TODAY S CAMPERS TOMORROW S LEADERS

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1 TODAY S CAMPERS TOMORROW S LEADERS YMCA Camp Whittle Parent s Guide TORRANCE-SOUTH BAY YMCA Congratulations on signing your child up for the experience of a lifetime! YMCA Camp Whittle is an amazing place where experiences are real, kids learn to navigate on their own, and success is tangible. Inside this guide is everything that you need for your child to have a successful summer camp adventure! There is no better way for your child to experience an away-from-home adventure than a week at Camp. Youth will participate in a variety of activities including swimming, hiking, crafts, archery and horseback riding. Please read this entire packet. It discusses important information such as what to take and our policies on deposits, refunds and lost articles. For additional information about camp please contact Lisa Daddario, Program Director at x2771 or LisaDaddario@ymcaLA.org. Also check our website for additional information at Pre-Camp Meeting The pre-camp meeting is an important part of making sure that your camper is prepared for summer camp. There, you will get a chance to: Meet our camp staff and other campers. Put in your cabin request. * We will do our best to accommodate all requests but cannot guarantee leaders or cabin mates. Have a chance to ask questions. Receive important information about camp, what to take, camp dress ups, departure and return times, etc. Turn in your forms. For campers bringing medication, the medication at camp form will be passed out and medication procedures will be discussed. Pre-Camp Meeting Dates: 6th and 7th graders Saturday July 8, :30pm 8th and 9th graders Saturday July 8, :30pm 10th and 11th graders Saturday July 8, :30pm Campers and their parents are both required to attend the pre-camp meetings. All meetings are at the Torrance- South Bay YMCA. All online paperwork from Camp Doc should be completed before your pre-camp meeting. If you are unable to complete your online profile, please contact me for a paper copy of these documents. A doctor s physical is not required. All camp fees are due prior to the pre-camp meeting. Peanut sale proceeds and any unopened cases of peanuts should also be completed and returned before the pre-camp meeting. Camp Deposits There is a $75 non-refundable deposit for camp. Your balance is due by our pre-camp meetings.

2 Pre-Check In Night - Friday, August 4, :30pm at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA Avoid the lines on Saturday morning by pre-checking in your camper the night before we leave. At Pre-Check In campers will go through their Health Screening, all paperwork will be double checked, and medications can be turned in. Please do not bring your luggage to the Pre-Check In. Health Screening A health screening will be conducted at the Pre-Check In night or before campers load the bus. This includes: lice check, temperature check and health history review. If a camper has a temperature over 100.3, symptoms of illness or any signs of head lice, unfortunately they will not be permitted to attend camp. Medication Drop Off Medications are to be turned in to the staff on departure day or at the Pre-Check In. All medications should be clearly labeled with your child s name. Please place medications in a zip lock bag with the Permission to Administer Medication form for use of any medication either over the counter or prescription. Prescription medications must have their original prescription label. Please use the form passed out at the pre-camp meetings and ed out to parents before camp starts to write instructions as per quantity, time to administer, any other directions and written clearance giving the YMCA permission to administer medication. Be sure to pick up all medications when the campers return. Medications that are not picked up will be turned into a medical disposal facility 14 calendar days after we return from camp. Camper Health To help ensure the health and safety of all campers, we have a camp nurse (RN) or doctor on site 24 hours a day. In the event of minor injuries, such as a scraped knee, the medical staff will administer First Aid (i.e., wash injured area and use a Band-Aid). If your child receives a more serious injury, the director and/or camp nurse will take necessary steps to obtain additional medical care. These steps may include, but are not limited to the following: Attempt to contact a parent or guardian, to inform you of the condition and course of treatment already taking place. Give you the opportunity to take your child to a physician. Attempt to contact you through any persons listed on the emergency information card you completed for us. If we cannot contact you, or your child needs immediate attention, we will transport the camper the closest emergency treatment facility. If a child becomes ill, he/she will be isolated from the other children. If the camp nurse determines more in depth treatment/diagnosis is needed, you will be contacted to come and pick up your child. Please be sure you keep the YMCA office informed of any changes in your work or emergency phone numbers. If you cannot be reached, we will contact someone on your authorization list. Please make sure that a parent, guardian or emergency contact is available at all times to be contacted by phone the week of camp. If a camper needs to go home due to illness or injury it is the parents/guardians responsibility to pick up the camper at camp. We are unable to transport campers home mid-week. If your child has any preexisting conditions that might affect their stay at camp, please let us know so we can provide them the best care. Please keep the YMCA informed if your phone numbers or contact information changes.

3 YMCA Discipline Policy Discipline plays an important role in helping a camper develop socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is vital for his or her safety and physical well being. At the Y, we feel that positive discipline is a form of love, builds self-esteem, and ensures that each participant's experience will be positive. The aim of discipline should provide the child with an atmosphere of warmth and support which includes clearly set guidelines. The YMCA camping program is designed for children who can function in a recreation setting with a 1:10 ratio. Minor discipline problems will be handled at camp. If a child's behavior is unsafe or harmful to themselves or others, the parents will be notified and will need to pick up their child (or have someone else pick up the child) the same day they receive the call. In the event a camper is sent home, it is at the parents expense. The cost of camp is non-refundable. If your child has any special needs, or you are concerned that he or she may have trouble in the camp setting, please feel free to ask for a conference with the director prior to camp. We welcome this time for joint learning that can benefit your camper, you and our camping program. Your help in keeping us informed on significant changes or events in your child's life that might impact his/her behavior would be appreciated. Please keep your emergency phone numbers and information up to date. General Rules Infractions of the following General Rules shall result in expulsion from YMCA Resident Camp. Parents will be notified and will need to pick-up their child the same day. In the event a camper is sent home, it is at the parents expense. The cost of camp is non-refundable. A. All facilities placed at the disposal of the Metropolitan Los Angeles YMCA are to be given the greatest care and attention. It is a privilege to use them; treat them with respect. Any act of vandalism, destruction of property, or misuse of a facility may be a crime and will be treated as such. Parents/Guardians of campers will be responsible for all charges for any damage caused by their child. B. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, illegal drugs, or a weapon is strictly prohibited. The authorities will be called for possession of any illegal substances or weapons. C. All participants share equally the responsibility for their actions when violations of the General Rules are witnessed. Those who decide to be present when a violation occurs shall, by their own choice, be considered a participant in the violation. In this program there are no "innocent bystanders". D. Theft or activities which endanger the health and safety of yourself or others, or intimate sexual behavior is unacceptable and not allowed.

4 Packing List This list is planned for one full week of camp. Please label each item with your camper s full name. Please leave valuables at home. Baggage should be limited to your sleeping bag and one duffel bag or suitcase. Campers will be responsible for carrying their bags from the bus drop off point at camp to their cabins. Please pack only what your camper can carry. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Required Items: Sack lunch for first day, in a plastic bag with camper's name on it-not packed in luggage Sleeping bag or blankets/ sheets (twin) Pillow Warm jacket 2 sweaters or sweatshirts Pajamas (bright, funny, crazy or wild) 10 changes underwear T-shirts/tops for one week 5 pairs jeans/long pants 5 pairs shorts 2 pairs of closed toed shoes (no new hiking boots please!) 10 pairs socks Bathing suit/swim trunks 2 towels (one for the pool and one for showers) Washcloth Toiletry articles --Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, comb or brush Chap stick or lip balm Sunscreen lotion Flashlight (extra batteries) Reusable water bottle Beanie hat and/or baseball cap Optional Items YMCA rag or leather (if you have one) Laundry bag (for those very dirty clothes) Cheap camera (Camp is not a camera friendly area! There are plenty of accidental ways that camera s can get damaged. Please send a cheap camera that you would not be upset to lose!) Postcards (addressed, with stamps) Sunglasses Book or other reading materials Insect repellent (lotion or wipes) Backpack Raincoat/Poncho Not Permitted at camp Cell phones, video games, MP3 players, I-Pods, radios, pagers, walkmans, CD players, electronics, food, candy, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, fireworks, aerosol sprays, matches, lighters, pets, water balloons, offensive magazines, or clothing with offensive messages. Items will be confiscated and returned after camp or turned over to the authorities. Do not put snacks in your luggage! Keep them with you separately for the bus ride up! Electronics Policy We have worked hard to guarantee that a wide variety of activities are offered every moment your child is at camp; there is enough physical and mental stimulation here to render virtual pastimes obsolete. Therefore, we have a firm policy banning the use of cell phones, video games, and other electronics, and we appreciate your support. Any cell phones, video games and other electronics will be taken away and returned to campers parent/ guardian when camp is over. This is a carefully thought-out, healthy policy that helps us underscore the beauty of camp. Lost and Found Articles of clothing or personal equipment, not claimed by camper or parent upon return from camp, will be held for two (2) weeks (14 calendar days) at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA, 2900 W. Sepulveda Boulevard. Articles not claimed within the two (2) week period will be donated to a non-profit organization. Children are responsible for their belongings. Medications will be turned into a medical disposal facility after 14 calendar days.

5 Dress Code Camp is a place to have fun. Please read our dress code to make sure that your camper is ready for camp. Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc.) shall be free from: images which are vulgar, profane, or which advocate racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or religious prejudice. Clothes shall conceal underwear at all times. See-through or fishnet fabrics, halter tops, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, bare midriffs and skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are not allowed. Closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times at camp. Flip-flops may only be worn in the shower and on the pool deck only. Campers may wear one piece or two piece swimsuits, but no string bikinis please! Swimsuits can only be worn when campers are at the pool or lake front. Camp Directors and Camp Counselors have the camper s best interest in mind. If a camper is not following the dress code, they will be asked to change. Campers that refuse to change will be removed from the other campers and activities. Campers that refuse to comply to the dress code will be asked to leave camp and no camp fee refund will be given. Saturday Morning August 5th Drop Off We will be meeting at Torrance Municipal Court House on August 5th at 11 am. The address is 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, You will be able to drop off your camper and luggage at the bus staging area. We request you then park in the main lot to allow space for the busses to park. The bus does have a bathroom. Campers should pack a small snack in a separate backpack, with sunscreen and water bottle. If you pack something in a piece of luggage and it is stowed, your camper will not see it until they get to their cabin. Saturday Morning August 12th Pick Up After breakfast is eaten and cabins are cleaned on August 12th, campers will board the bus about 9am and begin the journey home. We look forward to seeing all of you at 11:30am at Torrance Courthouse Saturday, August 12th. Arrival times may vary based on traffic and delays. Please call for arrival updates. Text Messaging for Camp - Tatango Instructions to OPT IN: Text the code WHITTLETSB to You will receive a text back welcoming you to the distribution list and instructions on how to OPT OUT if needed. Tatango is an OPT IN system only, meaning that in order for anyone to receive a text message they would need to send a text (from the number they want to receive texts on. This initial text with code enters their information in the texting system and they will receive messages until they OPT OUT. Texts will be used to communicate information about bus arrivals and departures and any emergency information. Texts will be limited to no more than 4 per month, per list. If you have questions on specific details of this system please contact Laura at Tatango also has an automated help line which can be reached at Mail Call Campers love receiving letters from home while at camp. Please allow 3-4 days for mail to arrive. (Camper s Name, Cabin #) c/o Torrance South Bay YMCA YMCA Camp Whittle P.O. Box Rim of the World Dr. Fawnskin, CA Phone Calls Our policy is to not allow campers to phone home during the week. In rare circumstances due to behavior or severe homesickness, our staff will initiate calls with your son or daughter.

6 SEND A KID TO CAMP CHALLENGE PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CAMPERS IN FINANCIAL NEED CAMP ROUND MEADOW & CAMP WHITTLE IMAGINE.. You or your partner unexpectedly loses a job, is facing a mental health crisis, returning to school to provide your family a better opportunity, or suddenly a single parent. These are all real situations our Torrance- South Bay Y families faced when they come to us for help in providing camp scholarships for their kids. Life happens, and as parents work hard to get back on their feet, we don t want their kids to miss out on a summer of growing, finding themselves, fostering friendships, and just having fun at camp! Please donate so we can Send a Kid to Camp! The Y ensures that money is not an obstacle to life-changing camp experiences. Did You Know 1 in 5 kids receives a camp scholarship amazing! Please donate today and help our cabin RISE TO THE CHALLENGE! For more information, please feel free to contact: Su Hwang, Director of Development TORRANCE-SOUTH BAY YMCA (P) (C) (F) (E) SuHwang@ymcaLA.org (W)

7 PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN Dear Parent, It is important that you take the time to read this contract with your child so you both understand the behavior expected at the YMCA camps. We want to ensure a great experience. We ask that you read the following with great care, then sign and return it to the YMCA along with all of the other camp forms due by pre-camp meeting. I, am going into the grade next school year. (camper s name) My parents and I agree to the following terms: 1) I will assume responsibility for my actions. 2) I will participate to the best of my ability in all activities. 3) I will be respectful to all adults, campers and surroundings. 4) I will respect the rights of fellow campers and not be disruptive. 5) I will avoid conflicts with my peers, especially fighting or threats. 6) I will adhere to all rules of the YMCA and the YMCA camp that I am attending, including but not limited to the following: Refrain from any act of vandalism, destruction of property or misuse of facility. Parents will be liable for payment to replace or repair damages. Possession and or consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or other smoking materials are strictly prohibited. Illegal drugs and all weapons are strictly prohibited. Theft or activities that endanger the health and safety of you or others or any intimate sexual behavior is unacceptable and is not allowed. Under the terms of this agreement, offenses may be dealt with in the following manner: Camper/Counselor Conference Call home to parents Dismissal from Camp at Parents expense In this case no refunds will be made. If a child is sent home it is the parent s responsibility to pick up the child at camp or to pay for transportation costs for the child and 2 camp staff to accompany the child back. I have read, understand and agree to the YMCA behavior contract. Camper Signature Parent/Guardian Signature