FAQ ANSWERS

 What is the philosophy of Rob Andrews Baseball Camps?   Is this program highly competitive?  Are girls welcome?
Our 'Regular' Camp differs from youth league play in that we are not concerned with players 'skill levels'.   Each camp is completed in five days and is scheduled with learning stations, team competitions, and opportunities for individual accomplishment.  This does not allow us the time, nor do we feel it necessary, to conduct 'tryouts' to determine youngsters playing levels (however, age & skill level distinctions will be made in the Advanced Training Camp (ATC) program).  Our goal, and philosophy, is to stress the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship, and to give all children the same opportunity, regardless of skill level or previous experience.   Emphasis is placed on rewarding children for great attitudes, rather than for physical attributes.  Therefore, we position campers on teams by age, and with friends if possible (n/a ATC's).   This ensures a 'social compatibility' and the chance for youngsters to relax, have fun, and to learn good baseball fundamentals without the pressures which often accompany competitive youth league play.   Girls are also welcome to attend.  (Parents should be aware that there is typically anywhere from 0 to 5 girls at each camp.   These girls typically are ages 8-10.)   Lastly, we also strive to develop our programs with the appropriate curriculum to match the levels of each age group.      In order to help us reach these stated goals we ask parents to review with their child the camper's 'Behavior Agreement'. 
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What kind of awards, or other camper recognition, does the camp provide?
The camp feels that providing awards for 'attitude' and 'team accomplishment' helps meet its stated philosophy and goals.  There are no 'all-star' rewards or designations at the Camp.   Examples of 'individual awards' given in the 'Regular' camp are:  the 'Humm Baby', which is given to one player on each team at camp each day.   This award is for hustle, encouraging teammates, attentiveness at learning stations, etc.;  'Diamond Duckets' are also randomly awarded to campers throughout each day for good attitude and they provide campers a chance to win prizes in the big 'Diamond Ducket Draw' on Friday;  'Baseball Cards' are handed out when youngsters answer questions regarding baseball trivia or current baseball facts;  'Year Badges' are presented to all campers upon their completion of each camp.  Some of the 'team awards' given at camp include:  'Team Spirit Box', filled with packs of baseball cards for each camper on the team chosen at the end of the week as having the best team spirit;  'Rock Ball Badges' are presented to each teams Rock Ball champions;  'Baseball Olympic Certificate' given to each member of the camp's Baseball Olympic winners.     
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What measures are taken at camp to ensure my child's safety?
Your child's safety is our number one concern at the Camp.  Overall, the camp is tightly structured and organized to allow for maximum supervision of campers.   The camp maintains a 1 to 8 ratio of staff to campers.  Things that are done to ensure the campers well being are:  Standing rule regarding 'bat safety'.  This rule, which is enforced daily, states that "no camper is to pick up a bat unless told to do so by the camp staff".   Two roll calls are conducted each day to make sure that all campers are accounted.  The first roll is taken each morning to ensure they have arrived safely. Parents are called at home or work if their child's absence has not been accounted for by a note to the camp director or a call to the camp office.  The second roll call is done at the conclusion of lunch time.   Bathroom procedures are also used that make sure no camper goes to the restroom area unsupervised.   End of day dismissal is done using three different dismissal options.  Parents select whether they want their child to either: a) Leave on their own, b) wait with the camp staff at the parking lot pick-up area, or c) wait with their coach for a pre-authorized adult to sign them out.
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What skill level (or age) should my child be at to attend this Camp?   How much experience is needed?
As discussed above under 'Camp Philosophy', skill level is not a priority at the 'Regular' Camps  (age & skill levels are considerations in the Advanced Training Camp (ATC) program).   Nor is previous playing experience.   The only thing a child needs to attend is a desire to have fun and learn baseball.  Sometimes parents mistakenly place their children, who have no interest in baseball, in the Camp.  Though youngsters can learn to enjoy the game while at camp, this is not an advisable thing to do.   This camp is a 'Specialty Sports Camp' and should not be use as day care!  
The stated 'Regular' camp age range is 8-12 (ATC's is 11-12).  We are often asked if children younger than eight can attend the 'Regular' camp.  The Camp will allow seven year olds to attend based on 'Parents Discretion', however children younger than seven are not allowed.   Parents should consider the overall maturity (not just baseball skill level) of their child before enrolling a seven year old.   Many seven year olds are better off waiting a year before attending the Camp for the first time.  Parents are encouraged to consider what their child's school teachers say about their attention span and overall ability to stay focused when needed throughout an entire day.
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Should my child attend a 'Regular Camp' or an 'Advanced Training Camp' (ATC)?  
This question is often asked by parents who are unsure whether their child should participate in either the 'Regular' day camp, the ATC, or both.  To be eligible for the ATC program your child must be 11-12 years old at the time of his/her camp, and have completed a season of youth league play with 12 year old competition, i.e. Little League 'Majors', etc..   The camp will on occasion make an exception for players 10 or 13 years of age (if your child meets the youth league play requirement mentioned above call the camp office (925) 935-3505 to inquire about an 'ATC Clearance'). 
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How is the teaming done at camp?   Does the Advanced Training Camps (ATC's) have teaming also?
In the Regular Camp program teaming is done by date of birth.   The camp also endeavors, but is not obligated, to team campers with friends (see below), as requested on their application form.   Teams typically are constructed with approximately 18-20 each to allow for division into two smaller teams for games, etc.  These team groups stay together throughout the camp day, except during lunch and other camp group activities, and ensures that campers remain with their appropriate social groups.
In the Advanced Training Camp there is no pre-arranged teaming.   This is necessary to allow the on-site camp director to accurately schedule daily activities and arrange campers in appropriate groupings as needed.
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Can I team my child with a friend?   If so, how do I do that? 
If your child is attending the Regular Camp you may indicate one other camper's name to be teamed with while at camp.  Things parents should consider when requesting teaming are:  1) the camp teams by date of birth and will not team anyone who is more that 1 1/2 years apart in age;  2) you must request a teaming on your camp application and not upon arrival at camp;  3) there are no guarantees the camp will be able to team your child with his/her requested friend.  Remember, the camp experience is about making new friends and relationships.  Often, when parents team several friends together a 'cliquishness' develops and these campers are less likely to extend themselves to their teammates, and other campers, in friendship.  Therefore they are deprived of the full camp experience.
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Will the Camp conflict with my child's youth league participation, i.e. all-stars, tournament play, etc.?
Due to the days and hours of the Camp there is rarely any conflicts with youth league post-season games or practices.  Children often attend both the camp during the day and league activities in the evening, and many have noted the improvement in their league play due to their camp participation.   However, parents are responsible to inquire of leagues and plan accordingly if their child's coach plans mid-day practices or games during your camp week.   The camp does refund for days lost due to league conflicts.
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Who are the coaches, and what is ratio of coaches to campers?
The coaching staff of the Rob Andrews Baseball Camps is typically comprised of former major leaguers, and college/high school coaches and players.  A ratio of 1 to 8, coaches to campers, is maintain.  This ratio does not include the visiting pros or camp site director or medical staff.  The staff is selected based on their abilities to relate well with children and to teach baseball fundamentals.  Many of the staff at the Camp have come up through the program in past years.  Each year all available staff are required to attend pre-camp training sessions to review camp procedures and to teach skills and program curriculum.
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Will any current major league players be at the camp?
The Rob Andrews Baseball Camp has always felt that campers should meet and be taught by pro players.  Over the years the camp has learned that retired players usually have more time, and a better disposition, in relating with youngsters.  At the Camp the visiting pros come in uniform and spend the entire day with the campers.   This differs substantially from having active players attend who will not be in uniform, and who often will only attend for a short period and sign autographs.  Click here to see a list of pros attending the camps.
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Can parents, or other adults, come to the camp to observe during the day?
At the Rob Andrews Baseball Camp we take great pride in the program we've developed over the many years.  We also love to have parents, family members, friends come and observe.   Often, parents will come to camp and have lunch with their children.  We encourage parents who would like to video tape many of the learning stations for future reference, especially in organizing their own youth league teams, to do so.   All the camp asks, if you plan to attend the during the day, is that you not go on the fields, or interfere in any way with the activities being conducted.
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Do I need to drop off at 9:00 a.m. and pickup at 3:00 p.m.?   Is there any before or after camp care?
It is absolutely essential that parents be prompt in dropping off and picking up their children from camp each day.  The camp hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Campers should be dropped off each morning between 8:45 am and 9:00 am (except on Monday when they should arrive by 8:30 am for check-in).  The camp ends each day a 3:00 pm and parents arriving early can attend the 'Post Game Show' at 2:30 pm.  The camp staff cannot be responsible to supervise children beyond the 3:15 pm 'grace period' allowed for late parents.  There is no before or after camp care provided! IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents arriving to pick up their children after 3:15 pm will be charged $1.00 per minute for staff supervision time.   This fee must be paid in full before dropping off your child the next day (except Friday when it will be due that day.
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Does my child bring their lunch, and are drinks available?
Campers should bring their lunch each day, with their name on it, in a bag or other container.  There is no refrigeration provided at the camp sites so parents should not send perishable items.   While water is available at all sites campers may also bring their own drinks for lunch.  The Camp provides a 'sports drink' (either Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) to campers towards the end of each day.  
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What clothing and equipment are needed?  
The camp provides most of the necessary baseball equipment needed.  However, campers will need to make sure to bring with them the following items.  MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON EVERYTHING!
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How will my child be dismissed at the end of the day?
Great care is taken each day to ensure the safety of the campers during dismissal.  Parents are required to indicate on their child's application which of three different dismissal options they would like to use:
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How can I pay for the camp?   Can I hold a spot with a deposit?
You may pay with either a check, cash, or credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD, ISCOVERCARD).   You can enroll your child on-line, or with a mail-in application via US Mail.  If enrolling on-line you can use either cash, check or charge.  There are no deposits.  Full payment must accompany your application.  If enrolling on-line and paying with a check or cash, your spot in the Camp is not confirmed until your payment is received.  The camp usually allows 7 calendar days to receive your payment before your spot is relinquished.
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What kind of discounts are given by the Camp?  Are scholarships provided?
If your child has attended the RABC before, he or she will also be eligible for the 'Returning Camper' Discount (on their 1st camp enrolled this summer).  In addition, there is a 'Multi-Camp' Discount provided for each subsequent camp you enroll in during the same summer, and a 'Sibling' Discount for all bothers & sisters attending  The camp does provide scholarships to select charitable organizations throughout the Bay Area.    No scholarships are provided to individuals directly calling the camp office.  Check with your local charity to see if they have scholarships available, and under what conditions they are provided.    (If you are a member of a non-profit organization and would like to inquire about receiving camperships for your group contact the camp office.)
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What is the refund policy?
If you notify the camp office, on or before the Friday prior to your program date, that your child has become severely ill or is injured, you will be refunded your full tuition less a $10.00 administrative fee.  Any such illness or injury must be substantiated in writing by your child's physician.   All other refunds are calculated as follows when your notice of cancellation is received within these deadlines:

NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN as of the SATURDAY preceding your program start date.  This includes: periodic illness; unexpected personal schedule conflicts (i.e., summer school, vacation, youth league activities);  program day(s) missed due to inclement weather; dismissal due to misbehavior; etc.  (see 'Behavior Agreement')    

Additional Fees: $10.00 service fees will be charged for: 1) Program changes after May 15th  2) Checks returned by the bank as un-payable.
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Does my child need a medical exam to attend?   Is Medical Insurance required?
No doctor's medical exam is required to attend the Camp.   However, you will be required to indicate your child's immunization status.  If your child is currently enrolled in public school in California then he/she is up-to-date on shots.  If your child is not current on his/her immunizations, you will need to indicate this on your camp application.
 
All parents will be required to verify that their child has current medical insurance coverage.  The camp does not provide medical insurance.  If you do not provide this coverage for your child you will need to sign a camp 'Medical Insurance Waiver' before attending.
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