Summer Camp Policies

GCS Summer Camp Payment & Refund Policy

50% non-refundable deposit is due upon registration for the program. The balance is due 14 days prior to the start of camp.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing and emailed to education@gulfcoastsymphony.org. 

Cancellations, 14 or more days prior to the start of the camp week will receive a 50% refund (The deposit is non-refundable).  

Cancellations NOT in writing, or received less than 14 days before the start of camp, forfeits tuition costs. 

Refunds will not be made for last minute vacation plans or camper behavioral issues.

If the camp is canceled for any reason, deposits and fees will be refunded within 14 days of cancellation. Funds will be returned by the same means they were paid. 

Please note, per our covid safety policy, the Gulf Coast Symphony will offer a 50% refund policy if a child is sick with COVID-19, or is required to quarantine due to a confirmed COVID-19 exposure.

GCS Summer Camp COVID-19 Safety Policy

The Gulf Coast Symphony remains committed to promoting a safe environment for staff, students and patrons of our Music & Arts Community Center.  Our goal is to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, by following the advice of our medical advisory board and CDC and local safety recommendations. As such, the following safety protocols will be in place for our reduced capacity summer theater camp programs.

Campers will be required to affirm on the first day of registration that they, or no one in their household has tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 14 days, that they or no one in their household are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, or been around anyone with symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid-19.

Promoting Behaviors that Reduce Spread:

• Masks Are Required
  • Masks must be worn by staff and campers at all times, except when campers are eating lunch, or at their performance. 
  • Masks must cover the nose and mouth completely. 
  • Disposable masks will be provided to any camper who does not provide their own.

• Vaccination
  • All GCS staff are required to be vaccinated at time of employment.
  • We encourage any camper aged 16+ to get vaccinated prior to attending camp.

•  Stay Home when Appropriate. Campers should stay home if:
  • They are sick or exhibiting and symptoms of Covid-19 including, fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, new loss of smell or taste, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • They have tested positive for or are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • They have recently had close contact with a person with a confirmed case COVID-19.

• Hand Hygiene Etiquette
  • Throughout the day, campers and employees should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the facility that contain at least 60% alcohol sanitizer solution. It can be used between handwashing.
  • Employees and campers are reminded to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Maintaining Healthy Environments:

• Cleaning and Disinfection
  • The GCS MACC is professionally cleaned on a daily basis.  This includes electrostatic cleaning of all objects touched by campers.
  • Frequently touched surfaces within the camp facility will be cleaned and sanitized at least daily and between use as much as possible. 
  • Sprayed cleaning products will not be used when campers are present. Staff will ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products.
  • Employees will use gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands after removing gloves.
• Ventilation
  • Ventilation systems in the facility have been modified with UV filters and exceed CDC recommendations for airflow  (9x per hour). Fans will run at all times when employees and campers are indoors.
• Lunch
  • Campers are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snack in a labeled food storage container.  Refrigeration for lunches will be provided. 
  • A boxed lunch option will be provided.
  • Campers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle each day.  There is a filtered water fountain available to keep these containers full.

Program Acceptance/Casting

All applicants will be accepted to the camp regardless of past performance experience, private lessons etc and will be actively involved in the show.  Please note, a camper must be willing to actively perform in the show, and fully participate in rehearsals and coaching sessions.

Campers will be assigned roles within the show based on their ability and skill level. Solo roles will be cast on the first day of camp so parts can be memorized. 

Campers interested in principal roles can prepare a video audition prior to the camp and reviewed by the camp’s music director and the GCS Music Director.  Please be sure to perform a piece from the show itself.

Final casting decisions will be made based on in person auditions. (Details and requirements for video auditions will be shared after registration.)   

Due to the accelerated rehearsal timeframe, campers who miss multiple days due to illness may be reassigned roles within the production.