Summer Questions & Answers
What training do counselors receive?
The classroom staff are trained teachers or assistant teachers - most of them teach at The International School during the school year.
How many age groups will there be?
Classes will divided into four age-groups this summer: 3 to 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6 to 7 year-olds, and 8 to 12-year-olds, enrollment permitting.
What will be the teacher-to-camper ratio be?
For ages 3 to 5, there will be at least one teacher for every ten children. For ages 6 to 12, there will be at last one teacher for every fifteen children.
Can my child attend the camp if he doesn’t speak the target language?
Yes. Beginners and experienced language speakers are welcome. Our international teachers expect to have children with varying language abilities.
Can my child attend for less than the full two-week session?
Yes. You can enroll your child for the first week or the second week if you wish. It has to be five consecutive days.
Can I have my child and a friend together in the same class?
Yes. Please submit the request with your registration form or at least two weeks before the session starts. The children requesting to be together must be part of the same age group.
How will know if my child was accepted?
When we receive your registration form, you will receive a confirmation letter by email or mail. Before camp starts, you will also receive a confirmation packet with more detailed information.
Where should I bring my child on the first day of camp?
This summer, parents and campers should go directly to Stearns Hall, the new building at the bottom of the hill. There will be signs and people directing you to your classroom.
When and where should I pay the balance due for camp?
Any unpaid balance is due on the first day of camp. Please mark all checks with your camper’s name, your telephone number, and the session(s) you are paying for. You may pay on the first day - simply put your check (marked with your camper’s name and your telephone number) in the box marked “Summer Payments” in the reception area of Stearns Hall.
You may also send us the balance due at any time prior to the first day of camp (send to The International School Summer Camp, 025 SW Sherman Street, Portland, OR 97201).
What if I want to talk to someone about payments on the first day?
The Business Manager, Rob Timmons will be in the reception area on the first day of each session to answer questions.
Is there an End-of-Session Performance for parents and friends?
This year each class will hold a short performance and reception within its own classroom at 3:00 PM on the last day of each session.
What is the phone number for the summer camp office?
The summer camp phone will start functioning on the first day of summer camp - it will be on the web site at that time. Before that, you can email the summer camp director Ms. Pilar Arias at parias@intlschool.org or call Carol in TIS school office at 503-226-2496 x103.
Will my child get a nap or rest time in the afternoon?
Our 3-5 year old campers will have nap/rest time in the afternoon.
Will 3-5 year olds have swimming lessons?
No. We will take a short bus ride to swim and play at the YMCA this year, and we didn’t want to put our youngest campers on buses.
What will the children do at the YMCA swimming pool?
The YMCA will have certified instructors and lifeguards giving our campers swimming lessons. YMCA staff will also do land-based games and activities with our campers before or after swimming.
Can I have my child skip swimming?
Yes. On the registration form, just check NO on the permission box for swimming. Your child can stay with another class during swimming. It would be helpful if you can explain to your child that s/he will not be swimming but will stay with another class. Unfortunately we cannot offer a discount for 6-12 year old campers who skip swimming.
Will half-day students have lunch at camp?
Children ages 3-5 will have lunch at camp at 11:30 AM every day as long as class scheduling permits.
