About Camp - FAQs

CAMP SO COOL... the scoop

Camp S.O. Cool is a day program of educational, hands-on activities run by a pair of experienced educators* who continue to be curious about the world.  Our program sessions are fun, immersive and multi-disciplinary (we bring in science, math, history, art, food, design and writing).   The bulk of our "campers" are gifted and talented kids looking for a rich, hands-on environment in which learning is actually fun.   The program grew out of a mother's helper idea by Sophia and Olivia (the "S" and "O" of S.O. Cool), now 11th graders.  They're still involved!  Our ratio of campers to adults is about 5:1. 

All staff are certified in CPR and First Aid.  Both Woody and Lisa have verified criminal background checks.  Woody won the 2009 NJ Center for the Humanities Teacher of the Year and Lisa has a master in Education from The Ohio State University.  More about us below.

WHEN: 
The Program begins promptly at 9:00 am.  We ask that you don't be late as we usually explore the 'big picture' at the beginning of the day.  Pick up is promptly at 3:00 pm.  Campers cannot arrive earlier than 8:45 a.m. or be picked up after 3:15 pm as there is no coverage.  There is a charge of $10 per half hour that campers are early/late. 

WHERE:  
The Program takes place at our home 118 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ  07040.  Here's a map link.

FOOD: 
We provide lunch TWO days per week (unless otherwise notified).  One meal is themed for camp, the other is usually a grill out day.  We also provide all snacks/drinks keeping allergies in mind.  Kids bring their own lunch on the other days.  We always have back-up pasta.  We will let you know which days we are cooking the week prior.  Kids must eat breakfast before they arrive.

POOL:
Physical exercise is swimming, at least three days a week (often more), at the Maplewood Pool—one block away.  For residents who do not have a Maplewood Pool Pass, there is a $10/day fee for a swim pass.  We will bill you for three days per week and refund or bill you as is appropriate.  

AGE of CAMPERS:
We take kids who are rising 4th thru 8th graders, depending on the week.   Our in-depth projects tend to frustrate kids who aren't yet ready to focus or work collaboratively.   Kids younger than rising 4th graders will need to be approved on an individual basis.

REFERENCES:
If you want to hear from parents from our 2010-2016 seasons, let us know.  We're happy to connect you!  Some of our kids have come every single year!

REFERRALS and SIBLING DISCOUNTS:
If you refer a friend who attends and lists you as their referral, you'll receive a one-time $25 discount for the summer.  There is a $25 per week discount for each additional sibling who attends the same week.

REFUNDS:
A 50% refund will be given to cancellations up to six weeks prior to the Monday that the session begins.  No refund will be given after six weeks prior to the beginning of that particular week of camp. 

PAYMENT:
Payment can be made via check (payable to LISA PHILLIPS and mail to:  CAMP SO COOL, 118 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ  07040), Paypal or Credit Card.  We take MC, Visa, Amex and Diners.  There is a 2.75% service fee for using either Paypal or Credit Card.  You will be invoiced upon registration.  Registration is confirmed once payment is received.  Payment plans can be arranged.

BEHAVIOR:  
We have high expectations for our "campers" in terms of meeting the challenges and participating fully in the activities.  There is zero tolerance for aggressive/mean action or dishonesty.  Should a camper be asked to leave camp, there would be zero refund. 

*Greg Woodruff teaches at Montclair High School (Philosophy, Arts and Humanities, Writing, Literature, voted Teacher of the Year in NJ 2010).  He's a self-professed geek and thinks that teaching himself how to read ancient Greek is a really good time.  His close cousins Count Gregorio, Gregor and Prince Woody also participate in the camp.

*Lisa Phillips is a freelance educator and writer.  Past lives include the role of Director of Education and Programming at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Founder/Director of a couple of comedy improvisation troupes and an online/mobile content company for 'tween girls.  She also thinks hardware and office supply stores are awesome and loves to make things from scratch.  Currently, she is senior educator for Girls Leadership Institute and teaches improvisation to kids of all ages.

•Olivia Woodruff (rising 11th grader) is one of the founders of Camp S.O. Cool (the 'O' in the name).  She is also certified in babysitting, CPR and First Aid.