Mountainside F.A.Q.s

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 ages does Bar-T take for summer camp?
Mountainside is open for campers who will be entering Kindergarten through the 8th grade following the summer. Our sports camps are available starting at 2nd grade and going through 8th 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.

What hours do you operate?
Regular camp hours run from 9am - 3:30pm. Busses generally depart their transportation site between 8:00am and 8:45 each morning (depending on location) and usually arrive back in the afternoon between 3:45pm and 4:15pm.
If you need a longer camp day, we have extended care sites that are open from 7am till 6:30pm. Please visit the Mountainside Transportation & Extended Care page for more information.

Does Bar-T offer transportation and extended camp care for Mountainside?
Yes. The Ranch has numerous transportation and extended care sites throughout Montgomery County. Transportation cost is included with tuition. Please visit the Mountainside Transportation & Extended Care page for a list of sites, approximate times and more.

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 Mountainside, our guard staff evaluates their swim level. Campers are asked to swim the entire length of the pool and do their best to avoid touching either the bottom or side. Campers are either given a green wristband, which allows them to swim in any area of the pool, or a red wristband, which allows them to swim only in the shallow areas of the pool, based upon our guard's assessment of the camper's swimming abilities. Campers may ask to be re-evaluated at any time.

Mountainside has a dedicated and experienced team of lifeguards who oversee all pool activities and allow our group counselors to act as additional lookouts or be in the pool interacting with the kids.

Our morning swim time is structured, with a lifeguard leading a game or activity for the group. The afternoon is free swim. In addition to the morning structured swim, both the Ranch and Mountainside offer private and small group lessons taught before or after camp. Registration for these lessons takes place in the spring (information is mailed to all enrolled families) and is subject to availability.

Can I request a friend for my child to be in the same group with?
Absolutely. Bar-T promises to place your child with the first child listed in the "camper's friend request" field and we will work hard to accommodate each of your child's friend requests (though they are not guaranteed beyond the first request).

What discounts do you have?

Sibling discount - $25 per week

Frederick County Resident Discount - $50 per camper per week for families that live in Frederick County

What is the absence and withdrawal policy?

Of your $250.00 deposit, $50.00 is a non-refundable registration fee.

Absence: In the event that your camper is unable to attend camp for a period of three (3) or more consecutive camp days due to a serious illness and/or injury, which is confirmed in writing by a Physician, Bar-T will credit your family’s account, on a pro-rated basis, for each camp day missed after, and including, the 3rd day. (Credit may be used for any future Bar-T Summer Camp Program or School-Year Program). 

Absence due to illness and/or injury that results in your camper missing less than 3 consecutive camp days, absence due to vacation, and absences due to any other reason (except as detailed above) will not result in a refund, credit, or adjustment to your family’s account.

Withdrawal and Enrollment Changes: There are no fees for adding additional weeks of camp to your family’s registration and Bar-T is happy to accommodate these requests, at any time, provided that we have availability in the week(s) you wish to add.

Prior to March 1st, 2012: Cancellation of any 1 or more weeks of camp, while retaining enrollment in any other week(s) of Bar-T Summer Camps, will not result in any additional fees.  Cancellation of all weeks of Bar-T Summer Camps that your family is registered for will result in forfeiture of the $50.00 non-refundable portion of your deposit.

March 1st, 2012 through May 31st, 2012: Cancellation of any 1 or more weeks of camp, while retaining enrollment in any other week(s) of Bar-T Summer Camps, will result in a change fee of $25.00 per family for each request to change your family’s registration (unless you are ‘swapping’ for an equal number of weeks that better meet your family’s needs).  Cancellation of all weeks of Bar-T Summer Camps that your family is registered for will result in forfeiture of $100.00 of your deposit ($50.00 non-refundable portion of your deposit + $50.00 cancellation fee).

After May 31st, 2012: No refunds, credits, or adjustments to your family’s account will be given for cancellation of any weeks of Bar-T Summer Camps.

Camp Closure: In the event that Bar-T is unable to provide camp services at any or all of our camp locations due to weather related circumstances or any other reason beyond the control of Bar-T, we will work to provide camp services at another Bar-T location.  However, in the event that we are unable to provide an alternative, no refunds will be given.