IN THE KNOW
SUMMER 2013 Camp Parent Handbook 1
Table of Contents Welcome/Mission Statement
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Contact Information
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Camp Unit Leaders
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Staff Information
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Camp Hours & Schedule
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Transfers
5
Vouchers/Refunds
5
Financial
Assistance/3rd
Party
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Inclusion Programs
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Payments
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Summer Camp Locations
8
Sign In/Sign Out Procedures
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Authorized Drop Off/ Pick Up
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Late Pick Up & Absence Policy
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Medical Info & Medication Policy
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Illness
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Accident/ Injury
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Swimming
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Sun protection
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Camp T-shirts
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Lunches/Snacks
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Clothing
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Transportation
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Camp Rules
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Bus Rules
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Beach Rules
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What NOT to bring to camp
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YMCA Positive Guidance Policy
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Welcome to Our Program Welcome to the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA Day Camp program. Our Camp leaders are dedicated to the development and well-being of your child. We will provide the children with a fun and exciting recreational environment. Our program is tailored around the YMCA’s four core values Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. It is our hope that the experiences we provide will foster each child’s creativity and individuality, in addition to encourage an awareness of themselves and others. Our goal is to introduce the children to as many positive experiences as possible. Furthermore, it is our job to ensure that each child feels comfortable and safe while participating in our program.
YMCA Mission Statement The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of Spirit, Mind, and Body.
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Important Contact Information Cristina Iannello Camp Program Director
760.758.0808 x. 114
Camp Unit Leaders Each camp will have a cell phone assigned to them. The number will be available one week prior to the first day of the camp. You may call the Service Center to obtain the camp number or it will be available on our website at mottino.ymca.org. Staff Information All camp staff will attend between 24 to 48 hours of training in total. All staff are trained in policies, procedures, child safety, child interaction and positive reinforcement. Staff also undergoes extensive and mandatory child abuse prevention training. In addition, camp staff also learn songs, games, arts-ncrafts and many other activities geared towards your camper. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified, and have gone through background screening. YMCA Summer Camp Hours Camp activities are held from 9:00am to 4:00pm, unless otherwise noted on your weekly camp schedule. YMCA Before camp (INCLUDED)
7:00am-8:30am
YMCA Camp Drop Off
8:30am-9:00am
YMCA Camp Activity Hours
9:00am-4:00pm
YMCA Camp Pick Up
4:00pm-4:30pm
After Camp (INCLUDED)
4:30pm-6:00pm
Extended Camp Hours Before-Camp and After-Camp will be provided for your camper at no additional cost. Before-Camp is offered from 7:00am to 8:30am, and After-Camp is offered from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Extended Camp Hours are available at both camp location sites for all 10 weeks of summer camp. YMCA Camp Schedule You are able to view your camper’s schedule through our camp website. Please visit mottino.ymca.org. The camp schedule will also be available at the Mottino Family YMCA Service Center. All YMCA Camp schedules will be available one week prior to the start of each camp.
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Transfers-Vouchers-Refunds Transfer: A transfer is defined as moving your child from one camp to another. If you have registered your child for a specific camp and would like to transfer that child to another camp, you may do so with certain provisions. Depending on availability of other camps, you may have the option of transferring your child to another camp within the same week. Any difference in price must be paid at the time the transfer is approved. Camp fees will not be prorated. Voucher: A voucher is a credit to your YMCA account which can be applied to another YMCA program. If your child missed camp due to medical reasons, you must provide a doctor’s note for the days missed stating that your child was not able to attend camp. All vouchers are subject to approval. Refund: All refunds are issued in the form of a check, and are subject to YMCA approval. You will be notified on the decision made regarding your request. Refund checks may take up to 3 weeks to arrive and will only be issued to the original payer. The YMCA is not able to issue refunds directly to your credit card or in the form of cash. Please note that the $25.00 deposit is nonrefundable. The YMCA does not issue refunds under $20.00. Any amount under $20.00 will be issued in the form of a voucher. * No vouchers or refunds will be given for dismissal due to behavioral problems or missed days due to personal reasons.
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YMCA Financial Assistance At the YMCA, we aim to make it possible for you to participate in YMCA programs even if your financial situation is difficult right now. If you need assistance paying for camp you may submit a Financial Assistance Application along with documentation of your income. You may pick up a Financial Assistance Application at the Service Center or download an application from mottino.ymca.org Camp Registration for Third Party Families Currently we are contracted to receive payment from the following third party agencies: Child Development Associates (CDA), YMCA Child Care Resource Service (CRS), County of San Diego and the Military Subsidy Program through NACRRA. In order to register your child for camp, you will be required to provide proof that you are authorized for camp (not before and after school child care) by supplying a current Notice of Action and/or Child Care Certificate listing the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA as your authorized provider. You also will be required to register directly with the Camp Payment Tech, to ensure that you are aware of all of our expectations and your responsibilities as it relates to the assistance that you will be receiving with your child care expenses. Registration for all camps will take place with the Camp Payment Tech only, as you will not be able to register online or at the service center. Most camps will require a co-payment, your co-payment and/ or family fee must be paid in full by the Monday prior to the first day of camp. If the camp is not paid in full by that day, your registration will be cancelled. Please contact the Camp Payment Tech at 760-758-0808 x145 to set up an appointment to discuss our Third Party Policies and to register for camps. We look forward to helping you and your child have an enjoyable and exciting experience. Third Party Payment Attendance Sheets All parents who are funded by the county or other agency are required to sign attendance sheets in addition to the YMCA Day Camp sign-in/out book. Third party paperwork will be placed behind your child’s sign in and out sheet in the parent binder. If there is no Third Party Attendance ready for you to sign in on the first day of camp, it is your responsibility to notify YMCA staff immediately. All sheets must be signed by the last day of each week.
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Special Needs/Inclusion Programs The Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA tries to accommodate all campers into our programs. Accommodations for your child will depend on availability, which camps are best suited for your child, your child’s needs, and the Y’s resources. Due to the high demand and our commitment to serving as many campers as possible, the number of weeks for one-on-one assistance per camper are limited. An inclusion intake form must be filled out and submitted to the camp department prior to registration. Evaluation of the Inclusion Intake Form takes approximately 2 weeks to process. Inclusion Intake Forms can be found on our website or at the Service Center. Our Inclusion Program is made possible by generous donations to our Annual Support Campaign. YMCA Camp Payments The YMCA requires that each camp be paid in full by the Monday prior to the first day of camp. If the camp is not paid in full by that day, your reservation will be cancelled and you will forfeit your $25 deposit. Start Dates
Payment Deadlines
Week 1-June 10
June 3
Week 2-June 17
June 10
Week 3-June 24
June 17
Week 4-July 1
June 24
Week 5-July 8
July 1
Week 6-July 15
July 8
Week 7-July 22
July 15
Week 8-July 29
July 22
Week 9-Aug 5
July 29
Week 10-Aug 12
Aug 5
Week 11-Aug 19
Aug 12
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2013 Summer Camp Locations The YMCA provides two camp locations for your convenience. Directions may be found on the website. Mottino Family YMCA 4701 Mesa Drive Oceanside, CA 92056
Ivey Ranch Elementary School 4275 Via Rancho Rd. Oceanside, CA 92057 *(Park on Mesa; enter through back gate)
Sign In/Out Procedures An authorized adult must sign your child in and out daily. Only persons 18 years of age or older, authorized by the legal custodial/guardian may pick up your child. The staff will question anyone who is unfamiliar to them or under the age of 18. Staff will check their I.D. and then check for authorization to pick up your child. Authorization for Drop & Pick Up For the safety of your child, only those who are authorized in writing by the parent/guardian will be allowed to pick up your child. This is for your child’s protection. Any authorized person picking up a child MUST show photo identification to camp staff. I.D must be brought everyday! Late Pick Up Policy YMCA Camp ends at 4:00pm each day, and campers who are not picked up at this time will go to After-Camp at no additional charge. YMCA After-Camp ends promptly at 6:00pm. A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for each child who is not picked up on time. Late fees must be paid at the Mottino Family YMCA Service Center the same day the late pick up occurs if the camp is located at the Mottino YMCA. If the camp is located at Ivey Ranch, the late fee must be paid at the Mottino YMCA Service Center no later than the following day. If the late fee is not paid, you will be placed on financial hold and prevented from registering for other programming until it is paid Absence Policy It is imperative that your camper arrives on time to Camp between 8:30 am9:00 am. If campers are late, it will be the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the camper is signed in and arrives safely with his or her designated camp. If your child is absent on the first day of camp, and you have not contacted us, you may lose your child’s spot in the camp. If your child is absent during the camp week, refunds are not provided. Please also be aware that some camps travel and departure times will vary depending on the camp destination. Camps traveling to San Diego may have an earlier departure time than 9:00 am. 8
Medical Record Information To ensure safety of all children in Camp, we require that the health history form be fully completed. Immunizations must be up to date and the date of last Tetanus Shot provided. We will need all of these forms upon camp registration. Incomplete forms will not be processed. Please notify the YMCA if any information changes during the course of the summer. Medication Should your child need to take medication during the program, camp staff will administer it as directed. The following items are required for us to dispense any medication:
The medication will need to be given to the Unit Leader at the time of arrival. Please do not leave the medication with your child.
Medication must be sealed in a bag with the child’s name and camp written directly on the bag.
Medication must be prescribed and in its original container with labeled prescription instructions.
A completed Medication Release form must be signed and submitted to the Unit Leader.
Each night parents are required to take home their child’s medication.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION IN YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK OR LUNCH BOX!
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Illness If your child becomes ill while in camp, staff will contact you to pick him/her up. The program is not set up to care for ill children, it is important to please pick your child as soon as you receive a phone call from camp staff. If your child is injured, the staff will take necessary steps to obtain medical care. If we are unable to reach you in the event your child needs urgent medical care, he/she will be transported to the hospital by an ambulance. It is extremely important that you notify the YMCA of any changes in your work or emergency phone numbers. KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF… 1. Child has a fever or has had one during the previous 24 hours 2. Child has a cold with heavy nasal discharge 3. Child has a constant cough 4. Child has contagious symptoms (an active cold, sore throat, vomiting, sniffles, coughs, fever, rash or head lice) YOUR CHILD MAY COME IF… 1. Child’s cold is left with a minor nasal drip, containing no mucus 2. Chicken Pox: Child is able to return if all blisters have developed scabs 3. Mumps: Swelling is gone, or subsided 4. Measles: Rash only 5. Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever & Ear Infection: Symptoms and soreness are gone & child is on medication for 48 hours. 6. Lice: Child is able to return once nit free.
Accidents/Injuries We take every precaution to prevent accidents and injuries at our program. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries do occasionally occur, no matter how careful the staff and children are. Injuries that require basic first aid are treated on site by the staff. All YMCA staff are First Aid and CPR certified. Parents are contacted immediately if a child sustains an injury requiring more than basic first aid. If a child sustains a life threatening injury requiring immediate medical attention, the staff will take whatever steps are necessary to secure emergency medical treatment. Every effort will be made to contact the parent immediately. Please note: all expenses for emergency medical care are the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian. 10
Swimming Please see your camp schedule to find out whether your child will be swimming. It is important on the day your camper is scheduled to visit the pool or other swimming locations, you remember to pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and extra change of clothes. All children are required to take a swim test before going in the ocean or deep end of the pool. YMCA certified lifeguards are on duty during all swimming activities at the pool. Sun Protection Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays requires that all campers apply sunscreen daily before coming to camp. Please help us to protect your child by sending a hat, sunscreen, and water to camp. Extra protection is necessary on designated beach days. Camp T-Shirts YMCA Camp t-shirts are strongly recommended for Summer Camp. We encourage children to wear camp T-shirt as frequently as possible. They are available for purchase at the service center for $10.00 11
Lunch and Snacks All children must bring their own lunch, drink, and morning snack daily. Please send only non-perishable items as refrigeration is not possible. Please do not send food items that require heating. *A daily afternoon snack will be provided for all children in after camp hours* Clothing Children are required to wear closed toe shoes and socks daily. If your child attends camp without closed toed shoes a parent will be notified and your child will not be able to participate in the scheduled activities. Belongings are the responsibility of the child. A backpack is helpful in keeping your child’s belongings in a safe place. Please clearly mark all of your child’s belongings with his/her name. Items left will be placed in the lost and found. Any items remaining after the week of camp will be donated to charity. Transportation All transportation will be provided in school buses leased through our corporate office. All vehicles are inspected on a daily basis, and periodically checked by a licensed mechanic, as well as the California Highway Patrol. YMCA Staff who drive vehicles have Class B driver’s licenses and/or School Bus Certificates. They have completed YMCA training and have passed written and driving tests given by the Department of Motor Vehicles. While we strive to adhere to our transportation schedule, on occasion unavoidable delays or transportation problems may result in camps returning to the YMCA late. In the event that this should happen, you will be updated with information on arrival times. If you have any question to what time your child may be arriving please call the cell phone number listed on the website for that camp. 12
Camp Rules Campers are to follow the rules listed below for the safety of all campers and staff: Follow YMCA Character Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Respect other campers, staff, camp facilities, and equipment. Campers are never alone and must remain within visual range of a Camp Leader at all times. YMCA appropriate language is used at all times. Remember to drink water! Wear closed-toe shoes only. Sandals and bare feet are permitted only when specified on the camp calendar. We do not climb trees or buildings. We don't throw rocks or sticks. Staff must accompany children to public restroom facilities and inspect before campers enter. Always listen when others are speaking. Campers are responsible for picking up their trash. Always leave the site as you found it. We keep our hands, feet and bodies to ourselves. Playground equipment is to be used as intended.
Bus Rules Campers must remain seated while on the bus. Campers are not allowed on the bus until accompanied by a camp leader. Keep hands, arms and head inside the bus. Noise level must be regulated so as not to interfere or disturb the driver. No eating or drinking allowed on the bus. Windows are opened and closed by Camp Leaders. Nothing is to be dropped out of windows.
Beach Rules Campers are to stay within specified boundaries and have a buddy when entering the water. Campers are to apply sunscreen as directed by camp staff. Campers are to bring an extra shirt and hat for extra sun protection. Campers must ask permission before going to the restroom and must be accompanied by staff. 13
What Not to Bring to Camp The following are not allowed at camp: Personal toys, electronics, cell phones, camera phones, animals, weapons, drugs, alcohol, electronic devices, candy, and soda (healthy eating is encouraged). The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME!
YMCA of San Diego County Positive Discipline Policy The child is to be caring, honest, respectful, and responsible. The child is to become responsible for him/herself. The child is to learn to become self-sufficient.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR: Child harms other children or staff. Child is harming him/herself. Child causes destruction to property. Child is continuously unable to adhere to program guidelines.
GENERAL STANDARDS FOR POSITIVE GUIDANCE:
Guidance focuses on the expected, appropriate behavior, rather than on the negative, inappropriate behavior.
Guidance is a process of teaching, learning, and positive reinforcement.
Set developmentally appropriate guidelines for children.
Verbal abuse or name calling is not permitted. Guidance will not be associated with food, rest, or toilet training.
Corporal (physical) punishment will never be allowed.
Procedure requires organized process of guidance. Limits are set to foster caring, honest, respectful, responsible, and self-sufficient children. Positive Guidance is integrated into the overall program plan of the child care setting.
Behavioral concerns of individual children are not discussed with other parents.
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YMCA staff uses a positive, teaching form of guidance. Staff continually reminds children of program guidelines. Children are redirected to other activities when behavior contradicts the above guidelines. Parents are always kept informed of their child’s progress. When the above steps are ineffective in redirecting a child’s behavior, more serious action may be taken. If a child receives a behavior report; depending on the severity of the incident one or more of all of the following may occur: Warning Parent Conference Immediate Pick up from the program One-day suspension Multi-Day suspension Permanent Removal from the program * No vouchers or refunds will be given for dismissal due to behavioral problems. 15
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