Before Care – Is not offered for Spring Break Camp

Aftercare services are exclusively provided to campers enrolled in the program and unavailable to anyone not registered in the session.

AFTERCAR

Aftercare hours are 3:15 – 5:30PM

Snack included 35 minutes of circus programming, movie time-schedule available upon request.
Single-day rates for aftercare are $35 per day. Subject to availability.   

Campers not picked up by 5:30PM will incur a $5 dollar charge, per camper, for every one (1) minute past 5:30. 

While we understand that things can happen that are out of our control, it’s imperative that you have a reliable backup during those times, as late pick-ups will not be tolerated.

To ensure the safety of all campers and staff, the CAC has implemented a policy that prohibits parents, guardians, and visitors from entering the arena during camp hours. Additionally, the doors and gates of the campus and arena will be securely locked from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM every day. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals attending camp and will be enforced without exception.

Once the camp begins, all parents or guardians are required to leave the campus.

To contact the camp staff, use Remind. Review the Remind tab. Or call 941-355-9335 ex 300.

Group Requests

We understand that you may prefer to be placed in a particular group, but we cannot guarantee that we can fulfill every request. Our team will do their best to accommodate your preferences, but please remember that it may not always be feasible. We strive to group campers with their friends, but our process may not always permit it. If your child is not assigned to their friend’s group, we apologize, but we cannot honor requests to switch groups due to the high number of campers we have each week; it would be impossible to make changes for everyone.

Good to know: Throughout the day, all campers convene in the arena, a spacious open area. This means that your camper will still be near their friends even if your requests cannot be fulfilled.

Campers are divided into two (2) groups: a home group and an act group. They will spend time in both groups during the day.

​Home Group: Our camp organizes campers into home groups according to their age. Each group is led by one counselor and two to three junior counselors. We assign campers to their home group (by age) before camp begins, and they cannot be rearranged for any reason.

​Showcase Act Group: Campers will be placed in an act group that matches their interests and abilities. The groups will include individuals of all ages and will be led by a counselor. This counselor may or may not be the same counselor as the camper’s home group counselor. The act group assignments will be given to campers at the end of the first day. 

Click the link below to learn how to register for camp –

HOW TO REGISTER FOR CAMP

Location/Parking: 2075 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, FL 34239. The arena is located on the northside of Bahia Vista St. (Building with the blue and white metal roof). Enter the Sarasota High School parking lot adjacent to the east side of the building. Click HERE for Drop Off & Pick Up MAP 

Drop Off/Pick Up:  Parents / guardians, park and walk your child through the gate with our “Circus Entrance” banner on the fence. Students should never be dropped off/ picked up in the staff parking lot/ticket sales lot by our main office. Wait outside the doors. Check in begins at 8;55am when staff opens the doors. Walk your child inside for check in. Once camp begins parents/guardians will be required to leave the campus, we do not allow spectators or visitors during camp hours. 

For the safety and security f campers and staff the arena doors will remain locked from 9:30 – 2:30.  

For pick up, wait outside the same doors and a staff member will open the doors when check out begins. 

Late drop off / Early Pick Up – Use Remind to alert staff and they will bring your child to the main doors.    

Hours: Regular camp hours are 9am-3pm. (Drop off begins at 8:55am) After care hours are 3:10pm-5:30pm

LUNCH & SNACKS

• Water Bottle: Campers need to bring a refillable water bottle with their name on it.
• Lunch and snacks: The CAC does not have refrigerators or microwaves for campers. Pack a ready to eat, non refrigerated lunch and two snacks each day.    
• Campers will have three breaks daily, two for snacks and one for lunch.
• The CAC does not provide snacks or lunches. 

CAMP ATTIRE

• Shoes required, any type. 
• Long hair: All campers must wear a hair tie or have their hair up if it’s long. (For both safety and performances.) 
• No pajamas, cargo shorts, or jeans.

Recommended Items:

• Leotards
• Biketards
• Leggings 
• Shorts
• Tee shirts
• Gym shorts 
• Sliders, or Leggings for all aerialists
• Campers should wear clothing that is easy to move in and appropriate for being upside down.

SHOWCASE

• Tights: On the last day of the camp session, girl campers are required to wear skin-colored tights, either footed or footless, for the showcase. (not included in tuition)
  • Tights may be purchased at Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. 
  • Any brand 
  • No patterns allowed
  • The color of the camper’s skin should be matched.
  • Footed, footless, or convertible (google it) 
  • For campers attending multiple sessions, it is recommended that you purchase convertible tights.
  • Footed tights may need to be cut by our staff depending on the act
    • Please be advised that showcase items (tights, etc) must be dropped off on Friday morning of the showcase, along with the camper. It is imperative to understand that parents will not be granted access to the campus during the day for the purpose of dropping off items.

PERSONAL ITEMS

• NO jewelry, watches, or other valuables are allowed at camp
• NO Electronics such as cell phones, laptops, mini computers, iPods, MP3 players, e-readers, money or checks, and portable game consoles.
• The CAC does not have secure lockers for personal storage.
• The CAC is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items brought to camp.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Personal hygiene is very important for our health and safety. Body-to-body contact inevitably leads to the spreading of germs, so keep your child’s body clean.
• All cuts or open wounds must be covered with a bandage.
• Campers may not share clothes, hair ties, combs, or hair brushes.
• Campers may not share drinking containers.
• Campers must wash their hands often and use the hand sanitizers located throughout the facility.
• We do our best to keep the facility and equipment clean with regular sanitary maintenance. We ask our campers follow to do the same.

Showcase: The Friday showcase is a private event exclusively for camper families and is not open to the public.

Girls: Day of the showcase, girls are required to have tights matching their skin tone, No patterns. Can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. Tights should be brought to camp on Friday morning at drop-off. Dress rehearsal will be in the morning. If the camper does not have their tights the parents CAN NOT drop them off later in the day.  

Boys: Camp staff will notify you if you need to bring anything on Friday. Bring any necessary items on Friday at drop off.  

Costumes: All costumes and costume pieces are the property of The CAC and may not be taken off campus. Includes all hair pieces, hats, and accessories. 

Doors open at 3:15, performance starts at 3:30, and lasts 45-60 Minutes. 

• All campers are dismissed once they have changed out of their costumes.  (No aftercare on Friday) 

REFUNDS: 

Until 14 days before Spring Break Camp starts, refunds can be requested with a $75 admin fee deduction. There will be no refunds if the camp session is purchased within 14 days of the start of camp.

There are no refunds for campers dismissed from the program due to disciplinary reasons, for campers found with evidence of lice (see our lice/nit policy), for campers who choose to withdraw early from a program already in session or for campers who choose to withdraw before the start of their scheduled session.

Camper can not attend due to COVID: camper or family member has COVID no refunds will be given. If space is available in a Summer camp session the camper may be moved to a session with open spots.

Cancellation requests must be emailed to Tonia Bichler at Tonia@circusarts.org 

No refunds will be given for:

• Purchases made within 14 days of the start of camp.
• Campers dismissed from the program due to disciplinary reasons
• Campers found with evidence of lice (see our lice/nit policy)
• Campers who choose to withdraw early from a program already in session
• Campers who choose to withdraw before the start of their scheduled session.
• Campers sick with a flu or virus.
• Camper can not attend due to COVID
  • Camper or family member has COVID
  • Camper or family member has COVID-If space is available in another session the camper may be moved to a session with open spots (one time).
  • Camper or family member has COVID-If all remaining sessions are full or the camper can not attend another / open session for any reason, no refunds will be given.

MEDICAL REFUNDS : If a camper leaves due to an injury incurred at camp, a prorated portion of the tuition may be refunded. If a camper is injured prior to attending a scheduled session or is injured during the session outside of camp and it prohibits them from participating, we will consider a refund upon review of the doctor’s note.  A doctor’s note must be received prior to the start of the camp session in order to be considered for a refund.  Any tuition refunded will incur a $50 admin fee. Camp reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule without setting precedent.

Camper can not attend due to COVID(camper or family member)  or any other illness,  no refunds will be given. If space is available in another session the camper may be moved to a session with open spots. If all remaining session are full or camper can not attend another session for any reason, no refunds will be given.

Need-Based Scholarships

Scholarships may be available to local campers whose families meet the financial need criteria.

To apply for a need-based scholarship, please click here.

Applications will accepted till February 2 or until allotted scholarship funds are disbursed.

CAMP ENROLLMENT
Is secure once payment in full is collected, and all forms are completed and returned to the Circus Arts Conservatory

REGISTRATION FEE
No Registration Fees: Failure to complete the registration form at the time of purchase will result in a $25 late fee per form.

CAMP HOURS
Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers should arrive at 8:55 am and must be picked up by 3:10 pm

BEFORE CARE

Not offered for Spring Break camp.

AFTERCARE

Aftercare is only available to campers enrolled in the session.
Aftercare hours are 3:15 – 5:30PM   Monday – Thursday
You can enroll for the entire week or opt for single-day rates. However, please note that single-days are subject to availability.   

While we understand that things can happen that are out of our control, it’s imperative that you have a reliable backup during those times, as late pick-ups will not be tolerated.

ENROLLMENT
Campers are enrolled on a first-come, first served basis as per the date of receipt of the registration application in Mindbody and the Google Registration Form. Confirmation of enrollment and receipt will be sent via email through MindBody.

WAITING LIST
You may enroll on the waitlist through MindBody when a camp session fills.  Applicants will be notified if space becomes available by email/phone. Tuition fees are not processed until applicants are placed in a session. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified via email and have 24 hours to reply. After 24 hours, the spot will be given to the next camper on the waitlist.

REFUNDS

Refunds may be requested up to 10 days before the start of the camp session, and a $75 admin fee will be deducted. After ten days, there will not be any refunds. Cancellation requests must be emailed to Tonia Bichler at Tonia@circusarts.org.  

There are no refunds for campers dismissed from the program due to disciplinary reasons, or for campers found with evidence of lice (see our lice/nit policy), or for campers who choose to withdraw early from a program already in session. Refunds will not be given or days prorated due to inclement weather or any other reason the CAC would need to close the campus.

Refunds will not be given due to camper groups. If a camp group request can not be accommodated, no refund will be given if the camper chooses to withdraw from the session.

MEDICAL REFUNDS

If a camper leaves due to an injury incurred at camp, a prorated portion of the tuition may be refunded. If a camper is injured before attending a scheduled session and it prohibits them from participating, we will consider a refund upon reviewing the doctor’s note.  A doctor’s note must be received prior to the start of the camp session in order to be considered for a refund.  Any tuition refunded will incur a $50 admin fee. Camp reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule without setting a precedent.

COVID 19: campers unable to attend to due to Covid 19 will not receive a refund.

RELEASE

Parents/Guardians are required to sign a general release and waiver of liability and indemnity agreement before the camper is placed in a session. In addition to a release, proof of insurance is required for all campers.

CAMP POLICIES

PARKING/ DROP OFF /PICK UP
Parking is in the Sarasota High School Parking lot ONLY. Park and walk your child to the main doors by the Circus Entrance Banner located in the Sarasota High School Parking lot. Pick-up will be at the same doors students are dropped off.

VISITORS
Circus camp is a closed space, and we do not allow parents or guests to spectate during camp.  Parents, guardians, and visitors are not allowed to stay during camp sessions.

SNACKS

• Campers need to bring two snacks per day.
• Bring a water bottle to refill during the day.
• We do not allow soda, gum or candy.

LUNCH

• Campers must bring their lunch.
• Microwaves are not available for campers to heat their lunches.
• Please note that refrigerators are not available for campers. Kindly pack your lunches accordingly.

ATTIRE

• Campers should wear clothing that is easy to move in and appropriate for being upside down.
• Circus girls should wear leotards or one-piece bathing suits with leggings or shorts to go over leotards, hair ties (hair must be up if long), and shoes.
• Circus boys should wear tee shirts, gym shorts, briefs (no boxer shorts), sliders or leggings for aerialists, and shoes.
• Girl campers must wear tights matching their skin tone on Friday MORNING.

PERSONAL ITEMS

The CAC does not have secure lockers for personal storage. The CAC is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items brought to camp. Items to leave at home: 

• Jewelry, watches, or other valuables are not allowed at camp
• Electronics such as cell phones, laptops, mini computers, iPods, MP3 players, e-readers, and portable game consoles.
• Money, checks, or debit/credit cards.
• Leave valuables at home

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Personal hygiene is essential for our health and safety. Body-to-body contact inevitably leads to the spreading of germs, so keep your child’s body clean.
• All cuts or open wounds must be covered with a bandage.
• Campers may not share clothes, hair ties, combs, or brushes.
• Campers may not share drinking containers.
• Campers must wash their hands often and use the hand sanitizers located throughout the facility.
• We do our best to keep the facility and equipment clean with regular sanitary maintenance. We ask our campers to do the same.

CODE OF CONDUCT

• All campers will adhere to the full values contract below. Full Values Contract is a verbal agreement within a group to try, support, and encourage everyone to achieve their personal best.
• The F.V.C. is used to secure the bonds of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication in a learning environment.
• We will ask the campers to abide by the following philosophy: “I will try everything and be respectful to my instructors; I will try everything and support and encourage myself and my friends; I will model this behavior all the time because I am a leader by example”.
• Parents, please discuss examples of good behavior with your children to aid in the cohesion and flow of camp functions.
• The consequence for not adhering to this policy is removal from camp activities, removal from the showcase or dismissal from camp.
• Bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

SHOWCASE DETAILS  

• A private showcase for campers’ families will be held on Friday at 3:30 PM. Doors open at 3:15 PM.
• All costumes and costume pieces are the property of the CAC and may not be taken off campus.
• Campers are dismissed immediately after the showcase and changing out of their costume.
• No tickets are required.

Enrollment

• Campers are enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis as per the date of receipt of the registration form and fees
• Confirmation of enrollment and receipt will be sent via email through MindBody

Waiting List

• When a session is full, you will have the option to enroll on a waiting list.
• Family is notified via email / phone when space becomes available

Refunds

• Please see our Policies and Procedures Tab

Medical Refund Policy

• Please see our Policies and Procedures Tab

Release

• Parents/Guardians are required to sign a “General Release” and a “Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement” prior to a Circus Summer Camper being admitted
• Proof of insurance is required for all Circus Summer Campers

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