Our first week of camps is approaching fast! As you get your students ready to attend Bright Lights this summer, here are a few things to keep in mind.
BEFORE CAMP
Log in to your Active account (how you registered for the camp) or refer to your confirmation email sent by Active to double-check your camp’s name, start time and location. Our main camp site again this year is Roper Elementary (2323 S. Coddington Ave), and we will again be calling the west side of the school home. We also have many camps being held around Lincoln, so be sure to check your account and/or confirmation email for your camp’s location and address.
You will receive an email from the camp teacher a few days before the camp begins, noting special items the students need to bring or special clothing that is needed. You will also learn a little bit about the teacher and the activities for the week. Please be sure to check your junk mail folder for these information emails.
ARRIVAL
Please use the northwest loop at Roper to drop off your student, approaching the west side of the school from W. South Street. A map and additional information can be found on our website.
If you registered for Before Care (before a morning camp at Roper), students can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m. Use door #16 to enter the school on the west side of the building. A staff member will be just inside the door to greet them.
Students may start arriving at 8:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. for “First 15” supervision before their camp is scheduled to begin. They should enter through Door #17 on the west side at Roper to go directly into the gym, which is where all students, teachers and assistants meet for First 15. Staff will be stationed outside to help guide campers to the right door and welcome them to a fun day of learning.
Have students taking Bright Lights camps in different locations? Please drop off for any camps at our main site (Roper) first (up to 15 minutes before their camp is scheduled to start) and then proceed to the community site. For pick-up, please pick up your student at the community site first and then proceed to the main site (Roper).
LUNCH
If you registered for Lunch Care for your student— or if they are in a full-day camp, which includes lunch care—please be sure to send a packed lunch with them each day. Bright Lights does not provide lunch for students. If you plan to take your child out to lunch and then return for camp in the afternoon, please let us know by calling 402.436.1492.
DISMISSAL
At the end of camp each day at Roper, teachers and Camp Assistants will bring students to the area outside of Door #16 on the west side of the building, where drop-off took place, to reconnect with you. Dismissal will be staggered, beginning at 11:50/3:50 for younger camps (K-2), then 11:55/3:55 for 3rd-5th graders, and finally 12:00/4:00 for our oldest students in grades 6-8.
Families will need to park along the northwest loop and walk up to their camper’s teacher to get their student. We will not have staff in place to put campers into cars, so parking and walking to get your student is required. The first day is always the most chaotic, so allow yourself a little extra time, as we work out any kinks. If you arrive early, please wait outside for your camper to exit the building.
We ask that students alert their teacher when they see their pick-up person and wait for that person to make contact in front of the teacher. Older siblings can join their younger sibling’s group for ease of pick-up.
Picking up students at non-release times will require a photo ID at the front office of Roper, located through Door #16, or with the community site teacher. If a non-parent/guardian is picking up a camper, we must receive a phone call or note from the parent/guardian before we release the student. This includes non-custodial parents. No exceptions will be made.
For safety purposes, please note that the Bright Light staff wear orange Bright Lights shirts, teachers wear blue and Camp Assistants wear green. Should you need to contact us during program weeks spent at Roper Elementary, the direct line for Bright Lights is 402.436.1492.
MORE REMINDERS
Snacks are not served during our half-day camps. Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle. We will also have water available during break time. Please join us on Friday for the last half-hour of camp to visit the classroom and see what your student has been doing all week. You should receive an email from the camp teacher giving you details. If your open house takes place at our main site (Roper Elementary) please allow sufficient time for parking, as it can get very busy during that time.
HAD SO MUCH FUN YOU WANT TO DO IT AGAIN?
It’s not uncommon for a student to complete a camp the first week and want to come back – and they can! We keep registration open until a week before a camp begins. So, there’s plenty of time to add to your student’s Bright Lights experience with another amazing, hands-on camp the following weeks. Just go to BrightLights.org and click on the “Register” button to log in, see what camps are available and add one of them to your existing account.
Now you know what to expect the first day of Bright Lights and beyond, and we can’t wait to see you at camp!