Our Policies

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Participant
Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing (mail or e-mail).
Refund will be issued in the same manner payment was made.
Cancellations prior to 30 days before start of camp will receive a
full refund, minus $50 of registration fee. Cancellations received
within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.
Request for cancellation due to illness, accident, or death in the
family requires documentation. Upon receipt of documentation,
a full refund minus $50 registration fee will be issued. Verification
must be received no later than 30 days after the scheduled event
date. Please allow 4-6 weeks to receive your refund.
Participants sent home from an event in violation of our rules, for
medical reasons, or at the discretion of the student, family, or
BRDC will receive no refund.

Cancellation by BRDC
BRDC reserves the right to cancel or alter some aspects of a program
or event, including program/event itinerary, dates, location or
duration, as a result of unforeseen circumstances, or for any other
reason. BRDC is not responsible for costs incurred by a participant
in preparing for a program/event that is altered or cancelled.
 

Meals

All meals and snacks during camp will be provided by BRDC. We
are committed to providing a safe camp experience. The particular
dietary needs of a camper should not in any way take away from
that experience. In addition to three healthy and nutritious meals
a day, we have plenty of snacks to keep us energized between
meals. Families of children with food allergies must inform BRDC
staff of the existence of said dietary restrictions or allergies at least
30 days prior to camp so accommodations can be made as
necessary. If notification and discussion with staff does not occur
within this timeframe, BRDC will not be able to accommodate the
camper’s needs. *See Dietary Restrictions Policy.

Traveling to and from Camp

Each camp provides start and end locations. Families are responsible
for making travel arrangements to and from these locations.
BRDC staff will be waiting for the campers and remain with the
campers until departure. BRDC van(s) will be used to transport
campers to and from different locations as the particular camp
requires.
 

Expectations

Our programs are designed to educate in a fun and structured
environment. All applicants are expected to be enthusiastic about
this opportunity. The use of tobacco products, drugs (other than
prescription medications), and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

Safety

BRDC understands that when considering a wilderness adventure
for you or your children, safety is a primary concern. We have
made safety the most important consideration behind all of our
decisions. Participants and parents should understand that travel in
remote wilderness areas involves a level of inherent risk. While we
have taken every measure to minimize these risks, it is impossible
to eliminate all risks.

Camp guides and staff have previous experience leading trips in
the areas we travel on our expeditions. Our guides and staff have
a minimum of one years’ experience leading wilderness trips and
hold CPR/First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certifications.
 

Communication

We are committed to keeping an open line of communication with
the parents of our participants. A member of our staff will be available
via phone for emergency needs. Our field staff is in touch with
the office staff regularly and carries the appropriate communication
equipment. Participants are not allowed to make phone calls home
during camp. Parents can be assured that when it is important that
a camper talk to his or her parents, we will make sure that they are
in touch as soon as possible.
 

No Personal Electronics

The simple pleasure found in nature is a major component of our
camps. Therefore, we do not allow personal electronics at our
camps.

Camp Location

All camps will be located at our base camp in Troutdale, VA unless
otherwise specified. Alternate locations include but are not limited
to Matthews State Forest, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area,
and the New River
 

Registering for an activity

Register and Pay online with a credit card at:
blueridgediscoverycenter.org
Download application form, medical form, and waiver and release.
Print, complete and mail to:

Blue Ridge Discovery Center
6402 Whitetop Rd.
Troutdale, VA 24378

As soon as we receive your payment, you will receive a confirmation
email with several attachments including packing lists.
 

Scholarships

Limited need and/or merit-based scholarships are available for all camps.
To apply for scholarship assistance please submit the Scholarship Form

*Payment can be made online through the sign-up button above or through the mail. Please make checks payable to Blue Ridge Discovery Center, 6402 Whitetop Rd., Troutdale, VA 24378

**To complete registration please download and complete the Camp Registration Form and mail to: Blue Ridge Discovery Center, 6402 Whitetop Rd., Troutdale, VA 24378