Summer Camp FAQs

Not as much as you might think. The staff and programming at the two camps mirror each other, though the facilities are different.

Mountainside’s facility features woodlands and streams, which make for a great nature program. The adventure course at Mountainside is also one of the best in the region, boasting two 700ft zip lines, a 50ft climbing wall, and multiple low ropes elements.

The Ranch features a lot of playing fields, gaga pit, arts barn, and two great amphitheaters. Ranch campers also have their own adventure activities.

If you really can’t choose between the two, please come out for a tour. We want your child to love their summer camp.

The Ranch, Mountainside, and our Kids Camps are open for campers who will be entering Kindergarten through the 8th grade following the summer. Our specialty camps are available starting at 2nd grade and going through 8th grade.

Once a camper is too old for our programs they may apply for our Leader in Training position. This position transitions them into becoming the great Bar-T staff we know and love.

Regular camp hours run from 9am – 3:30pm. Busses generally depart their transportation site between 8:00am and 8:45 each morning (depending on location) and usually arrive back in the afternoon between 3:45pm and 4:15pm.

If you need a longer camp day, we have extended care sites that are open from 7am till 6:30pm. Please visit the Transportation & Extended Care page for more information.

Yes. The Ranch has numerous transportation and extended care sites throughout Montgomery County. Please visit the Ranch transportation and extended care page for a list of sites, approximate times and more. Mountainside also has transportation with bus stops throughout Frederick and Montgomery County. Please visit Mountainside Transportation & Extended Care page for more information.

Bar-T bus counselors are along for the ride to make sure that campers remain seated while the vehicle is moving and they are acting appropriately.  Our staff will be at the pick up location each morning to check your child(ren) onto the bus, however, we ask that you remain with them until the bus departs.  Our bus counselors will help make sure that our campers reach their group with a smile on their face each morning and will remain at the transportation site each afternoon until all campers have been picked up.

Swimming is one of our most popular activities at camp and the systems we have in place make it one of the safest as well. On the first day a camper comes to camp, our guard staff evaluates their swim level. Campers are asked to swim the entire length of the pool and do their best to avoid touching either the bottom or side. Campers are either given a green wristband, which allows them to swim in any area of the pool, or a red wristband, which allows them to swim only in the shallow areas of the pool, based upon our guard’s assessment of the camper’s swimming abilities. Campers may ask to be re-evaluated at any time.

The Ranch & Mountainside have a dedicated and experienced team of lifeguards who oversee all pool activities and allow our group counselors to act as additional lookouts or be in the pool interacting with the kids.

Our morning swim time is structured, with a lifeguard leading a game or activity for the group. The afternoon is free swim. In addition to the morning structured swim, both the Ranch and Mountainside offer private and small group lessons taught before or after camp. Registration for these lessons takes place in the spring (information is mailed to all enrolled families) and is subject to availability.

In addition to a number of staff that are certified in CPR and First Aid, our camps have a Health Technician on site during normal camp hours to help ensure the ongoing health and wellness of all of our campers.  In the event that a sickness or injury prevents your child from returning to normal camp activities, we will be sure to contact you by phone.

Absolutely. Bar-T promises to place your child with the first child listed in the “camper’s friend request” field and we will work hard to accommodate each of your child’s friend requests (though they are not guaranteed beyond the first request).

• Black Friday Weekend – $200 off your total bill if you sign up for 5 or more weeks of Ranch or Mountainside or $100 off your total bill if you sign up for 5 or more weeks of Kids Camp. This offer only applies if you sign-up between Nov. 29th – Dec. 2nd (Black Friday Weekend).
• Sibling discount – $40 per week
• 10% Educator Discount
• 10% Active Military & First Responder Discount

Your camper needs to bring a lunch each day. We will refrigerate the lunches as soon as the campers arrive, but make sure to label them with your camper’s name. Please do not send your camper with a meal that needs to be heated, as we do not have food preparation areas.

If your camper takes the bus to and from camp each day, please note:

• The bus counselor will arrive at the stop 10 minutes before departure time. Parents need to stay with their camper until the bus has been loaded.
• Please be aware that the buses may need to stop at other pick-up points on the way to and from camp.
• We have a great relationship with all our bus sites. Please follow ALL rules at your designated sites (parking, animals MUST be leashed, loitering etc..) Rules vary per site. If you have questions please ask a staff member.
• We will make every effort to maintain the above schedule; however, times may be adjusted as needed.
• We often experience delays on the first day of each session as campers and staff familiarize themselves with our routine. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding.

If you plan on dropping your camper off at the Ranch or Mountainside directly, the drop off time is 8:45am and pick up is at 3:30pm.

Morning Extended Care begins at 7:00am and Afternoon Extended Care runs till 6:30pm. Campers will be given additional snack at afternoon care. If you have not yet enrolled, but believe you will need extended care, email help@bar-t.com.

Camper’s swimming ability will be evaluated on their first visit to the pool. If they are cleared to swim in the deeper areas, they will be given a green swim band, if they are not cleared, they will be given a red one. We are happy to reevaluate campers with a swim test upon their request.

We provide sunscreen for your child and apply it throughout the day. To make sure they are sufficiently covered, please send them with their first application of sunscreen already applied.

We are bound to encounter some rain at some point this Summer, but it will not stop us from having a great day! If it is raining, we will continue with most of our activities as planned. The pools and ropes course will be closed in the event of thunder and lightning, but our other activities will remain as scheduled as long as it is safe to do so. In the event of severe storms, we utilize the upper barn and locker rooms as shelter. If you see rain in the forecast, please send your child with appropriate clothing as they will be outside for most of the day.

We want each and every one of our campers to enjoy summer in an environment that is free of physical, emotional, and verbal harassment from others. Bar-T is a “No Bully Zone” and we will respond immediately to any incidents that involve these behaviors. Please let us know immediately if you or your camper has any questions or concerns about any of these issues.

Changes and cancellations to summer camp plans can be made without penalty through May 15th, 2025. After May 15th, a 50% refund will be issued for Bar-T Summer Camp cancellations made. Cancellations will also result in forfeiture of the $50.00 non-refundable portion of your deposit.  No tuition adjustments will be made for missed sick days and no refunds will be given. There are no fees for exchanging weeks or adding additional weeks of camp to your family’s registration and Bar-T is happy to accommodate these requests, at any time, provided that we have availability in the week(s) you wish to add.

Please send your camper with a bag lunch, bathing suit, towel, comfortable clothes, and closed toed shoes each day.

There are many things that should not be brought to camp, especially anything valuable. Please do not bring any of the following items: cell phones, video games, computers, iPhones, jewelry, card collections, or sports equipment. Obviously any weapons, alcohol, pets, or drugs are prohibited.