Download a PDF of DelMNS Camp Waivers
Camp Waivers and Code of Conduct
Emergency Waiver
In an emergency:
- I authorize my child to receive first aid and, if needed, emergency transportation to the nearest hospital.
- I understand I am responsible for any medical costs incurred.
- DelMNS Medical Response Team will share relevant health information (e.g., insurance, medications, allergies) with medical personnel, as provided on the camp registration form.
- Per state regulations in Title 16, museum staff are NOT permitted to administer medication.
Camp Waivers and Release of Liability
I permit my child to participate in the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science Camp Program. I certify that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms below.
- I am responsible for submitting required forms and payments by the specified deadline. Failure to submit these forms may result in the cancellation of my registration.
- I acknowledge the risks associated with camp activities and permit my child to participate, releasing the museum from liability for any injuries or damages.
- Supplies, facilities, and equipment are subject to availability and that program details are subject to change.
- Camp activities may include crafts, indoor and outdoor play, and hikes, which can involve risks such as mosquitos, bees, ticks, poison ivy, uneven terrain, and varied weather conditions.
- I will ensure my child is properly dressed for activities and provide insect repellent and sunscreen. Museum staff will NOT supply these items, NOR may they assist with application.
- In case of illness, injury, or accident, I authorize camp staff or any museum employee to seek medical treatment for my child, including signing necessary forms. In an emergency, I will be notified as soon as possible and will cover any medical expenses, including transportation.
- I accept the risks associated with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and understand the museum is not liable if my child or household contracts the virus.
- I understand campers may be dismissed for inappropriate behavior WITHOUT refunding fees for unattended days. I agree to pay for any damage caused by my child to museum property.
- I understand that due to space and ratio limitations, DelMNS may split up camp sessions based off of attendance numbers. If I would like to request that my camper be grouped with other specific campers for their camp session, I will fill out this information during registration online, or will contact camps@delmns.org. I will include the first and last names of all campers I request to have grouped together. I understand that DelMNS cannot guarantee that campers will be grouped with other specific campers.
- In consideration of my application and permitting my child to participate in this activity, I hereby: WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, their trustees, officers, employees, volunteers, entities or other persons released, for my child’s death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to them including their traveling to and from this activity. I also INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, their trustees, officers, employees, volunteers, or other entities or persons released from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise. The Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form shall be constructed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable laws. The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, their trustees, directors, officers, and all their employees, acting officially or otherwise are hereby released from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action on account of any injury to my child that may occur. This release binds my heirs, executors, administrators, and/or assigns.
Participant Code of Conduct
We advise you review this with your campers prior to their attendance at camp. Staff will also review a version of this with the class during “establish classroom names” portion of the day.
My camper and I agree to:
1. Respect other participants and treat them as we wish to be treated. This includes sharing camp supplies with other campers (not including food).
2. Respect museum staff and follow their instructions at all times.
3. Stay with my group/instructor and in designated areas at all times.
4. Follow program rules and conduct ourselves responsibly.
5. Use kind and appropriate language.
6. Refrain from unkind behaviors, including horseplay and teasing.
7. Keep myself to myself. Avoid causing harm to others; pushing, kicking, biting, hitting, or fighting is prohibited.
8. Keep my feet on the ground/floor.
9. Use museum equipment and facilities properly, including during group play.
10. Respect others’ property, rights and beliefs.
11. Leave nature in nature.
12. Take responsibility for our actions, understanding that inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary action.
Positive Behavior Policy
In accordance with Title 14 of Delaware Code:
1. FIRST INCIDENT: In the event a camper is not following our Code of Conduct, staff member shall:
a. Intervene quickly to ensure the safety of children and others.
b. Redirect children by suggesting other acceptable behaviors.
c. Escort the child to a different setting when necessary and speak so children understand their feelings are important and acceptable, but their disruptive behavior is not.
d. Will be reminded of Code of Conduct.
e. Before rejoining the group or at another time, a staff member will communicate with the child in ways that encourages the child to make better decisions in the future
2. SECOND INCIDENT: If behavior continues, staff will document and inform guardian. Documentation will include:
a. Behavior problem
b. What lead up to the problem
c. Corrective action taken:
- Redirection to a more acceptable behavior
- Conflict resolution guidance
- Problem solving support
- Practice and modeling of appropriate behaviors
- Supervised time-out
- Positive reinforcement for good behaviors where possible
3. THIRD INCIDENT: The child will be dismissed from the program without a refund.
4. We have a Zero-Tolerance policy:
a. DelMNS reserves the right to terminate enrollment at any time. The following behaviors are NOT acceptable, and may result in immediate suspension or dismissal of a child:
| Endangering the health and safety of children and/or staff, members, and volunteers |
| Stealing or damaging DelMNS or personal property |
| Leaving the program, group, or DelMNS grounds without permission (Elopement) |
| Continuing to disrupt the program and other participants in the program. |
| Refusing to follow the behavior guidelines or program rules |
| Using profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity frequently |
| Acting in a lewd manner |
b. SERIOUS MISCONDUCT: For severe behavior (e.g., bullying, fighting), the parent/guardian must pick up the child, and a meeting with DelMNS staff will be required before the child can return.
The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, at its discretion, may change, delete, suspend, or discontinue all or parts of this waiver in its entirety, at any time, without prior notice. Final discipline decisions are determined by the Supervisor on duty, Director of Education, Interim Camp & Scout Coordinator, and/or Executive Director.
Medical/Immunizations
Title 14: Child Health Exclusions
We will not permit a camper who has symptoms of illness listed below to be admitted to or remain at the camp. The camper may only return when the symptoms are gone or with documentation from a health care provider, stating the child has been diagnosed and the illness or symptoms pose no serious health risk to the child or to other children. The symptoms for exclusion must include, but not be limited to, the following:
| Symptoms of Illness for Exclusion Includes: |
| Temperature of 101 °F or higher without medication accompanied by behavior changes or symptoms of illness; |
| Symptoms of possible severe illness, such as unusual tiredness, uncontrolled coughing, unexplained irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs |
| Diarrhea; two or more times of loose stool during the past 24 hours, or if diarrhea is accompanied by fever, exclude for 48 hours after the symptoms end |
| Blood in stools not due to change in diet, medication, or hard stools; |
| Vomiting; two or more times in the past 24 hours, or one time if accompanied by a fever until 48 hours after the symptoms end or until a health care provider determines the vomiting is not contagious and the child is not in danger of dehydration |
| Ongoing stomach pain (more than two hours) or off-and-on pain due to a fever or other symptom |
| Mouth sores with drooling |
| Rash with fever or behavior change |
| Purulent conjunctivitis “pink eye” (defined as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye discharge), until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment |
| Scabies, until 24 hours after starting treatment |
| Pediculosis “head lice” or nits, until 24 hours after starting treatment |
| Tuberculosis, as directed by DPH |
| Impetigo, until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and sores are dry |
| Strep throat or other streptococcal infection, until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment; |
| Varicella-Zoster “chicken pox,” until all sores have crusted and are dry (usually six days); |
| Shingles, only if sores cannot be covered by clothing or a bandage; if not, exclude until sores have crusted and are dry |
| Pertussis, until completing five days of antibiotic treatment |
| Mumps, until five days after onset of glandular swelling |
| Hepatitis A virus, until one week after onset of jaundice, or as directed by DPH |
| Measles, until four days after arrival of rash |
| Rubella, until seven days after arrival of rash |
| Herpetic gingivostomatitis “cold sores,” if the child is too young to have control of saliva |
| Unspecified short-term illness, not chronic illness, if the child is unable to participate in activities or the camp cannot provide care for this child and the other children |
Epi-Pen/Auvi-Q
If my child has an Epi-Pen/Auvi-Q prescription, I will provide a FARE Emergency Care Plan and ensure the auto-injector is at camp under lock & key at all times until it may be needed. My child MUST know how to self-administer.
Program Device Policy
Our programs prohibit the use of personal electronics during all hours. Guardians are not advised to send campers with any devices that cannot be easily replaced due to damage, loss, or being stolen. DelMNS is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items. If campers do bring these with them, we require them to be turned off and kept in their own backpacks with other personal belongings. These items create a distraction and can disrupt daily activities. This includes but is not limited to:
- Cell Phones
- Smart Watches
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Accessories
Personal Items Policy
Our programs prohibit the following personal items to be brought from home to camp as they may become damaged and/or create distractions. Parents/guardians are not advised to send campers with any personal items that cannot be easily replaced due to damage, loss, or being stolen. DelMNS is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items. If a camper brings any of these items are noticed in a camper’s possession, staff will immediately have them return it to their backpack. This includes but is not limited to:
- Toys
- Stuffies
- Books
- Cards
Immunization Records
For ALL camp sessions, I will provide my child’s current immunization records to DelMNS at least one week before the first camp session, as required by Delaware law. A COVID-19 vaccination is not required. In lieu of immunization records, a notarized religious exemption form is acceptable to attend camps. I understand that my camper will NOT be able to attend any DelMNS camps without these required documents being submitted to and received by DelMNS.
Media Release Form
I grant the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science permission to record and use my child’s likeness and/or voice in media related to the museum’s educational and marketing programs.