Camp Foster YMCA 2014 Staff Welcome Packet

Transcription

1 Camp Foster YMCA 2014 Staff Welcome Packet We didn t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun!

2 General Information Dates Staff Training (mandatory): June 5-14, 2014 Arrive between 2-3 p.m. on June 5th, training starts at 4 p.m. Training will conclude on June14 th Camp Sessions: June 15 August 9, 2014 Please note the starting date on your offer letter. Some staff members will be employed earlier for training or to support camp operations. More information regarding training opportunities will be following. Description Camp Foster gives kids a safe place to connect with positive role models, develop self-respect, make friends, and have fun! At our 214-acre outdoor center, campers enjoy these amenities: Aquatics Program (pool and lake waterfront) The Ranch (horseback riding) Large Group Games Adventure Program (Climbing Wall/Tower and Low/High Ropes) Shooting Sports (archery, riflery, trap, paintball) Nature Center (hiking, fishing, and nature exploration) Sports Arts and Crafts (including pottery) Camp Foster Resident Camp primarily serves boys and girls ages Addresses Street Address: th Avenue Spirit Lake, IA Mailing Address: Your Name, STAFF PO Box 296 Spirit Lake, IA Phone Number The camp phone number is (800) Please tell family and friends that the camp phone number is for emergency use ONLY. Cell Phones Camp receives decent service with Verizon, US Cellular, and T-Mobile (most other providers do not work). You are welcome to bring your cell phone to stay in contact with friends and family; however, you may use your cell phone only in designated areas during scheduled time off. Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones, and as a role model, you may not use cell phones in front of them. Cell phones may be kept in your vehicle, your assigned staff housing, or the staff lounge, you may not keep your phone in a camper cabin. Internet You will have limited access to internet during scheduled time off. You are welcome to bring a laptop to camp; however, camp does not assume responsibility for any personal belongings. Camp does not offer a wireless network, but there are nearby locations where you can access wireless internet (i.e. coffee shops).

3 Living Arrangements You will live in a combination of camper cabins and staff housing with the other resident camp program staff. The cabins have electricity and some have full indoor bathroom facilities. Most of the camper cabins are air-conditioned; however, not all areas you ll be staying at have this amenity. You might consider bringing a small personal fan. You will have your own bunk, but you are responsible for bringing your own pillow, bed linens/sleeping bag, and towels. Closets and dressers are not available, so you might consider bringing a large Rubbermaid to store your clothes. Cars Laundry If you will have a car with you at camp, you may park in the Staff Parking Lot. You are encouraged to do your laundry at a nearby Laundromat; however, there are a few laundry facilities at camp for your use. Camp Life You probably already know that there is no such thing as a typical day at camp; however, the schedule to the right will give you a general idea of each day. Resident campers are at camp Sunday (2 PM) through Saturday (11:00 AM). The camp schedule is subject to change based on weather. Evening bedtimes vary depending on age and programs. 7:15 7:20 7:50 8:15 9:00 9:45-12:10 12:15 12:30 1:30 2:30-4:30 4:30 5:15 5:30 6:30 7:15 7:30 9:00 Rise and Shine Early Morning Clubs Flag Raising/Chapel Chat Breakfast/Songs/Messages Clean Cabin/Staff Meeting Instructionals/PG-13 Areas Waiter Call Lunch/Songs/Mail/Messages FOB (Rest Hour) Free Time Cabin Time Waiter Call Supper/Songs/Messages Cabin Time Flag Lowering Evening Program Campfire/Songs Time Off You will receive the following time off each week: Weekend = Saturday 11:30 AM Sunday 11:30 AM One week day per week = 6 PM 12:00 Midnight You may generally leave camp during your time off. Camp is within 10 minutes of dining and shopping. Visitors You are discouraged from having visitors; however, if you would like to have a visitor at camp, you must seek approval from the Program Director at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors may not stay overnight at camp, and they must depart no later than after campfire (9:30 PM). Your focus must remain on the campers and your responsibilities; if a visitor distracts you from your job, they will be asked to leave.

4 Staff Training Staff Training will be held June 5 through June 14. Some staff will be employed earlier for additional training. Staff Training will give you an opportunity to learn the camp policies/procedures, learn how to deliver the camp program, and form positive working relationships with the other staff members. Staff Training is mandatory for all staff members. Staff Uniform You will be required to wear a staff shirt every Sunday and Saturday when parents are around (you will receive staff shirts for these days). You must also wear khaki shorts on check-in/out days (Saturdays and Sundays). During the rest of the week, you may wear you own camp appropriate clothing. There are several theme days throughout the week that you may also want to bring clothing for. These change somewhat over the summer, but 80 s attire, school pride shirts, Camp Foster apparel, and tie-dye are some of the more consistent ones. Pay Checks You will be paid every other week during the summer on the following dates: June 19, July 3, July 17, July 31, and August 14. All payments are made via direct deposit. You will need a voided check to camp to setup direct deposit. If you do not have an account, we will setup a temporary account for you at Bank Midwest. You cannot be paid without direct deposit. Training Opportunities If you are interested in being trained to lead one of Camp Foster s specialty areas please communicate with Abbie or a program director that desire. We like to have the majority of our staff trained in one specialty area but there is limited spots in each training. Please look at the following dates and then communicate which training(s) is of interest. High & Low Ropes Training: Arrive between 6-7 p.m. on May 26 th goes till June 1 st Commercial Driver s License Training: May 27 th May 30 th Lifeguard Training: Arrive between 5-6 p.m. on May 30 th goes till June 3 rd Ranch Training: June 2 nd -3 rd Paintball Training: June 2 nd -3 rd Ski Boat Driving Training: June 3 rd at 1 p.m. to June 4 th First Aide/CPR Training: June 4 th at 1 p.m. Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use YMCA Camp Foster has a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for the use of drugs and alcohol at camp. You will learn more about the policies during Staff Training. Staff members may use tobacco only during designated times and in designated areas away from campers. Theme Weeks We offer a unique theme for each week to add a creative twist to our programming. Additional descriptions of these weeks can be found in the Resident Camp brochure found on the bottom of our homepage. Please bring costumes and props for the appropriate themes: Session 1: Let the Games Begin Session 2: Myth Busters Session 3: Foster s World Tour Session 4: Superhero Showdown Session 5: Prehistoric Adventures Session 6: Cartoon Capers Session 7: Twilight Zone: Moonlight Madness Session 8: Summer Rewind

5 Directions Camp Foster YMCA is located along county road on the east side of East Lake Okoboji. Most GPS devices will fail in leading you to camp. If you are using GPS, set it to Spirit Lake, and then following the directions below. STREET ADDRESS th Avenue Spirit Lake, IA FROM SPIRIT LAKE 1. Proceed 1/5 of a mile east of Spirit Lake on Iowa Highway 9 and Turn East onto County Road 3. Camp is four miles South on FROM MILFORD 1. Proceed to the stoplight on 13 th Street at St. Joseph Catholic Church 2. Turn East onto County Road A-34 (proceed 4 miles) 3. Turn North only County Road 4. Camp is four miles North on

6 Packing List The packing list is designed to help you in preparing for camp. You may bring your belongings to camp in a duffle bag, trunk (foot locker), plastic drawers/bins, backpack, or whatever is convenient to you. Please note that closets and dressers ARE NOT available at camp. You will be provided with a bunk and mattress, but you must bring everything else you need. Remember to plan for warm days, cool evenings, rainy days, zombies, superheroes, villains, and a variety of other weather conditions. NECESSARY ITEMS Pillow Sleeping bag or bed linens Alarm clock Toiletries/Caddy Towels (bath and beach) Shower shoes Pajamas (camp appropriate) Underwear Socks Shorts Khaki shorts (staff uniform) Pants/jeans Shirts Shirt from your college Sweatshirts Outfits for going out on weekends Jacket Rain gear Bathing suits (non-revealing, non-tie) Belt Hiking boots Gym shoes Costumes Laundry bag Watch Flashlight and batteries Water bottle Clipboard Candle for Devotions Sunglasses Sunscreen Bug repellant Prescription medications Paperwork (see document checklist) OPTIONAL ITEMS Personal fan Backpack Camera Laptop ipod Books and magazines (camp appropriate) Playing cards and games Talent show equipment Musical instruments Laundry detergent and other laundry supplies DO NOT BRING Please DO NOT bring clothing that is revealing, contains tobacco/alcohol/drug references, or has suggestive pictures/words Please DO NOT bring valuables or irreplaceable items (jewelry, electronics, etc) camp is NOT responsible for missing or damaged personal belongings HELPFUL HINTS Please label all of your belongings with your first and last name Please remember that you are a role model please do not bring anything that would upset the parents of any of our campers Please remember that you are responsible for your own possessions camp is not responsible for missing or damaged personal belongings

7 Staff Document Checklist You must complete and return these documents to Camp Foster as soon as possible you must submit them BEFORE you arrive at camp. Employment Agreement Policy Statement / Release Form W-4 Federal Tax Form W-4 State Tax Form I-9 Form (with copy of driver s license and social security card) Direct Deposit / Form (with voided check) Health Examination Form (with health insurance card) Social Media Policy Conflict of Interest Form Record Retention and Document Destruction Form Abuse Prevention Policy Whistle Blower Policy Annual Campaign Donation Form Conflict of Interest Form Return paperwork to: Camp Foster YMCA Abbie Parker PO Box 296 Spirit Lake, IA You must complete and submit these documents when you arrive at camp. You must submit these document BEFORE you will be permitted to work. Copy of Your Driver s License (required for background checks) Copy of one of the following: Passport, Birth Certificate, or Social Security Card Certification Cards (copies of current cards): First Aid CPR Lifeguard Water Safety Instructor Commercial Driver s License