Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Mountainside and the Ranch?
Not as much as you might think. The staff and programming at the two camps mirror each other, though the facilities are different.
Mountainside's facility features woodlands and streams, which make for a great nature program. The adventure course at Mountainside is also one of the best in the region, boasting two 700ft zip lines, a 50ft climbing wall, and multiple low ropes elements.
The Ranch features a lot of playing fields, as well as the kid wash, and two great amphitheaters. Ranch campers also travel once a week to Waredaca, where they ride horses, do the adventure course, and swim and canoe in the lake.
If you really can't choose between the two, please come out for an open house. We want your child to love their summer camp.
What hours do you operate?
Regular camp hours run from 9am - 3:30pm. Busses start departing their transportation site between 8:00am and 8:45 depending on location, and usually arrive back in the afternoon between 3:45 and 4:15.
If you need a longer camp day, we have extended care sites that are open from 7am till 6:30pm. The cost of extended care is $30am and $45pm per week. The sites are:
Kensington Parkwood Elementary School (for Ranch Campers only)
Lakewood Elementary School
Goshen Elementary School
Matsunaga Elementary School
Mill Creek Towne Elementary School
Rachel Carson Elementary School
Sequoyah Elementary School
Bar-T Mountainside (for Mountainside campers only)
How does swimming work?
Swimming is one of our most popular activities at camp and the systems we have in place make it one of the safest as well. On the first day a camper comes to Bar-T they take a swim test. They are required to swim the entire length of the pool without touching either the bottom or side. If they complete it successfully they are given a green wristband, which allows them to swim in any area of the pool. If they do not pass the test they are given a red wristband, which allows them to swim only in the shallow areas of the pool. They may retake this test at any time.
Each site has dedicated lifeguards and a pool operator, in addition to the counselors who are in the pool with their campers at all times.
In the morning swim time is structured, with a lifeguard leading a game or activity for the group. The afternoon is free swim. Both the Ranch and Mountainside offer lessons taught before or after camp, but these must be signed up for with the pool operator.
What ages does Bar-T take for summer camp?
Bar-T is available to children once they reach Kindergarten. The Ranch, Mountainside, and the Kids Camps are open for campers entering Kindergarten - entering 8th grade.
Our sports camps are available starting at 2nd grade and going through 8th grade.
The Riding Camp is available from 2nd grade through 9th grade.
Once a camper is too old for our programs they may apply for our Leader in Training position. This position transitions them into becoming the great Bar-T staff we know and love.
Can I request a friend for my child to be in the same group with?
Yes. Bar-T promises to place your child with the first child listed in the "camper's request" field. We will try and accommodate multiple friend requests, though they are not guaranteed.
What discounts do you have?
We know that camp is an expense, but we want to be as accommodating as possible. We offer the following discounts.
Early Bird Discount - $50 off your total bill if you register before February 23rd (50 days after enrollment begins)
Sibling discount - $25 per week for Mountainside, Holy Child, and Ranch and $15 per week for Kids Camp
Frederick County Resident - $50 per week to Mountainside Only
Does Bar-T offer transportation to and from camp?
Yes. The Ranch and Mountainside have numerous pickup and drop off points throughout Montgomery and Frederick county. Transportation cost is included with tuition. Pickup and drop off times vary depending on the location, but they are usually between 8:05am and 8:45am in the morning, and 3:45pm and 4:25pm in the afternoon. You may drop your child off and pick them up at the camps as well. The transportation sites are as follows:
Norbeck Grove (Ranch Only)
Beth El (Ranch Only)
Kensington Parkwood Elementary School (Ranch Only)
Rosa Parks Middle School (Ranch Only)
Goshen Elementary School
Har Shalom
Lakewood Elementary School
College Gardens Elementary School
Matsunaga Elementary School
Mill Creek Elementary School
Holy Child
Rachel Carson Elementary School
Sequoyah Elementary School
Temple Beth Ami
Green Valley Elementary (Mountainside Only)
Villages of Urbana Community Center (Mountainside Only)
Ballenger Creek Plaza (Mountainside Only)
Cedar Grove Elementary (Mountainside Only)