Payments can be made in person, over the phone ( ) or on our website:

Transcription

1 Thank you for enrolling your child in our 2018 Summer Camp programs! This summer promises many exciting adventures and experiences for both new and returning campers to enjoy. Listed below are the unique camp opportunities the USNWC is offering for 2018: Youth Adventure Camp Teen Adventure Camp Survival Camp Backcountry Camping 101 Rock, Ride, and Paddle Camp I Rock, Ride, and Paddle Camp II Whitewater Kayak Camp Advanced Whitewater Kayak Camp *Please check the website for information on these camps. The enclosed Parent Packet provides additional information about the camp[s] your child will be attending. Please read this information thoroughly as it is intended to help prepare you and your child for camp. If your child will be attending more than one camp, please review each camp s webpage for more information regarding each camp session. Any incomplete or missing forms on the first day of camp will delay the check-in process. Payment Methods: Payments must be received prior to completing the Online Camp Forms. Payment in full ($50 non-refundable after initial payment) Deposits We will be accepting $50 deposits up to May 1 st. The remainder of the balance is due by May 25 th. Deposits are nonrefundable. Payments can be made in person, over the phone ( ) or on our website: Camper Forms which include the Assumption of Risk, Release and Indemnity Agreement (Activity Waiver), are required for all campers and must be completed a minimum of two weeks before your child s camp start date. A copy of the Activity Waiver can be found near the end of the Camp Forms to read and review. Thank you for participating in the 2018 USNWC Summer Camp season. We look forward to sharing our camp adventures with your children this summer and for years to come. Aaron Peeler Outdoor School Director

2 New Parent-Camper Orientation: Our 2018 Camp Orientation sessions will take place on Thursday, May 31 st and Tuesday, June 12 th, from 6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M. at the USNWC Conference Center. First-time camp parents/guardians and new campers are encouraged to attend one of the orientations. Returning campers and parents/guardians are welcome to join. If you miss both orientation sessions, please refer to the Parent Packet and contact us with any questions you may have. We highly recommend completing the online camp forms and activity waiver prior to the orientation. Please arrive a few minutes early to check-in. At orientation, we will: 1. Introduce the 2018 Adventure Camp Staff. 2. Describe each camp in detail, help you become aware of the nature of the activities, and explain how to excel in this type of outdoor environment. 3. Discuss gear needs. 4. Answer any questions. If you register for camp after the Parent-Camper Orientation or have general camp questions, please contact Youth Programs at campstaff@usnwc.org or ext. 287 for further details. The majority of the information reviewed in orientation can be found in the Parent Packet. 2

3 Summer Camp Information This information is for parents of campers to read and refer to during the summer. Please keep on hand. I COMMUNICATION NEEDS A. Getting a message to your child If you need to get in touch with your child during camp hours, contact Guest Services ( ) or the Youth Programs Staff ( ext. 287, campstaff@usnwc.org). We will get a message to your child as soon as possible. B. Absences and Late arrivals Attendance is crucial for the progression of skills in adventure activities which includes being at camp on time. If your child must be absent or late for any reason, please leave a message for the Summer Camp staff ( ext. 287, campstaff@usnwc.org). *Late arrivals Due to the nature of our activities, campers who arrive late may or may not be placed back with their original group upon arrival. The camper (s) may be placed with another group to participate in another activity until they can meet up with their original group. In some cases, campers may have to wait in the office until there group is back from the activity. C. Change of Address or Phone Numbers Feel free to update your Online Camp Forms at any time prior to camp starting. II STAFF to CAMPER RATIO Our average staff to camper ratio Youth Adventure & Teen Adventure Camp 1:10 Survival Camp 1:6 Backcountry Camp 101 1:5 Rock, Ride, and Paddle I 1:9 Rock, Ride, and Paddle II 1:5 Whitewater Kayak Camp 1:4 III TRANSPORTATION AND DROP-OFF / PICK-UP Transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the individual participant s family. Regular camp programming begins at 9 A.M. and runs through 4:30 P.M. Students may be dropped off as early as 8:30 A.M. and picked up as late as 5:30 P.M. Participants families have the option to upgrade their early morning drop-off times between 7:30 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. for a charge of $50 per week per child. A late pick-up fee will be assessed as follows: A grace period of 5 to 10 minutes will be allowed. Once a parent/guardian is later than 10 minutes, a fee of $5 will be charged, and an additional $1 for every minute thereafter. Campers must be signed in and out at the drop-off and pick-up area, the Adventure Pavilion and/or Overlook Pavilion. Campers may only leave with an authorized person carrying a valid ID, age 16 or older. Parking Passes will be distributed the first day of camp at the Check-In tables. IV FIRST-AID All USNWC camp staff is certified in First-Aid and CPR. Parents will be notified of minor injuries during pick-up at the end of the day. If a serious injury occurs, the staff will notify parents/guardians as soon as possible. If appropriate, a parent may come and transport the child to the hospital. If necessary, the child will be taken to the hospital via EMS accompanied by the USNWC camp staff member and a parent/guardian can meet us there. Supervision of the remaining group will be provided. 3

4 V MEDICATION If a student requires medication from home, they must be able to self-administer. Parents or guardians provide the staff with the medication for monitoring. All approved medications must be included in the Online Camp Form under Administration of Medicine. We request that you send the amount required for the day in its original container. VI NOTES ON REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CAMP While the USNWC provides most of the necessary camp equipment, we request that you provide the following: A. Lunch and Snacks Campers need a big lunch and snacks as it will have to last from very early in the morning until pick-up. Soft lunch coolers are recommended. Please do not send foods that spoil or include an ice pack in your cooler as refrigeration is not available. Water will be available throughout the day. Summer Camp Lunch Option - Campers may bring their own lunch and snacks, or purchase lunch through our Summer Camp Lunch Menu. Lunches can be purchased via the link provided in the camp confirmation sent to you after registration. Lunch registration will close by 12pm the Wednesday prior to your child(s) camp week. *Backcountry Camping 101 and Survival Camp participants will be given breakfast and dinner during their overnight excursions. Information on the food that will be provided can be found within the Backcountry Camping 101/ Survival Camp gear list. Please campstaff@usnwc.org for a copy of the gear list or visit each camps webpage. If your camper has any dietary restrictions please let us know. Camper s Birthdays If your child is having a birthday during the week, we would like to know. However, due to health code restrictions, we cannot allow parents/guardians to bring in treats for campers. B. Water Bottles or Hydration Pack Heavy exercise causes fast water loss from the body. Too much water loss can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause undesirable conditions, from heat illness to heat stroke. Campers should bring 1 refillable water bottle or a hydration pack that does not leak when turned upside down. If you bring a water bottle please make sure they hold at least 24 to 32oz of water plus they are reusable and durable. Sports style squeezable water bottles work great. Also, please write your child s first name and first initial of their last name on their bottles or pack. No sodas please. C. Rain and Wind Gear Although it is the summer, temperatures can drop and wet conditions can lead to dangerous situations. Most cases of hypothermia occur in the summer due to lack of preparedness. The combination of rain, cool temperatures and not being adequately prepared can dramatically impact the camper s experience. A lightweight, waterproof, nylon or plastic jacket with ventilation is workable if under-layers are synthetic. All clothing, especially when wet, is warmer under a windproof outer layer. *Backcountry Camping participants will be required to bring rain gear on the two-day offsite trip. D. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!! Counselors will have campers reapply sunscreen after water activities and lunch. In accordance with camp and USNWC standards and regulations, campers must be able to apply their own sunscreen without the assistance of staff. E. Cell phones, Music and Gaming devices We recommend leaving all electronic devices at home as the USNWC is not responsible for any lost or damaged items. Camp Staff will collect any of these devices during the day if they see them being used and return them to parents/guardians at the end of the day. 4

5 F. Activity Gear -Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes every day. - Please bring a small bag every day that includes the following items: - Extra set of clothes - Towel - Swimsuit - Closed-toed sneakers for land activities and Deep Water Solo Climbing Wall (They will get wet!) - Secure water shoes for rafting and kayaking (**NOT FLIP FLOPS**). Crocs are not recommended. Note: Closed toed water shoes (Exp. Keen Sandals) can be used for both land and water activities however they could cause blisters or bruising if not broken in prior to coming to camp. - Sunscreen - Lunch & water bottles/hydration pack **The USNWC will provide all necessary equipment (climbing harness and mountain bike); however, if the camper wants to bring their own bike (and helmet) or harness, that is fine. We have daily storage for these items but the USNWC is not responsible for lost or stolen gear. No overnight storage available. All personal gear will be inspected and approved by staff. Bikes We do have a fleet of Giant/Specialized mountain bikes for campers to use. We prefer campers use them instead of bringing personal bikes. If your child cannot fit on our bikes, feel free to discuss the option of bringing in your child s personal bike for the day with a camp supervisor. Survival Camp and Backcountry Camping 101 will have additional gear needs, which can be found on the gear list. Please campstaff@usnwc.org for a copy of the gear list or visit specified camps page on our website. G. Lost and Found It is inevitable items will be lost or misplaced throughout the week of camp. We advise writing your child s first name and last initial on all personal items (backpack, water bottle, lunch box, shoes, etc.). We do have a lost and found shelf that will be located at the Adventure Pavilion every day. Feel free to check the lost and found shelf or ask camp staff about any lost items. Items such as socks and undergarments may be thrown away daily if not claimed. Lost and Found Storage Camp lost and found items will be kept for up to one week after camp; then the items will be placed with our general lost and found items located at Lower Guests Services. If you are inquiring about an item being lost, after the week grace period, please contact Guests Services at our main phone number. Items lost while rafting or kayaking Unfortunately, due to the nature of the environment and activities, we may not be able to retrieve any items lost during these activities. 5

6 VII GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION A. Session Format USNWC camps are one-week sessions. Variances may occur to schedules due to off-site trips for select camp sessions. Please confirm your child s schedule the week of camp. Daily Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Early Morning Drop-Off (Additional $50 per week fee) 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Drop-Off, games 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Activities or Skill Sessions (rock climbing, mtn. biking, kayaking, etc.) 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Pick-Up, games B. Camp Activities: Campers will participate in a variety of activities during the week, some of which they may get to try more than once. Counselors will be following a pre-determined schedule of activities each day. The schedule can change throughout the day and week due to many circumstances including weather. If a group misses an activity due to weather, we will try to reschedule the activity later in the week. However, this is not guaranteed. For a full list of the activities, please refer to the summer camp page of our website. Challenge by Choice Our activities are challenge by choice, which means we will not make your child do any activity they do not wish to attempt; however, we will encourage them to try. Rafting Rafting is the most popular activity we offer. Depending on session schedules, some camps will participate in rafting twice during the week while other camps will only raft once. For a full list of activities your child will be participating in, check out our website at usnwc.org. Mountain Biking All campers will be evaluated on their bike riding abilities the first time they are introduced to the activity. Each group s ability will determine where the group will go ride (river trail, green trail, etc.). If your camper is very interested in advancing his or her level of ability in mountain biking, we advise you to register them for Rock, Ride, and Paddle where campers bike more than once during the week. If your child does not feel comfortable biking, we will do our best to have them participate in another activity with another group. Trails can be closed if wet from rain showers. This is done to keep riders safe and to protect the trails from eroding away. If trails are closed, we will try to reschedule their ride later in the week; however, this is not guaranteed. C. Weather Policy: Campers will participate in activities rain or shine. Severe Weather - We do monitor the weather online and with a lightning detection system. If we are anticipating a thunderstorm, campers will be removed from activities and stationed with camp staff at various covered pavilions. During these times, campers will participate in various games and activities. If we are anticipating extremely severe weather, parents will be notified about early pick up times if needed. Extremely Hot Days (95F and above) - Everyday during camp, campers will take numerous breaks to cool off and replenish fluids. Campers are also advised to take water with them to activities. On extremely hot days, campers will be given additional breaks, usually between every activity. Counselors are trained to recognize signs/symptoms of heat related illness. Campers who are brought to the office with mild heat illness (headaches, stomach aches, exhaustion, etc.) will be given a 30min rest break in the A/C before reevaluating their condition. Campers showing signs/symptoms of extreme heat sickness - parents will be notified via phone and emergency services will be contacted if needed. D. Camp Forms Submission of the Online Camp Forms and Assumption of Risk, Release, and Indemnity Agreement (Activity Waiver) are required for all campers. All forms must be completed and returned at a minimum of 2 weeks before your child s camp start date or risk a $50 late processing fee. The Activity Waiver is an electronic form included in the Camp Forms (a check box near the end of the form). A copy of the Activity Waiver is included in the Camp Forms for you to read and review. Camp Forms link: 6

7 E. Expectations of Campers In order to help minimize the risks for our participants and to provide the most rewarding and enjoyable adventure experience possible, we must insist on good behavior from our campers. This includes the ability of our campers to cooperate, follow instructions/rules, interact positively with their fellow campers and camp staff, and make an effort on all tasks and activities. We will work with individual participants as they face the challenge of group dynamics, shared responsibilities, and adventure. However, we cannot permit an individual to consistently disrupt the group or risk the health and safety of themselves, other campers, or staff. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING: Fighting or excessive horseplay Abusive language, personal put-downs, or bullying Destruction of USNWC s property or others' personal property Breaking of rules/regulations of any facility area or institution while in the program Any behavior or activities that severely disrupts program/activity operations or interferes with the rights of other participants to receive program services, or which draws significant attention away from staff to the point of endangering other participants. Unacceptable behavior may result in any of the following DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES: Individual or group counseling and implementation of relevant consequences Contact of the camper's parent or guardian to discuss the situation and possible solutions Suspension for the day if the program design allows Full dismissal from the program. The parent or guardian will pick up the student immediately and no refund will be given. This is a last resort and we don t expect it to happen. E. Friend Requests *Adventure Camp (Youth and Teen), Rock, Ride and Paddle Enjoying camp with a friend is an excellent idea and additionally helps first-time campers make a smoother transition into the day camp environment. If you would like your child to be on the same team with a friend or sibling, please fill out the Friend Request section of the Camp Form. We will do our best to accommodate all friend requests submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to your child s camp start date. As our sessions fill quickly, any requests made later may not be fulfilled. Reminder - Teams are determined by age. If you would like your child to be with a friend or sibling, we advise that they be of similar age. If not, the older child may have to go with a younger aged team. Friend requests are only granted to participants of the same camp. H. Refund, Transfer, & Cancellation Policy: - 100% refund/transfer if USNWC cancels camp (including the $50 deposit) - $50 of the total camp fee or deposit is non-refundable; however, they are transferrable to another USNWC Camp within the same summer - Based on availability, transferring to another camp 14 days or more prior to the start date is no extra charge - All cancellation requests received in writing (via ) at least 14 days or more in advance of the start date of the camp are entitled to either: 100% transfer to another USNWC Camp, USNWC Program, or a USNWC Adventure Card OR The BALANCE of the camp session can be refunded back to the original card holder minus $50 - No refund/transfer if patron cancels less than 14 calendar days in advance of the start date of the camp - Refund/transfer must be requested in writing to Aaron Peeler (Outdoor School Director, apeeler@usnwc.org). Certain restrictions apply. 7

8 Due to the nature of the camp community, we are unable to accept sick children into daily camp activities. Please do not bring your child to camp if any of the following conditions apply: o Fever greater than 100 F o Untreated ear infection or pain o Vomiting and/or diarrhea o Untreated orthopedic injury o Untreated skin infection/rash o Any viral or contagious condition that may be transmitted to others o Camper must be fever free for 24 hrs without taking fever reducing medications. I. Evacuation Plan for Offsite Trips Backcountry Camping 101 Only We are prepared to help students through times of homesickness and discouragement. However, should a student be determined to leave during the overnight offsite trip, we will not force them to stay. Parents will be notified and told to arrange for their child s departure. This evacuation will pull resources from other areas of the USNWC; therefore, we will charge $150 evacuation fee. U.S. National Whitewater Center Administration of Medicine Parent Letter The safety and well-being of your child participating in a U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) program is of utmost concern. For this reason, policies for the administration of medications have been designed to protect participants. Only those medications that are medically necessary and cannot be scheduled outside the hours of the camp will be given during the program. USNWC employees only administer medication to participants if: 1. The USNWC waiver to Administer Physician Prescribed Medication Form is completed and is in the possession of the USNWC Staff. 2. The pharmacist or physician s label, which must be on the bottle, will serve as the physician s order. 3. Medication is in a container dispensed by a pharmacy with the participant s name, name of medication, the date the prescription was filled and DIRECTIONS ARE CLEARLY MARKED. It is the Parent/Guardian s Responsibility to: 1. Complete the camp form and return it to the program staff. 2. Provide medication in a current prescription container, which includes the participant s name, physician s name, medication name, dose and time to be given, and how it is to be administered. 3. Provide new, labeled containers when medication changes are made. 4. Transport medication to program site and give to staff. 5. Know that medications will not be stored over the weekends and recreation employees will dispose of empty containers (unless otherwise instructed). PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBED MEDICATION PARENT REQUEST FORM We encourage all parents/guardians to administer all physician prescribed medication(s) to their child before or after a USNWC sponsored program. However, we understand that some cases may arise when the day camp s part-time/fulltime supervisor may be requested to administer medication. By completing the information in the camp form, the USNWC part-time/full-time staff is authorized to administer physician prescribed medication(s) that are stored in a current prescription bottle(s). 8