Policies and FAQs

Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs are technology free, including cell phones, with exceptions made for camps that ask participants to bring a laptop or tablet. This policy helps us to create a unique atmosphere that allows campers to build friendships, cultivate independence, and get the most out of their summer experience. In the case of an emergency, parents can get in touch with their camper (or vice versa) through the Summer Programs staff.

Payments (including deposits) are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Partial refunds may be considered in the event of an emergency, which is defined at the discretion of the director of summer programs and often requires supporting evidence. The balance for any of the sessions is due by May 15.

Should Mercersburg Academy cancel a program for any reason, full refunds will be issued to families.

Discounts must be used at the time of the original enrollment, with the exception of team discounts that require all team members to enroll before the discount is granted.

You can receive discounts toward your tuition by inviting other families to join in on the fun! For each new enrollment that Mercersburg Summer Programs receives from your referral, we will take $25 off your balance.

1. Referrals must be new enrollments paid-in-full to receive the discount. 
2. Referrals must list you as the source of their enrollment when they register.
3. Siblings and other members of a previous camper’s immediate family do not qualify for the referral discount. 
4. Referral discounts are not valid when using a team discount.

Families with multiple children will receive $25 off each enrollment after the first. This discount will be applied automatically when enrolling online.

Team/group discounts are available for some programs. The amount of the discount may vary among programs. In order to claim the discount, the coach of the team must email summerprograms@mercersburg.edu by April 1 with a list of the team members attending the program. All team members must be enrolled in the same session.

Team discounts cannot be added to any other promotional offer, with the exception of early-bird pricing. If a participant has an existing discount smaller than the team discount, Mercersburg Summer Programs will apply the difference. If the participant has an existing discount larger than the team discount, the participant will not be eligible to receive the team discount (but will be counted toward the team totals)

Our financial assistance provides students displaying strong desire, high merit, and financial need the opportunity to attend our programs. 

Download and complete the financial assistance application. You should start your registration online but not complete it or pay the deposit. Contact our office via email or phone if you have any questions.

Generally, there are two participants to a room for Mercersburg Summer Programs, and a participant never has their own room. While we try to honor everyone’s roommate request, we can’t make any guarantees. Camp is about making new friends and conquering new experiences. The best way to ensure your roommate request is honored is to be sure that you’ve only requested one roommate and that the person you requested also requested you.

Please understand that we will not change anyone’s room assignment when you arrive and registration is occurring. Our staff will evaluate the situation, and if a move is possible, we will help the camper move before the first lights out.

Parents: please speak with your child about the roommate policy before they arrive on campus. This will help them better understand and feel less anxious when they learn they may not be with the person they thought they’d be with. 

When requested, Mercersburg Summer Programs will provide complimentary transportation to/from the following locations for those arriving to and/or departing camp:

• Greyhound Station (Hagerstown, MD)
• Amtrak Station/Greyhound Station (Harrisburg, PA)
• Baltimore/Washington International Airport
• Washington Dulles International Airport

Information specific to pickup will be emailed directly to participants and their families at least one week prior to their arrival or departure. This email will include the pickup or dropoff schedule and the name and other identifying information of the staff member assigned to pick up the participant. It will also include the assigned staff member’s contact information.

In the event of a change, Mercersburg Summer Programs will communicate to the participant and their family via email. If the change is the day of the pickup or dropoff, communication will be confirmed with a phone call to the provided contact information.

Should the traveler not be able to get in touch with their assigned staff member on the day of travel, the director of summer programs, Peter Kallin, can be reached by calling 717-328-6225.

Campers, staff, parents, and guests are forbidden from using or possessing drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any drug/tobacco paraphernalia in any form on the Mercersburg Academy campus or in Mercersburg Academy vehicles. This policy also applies to nonprescription drugs that are not approved by the program staff.

Campers are not permitted to drive and leave vehicles at Mercersburg Academy during their time in a program.

Campers, parents, staff, and guests are not permitted to bring any animals to Mercersburg Summer Programs, with the exception of service animals. Any animals that are present during the drop-off or pickup times must be kept on a leash or in a vehicle.

Campers, parents, staff, and guests are forbidden from having firearms or other weapons on Mercersburg Academy property.

Yes, we hold accreditation from the American Camp Association. This third-party designation serves as an assurance to families that our camp cares enough to submit to a transparent, thorough review of our entire operation. Our goal is to provide parents with as much information about Mercersburg Summer Programs as possible and to reassure you about your camp choice. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing your family with the best possible camp experience.

Yes—if you are unable to pay with a credit or debit card through the online portal. Please contact the Office of Summer and External Programs at 717-328-6225 to make arrangements to pay by check.

International participants from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam whose native language isn’t English are required to complete the Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) through Vericant before registering. Vericant is a trusted video interview service used by many colleges, universities, and independent schools. (International participants from other countries are not required to complete the Vericant interview at this time.)

Packing lists can be found on our enrollment page. Remember to tag those clothes! Double check the packing list, and let us know if you have any questions.

Campers may not bring any outside food or beverages to campus. Participants get plenty of food, snacks, and beverages, and our dining hall provides vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Since exposed food and drinks in dorms can mean unwelcome visitors, we minimize opportunities for our four-legged friends by asking that parents (and others) not send food, candy, etc.

Campers do not need to bring money to camp, and we do not have a camp store or camp bank. Since many parents feel the need to put $10 in their camper’s pocket, we allow that much—$10 per session. We supply all snacks, refreshments, and a little money to spend at amusement parks and baseball games. In addition, if toothpaste, SPF 30, bug spray, or other essentials run low, we will provide those items.

No, we prefer that families plan to arrive on the first day of camp. Stayover weekends, when offered, are for those individuals who are staying for more than one session. If you have specific questions regarding arrival, please contact our office at summerprograms@mercersburg.edu.

Please see this page for information about Mercersburg’s location. Feel free to print the campus map and bring it with you to serve as your guide on a tour of our beautiful campus.

The time and location of arrival registration varies from program to program and will be sent to enrollees close to the start of camp.

We have a quick separation of campers from parents at our opening ceremonies, so if you want to impart wisdom/warnings/goodbyes, we encourage you to do so before the opening ceremony starts.

Remember that campers do not make or receive phone calls, except in emergencies/urgent situations. This helps us create a unique atmosphere and foster independence. Besides, with the pace of our schedule, they won’t have much time for calls anyway. Telephone calls from home tend to distract campers from the camp program and break the momentum of camp, and they can spur major episodes of homesickness. Instead, you are welcome to:

1. Send a postcard before camp starts so that your camper receives it while they are on campus. These may be mailed to [Camper’s Name], c/o Mercersburg Summer Programs, 100 Academy Drive, Mercersburg, PA 17236.
2. Send an email (with your camper’s name in the subject line) to summerprograms@mercersburg.edu. We will print and deliver a copy of the email to them.

During camp, we want you to have access to our office and to the directors of each program. You will receive all the important contact information prior to your arrival. The main office line, 717-328-6225, is monitored 24 hours a day when summer programs are in session.

Please do not hesitate to call (day or night) if you need anything or if there is an urgent message you need to get to us or to a camper. We want parents to feel relaxed and at ease, and if a call to us can ever alleviate any anxiety you might be battling, pick up the phone.

We have an ambitious slate set for every program—one designed for fun and enrichment—as well as one that fosters self-direction, independence, and responsibility. As part of our emphasis on individual attention and development, counselors will be focused on the participants and will not be available to take phone calls directly. You can leave messages for them through the main office line, 717-328-6225.

We have no visiting days other than the opening and closing days of each session. We believe this policy creates a more cohesive camp community and will enhance your child’s experience at Mercersburg.

You can stay in touch with what’s happening at Mercersburg Summer Programs via our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Multiple-session campers may choose to stay on campus between sessions with a few of our counselors. Cost for stayovers is $250. The charge covers laundry expenses, on-campus activities, special events on Saturdays, and meals. Campers will not need money of their own unless they wish to purchase personal items.

If you plan to be at a location with contact information different than what is listed on the enrollment form and medical form, we need to know. If you will be away on vacation or business, please provide your contact information on the transportation sheet or forward the dates and the contact information to summerprograms@mercersburg.edu. We would like to have this information before registration if possible.

Most day campers are on campus from about 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.