parent packet SUMMER 2018 where kids and critters become friends!

parent packet SUMMER 2018 where kids and critters become friends!

Dear Campers, Parents, and Guardians, We are excited to be able to offer a variety of day camps for children. Our goal of camp is to foster respect for animals through engaging activities intended to develop an understanding of the feelings of others, cultivate knowledge, and encourage compassionate and responsible actions. Children will be given hands-on opportunities with animals of all shapes and sizes. We have been busy making plans for what will prove to be a fun learning opportunity for children and a positive experience for all. In order to provide a safe, educational environment for all of our campers, we have enclosed information about camp policies and procedures. Please take a moment to review the information. Your child will not be allowed to participate in camp activities unless ALL forms are completed and returned in prior to the first day of the camp. Camp Registration Form Waiver and Release of Liability Child Release Authorization Form, including for Child Pick-Up Contract, Medical Emergency, Discussions on Sensitive Topics, Use of Sunscreen, Use of Medical Instruments, Veterinary Clinic, Photo Release, Assessment of Program Current Immunization Record (copy) Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Warmly, Lynda Grove Education Manager & Camp Director (719) 302-8739 lgrove@hsppr.org www.hsppr.org/camp 1

GUIDELINES WHAT TO BRING We suggest that each child bring their belongings in a backpack. Besides lunch and/or snacks, please bring a water bottle (with a closable lid). Optional items could include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a lunch beverage. Please label all personal items with your child s name. The Humane Society is not responsible for lost or stolen items. PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES We don t want you to miss out on anything, so please make sure you arrive at camp on time. Flexible drop-off times are between 8:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Please enter through the northwest side entrance of the Humane Society. (see map on last page) Pick-up times are from 3:00 pm 3:15 pm. Please be prompt in picking up your child from camp. For safety reasons, parents or guardians will be required to sign their child in and out of camp for the day. They must be signed in and out by an authorized adult who is 18 years or older. This adult MUST SHOW ID in order to sign out your child and this person must be listed on the Child Release Authorization form. If your child makes arrangements to go home with a friend or individual not listed on the release authorization form, we require a note from you informing the camp staff. No child will be allowed to go home with an unauthorized individual without a signed note from a parent or guardian. LUNCH AND SNACKS Lunch and snacks are the responsibility of each camper. CELL PHONE POLICY Your child may bring a cell phone with him/her, but we require it to be in their pack and turned off during camp hours. Calling or texting during camp activities will not be permitted. If you have an emergency and need to contact your child, please call the camp phone at (719) 302-8765. DRESS CODE Please send your child in comfortable clothes which are okay to get dirty. Campers must wear closed-toe shoes. We recommend sneakers. No sandals or flip-flops, please. Each camper will be given a T-shirt on the first day of summer camp. For identification reasons, this shirt is to be worn each day of camp. If preferred, your child may leave this shirt at the Humane Society at the end of each camp day. Just be sure to send him/her in a light-weight shirt that can remain underneath the camp T-shirt. Please have your child apply sunscreen to exposed skin before camp, as some of the activities will be outdoors. Camp Whiskers & Wags will have some sunscreen available for your child to apply him/herself, if needed. The brand of sunscreen available here is: Equate brand, Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, that is water/sweat resistant, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free (compare to Banana Boat Kids SPF 50 Lotion). 2

CAMP STAFF The Camp Whiskers & Wags Camp Director and Camp Counselors have received a background check and criminal record check and have CPR and First Aid Training. Camp volunteers also receive a background check and have signed a Code of Conduct. CAMP RISKS Campers will have direct contact with a variety of live animals during their participation in Camp Whiskers & Wags activities. The safety of both the youth and the animals participating in programs at HSPPR is a priority for all of us here at the shelter. We have developed some strict behavior expectations of the children in order to keep everyone safe. However, the behavior of the animals is sometimes unpredictable. The following are some, but not all, of the risks associated with camp activities: o Bites / scratches from cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. o Being knocked down / pulled over by a dog o Wrist / hand / finger injuries from a dog leash o Slips / trips / falls resulting from wet surfaces o Hitting heads on objects or closing fingers in cages o Water or cleaners sprayed in eyes o Injuries related to lifting animals, food, litter, or equipment o Damage to clothes from animals, caging, or equipment o Exposure to cleaners, latex gloves, bleach, parasite control products o Flea / tick bites o Ringworm o Internal and external parasites o Zoonotic illnesses (human illness contracted from animals) o Animal illness exposure to animals at home o Loss of personal property NO BULLY HERE! We will expect campers to show respect and kindness toward animals, other campers, camp counselors, and HSPPR staff and volunteers at all times. Camp counselors will remind campers of the expectations, if needed, and will attempt to redirect a child s actions or behavior into acceptable standards.if this is not working, brief separation from group activities is generally used and any repeated incidents may require removal from camp activities. We will not tolerate disrespectful behavior that may endanger or cause injury to other children, staff, or animals, whether verbal abuse or threatening demeanor. Such actions will be cause for immediate removal from camp. We will not make up any activities missed and NO refunds or credits will be given if your child is absent for any portion of camp, regardless of the reason. 1. Camp Whiskers & Wags is a NO BULLY ZONE! 2. Campers will not pet or touch any animal until invited to do so by the instructor. 3. Campers are expected to help keep the animals and people safe by following instructions given by the Camp leaders. 4. Campers should stop petting any animal that hisses or growls or walks away. 5. Campers should ask if they do not understand something or if they need help. 6. Campers are expected to stay with the group at all times and notify a Camp Counselor if they need to use the restroom. 7. Campers should tell a Camp leader if they are hurt in any way. Please discuss these behavior guidelines with your child before coming to camp so he or she is ready to participate upon arrival. LOCATION All camp activities will be held at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR). Address: 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Time: from 9:00 am 3:00 pm. CANCELLATION POLICY The camp registration fee is non-refundable. 3

Camp Location & Directions 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Take I-25 exit #141. Go west on Cimarron St. / Highway 24 West. Take 8th Street south to Abbot Lane / Lower Gold Camp Road. Turn east onto Abbot Lane (at the WalMart and Shell gas station). Take Abbot to the end of the road. Take the first left into the parking lot and drive along the west side of the building (through the black metal gate) to the north end of the building. We are in the Whiskers & Wags Training Center, the last door before the maroon section of the building. 8