2015 SUMMER CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 2015 SUMMER CAMP PARENT HANDBOOK Welcome to the YMCA Welcome to the YMCA Day Camp Program with two locations in Cherokee County, Woodstock and Canton. We will serve your children with compassion, patience, skill and respect. It is our desire that staff and parents become partners to better serve your children. In turn, we ask that you, as a parent, help us. Let us know of any ideas, thoughts or concerns that you may have regarding camp. The YMCA is a place for families and we want to do everything possible to strengthen and support your family. The YMCA staff believes that each child is a unique individual with his/her own rate of development. Our goal is to introduce children to as many new experiences as possible and help each child feel confident and secure in a fun, safe camp environment. We are dedicated to molding the lives of our campers and creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. All YMCA camps are designed to meet the following goals. Each camper will: Learn to appreciate oneself, gain confidence and self esteem Develop character values Develop skills in leadership and group work Meet new friends Have fun! The YMCA Mission Statement Reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage, is an association of volunteers, members and staff open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind, and body. Financial assistance is available based on need. The YMCA actively seeks to identify and involve those in need. Character Building Organization Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility are the four core values of the YMCA. Our staff is expected to model these values and teach them while at camp. Consequently, we ask that all parents embrace these values while at the YMCA. We understand that your lives are stressful and demanding, but we kindly ask you to treat other parents, all campers, YMCA visitors and YMCA staff in a caring, honest, respectful, and responsible manner. Thank you! Information at a Glance Administrative/Registration Office: 151 Waleska Street Canton GA Cherokee Y Camp Canton Camp Desk: Cherokee Y Camp Woodstock Camp Desk: People to Contact: Title & Cherokee Y Camp Woodstock - On Lake Allatoona Melissa Robinson Camp Director (June-July) Cherokee Y Camp Canton - Off Riverstone Pkwy Josh Sams Camp Director (June-July) Erik Bullock Program Director (both locations) erikb@ymcaatlanta.org Gretchen Reyna Registration Director (both locations) gretchenr@ymcaatlanta.org Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 1 of 9

2 Hours of Operation: Drop-off: 7:00 am-8:45 am Camp Hours: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Pick-up: 4:00 pm-6:30 pm Who is watching my child? We feel confident that we have the best staff in town! Our staff is as diverse as our campers. The majority of our staff are college students who grew up in the area and are home for the summer. Staff members are at least 18 years old, with the exception of a few outstanding 16 & 17 year old employees. Many members of our staff team are enrolled in teaching credential programs or are full time teachers. All camp staff members have been drug tested, had a criminal background check, are CPR certified, and certified in basic first aid. Additionally, three references are checked for each staff member. The staff of all our water related camps are certified lifeguards. We do everything to make sure your child will be safe in the event of an emergency. Most importantly, our staff are people who love kids. They want to spend their summer playing, teaching and working with children. They are good people with good hearts who are silly enough to sing Hermie the Worm at the top of their lungs! What training do the camp staff receive? All our camp staff is required to attend pre-camp training. Our trainings cover a great deal. Our staff learn about the policies and procedures of operating a safe and fun Summer Camp. They learn how to do proper head counts and how to check in and out campers as well as group cohesiveness. In addition to learning all the policies and procedures of the YMCA Summer Camp program, they learn techniques in child behavior management, positive discipline, team building, group games, signs of child abuse, risk management, and other necessary issues for running a safe camp. They learn songs, games, skits, and arts & craft projects. At the end of our pre-camp summer training, they are ready to use their new skills and knowledge with campers! Trainings are ongoing and continue once a week for the duration of the summer. Getting offered a position as a Camp Leader at the YMCA is very competitive. We feel that after our trainings, your child is with the best of the best. How many staff will be watching my child? Ages 5 to 6 Ratio: 1:10, Ages 7 to 8 Ratio: 1:12, Ages 9 to 15 Ratio: 1:14 Staff goals each day: Create a welcoming environment Total group cohesiveness Lead by positive example. Happy and safe campers Promote Caring, Honesty, Respect and Inclusion of all campers Responsibility in each environment. My child loves his counselor. Can s/he baby-sit for our family? Although Y-Camp staff work well with children, our policy states that our staff (while they are employees of the YMCA) are not permitted to baby-sit for families involved in our YMCA programs. Where do I drop off my child? Please be sure you are dropping off your child at the correct location. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Cherokee Y Camp Woodstock - On Lake Allatoona 201 East Bells Ferry Road Woodstock GA (770) Cherokee Y Camp Canton - Off Riverstone Pkwy 151 Waleska Street Canton GA (678) Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 2 of 9

3 What if I am late picking up my child from camp? We understand that parents have work and other needs. To accommodate, we offer Pre-Camp from 7:00am to 8:45am and Post-Camp from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. There is no charge for this service. Please note the following: Campers MAY NOT be dropped off before 7:00am. Camp begins at 8:45am and ends at 4:00pm. Campers are not allowed to be picked up between 3:15-4:00p unless of an emergency or there has been a prearranged notification to the Camp Office. Campers MUST be picked up by 6:30pm. If picked up after 6:30pm there will be a $5 late fee for the first 10 minutes and an additional $1 per minute thereafter. This will be adhered to and may affect camper enrollment. Is there a problem if I am dropping my child off late? No! Please bring your child to the camp office and sign them in. What if I need to pick up my child early? Please call the camp office at least 30 minutes early so we can have your child ready when you arrive. Woodstock (770) Canton (678) What if my child needs medication while they are at camp? If medication must be administered to your child during Summer Day Camp hours, please follow our Medication Procedure: MEDICATION MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE WITH THE CHILD S NAME. Fill out the Medication Form and place the medication bottle in the envelope. Give envelope and Medication Form to the counselor at the check-in area on Monday morning. There must ONLY be enough medication for the entire week. Please do not send more than needed for the session. Campers are not allowed to carry or administer their own medication, including Tylenol or other non-prescription medication. Medication must be picked up each Friday. If not picked up, you will be contacted. Medication will be properly disposed of if left for more than one week. What if my child becomes ill or gets injured while at camp? If your child becomes ill while at day camp, our staff will contact you to pick him/her up. Camp is not designed to handle ill children, so it is important to tend to your child in a timely manner. If your child is injured, our staff will take whatever steps necessary to administer/obtain medical care. If we are unable to reach you and your child needs medical attention s/he will be transported to the hospital by an ambulance. All expenses for emergency medical care are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. How is behavior issues dealt with during camp? Expectations of Campers Campers are entitled to a pleasant and safe environment while participating in the Y Day Camp program. We know that everyone is not always going to get along or agree on things, especially when competition is involved. However, we expect that these disagreements will be handled in a nonviolent and non-threatening manner. We want everyone at camp to feel that they are in a safe environment where they are valued. All campers should use their number one resource when Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 3 of 9

4 an unexpected altercation happens, that is to self-report to the counselor in charge right away. YMCA reserves the right to withdraw a participant from our program if he or she is unable or unwilling to adjust to our schedule and program. On the first day of each session, all camp expectations and guidelines will be covered and explained by camp administrators and staff. Please review with your child daily these types of behaviors that we expect and perhaps even spend some time discussing their importance in order for one to have a successful time at camp. Friends Helping Friends! Honesty and Repect will be the basis for all relationships and interactions. Reach out and make a new friend each new week. We respect each other and the environment. If we listen to others; they will listen to us. Use your magic words, please and thank you often. Be courteous with the words you use. Inappropriate language, verbal threats, fighting and tactics used to humiliate or intimidate another simply WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Social Inclusion: Teamwork and cooperation will be the basis for including every one. Politeness and Courtesy go along way. People are responsible for their actions. Use positive language at all times. Speak for yourself, not anyone else. Encourage others by avoiding put downs, who needs them? Show respect. Every person is important. Keep your hands and feet to yourself at all times. You are not allowed to touch another camper/staff member in a negative way. Building a community: Every child is part of the Y day camp. You are here to make new friends, play with old friends, learn new games, try something new, build on an old skill and just have fun. Respect all Y staff, Y members, counselors and other campers.the proper use and cleanliness of the locker rooms, equipment, supplies, etc. is the responsibility of all. Clean up is important and we need your support. Not only do we respect each other but also we respect our camp environment by putting litter in its place, by not destorying property that belongs to camp or to others and putting equipment up in its proper place. We are all responsible for our words and our actions. Be responsible for personal belongings. More things are lost than found. Leave important things at home. Stay in program areas with your counselor running away is not acceptable. Cooperate with staff and follow directions. They know best how to keep you and your friends safe. Bullying Policy Bullying is when one or more people exclude, tease, taunt, gossip, hit, kick, or put down another person with the intent to hurt another. Bullying happens when a person or group of people want to have power over another and use their power to get their way, at the expense of someone else. Bullying can also happen through cyberspace: through the use of s, text messaging, instant messaging, and other less direct methods. This type of bullying can also lead to persons being hurt during or between the camp seasons and be especially hurtful when persons are targeted with meanness and exclusion. At YMCA Camp bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Our Camp philosophy is based on our mission statement which ensures that every camper is accepted. We are open to all to develop the spirit, mind and body. We work together as a team to ensure that campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories. Unfortunately, persons who are bullied may not have the same potential to get the most Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 4 of 9

5 out of their camp experience. Our leadership addresses all incidents of bullying seriously and trains staff to promote communication with other staff members and their campers so both staff and campers will be comfortable alerting us to any problems during their camp experience and between camp seasons. Every person has the right to have the best possible experience at camp, and by working together as a team to identify and manage bullying, we can help ensure that all campers and staff have a great summer at our Y camp. What are the YMCA guidelines for discipline? Campers are entitled to a pleasant and safe environment while participating in this program. We will make every effort to help your child adjust to our camp. YMCA reserves the right to withdraw a participant from our program if he or she is unable or unwilling to adjust to our schedule and program. The following disciplinary policy will be followed for general misbehavior: 1 st offense: Child will be redirected and given a verbal warning 2 nd offense: Child will be asked to take a personal time-out 3 rd offense: Child will lose the some or all of a priviledge of participating in a special activity (Loss of priviledge of any high risk activtiy such as swimming, they may be assigned to a silent lunch table, etc.) 4 th offense: Camper will talk with Camp Leadership and parent will be called to discuss a positive plan for change. 5 th offense: Parent will be called to pick-up child early or risk the child being suspensed for additional days of camp or removed from camp completely. 6 th offense Camper will be suspended based on severity offense from a day to a week of summer camp. 7 th offense Camper s enrollment will be terminated for the summer. Zero Tolerance Policy YMCA Day Camp has a zero-tolerance policy for serious behavior infractions since our goal is to provide a healthy, safe and fun environment for every camper. The behaviors below are grounds for immediate removal from camp for the remainder of the current day and additional days as deemed necessary by camp staff. Each incident will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine if the child is capable of functioning in a group setting while at camp. The Camp Director will meet with the camper s parent(s) to determine a course of action and the length of the suspension. Serious behaviors that may result in immediate Camp Suspension If a child is removed from camp no refunds will be given. 1. Any behavior that endangers the health and safety of children, staff or members 2. Leaving the day camp program without permission, or refusing to remain with assigned group 3. Inappropriate touching of other campers or sexual misconduct 4. Theft, defacing or destruction of property belonging to the YMCA or others 5. Verbal abuse or threats, bullying, name-calling 6. Any kind of physical assault such as hitting, kicking, biting 7. Gang-related activity 8. Possession of weapons, tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 5 of 9

6 What should my child wear and bring to camp? Closed-toe shoes & socks daily Backpack Shorts Refillable Water bottle T-Shirt Lunch (Please send only nonperishable foods Swimming Shorts because refrigeration is not possible.) One piece bathing suit (except 5-2 Snacks (All our camps take time in the 6 year old campers) morning and afternoon for snack) Towel Sunscreen Bug Spray Rain poncho (incase of inclement weather) HORSEBACK CAMP (Woodstock Location) -long pants and hard sole shoes required. Please remember, camp is not a fashion show! We encourage our campers to dress comfortably because they will be playing outdoors. Most importantly, as a parent you will need to label all of your child s belongings as things get taken out of backpacks, items may get left behind and we end up with a lot of Lost and Found with no way of knowing who it belongs to. What shouldn t my child bring to camp? Money/Jewelry Knives or any type of weapon Toys Open toed shoes Clothing that promotes vulgarity, alcohol, or tobacco. Electronics like cell phones, Ipods, walkie-talkies, etc The YMCA is not responsible for camper possessions that are lost, stolen or damaged. The best way to prevent the loss of property is to leave valuables at home. In general, please do not send your child to camp with any toys we want to provide all the entertainment for your camper! What if my camper forgets his/her lunch? If your child comes to camp without lunch, you will be contacted and asked to bring lunch for your child. If YMCA staff cannot reach you, there will be a $10 service charge to provide a lunch. What is Fun Friday? *At both Cherokee Y Camp Locations, each Friday campers will receive a 100% Fruit Juice Slushy at no additional charge. What if my child doesn t want to swim? Or forgets his/her bathing suit? If your child doesn t want to swim or forgets his/her bathing suit s/he simply won t go swimming. Usually 75% of campers want to swim, but the other 25% engage in other camp activities. A big part of our camp day is the pool. We have trained lifeguards that are challenged with periodic inservice training to keep their skills honed. 1) Young campers ages 5-6 can splash in our zero entrance wading pool or swim in the shallow portion of the pool. Life Jackets are available if needed. 2) *To swim in the deep end Campers must pass the swim test by swimming the length of the pool and tread water for 2 minutes unassisted. *Campers who pass the swim test MUST wear the swim band for the entire week(s) of attendance. For camper safety the swim band MUST be present at all times while in the pool. No Exceptions. How often do campers take the swim test? Swim test is only offered once a week, each Monday. Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 6 of 9

7 What if my child cannot swim? If a child is unable to swim, s/he will stay in the closely supervised shallow end of the pool. If children want to go to the deep end or go down the slide they must take and pass the swim test. My child lost something! Where would I find it? We know that sometimes things just get lost. At check-in or check-out inquire about the location of lost and found. Please label all of your child s belongings. Lost and found items are kept for two full weeks and then are donated to charity. The YMCA is not responsible for camper possessions that are damaged, lost or stolen. What are the camp bathroom procedures? No camper is ever sent to the bathroom alone and no one camper is ever alone with a staff member. Our campers will take trips to the bathroom with their group and camp staff. We use the rule of three or more, meaning that one staff member and at least three (or more) children use the restroom every time. Campers will only use restrooms inspected for safety by camp staff prior to entering the restroom. When can I expect my phone call to be returned? We work very hard to make sure your phone calls are returned. You should expect to have your call returned within hours. Please keep in mind the volume of important phone calls we receive every day. The camp I want to register for is already full. Is there a waiting list? When a camp fills up, the registration staff will begin a wait list. If a spot becomes available we will call parents in the order of the wait list until the spot is reserved. How does post camp swim lessons work? Woodstock Location ONLY Post camp swim lessons (2 week duration) are provided at 4:00p for campers who have registered for this extra program. Campers must be signed up for the same two weeks of camp as their swim lessons. Counselors will take the campers to their swim lesson and bring them back to post-camp daily. Swim lessons meet for a consecutive 2 weeks session Monday - Thursday with a make up day on Friday. (Make up days are only used if swim lessons are cancelled due to inclement weather.) Can I pick my child up from post camp swim lessons? Woodstock Location ONLY Yes! Parent s who choose to pick their children up directly from swim lesson, must follow camp check out procedures, show photo ID, and sign out with the counselor at the pool. If I register my child for post camp swim lessons, can they still ride the bus? Woodstock Location ONLY Yes! Campers who are registered for post camp swim lessons may absolutely ride the bus. Do you have bus services? Woodstock Location ONLY Cherokee Y Camp in Woodstock conveniently offers transportation for families who do not live close to the camp facility. We utilize a Cherokee County School Bus and Driver to safely transport campers to the destinations. There are three drop-off and pick-up locations. The fee is $25 a week for round trip which is due at the time of registration. The bus will have a Cherokee Y Camp Staff on board for supervision and to check-in and out campers. We advise that you arrive 10 minutes early to each location. If you happen to miss your scheduled drop-off or pick-up location simply notify our camp office and continue to the next scheduled location. Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 7 of 9

8 Location Pick-Up Time Drop-Off Time Publix on Hickory Flat Rd. 7:00am 6:00 pm Little River Elementary School 7:30am 5:35pm Food Depot on Hwy 92 - Bells Ferry Rd. 7:50am 5:15pm Cherokee Y Camp Office Bus Riders Woodstock Location ONLY We transport about 15% of our campers to different locations around Cherokee County. Parent must check camper(s) in & out of the bus. Please provide photo ID to staff when picking up. What are the Bus Rules? Woodstock Location ONLY 1. Campers must remain in their seats with their backs and bottoms touching the seats at all times. 2. Campers must keep their voices at an appropriate level. 3. Campers may not put anything (including body parts) outside the bus windows. 4. Campers must behave respectfully and use appropriate language. 5. No eating or drinking on the bus (except when permitted by camp staff). 6. All campers must follow the directions of the driver and camp staff at all times. Will sunscreen be applied to my child throughout the day? We count on parents to apply sunscreen before children come to camp in the morning, and counselors will encourage your child to apply sunscreen at snack times, lunchtime, and throughout the day. We advise that if your children burn easily that they bring some protective gear like a hat they can wear while participating in the outdoor activities. Will my child get a t-shirt for camp? YES!! One shirt per camper for the summer. Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Camp Office for $10. Every child that attends Summer Day Camp at the YMCA will receive a Day Camp T-Shirt. I only need to send my child to camp a few days a week. Will you prorate fees? No. We believe that a true camp experience is a week-long experience. Additionally, we pay our vendors and staff by the week. For these reasons, we do not prorate camps. How do I register for a camp? We prefer that you register online because this is the simplest and quickest way to ensure that your child is signed up for the camp of choice. This also allows for less clerical errors and can be done at your convenience. There are other methods for registration but we encourage all families to register online. Here are the methods of registration: Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 8 of 9

9 Recommend: Online need assistance?: (678) In Person at the Canton Y Branch Scan and registration forms to Gretchen Reyna gretchenr@ymcaatlanta.org Not Recommended: Standard Postal Mail (not recommended/does not guarantee your camper will be registered) Fax (770) (not recommended/does not guarantee your camper will be registered) What do I do if I need to add or cancel a camp? Additions/Cancellations must be made in writing on Addition/Cancellation Form (No exception). The $10 camp deposit is non-refundable. , fax or drop-off Addition/Cancellation Form to: Office Manager Joanne Beck, joanneb@ymcaatlanta.org Cancellation request must be made in writing by the Wednesday before the registered week to receive a full refund less the non-refundable deposit. If cancellation is made after the Wednesday before the registered week, all monies paid will be forfeited. If a cancellation form is not completed and received or your child does not attend camp, you are still responsible for payment. If your child is suspended or sent home for disruptive behavior, no refunds will be issued. You can find the Addition/Cancellation Form at each Cherokee Y Camp Branch Office, on our website coy.ymcaatlanta.org or ed to you by a registrar. What if I need to transfer camp? Additions/Cancellations must be made in writing on Addition/Cancellation Form (No exception). The $10 camp deposit is non-refundable. , fax or drop-off Addition/Cancellation Form to: Office Manager Joanne Beck, joanneb@ymcaatlanta.org You may transfer from one camp to another camp ONLY within the week that you are already registered. Transfer into another camp will be granted upon availability. Transfer requests must be made in writing 1 week prior to the start of the registered week. You may not transfer from one week to another week. This requires cancellation of one registered week and addition to another week. You can find the Addition/Cancellation Form at each Cherokee Y Camp Branch Office, on our website coy.ymcaatlanta.org or ed to you by a registrar. Cherokee Y Camp Parent Handbook Page 9 of 9