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! 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! Please read the 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 Ami Costa, Youth and Family Program Director at 310.602.4893 or amicosta@ymcala.org. Also check our website for additional information at http://www.ymcala.org/tsbcamp. 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 Tuesday July 8, 2013 7pm 8th and 9th graders Thursday July 10, 2013 7pm 10th and 11th graders Thursday July 17, 2014 7pm Campers and their parents are both required to attend the pre-camp meetings. All meetings are at the Torrance- South Bay YMCA. Please prepare for the meeting by filling out all of the required paperwork including the Health History and Consent to Treatment form. This form must show all immunization dates, allergies, required medication or special dietary needs. A doctor s physical is not required. All camp fees, peanut sale proceeds and any unopened cases of peanuts should be completed and returned before the pre-camp meeting. 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, canoeing, hiking, crafts, archery and horseback riding. Camp Deposits There is a $75 non-refundable deposit for camp.
Pre-check In Night - Friday, August 1 ND 6-7:30pm 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. Luggage can only be turned in on Saturday. 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 or any signs of head lice or illness, unfortunately they will not be permitted to attend camp. Campers who cannot attend the pre-check in night will be checked before boarding the bus to camp. Children with symptoms of illness will not be allowed to go to camp. We are concerned about contagious conditions including flu, fever, conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pox or head lice. Medication Drop Off Medications are to be turned into the staff on departure day or at the pre-check in with your child s name on everything. 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 emailed 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 Our resident camps have a camp nurse (RN) or doctor on site 24 hours a day. If the injury is minor, such as a scraped knee, the 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 whatever steps are necessary to obtain emergency medical care if warranted. 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. You will be contacted to come and pick up your child if the camp nurse determines more in depth treatment/diagnosis is needed. 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. 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 not responsible for transporting campers home. It is important to let us know of any preexisting conditions that your camper may have that might affect their stay at camp. That way we will know how to take care of your child best. Please keep the YMCA informed if your phone numbers or contact information changes.
YMCA Discipline Policy We feel that discipline plays an important role in helping a camper develop socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It also is vital for his or her safety and physical well being. We feel that positive discipline is a form of love and builds self-esteem. Discipline 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. Minor discipline problems will be handled at camp. If a child's behavior is unsafe or harmful to themselves or another, the parents will be notified and need to pick up their child (or have someone else pick up the child) the same day they receive the call. If, in the event a camper will be sent home, it will be at the parents' expense. Cost of camp is non-refundable. The YMCA camping program is designed for children who can function in a recreation setting at 1:10 ratio. Some children who have special needs do not function well in this type of setting and need another type of 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. Feel free to ask for a conference with the director prior to the camp leaving. We welcome this time for joint learning that can benefit your camper, you and our camping program. 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. If, in the event a camper is sent home, it will be at the parents' expense. 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.
Packing List This equipment list is planned for one full week of camp. Please mark campers full name on each item. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or damaged items. 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. 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/ guardians 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 completion or return from camp, will be held for two (2) weeks (14 calendar days) at the Torrance-South Bay YMCA, 2900 W. Sepulveda Boulevard. Articles/equipment 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.
Dress Code Camp is the place to have fun. Please read our Camp Whittle 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: writing, pictures or any other insignia, 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 prohibited. Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times at camp. Flip-flops may only be worn in the shower and on the pool deck, but please note that you must wear closed-toe shoes when walking to the pool and to the bathhouse! 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. They will ask campers to immediately change if they are wearing anything that can be considered dangerous or does not comply with this dress code. 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 2nd Drop Off We will be meeting at Torrance Municipal Court House on August 2nd at 11 am. The address is 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, 90503. 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 9th Pick Up After breakfast is eaten and cabins are cleaned on August 9th, 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 9th. Arrival times may vary based on traffic and delays. Please call 310.602.4893 to check the message to find out when exactly we will arrive. 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 70 31701 Rim of the World Dr. Fawnskin, CA 92333 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. Attention Parents: Please turn the following paperwork as soon as possible. Paperwork must be turned in by the pre-camp meeting. All campers must have completed paperwork in order to attend camp. If you miss your pre-camp meting please return these forms to the YMCA Camp office no later than July 17th.
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
CAMPER HEALTH HISTORY FORM 1 Developed and reviewed by: American Camp Association, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health, & Association of Camp Nurses Please return this form to your hosting branch. Camper Home Address: Dates will attend camp: from _to Month/Day/Year Month/Day/Year Camper Name: First Middle Last Male Female Birth Date Age on arrival at camp: Month/Day/Year To Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Please follow the instructions below. Attach additional information if needed. 1) Complete pages 1, 2, and 3 of this camper health history form (Form1) Street Address City State Zip Code Parent/guardian with legal custody to be contacted in case of illness or injury: Relationship Name: to Camper: Preferred Phones: ( ) ( )_ Home Address: (If different from above) Street Address City State Zip Code Second parent/guardian or other emergency contact: Relationship Name: to Camper: Preferred Phones: ( ) ( )_ Additional contact in event parent(s)/guardian(s) can not be reached: Relationship Name(s): to Camper: Preferred Phones: ( ) (_ ) Allergies: No known allergies. Email: Email: This camper is allergic to: Food Medicine The environment (insect stings, hay fever, etc.) Other (Please describe below what the camper is allergic to and the reaction seen.) Diet, Nutrition: This camper eats a regular diet. Physical Restrictions: This camper eats a regular vegetarian diet. I have reviewed the program and activities of the camp and feel the camper can participate without restrictions. I have reviewed the program and activities of the camp and feel the camper can participate with the following restrictions or adaptations. (Please describe) Medical Insurance Information: This camper is covered by family medical/hospital insurance Yes No Include a copy of your insurance and prescription cards if appropriate; copy both sides of the card so information is readable. Health Insurance Company Policy Number Subscriber Health Insurance Company Phone Number Prescription Provider Policy Number Subscriber Parent/Guardian Authorization for Health Care: Prescription Provider Phone Number This health history is correct and accurately reflects the health status of the camper to whom it pertains. The person described has permission to participate in all camp activities except as noted by me and/or an examining physician. I give permission to the physician selected by the camp to order x-rays, routine tests, and treatment related to the health of my child for both routine health care and in emergency situations. If I cannot be reached in an emergency, I give my permission to the physician to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for this child. I understand the information on this form will be shared on a "need to know" basis with camp staff. I give permission to photocopy this form. In addition, the camp has permission to obtain a copy of my child s health record from providers who treat my child and these providers may talk with the program s staff about my child s health status. Signature of Custodial Relationship Parent/Guardian Date: to Camper: If for religious or other reasons you cannot sign this, contact the camp for a legal waiver which must be signed for attendance. Page 1/3 First Middle Last Camper Name (For Camp Use) Cabin or Group
CAMPER HEALTH HISTORY FORM 1 Developed and reviewed by: American Camp Association, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health, & Association of Camp Nurses Camper Name: First Middle Last Birth Date: Month/Day/Year Immunization History: Provide the month and year for each immunization. Starred ( ) immunizations must be current. Copies of immunization forms from health-care providers or state or local government are acceptable; please attach to this form. Immunization Dose 1 Month/Year Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, (DTaP) or (TdaP) Tetanus booster (dt) or (TdaP) Dose 2 Month/Year Dose 3 Month/Year Dose 4 Month/Year Dose 5 Month/Year Most Recent Dose Month/Year Mumps, measles, rubella (MMR) Polio (IPV) Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB) Pneumococcal (PCV) Hepatitis B Hepatitis A Varicella (chicken pox) Had chicken pox Date: Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4) Tuberculosis (TB) test Date: Negative Positive If your camper has not been fully immunized, please sign the following statement: I understand and accept the risks to my child from not being fully immunized. Signature of Custodial Relationship Parent/Guardian: Date: to Camper: Medication: This camper will not take any daily medications while attending camp. This camper will take the following daily medication(s) while at camp: "Medication" is any substance a person takes to maintain and/or improve their health. All medications must be prescribed by a licensed physician. All medications must remain in the original containers with labels showing the child s name and dosing information.. Please provide enough of each medication to last the entire time the camper will be at camp. Name of medication Date started Reason for taking it When it is given Amount or dose given How it is given Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime Breakfast Lunch Dinner Bedtime The following non-prescription medications may be stocked in the camp Health Center and are used on an as needed basis to manage illness and injury. Cross out those the camper should not be given. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Phenylephrine decongestant (Sudafed PE) Antihistamine/allergy medicine antihistamine/allergy medicine (Benadryl) Sore throat spray Lice shampoo or cream (Nix or Elimite) Calamine lotion Laxatives for constipation (Ex-Lax) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Pseudoephedrine decongestant (Sudafed) Guaifenesin cough syrup (Robitussin) Diphenhydramine Dextromethorphan cough syrup (Robitussin DM) Generic cough drops Antibiotic cream Aloe Bismuth subsalicylate for diarrhea (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) Copyright 2008 by American Camping Association, Inc. Page 2/3 Rev. 1/2007 LEE/EAW
CAMPER HEALTH HISTORY FORM 1 Developed and reviewed by: American Camp Association, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health, & Association of Camp Nurses Camper Name: First Middle Last Birth Date: Month/Day/Year General Health History: Check "Yes" or "No" for each statement. Explain Yes answers below. Has/does the camper: 1. Ever been hospitalized? Yes No 11. Had fainting or dizziness? Yes No 2. Ever had surgery? Yes No 12. Passed out/had chest pain during exercise? Yes No 3. Have recurrent/chronic illnesses? Yes No 13. Had mononucleosis ("mono") during the past 12 months? 4. Had a recent infectious disease? Yes No 14. If female, have problems with periods/menstruation? Yes No 5. Had a recent injury? Yes No 15. Have problems with falling asleep/sleepwalking? Yes No 6. Had asthma/wheezing/shortness of breath? Yes No 16. Ever had back/joint problems? Yes No 7. Have diabetes? Yes No 17. Have a history of bedwetting? Yes No 8. Had seizures? Yes No 18. Have problems with diarrhea/constipation Yes No 9. Had headaches? Yes No 19. Have any skin problems? Yes No 10. Wear glasses, contacts, or protective eyewear? Yes No 20. Traveled outside the country in the past 9 months? Yes No Please explain Yes answers in the space below, noting the number of the questions. For travel outside the country, please name countries visited and dates of travel. Yes No Mental, Emotional, and Social Health: Check "Yes" or "No" for each statement. Has the camper: 1. Ever been treated for attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD)?... Yes No 2. Ever been treated for emotional or behavioral difficulties or an eating disorder?... Yes No 3. During the past 12 months, seen a professional to address mental/emotional health concerns?... Yes No 4. Had a significant life event that continues to affect the camper s life?... Yes No (History of abuse, death of a loved one, family change, adoption, foster care, new sibling, survived a disaster, others) Please explain Yes answers in the space below, noting the number of the questions. The camp may contact you for additional information. Health-Care Providers: Name of camper s primary doctor(s): Phone: ( _) Name of dentist(s): Phone: ( _) _ Name of orthodontist(s): Phone: ( _) What Have We Forgotten to Ask? Please provide in the space below any additional information about the camper s health that you think important or that may affect the camper s ability to fully participate in the camp program. Attach additional information if needed. Copyright 2008 by American Camping Association, Inc. Page 3/3 Rev. 1/2007 LEE/EAW