Summer Camp Handbook. Haverhill YMCA Camp Tricklin Falls Plaistow Community YMCA

Summer Camp Handbook Haverhill YMCA 978-374-0506 Camp Tricklin Falls 603-642-9622 Plaistow Community YMCA 603-382-0641 www.northshoreymca.org 1

Camp Tricklin Falls, Haverhill and Plaistow Community YMCA SUMMER CAMPS 2017 Handbook Contact Emails Camp Tricklin Falls Kat M, moserk@northshoreymca.org Haverhill Gymnastics and Cheer Camps Andrew F, fortinia@northshoreymca.org Haverhill Shoe City Explorers Amy H, hanagana@northshoreymca.org Haverhill Camp Curiosity Cathy Wolfe, wolfec@northshoreymca.org Plaistow Camps Andrew F, fortinia@northshoreymca.org The CTF logo will indicate Camp Tricklin Falls specific information for all camps located at Camp Tricklin Falls. Welcome to YMCA Summer Camps 2017 Congratulations on choosing an amazing way for your camper to learn and grow this summer! We are excited that your child will be joining us this summer! We have created this handbook to provide you with everything you need to know about our camps, camp guidelines, policies and procedures, special events, and more. Please read this information carefully to ensure that you and your child are ready for your first day of camp. If, after reading this handbook, you have any questions, please don t hesitate to call us or check out our website at www.northshoreymca.org. YMCA s Camp Goals The goal of all YMCA Summer Camps is to create memorable, fun, positive and nurturing experiences for young people. In our camps, we provide children with a positive, safe, fun, and creative summer experience. In every camp that we offer, whether it s two days a week, five days a week, a gymnastics program or a trips camp, we will strive to make it a fun and memorable summer experience for your child. Through engaging and innovative games and activities, quality camp facilities and along with qualified staff and counselors, your child will enjoy an excellent summer camp experience. In all of our camps we promote the YMCA-USA Character Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We hope that your child will learn how to practice these values and include them in their everyday life and activities while having fun at camp. Quality Guarantee by the Regional Executive Director, Tracy Fuller: My goal for all Haverhill and Plaistow YMCA Camps is for your child to have the best experience possible. I have been involved in YMCA Camping for 27 years, and have seen the impact a quality camp program has on a child, and it s lasting effects. Please contact me directly if our camp program does not meet or exceed your expectations. We are proud of achieving ACA (American Camping Association) accreditation which is the highest standard in the camping industry. Our goal is to create satisfied owners of the Haverhill and Plaistow Community YMCA. Camp Specific Information The YMCA offers several fantastic camps in three locations: the Haverhill YMCA, Camp Tricklin Falls in East Kingston NH, and the Plaistow Community YMCA. This summer camp handbook has information that includes all sites and specific information pertaining to specific sites. Additional information is available by calling the YMCA or check us out on our website www.northshoreymca.org 2

Where are the camps located & drop off/pickup locations? The YMCA uses a variety of places for pick up and drop off for camps. At each location an adult must be present to sign in and sign out campers. Please review the following schedule. Camp Tricklin Falls Camps (Adventure and Sports Camps) Option 1 Haverhill YMCA drop off / pick in basement of Y, 81 Winter Street, Haverhill MA Or Plaistow Community YMCA, 175 Plaistow Road, Plaistow NH. Parents must escort campers to gym and pick up in gym, sign in and out is required daily, with ID. Option 2 Bus pickup/drop off, (please see bus schedule) Option 3 Camp Tricklin Falls, 140 Haverhill Rd., East Kingston NH *If your camper is in 6 th grade or older and has a note from a parent/guardian they will be allowed to sign themselves out and walk home from bus stop or Y. Parent note MUST be given to the camp Director. Shoe City Explorers Haverhill YMCA drop off and pick up upstairs in Program Room #4 at the Haverhill YMCA, 81 Winter Street. Haverhill Gymnastics Camps Haverhill YMCA drop off / pick up in Gymnastics Center at the Haverhill YMCA 81 Winter Street. Plaistow Community YMCA Camps Plaistow Community YMCA 175 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, NH 03865 Haverhill Camp Curiosity Whittier Building next to Haverhill Y, 87 Winter Street, Haverhill MA 01830 Bus code of conduct. Parents, please read with your camper. Attendance will be made while boarding and at each stop, campers must be signed out before disembarking. Remain seated throughout the trip. Leave your seat only when the bus has reached its destination and comes to a complete stop. Keep your back pack and belongings on your lap or put them under the Always keep the aisle clear. Do not talk to the driver except in case of an emergency. Avoid doing anything that might disturb or interfere with the driver. Do not talk loudly or yell. Be courteous at all times. Never stick hands, arms, head or feet out of the window. Do not open windows without the driver s permission. Do not throw anything within the bus or out of a window. Do not touch the emergency door or exit controls or any of the bus safety equipment without the driver s permission. Do not discard garbage in the bus. Do not eat or drink on the bus, with the exception that students may drink water from plastic water bottles. *All bus times and assignments are approximate and subject to change. For summer camp bussing information, please contact us. www.northshoreymca.org 978-374-0506. When should I drop off and pick up? YMCA camps begin promptly at 9:00 am. Our before care and after care service is included in all camp fees. Families may utilize any combination of the daily before care (starting at 7am) and after care (ending at 6pm.) This service will be provided both at the Haverhill YMCA and the Plaistow Community YMCA until 6pm and Camp Tricklin Falls until 6pm. All Camp Tricklin Falls Campers who are transported by bus must be at the pick up location at the scheduled pick up/ drop off times. You must register for a bus stop prior to your camper s week of camp. The bus cannot wait at a stop for campers. Families may 3

utilize any combination of the daily before care starting at 7am and after care ending at 6pm. This service will be provided both at the Haverhill YMCA, Plaistow Community YMCA and Camp Tricklin Falls. Drop off and pick up times are subject to change. Notification will be made at the bus stops, web site www.northshoreymca and at the Haverhill YMCA and Plaistow Community YMCA s front desk. Campers walking or dropped off at YMCA Camp Tricklin Falls must check in at the camp office daily. What is the pick up procedure? Safety is a priority at the YMCA. All campers picked up from camp must be signed out before leaving the YMCA camp property. To ensure your child s safety, we require written notification if anyone other than a person on your authorized pick up list is coming to get your child from camp. All persons picking up a camper must present a valid picture I. D. Written notification will also be required if there is a change as to how your child will leave the camp property. If your camper attends middle school or high school and is sent with a permission slip. Your child may walk home after signing themselves out of the camp program. What if I am running late picking up my child? Please contact the YMCA where your child is attending camp to notify the staff of your late pick up. If you pick up your child after the end of our extended day program or after the end of camp you will be charged a late pick-up fee. The money collected will defray the cost incurred by keeping the program open. Payment for late pick up will be due at the time of pick up. The late fees are as follows: $10 for the first 15 minutes $1 addition for each minute late thereafter Our camp staff will begin to contact parent/authorized/emergency pick up 5 minutes after the closing of the program If staff have not been able to contact any individuals on the authorized release AND the parent has not contacted the program to notify the program of their tardiness, AFTER ONE HOUR of the closing of the program, the YMCA will contact the Department of Children and Families and or the Police Department, and the Child at Risk Hotline. What if my child arrives late to camp? Late campers must be signed in with a staff person at either the camp office or with lead counselor at the Haverhill and Plaistow Community YMCA. If you know your child will arrive late, please call the local YMCA where your child is in advance. This will limit the waiting time in your child s group, this is especially crucial on days in which the camp is going on a field trip. Can I come up early to pick up my child from camp? If for any reason you need to pick up your child early from camp, please send a detailed note to camp that morning that states what time you will pick up your child. Be prepared to show an ID when signing out your child(s). PLEASE NOTE that the TRIPS CAMP and ADVENTURE CAMP may be off site on field trips and OFTEN may not allow for early pick up or tardy campers. What should I bring to camp? All camp attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the activities and weather conditions for the day. Please pack an extra set of clothing, along with a sweatshirt and rain gear. On days when it is raining we will continue to have camp outdoors until weather conditions permit. Rain is liquid sunshine Please be aware that your child may get wet, so send them with appropriate clothing on rainy days. Children should arrive to camp everyday with the following labeled items: Sneakers/ close toed shoes Tee shirts & shorts/jeans Appropriate dress (check the forecast daily) Bathing suit & towel (one piece swim suits only) 4

Sunscreen / Insect Repellent (apply at home) Lunch, snacks, water bottle What items are not appropriate for camp? Please do not send your child to camp with any toy guns, knives, electronics or items of value. Items can easily be lost or broken at camp and there is no safe place to keep such objects. The YMCA is not responsible for items that are lost or stolen. Two piece bathing suits, open toed shoes, and electronic devices are not allowed. Cell phones are only allowed for emergencies and camper phones may be kept in the camp office. It s very important that you label your camper s clothing and belongings with their name. Campers and Staff Personal Property Regulation: Alcohol and drugs, unapproved personal sports equipment, personal vehicles equipment, pets, animals or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Any special item must be approved in advance by the Assistant Camp Director and/or Camp Director. LOST AND FOUND: Please label all of your child s belongings with a laundry marker. Each day at camp closing all lost and found items will be available at the amphitheater for campers to claim. A lost and found will be available at each camp s check out location. Every Friday all lost and found will be consolidated at the Haverhill YMCA. After two weeks the lost and found will be cleaned and items will be donated to charity. All items are kept for 2 weeks and then donated as there is little room to store lost and found items. LUNCH: All of the Haverhill YMCA and Plaistow YMCA Summer Camps are NUT AWARE. Each camper is expected to bring his/her own lunch and snacks. Parents will be contacted and asked to bring an appropriate lunch if a child comes to camp without one. Please pack your child s lunch in a cooler-bag and be sure that it is labeled with their name. Please send a water bottle with your child each day, as it can get very hot in the middle of the summer. As part of our healthy child initiative at the YMCA, we would greatly appreciate if children did not bring soda to camp. Please do not send any foods that require a microwave to be served or refrigerated. Some helpful hints on summer lunches: Do not use mayonnaise or salad dressing on sandwiches, as we cannot refrigerate lunches. Place drinks in the freezer overnight. They will be thawed in time for lunch. Please send lunches in labeled lunch bags/backpacks. SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY: Please send your child to camp with his/her own bug spray and sunscreen. Application at home prior to camp is recommended. It is important that children use sunscreen throughout the day, especially when they re out in the sun for long periods of time. We also encourage your child to bring and/or wear a brimmed hat to protect him/her from the sun. YMCA staff will assist younger campers, with permission, with administering sunscreen and/or bug spray. If necessary the camp nurse and/or camp director will apply No-Ad SPF30 sunscreen. Please send your child with everything in a labeled backpack, this will significantly reduce the number of lost items and lunches, as everything will be in one place. What does my child do if it rains? All Camp Tricklin Falls camps are held outside and on rainy days, the children may get wet. We will try and stay outside as long as possible, however, for all camps held in an outdoor space, when dangerous inclement weather arrives, campers will be moved inside. Camp staff members have been busy this off season developing fun special theme days. Each special day will include group games, skits, special events, crafts and rainy day themes. Camp Tricklin Falls does have camper Adirondack cabins, a covered archery range, several pavilions and buildings. In addition we may travel to the Haverhill YMCA, Plaistow Community YMCA or local indoor venues to accommodate campers on those rainy days. 5

Does my child go swimming? Campers will enjoy swimming throughout the summer. CTF Day Campers will receive swim lessons daily. The indoor swimming pool or outdoor beach located in the Haverhill YMCA or on Tricklin Falls properties will be filled with campers each day. For our traditional day camp, campers will swim at least once each day and enjoy swim lessons through the summer. Certified lifeguards will be on duty at all times that the pool and water front is open. Please make sure to send your child to camp with a bathing suit and towel. If your child requires the use of a bubble, please make sure one is sent daily and has your child s name written on it. Every new camper will be swim tested to determine the campers swim ability. Some activities require a specific swim level, camp aquatics staff will create opportunities for campers to learn and gain confidence. Swim lessons are a part of camp life but is not mandatory for campers to partake in, however, without the participation in swim lessons campers will not be permitted to enjoy free swim after the lesson. It is important for campers to learn how to swim, which will enable them to boat, engage in water play and enjoy free swim safely. The water front utilizes four levels of swim zones, a swimming buddy policy, ability and aquatic safety testing. For more details regarding swimming please contact your camp director. Will my child be with his/her friends? Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to meet new people and to safely step outside their comfort zone. We will make every effort to accommodate age appropriate grouping requests, but due to the number of campers and requests, we can make no guarantees other then the opportunity to make new friends! How do I pay for camp? The session balance must be PAID IN FULL 7 days prior to the first day of the session. Registration is on a week-to-week basis, and payment must be received at the YMCA front desk 7 days before each new weekly session. If payment is not received prior to the child s first day of the camp session, the child will not be permitted to attend until the balance is paid. As a reminder, families have the option to pay through E-PAY, which automatically drafts your weekly balance due, directly from your credit card. The E- PAY application is enclosed in your registration packet. The completed enrollment packet (including medical form) and payment in full must be returned seven days prior to the start of each camp week for campers to attend. Any child without a medical form or payment in full will not be admitted to camp on the first day. Please note: Any child/family that has an outstanding balance with the YMCA s summer camp, child care, or other programs, may not enroll in our summer camp until the prior balance is paid in full. Any payment received will go toward an outstanding balance. If my child s schedule needs to change this summer, can I be refunded for money paid? All deposits are non-refundable. Credits will be issued only for medical absences when the request is submitted in writing and signed by the physician. Any credit issued will subtract the non-refundable deposit. Should you register for camp and pay in full, you may not be issued a refund. Your fee pays for direct operating costs, such as staff, materials, and supplies, all of these must be available for your child. When you enroll, you are reserving the time, space, staffing, and provisions for your child whether the child attends or not. All camp families are allowed one change in their schedule at no charge. A $15 fee is applied for all changes thereafter. A camp change form is provided on line and at the Haverhill or Plaistow Community YMCA s front desk. Please complete the form and submit it to the Haverhill YMCA s front desk for any change requests. Does the YMCA offer financial assistance? How do I apply? The YMCA does not turn anyone away from its membership services and programs due to inability to pay. Financial assistance is available for those who apply and are eligible, based on a sliding fee scale. If you are interested in applying, you can find the applications at any of the YMCA of the North Shore facilities or online at www.northshoreymca.org. Completing these applications ahead of time is key, you cannot sign your camper up for camp and then apply financial assistance, you MUST complete the form and be 6

accepted prior to signing up for camp. The deadline for financial aid is May 1 st 2015. This will allow time to process the financial aid application. Please attach all supporting documentation. For additional financial assistance contact Tracy Fuller 978-374-0506 x 1601 fullert@northshoreymca.org. Funds for financial assistance are available through generous contributions for our Y for All annual support campaign. Interested in making a donation? Contact www.northshoreymca.org 978-374-0506 to contribute to this year s campaign. What if my child has a difficult time adjusting to camp? The YMCA Summer Camp Behavior Management policy is based on the safety and respect for others and ourselves, both personal and property. Positive reinforcement and guidance will be consistent and based on the understanding of the individual needs and development of the camper. Rules are constantly explained and reviewed with the campers. Campers are encouraged to work out minor disputes by themselves, according to their abilities. Potential major disruptions are intervened upon as quickly as possible by YMCA counselors. Redirection techniques are used as well as mediation between all parties concerned. Our YMCA will focus on positive discipline, using group incentives, based on the YMCA s four core Character Development values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Repeated infringement of the rules or disruptions of the group by a camper will result in redirection and/or a brief time-out. This will be followed by a talk with the camp counselor about ways to make better choices. If the child is uncontrollable and creates a health safety risk for other campers, him/herself, or disruption of the activity for others, the camper will be escorted to the Camp Director or other designated YMCA staff. For redirection or will be required to be picked up by parent/guardian. The progressive methods of discipline approved for YMCA camp are: Step 1: Talk through the problem with the camper. Redirection is encouraged to suggest alternative solutions and assist in implementing. A warning may be given to the camper and consequences for continuance of their behavior. Step 2: A time-out or removal from activity. Staff will safely remove camper from the activity. The YMCA staff will ask the camper to sit down and then help the camper regain control of him/herself. After a timeout (one minute per year of age) or when the camper is calm, staff will ask why s/he was removed from the group. Campers will be provided an opportunity to resolve the situation by talking with staff and peers. After discussion, the child will be returned to the activity. Step 3: The camper will be brought to Assistant Camp Director/Camp Director. A parent will be contacted to discuss the camper s situation. Upon pick up the camp staff and parent will meet to discuss the problem and staff will provide the parent a written report, detailing the situation and efforts made by staff to resolve the situation. The camper may receive suspension from the YMCA camp. Camp Staff will IMMEDIATELY contact the parents if the following situations arise with immediate action up to and including suspension in the program: 1. Bullying 2. Physical fighting with another child 3. Habitual use of swearing/foul language 4. Hitting and/or kicking a staff member/another child/visitor 5. Inappropriate physical touching of staff member/another child/visitor 6. Leaving the camp group/area 7. Repeated infringements of camp policies 8. Behavior displaying unsafe or concerning home environment 9. A pattern of inappropriate or detrimental behavior Step 4: If behavior continues, a meeting will be held between child, parent, and Camp Director. All documented prior incidents will be discussed, and the camper will be placed on a behavior plan according to the camper s developmental needs and level and camp ability. Step 5: Should future incidents occur, the YMCA Camp Director/other designated YMCA staff may recommend the camper is unable to return to camp. If the camper s behavior is severe and endangering the safety of the camper, other campers, and YMCA camp staff, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate services immediately. Any fees paid in advance will be returned on a pro-rated basis. You should feel free to consult the Camp Director regarding any problems in your child s adjustment to our camp program. 7

What if my child is feeling ill? If your child is feeling ill on the morning of camp, we ask that they are kept home until the symptoms clear. The Haverhill YMCA day camps have a physician on call, in addition to key staff people trained in emergency care and first aid. Each child must have a completed and signed medical form and immunization record at camp prior to admittance. If the Camp Director and/or Health Supervisor deem a child ill, parents will be required to have their child picked up within 60 minutes of notification. If your child is ill and unable to attend camp, you are required to notify your camp s director between 7:00 and 9:00am. Please make sure your paperwork includes a phone number that you can be reached during camp hours. If your child has a fever, they will need to be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to camp. If your camper has lice they need to be nit free and checked by nurse or director before returning to camp. What if my child needs to receive medication during the camp day? Parents whose children need medication during the camp day need to provide the medication in the original container with the original prescription attached. Non-prescription medication must be accompanied by a parent s note as well as a physician s note. All medication must be given immediately to the Camp Nurse or Camp Director and will be kept in a locked container. Medications will be dispensed by authorized YMCA personnel, with the exception of inhalers. If a camper requires an epi-pen you must provide it daily, with a prescription attached, along with any plan of action. A full Camp Health Care Policy is available upon request. The trained staff will handle minor injuries or illnesses. In the event of a minor accident, injury, or illness (i.e. bloody nose, cut, or scrapes), the camp staff will communicate the parent/guardian or the emergency contact person at pick up. An accident report will be completed and made available to the parents. In the case of serious illness or accident, the YMCA camp staff will utilize appropriate police, fire department or ambulance transportation. If this action is taken, the camper will be taken to Holy Family Hospital, Exeter Hospital or closest medical facility during a field trip, parents will be notified in all cases. Camp Tricklin Falls does have a registered nurse on site during the summer. All health related concerns are reviewed by the camp nurse. What if my child requires special medical and/or special needs at camp? YMCA summer camps are inclusive and work closely with families to provide the best possible experience for campers. Communication between the camp directors and family is critical to creating a successful experience. Special medical and /or special needs include conditions which require special medical or health attention or care while the participant is attending camp. All special medical needs must be included in the camper s registration packet. An Individual Education Plan must also be included with camper s registration packet. An intake meeting with the Camp Director or behavior specialist will be required to ensure the best possible experience for the camper and camp. How does YMCA camp handle emergencies? Each YMCA camp trains all staff in emergency procedures to prevent, recognize and handle all emergencies. In addition the Haverhill YMCA, Plasitow Community YMCA and Camp Tricklin Falls have an AED that is reviewed and practiced with all camp staff. The staff on duty will not release your child to unauthorized people. Throughout the day staff is trained to do frequent face counts, buddy checks, and monitor attendance to ensure each child is safe. A full EAP is available upon request. 8

If a camper is missing, camp staff will report to the camp office and immediately notify the director. An air horn will sound with two long blasts, indicating that a camper is missing. All groups will meet at a designated location and attendance will be taken for all groups. Staff will report to their assigned location and search until the camper is found. If a camper is missing in a YMCA facility, one YMCA staff will communicate a missing camper to all Camp Directors. At that time, all groups will meet at the designated location and attendance will be taken for all groups. Staff will be assigned to report to all entrances/exits to ensure that the missing person does not leave the YMCA facility while additional YMCA staff search the facility. Should it be determined that a camper is missing on an off-site location, one YMCA staff will remain with the entire group, while the second YMCA staff searches the area. The first YMCA staff will contact the director via cell phone to inform him/her of the situation and exact location of the group. In all situations, the Camp Director will notify authorities after a designated time, within 20 minutes. A parent/guardian will be called to inform them of situation. Lost and/or missing camp drills will be conducted routinely throughout the summer. Tricklin Falls Staff Ratio Camper Age Staff Campers 4-5 years 1 5 6-8 years 1 8 9-14 years 1 10 15-18 years 1 12 Can I visit my child while at camp? While parents are welcome to visit our camp at any time, friends and other relatives may only visit on designated camp days and at special events. Should special circumstances arise, approval must be attained by the camp director in advance. For security reasons, all camp visitors must check in with Haverhill YMCA Camp Directors or Camp Tricklin Falls camp office. The YMCA staff will contact the Camp Director or camp office, who will then escort guests through the camp property. We will be hosting family nights and special events throughout the summer. Every Friday there will be a gymnastic show for parents, families and friends 11:30am for half day camps and 3:30pm for full day camps. These are great opportunities for families to experience camp and see what it has to offer your camper. We hope that this parent packet has answered your most of your questions and concerns about your child s experience at YMCA Day Camp. Please remember that while we are working hard to ensure a great summer for your child, don t forget to ask your camper what their favorite part of the day was! Feel free to contact your camper s camp director to let them know both the positives and concerns (if any) so we can make sure your summer camp experience is the best it can be! Every summer should be filled with the best memories, let us help you make them. Communication Every day is very fun filled at camp but we try our very best to communicate in every way possible. Pictures and comments are loaded daily onto our Haverhill YMCA, Plaistow YMCA and Camp Tricklin Falls Facebook pages. Campers are also sent home with camper cards or activity sheets daily. Want to know more about what you camper is doing at camp? Feel free to contact your camp director at any time via email or phone! Thank you! Thank you for choosing our camps! We strive to make this a summer to remember! 9