Frequently Asked Questions

Covid-19

Sitka Fine Arts Camp is excited to be offering Camp 2021. We are confident in our multilayered approach to COVID-19 risk mitigation. The plan is based on recommendations from: 

• Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)
• Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS)
• American Camp Association (ACA) 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The information below is subject to change as recommendations evolve. 

1. What is SFAC doing to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19? Changes in Camp 2021 may include, and are not limited to, lower enrollment, adjusted class offerings to promote physical distancing, active health monitoring and testing, cloth face coverings, lower density dining, lower density housing, dedicated quarantine space for any member of the camp community who tests positive for COVID-19, increased cleaning and disinfection, and a community agreement for health and safety guidelines. Students may be asked to self-isolate at home before camp and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to their arrival.
2. Are face masks required? We follow CDC mask guidelines. As of fall 2020, students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear cloth face coverings on campus. Students can remove masks to eat during meals and for select arts activities like playing a brass or woodwind instrument.
3. My student has a specific health issue I’m concerned about, who should I contact? SFAC recommends parents and guardians consult their child’s medical provider to assess their risk factors in attending camp. Our registrar can also help connect you with appropriate resources. Email office@fineartscamp.org or call 907-747-3085. 
4. Is Sitka Fine Arts Camp a bubble (closed) environment? No, we will operate as a contained campus as much as possible, restricting visitors, guests, and community participation as well as limiting trips off campus by students, staff, and faculty. Due to the physical limitations of our campus, we are not able to create a bubble camp or closed environment for the camp community.
5. Are you requiring vaccinations (chicken pox, measles, etc.?) Are there exceptions? We require the same school vaccinations required by Alaska DHSS. If you have specific concerns, reach out to our Registrar at office@fineartscamp.org. If a coronavirus vaccine is available to the general public by next summer, students will be required to receive the vaccine before they attend camp.
6. What health services are available to students? SFAC partners with SEARHC (Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium) for health care. SEARHC has a Primary Care Center, a full Community Access Hospital, an emergency room, three COVID-19 testing units, negative pressure rooms, and ventilators at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center. In addition to an on-call nurse who dispenses medications and addresses health concerns as they arise, SFAC also has access to a 24/7 nurseline, a COVID-19 hotline, and a helpline offering mental health resources.
7. What happens if my child shows symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19? If your child shows COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive, we will move them to a designated dorm and we will contact you immediately. We are committed to caring for your child and continuing their camp experience through virtual classes and meetings with faculty, hands on activities with art supplies delivered to their room, and streamed performances. Meals and snacks will be delivered. Students may need to stay in Sitka after their session ends, due to quarantine restrictions. Additional expenses related to health care or an extended stay will be the responsibility of the student’s family. 
8. What happens if my child has been in contact with someone with COVID-19? Sitka Fine Arts Camp will work with the Department of Health and Social Services to determine if your child needs to be quarantined. If your child is determined to be a close contact, they will need to quarantine according to DHSS guidelines. We are committed to caring for your child and continuing their camp experience through virtual classes and meetings with faculty, hands on activities with art supplies delivered to their rooms, and streamed performances. Meals and snacks will be delivered. Students may need to stay in Sitka after their session ends, due to quarantine restrictions. Additional expenses related to health care or an extended stay will be the responsibility of the student’s family. 
9. How long is quarantine? According to Alaska DHSS Quarantine Regulations as of November, 2020:
   • Students who test positive for COVID-19: Quarantine will last for 10 days after the first symptom or positive test, whichever is earlier. After 10 days, students may resume activities or travel when they have not had a fever in 24 hours without fever reducing medicine, as long as their other symptoms are improving. 
   • Students who are identified as contacts: Quarantine will last for 14 days after the last contact with the positive individual.
10. What is the refund policy? Tuition is fully refundable, less the non-refundable deposit until May 1. After May 1, tuition is non refundable. If SFAC cancels camp at any point, tuition is refundable including the deposit. A $50 late fee will be charged for late payments. Students who have an unpaid tuition balance after May 1 may forfeit their enrollment in the program.
11. What if summer programs are cancelled? We are optimistic that we will be able to implement in-person camp in the summer of 2021 and continue to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our students, staff, faculty, and community remain our top priority. If we need to cancel camp based on current recommendations by health authorities, we will let you know as soon as possible and refund tuition, including tuition deposits.
12. Is camp insurance available? Yes, we partner with Trip Mate to offer "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage. Insurance is available for purchase during registration. 
13. Should I wait to register for camp? Our current plan has reduced enrollment and we expect space will fill quickly. We recommend registering early to reserve your child's spot. 

REGISTRATION

1. How do I sign up for camp? Registration opens at midnight AKST on January 1st at www.fineartscamp.org. Our programs fill up quickly so we highly recommend signing up as soon as possible. Registration means providing information about your student and paying a non-refundable deposit to reserve your child’s spot. Additional paperwork like the health history form, teacher recommendation and are due throughout the spring. See you child’s program page for required paperwork and deadlines.
2. What happens when a program is full? Camp registration is open on a first come, first served basis. When a program is full, we start a waitlist. Students are accepted off the waitlist based on class availability and housing at the discretion of Sitka Fine Arts Camp.
3. If my student has previously attended camp, does he or she still need to turn in a teacher’s recommendation form this year? Yes. We do not keep the Teacher Recommendation forms from year to year. Any educator, teacher, or adult outside the student’s family who is familiar with their academic or artistic work can complete the Teacher Recommendation. 
4. What should I do if I cannot access my camp account or forgot my password? Call the camp office 907-747-3085 or email office@fineartscamp.org. Please do not create a new account.

ELementary camp

​How do classes work? In the morning Discovery Session, we believe it is important for young students to be exposed to a variety of art forms and new experiences. Each day, students attend 4 classes. A typical schedule includes music, movement, visual arts, and theater. SFAC schedules classes and creates groups based on age and grade level.

CAMP LIFE & HOMESICKNESS

1. What does a typical day look like? Each morning and afternoon, students attend classes. After class, students choose from a variety of rec time activities including sports, games, open mics, reading and writing cafes, arts activities and more, run by the counseling staff. During middle school and high school camp, each evening features an Artshare performance put on by the camp faculty. Dormitory students attend a hall meeting each night before lights out to build community and reflect on their day.
   
2. How can my student get the most out of camp? The single most important aspect in getting the most out of camp is to attend classes well rested and healthy. Students should get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and make healthy eating decisions. Parents and guardians can prepare their child before arriving by reminding them that camp is a place to have new experiences and challenges. A big part of the camp experience is learning to have success in a new and different setting. It helps to arrive with an open mind and positive attitude. We have found that students are most successful when given space from home and cell phone/screen use so that they are able to be present in their learning and creativity.
3. What if my student is homesick? It is not unusual for students of all ages to miss home and family in the first few days of camp, especially if it is a student’s first extended time away from home. Camp staff are trained to recognize homesickness and work especially hard to keep students busy and engaged in the camp atmosphere. When homesick campers are able to engage with new friends and activities at camp, they discover that camp is fun and safe, providing them with a new, profound sense of independence and discovery. We recommend that parents allow their child to work through homesickness with limited contact with home (family/friends), so it is easier to engage in the camp environment.
4. ​What is the dormitory like for dorm students? Residential students are housed in dormitories on the Sitka Fine Arts Camp Campus. A shared bathroom is a short walk down the hall. Students are housed on floors by gender. Each room generally houses two students, though some rooms are larger. Lights out is at 9:30 pm for middle school camp and at 10:00 pm for high school camp and intensives. Dormitories are unheated in the summer months. Make sure your child packs a warm sleeping bag or warm bedding and extra clothing layers. Summer in Sitka can be chilly.
5. Can students request roommates for camp? Students may submit the name of one friend on the roommate request portion of the registration form. Sitka Fine Arts Camp honors roommate requests where possible, but they are not guaranteed. Students who attend multiple camps can list one roommate request for each session.
6. What if my student has dietary restrictions? Our dining hall offers a variety of healthy choices at all meals. SFAC is able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Be sure to include any dietary restrictions and allergies on the Health History form during registration, as this allows our staff to plan for the summer. If you are concerned about your child’s dietary restrictions at camp, please contact the camp office at 907-747-3085.
7. What kind of adult supervision do students have? The primary responsibility of all camp staff is the safety and well-being of each student. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:10. Counselors live on student residential halls and provide supervision and guidance for students throughout camp. Students must check in twice a day with their counselor and attendance is taken for each class period.
8. Who are the counselors? Our counselors are students or recent graduates from various colleges and universities throughout the country.  Prior to camp, they participate in intensive training on supporting student health, safety, and well-being. The counseling staff are supervised by our highly experienced residential administrative team.
9. What is the weather like? In Sitka, it can rain for days on end or be sunny for the entire camp. Be prepared for both extremes. Summer temperatures can range from 40-80 degrees. Dressing in layers is recommended. The average temperature is in the 50s. Residential dormitories can be cold at night. Camp 2021 may also include some outdoor classes and meals. We recommend packing warm layers and bedding. 
10. Do dorm students have the opportunity to do laundry at camp? (TBD for Camp 2021).Yes, dorm students have the option to do laundry. Students should bring quarters and soap is provided. The cost is $2.50 per load which includes washing and drying.
11. Can my student receive mail at camp? Yes, please address mail to: Student Name and Session (example: Mary Smith, Middle School Camp), c/o Sitka Fine Arts Camp, 110 College Drive Suite #111, Sitka, AK 99835. SFAC is unable to forward camper mail that arrives after the recipient’s camp session.
12. Is there a camp lost and found? The counseling staff does its best to reconnect students with their missing items during camp. Families are responsible for the shipping and handling expenses should an item need to be returned after the session is over. All Lost and Found items are donated or discarded one week after each camp session ends.
13. Can friends and family members visit students at camp? (TBD for Camp 2021). In previous summers: family and friends are welcome at the evening art share performances and the final performances.
14. Can my student be checked out from the campus during camp? (TBD for Camp 2021). In previous summers: Students may be checked out by an authorized adult during approved check-out times. An authorized adult is a parent/guardian or “authorized grown-up,” which can be added on the student’s CampInTouch account. To check a student out, an authorized adult must meet the student at the Student Support Center in Sweetland Hall, present a valid photo ID to staff, and sign the student out by recording their contact information/anticipated return time. Students must return to campus by the end of the check-out period and sign back in immediately upon their return to campus at the Student Support Center before returning to their hall check-in.​​ Approved check-out times are:

• On normal camp days, from 4:00pm (MS) / 4:30pm (HS) - 6:30pm. 
• On Sunday Recreation Day, from 9:00am - 6:00pm. 
• On Final Performance days, from 4:00pm (MS) / 4:30pm (HS) - 6:00pm. 

Middle School & High School Classes

1. What is the process for assigning classes? For 2021, we anticipate a class catalog release in early March. We will notify families in advance by email. Students have a week after the release to consider class options and to submit their preferences. There are five class periods a day, and each student will select their top 5 choices for each period. Student priority for class choices is based in part on when students sign up for camp. Students who do not turn in required forms by the deadline will lose their priority status.
2. Does my student need to bring their instrument to camp for music classes? Yes, students should bring their personal instruments to camp with the exception of: percussion, drums and piano. Rock band students should bring guitars and guitar cords. Camp will provide amplifiers. Percussionist/drummers are required to bring sticks and mallets. If your student plays an instrument that is difficult to transport to camp, contact the camp office during registration to see if any rental instruments are available, office@fineartscamp.org. The cost to rent an available instrument is $75.00 per camp session.
3. What type of camera will my student need for photography class? For dark-room photography class, students will be provided with a camera. For digital photography class, students should bring a digital camera with a memory card. Recommended: DSLR camera (Nikon D3500, Canon Rebel, or equivalent). Please contact 907-747-3085 or office@fineartscamp.org for more information.
4. Can I get school credit? High School Camp students can enroll in University of Alaska Southeast ART S093, which is considered a college preparatory class. The 093 designation does not count toward a college degree, but can be applied toward high school graduation (if the high school allows). Musical Theater Camp students (in grade 9 or higher) can enroll in the University of Alaska THR S219 T01: Theater Performance, which holds 3 college-level credits. The cost for the class is $90.00. Be sure to contact UAS before the Camp session to make arrangements. Contact UAS for details at 907-747-7700. Registration Form

camp nurse & medications​

1. What Health Services are on site? A registered nurse is on call 24 hours a day to provide health services to students. In addition, the nurse’s office has open hours during all meals and after evening Art Shares. See Our COVID-19 Mitigation plan for more details for Camp 2021.
   
2. How does my student take their medication at Camp? Medication should be brought in its original packaging inside a ziplock bag labeled with the student’s name, medication name, dosage directions, and the name and phone number of the prescribing physician. Medication should be turned into the Camp nurse upon arrival and students are expected to go to the nurse’s office to receive their medication.

TRAVEL

Click here to see student travel information and requirements.

FINANCIAL AID

Is financial aid available?​ Need-based financial aid is available. See this page for more information. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Camp 2021 applications will be reviewed after January 1.

​CELL PHONE POLICY

What is the camp cell phone policy?

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP

• Like many schools and camps around the country, Sitka Fine Arts Camp is now an electronics-free camp model for its middle school camp. An electronics-free camp allows our students to be present and engaged in their experience and allows camp staff to provide safe supervision of camp students.
• Students may bring their cell phones to camp, but they must check in their phones to counseling staff at the beginning of camp. Dorm students may check their phone out to call home for 15 minutes before lights out.*
• Day students are advised to leave their cell phones at home, unless they are needed for travel. Day students who bring their phones to camp may keep their devices in their possession, but are not permitted to use their devices during the camp day (classes, meals, passing periods, rec time, or Art Shares). They may use their cell phone to contact their parent(s)/guardian(s) before or after classes to arrange transportation plans.
• Students should leave other electronic devices at home. Devices brought to camp will be turned in to counselors at the beginning of camp and 
• * Students who live on the East Coast can visit the Student Support Center during lunch to call their families.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP & MUSICAL THEATER CAMP

• Students are welcome to bring their cell phones to camp, but are expected to approach cell phones as would an artistic professional. Students may use their phones as required by their teacher for class and practice/outside of class work as well as during evening free time. Dorm students may use their phones to make calls from after Art Share until lights out (excluding hall meetings). Students who use phones inappropriately or outside of these parameters will receive a warning, and afterwards may be confiscated for the remainder of camp.
  
• ​Students should leave other wifi-enabled and gaming devices at home unless needed for travel. Devices brought to camp will be treated with the same policy as cell phones.

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If there is an emergency at home, parents can contact their child by calling the Camp office 907-747-3085.

​REFUND POLICY

What is the refund policy? Tuition is fully refundable, less the non-refundable deposit until May 1. After May 1, tuition is non refundable. If SFAC cancels camp at any point, tuition is refundable including the deposit. A $50 Late-Fee will be charged for late payments. Students who have an unpaid tuition balance after May 1 may forfeit their enrollment in the program.​ Starting in 2021, Program Protector Insurance is available through Trip Mate during registration. 

All SFAC policies stated in this FAQ are subject to change at any time as determined by SFAC staff, based on the needs of the organization to provide a safe, fun, and sustainable learning environment for our students.