CAMP OPALANIE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE WALNUT STREET YMCA

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1 N LEARN SWIM EXPLORE SMILE ADVENTURE FRIENDS EMORIES PLAY CLIMB SING GROW FUN SUMMER PPY NATURE LEARN EXPLORE HIKE GROW SUMMER VENTURE SWIM RUN FRIENDS SUN SWIM NATURE MILE LAUGH CLIMB SING GROW FUN SUMMER VENTURE PLAY HAPPY RUN LEARN SWIM EXPLORE ILE ADVENTURE FRIENDS MEMORIES PLAY CLIMB SING ROW FUN SUMMER HAPPY NATURE LEARN EXPLORE E GROW SUMMER ADVENTURE SWIM RUN FRIENDS N SWIM NATURE SMILE LAUGH CLIMB SING GROW UN SUMMER ADVENTURE PLAY HAPPY RUN LEARN WIM EXPLORE SMILE ADVENTURE FRIENDS MEMORIES LAY CLIMB SING GROW FUN SUMMER SUN NATURE RN EXPLORE HIKE GROW SUMMER ADVENTURE SWIM UN FRIENDS SUN SWIM NATURE SMILE LAUGH IMB SING N LEARN SWIM EXPLORE SMILE ADVENTURE FRIENDS EMORIES PLAY CLIMB SING GROW FUN SUMMER PPY NATURE LEARN EXPLORE HIKE GROW SUMMER VENTURE SWIM RUN FRIENDS SUN SWIM NATURE MILE LAUGH CLIMB SING GROW FUN SUMMER VENTURE PLAY HAPPY RUN LEARN SWIM EXPLORE CAMP OPALANIE 2018 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE WALNUT STREET YMCA

2 About Our Camp Our Summer Day Camp Program is located in the heart of Wilmington, at the Walnut Street YMCA, and is open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Extended care is available in the morning from 7-9 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at no extra charge. Our program utilizes YMCA facilities and local parks throughout Wilmington. OUR CAMP PHILOSOPHY We are committed to providing kids with a safe and positive experience as we nurture community, promote the Y s core values, and encourage the joy of being active! Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. Here, kids become a community as they learn how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group. They engage in physical, social and educational activities and are taught self- reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors. They develop attitudes and practices that build character and leadership. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper. WHY CHOOSE THE WALNUT STREET YMCA? QUALITY STAFF - Well trained staff who are professional role models COMMITMENT TO QUALITY - Delaware Stars participant, recognized at STAR LEVEL 5 YMCA s 4 CORE VALUES CARING: Considerate to the needs of others HONESTY: Being trustworthy and truthful RESPECT: Treating others, the environment and yourself with dignity RESPONSIBILITY: Accepting accountability for your actions and role in the community FUN & FRIENDS - Engaging, physical activity and sports in a supportive environment SAFE ENVIRONMENT Low child/staff ratios based on age State licensed program with annual monitoring visits Staff complete state fingerprinting background checks, CPR and First Aid, as well as, participate in on-going training throughout the year. AFFORDABLE OPTIONS - Purchase of Care (POC) is accepted. Financial assistance is available. TEXT ALERTS To receive text alerts with important camp information, to MAIN PHONE (302) ONLINE 2 (302) 472-YMCA

3 A TYPICAL DAY AT Camp Opalanie Campers arrive 7-9 a.m. Our staff greets your camper and brings them to their group. Our co-ed, grade level groups choose from a variety of activities throughout the week including: daily swim, sports, crafts, nature exploration, literacy, music, games and team building. Throughout the day, campers play games with their friends and learn to work together in team building activities. Campers spend more than half of their day outside exploring local parks and learning to appreciate the great outdoors. Campers participate in swimming opportunities throughout the week. Lunch and snacks are served daily through our Summer Food Service Program and include healthy meal options. Campers should bring water daily and can choose to bring their own meals. With a focus on reducing summer learning loss, education is part of our daily camp routine. Campers participate in group learning activities and reading daily. Creativity is encouraged when campers visit the art station to create their own masterpieces. Field trips and special events are part of our weekly camp program and are often connected to the camp theme. Trips are included at no extra charge. Because we serve over 50 local schools, campers meet new friends and create lasting summer memories. Campers are picked up between 4-6 p.m. and must be signed out in the YMCA lobby. Be sure to bring a photo ID to identify you during pick up. BEST SUMMER EVER! 2018 WALNUT STREET YMCA CAMP OPALANIE

4 We seek high quality staff members who display genuine enthusiasm, high energy, and a real passion for being actively engaged with our campers. Our Camp Director works full time throughout the year and plans the summer with the help of the camp staff and Unit Director. All of our counselors have experience working with children. Many of our counselors are pursuing educational degrees in elementary/secondary education, counseling, child development, or other related fields. We adhere to strict staffing guidelines set forth by the YMCA of Delaware, YMCA of the USA, Office of Child Care licensing, and Delaware Stars. We perform background checks on every staff member which includes fingerprinting. All camp staff are provided at least 40 hours of training prior to the start of camp. In addition, they receive on-the-job training and attend regular staff meetings. STAFF KRISTINA WOZNICKI Associate Executive Director kwoznicki@ymcade.org KRYSTINA SCHNEIDER School Age and Camp Director kschneider@ymcade.org SHANDY PEREZ Camp Director sperez@ymcade.org ANESHA TRUESDALE Teen Camp Director atruesdale@ymcade.org SHAKIYLA MEDLEY Camp Unit Director smedley@ymcade.org BRANDON LEE-JOHNSON Aquatics Coordinator blee-johnson@ymcade.org 4 (302) 472-YMCA

5 CAMP PARTNERSHIPS At the YMCA, we strive to provide programs that build upon the strengths of our community. Our Summer Day Camp program thrives thanks to many community partnerships. BUILDING PROGRAM QUALITY WITH DELAWARE STARS FOR EARLY SUCCESS Delaware Stars for Early Success is a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which is a method used to assess, improve and communicate the level of quality in early care and education in school-age settings. It establishes quality standards for programs and provides technical assistance and limited financial support to programs involved in Stars as they engage in quality improvement efforts. HEALTHY EATING THROUGH THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM & THE WALMART FOUNDATION Our camp program offers a nutritious lunch and snack daily, and follows the nutrition guidelines set by the State of Delaware for summer food service programs. We are committed to encouraging families to take steps in making healthy choices at home through parent communication and various YMCA resources. Our meals are provided with the support of the Summer Food Service Program (CACFP) and the Walmart Foundation. Since 2011, the Walmart Foundation and Y-USA have been working collaboratively to alleviate food insecurity among low-income and vulnerable children, teach healthy eating habits to children and their families, and align food programs with national HEPA standards adopted through Y Out of School Time programs. COLLABORATIVE VISION TO COMBAT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS Through a unique approach to problem solving and partnerships, Wilmington s community centers have partnered together with Teach For America as a Summer Learning Collaborative. The Summer Learning Collaborative is a partnership between Teach For America and five community based organizations, offering summer programming to low income youth from Wilmington s urban neighborhoods. Partnering agencies include the Latin American Community Center, West End Neighborhood House, Boys and Girls Club (Shortlidge Elementary School site), YMCA (Walnut Street), and Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center. Research shows more than half of the achievement gap between low and high income youth is attributed to access to summer learning opportunities. At the same time, summer programs serving Wilmington s low income youth face challenges around planning, staffing, training, curriculum development, data collection, and evaluation. The outcome is an estimated three months of learning loss per student per year in Delaware for our lowest income students, many of whom are multiple years behind grade level. Together, we solve core capacity issues that transform summer learning opportunities available to low income youth. In doing so, we fight summer learning loss and promote student achievement. WORKING TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND PROVIDE LEADERSHIP SKILLS Many Delaware youth do not have access to positive activities, experiences and caring adults in the hours after school and during the summer. The Delaware Department of Services for children, youth and their families identified the need for statewide after school programs with the goal of providing positive experiences for youth and, ultimately, reducing violence, suicide and high-risk behaviors among Delaware youth. The Walnut Street YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Delaware, is approaching the issue by focusing on middle school aged youth in the City of Wilmington. As part of this work, the YMCA Teen Camp program provides leadership opportunities for area teens. This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services of the Delaware Children s Department (DSCYF). WALNUT STREET YMCA CAMP OPALANIE

6 Camp Opalanie LUNCH SNACKS & WATER BOTTLES SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (FREE LUNCH AND SNACK) Lunch and afternoon snack are available through the Summer Food Service Program. Families are still welcome to pack lunches and snacks daily, especially if your child has the following: Food allergies Child does not like the food being offered Food being offered is not enough for your child The following is a sample menu of lunches and snacks that will be provided during the summer: LUNCH: Milk: 1% white (8 oz.) Fruit: Fruit Cup, Orange, Apple, Plum, or Raisins Sandwich: Turkey & Cheese, Tuna, or Turkey Ham & Cheese AFTERNOON SNACK: Fruit, Cereal Bar, Cheese Crackers, Pretzels, or Goldfish PACKING DAILY You may choose to pack your child s lunch daily. When preparing lunches, please keep in mind that there are no refrigerators or microwaves available. Packing lunch in an insulated bag or hard top cooler labeled with your camper s name is recommended. If your child does not want to participate in the afternoon snack program, please be sure to pack them afternoon snacks. WATER BOTTLE We encourage everyone to bring a water bottle daily. Campers will move around outside during the day therefore a water bottle is key to staying hydrated. There are plenty of water refill stations and water fountains at our camp. Please remember to label your child s water bottle. THANK YOU! Of those children receiving free and/or reduced cost meals at school during the school year, only one in six have access to a similar type of program during the summer months. Thanks to support from the Y USA, the Walmart Foundation, and Annual Campaign donors, our camp fills this opportunity gap by providing free meals for many campers during the summer months. The YMCA of Delaware is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 6 (302) 472-YMCA

7 THRILLING THURSDAYS Thrilling Thursdays are designed for campers and counselors to dress up according to the themes below: 2018 THEMES 2018 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS Week 1: June Week 2: June Week 3: June Week 4: July 2-6 (no camp July 4th) Week 5: July 9-13 Week 6: July Week 7: July Week 8: July 30 - Aug 3 Week 9: Aug 6-10 Week 10: Aug WEEK 1: Pirates WEEK 2: Mismatch WEEK 3: Crazy Hair WEEK 4: Red, White and Blue WEEK 5: Cowboy Dress Up WEEK 6: Neon WEEK 7: Disney WEEK 8: Superheros WEEK 9: Hollywood Star WEEK 10: Team Spirit WALNUT STREET YMCA CAMP OPALANIE

8 TRADITIONAL CAMP For campers who are entering 1st through 6th grades The children who attend the Walnut Street YMCA Summer Camp have the opportunity to try new things on a daily basis. Every child can choose from age appropriate club activities where they explore art, science, cooking, sports, swimming and more. Campers are encouraged to break out of their comfort zones and try new things. Our campers take part in team building activities that help them gain appropriate social skills in the process. They have the opportunity to swim each week and many campers increase their swimming ability by the end of the summer. Each week, campers experience special events and/or field trips to area attractions at no additional cost. Trips to local parks allow for nature exploration including hikes, creek walks, and outdoor play. Campers are expected to be responsible for their own belongings including swimsuits, lunch, towels and water bottles. Lunch and an afternoon snack are provided by the YMCA daily. Campers are grouped into camp units after registration. The units are formed by grouping campers from youngest to oldest and splitting them into 4 camp units. We work to keep campers in the same camp units and groups each week. The camp units are roughly divided by grade level as follows: Entering 1st 2nd grades (Unit A) Entering 2nd 3rd grades (Unit B) Entering 3rd 4th grades (Unit C) Entering 5th 6th grades (Unit D) STAFF TO CAMPER RATIO - 1:12 FEES: Full Member: $180 per week Program Member: $190 per week FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are included at no additional charge. Campers are expected to arrive by the posted departure times and to wear a YMCA Camp t-shirt provided by the YMCA. Due to travel times, some trips may return to the YMCA after 4 p.m. The Field Trip Schedule will be available in late April. Our team is busy planning a summer similar to past years that promises to excite our campers. Examples of past trips include Pump It Up, roller skating, Franklin Institute, movies, Clementon Park, Washington D.C. Zoo, rock climbing, museums in Baltimore, Oasis Family Fun Center, and other local trips. Parents who wish to chaperone a field trip must complete the YMCA volunteer application process no later than May 15th. 8 (302) 472-YMCA

9 TEEN CAMP For campers who are entering 7th through 12th grades TEEN SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE The Teen Summer Leadership Institute is an opportunity for teens who are serious about being a role model, learning counselor skills, and gaining possible employment at the YMCA. This program includes opportunities to lead groups and help supervise field trips. During the summer, teens spend half of their day participating in leadership workshops and service learning opportunities like managing the following Walnut Street YMCA activities: Teen Store, Game Center, Healthy Living Club, building assets and more! The other half of the day includes field trips, swimming, group competitions, and character development programs. This program provides an atmosphere for teens to make new friends and develop a strong sense of self-esteem throughout the summer. The Teen Summer Leadership Institute curriculum includes topics such as role modeling, professionalism, risk management, injury management, child abuse prevention, behavior management, transition times, field trip management, ages and stages of development, child interaction, leading activities, teamwork, daily planning, and learning to lead others. To be eligible for the Teen Summer Leadership Institute, individuals must complete the Teen Summer Leadership Institute application, submit a copy of a recent School Report Card and may be asked to interview with a YMCA director prior to beginning the program. STAFF TO CAMPER RATIO: 1:12 FEES: FREE with proof of income eligibility WALNUT STREET YMCA CAMP OPALANIE

10 HAPPY CAMPING USE THIS CHECKLIST TO HELP PACK YOUR CAMPER FOR A GREAT DAY! 1. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER & FUN! Campers go outside even if it s hot or rainy. Be sure to check the day s weather report. We recommend that campers wear clothes that are okay to get dirty because having fun can be messy. 2. PUT ON SNEAKERS AND SOCKS. Camp happens at a fast pace and you ll want sneakers to keep up. Besides, experience tells us that you ll be safer with them on. 3. PACK A BACKPACK. Prepared campers are happy campers. Be sure to put your child s name on everything so we can return misplaced items quickly. Help your camper learn to manage their belongings on their own. Swimsuit, towel and goggles Water bottle Sunscreen (put it on before you come too!) Bug spray Sack lunch and/or snacks to supplement Y meals. There is no refrigerator or microwave available. Please keep nut products and peanut butter at home. 4. PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONICS, TOYS AND MONEY. We have lots of camp activities ready to fill your camper s day with fun. Keeping electronics, toys, money and other expensive items at home will keep them safe. 10 (302) 472-YMCA

11 OPEN DOORS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Financial assistance to help with the cost of camp is available thanks to donations made to our Annual Campaign. Open Doors applications are available at our membership desk, or online at ymcade.org. Assistance is distributed on a first come, first served basis and is determined by financial need. Financial documents requested on the application must accompany your Open Doors application or it will be considered incomplete. The eligibility process may take 2-3 weeks and space is limited. To receive assistance for camp, you must apply prior to camp registration. PURCHASE OF CARE Purchase of care (POC) is accepted for all of our camp programs. A current POC authorization form from the State of Delaware must be provided at the time of registration. By June 1st, you must submit an active authorization form listing the Walnut Street YMCA Children s Corner III as your child s provider. Our site ID number is Our site ID is active in the POC system year round. REGISTRATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 12TH: Registration for campers who attended Walnut Street YMCA Day Camp in 2017 (and their siblings who may not have attended) FRIDAY, JANUARY 26: Open to all registrations HOW DO I REGISTER? Registration forms are available at the Walnut Street YMCA membership desk or can be downloaded from ysummercamp.org. Pick up or download the registration packet. Complete one registration packet per camper and return it to the Walnut Street YMCA membership desk. Ensure that all documents are complete and signed. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS YMCA account for the family must be current. YMCA membership for the camper must remain active throughout the summer. Registration forms must be completed in full. If something does not apply, please mark N/A. Phone numbers and addresses must be kept up-to-date. Registrations must arrive by the MONDAY BEFORE THE WEEK OF CAMP. Registrations received after Monday are subject to a $30 late processing fee. Any cancellation or change must be submitted in writing 10 business days prior to the change or cancellation date. All changes are subject to space availability and are not guaranteed. CAMP SESSIONS PAYMENT DUE Week 1: June June 5 Week 2: June June 12 Week 3: June June 19 PAYMENTS Week 4: July 2-6 June 26 ARE ALWAYS Week 5: July 9-13 July 3 DUE ONE Week 6: July July 10 WEEK BEFORE Week 7: July July 17 Week 8: July 30 - Aug. 3 July 24 THE CAMP Week 9: Aug July 31 WEEK. Week 10: Aug August 4 WALNUT STREET YMCA CAMP OPALANIE

12 YMCA OF DELAWARE LOCATIONS BEAR-GLASGOW FAMILY YMCA 351 George Williams Way Newark, DE (302) BRANDYWINE YMCA 3 Mt. Lebanon Road Wilmington, DE (302) 478-YMCA CENTRAL YMCA 501 West Eleventh Street Wilmington, DE (302) DOVER YMCA 1137 South State Street Dover, DE (302) SUSSEX FAMILY YMCA Church Street Rehoboth Beach, DE (302) WESTERN FAMILY YMCA 2600 Kirkwood Highway Newark, DE (302) MIDDLETOWN FAMILY YMCA 404 N. Cass Street Middletown, DE (302) WALNUT ST. YMCA 1000 N. Walnut Street Wilmington, DE (302) 472-YMCA CAMP TOCKWOGH Still Pond Neck Road Worton, MD (800) 331-CAMP ASSOCIATION OFFICE 100 West 10th Street Suite 1100 Wilmington, DE (302) 221-YMCA OUR MISSION The YMCA is an association of people of all ages, ethnic groups and religious affiliations that strives to cultivate the human potential, self-esteem, and dignity of all people. Our organization exists to develop and practice the Christian principles of love, caring, inclusiveness, justice and peace and to enrich the emotional, physical and social life of all individuals, families and our community. CONNECT WITH US!