About

Frequently Asked Questions

Although many questions are answered below, please feel free to reach out via phone (201-253-0449) or email (olivia@hugsandbugsclub.com) anytime—we're happy to help!

About Camp & Themes:

What are the themes for each week?
Weekly themes are listed on our camp pages.

What does a typical day look like?
Days follow a gentle routine: warm welcomes and free play with friends, circle time (stories & songs), snacks, outdoor exploration, lunch, creative/messy art, and pick-up. We let children's energy guide timing—no strict clocks on fun! On beautiful days, we may spend the whole time outdoors; rainy days mix indoor coziness with puddle-jumping. No screen time ever—focus is on real connections, nature, and play.

How will I know what my child is doing each day?
Teachers share daily photos, videos, and activity recaps via a private parent app. You'll receive an invite before camp starts.

Do children take naps?
No. We do not incorporate nap times into the daily schedule.

Do you go outdoors every day? What if it rains?
Yes—outdoor play every day! Rainy days are magical: puddle-jumping, worm hunts, dirt digging, and nature potions. Send rain boots and a full muddy buddy suit/rain gear. We stay inside only for extreme weather (e.g., lightning/thunder).

Age Groups, Requirements & Drop-Off:

What age does my child need to be?

• Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs, 3-day afternoons 3–5pm): At least 2.5 years old by the first day of camp. Ideal for new drop-off experiences; not fully potty trained is OK.

• Ages 3–8 (full-day weekly 9am–2pm): At least 3 years old by March 1, 2026; must have prior drop-off experience and be fully potty trained.

Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children under 3 do not need to be potty trained—we support your methods and change diapers as needed. All children 3+ must be fully potty trained.

How do you support new drop-off experiences?
We use gentle, child-led separation with lots of love and patience. Caregivers can stay nearby initially. Prepare your child with positive talk about fun friends and activities. Tears are normal! We're ready with hugs and will call if you need to return. Our goal: build trust, strong bonds, and a sense of love/respect for your child.

Schedule, Locations & Logistics:

Do you offer early drop-off or extended day?

• Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs afternoons): Drop-off at 3pm; pick-up at 5pm (no add-ons).

• Ages 3–8 (full-day): Early drop-off at 8:30am; extended day until 4pm (subject to availability/enrollment).

Can I pick up my child early?
Yes! Just let us know in advance (e.g., for travel or shorter days), and we'll have your child ready.

Which location will my child attend?

• Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs afternoons): Always at our nurturing Willow space — 529 Willow Avenue.

• Ages 3–8 (full-day): Grouped by age across 537 Park Avenue and 529 Willow Avenue. Families receive notification of the assigned location shortly before camp starts.

What parks do you visit?
We love the nature areas of Church Square Park and the community garden (Park & 6th), plus other local green spots. A full list is shared before camp.

What should my child wear?
Each camper must wear the Hugs & Bugs Club tshirts every day. Each family will receive two shirts. Additional shirts are available for purchase at $15/each. Please also dress your child in clothes appropriate for messy outdoor play. Include at least one full change of clothes (shorts, shirt, underwear, and socks), all labeled. Any soiled clothing will be sent home each day in a bag. To prevent the risk of injury, please send your child in closed-toe shoes or sandals. No flip flops or open-toe sandals.

What should my child bring?
A labeled water bottle, healthy nut-free snack/lunch, change of clothes, and weather gear (e.g., rain boots, muddy buddy, sunscreen/hat). A detailed packing list comes closer to camp. Please see a full checklist at the bottom of this page.

Do children get frequent water breaks?
Yes, hydration is key! We remind children to drink often, refill bottles throughout the day, and top them off at pick-up.

Do children bring snack and/or lunch?
Yes, please pack a healthy, nut-free snack and lunch. We promote nutritious eating and notify families of class allergies.

My child has allergies. Are you nut-free? Can staff administer an EpiPen?
Hugs & Bugs Club is a nut-free zone: no nut products allowed. Staff are trained to administer EpiPens and follow emergency protocols (no other medications). We'll notify the group of other allergies and ask families to avoid those items.

Staff, Ratios & Safety:

What is your staff-to-child ratio?

• Full-day (3–8 yrs): No higher than 6:1 (up to 18 children at 537 Park Ave; up to 12 at 529 Willow Ave).

• Afternoon (2.5–4 yrs): No higher than 4:1 (up to 8 children).

Are staff CPR-certified and background-checked?
Yes, all staff are CPR-certified and pass criminal background checks.

Can parents stay and watch?
Camp is drop-off for smooth routines, but we welcome involvement! Coordinate with staff to join an activity or be a surprise story reader.

Registration, Policies & Refunds:

How do we register and pay?
Register securely on our site via Sawyer (credit/debit card only) for seamless, secure payments.

Are there discounts?
A 5% sibling discount applies at checkout (cannot combine with others).

Can we enroll for specific weeks?

• Little Bugs (2.5–4 yrs): Session-based only (full 6 weeks; no week swaps or changes).

• Ages 3–8: Weekly options available; daily drop-ins (4+) may open 1 week prior if space remains.

Do we get refunds/credits for missed days? No discounts, credits, make-ups, transfers or prorated refunds for missed days (illness, travel, emergencies)—no exceptions.

What happens if the camp/session is full? How does the waitlist work?
Join the waitlist—we email everyone if spots open. Registration then opens first-come, first-served (not based on waitlist order).

What is your health policy?
Keep your child home if they (or a household member) have had a fever (99°F+) or symptoms in the last 72 hours (including fever-reducer use). This includes COVID, flu, cold, RSV, etc. Pick-up within 10 minutes if illness develops at camp.

What is your vaccination policy?
Bring immunization records or an exemption letter. Children must stay home for at least 72 hours after any vaccination.

What is your refund policy?
Sawyer collects a non-refundable 3.5% processing fee on the full camp cost at booking.

• Full refund (minus 3.5% fees + $350 non-refundable deposit per week/session) if canceled in writing by April 1, 2026.

• 50% refund (minus 3.5% fees + deposit) if canceled by May 1, 2026.

• No refunds, credits, transfers after May 1, 2026—no exceptions (including illness, vacation, emergencies).
  We appreciate your understanding—this supports our small, local Hoboken business and reliable planning.

First Day Checklist

Please label every item with your child's name. (Teachers will use Sharpies on items without labels.)

• Clothes to get messy! Dress your child in clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Some days are messier than others and might not wash out. We plan activities and love encouraging child-led exploration!

• Indoor slippers or grippy socks to be worn inside only. These will stay at the studio.

• Muddy Buddy suit or rain gear for rainy days and puddle jumping.

• Rain boots: Bring as needed.

• Labeled, spill-proof water bottle filled with water only. No juice or milk. Water will be refilled throughout the day.

• Three packs of unscented sensitive-skin baby wipes (used for art projects, play, and general cleaning).

• One box of gallon-sized zip-lock bags.

• Bathing suit.

• Towel.

• Spray sunscreen. Please apply before arriving; we will reapply as needed.

• Water shoes with closed toes.

• Outdoor shoes or sandals with closed toes.

• At least one full change of clothes: shorts, shirt, underwear, and socks. All items labeled.

• Show & Tell item: a favorite toy or treasure to share with friends! This can be each day or once a week.

• Found items: Interesting rocks, sticks, or other nature finds make great art supplies, please bring them in!

• Labeled lunch filled with food your child enjoys. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.

• Labeled Daily snack: A fresh, healthy snack such as fruit, veggies, or cheese. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.

• Labeled Extended day snack: An additional snack if your child is staying for an extended day. Nut-free only. No candy, chocolate, cookies, or sugary treats.

Please Email the Following in ONE Email

Use your child's name as the subject line. Send everything in ONE email to hi@hugsandbugsclub.com so nothing gets missed:

• Immunization records or Letter of Exemption

• Completed online permission form (only needed once, even if enrolled in multiple weeks)

• Health intake form (Attached to welcome email. It is a fillable form for you to complete and attach).

• List of allergies with protocols. Please note if your child requires an EpiPen, a separate form is required

• Alternate pickup contacts: driver's license photo and phone number

• Early pickup notice: Please let us know if your child will be picked up earlier than 2pm.

• Adding Early Drop off: Please let us know if you would like to add this option.

• Adding Extended day: Please let us know if you would like to add this option.

• Preference for your child to be placed with a current friend. Please note, this is not guaranteed, but we will do our best.