The County Library
O.W.L. Camp FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free Harry Potter–themed STEAM summer camp for ages 11–18.
About the Camp
What is the mission/purpose of O.W.L. Camp?
O.W.L. Camp’s mission is to provide a free, inclusive, high quality, engaging, STEAM-based summer camp for youth ages 11–18, based on Harry Potter.
Classes are designed to be developmentally appropriate, and to support social and emotional learning.
Where is O.W.L. Camp located?
The County Library | Viridian Event Center | 8030 S 1825 W, West Jordan, UT 84088
What if students haven't read Harry Potter?
It’s not too late! All of the Harry Potter books and movies are available for check out from your local County Library branch and online.
While it is not required, reading or listening to the books, or watching the movies will make the O.W.L. Camp experience much more magical.
Registration & Applications
My friend(s) missed the application deadline. Can they still apply?
Those who missed the application deadline on March 31, 2026 are invited to apply in 2027.
What happened to the RSVP? Don't we need to RSVP for this year?
In an effort to simplify the application process, once you receive your O.W.L. Camp letter, you are considered accepted and your attendance is expected.
To help us manage the wait-list, we ask that if you are not able to attend, please release your spot so another student can join us.
Please contact us to manage your application and cancel your spot.
My child needs an accommodation to attend O.W.L. Camp. How do I let you know?
On the O.W.L. Camp application, please list any requested accommodations in the comment field.
The County Library will meet ADA accommodations, given enough time and notice to do so. Please contact us immediately if you have an ADA accommodation request. Please review the Salt Lake County policy on reasonable accommodations.
What if I have more questions not covered in the FAQ?
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Where do I drop off and pick up my student(s)?
Drop-off: 8:00–8:45 am at the south doors by the large metal "LIBRARY" sign. Parking is available on the south side of the building and at the park.
Parents are welcome to accompany their student during drop off, through the library, until the student is sorted. They may take pictures in the lobby, say hi to staff, and then say goodbye at the sorting hat.
Pick-up: 1:15–1:30 pm. Students will only be released to their emergency contact or other authorized adult with photo ID.
Please park and come inside — students will not be released to parking lots or vehicles. Exceptions are made for students 15 and older.
- Due to safety concerns, students will not be released to the parking lots or to meet parents at vehicles. Please park your car and come into the building to pick up your student. (Exceptions will be made for students 15 and older.)
- Please enter the lobby and proceed to the event desk to show your ID; you will be directed to your student. Students and parents will exit through the amphitheater outside.
- Students will not be released back through the building to keep the flow of pick up smooth.
Why are you requiring a designated pick-up person?
For safety reasons, we are asking parents to plan on picking up their child from O.W.L. Camp or to designate another authorized adult.
Photo ID is required at pickup.
Parents also have the option to release their children 15 years and older without an authorized adult.
What to Bring
What should students bring or wear?
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Small bag or backpack
- Snacks or lunch
What food will be provided?
Lunch and snacks will not be provided at O.W.L. Camp due to the prevalence of allergies and this being a half-day camp. Please feed your student a healthy breakfast, and send your student with a snack. If it will be difficult for your student to wait until after 1 pm for a meal, please send them with a bagged lunch. Students are allowed to eat during breaks or during class. Note: refrigeration is not available.
O.W.L. Camp is a peanut-free zone.Please do not send any peanuts or peanut products with your student, due to the severity of this allergy.
Why will snacks not be provided? This is a change from years past.
O.W.L. Camp does not have an out-of-pocket admission fee because library funds, as well as partner time and expertise, make this summer camp a reality. As inflation and other costs increase, the County Library strives to be a responsible steward of community trust while keeping this service sustainable and accessible.
O.W.L. Camp also strives to be welcoming and accommodate the different needs of attendees. With rising food allergies, diets, and medical conditions, we are unable to continue purchasing snacks that accommodate all food needs for over 1,000 students.
Are students allowed to bring a pet/animal?
Live animals are not allowed. Service animals are allowed in accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A qualified service animal is a dog (or other animal) that has been trained or is being trained to do work or tasks for the benefit of someone with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disability.
Camp Day Experience
How are the classes structured?
The County Library is committed to providing equal access and opportunity, and we strive to create welcoming atmospheres, programs, and spaces for the needs of the community.
O.W.L. Camp students will be divided into groups of up to 30 youth, with up to 60 youth in a class at one time. A minimum of three instructors will be present in the classroom at all times, for a ratio of one instructor per 20 youth (national summer camp standard).
For classes with a more involved curriculum, the ratio of staff to students may be higher.
All classes have a lecture element, with hands-on, self-directed learning throughout. Students are encouraged to work together or independently, as their learning style dictates.
A minimum of three staff are available outside the classroom setting at all times. If a student wishes to leave the learning environment at any time, for any reason, they can excuse themselves from the room. A staff person will be available to speak with the student. Quiet spaces are available in the library and courtesy phones are available.
Staff will have a master list of all the students attending each day, with emergency contact information. It is important that emergency contacts be accurate and up to date.
Although youth are encouraged to attend the full day and not leave due to scheduling conflicts, any youth is free to leave at any time for personal reasons.
O.W.L. Camp has a zero bullying tolerance. Bullying is defined as “unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” (Definition taken from www.stopbullying.gov) This includes verbal bullying, including: teasing, name-calling or taunting; social bullying, leaving someone out on purpose; and physical bullying, including: hitting/kicking/punching, spitting, tripping, or making rude hand gestures.
O.W.L. Camp’s goal is to create a fun, immersive learning environment in which to teach STEAM concepts. Social and emotional learning are important aspects of that education. Breaks and time to socialize are built into the day.
What classes are offered?
All classes are STEAM-based. Topics may include potions, astronomy, care of creatures, and others.
How will students be sorted? Are they allowed to switch houses?
Students will be sorted into an O.W.L. Camp house upon arrival. Sorting determines class schedules and activities for the day. Each student will attend all classes.
Students are allowed to negotiate their house assignments with each other after the sorting process has taken place, but before the first class begins.
As a parent, may I attend with my child?
O.W.L. Camp encourages independent learning and exploration. During the event, parents are welcome to spend part or all of the day in the West Jordan library branch, directly adjacent to the Library’s Viridian Event Center.
Should students wear their own Hogwarts robes or costumes?
Costumes are not required, but are encouraged! Shirts will not be provided. Students should anticipate receiving a lanyard to designate class placement.
Students will receive instructions to print an O.W.L. Camp shirt in a County Library Create space prior to O.W.L. Camp. Feel free to wear your shirt to camp!
My student was excited to get a t-shirt. Why are t-shirts no longer offered?
O.W.L. Camp does not have an out-of-pocket admission fee because library funds, as well as partner time and expertise, make this summer camp a reality. As inflation and other costs increase, the County Library strives to be a responsible steward of community trust while keeping this service sustainable and accessible.
We have received inquiries from parents interested in purchasing a t-shirt. At this time, the library does not have a Friends Group or other 501(c)(3) to manage fundraising or merchandise sales. In order to expand the merchandise we sell, the library needs support and approval of the Library Board and the County Council.
The library is also exploring whether offering a shirt for sale would continue to provide an equitable experience at O.W.L. Camp, where one of our core values is that this is a free camp, making it accessible to those who may not be able to afford other summer camps.