Bear Club is childcare for alumni celebrants attending their evening events. Bear Club keeps children safe and entertained, and is available on both Friday and Saturday nights. Children are cared for by professionally screened, vetted, vaccinated, and trained caregivers from Jovie.

Parents and caregivers can sign up for Bear Club when they register for Black Alumni Weekend. When registering, please be prepared to provide medical and insurance information.

Bear Club Tracks

Children will be assigned to one of five Bear Club Tracks to ensure age-appropriate and engaging activities for all participants.

Baby Bears: Under 2
Cub Club: Ages 2–5
WashU Bears: Ages 6–8
Ursa Bears: Ages 9–11
Grizzly Bears: Ages 12+

Caregivers

Children will be cared for by professionally screened, vetted, and trained Jovie caregivers who are assisted by WashU staff. All caregivers are fully vaccinated and have a background check on file.

Liability Waiver and Release

Agenda

Please note: All activities will take place in the Danforth University Center (DUC). Dinner is included for ages 2 and up on both Friday and Saturday.

*With parental approval, Grizzly Bear participants might have the opportunity to do an on campus activity outside of the DUC.

Friday Bear Club

Oct. 9, 2026 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | $50 per child

MENU
Baby Bears

Parents will provide appropriate food for child in Baby Bears. Refrigerator is available.

Cub Club, WashU Bears, Ursa Bears, and Grizzly Bears

Menu details will be provided closer to the event date. A balanced variety of kid-friendly foods will be offered.

**Gluten-free meal available upon request during registration.
*** Menu subject to change.

Specialty Meals

If you will be bringing a specialty meal for your child, please label all food and supplies clearly. There will be a mini fridge in the Baby Bears room.

ACTIVITIES

Baby Bears will have dedicated caregivers interacting with them throughout the evening with toys, books, etc. Necessary baby gear will be provided.

Specialty activities will be available for Cub Club, WashU Bears, and Ursa Bears tracks. Additional details will be shared closer to the event weekend.



Saturday Bear Club

Oct. 10, 2026 | 5-11 p.m. | $50 per child

MENU
Baby Bears

Parents will provide appropriate food for child in Baby Bears. Refrigerator is available.

Cub Club, WashU Bears, Ursa Bears, and Grizzly Bears

Menu details will be provided closer to the event date. A balanced variety of kid-friendly foods will be offered.

**Gluten-free meal available upon request during registration.
***Menu subject to change.

Specialty Meals

If you will be bringing a specialty meal for your child, please label all food and supplies clearly. There will be a mini fridge in the Baby Bears room.

ACTIVITIES

Baby Bears will have dedicated caregivers interacting with them throughout the evening with toys, books, etc. Necessary baby gear will be provided.

Specialty activities will be available for Cub Club, WashU Bears, and Ursa Bears tracks. Additional details will be shared closer to the event weekend.


Frequently asked questions

Who will be watching my children?

Washington University staff, and professional caretakers from Jovie, a full-service child care agency staffed with fun, vetted, and professionally-trained caretakers.

My child will need to take a nap – will there be an area for them to sleep?

We will have some quiet areas available with mats and blankets. Pack ‘N’ Plays will also be provided for the Baby Bears.

Will food be available at Bear Club?

Yes. Please see the session details for both Friday and Saturday Bear Club for menu details. Be sure to select a gluten-free meal on registration if your child requires one.

Can I bring food for my child?

Certainly. If your child has allergies or requires a special diet, you may bring food for your child. Please bring food in labeled containers.

For kids under 2 years of age, we ask that parents provide all food, drinks, bottles/sippy cups, baby spoons, bibs, formula, diapers, wipes, etc. There will be a mini fridge for milk, formula, breast milk, and specialty meals.

My child is 11, but would like to be with their older sibling. Can they go with the Grizzly Bears?

Yes! We are happy to place your children in the same group, upon request, if they wish to remain together.

My child wears diapers. Will you have a place set aside for diaper changing?

Yes. Please provide all diapers and wipes in a labeled bag or container.

Can I bring my baby’s blanket, bottles, etc.?

Absolutely! Please note that anything brought must be labeled.

What if there is an emergency? How will you find me?

A contact form is completed by all parents when registering their children for Bear Club. This form includes your cell phone number.

Will you be taking my child out of the Danforth University Center?

No. All activities will take place on the 2nd floor of the Danforth University Center (DUC). **Grizzly Bears may leave the DUC for an on-campus, chaperoned activity if approved by the parent during registration.

What time is drop-off and pick-up?

Friday, Oct. 9
Drop-off: 5:30 p.m.
Pick-up: 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10
Drop-off: 5 p.m.
Pick-up: 11 p.m.

Can I pick up my child earlier than the designated time?

Of course! We simply ask that you sign your child out.

Will the area be secure and safe?

Yes. There will be security guards stationed at the entrances of Bear Club to ensure the area stays secured.

Where do I drop off?

Bear Club will be located in the Danforth University Center (DUC) on both Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10. You will be able to park in the DUC Garage, which is underneath the building. The exact check-in location inside the DUC will be shared with those that registered for Bear Club closer to Black Alumni Weekend.

Questions?

Maddie Gilmore