Youth Programs – Q&A
• Why can’t my child who is 5/6 months away from the next group move up as he/she is in a higher grade at school or has siblings etc. Camp Carnival is an age based activity program?
o We group children according to their birth date not their grade. As well, when we are doing the activities we mold the activity to the age of the children. For example, if a 5 year old wants to continue with an activity we highly encourage it, as well if a 2 year old wants to end the activity and start to play that is alright as well.
• Why can't I stay with my child during activities?
o The presence of the parents can cause separation anxiety to the children whose parents are not present, and disrupt the environment. Parents are not allowed to be in Camp Carnival while age group activities are offered; however during the cruise we have a lot of family designated activities in which you are more than welcome during those times.
• Why can't my under 2 participate in the program?
o Camp is an age based activity program tailored to the age and development of the children. During age group activity times, we are unable to offer one-on-one attention for Under 2 years old; however during the Family Play Time, you are encouraged to use all the facilities that Camp Carnival has to offer.
• Why can't my kids change age groups?
o We prefer children to stay in their age appropriate activities that way the staff and other children get to fully know your child.
• Why we do not have a waiver form for the parents to sign if they want their child in the next age group?
o Carnival cannot make the individual exceptions. It would disrupt the program and cause conflict.
• Why must they have their sail and sign for dropping off and picking up their child?
o This is your proof of ID. For security and safety reasons, we like to ensure that the adult signing in/out knows the child.
• Why are children not allowed to move up unless they turn 2 that cruise /option of signing a waiver for this?
o Camp is age based activity program and the activities are tailored to age and development of the children. During age group activity times, we are unable to offer one-on-one attention for under 2 years old; however during the Family Play Time, you are encouraged to use all the facilities that Camp Carnival has to offer.
• Why can't a child who is a year away from a next age group move up even if they have a sibling in that age group?
o Camp Carnival is age based activity program. We group children according to their birth date not their grade. As well, when we are doing the activities we mold the activity to the age of the children. For example, if an 8 year old wants to continue with an activity we highly encourage it, as well if a 5 year old wants to end the activity and start to play that is alright as well. Also during the cruise, siblings have a chance to hang out with each other, for example: at Kid's dinner, after 10pm, port day morning’s etc.
• What are the ratios for kids?
o Camp Carnival has an appropriate number of qualified staff on hand. The actual number of staff per age group depends on the size of the ship, the time of year, and the length of the voyage. As well, the Assistant Youth Director & Youth Director is always available to help out when needed.
• Can parents of children who are unruly and misbehave stay in the playroom with them once we say that they are no longer allowed to participate in camp due to those reasons?
o Parents are not allowed to be in Camp while age group activities are offered; however during the cruise we have a lot of family designated activities in which you are more than welcome during those times. However you are more than welcome to join in the Family Activities.
• Why can't my 9-11 year old child that has no signing in/out privileges be able to participate for the scavenger hunts but can go to the bathroom unsupervised by a staff member?
o The scavenger hunts are a 'signed out' activity in which your child will be walking around the ship with other children in order to complete a scavenger hunt. You are more than welcome anytime during the cruise to change the signing in/out procedure for your child to allow your child to participate in scavenger hunts. In regards to your child able to sign him/herself to use the bathroom we allow this due to your child's health. As well, when possible, a Youth Staff member will escort your child to the bathroom.
• Why is it only 2 additional adults that can pick up?
o We limit the number of adults to pick up the children, as this allows the staff to better know the individuals who are picking up their children. In return, it will be less confusing for you as a parent, as you will know who picked up your child since only 2 other adults are allowed to pick up your child.
• Why can’t we have in cabin baby-sitting?
o For the safety of the children and staff, we offer all babysitting in Camp an environment created with safety and comfort of the children in mind. As well, Camp is fully equipped to offer a fun filled babysitting experience.
• Why do we separate by age groups and not by grades?
o Camp Carnival is an age based activity program. Since the activities are short in duration, we need to ensure that all participants can fully engage. We group children according to their birth date not their grade. As well, when we are doing the activities we mold the activity to the age of the children. For example, if a 5 year old wants to continue with an activity we highly encourage it, as well if a 2 year old wants to end the activity and start to play that is alright as well.
