with our step-by-step guide.
What support can staff offer?
We cannot address every type of challenge or nuance that exists. It is our goal to make camp successful for all campers, understanding there are limiting factors that may impact our ability to be able to support your camper. We encourage our families to let us know when registering if their child has developmental, emotional or physical needs or requires another type of assistance. The decision about whether any camper may enroll in or remain at camp is at the sole discretion of our Director of Summer Programs.
Communication with Families
We believe strong communication is essential to a successful camp experience. Families are our partners and we are committed to keeping you informed, connected, and supported before and during your camper’s time with us.
We are committed to maintaining open, ongoing communication with families throughout the camp experience. Our team will proactively share updates, celebrate moments of growth, and reach out if questions or concerns arise. Families are encouraged to connect with us at any time, and we value collaboration as we work together to support each camper’s well-being, success, and sense of belonging at camp.
Before Camp: Building Partnership and Readiness
Leading up to the start of camp, our team prioritizes proactive communication with families as we prepare to support campers. We encourage families to reach out with questions, updates, or information that will help us best care for your child.
Families may contact our team at any time via email at summer-programs@missporters.org.
Camp Newsletter
Our newsletter, Camp Connections, is sent monthly leading up to camp and includes important announcements, reminders, and excitement for the summer ahead. As camp approaches and throughout the camp season the frequency of the newsletter increases.
We encourage families to share Camp Connections with their campers as a way to build camp readiness and excitement for the summer experience!
During Camp: Staying Present and Connected
Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones, smart watches, laptops, or other personal electronic devices to camp. This policy is important for establishing our camp culture and community; we wish for campers to remain present and in the moment throughout their time in Farmington.
We encourage our families to send their campers to camp without these devices. Campers who do bring personal electronic devices will be asked to turn them in during registration or upon arrival: items will be safely stored until the end of camp.
Campers participating in Summer in Farmington and who are residing on campus through the weekend will have designated times on Sundays to use their personal devices. Should your camper like to call home during the weekend, we ask families to send their camper with a cellphone and turn it in at registration. We will store the phone until the weekend, return it during the designated time, and collect it afterwards.
Some camp sessions require campers to bring personal technology (such as a laptop or tablet) for instructional purposes. These requirements will be clearly indicated upon registration.
For programs that require personal technology:
- Devices must be turned in during registration or upon arrival for the day.
- Devices will be safely stored by camp staff.
- Devices will be returned to campers during scheduled program sessions as needed.
- At the end of each session, devices will be collected and securely stored again by camp staff.
This process allows campers to use technology purposefully for learning while maintaining our tech-free camp environment outside of designated program times.
Even in a tech-free environment, there are many ways for families to stay connected and informed throughout the camp session.
- Camp Newsletter
During camp, Camp Connections is sent every few days and includes photos, program highlights, interviews, and updates from campus. - Virtual Photo Album
Families will have access to a virtual photo album that is updated regularly to showcase daily life and special moments at camp. - Postcards and Mail
For campers residing on campus, we encourage families to stay in touch through letters and postcards. Postcards are provided to families at drop-off, and additional postcards are available for families to take home and send to campers. - Staff Phone Access
A dedicated staff phone is held by an administrator at all times. Families may use this number if they need to get in touch with their camper or a member of our team during camp. This phone number will be shared with camp families in advance of the program start. - Camper Phone Calls
In some situations, if a camper is experiencing difficulty adjusting and our team believes that a brief phone call with a parent or caregiver would be supportive, camp leadership may reach out to families to discuss this option. When appropriate, the camper may be permitted to make a short call using a staff phone as part of our effort to help them reset and re-engage with the camp experience.
Pool & Swim Procedures
The safety and well-being of our campers is always our highest priority, especially during water activities. All swimming opportunities are supervised by trained staff and certified lifeguards, and campers are grouped according to their swim ability level.
Pool & Water Access at Camp
Campers in grades K–2 will participate in supervised water play days designed to keep our youngest campers cool, active, and engaged in a fun and age-appropriate setting. They will not have access to the Miss Porter’s School pool.
Campers in grades 3–9 will have access to the pool during designated swim times if they are identified as a Beginner or Intermediate/Advanced swimmer through our swim assessment process.
General Pool Rules & Expectations
- No running on the pool deck.
- Campers may only swim in designated areas based on their swim level and bracelet color.
- Counselors are expected to be in the pool with campers during open swim periods.
- One person at a time on ladders and stairs.
- No diving unless specifically permitted by pool staff.
- No roughhousing, dunking, shoving, or unsafe play.
- Campers may not hang or climb on staff members or other campers.
- Pool equipment should only be used with staff permission.
- Food, gum, and glass containers are not permitted in the pool area.
- Campers should follow all instructions from lifeguards immediately.
- The pool area must remain secure and supervised at all times.
Please review these rules with your campers. The pool staff will also review these rules with the campers when they arrive at the pool. The pool will always be staffed by at least two certified lifeguards.
Swim Levels & Bracelet System
All campers participating in open swim will complete a swim assessment administered by the aquatics staff. Campers will receive a colored bracelet indicating where they are permitted to swim.
Red Bracelet — Non-Swimmer
Campers are not permitted to participate in open swim. Alternative supervised activities will be provided during swim periods.
Orange Bracelet — Beginner
Campers with orange bracelets must remain in the shallow end of the pool. Campers are able to:
- tread water for 30 seconds, and
- safely swim in the shallow area of the pool (approximately 4–5 feet deep).
Green Bracelet — Intermediate/Advanced
Campers with green bracelets may swim in all designated areas of the pool,
including the deep end. Campers are able to:
- swim two full lengths of the pool while demonstrating control and comfort
in the water, and - tread water for 60 seconds in the deep end of the pool (approximately 6–9
feet deep).
Swim Test Procedures
Each camper group will enter the pool area together and receive a review of:
- pool rules and expectations,
- swim test procedures, and
- bracelet levels and swim boundaries.
Swim tests will be completed in small groups of approximately 5–6 campers at a time with lifeguards positioned both in the water and around the pool deck.
To demonstrate readiness for deep water access, campers must:
- Jump into the pool and swim to the opposite end and back using any stroke or swimming style that demonstrates control, comfort, and safety in the water.
- Swimming underwater, dog paddle, freestyle, or other comfortable strokes are acceptable if the swimmer demonstrates confidence and control.
- Tread water for one minute while talking or singing.
Swim tests will be administered by a designated Lead Lifeguard or Head Lifeguard who:
- has been trained on the swim test rubric and expectations,
- administers tests consistently,
- and keeps the swim rubric accessible on a clipboard during testing.
Bracelet Procedures
Miss Porter’s Summer Programs uses a bracelet system to quickly identify camper swim permissions.
- Red Bracelet = Non-swimmer
- Orange Bracelet = Shallow end only
- Green Bracelet = Cleared for deep end
At the conclusion of each swim period:
- counselors will collect bracelets from campers,
- bracelets will be stored and redistributed at the next swim session to reduce loss,
- and swim test results will also be documented in CampBrain.
Weekly group rosters printed from CampBrain will indicate each camper’s swim bracelet designation.
Safety Procedures
Certified lifeguards are responsible for monitoring all swimmers and enforcing pool safety expectations. Staff and campers are expected to cooperate fully with all emergency or safety procedures.
Additional emergency procedures, including weather protocols and lost swimmer procedures, will be reviewed with staff during training and maintained by the aquatics team.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to meeting the needs of each individual camper to ensure an accessible, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all.
Learning and medical accommodations are managed on a case by case basis. Please review our Camper Essential Eligibility Criteria and reach out to summer-programs@missporters.org for further conversation about the best fit for your camper.
We encourage our families to send their campers to camp without these devices. Campers who do bring personal electronic devices will be asked to turn them in during registration or upon arrival: items will be safely stored until the end of camp.
At this time, we offer a limited amount of financial aid to campers applying to Summer in Farmington. The application for financial aid will be available when registration opens and applications are due by March 1, 2026. We do not currently offer financial aid for Daisy Days, Leaders in Training, and Summer Explorations.
Families registering more than one sibling are eligible for a sibling discount; we offer a 10% discount for the second registered sibling, which will be automatically applied. This discount extends across all Miss Porter’s School Summer Programs. Higher price prevails.
We encourage all campers to wear comfortable clothing and bring a small backpack to camp each day filled with a water bottle, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, a hat or visor, and sweatshirt for cool indoor areas.
Campers attending Summer in Farmington and residing on campus with us will receive a packing list leading up to camp.
Camp provides daily snacks for campers. Families may choose to send additional snacks if they wish. Please ensure that any snacks brought from home are nut-free.
We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per program, per participant upon registration. The full registration fee is due by May 31.
We hate to see you go, but understand that plans change. Should you need to cancel your registration, please reach out to summer-programs@missporters.org to start the process. Please note that registration is refundable, minus the deposit, up until June 15; no refunds will be processed after June 15.
We recommend that campers bring only medications that are medically necessary. All prescription medications and any over-the-counter medications must be dropped off to the Director of First Aid at the start of the camp session along with a parent and physician signed Medication Authorization.
Medications must be:
- Supplied in original pharmacy packaging
- Clearly labeled with the camper’s name, prescribing provider, dosage, and instructions
- Product(s) may not be expired
With the exception of approved emergency medications, campers may not keep medications in their rooms. All medications are stored securely and administered by a certified Director of First Aid.
Any unused or discontinued medications will be sent home with the camper at the end of the program.
Please reach out to the summer-programs@missporters.org to be connected with our Director of First Aid to review our medication protocols.
Miss Porter’s School follows Connecticut state law requiring campers to be up to date on required childhood immunizations. Documentation of required vaccinations must be submitted prior to camp. Please review the State of Connecticut Department of Health Immunization Requirements.
Annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly recommended for all campers and staff. Families who choose to defer either vaccine should indicate this status on the registration form.
Medical exemptions may be granted when vaccinations are contraindicated due to a camper’s medical condition. Exceptions are not made for philosophical objections. Families should contact summer-programs@missporters.org as soon as possible to discuss exemptions.
Visit us!
Please contact us anytime to schedule a tour of camp spaces with one of our Directors by emailing summer-programs@missporters.org.
Though Miss Porter’s School is a residential high school during the school year, we invite visitors to tour our camp spaces and get a feel for our campus. See where your camper will check-in with their group each morning, eat lunch, play games, and engage in various activities.