SRC Pool Closed
The SRC pool and spa is closed through Tuesday, March 27 due to a mechanical issue and will reopen for morning swim on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:00 am

Cougar Kids Camp

The commitment at Cougar Kids Camp is to provide each camper with a fun and exciting experience and the opportunity to learn new things. The camp is for children going into grades 1-7 and promotes physical activity, healthy lifestyles, skill development, cooperation, fairness, fun, and respect for each camper. 

Read more about our camp values.

Cougar Kids Camp Overview

We offer a full-day ( 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) camp from June 17-August 2. Each camp is a full week with different themes, offered Monday through Friday.  Some weeks are prorated due to university-observed holidays. 

Ages for Campers 

Cougar Kids Camp is offered to children entering grades 1-7 for the 2024-25 academic year.  Campers must be at least 6 years old to attend camp. 

Register for Cougar Kids Camp 2024

View registration instructions

Need help creating a Friend ID?
Contact Crimson Service Desk

Staff Contact

Melanie Rossetti-Jackson melanie.rossetti@wsu.edu | 509.335.2218

Hunter Hartley

| hunter.hartley@wsu.edu|

509.335.9660

  • Who Can Participate

    Ages 6-12

  • Typical Day

    Every day, the Cougar Kids Camp schedule is designed to incorporate physical activity, educational opportunities, and fun.  Campers will participate in sports, outdoor activities, swimming, leadership activities, and team-building challenges depending on the week.  Each week also offers different themes that tie in activities like demonstrations, learning outcomes, and use of University Recreation facilities like the climbing wall and pool.

  • Types of Activities

    Activities may vary depending on each week's theme. Some things to look forward to include:

    • Swimming & Water Activities
    • New and familiar sports
    • Challenge activities
    • Crafts
    • Obstacle courses
    • Outdoor education
    • Opportunities to experience WSU programs & services
  • Learning Outcomes

    Our camp leaders strive to help Cougar kids develop in:

    • Skill Development
    • Health and Fitness
    • Sportsmanship
    • Cooperation
    • Self Esteem
    • Leadership
  • 2024 Pricing (Per Week)

     

     Full Day

    Full Day    (prorated Price) 

    *Price prorated Week 1 & 3 of camp in observance of holidays. 

     
    UREC Member

    $209

    *$199 early registration

    $167

    *$157 early registration

     
    Non-UREC Member

    $225

    *$215 early registration

     

    $180

    *$170 early registration

     

     

    *Early registration deadlines:

    Weeks 1-3: June 1

    Weeks 4-7: July 1

Summer 2024 Weekly Themes

Summer 2024 is an Olympic summer. Get ready for some Olympic-sized fun each week of camp! 

  • Week 1: Opening Ceremonies (June 17-21)

    This week we are partnering with our Fitness department as we open our first camp week! Expect Fitness instructors and personal trainers to program activities such as dance, relay races, obstacle courses, games, and sports! Expect to be active and have lots of fun and a great kickoff for our 2024 CKC Camp Season!  

    We will not have camp on Wednesday,  June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. 

  • Week 2: Beach Sports Weeks (June 24-28)

    This week we partner with our Outdoor programming department. We will explore nature, play at the beach (Beach Volleyball Courts), learn to make shelter and Leave No Trace, and end the week with a trip to Kamiak Butte.  

  • Week 3: Go for Cougar Gold Week (July 1-3, 5 )

    Come celebrate week three with us as we celebrate our nation’s birthday.  Though we will not be at camp on Thursday, in observance of the Fourth of July, camp is still going to be jam-packed with our favorite activities.  We will spend plenty of time in the pool and at the climbing wall, along with playing our favorite camp games. CKC will also be taking field trips across the WSU Campus. 

  • Week 4: Field Sports Week (July 8-12)

    In our fourth week at camp, our camp athletes compete in our Field Sports! This week campers will try out their team skills in a variety of Field Sports. Campers will get to learn about and play flag football, soccer, kickball, and other field sports.  

  • Week 5: Sports Around the World Week (July 15-19)

    In our fifth week at camp, we learn sports worldwide! This is the week to discover some new sports and explore games throughout history. Throughout the week, campers will  get an opportunity to meet some of our club sport athletes! 

  • Week 6: Water Sports Week (July 22-26)

    In our 6th week of camp our campers will get wet in our water sports week. Campers will get plenty of time in the pool and learn about some water sports. Expect plenty of water-type activities and games this week with our usual trip to the Moscow Water Park! 

  • Week 7: Closing Ceremonies (July 29-August 2)

    As we dive into the last week, our young Cougars will embark on a water-filled journey with epic underwater treasure hunts and exhilarating boat races that will ripple across our camp. But the excitement doesn't stop there – a tidal wave of aquatic activities awaits, each one a chance to make lasting memories. As we approach the grand Closing Ceremonies, let's dive into fun, celebrate our achievements, and wrap up an unforgettable summer at Cougar Kids Camp with a spectacular splash!  

Learn More

  • Parent Open House (June 13th )

    Join us for a parent open house at the Student Recreation Center on the WSU- Pullman campus on June 13th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

    Bring your camper to meet our group leaders and camp directors for the summer. 

    We will take you on a facility tour and have some fun activities for campers to enjoy!

  • Disability Accomodation Requests

    Does your camper require reasonable accommodation for a disability in order to access or be part of camp activities?

    All Accommodation requests must be made at least 2 weeks before their first date of participation in Cougar Kids Camp and sent to melanie.rossetti@wsu.edu. All requests are reviewed by the university ADA coordinator and they will assess whether we are able to implement reasonable accommodations, where the requested accommodations do not fundamentally alter or place an undue burden on the program staff and structure. 



  • Cougar Kids Camp Facility Tour

    We understand that you may want an opportunity to see our facility and ask questions ahead of time. If you would like to set up a tour with one of our directors, please email melanie.rossetti@wsu.edu to set up a time to see where all the fun happens! Campers are welcome to join as well!

Parent Guide

  • Cougar Kids Camp Contacts

    Melanie Rossetti (melanie.rossetti@wsu.edu, 509.335.2218) 

    Hunter Hartley (hunter.hartley@wsu.edu, 509.335.9660) 

     

    Cougar Kids Camp Directors  

    University Recreation  

    PO Box 641830 

    Pullman, WA 99164 

     

    Summer Camp Hotline 509-595-5644 

    (June 17-August 2, Monday-Friday 7:30pm-5:30pm) 

     

    Contacting Your Child During Camp 

    If an emergency arises and you need to contact your child during camp, call the call the camp cellular phone at 509-595-5644 or UREC office at 509-335-2218. 

  • Arriving At Camp

    Camper Drop-off Area 

    Campers should be dropped off at the Student Recreation Center parking lot on North Fairway Drive. The check-in area will be clearly marked, and camp staff will be on site to greet campers on the sidewalk near the entry door.  

    Check-in Times 

    • Morning Session: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (Camp begins at 8:30 AM)  

     

    * If you need to drop off your child after the designated check-in time please enter through the Student Recreation Center main entrance and the membership staff will assist with check-in at the front desk.   

     

    Check-In Procedures 

    The following protocols will be in place during check-in: 

    • Staff will check the camper in at the doors and show the camper(s) to their respective group area.  
    • Parents are welcome to walk their child into the facility.  
  • Departing From Camp

    Camper Check-out Area 

    Campers should be picked up at the Student Recreation Center parking lot on North Fairway Drive. The check-out area is the same as check-in and will be clearly marked. Children will only be allowed to leave with authorized persons. A picture ID will be required for checking out children who do not have permission to sign themselves out. Children will be allowed to sign themselves out to leave the program with written consent from parents/guardians. Children must also have written consent to leave with a person who is not indicated during the online registration. Email or written notes are considered written consent.  

     

    Daily Check-out Times 

    • Afternoon:  4:15 PM- 5:30 PM 

     

    Early Departures

    Early departures can usually be accommodated, provided advance notice is given. Please provide written notice to staff at check-in or check-out one day in advance. Parents picking up their children early will come to the front desk of the Student Recreation Center and tell them what child(ren) they are there to pick up. Please remember that ID is required when picking up a camper.  

     

    Check-Out Procedures 

    The following protocols will be in place during check-out: 

    • Staff will be at the check out door and parents/guardians will show their ID to pick up their child(ren). They will then be allowed to enter the courts to pick them up once we have verified their ID.  
  • Materials to be Returned

    At our website (cougarkids.wsu.edu), you will find general camp guidelines, including what to bring to camp every day, weekly schedules as they are created, camp policies, camper check-in/out information, camp staff information and each form your camper will need to have on file. 

     

    All campers will be required to have the following forms or information submitted prior to their first day of camp: 

    • All online forms filled out: Participant Consent Form, Camper Conduct Agreement, Image Consent Form, Health History Form, Medication Form (Required only if medication is to be taken while at camp. This includes asthma inhalers too.)
    • All Accommodation requests must be made at least 2 weeks before their first date of participation in Cougar Kids Camp and sent to melanie.rossetti@wsu.edu. All requests are reviewed by the university ADA coordinator and they will assess whether we are able to implement reasonable accommodations, where the requested accommodations do not fundamentally alter or place an undue burden on the program staff and structure.  Cougar Kids Camp has the right to deny accommodation requests if it is outside their scope of practice or skill.  
    •  
    • If you registered in person or over the phone you will be emailed the forms and you can bring them on the first day of camp or fill them out when you arrive the first day as copies will be provided. 
    •  

    Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns about any of the forms. 

  • What to Bring Everyday

    • Clothing and shoes - Campers should arrive dressed for the activity. We recommend outdoor activity clothes and athletic shoes (no sandals or open-toe shoes please!). Please survey what your child brings to camp in the morning to avoid losing items. Please label clothing, towels, and all personal items. 
    • Water bottle - Please send your child with a water bottle each day, labeled with their name. 
    • Lunch - Campers that are attending the camp are required to bring a lunch. A snack will be provided in the morning and the afternoon. A typical snack includes a juice box and a granola bar. Campers store their lunch in their backpack. Please clearly label your child's lunch bag. Please notify the camp office before the beginning of camp if your child has food allergies. It is recommended that children with food allergies bring snacks with them. 
    • Sun block - Many activities will take place outdoors. We recommend applying sunblock on your child before arrival and sending sunscreen with your child to camp so that they can re-apply.
    •  
    • Swimming gear - Please pack a swimsuit and towel for your child every day. While groups won’t generally swim each day, at times our schedule may change at the last minute due to pool maintenance and campers may swim on a day that wasn’t part of the original schedule. Please provide a plastic bag to store wet items in. 

     

    • Gym bag/backpack - A gym bag or backpack is recommended for your child's belongings. Please label it with your child's name. 

     

    • Money/items of value - Please do not send items of value (money, cell phones, ipads, Nintendo switch, trading cards, stuffed animals, etc.) with your child. University Recreation is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Items that are not appropriate for camp may be confiscated and locked in the camp office until parents pick these items up 
  • Cancelations

    Cancellations must be made by email or phone 509.335.2218. If a cancellation notice is received by the Wednesday before the applicable session, a full refund will be provided. Cougar Kids Camp admin staff will use their discretion in offering refunds for partial weeks due to illness to avoid sick campers being brought to camp. Please reach out to camp directors about canceling after the deadline.  

  • Medications

    Medication of any type (over the counter or prescription) must be sent with your child to camp, and a Medication and Instruction Form must be submitted before camp begins. All medication must be in its original container with the exception of medication that must be accessible at all times by the camper. Medication must be given to a camp staff member at the beginning of each day at camp, where it will be stored in a locked box. A refrigerator will be available if necessary. Camp staff can assist with administering medicine to campers at the necessary times. 

  • Accidents & Emergencies

    University Recreation does not carry health or accident insurance for participants. It is recommended that all campers are required to have medical coverage prior to attending camp. In case of an emergency or accident involving your child, you will be contacted following notification of the appropriate emergency personnel. At Cougar Kids Camp, we make provisions to be certain that all campers will be as safe as possible. All group leaders and office personnel are certified in CPR and First Aid and will provide initial emergency care when needed. Lifeguards will supervise all aquatic activities. We provide and require campers to wear the safety equipment for applicable activities. 

  • Illness

    If your child should become ill while at camp, you will be notified. Because we do not have a registered nurse on staff, we will ask you to make the decision whether to remove your child from the program for the day. We ask for your discretion on bringing your child to camp if he/she is ill. 

    Cougar Kids Camp admin staff will use their discretion in offering refunds for partial weeks due to illness as to avoid sick campers being brought to camp. Please reach out to camp directors about cancelling after the deadline.  

  • Camper Conduct

    In accordance with our commitment to ethics and diversity, we believe that it is important that our campers act respectfully towards each other, camp staff, and themselves. While we understand that children have a natural tendency to test the limits and boundaries in many situations, we believe that there are standards that our campers must be held up to.

    Behavior policy:

    The behavior management policy is designed to allow staff to manage unacceptable behavior, such as personally offensive language, physical abuse, bullying, and stealing.   

    UREC staff shall be trained in dealing with issues that might arise, modeling positive behavior, communicating with participants, and resolving conflicts before they escalate.  The following steps are the general procedures taken when a problem arises: 

    1. Staff members will intervene immediately and discuss possible solutions to the problem with the camper.
    2. Camp staff, camp director, and camper will discuss solutions to the problem. 
    3. A phone call to parents/guardians concerning the problem. 
    4. The participant is removed from the program or facility for a day based on repeated unacceptable behavior. 

     

    Severe Behavior Policy: 

    Severity: 

    1. Physical & emotional harm to another child.
    2. Verbal abuse or continued inappropriate language. 
    3. Refusal to follow rules or continue in any activities.  

     

    Severe conduct: 

    • Intentional Physical or verbal aggression - 1st Offense suspension for the remainder of that day and the next camp day. Parents will be sent home with a participant conduct form and must return with a behavioral plan to implement when they return. 
    • Intentional physical or verbal aggression- 2nd offense may result in removal from camp for the remainder of the summer. 
    • All steps in the behavior management process shall be documented by staff and kept in participant files.