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Camp Dexter

Camp Dexter Information | After Care Information

Camp Dexter is Dexter Community Education's state-licensed summer day camp for children who have completed Young 5s or Kindergarten through Grade 6. Camp provides a structured, engaging summer experience in a familiar school setting, with a focus on active play, enrichment, and dependable care for working families. Outdoor play is included daily, weather permitting. Activities move indoors during extreme weather conditions.

Camp Dates & Schedule

Camp Dates: June 15 – August 21, 2026

Important Note About the Final Week
 The 10th week of camp is contingent on the Dexter Community Schools calendar. If the school year begins before Labor Day, the final week of camp will be canceled so staff can prepare for the school year. Families will be notified once the school calendar is finalized.

Registration Dates

Returning Families: Registration opens Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8:00 am.

New Families: Registration opens Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 8:00 am.

Registration is completed online. Space is limited and contracts are approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who Is Considered a Returning Family?

A returning family is one that has had an approved After Care or Camp Dexter contract during the current season or one season prior, provided the contract was not deleted from the system. Eleyo automatically determines what qualifies as “current and one season prior,” and we do not have the ability to override or change that setting.

When Can I Register a New Sibling?

New siblings may register at the same time as a returning child.

Registration status is account-based, not child-based. This means that if your family qualifies as a returning family, any new children on your account (siblings) are eligible to register during the returning family registration window, even if they have not previously participated in our programs.

Registration & Approval Process

Each child must have their own Camp Dexter contract.

All contract requests are submitted as pending. Your spot is not secured until you receive an email confirmation stating that your contract has been approved.

A $75/child non-refundable registration fee is charged when your contract is approved. 

Weekly Commitment & Schedule Rules

  • Only full-week schedule requests are accepted
  • Families may choose to send their child on select days during the week, but tuition is charged for the full week regardless of attendance
  • Families select their camp weeks at the time of registration
  • Families are required to register for a minimum of four weeks
  • Camp schedules are locked as of May 1

After May 1, schedule changes are only permitted if we are able to fill your original weeks from our waitlist. This policy allows us to staff appropriately and meet state-required ratios.

Program Details

  • Location: Bates Elementary
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday
  • Drop-off Begins: 7:30 a.m.
  • Pick-up Ends: 6:00 p.m.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Flexibility

Camp Dexter offers flexible drop-off and pick-up throughout the day. Campers may arrive or be picked up at any time during program hours. Children may also be picked up for appointments and returned later the same day.

On field trip days, all campers participating in the trip must be checked in at Bates Elementary at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Departure times will be communicated in advance.

Fees & Billing

  • Camp Dexter is $250/week per student
  • Sibling Discount: After the first child is enrolled at the full weekly rate, additional siblings receive a 20% discount
  • Billing: Invoices are run the week before your scheduled camp week and posted to your account. Payment is due by Friday prior to the camp week.

Refund Policy

Camp Dexter fees are non-refundable. This includes absences, schedule changes, and early withdrawals.

Licensing & Supervision

Camp Dexter is a state-licensed program and follows all Michigan LARA requirements, including staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and required training.

Campers are supervised by trained Camp Directors, Leads, and Assistants. Many staff members return year after year and have experience working in school-age child care and summer camp programs.

Families Provide

  • A nut-free packed lunch
  • Nut-free snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Closed-toe shoes

Communication

Important updates and camp-specific information are shared by email, website announcements, and direct communication from the Community Education office.

Families are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date.

Questions?

For questions about registration, schedules, or billing, contact the Dexter Community Education office for assistance.

email communityed@dexterschools.org or call 734-424-4180. 


Looking Ahead — 2027 Camp Structure

Nothing is changing for Summer 2026. Camp will continue to run 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. However, we are reviewing our camp structure for 2027.

The data we have collected shows that our average summer drop-off time is approximately 8:30 a.m., and average pick-up is approximately 4:30 p.m.

We know there are families who rely on care outside those hours, and we will continue to offer extended coverage. We are exploring a structure where core camp hours may shorten, with a separate before- and after-care option available.

Our goal is to better align staffing and program structure with actual usage patterns while continuing to meet the needs of families who rely on early drop-off and later pick-up.

More information will be shared well in advance of Summer 2027.