Watch Confidence Skyrocket: YMCA Summer Camp
Watch Confidence Skyrocket: YMCA Summer Camp
Watch Confidence Skyrocket: YMCA Summer Camp
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter.... Registration.... Financial Assistance...... Fees.. Payment Policies..... Participating Elementary Schools/Operating Hours/Days..... Age Range of Children Served..... What to Bring to Camp....... What to Wear to Camp/Staff Ratios....... Daily Activities/Sample Schedule...... Pre and Post Camp..... Character Development....... Program Goals... 40 Developmental Assets.................... Parent/Guardian Involvement............................................ Family Table.......... Lunch/Snack/Food from Home................. Attendance, Drop-off and Pick-up Policies..... Late Pick-Up Policy....... Making Changes to Registration Documents.............................. Behavior Management and Discipline Policy... Removal of Child from Program..... Staff Relationships with Children outside of the YMCA.. Children with Special Needs..... Personal Belongings......... Policy on Outdoor Play................................................... Custody Issues..... Medication Policy......................................................... Intoxicated Adult Policy..... Insulin/Inhalers/Epi-Pens............... Sunscreen.... Sick or Ill Children/Contagious/Head Lice.......................................... Emergency Procedures................................................ Health and Safety...... Childrens Records.. Reporting Child Abuse..... How to Report a Problem... Star Rated Licenses............ Cleaning Schedule... 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13
Dear Parents/Guardians, Camp is a time of tremendous personal growth...attempting new challenges, building self-esteem, making memories that will last a lifetime. Camp has been a tradition of the YMCA of Western North Carolina for many years and we are excited to spend this summer with your family. We appreciate and respect the choice you have made for the Y to be the provider of care for your children this summer. We recognize the incredible responsibility you have placed upon us and we will work tirelessly to meet your expectations. This handbook has been designed to answer your questions, promote communication between our staff and your family, and to assist you in understanding our policies and procedures. By selecting the Y Camping Program, you are giving your children the opportunity to benefit from a quality program founded upon YMCA tradition which provides a fun, experiential learning activities that build on developing new skills and helping children feel successful. We look forward to a fun summer that will build memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Sincerely, Paul Vest President & CEO YMCA of Western North Carolina James Spearin Executive Youth Development Director Child Care Services YMCA
Registration Process
A Registration Checklist is located on the Day Camp Registration form to provide an outline of all the documents that are required. A child cannot attend the program until all documents are accurately completed and submitted at least one week prior to the childs start date. What To Bring For Registration 1. Completed and signed 2013 Camp Registration Form 2. Copy of childs immunization record 3. Current color photo of child 4. Valid Child Care Subsidy Voucher (3 copies) 5. Y Financial Assistance form 6. Registration Fee $50 child/$75 family 7. Non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of $20 or payment in full for each weekly camp session **We will waive the registration fee for the first 100 completed registrations received in the Child Care Services YMCA office.** Please Note State Subsidy Vouchers are accepted for Discovery Camp @ Black Mountain Primary, Estes Elementary, Hendersonville, Oakley Elementary, Sandhill Elementary, but not for Explorer Camps at Beaverdam. **You must present SEEK Card at CCS upon registration. The person who completes the Registration paperwork is responsible for the payments and is the only one who can alter the forms.
Fees
Registration Fee (non-refundable/nontransferable) - $50 per child / $75 per family Weekly Discovery Camp Fee $155 Weekly Explorer Day Camp Fee - $165 Specialty Camps See registration form for additional rate information. Weekly Deposit (non-refundable/nontransferable) - $20 weekly deposit required to register a camper for each weekly session. Late Payment - A $20 fee will be assessed for all late payments.
Payment Policies
Payments Are Due - The Thursday prior to each weeks camp session by 5pm. Payment Options - Cash, Check, Credit Card and Online at ymcawnc.org Late Fee - A $20 late payment fee will be required for any balance not paid by 5:00 pm the Thursday prior to each weeks camp session. Refunds and Cancellations - All deposits and payments are nontransferable/nonrefundable. Insufficient Funds - If checks are not honored you are still responsible for the payment plus a $30 service charge applied by Federal Automated Recovery System. Children will be unable to attend until account is paid in full. Subsidy Voucher Participation Participants are required to notify the Y of any changes in subsidy voucher status and to abide by the rules set forth by the issuing agency. Participants are responsible for paying the rate discrepancy between what the Y charges for the Summer Camp Program and what the State of North Carolina pays (this may vary by site). The parent/ guardian is responsible for any payment of child care not covered by the county. Parents who do not follow SEEK policies and procedures will be terminated from program.
Financial Assistance
Contact the Buncombe County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit at 828-250-5500 for more information on subsidy/vouchers. The Ys Financial Assistance Program provides funds for those in need within our available resources. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are available at our Child Care Services Branch. Applicants must first apply for the subsidy/voucher program through the Buncombe County Child Care Services Subsidy Unit if applicable.
Please Bring:
1. Lunch - Please pack a healthy lunch and a drink in a disposable BAG, as space is limited. We do provide a morning and afternoon snack each day. Please use ice packs to keep your childs lunch cool, if needed, and label with childs name & date. (See the additional section in this handbook for further details.) **If your child does not have a lunchwe will provide one for a $7.50 charge. The meal will be charged to your account. 2. Water Bottle - Please provide your child with a water bottle on their first day of camp and make sure they bring it with them every day. Please be sure its LABELED. We are not responsible for lost items. 3. Sunscreen - On the registration form you have an option to give us permission to provide and apply sunscreen (No-AD SPF 45) OR you may choose to bring your own in an individual bottle labeled with their name and grade, stored in a zip lock bag. 4. 2 Towels - Campers will have very busy and tiring days. Please pack 2 towels daily for you camper to rest on during quiet time (NO BLANKETS) each afternoon & another towel for water play activities. Please label towels/ We are not responsible for lost items. 5. Swimsuit, water shoes, towel -Water play is a part of camp. We will also take weekly field trips where campers will have an opportunity to go swimming. Water shoes are encouraged. 6. Y Camp T-Shirt - Your camper will get a Y t-shirt upon registration. Please make sure they wear it on designated field trip days, not swim trip days. 7. Backpack - To carry items in. Please do not send personal items such as jewelry, expensive items, electronic equipment, toys, etc. to camp.
Discovery Camp @ Hendersonville June 3rd through August 16th 7 am- 6 pm / Rising 1st- 12 years old YMCA Art Camp @ Black Mountain & Oakley June 24th- 28th / 1 pm 4pm July 29th August 2nd / 9 am- 12 pm Rising 1st- 12 years old YMCA Lego Camp @ Estes, Hendersonville, & Sandhill June 10th June 14th / 9am 12 pm or 1 4 pm July 29th Aug 2nd / 9am 12 pm or 1 4 pm Ages Rising 1st 12 years old YMCA Sports Camps @ Reuter Basketball: Week of 6/10, 7/8 and 7/29 Soccer: Week of 6/17, 7/15, and 8/5 T-Ball/Baseball: Week of 6/24, 7/22 and 8/12 9 am 12 pm Ages 6 12 years (Extended Camp @ Estes) Porpoise Club Swim Camp @ Beaverdam, Estes & Oakley Week of 7/8 & 8/5 / 8:30am-12:30pm Ages 8 12 years old YMCA Sports and Games Swim Camp @ Estes and Oakley Week of 7/8 and 8/5 / 8:30 am 12:30 pm Ages 6 12 years YMCA Tennis Camp @ Hendersonville Week of June 17 21st and July 22nd 26th 9:00 am 12 pm / Ages 7 12 years
Daily Activities
Your camper is going to have a summer filled with memories! They will explore nature, sing camp songs, participate in sports & games, meet new friends and explore lots of fun outdoor activities! Make sure you check out the chalkboard that will highlight the activities & field trips your camper will have the opportunity to participate in. The Summer Day Camp program provides children with developmentally appropriate activities that will enhance your childs confidence, enrich his or her social and physical development and encourage selfexpression. A healthy combination of individual and group activities is planned based on a weekly theme. Children are encouraged to give their input on what activities they would like to do. A suggestion box is located on each Family Table at your childs site, so please encourage your child to provide us with feedback on what they would like to do. A weekly lesson plan and schedule of activities will be posted on the Family Table at each site. Summertime is a Fun Time at the Y!
Extended Care
Extended camp care gives parents the option of additional hours of pre and post camp for those who need it. This is a time when children play games and activities in a large group setting, such as: board games, Legos, dramatic play, music, etc. Extended Care operates from 7 am to 9 am & 4 pm to 6 pm daily. Camp activities start promptly either at 8:30 or 9:00 am as noted on the registration forms.
Character Development
We strive to maintain a 1:15 staff to child ratio as per the Y-USA School Age Program Guidelines and the North Carolina Enhanced Licensing Standards and also adhere to state licensing regulations regarding ratios.
Program Goals
Y Day Camp Program is designed to help children: -Grow personally -Develop and strengthen values -Appreciate Diversity -Become Better Leaders -Build Skills -Build Developmental Assets -Lead Healthier Lives -Improve Interpersonal Relationships -Have FUN!
Parent/Guardian Involvement
We recognize that the support and involvement of parents and guardians is critical to the success of our Summer Day Camp Programs. Our staff works closely with you to make sure they understand your childs needs and what we can do together to provide an enriched environment for them. We encourage and welcome all interested parents and guardians to be an active participant in our program and visit anytime. Parents/Guardians can be involved by:
Volunteer in the program. Share a talent with the children. Become a resource for project supplies (e.g. shoe boxes, cotton balls, baby food jars, etc.) Maintain a positive relationship and open communication lines with all Day Camp staff. Read the weekly site newsletter and notes on the Family Table to stay updated on childs activities. Volunteer to be a member of the team Program Advisory Committee. Participate in the Ys Healthier Communities Campaign. Attend Family Night Events
40 Developmental Assets
The Y of Western North Carolina is committed to supporting children to grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults. As a result, we have adopted the Search Institutes 40 Developmental Asset Model. The premise of Developmental Assets is built around the belief that there are 40 essential building blocks all young people need. These 40 assets include such things as healthy relationships with adults, service to others, developing conflict resolution skills, making constructive use of time & having a sense of purpose. Our programs provide assets that represent everyday wisdom, positive experiences and successful characteristics which supply tremendous potential to protect youth from unhealthy and negative choices. These principals are woven into our weekly programming & purposefully linked to all activities & projects.
Please talk with the Program Coordinator at your childs site if you would like to be involved with any of the above mentioned activities.
Family Table
Family Tables are located at each site where Parents/Guardians are able see the weekly camp daily events & activity schedule, view the snack calendar & sign their child in and out. Camp Newsletters will be emailed to parents. Information about field trips will be posted at site.
Lunch
Please provide your child with a healthy lunch each day. All lunches are to be brought in a disposable bag (ice pack, if needed) and label with childs name & date. Refrigeration is available at all sites; however, it is not available on field trip days. Please do not pack lunches that require heating, as campers do not have access to a microwave. Should your child not bring a lunch, we will provide one for a $7.50 charge that will be applied to your account. Lunch Requirements Lunch must consist of at least four of the following components: milk, 2 or more fruits or vegetables, meat or meat alternative, bread or bread alternative.
Daily Snack
We provide a morning & afternoon snack each day for campers. Per licensing regulations, we are required to comply with a daily Meal Plan that is nutritious and consists of at least two of the following components: milk, juice or fruit, bread or cereal, meat or meat alternative. Non-nutritional food can be served only for special occasions and in addition to the daily nutritious snack. All snacks we offer are planned in advance. A weekly snack calendar is available at each sites Family Table. If your child has any allergies or dietary restrictions, please note it on your registration form & be sure the Site Director is aware. We are required to post childrens food allergies in the area where children are both served & fed.
3. Behavior Write-Up Three behavior write-ups in any summer results in the suspension for one weekor at the Youth Development Directors discretion depending on the situation. The parent/guardian is responsible for contacting the Youth Development Director to set-up an appointment to discuss the childs behavior prior to a child returning to program. 4. Behavior Contract/Improvement Plan this document is designed to act as contract among Y Staff, Child & Parent. This document is completed during a parent meeting. 5. Suspension Serious behavior problems will result in immediate suspension from the program. If the child is reinstated and then receives a fourth behavior write-up, the child will be suspended immediately. If necessary, the parent will be notified to pick-up immediately. Upon the fourth report, the child will be terminated without the right of reinstatement during the program year. 6. Termination - Y Summer Day Camp programs cannot serve children who display chronically disruptive behavior. Chronically disruptive behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity which may include, but is not limited to, the following: -behavior that requires constant attention from the staff. -behavior that inflicts physical or emotional harm on other children or self. -behavior that abuses the staff and/or ignores or disobeys the rules. If a child cannot adjust to the program and behave appropriately, the child may not be able to remain enrolled. Reasonable efforts will be made to assist children in adjusting to the program setting.
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Personal Belongings
Please be sure your child does NOT bring items of value to the Y program (ex. electronic equipment, jewelry, etc.). A camp environment is not the place for these items. The Y is not responsible for items lost, broken, or stolen during program hours. Articles that are left behind at the end of the day will be placed in the Camp Lost and Found. Any items not claimed from the Lost and Found will be donated at the end of camp.
Medication Policy
The Y does not administer over-the-counter medications to children. The Y staff will administer prescription medications that are in their original container with the childs name accompanied by a Medication Release Authorization form that has been completed and signed by a parent/guardian including the following information: Childs name Type of medication Physicians name Instructions on amount of dosage (Must match instructions) Time to be given (Cannot write as needed) Number of days to be administered (up to 6 months for on-going medications) Possible side effects
Please note that the Y staff are NOT allowed to give the first dosage of any medication. If a child refuses medication, then the incident will be documented and discussed with the childs parent/guardian. All medication on-site is to be checked in with the Site Director on duty, so that it can be properly locked for the safety of the children. Should your child require and inhaler or an EpiPen, Y staff will keep that medication on their person at all times. The same medication authorization release will be required. Should a child need his/her EpiPen, the child will insert the EpiPen and Y staff will contact 911 and the childs parent immediately.
Custody Issues
In the unfortunate event of a difficult/dangerous custody situation where a court order is in place, please contact the Child Care Services Office to set up guidelines regarding the release of your child. You must have a copy of any court documents regarding the restriction of release of children in our care. Parents/guardians are responsible for resolving any issues that may arise from their childs participation in our programs. The Y will not get involved in disputes. A child may be removed from the program until the parents/guardians are able to resolve the differences.
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Insulin/Inhalers/EpiPens
Children are not allowed to keep insulin, inhalers or epi-pens in their backpacks or with them while attending the program. Such medications are to be given directly to the Site Director. We recognize the need for immediate access and therefore do not keep these medications locked as we do with all other forms of medication.
Head Lice
If head lice are detected while your child is attending program, the child will need to be picked up immediately. A child with head lice is allowed to return to the program after treatment. Evidence of treatment includes no lice or nits, clean hair and scalp, and a note from the parent or physician stating the treatment used.
Sunscreen
If you choose to send sunscreen, it must be noted on your childs registration form & be sure it is labeled appropriately in a zip lock bag with childs name & date. All sunscreen is kept away from the reach of children. The Y provides No AD-spf 45 to children who do not bring their own. Sunscreen is applied multiple times throughout the day.
Emergency Procedures
Y staff are trained and prepared to activate emergency procedures in the event of severe weather, fire and/or other emergency conditions that require building evacuation or other immediate safety measures. In the event of such a situation, parents/guardians will be contacted for early release.
Contagious Illnesses/Conditions
If a child has a confirmed case of a contagious illness/condition, he/she must be kept at home & the condition reported to the Site Director. At the discretion of the Site Director, parents/guardians may be asked to submit a doctors statement prior to a child returning to the site. The following conditions are examples: -Strep Throat -Chicken Pox -Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease - Impetigo - Lice
Childrens Records
Request for copies of childrens records (attendance/payment history, etc.) can only be given to the parent/guardian that registered the child for the program. All other circumstances require a court order.
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Enhanced licensing regulations require that we inform you of our cleaning schedule. Sample Cleaning Schedule Daily-sweep, disinfect/clean tables and chairs, inspect playground for harmful objects, and ensure that all areas used are left in proper/clean condition. Weekly-disinfect toys, inspect toys/games for broken parts/pieces and maintain overall good cleanliness and organization. Monthly-clean/organize storage cabinets, wipe down cabinets, and dust surfaces.
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