Parent Information & Camper Guidelines SUMMER 2018 Camp Director: Debby Head Camp Coordinator: Wes Hatch Camp Registrar: Emily Belinfante Camp Office 770-922-2055 x222 camp.registrar@chattnaturecenter.org Located at: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road Roswell, GA 30075 http://www.chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher/ 1
Dear Camp Kingfisher Families, Welcome to Summer 2018! We are thrilled that you will be joining us for a summer of fun, learning, and outdoor adventures! We know there are lots of options when choosing a summer camp, and we are so thankful that you will be spending part of your summer with us. Our staff and counselors work hard to make each summer the best it can be, so whether this is your first summer with us or you re an expert family, your campers should come home with new experiences, friendships, and memories! This packet should provide you with answers to any questions you may have regarding Camp Kingfisher. We tried to think of everything you may need, but if you have further questions, feel free to call or email the camp office. We want to make sure you are as comfortable and excited about camp as we are! We can t wait to see you this summer, Debby Head Wes Hatch Emily Belinfante Camp Director Camp Coordinator Camp Registrar What You Need to Know at a Glance ------ pg. 3 Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures ---------- pg. 6 Camper Guidelines ----------------------------- pg. 8 Parent Packet Quick Access Guide: Lunch at Camp ----------------------------------- pg. 9 Cell Phone and Social Media Policy -------- pg. 9 Special Programs, Overnights, Archery - pg. 10 2
Camp Kingfisher 2018 What You Need to Know at a Glance Contact Camp Kingfisher: Contact Camp: Office: 770-922-2055 ext. 222; camp.registrar@chattnaturecenter.org Director: ext. 232 Registration: Counselor to Camper Ratios and Group Sizes: Buddy Requests: Online: http://www.chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher/registration/ Campers are registered based on the grade they are entering in the fall of 2018. Campers must be 5 years old at the start of their session to attend full day camp. 4 year olds can be registered for Owlet half day camp (8:30 am to 12:30 pm). Campers must be 4 years old at the start of their session. Children under 4 are not permitted to attend camp. Rising K through 5 th graders can select from 1-week sessions (labeled Week 1-10) or 2-week sessions (labeled A-D). 2-week groups remain together for both weeks. Changes: If you need to change sessions, please contact the camp office via email. If space is available in the session you are interested in, we can make the change. Changes can only occur when an equal exchange of sessions is made. A 2-week session cannot be changed for a 1-week session. This would be considered a cancelation. A $20 fee is applied each time a change is made to your reservation. Cancelations: Cancelations must be made via email to the camp office at least 2 weeks before the first day of the session. Cancelation requests made by Sunday, April 15, 2018 will result in a 10% fee. Cancelations made after April 15 th will result in a 35% fee. Cancelations made less than 2 weeks before the first day of the session will not be refunded. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. Campers are grouped by the grade they are entering in fall 2018, with varying ratios. o Owlet (4 year olds) ratio is 1:5, with groups of 10 campers and 2 counselors. o Screech Owl (rising K & 1 st ) ratio is 1:6, with groups generally consisting of 12 campers and 2 counselors. In rare cases, we will increase the ratio to 1:7. o Barn Owls (rising 2 nd & 3 rd ) and Barred Owls (rising 4 th & 5 th ) ratios are 1:9, with groups generally consisting of 18 campers and 2 counselors. In rare cases, we will increase the ratio to 1:10. o Great Horned Owls (rising 6 th & 7 th ) ratio is 1:10, with groups generally consisting of 10 campers and 1 counselor. In rare cases, we will increase the ratio to 1:11. o Travel Program (rising 8 th & 9 th ) ratio is 1:5, with groups of 10 campers and 2 counselors. Due to the nature of this program, we will not increase this ratio. We also have 3 administrators and up to 10 specialists on site each day. Your child may request up to 2 buddies on their Camper Information Form. We do our best to honor requests, but there are No Guarantees. Forms must be received at least two weeks before your session starts to process requests. Please make sure your camper and their buddy are registered for the same session. 1-week campers are paired with 1-week campers; 2-week campers are paired with 2-week campers. We cannot make exceptions. 3
Typical Day: How to Dress: Bring Every Day: Leave at Home: Sun, Bugs, and Rain: Extended Care: Pick-up Passes: Counselors and staff plan activities based on the weekly theme. Typical activities include nature hikes, swimming, animal encounters, canoeing, Science Exploration Activities, arts & crafts, and games. An example schedule is online, and your camper s group schedule will be provided on the first day of camp. Weather appropriate, comfortable clothing that can get dirty Closed-toe shoes: tennis shoes, sneakers, trainers, hiking shoes / boots Please No flip flops, No Keens, No Chacos, and No Crocs. We want to protect your child s feet! Reusable water bottle labeled with camper s name. Please fill with water only (prevents dehydration and bees!) Swimsuit and towel (or wear your suit and pack your clothes) Lunch and 2 snacks (3 if your child is attending after-care) o Snacks should be packed separately from lunches and each other o Label each snack with your camper s name and either AM or PM Backpack (no wheels) to carry it all! PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING SO IT DOESN T DISAPPEAR! We do not permit toys, electronics (cell phones, music players, smart watches, etc.), trading cards, gum, weapons or money. These items will be confiscated and returned to parents at pick up. Please leave all valuables at home. We cannot replace lost or damaged items. Sunscreen apply before coming. We will apply twice more throughout the day. Bug spray apply before coming. We do not apply more. Camp operates rain or shine. Please wear or pack a rain jacket or poncho if the weather forecasts rain. We go outside in rain; we do not go outside in thunder and lightning. Camp runs from 9 to 4. Free extended care is offered from 8-9 am and 4-6:15 pm. After 6:15 pm, there is a charge of $1/minute. Campers do not need to be pre-registered for after-care. If you need to add after-care throughout the week, just let your child s counselor know. Extended care is not available for Owlets. We will provide you with pick-up passes during check-in on the first day of camp. This pass allows the holder to pick up your camper from camp. If you do not have this pass, you must have a photo ID to verify that you are on the authorized pick-up list. We will accept cell phone pictures of the pick-up pass. You may use the same pass for multiple weeks during the summer. We will not accept pick-up passes from previous camp years. If you need to add anyone to your authorized pick-up list, please contact the office. 4
Swimming and the Pool: Canoeing: Getting Sick at Camp: Medication: Birthdays: Late Drop Offs and Early Pick Ups: Swimming occurs at our on-site pool, located next to the parking lot in a Staff Only area behind the pool house. During swimming, 2 Red Cross certified lifeguards and a counselor are on the pool deck, and at least one counselor is in the water with campers. The shallow end of the pool is 3.5 feet deep with two sets of wide stars; the deep end is 12 feet deep. In order to swim in the deep end, campers must pass a swim test on the first day of camp. They must swim the width of the pool and back without stopping or touching the bottom and tread water for 60 seconds. If they do not pass on Monday, they can take the test again later that week. We have pool noodles available for campers who are beginners or choose to stay in the shallow end. Campers who choose not to swim will have access to limited self-directed activities in the shade. Canoeing takes place on CNC s three ponds according to age group: Screech owls on Kingfisher Pond; Barn owls on Beaver Pond; Barred and Great Horned owls on Heron Pond. Everyone wears Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) during canoeing. o Screech Owls (K & 1 st ) and Barn Owls (2 nd & 3 rd ) canoe twice a week with other campers and a staff or teen supervisor in the boat. o Barred Owls (4 th & 5 th ) canoe 4 times a week. Staff supervise from boats. o Great Horned Owls (6 th & 7 th ) canoe 3-4 times a week and take a trip on the Chattahoochee River during the second week of their session. Staff supervise from boats on the pond and during the trip. Sick campers will be brought to the office, where administrative staff will contact parents. If your child s illness causes them to miss 3 or more days of camp in one week, they may make up the days in a later available week. You will need to purchase the remaining days of the week at a prorated cost. A doctor s note is required to make up days. We are NOT permitted to dispense regular medication to any child. Campers with prescribed epi-pens or inhalers must carry their medication on them at all times during camp. We recommend bringing a small bag to carry medicine in. If your child s birthday falls during camp, we will celebrate with them! If you bring a snack for your child s group, please get prior approval from your child s counselor to be considerate of food allergies. If you need to drop your camper off after 9 am, please escort them upstairs, to the camp office. We will check your camper in and help you locate their group. If you know you need to pick up your camper before 3:30 pm, please let us know during check in. If you need to make a last-minute early pickup, please call the office so that we can do our best to have your camper ready. It may take between 15 and 20 minutes to retrieve your camper and help them pack up their belongings. 5
Camp Kingfisher 2018 Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures 6 Contact Camp Kingfisher: Owlets 4 year old campers; Hours: 8:30 am 12:30 pm; Extended care NOT available First Day of Camp o Owlets meet in the Owlet Nest (CNC Library). Following signs for camp, enter the building and turn left down the hallway across from the gym. The Nest is the first room to the right. o Check-in begins at 8:30 am, and the group will start their day at 8:45 am. o Owlet counselors will check you in and you will receive: Your camper s schedule A t-shirt (if it s your first session) Pick-up passes Daily Drop-off: 8:30-8:45 am o Owlets meet in the Owlet Nest (CNC Library). o Parents can walk their campers in beginning at 8:30. Pre-care is not available for Owlets. The group will begin their day at 8:45 am. Daily Pick-up: 12:20-12:30 pm o Owlets will be in the Nest at 12:20 for pick-up. After-care is not available for Owlets. o Please do not leave your car running unattended in the parking lot. o You are required to show your pick-up pass or photo ID to the counselors to pick up your camper. If someone else is picking up your camper, please make sure they have a picture of the pick-up pass or that they are on your list of authorized pick-ups. Please contact the office about adding people to your pick-up list. Screech, Barn, Barred, and Great Horned Owls Campers entering grades K-7; Hours: 9:00 am 4 pm; Extended care from 8:00-9:00 am and 4:00-6:15 pm First Day of Camp o First day check-in is between 8:00 and 8:50 am in the gym. Following signs for camp, enter the building. The gym is the first door on the right. o Check in tables will be set up in the middle of the room. You will receive: Your camper s schedule A t-shirt (if it s their first session) Pick-up passes o Once your camper is checked in, you can escort them to their groups, along the walls of the gym, to meet their counselors and group mates. Daily Drop-off: 8:00-8:50 am o Pre-care begins at 8:00 am. At this time there is a staff member for each owl group. All counselors are present by 8:45 am. o Campers may be dropped off by the open double doors and they may walk themselves into the gym. Please escort shy or nervous campers in until they feel comfortable. o Please do not leave your car running unattended in the parking lot. Daily Pick-up: 4:00-4:15 pm o Pick-up occurs in the gym beginning at 4:00 pm. Parents may line up in the hallway before 4:00, but please be considerate of campers and staff moving through the halls. The doors to the gym will open promptly at 4:00 pm. o Please do not leave your car running unattended in the parking lot.
o You are required to show your pick-up pass or photo ID at the pick-up table to retrieve your camper. If someone else is picking up your camper, please make sure they have a picture of the pick-up pass or that they are on your list of authorized pick-ups. Please contact the office about adding people to your pick-up list. o Campers will be waiting in their group areas with counselors. o If you cannot pick up your camper by 4:15 pm, they will join the after-care campers until you arrive. After-care: 4:15-6:15 pm o Campers who were signed up for after-care on their camper form leave the gym during regular check out and play games in one of the classrooms until 4:15 pm. At 4:15, all campers re-enter the gym, where they have access to games and activities until they are picked up. o You are required to show your pick-up pass or photo ID to the after-care staff to retrieve your camper. If someone else is picking up your camper, please make sure they have a picture of the pick-up pass or that they are on your list of authorized pick-ups. Please contact the office about adding people to your pick-up list. o After-care ends at 6:15 pm; you will be charge $1 per minute after 6:15. Travel Program (rising 8 th & 9 th grades) Campers entering grades 8-9; Departure times vary; Extended care as early as 8:00 and as late as 6:15 pm First Day of Camp o First day check-in is between 8:00 and 8:50 am in the double classroom. Following signs for camp, enter the building and turn down the hallway across from the gym. The classroom will be the last room on the left. o Travel Program counselors will be at the check in table in the classroom. You will receive: Your camper s schedule A t-shirt (if it s their first session) Any additional waivers that need to be signed Daily Drop-off: Varies; please review your camper s schedule o Travel Program campers can be dropped off at Heron Pond Pavilion as early as 8:00 am. Please park at the far end of the parking lot if you are walking your camper to the pavilion. The pavilion is up the gravel road to the right, next to Heron Pond. o If your camper is going to miss a trip, please let the Travel counselors know. o If your camper is running late, please call the Travel counselors. This program runs on a tight schedule and counselors cannot wait long for late campers. Daily Pick-up: Varies; please review your camper s schedule o Pick-up between 4:00 and 4:30 pm Your camper s group will be waiting at the Heron Pond Pavilion. Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the pavilion. Please do not leave your car running unattended in the parking lot. Please make sure the Travel counselors see you before taking your camper. o Pick-up after 4:30 pm (or if you are signed up for after-care) After 4:30, all campers will be in the gym. After-care is available until 6:15 pm. After 6:15, you will be charge $1 per minute. Please let the after-care staff know you are picking up a Travel Program camper and your camper s name before taking your camper. o If Travel Program s return to camp is delayed for any reason (usually traffic), counselors or administrative staff will call and let you know. 7
Camp Kingfisher 2018 Camper Guidelines Contact Camp Kingfisher: We want every camper to have an unforgettable, fun-filled experience at Camp Kingfisher. In order to succeed with this, we have established camper guidelines that must be followed by all campers. Please review the following expectations with your camper to ensure their success at camp. Respect Yourself: - Always bring your water bottle - Drink lots of water - Let a counselor know when you need help Respect Nature: - Observe living things (animals, plants, insects, etc.) without touching, chasing, or picking them - Be quiet and calm around animals - Explore without disturbing habitats Camper Expectations Respect Others: - Keep your hands (and body) to yourself - Absolutely no violence - No bullying (name calling, teasing, etc.) - Speak kindly (no disrespectful language) Respect Camp: - Listen to your counselors, lifeguards, and instructors and follow their instructions - Stay on the trails - Walk in the gym and at the pool Pool Rules: The pool is an area of camp with an increased potential for fun, as well as injury. It is important for all campers to abide by the following rules when using the pool and locker rooms: - Listen to lifeguards and counselors at all times - No teasing, bullying, or name calling - Walking only - Leave your things in a cubby, not on the ground - No horseplay (wrestling, chasing, etc.) - No playing in the locker rooms - Change and exit the locker room quickly When campers have difficulty meeting expectations, we take the following steps to help them get back on track: 1. Reminders and Positive Feedback counselors will help campers remember what is expected of them and give positive feedback for good choices. 2. Discussion of Consequences when expectations are regularly not met, we explain the consequences of each camper s choices and give them another opportunity to succeed. 3. Removal From Group a camper who continuously is not meeting expectations is removed from the group for a short time. This time is supervised by a staff member in a designated spot. 4. Administrative Attention serious problems (not solved by steps 1-3) are brought to the attention of an administrator. If an administrator intervenes you will be notified at pick-up or via phone call. Administrators at camp include the Director, Coordinator, Registrar, and Head Counselors. 5. Parent Conference if behavior does not change, the camper, parents, counselor, and administrator will meet to discuss solutions. 6. Contract in rare cases that behavior still does not change, the camper, parents, counselor, and administrator will develop a behavioral contract. 7. Dismissal From Camp if a behavioral contract is broken, the camper will be asked to leave camp and return the following summer, making new and better choices. If you have questions about our behavioral strategies, please contact our Camp Director, Debby Head, by phone: 770-992-2055 ext.232 or email: camp@chattnaturecenter.org. 8
Camp Kingfisher 2018 Lunch at Camp Lunches are stored indoors, but are not refrigerated. Camp will provide a juice-flavored drink during lunch. In the event that your child forgets their lunch, Camp will provide a lunch consisting of a peanut butter and/or jelly sandwich, applesauce, and pretzels. Low-Impact Lunches To encourage campers to be a friend to the earth, we like to recognize campers who bring at least one low impact lunch each week. Low-impact lunches help reduce waste, encourages the use of reusable containers, and helps kids learn the importance of recycling! We encourage your camper to try and make low-impact choices, and we appreciate any effort your family makes! Lunches that qualify as Low Impact can include: o A reusable lunch box/bag (no paper or disposable bags) o Reusable food storage containers (no plastic baggies) o If necessary, metal or hard plastic silverware (no disposables) o Pre-packaged food in recyclable containers Plastic labeled #1 through #7, aluminum, and steel containers o Reusable cloth napkins or paper napkins that can be recycled (notes from home on paper that can be recycled are acceptable and encouraged) Common lunch items that Do Not qualify as Low Impact : o Pre-packaged chips, granola bars, string cheese, fruit snacks, etc. o Plastic containers without a labeled number or recycle symbol (i.e. some fruit, yogurt, and pudding cups, individual Pringles packages) o Go-gurt and Lunchables Leftover food, apple cores, banana peels, etc. do not count as trash. Want to learn more about low-impact and waste-free lunch? Check out www.wastefreelunches.org for tasty ideas on what to pack for your camper! Cell Phone and Social Media Policy 1. Camp Kingfisher Cell Phone Policy: At Camp Kingfisher, we strive to help campers connect with nature, build strong and lasting friendships, and develop their character. To maximize enjoyable experiences and limit distractions, we kindly ask that campers leave phones, ipods, smart watches, and other devices at home. Camp staff will contact parents if necessary. 2. Travel Program Cell Phone Policy: camper phones are collected by camp staff each morning and left on-site with administrative staff. Camp staff will contact Travel parents if necessary (i.e. if Travel Program is running late). 3. Social Media Policy: Camp Kingfisher respects the rights of campers to use social media sites as a medium for self-expression. Per our Camper Expectations, we do not tolerate any form of bullying, violence, or harassment. This expectation extends to social media and the internet: campers will not harass, bully, or intimidate other campers or camp staff online. Any violation of the Cell Phone and Social Media Policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from camp. 9
Camp Kingfisher 2018 Special Programs Contact Camp Kingfisher: Dress Up Days: All Camp, Fridays We celebrate each Friday by dressing up. Please remember that we will still be doing campy activities and could get hot, wet, or dirty. Please do not send accessories or cover your child s face. Week 1 June 1 st Dr. Seuss Day Week 2 June 8 th Animal Day Week 3 June 15 th Crazy Hat/Crazy Hair Day Week 4 June 22 nd Tie-Dye Day Week 5 June 29 th Pajama Day Week 6 July 6 th Red, White, and Blue Day Week 7 July 13 th Team Day Week 8 July 20 th Bright Color Day Week 9 July 27 th Decades Day Week 10 August 3 rd Favorite Movie Character Day Overnights: 2-Week Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Travel Program During the second week of each two-week session, older campers have the opportunity to spend the night at Camp! Barred and Great Horned Owls o The overnight is optional, but only available during the session they are enrolled. o Parents will receive an Overnight Packet during the first week of their session that includes the date, schedule, packing list, and food options. o Tentative Schedule: Thursday, June 14 th Thursday, June 28 th Thursday, July 12 th Wednesday, July 25 th Travel Program o The overnight experience is off-site. More details will be available in the Travel Overnight Packet provided during the first week of your session. o Tentative Schedule: Monday, June 11 th Monday, June 25 th Monday, July 9 th Monday, July 23 rd Archery in After-care: Barn, Barred, and Great Horned Owls Two-day archery sessions are offered during after-care for Barn Owls and up! Small classes allow campers to learn the basics, develop skills, and improve form while shooting on our range. Session Times: 4:30 5:30 pm o Barn Owls: Tuesday and Thursday o Barred and Great Horned Owls: Monday and Wednesday Cost: $35 per camper per week Your camper is only eligible for archery sessions during the weeks they are registered for camp. You can register for archery when you register for camp online, or contact the office at 770-992-2055 ext. 222 or camp.registrar@chattnaturecenter.org to check availability. 10