The Department of Recreation, Youth Programs, has updated its Refund Policy. Refer to the information listed below to ensure a full understanding of our new Refund Policy. For any questions, you can contact the Youth Programs Coordinator at, camps@recreation.ucsb.edu. 

The parent or guardian's purchase of youth program offerings indicates understanding of all registration and refund policies, and agreement to abide by them. All refund requests must be submitted via our Refund, Transfer, and Add Services Request Form, and must be received by the Youth Programs Coordinator by the dates listed below.

Prorating is not available for any program.

Cancellation/Refund Policies

Swim Lessons

Read our Adult Swim Lesson Policy.

Read our Youth Swim Lesson Policy.

Beach 'n Surf Camp, Junior Lifeguards, Spring Day Camp, & Summer Day Camp

All refund requests must be submitted via the refund request Refund, Transfer, and Add Services Request Form, and received by the Youth Programs Coordinator by the dates listed below:

  • Refund Amount of 90%: Request MUST be received three months prior to the start of the purchased session.
  • Refund Amount of 75%: Request MUST be received two months prior to the start of the purchased session.
  • Refund Amount of 50%: Request MUST be received one month prior to the start of the purchased session.
  • Refund Amount of 25%: Request MUST be received within 15 business days of the start of the purchased session.

No refund after the first Monday of the session will be granted. If the UCSB Department of Recreation cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.

Transfer Fee & Policy

All transfers must be requested via our Refund, Transfer, and Add Services Request Form no later than 4 business days prior to the start of the program offering, and are subject to a $15 transfer fee per session, per child.

  • No transfer requests will be granted once a session has begun.
  • The transfer fee(s) must be paid online via your account or at the Customer Service Center prior to the transfer being completed.
  • Transfers are based on space availability and are made at the discretion of the Youth Programs Coordinator.
  • Children may give their spots to siblings or step siblings ONLY. Programs are not transferable to anyone outside the family.

*Transfer requests for swim lessons must be received no later than 15 day prior to the start of your purchased session.*

Late Fee

We understand that problems and disruptions may arise during a parent or guardian's day that can throw off schedules. However, in order to compensate our staff for having to stay late, we assess a $15/quarter hour childcare fee for children picked up after operating hours. This amount must be paid online via your account or at the Customer Service Center prior to your child returning to our program.

Dismissal From Camp

There are times when children may be dismissed from programs due to psychological, emotional, or physical challenges or actions that preclude the child from participating safely or effectively in a group. If appropriate, this will result in a complete refund for the unused days. 

If a camper is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, there will be NO REFUND for the unused days.

Absences & Short-Term Illness

Refunds are not available for vacations, special events, short-term illness of four or fewer days, or other personal commitments that prevent attendance.

Extended Illness

A refund may be available for an extended illness of five or more consecutive program days. A doctor's note and written note from the parent or guardian explaining the situation must be received within eight business days from the first day of absence. Upon review, participants may receive a $25 per day refund for the unused days. For families needing to cancel registration(s) for medical or family emergency, please reach out to the Youth Programs Coordinator at camps@recreation.ucsb to discuss your specific situation.

Waitlist Procedure

If your child is on the waitlist and a spot opens, you will be contacted by email. If you do not respond within 48 hours, your child's spot is no longer guaranteed.