Summer camp enrollment contracts are signed months in advance — often in winter — with deposits and full tuition due before the season starts. Cancellation policies at many camps are extremely strict: some offer no refund at all once the season begins, and some forfeit the deposit regardless of the reason for cancellation, including illness or family emergency. At the same time, the liability waivers that accompany camp contracts are often sweeping, purporting to release the camp from responsibility for injuries sustained during activities. Understanding what these waivers can and cannot legally cover — and what questions to ask about a camp's insurance and safety protocols — is essential before committing thousands of dollars and your child's safety to an unfamiliar program.
What is a Cancellation and Liability?
A summer camp contract is an enrollment agreement between a camp operator and a parent or guardian, covering tuition, session dates, payment schedule, cancellation and refund policy, health and medical information requirements, activity participation consent, liability waivers, and behavioural rules. Day camps typically have more flexible cancellation terms than overnight residential camps, where the cost of reserved beds and staffing is committed months in advance. Many contracts also include a media release (for photos and video) and a medical treatment consent clause.
Red flags to watch for
A completely non-refundable tuition policy, regardless of when you cancel or why, is extreme. Even camps with strict policies typically offer partial refunds if cancellation occurs 60+ days out. A blanket no-refund clause may be unenforceable as unconscionable under state consumer protection law.
Waivers releasing camps from liability for negligent supervision of activities like swimming, rock climbing, or horseback riding are enforceable in most states, but not all. California, Louisiana, and Virginia, among others, place greater limits on negligence waivers. Gross negligence — the camp failing to provide any reasonable supervision — is rarely waivable anywhere.
Reputable camps carry general liability insurance and accident insurance for campers. A contract that says nothing about insurance leaves you uncertain whether any coverage exists for medical costs arising from camp activities.
A clause authorising the camp to consent to emergency medical treatment on your behalf is standard and necessary — but it should be limited to emergency situations where you cannot be reached. Unlimited medical consent authority is overbroad.
If the camp can expel a child and retain the full tuition based on a subjective behavioural assessment, this is a significant risk — especially for children with neurodevelopmental conditions who may struggle in camp environments. Look for clear behavioural standards and a pro-rated refund on expulsion.
Your legal rights
Summer camp contracts are governed by state contract law and, in many cases, state consumer protection statutes. Some states have specific child camp regulations requiring licensing, staff background checks, and minimum supervision ratios — check your state health department or licensing authority. The FTC Act's prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices can apply to misleading cancellation policies marketed as 'flexible'. Trip cancellation insurance (purchased separately) can protect against cancellation for covered reasons. If a camp cancels a session due to weather, public health emergency, or low enrollment, many state consumer protection offices take the position that a full refund is owed regardless of the contract terms — this was extensively litigated during COVID-19, with mixed outcomes.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1What is the refund policy if we cancel 30, 60, or 90 days before the session start — and are any amounts non-refundable regardless of timing?
- 2What happens if my child becomes ill before or during camp — is any tuition refunded?
- 3Does the camp carry general liability insurance and accident insurance for campers, and what are the coverage limits?
- 4What supervision ratios apply during water activities, and what certifications do aquatic staff hold?
- 5If my child is asked to leave, will any pro-rated refund be provided?
- 6Is there a camp cancellation policy — what refund applies if the camp cancels a session?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.