SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! INDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCA SUMMER CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK 2017

Transcription

1 THANKS FOR A GREAT SUMMER! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! INDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCA SUMMER CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK 2017 Indian Valley Family YMCA 890 Maple Ave Harleysville PA PLEASE NOTE: All information, policies, and procedures have been made to ensure the safety of our campers. Our staff have been trained on these subjects and understand their responsibilities and the consequences for failure to observe these policies. If you have any questions about the information within this handbook, please contact the Senior Youth & Teen Director. Thank you! INDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 890 Maple Avenue, Harleysville, PA

2 1 General Information CAMPER ELIGIBILITY For all children going into grades K-9 as of September Summer Camp Evaluation How did your child feel about the staff at their camp location? CAMP LOCATIONS: #1 IV Teen Camp: 890 Maple Avenue Harleysville, PA Grades 6-9 MAX: 50 #2 Scout Cabin Camp: 435 Park Avenue Harleysville, PA Grades K-5 MAX: 55 #3- Skippack Church Camp: 520 Collegeville Road Collegeville, PA Grades K-9 MAX: 75 How did you feel about the staff at your child s site and their interaction with your camp and other campers? #4- Souderton Park Camp: Wile Ave. & Reliance Rd. Souderton, PA Grades K-5 MAX: 55 CAMP SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday (NOTE: All camps will be closed on Tuesday July 4, 2017 in observance of the Independence Day holiday). Do you feel your child s camp was a safe environment? CAMP HOURS: Full Day Camp 9:00am - 4:00pm Extended Day Camp 7:00am - 6:00pm A note from the Youth & Teen Director Remember when you were young and how you spent your summer outdoors rain or shine, playing, getting dirty, and using your imagination to have fun? Remember how you created fun out of things you found in nature or from items you found laying around the house? Remember when TV and movies were something special and there were no cell-phones, computers, or video games? This 2017 camp season will be all about creating new friendships, enjoying the outdoors and making memories that will last a lifetime! Our camps will be all about the Sunsational Days of Summer. The weeks will include swimming, field trips, outdoor games, nature walks, arts & crafts, cooking, and so much more! Most of our camp locations are old fashioned community centers and while they have air conditioning for very hot days, children will be will be spending the majority of their days outdoors enjoying the sun, pool and various games and activities. Your child will have an exciting experience and will have many opportunities to play, have a great time with old and new friends, and make this a summer to remember! Sincerely, Pam Jackson Were you happy with the program provided for your child? Was there anything you would change as a parent in order for the North Penn YMCA to provide a better and more fulfilling camp experience? Please return completed evaluations to: Indian Valley Family YMCA ATTN: Pamela Jackson 890 Maple Avenue Harleysville, PA Please return your evaluation by Friday September 15, Thank you!

3 13 Summer Camp Evaluation Child s Camp Location: Child s Grade as of Sept 2017: Did your child enjoy their camp experience? What was their favorite thing about camp? What was their least favorite thing about camp? What would your child like to see more of at camp? (Ex: activities, games, art, etc..) What type of things as a parent would you like to see more off at our summer camps? 2 General Information CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: The Indian Valley Family YMCA Youth & Teen Department requests that any child with special needs, the parents need to contact Pam Jackson at before completing our registration packet. A meeting will be requested between the family of the special needs child and the Senior Youth & Teen Director to determine if the Indian Valley Family YMCA camp program is the appropriate care facility for your child and his/her needs. Please note that the Indian Valley Family YMCA is not always the best match for all children. The Indian Valley Family YMCA strives to provide the very best for your child and it is our hope that we can meet and exceed our parents and children's expectations. The Indian Valley Family YMCA reserves the right to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our program and will make a decision based on the child s needs and the ability of the camp program to ensure those needs are met. If we are unable to meet the needs of your child within our program, we will be unable to register them and will suggest alternative means of care in our area. DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURES: The YMCA has very specific procedures for drop off/pick up of campers in our care. These procedures must be followed without exception: A parent/guardian signature is required to sign in and sign out a camper. Campers may not sign themselves in or out, or enter/leave the camp location without a parent/guardian signature. Campers can only be signed out by the parent/guardian or a person identified on the Emergency Contact Sheet. Please be informed that all individuals on the Emergency Contact Sheet will be required to show a picture ID at the time of pick up. No child will be released without verification of ID and parent approval of release to an individual. Complete emergency information including emergency contact persons is required prior to the start of camp. If there are changes to this information, it is the parent's responsibility to update this as needed. Please inform all emergency contact persons of their responsibility and notify them of the camp procedures and trip information, in the event they need to pick your child up from our camp program. CUSTODY PAPERS: If you check indicate Yes for custody papers on your emergency form, a copy of those certified court orders (custody papers) MUST be included with the child s camp registration forms! We cannot legally deny a parent/guardian access to a child unless we have been notified that the parent or guardian s custodial rights have been limited or revoked. The only legally acceptable notification is the certified copy of the custody papers. If an unauthorized person arrives to pick up your child, the staff with contact the custodial guardian promptly and child will not be released until custodial guardian arrives on site.

4 3 Camp Policies & Procedures ACCIDENT/INJURY: In case of a minor injury, first aid will be given by certified staff, an accident reported will be completed and the parent notified at time of pick up. In the event of an emergency, 911 and the child s parents will be contacted. Depending upon the injury, immediate pick up may be required with the parent taking the child to the doctor/hospital or ambulance will be requested. Staff will travel with child to hospital and stay until a parent arrives. An accident report will be completed promptly. It s imperative that our YMCA is kept up-to-date on all contact numbers, emergency numbers, and other pertinent information pertaining to your child CHILD ABUSE POLICY: The North Penn YMCA staff is mandated by state law to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities. If you have questions regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect, you should contact the Senior Youth & Teen Director. If an incident occurs between two children in the program (ie: bullying, sexual, physical or psychological harm), an investigation will be done by YMCA Administrative Staff. Parents will be contacted for a conference in regards to the incident and findings. The incident may be reported as mandated by law to the Office of Children and Youth and the child or children involved may be suspended or removed from the care program. EMERGENCY/DISASTER: In the event of a evacuation, all campers and staff will be transported to the Indian Valley Family YMCA. Parents will be notified and may be asked to pick up their child as soon as possible. Pick up procedures will apply. INCLEMENT WEATHER: SAFETY: In the event of severe storms, camp will be held indoors. Depending on the severity of current and/or future weather conditions, field trips may be cancelled and an alternate trip will not be scheduled. Staff will plan alternate activities for the campers in the event that a field trip is cancelled. Camp still operates on rainy days however, some activities may be modified. Please send rain gear with your child on these days. All camp locations are equipped with First Aid & CPR certified staff. Prior to being hired by the North Penn YMCA, staff references and backgrounds are thoroughly checked. Each camp site has a cell phone for emergency purposes. All children MUST be potty trained and out of diapers, as this is a health issue for all of our sites and campers. If a child is found coming to camp in diapers, immediate pick up the camper will be requested. In an effort to keep all children safe from dehydration and heat exhaustion, water is readily available at all camp locations. All locations have shaded and indoor areas, and access to air conditioning. 12 Contact Information YMCA Location Address: Indian Valley Family YMCA 890 Maple Avenue Harleysville, PA Phone Number: Youth & Teen Hotline (Billing Inquiries): Camp Administration Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM Camp Administration Sr. Youth & Teen Director Pam Jackson x 113 pamj@northpennymca.org Youth & Teen Program Manager Janet Raslowsky x 152 janetr@northpennymca.org Youth & Teen Account Manager Phyllis Hicks x 111 phyllish@northpennymca.org Camp Locations: #1 IV Teen Camp: 890 Maple Avenue Harleysville, PA Grades 6-9 #2 Scout Cabin Camp: 435 Park Avenue Harleysville, PA Grades K-5 #3- Skippack Church Camp: 520 Collegeville Road Collegeville, PA Grades K-9 #4- Souderton Park Camp: Wile Ave. & Reliance Rd. Souderton, PA Grades K-5 Camp Phone Numbers: #1 IV Teen Camp: #2 Scout Cabin Camp: #3- Skippack Church Camp: #4- Souderton Park Camp: Camp phone numbers subject to change. Please confirm your child s camp location phone number with the camp site director on their first day of attendance. Thank you!

5 11 Camper Dress Code Summer is here, and with it comes warmer weather. Warmer weather means less layers of clothing. However, we ask all parents and campers to please remember which clothes are appropriate to wear in a camp setting. So, when picking out your wardrobe in the morning, keep the following items in mind: 1. One piece bathing suits, Tank-kini s & swim trunks are the permitted bathing suit styles. 2. All shirts must have sleeves or at least one (1) inch thick shoulder straps. We advise no spaghetti straps due to sun exposure and shirt sleeves are better protection. 3. Please refrain from wearing low cut tops or having bare midriffs due to sun exposure. 4. All t-shirts with slogans, pictures or sayings should be camp appropriate with no profanity or inappropriate slogans. 5. Remember to wear comfortable foot wear (sneakers are best). Sandals that remain strapped firmly onto the foot are acceptable. Campers are outdoors much of the day and wearing sandals may result in stepping on harmful objects or stinging insects. Flip Flops and water shoes are ok at the pool, lake, or water park only. 6. When you wear shorts, we encourage the length to be fingertip length. If you have any questions concerning this dress code, please contact Camp Administration at Thank you for your cooperation & understanding in this matter. It is greatly appreciated. 4 Camp Policies & Procedures ILLNESS: If child becomes ill with a fever or an infectious disease, a counselor will notify the parent or guardian immediately. If immediate medical attention is required, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance and the parents will be notified immediately by a camp counselor. Campers must remain free of symptoms, fever, nausea & vomiting, rashes, diarrhea, severe congestion, infections, etc. for 24 hours before they can return to camp. If a child is feeling ill the morning of a field trip, the North Penn YMCA requests that the child is kept home. It s not always easy to provide sick care or emergency pick up while traveling to some of our field trip locations. Is my child to sick to be in camp? The following illness guidelines were established by the North Penn YMCA to help you decide if your child should remain at home, instead of attending camp for that day: 1. Temperature of 100 degrees or more 2. Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye: The eye is usually red and itchy with sticky yellow drainage. Child must have a physician s written recommendation or be on medication for 24 hours before returning. 3. Contagious diseases including Measles, Chicken Pox, Mumps, Hand-Footand-Mouth, and the Fifth Disease. If child contracts a communicable disease as soon as diagnosed, parent must contact the camp director. When a serious communicable disease occurs, the director will notify parents of the guidelines by which the child may return and only with signed note from physician stating that child is no longer contagious. 4. Severe cold symptoms, excessive drainage and/or coughing. 5. Rashes that cannot be identified or have not been diagnosed by doctor. 6. Throat infections: child may return after 24 hours on an antibiotic 7. Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea 8. Impetigo or ringworm until treated for 24 hours 9. Pain reported in stomach or head MEDICATION: A North Penn YMCA Medication Form must be filled out by the parent or guardian in order for the camp staff to administer medicine to a child. All prescription medicine must be in its original container. If a medication is overthe-counter, it must be provided to camp staff in a child resistant container. All medications must be labeled with child s name, administration and storage instructions, health care provider s name and contact information. 1. If a child has an EPI-PEN, it must be provided by parent along with completed medication form and will be stored per the instructions that accompany it. All EPI-PENs will accompany child at all times during the camp day.

6 5 Camp Policies & Procedures DISCIPLINE POLICY: 10 Swimming Information SWIMMING LOCATIONS & TIMES Discipline for the camp program will focus on a positive approach. Reinforcement of desirable behavior will encourage children to conduct themselves in a positive manner. All children in attendance will be supervised at all times. Children may be asked to sit out of an activity if behavior warrants this. The time out period will be appropriate for the age level of the children. Example: 5 year old child = 5 minute time out. An incident report will be completed by the teacher in charge if a disciplinary action is taken by staff to correct a behavior. The Senior Youth & Teen Director and the child s parents will be notified within 24 hours. If a potential weapon is brought onto camp grounds, the Indian Valley Family YMCA will follow the proper policy and procedure, which may result in suspension or termination from the program. It is our policy to keep misbehavior in perspective, recognizing that every infraction may not warrant adult intervention/attention and identifying those that can be used as learning opportunities. Behavior that infringes upon the safety of the child or other children such as: attempting to leave a supervised area without permission, bullying, or abusive acts towards others, is considered chronically disruptive behavior. All disciplinary warranted behavior will be dealt with in the following manner: 1. A verbal warning will be given to the child along with a reminder of acceptable behavior. 2. If the behavior continues, the staff will complete a incident report. 3. In the event of a third incident report, or if the child continues to require constant staff attention and redirection, a meeting will be scheduled with the Senior Youth & Teen Director, appropriate staff, and parent/guardian in order to determine conditions for the child remaining in the program. Any child who continues to show chronic disruptive behavior is subject to removal from the program at the Senior Youth & Teen Director s discretion. Any child who purposely endangers or injures himself/herself, a staff member or another child is subject to immediate expulsion by the Senior Youth & Teen Director. If your child is dismissed from the camp program, a refund will NOT be issued. TIMES: 1. IV Teen Camp: M, W & F (1:00PM - 3:00PM) 2. Scout Cabin Camp: M, W & F (1:30PM - 3:30PM) 3. Skippack Church Camp: M, W & F (12:00PM - 2:00PM) 4. Souderton Park Camp: M, W & F (1:00PM - 3:00PM) IV Teen Camp Swim Location will be the Harleysville Community Center Pool located off of Park Ave in Harleysville, PA. Scout Cabin Camp Swim Location will be the Harleysville Community Center Pool located off of Park Ave in Harleysville, PA. Skippack Camp Swim Location will be the Harleysville Community Center Pool located off of Park Ave in Harleysville, PA. Souderton Park Camp Swim Location will be the Souderton Borough Pool located across the street from the park in Souderton, PA. SWIM RULES: All campers and staff will be expected to follow all swim safety rules posted by the pools they attend. Some pools may require a quick shower before entering water per health regulations. Running, pushing, horse play, etc. will not be permitted on or around pool deck or in water. Glass containers, food, gum, and beverages are not permitted around pool area. Hanging on ladders, staff, or other children will not be permitted. Some pools may allow recreational floatation devices. Water wings and life vests are OK to send with your child. Please see your camp Site Director for more information pertaining to the pool your camper will attend. All campers must pass a deep water test in order to progress from shallow areas (3-4 foot depth) to deep water areas (4+ foot depth). If child or parent declines to take this test or child does not pass the test, your child may only swim in shallow areas. Tests will be performed by Pool Staff. Camp staff will track those who pass. Bathing suits must be age appropriate. All children must have a swim suit in order to enter the water. Many pools do not allow children to swim in street clothing. Please see Bathing Suit Section of Camp Dress Code Policy.

7 9 Field Trip Information Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: Session 4: Session 5: Session 6: Session 7: Session 8: Session 9: Session 10: Session 11: No Trip This Week Turkey Hill Experience Mauch Chunk Lake Dorney Park TBD Lego Land Mauch Chunk Lake Jumpin Jacks Mauch Chunk Lake Mermaid Lake End of Camp Sites ** Trips and trip dates are subject to change** TRIP INFORMATION: Our camp trips are generally scheduled to occur on Thursdays, this may change depending upon availability and location of trips. Departure and return times vary for each trip. Please be certain to pick up our week trip itineraries when you sign out your campers each Monday. Campers should bring following items: 1. Brown Bag Lunch & Water Bottle with name clearly marked. 2. Towel, dry clothes, flip flops, sunscreen on water trips. 3. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen applied on all trips. 4. Spending Money if allowed by parent (CHILD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN MONEY!) 5. Camp t-shirt TRANSPORATION: The following bus/van rules apply to all campers for field trip, swimming, & sport camp transportation. If at anytime any incident occurs during transportation, parents will be notified promptly. Rules are as follows: 1. Campers must remain seated until vehicle comes complete stop. 2. Inside voices must be used while being transported. 3. Hands and feet must be kept to self at all times. 4. Trash must be discarded in proper receptacles. 5. Campers must obey the driver s directions. 6. Seatbelts must be worn in the van. 7. All rules set by Transportation Services Inc. or STA Inc. must be followed at all times. 8. Staff may not transport campers in personal vehicles. 6 Daily Information WHAT SHOULD COME TO CAMP: Sizable bagged lunch with beverages and snack for afternoon. Backpack for lunch, clothing, and projects. Towel and swimsuit with plastic bag for wet items. Flip-Flops, or Water shoes for pool time. Sunscreen with child s name marked clearly on bottle. All campers and staff should wear sunscreen with at least SPF15 on all exposed skin, including lips. Parents are responsible for applying the first layer of sunscreen prior to morning drop off and providing sunscreen to camp for applications throughout the day. CAMP STAFF WILL NOT ASSIST CAMPERS IN APPLYING SUNSCREEN TO ANY AREA OF THEIR BODY. NO EXCEPTION WILL BE MADE IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN AND OUR STAFF. For campers who tend to burn easily we recommend an extra t-shirt be brought to wear for added protection when participating in water games and swimming. Water bottle with child s name marked clearly on bottle. Water is available at all locations for children to refill their water bottle throughout the day. Sneakers. Raingear, raincoat, umbrella when necessary. Snack Money if pool has snack bar: ALL MONEY IS THE CAMPER S RESPONSBILITY AND SHOULD BE KEPT IN CONTAINERS CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD S NAME. Please do not send any valuables, electronics, cell-phones, or trading cards of any kind with your child to camp. The North Penn YMCA is not responsible for any personal items that are lost, damaged, or stolen. TYPICAL CAMP DAY SCHEDULE (schedule subject to change) 7:00AM-9:00AM: 9:00AM-9:30AM: 9:30AM-11:30AM: 11:30AM-12:00PM: 12:00PM-1:00PM: 1:00PM-3:00PM: 3:00PM-4:00PM: 4:00PM-6:00PM: Child Arrive Group Meetings Group Activities Clean up Lunch Swimming Snack & Activities Free Play & Pick up HOT LUNCH INFO The option of purchasing a Hot Dog Lunch & Pizza Lunch are available for all campers. Hot Lunch menus may vary per camp location. Hot Lunch order forms are available at all camps. Hot Lunch days may vary per camp location Cost per lunch is $4.00. Extras can be purchased for an additional fee. All orders & payments are due weekly to camp director per hot lunch schedule. See your Camp Site Director for details.

8 7 Payment Information DEPOSITS: A $25.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration for each camp session your child is registered. Deposits will be credited towards the camp session fee. BALANCES: Camp tuition balances are due two (2) weeks prior to session start date. Cancellations received prior to June 1, 2017 will be issued a refund less deposit. After June 1, 2017 refunds will be issued in form of credit toward North Penn YMCA programs. There are no refunds after the session balance due date. Any payment not received by the balance due date will be subject to the following delinquency procedure: 1. A $30.00 late payment fee with be assessed to all past due accounts. 2. All delinquent accounts will be contacted within two (2) business days past the payment in full date 3. Payment in full must be received for delinquent session and next registered session by Friday of current session. 4. If payment is not received by Friday, a dismissal notice will be issued and the camper will be ineligible to attend camp until the balance is paid in full. 5. Make All Checks Payable to: NORTH PENN YMCA 6. Online Bill Pay is available for your convenience. Please contact Phyllis Hicks for more information at LATE FEE/EXTENDED HOURS: If your child is dropped off or picked up any time other than the times that are indicated on your registration form, you will be charged $15.00 per 15 minutes. Please do not drop off or pick up your child outside the hours your child is registered. For any field trips that go past the Full Day hours of 9:00AM to 4:00PM, there will be NO extra fee for these extended hours. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The YMCA strives to serve everyone in our community, regardless of their individual economic circumstances. Camp financial assistance applications are available at the YMCA Membership Office and must be submitted by Friday May 19, 2017 to Pattie Ladley for approval and admittance into the 2017 Summer Camp sessions. Financial Assistance is made possible through the generous support of contributors to the North Penn YMCA Annual Gifts Campaign. ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: With three facilities in Lansdale and Harleysville, the NORTH PENN YMCA has been providing charitable programs and services to the North Penn. Indian Valley and Perkiomen Valley Communities since In 2014, over $760,000 in financial assistance, scholarships and other charitable services were provided to youth, teens and families. This year, you can help us achieve so much more by supporting our annual campaign. With your gift, you help our Y provide support and opportunities to everyone in our community, regardless of their financial situation. Donate today by indicating your gift amount on your child s registration paperwork, or by contacting our Sr. Youth & Teen Director for more information. 8 Payment Schedule TRANSFER / WITHDRAWAL / REFUND or CREDIT POLICY: Any changes requested before June 1, 2017 will be at no charge. Any changes requested after June 1, 2017 will be charged a $10.00 transfer fee. To change a camp schedule, written notification is required at least one (1) week prior to the camp session start date Day Camp Payment Schedule Session Camp Start Dates are subject to change based upon PVSD & SASD calendar changes. Session Dates Balance Due Date 1. All About You and Me June May 30, The Great Outdoor s June June 5, Beach Blanket Bonanza June June 12, Up, Up and Away July 3-7 June 19, Rockin Beach Party July June 26, Color Crazy July July 3, Sun and Sand July July 10, Animal Planet July 31 - August 4 July 17, Fitness Fun August 7-11 July 24, Summer Fiesta August July 31, Team Spirit August August 7, 2016 To withdrawal fully from a camp session, written notification is required two (2) weeks prior to the session start date. No credit or refund will be granted for cancellations less than seven (7) days prior to the camp session start date. Failure to attend a scheduled week without prior written withdrawal notification will result in payment still being owed for the session child was registered to attend.