Frequently Asked Questions
Musical Theater Camp FAQs
REGISTRATION
- How do I sign up for camp? Registration opens at midnight AKST on January 1st at www.fineartscamp.org. Registration means providing information about your student and paying a non-refundable deposit to reserve your child’s spot. Additional paperwork and an audition is due later in the spring. See you child’s program page for required paperwork and deadlines on the enrollment checklist.
- 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.
- 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.
- What should I do if I cannot access my camp account or forgot my password? First, try the password reset link on the login screen. Then call the camp office at 907-747-3085 or email [email protected]. Please do not create a new account.
CAMP LIFE & HOMESICKNESS
- What does a typical day look like? Each morning and afternoon, students attend rehearsals. There is a rec time in the late afternoon and group rehearsal time after dinner. Dormitory students attend a hall meeting each night before lights out to build community and reflect on their day.
- What is the setting like? Located in Sitka, one of Alaska’s most picturesque communities, the Camp celebrates the natural beauty of both mountains and ocean. Our campus includes dormitories, cafeteria, gym, classrooms, and practice areas. The campus is a short walk from downtown Sitka. The final student performances will be held in Sitka’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.
- How can my student get the most out of camp? The single most important aspect in getting the most out of camp is to be 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.
- 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.
- What is the dormitory like for dorm students? Residential students are housed in dormitories on the Sitka Fine Arts Camp Campus. Students are housed on floors by gender. Each room generally houses two students. Lights out is at 10:00 pm. 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.
- Can students request roommates for camp? Students may submit the name of one friend on the roommate request portion of the registration form. Students who attend multiple camps can list one roommate request for each session. Sitka Fine Arts Camp does not guarantee roommate requests.
- 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. Any dietary restrictions and allergies must be noted on the Medical form during registration. If you are concerned about your child’s dietary restrictions at camp, please contact the camp office at 907-747-3085.
- What kind of adult supervision do students have? The primary responsibility of all camp staff is the safety and well-being of each student. 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.
- 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.
- 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. We recommend packing warm layers and bedding.
- Do dorm students have the opportunity to do laundry at camp? Yes, dorm students have the option to do laundry. Students should bring quarters and soap is provided. The cost is $3 per load which includes washing and drying.
- Can my student receive mail at camp? 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. One care package is allowed per session per student. SFAC is unable to forward camper mail that arrives after the recipient’s camp session.
- Is there a camp lost and found? Students are responsible for locating lost items before they leave camp and are responsible for the shipping and handling expenses should an item need to be returned after the session is over. Any unclaimed items are donated or discarded one week after each camp session ends.
- Can friends and family members visit students at camp? Family and friends are welcome at the final performances.
- Can my student be checked out from the campus during camp? We strongly encourage parent(s)/guardian(s) to limit off campus checkouts of dorm students so that students can fully participate in the camp experience. There are few opportunities during Musical Theater Camp for students to be checked out when they will not miss rehearsal.
FINANCIAL AID
Is financial aid available? Need-based financial aid is available. See this page for more information.
CELL PHONE POLICY
- What is the camp cell phone policy?
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 their phone 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. If there is an emergency at home, parents can contact their child by calling the Camp office 907-747-3085.
REFUND POLICY
The deposit is non-refundable after registration. Half of tuition is due on March 1 and the balance is due on May 1. Tuition is non-refundable after these deadlines.
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.