Independence Township SUMMER DAY CAMPS. Camps for K-9th graders in the 2019/2020 school year PROUDLY STATE LICENSED. Handbook Summer 2019

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1 Independence Township SUMMER DAY CAMPS Parent Handbook Summer 2019 PROUDLY STATE LICENSED Camps for K-9th graders in the 2019/2020 school year

2 Welcome to the 2019 Summer Day Camp Program! Looking for a great way for your kids to spend the summer? You are looking in the right place! Starting April 26th (see back page for details) you can sign your child up for some fun this summer with Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors. On a typical day at camp, campers will play games, create an arts and craft project, participate in sports and group games, enjoy water activities, and much more! On some days, exciting field trips are scheduled to places like Red Oaks Water Park and Sky Zone! Special guest speakers may also come to visit! There is a staff ratio of 1 counselor for every 10 campers daily. Campers are assigned to a counselor each week, along with other campers in their age group. CAMP HOURS The scheduled programs for all camps begin daily at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday from June 10th through August 16th. We know that everyone has a hectic and full schedule, so our counselors will be available from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day to provide supervised care, at an additional cost. Also, there may be some special event days when camp is extended beyond 4 p.m. or start before 9 a.m. Parents will be notified of those days well in advance. An overall Summer Calendar, with Field Trips, is available on our Department's website at A detailed daily schedule will be ed to parents of registered campers each week. OUR STAFF The Parks, Recreation & Seniors Department has taken great pride in hiring committed and enthusiastic counselors that are ready to make this summer one your child won t forget! Many are college-aged students who have a background in education or similar fields. The entire staff has successfully completed a criminal background check, a department orientation, as well as extensive training prior to camp including: rules and regulations, safety, emergency action plans, first aid, CPR, planning, strategies for working with youth, diversity and customer service. A safe fun-filled experience for each camper is our goal. If at any time you have any suggestions, concerns or complaints about the program and/or staff, please address the immediate supervisor on site. If the problem continues, please contact the Recreation Programmer or Day Camp Director at the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Department at (248) Please note Day Camp Supervisors do not maintain regular office hours. FINISH 'N FUN Finish 'N Fun is a Travel Camp available for those kids entering K-5th grade. The program is offered Monday- Friday, 9am-4pm, August Space is limited to the first 50 Campers. No Before & After Care is available this week. MUST PRE-REGISTER. SPOTS FILL UP QUICKLY! CAMP LOCATION: Clintonwood Park CAMP LEADERSHIP (L.I.T.) Camp Leadership is for anyone who is at least 14 years old by June 10, 2019 and is interested in gaining first hand experience as a counselor. Many of our past Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) were campers in their younger years. At Day Camp, L.I.T.'s work with the counselors. These teens have applied to be a part of the program and have successfully completed the application and training processes. To apply for this program, visit the Departments page at

3 Online Registration Now Available! You asked, we listened! Online registration now available for Day Camp! In order to sign up for day camp online, you will need to make sure that you have an online account with us. To obtain an online account, simply give us a call at ! How to Register Online for Camp! 1. Visit indtwp.com -> Departments -> Parks, Recreation & Seniors 2. Click on the "Register WHAT Now!" DO Button ALL (redirected CHILDREN to registration NEED? website) 3. Click on the "Camp Registrations" tab 4. Select which camp you would like to register your child(ren) 5. You may be prompted to sign in to your account at this time (disregard if already signed in) 6. Select which child you would like to register -> click "Next" 7. Select which days you would like to register for -> click "Next" 8. Please indicate your childs' t-shirt size -> click "Next" 9. Review and check all camp policies, waivers, and agreements -> click "Next" 10. Download, fill out, save to your desktop, then upload camp medical form -> click "Next" 11. Review your dates and shirt size -> click "Add To Cart" 12. At this time you can either choose to check out or if you need to register another child, choose "back to registration" If registering another child, you will have to repeat steps Once that is complete, you can then check out and pay for your camps! *3rd child discounts cannot be applied online.

4 Camp Locations CLINTONWOOD CAMP is for students entering K-5th grades in the 2019/2020 school year and has something to offer everyone! What better way to spend your summer than with your friends playing in the park, swimming at the beach, making a trip to the zoo, making your favorite craft, learning a new game, or playing 4-Square? Check-in for Clintonwood Camp is at the Clintonwood Park South Pavilion Clarkston Rd. Clarkston, MI K-2 CAMP SUPERVISOR: Sara Tilley 3-5 CAMP SUPERVISOR: Matthew Hart DISCOVERY CAMP is for students entering 6th-9th grade in the 2019/2020 school year. Let your teen come hang with us this summer! We ll travel the road to cool places and we ll discover lots of things to do and create thrills they ll remember for a lifetime along the way! This is their chance to meet new friends, to laugh and make the summer the best one yet! Check-in for Discovery Camp is at the Clintonwood Park North Shelter Clarkston Rd. Clarkston, MI CAMP SUPERVISOR: Joey Verhelle BAY COURT CAMP is for students entering K-5th grade in the 2019/2020 school year. Have your child come and join us for trips to the Henry Ford Museum, mini-golfing and to the beach! Your child will be able to meet new people and form friendships that will last a lifetime! Check-in for Bay Court Camp is at the Bay Court Park Cedar Grove Pavilion Andersonville Rd. Clarkston, MI CAMP SUPERVISOR: Ashley Locher What to bring EVERYDAY: A smile Disposable lunch Lots of energy Swim suit and towel Tennis shoes & socks Sunscreen Water Bottle Extra change of clothing, including sweats Requested items for special activity; watch your weekly calendars for specifics! Please DO NOT bring: Electronic games, ipods, or tablets Cell phones or other electronic devices Playing cards/trading cards Pocket knives or toy weapons Expensive items or large amounts of cash Sports equipment (ball, skates, etc)/toys & games Heelies or any other skate-shoe CAMPERSHIPS - DID YOU KNOW THERE IS FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR CAMP? PLEASE CALL CLARKSTON AREA YOUTH ASSISTANCE AT (248) FOR MORE INFORMATION. CAMP DIRECTOR, Kate Nitowski If you need to reach our Camp Director please call or her at daycamp@indtwp.com. The Day Camp Director works mainly out of our main office, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

5 Daily Operations of Summer Day Camp Sign-In and Sign-Out Procedures: Every child must be signed in at the beginning of camp and signed out at the end of camp each day. As your child is signed in, his/her name will be checked off from the master attendance list. Immediately your child will be assigned to a counselor who will have direct responsibility for your camper during the day. At the end of each day, each camper must be signed out. Campers will be released only to a person with the correct security information. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. For DISCOVERY CAMP only, campers riding their bikes to camp may sign themselves in and out at the proper time (3:30pm or later), however, written authorization from the parent/guardian must be on file. Transition Times: A solid plan for both check in and check out has been established and will be strictly adhered to. We know that sometimes your hectic schedule presses you for time and every extra second is valuable, but the safety of your child does come first. Therefore, there will be strict enforcement of the sign in and sign out policy. At the beginning and end of camp, there may be lines as other parents drop off or pick up their children, so please be patient. The system we have designed has been set up to work efficiently and effectively. Please allow yourself a few extra minutes to allow for sign in and sign out. Early Pick Up: It is beneficial for your camper to stay the entire time of camp to experience the full benefits. However, we recognize that unexpected situations do arise. On-site supervisors must be notified prior to early pick up. Again, campers will be released only to persons with the correct security information.

6 Daily Operations of Summer Day Camp (cont.) Inclement Weather: All camps are held regardless of weather. Each camp has an alternate facility to use if weather does not permit outdoor activity. If transportation is available, we may add a field trip to the schedule in the event of inclement weather. Lunches/Snacks: Lunches should be nutritious and able to restore energy levels. Sorry, there is no refrigeration available at any camp. Please do not send pop or glass containers. Water is provided for each camper, and campers should bring their own water bottle. Snacks will not be provided during camp so you may consider sending an extra snack for your child. Light snacks are provided for those campers participating in After Care only. Field Trips: In order to increase the amount of summer fun, exciting field trips have been planned for your child to visit this summer. Because reservations are made early in the season for most of these trips, we are limited in the number of participants. If you are registered for a full week of camp and a field trip is planned, you re automatically counted. For those children registering daily, a $5 fee will be added to cover the cost of transportation on field Trips and Beach Day. Cancellations of field trips or Beach Days will only occur when the weather does not permit. Canceled field trips may or may not be rescheduled depending on availability. On an extended day field trip day, Before and After Care will not be charged for siblings enrolled in another Camp. In some cases, we may exceed our field trip times due to unforeseen circumstances. Camp Staff is always in direct contact with the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Office. In these situations we ask that parents remain calm and patient. We will return to camp as soon as possible. A Parks, Recreation & Seniors representative will be on hand to keep parents informed and updated on bus arrival. Extra money on field trips is allowed, but please keep it to a minimum. Counselors are not responsible for holding money or for lost/stolen money. Cell Phones/Electronics: We strongly recommend and encourage that your child does not bring cell phones or electronics to camp. If a cell phone is brought to camp, it is expected that it be off and in a bag or backpack. Children will not be allowed to use phones for recreational purposes. Use of the phone will be monitored by staff, and we ask that parents do not excessively use the phone as a way to talk to their child throughout the day. The Parks, Recreation & Seniors (PRS) department is not responsible for lost/stolen phones/electronics. If you need to get a message to your child while he or she is at camp, please call the PRS Office at

7 Daily Operations of Summer Day Camp (cont.) Clothing: Throughout the summer, please dress your child sensibly for camp activities so that your camper is comfortable and can enjoy the day as much as possible. Many camp activities require physical activity; therefore, we recommend that all campers wear closed toed shoes every day. On beach days the campers can bring sandals to wear at the beach only. Your camper may also bring a rash guard for beach days. We suggest sending a bathing suit and towel each day because there may be the opportunity to play water games. We also suggest sending your child to camp in their camp t-shirt on field trip days. DON T FORGET TO LABEL ALL CLOTHING ITEMS WITH NAME AND PHONE NUMBER! Lost and Found: Each year we accumulate many pieces of lost clothing, towels, sports equipment, lunch boxes, etc. Please be sure that your camper leaves with everything they brought! We strongly suggest everything be marked with the camper s name, so there is ease in returning lost items. If your camper loses something, please check with the counselors, there is a Lost and Found at each camp. All items left at the end of the summer are donated to a local charity, so please claim your items as soon as possible! Other Activities: If your child is signed up for another PR&S Department activity during camp hours and it is held at the same facility (i.e. tee ball, soccer), please inform the counselor so your child can be escorted to their activity. You must arrange for the coach or instructor to escort your child back to camp. On field trip or beach days, this service will not be available. Camp Shirts: Each camper will be provided with ONE T-SHIRT at time of registration. Additional t-shirts may be purchased for $5 at the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Office. Camp shirts are strongly suggested for all out of camp trips.

8 Daily Operations of Summer Day Camp (cont.) MEDICAL INFORMATION Forms: As you register your camper, you will be required to fill out a Medical/Information/Release Form. It is very important that this form is completed in its entirety with accurate and up-to-date information. Copies of this information are kept with administrative offices, on site, and sent with staff on every field trip out of the park. Medicines: ALL medication must be self-administered; staff will not distribute or administer medication. Campers are responsible for holding all meds while at camp. We recommend sending only the necessary doses for the day. There will be reminders announced at lunch time for campers to take their meds, if needed. Sunscreen: Each camper is responsible for applying his or her own sunscreen. The counselors will remind campers to apply sunscreen; however, each person is responsible for his/her own application. Counselors encourage campers to help each other when applying sunscreen. We highly recommend sending aerosol cans of sunscreen with your camper and please remember to clearly label the can or bottle with your name. Swim/sun shirts are also highly recommended. Injuries: Safety for all campers is the number one priority of the entire staff. Policies and procedures will be implemented and enforced to keep all campers safe. However, we know that there will be bumps, bruises and scrapes. Immediate care will be provided to any camper injured. Minor bumps and bruises will be treated by staff on-site. All counselors will wear a fanny pack first aid kit containing ice packs, band-aids, and other first aid supplies. Certified personnel have trained each counselor in basic first aid. Parents will be notified when campers are picked up at the end of the day of any minor injury. In the unlikely event of a serious injury, 911 will be called immediately and parents will be contacted as soon as possible.

9 Daily Operations of Summer Day Camp (cont.) Discipline: We want campers to have fun and enjoy their summer. When behavior gets out of hand and discipline is needed, the counselors attempt to correct the situation with verbal warnings. If those don t work, a time out is usually used (for the younger camps). The parents will be informed if any situation arises so that it may be addressed at home and at camp. If a child is continually putting him/herself and/or the other campers in danger through aggressive behavior, camp privileges will be revoked. Steps that are taken when a child's actions are inappropriate: This may include but, not limited to: behavior which jeopardizes the safety of the other program participants or self, use of profanity, use of physical violence (fighting, punching, kicking, biting,), etc. Actions that are deemed as threatening or dangerous to the staff or campers is grounds for immediate dismissal from our program. Step 1: This refers to the first time a child is demonstrating inappropriate behavior. A staff member will correct the inappropriate behavior with a verbal correction. The staff member will redirect the child and provide alternatives. Parents will be verbally notified at pick-up by the Camp Supervisor of their child s misconduct. Step 2: If a child is disruptive again and refuses to behave, the parent will be notified regarding the incident, both verbally and in written form at pick-up. Step 3: If a child acts out a third time, the child s parent(s) will be notified immediately and the parent must come or send someone to pick up the child. Depending on the severity of the incident, the child may be suspended or completely removed from the camp program. This decision will be made by the Camp Counselor involved, Camp Supervisor, Camp Director, Recreation Programmer & necessary full-time Township staff. All negative behavior is documented on a Behavior Form. What a Parent can do if their child is removed: The parent or guardian may request an informal hearing regarding the decision of the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Department. This hearing must be requested in written form addressed to the Camp Director. This letter must be submitted to the Camp Director within five business days of the suspension/removal. The Parks, Recreation & Seniors review committee will meet to review the parent concern, the documented incidents and render a decision upholding or rescinding the suspension. The Parks, Recreation & Seniors Department believes that a staff member should be able to work in an environment free of threatening speech or actions. Threatening behavior consisting of any words or deeds that intimidate a staff member or cause anxiety concerning his/her physical and/or psychological well-being is strictly forbidden. Any participant, parent, staff member, or agent of this Township who is found to have threatened a member of the staff will be subject to discipline or reported to the authorities. If camper expulsion occurs, an informal meeting must be scheduled before the camper is allowed to return the following year.

10 Payment and Fee Policies Deadlines/ Late Payment: Each week s session has a STRICT registration deadline of Wednesday at 4pm, prior to the week of camp you are registering for. There may be weeks of camp that do not fill to capacity by the registration deadline. At this time, if space still exists a late fee of $10 will be assessed, if you are allowed to register. These situations are handled on a case by case basis dependent upon the upcoming week s activities, events, and registration numbers. Field Trip Fees: For those children not registering for the entire week session, an additional nonrefundable $5 fee will be assessed for FIELD TRIPS AND BEACH DAYS! Refund/ Transfer Policy: After the registration deadline, ABSOLUTELY NO refunds, transfers, or credits will be given for camp. All transfer requests must be done prior to the registration deadline. There is a $10 TRANSFER FEE PER TRANSACTION for any date changes prior to the registration deadline. Refunds are not permitted after the registration deadline for each Camp. This includes sick days, missed days, etc. There will not be an opportunity to change the days that you want your child to come to camp after the registration deadline. There are no refunds or replacements on lost or stolen Before/After Care Cards. There are no refunds for cancellations made due to conditions beyond our control. We came to play!

11 The Before & After Care Program The scheduled programs for all camps begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. We know that everyone has hectic and full schedules, therefore, our counselors will be available from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day to provide supervised care for Clintonwood, Bay Court, and Discovery Camps. The cost is $5 per hour per child, and all charges for this program will be handled in a pre-pay format. For parents who have children in both Clintonwood Camp and Discovery Camp, there may be days that one Camp starts before 9am or ends after 4pm. For siblings who are at Before/After Care because of the older camper s start or end time, you will not be charged for Before/After Care on these days. Punch Cards: Any person using the Before and After Care program must purchase a pre-paid punch card. The card will be divided into 15-minute intervals that will be worth $1.25 each, $2.50 per half hour, $5 per hour. Punch cards with values of $5, $10, $20, $25, $50, $100 or $150 are available to purchase at the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Department. As the child is signed in for Before Care, a counselor will punch the card for every 15 minutes before 9:00 a.m. This will be done in front of the parent so that there are no questions. The same procedure will be used when you pick up your child. The card will be punched for every 15 minutes after 4 p.m. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS ON PUNCH CARDS, therefore, please buy the appropriate amount for the summer. Punch Cards will also be available for sale at Camp, payable by CASH OR CHECKS ONLY. Late Pick Up Policy: For every minute past 6:00, parents are to pay $1 per minute per child directly to the Supervisor in-charge upon sign-out of their child (cash or check only). Parents please plan ahead! If a parent is continually late to pick up their child, their Before & After Care privileges will be revoked. The clock at the Sign-In/Out table will be the official time. PUNCH CARD RATES BEFORE CARE 7:30-7:45am - $7.50 7:46-8:00am - $6.25 8:01-8:15am - $5.00 8:16-8:30am - $3.25 8:31-8:45am - $2.50 8:46-9:00am - $1.25 AFTER CARE 4:00-4:15pm - $1.25 4:16-4:30pm - $2.50 4:31-4:45pm - $3.75 4:46-5:00pm - $5.00 5:01-5:15pm - $6.25 5:16-5:30pm - $7.50 5:31-5:45pm - $8.75 5:46-6:00pm - $10.00

12 Camp Registration Information When: RETURNING CAMPERS ONLINE - Begins Friday, April 26 at 8am, and continues until full or registration deadline. IN PERSON - Begins Friday, April 26 from 8am to 5pm and Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 2pm, and continues during normal business hours until full or registration deadline. NEW CAMPERS - Residents/ Clarkston School District ONLINE - Begins Monday, April 29 at 8am, and continues until full or registration deadline. IN PERSON - Begins Monday, April 29, from 8am to 7pm, and continues during normal business hours until full or registration deadline. OPEN REGISTRATION for non-residents will begin on Monday, May 6 during normal business hours, and continues until full or registration deadline. Where: 6483 Waldon Center Dr., Clarkston, MI Phone: (248) Website: Birth certificates are required to register ANY child under 18, for ALL Parks and Recreation activities (unless previously verified by the PRS Office.) Space is limited in all camps, registrations contingent upon availability. REGISTRATION WILL END AT 4PM THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE EACH WEEK OF CAMP. To view a summer schedule for each camp, visit us online at under Day Camp. Camp Dates & Cost Camp hours are from 9am to 4pm daily with Before (7:30-9am) & After (4-6pm) Care Services available at an additional cost. Choose to sign up for the full week or just specific days. See inside for payment and fee policies! Pre-Registration at the Parks, Recreation & Seniors Office is required for all Camps. Week 1: June 10 - June 14 Week 4: July 8 - July 12 Week 7: July 29 - August 2 Week 2: June 17 - June 21 Week 5: July 15 - July 19 Week 8: August 5 - August 9 Week 10 (Finish 'N Fun): August 19 - August 23 **Initial registration for summer day camp must be done in-person or online. Cancellations, transfers or additions may be done over the phone.** Week 3: June 24 - June 28 Week 6: July 22 - July 26 Week 9: August 12 - August 16 WEEKLY DAILY* Clintonwood (K-5th) Bay Court (K-5th) Discovery (6-9th) Resident/ Non-resident Resident/ Non-resident Resident/ Non-resident $119/ $130 $119/ $130 $130/ $150 $29/ $34 $29/ $34 $34/ $40 *Add an additional $5 for field trip and beach days per child, per day.