Parks board backs later Camp Jackson start, adds $25/week early drop-off option

Teton County/Jackson Parks & Recreation staff asked the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to approve changing Camp Jackson’s operating hours from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. to 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with drop-off 9–9:45 a.m. and pick-up 4–5 p.m., beginning in the upcoming season. The proposal also adds an Early Drop-Off option from 8:30–9 a.m. for $25 per week. (Staff Report for Adjusting Camp Jackson’s Operating Hours)

Staff framed the change as a staffing and cost-control move: under the current schedule, employees typically arrive by 8 a.m. and stay until 6 p.m., creating about 130 hours of overtime per week across the team (estimated $40,950 over a 10-week season at the overtime rate cited). Split shifts reduced overtime in 2025 but created coverage and coordination problems, staff said. (Staff Report for Adjusting Camp Jackson’s Operating Hours)

With a narrower morning drop-off period and fewer early-arrival campers, staff said the program could reduce overtime to an estimated 15–40 hours per week, depending on how many families use early drop-off. If 20 families opted in weekly, staff projected $500/week in added revenue (about $5,000 over the season) to help offset early staffing, while keeping base pricing at $255 per child. Staff also recommended initiating a 45-day public comment period as part of the change. (Staff Report for Adjusting Camp Jackson’s Operating Hours)