IN RECOGNITION OF LUKE WARD
In 2010, the Sewickley Valley YMCA recognized Luke Ward for his dedication and passion for the Y and our community. Luke graciously donated his time and talent to the Y through his leadership roles on the Board and in our development efforts. Luke is committed to removing financial barriers so that all may be a part of our YMCA. With his assistance, the Sewickley Valley YMCA is better able to support friends, neighbors, and the community.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS
Thank you to our partners whose generosity helps the Sewickley Valley YMCA maintain and expand service to the families and individuals who need us most. Like the Y, our corporate sponsors are committed to giving youth and teens opportunities to experience the health benefits of swimming, youth sports, and camp.
ABOUT YOUTH DAY CAMP
At the Sewickley Valley YMCA, campers are grouped by age and grade level completed. Each camp program incorporates team-building and friend-building activities throughout the session.
Through staff support and mentoring, and kids are given opportunities to build on the skills learned from the previous day as well as try new activities they have never tried before. Campers soon find that they can do things they didn’t know were possible. For more information, contact Marc Smith, Senior Director for Youth, Teen and Family, at 412-741-9622 ext. 103 or msmith@sewickleyymca.org
A TYPICAL YOUTH CAMP DAY
Exact daily schedules may vary and activity rotations may include: outdoor education, arts and crafts, swimming, S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), team building, physical activity, and group games
YOUTH EARLY CARE, 7 - 8:45 a.m. Held on the Y’s Field
OPENING CEREMONY, 9 - 9:30 a.m. Games and songs to energize campers
CAMP, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
LUNCH, 12 - 12:30 p.m.
CAMP, 12:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Activities will be focused on the theme of your child’s camp
During this time, all youth camps will be divided in age groups and will participate in swimming, songs, crafts, hikes, games and themes.
CLOSING ACTIVITIES, 4:15 - 5 p.m. Held at pick-up locations
YOUTH LATE CARE, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Held at the War Memorial Park playground
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Please make sure your child’s name is on all belongings. Please leave all valuables, electronics, cell phones and toys, games, Pokemon cards and books at home. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or broken items. Children will not be permitted to play with any personal items that are not the property of the program.
• Backpack or shoulder bag
• Water bottle
• Hat and sunscreen
• Lunch (brown bag or cooler-style)
• Swimsuit and towel
• Lock (for the safety of valuables)
• Athletic shoes
CAMP FEES, ENROLLMENT & PAYMENT INFORMATION
Youth camp is for children who have completed Kindergarten by the first day of camp. Fees are for two-week session dates.
Multiple session registrations require the full fee for the first session and a $50 non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session(s). Multiple Early Late Care session registrations require the full fee for the first session and a $35 non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session(s).
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. A sliding-fee scale is used to determine appropriate assistance levels based on low-income guidelines.
The following dates pertain to any participant that has a remaining balance owed after the first session has been paid in full.
• Session A: Paid in full at the time of registration
• Session B: Monday, June 12
• Session C: Monday, June 26
• Session D:Monday, July 10
• Session E: Monday, July 24
Early Care, 7-8:45 a.m.
Early & Late Care, 7-8:45 a.m. & 5-6:30 p.m.
Member $75 Non-Member $95 Member $85 Non-Member $105
Youth Half Day, 9 - 1 p.m.
Youth Full Day, 9 - 5 p.m.
Member $267 Non-Member $289 Member $323 Non-Member $370
Counselor In Training, 9 - 5 p.m.
Teen Adventure, 9 - 5 p.m. Member $270 Non-Member $308 Member $335 Non-Member $375
ONE-WEEK YOUTH DAY CAMP
Registration for the youth one-week session begins Wednesday, May 18. At that time, participants will be allowed to register for any session A-E. Availability for a one-week session is dependent upon space for each camp. If pre-registered for an entire two-week session, participants cannot change to a one-week session.
Early Care, 7-8:45 a.m.
Early & Late Care, 7-8:45 a.m. & 5-6:30 p.m.
Member $56 Non-Member $71 Member $64 Non-Member $79
Youth Full Day, 9 - 5 p.m.
Member $242 Non-Member $278
SESSION DATES & THEMES
Session A, Olympics June 5 - 16
Session B, Heads Up
June 19 -30
Session C, Super Sloppy July 3 - July 14 camp will be closed on July 4
Session D, Wacky Water July 17 - 28
Session E, Rock Stars July 31- August 11
EARLY AND LATE CARE
Sessions A-E, ages 5-15
Early Care is held from 7-8:45 a.m. and is located at the Y Field. Group games and activities will be led each morning for all campers wishing to participate. Camp staff will ensure each camper is dropped off at their appropriate camp daily. After 8:45 a.m., parents should drop off campers at their camp location.
Late Care is held from 5-6:30 p.m. and is located at the Playground in War Memorial Park. Group games, activities and supervised free play at the playground are scheduled for each day.
BASKETBALL
Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-8
Sessions B & D, ages 9-12
Have fun shooting hoops! The basketball camp will focus on drills and skills (dribbling, passing, shooting and defense) along with scrimmages and mini-tournaments.
BRAIN WAVES
Sessions A-E, ages 5-10
Brain Wave campers will be separated by grades to ensure age-appropriate activities, and is geared toward building social skills, self-esteem and teamwork. This camp will focus on session themes, please refer to page three. Each session will incorporate games, songs, swimming, hikes and more.
CAMP CHAOS
Sessions A- E, ages 5-10
In this camp, anything is possible. We will have water gun battles, slime time, capture the flag, treasure hunting, slip n’ slides, kite flying, and tug of war. The options are limitless. Try new experiences and walk on the wild side.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
Sessions A-E, ages 13-16
C.I.T. is for teens interested in becoming counselors. This program teaches campers responsibility and organization, helping build leadership skills through team-building and camp activities. Campers will participate in leading, planning and assisting all camps with games, songs, swimming, sports, crafts and more. We will divide our CIT’s into Sr. CIT or Jr. CIT. By doing this, we will be able to provide an experience and opportunity that will specifically assist our CITs to grow and mature at their own pace. Campers must demonstrate maturity, commitment, the ability to work well with others and leadership potential.
Sr. CIT Participants that have been a CIT the previous summer and have shown dedication and responsibility to be in this category. Sr. CITs will have the opportunity to lead similarly to our camp staff. Creating games, songs, themes and special events will be heavily emphasized in the hope of preparing participants to apply for the Jr. Counselor position (age 16). Sr. CITs will not oversee or supervise Jr. CITs.
Jr. CIT All new CIT participants, regardless of age or grade level, will enter the program as a Jr. CIT. Activities will include; assisting with games, snack time and special events. These participants can be moved to the Sr. CIT at the discretion of our Head Counselor or Camp Director due to age, experience and maturity.
EXPLORATION
Sessions A, C & E, ages 9-12
Sessions B & D, ages 5-8
Mountain biking, tuff mudder nature trails, and creek walks are part of Exploration Camp. Campers are encouraged to bring their bikes which the Y will lock up each night. Campers will participate in weekly themes, games, songs, crafts and swimming. Taking home bikes at the end of the session is greatly appreciated.
FUNK FACTORY
Sessions A-E, ages 5-12
Campers will learn high-energy, fun dance routines to kid-friendly/pop music and participate in dance parties daily. Campers will also create dance routines and host a dance show for parents at the end of every session. This camp will also create crafts, swim and enjoy outdoor games and activities.
GYMNASTICS
Sessions A-E, ages 5-12
Campers will be placed in groups according to skill level, not by age or grade. For two hours each morning, participants will work on the following skills, forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, back walkovers, front walkovers, front and back limbers, back handsprings, tip-up to handstands, tripods and more. Uneven parallel bars will be used several times throughout the session. At the end of each session, campers will perform a show that parents can watch.
LEGO
Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-8
Sessions B & D, ages 9-12
We are leaping into the Lego world. Resourcefulness, creativity, and cooperation come together in this unique camp! Campers will boost their imagination while building and designing bridges, cities, or chain reactions.
SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA
Sessions A, C & E, ages 8-11
Sessions B & D, ages 5-7
This new camp will focus on a wide variety of sports. Soccer, flag football, deck hockey, dodgeball, tennis, baseball, obstacle courses and more! We will play different sports every morning and possibly have multiple sports each day while focusing on sportsmanship, fair play and fun!!!
TEEN ADVENTURE
Sessions A-E, ages 12-15
During each session, teens will go on four field trips (the cost is included in the registration fee). Past trips include a wave pool, museums and mini-golf. Campers will also participate in a variety of activities, including sports, hikes, themes and games.
TENNIS
Sessions A-E, ages 6-12
Campers will have tennis instruction for one hour and 30 minutes each morning. During that time, campers will be separated into skill levels, and each group will learn to participate in drills, learn new skills on the court, and play in games to create lasting friendships. Campers must wear tennis shoes and bring racquets to camp each day.
WARRIOR
Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-8
Sessions B & D, ages 9-12
Our Warrior course is an excellent experience for the active camper. Climbing the equipment, working as a team and having individual time trials make this camp great! This camp is perfect if you have the next Ninja Warrior Jr. in your home!
YOUTH ADVENTURE
Sessions A - E, ages 7-12
Youth Adventure focuses on weekly themes such as (A) Wizards, (B) Ooey Gooey, (C) Splish Splash, (D) Super Heros, and (E) Music Makers. We will go on mini local field trips throughout each session (minimal cost depending on the trip).
PARENT HANDBOOK
Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Sewickley Valley YMCA’s Summer Day Camp Program! As we begin the 2023 season, we would like to welcome all of our new families and would also like to extend a great welcome back to each of our returning families. We look forward to providing your child an exciting summer with memorable moments.
We take pride in teaching the Y Core Values – Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring – while creating a nurturing community that supports your kids’. Our top priority is your child’s safety, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Each camp counselor is thoroughly screened, certified in CPR/First Aid and trained in Child Abuse Awareness before the summer camp season starts.
The Summer Camp Parent Handbook has been created as a reference guide for parents and children. It contains vital information and policies about our program. Please take the time to read and review the entire handbook before the start of camp. If you have any questions, please contact Marc Smith at msmith@sewickleyymca.org.
CAMP FEES, ENROLLMENT & PAYMENT INFORMATION
CAMP TRANSFER
Any transfer(s) must be made by Marc Smith only. If you transfer the camper to another camp prior to the seven days before the start of the next session and there is space available to the camp you wish to switch to, the full amount, including the $50 deposit, will be transferred. A switch or transfer of a camper will not occur inside of the seven-day deadline. Please do not cancel or switch camps with our camp counselors.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be made in writing or by phone to Marc Smith at 412-741-9622 ext. 103. Cancellations of registration by the parent/guardian must occur by the following date.
• Session A: Monday, May 29
• Session B: Monday, June 12
• Session C: Monday, June 26
• Session D:Monday, July 10
• Session E: Monday, July 24
If cancellation of a camp occurs by the dates above, all non-refundable deposits will be forfeited. This means a $50 deposit for a full or half-day camp and/or a $35 deposit for early/late care cancellation must occur before the closing time of camp (6:30 p.m.) to Marc Smith. After these dates, payment must be paid-in-full regardless of the participant’s attendance. If a camp cancellation occurs, the $50 deposit for a camp and the $35 deposit for early/late care cannot be transferred to the balance of another camp.
PAYMENTS
The remaining balance for each session must be paid in full by the following dates listed below after the first session has been paid in full and non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session has been made.
• Session A: Paid in full at the time of registration
• Session B: Monday, June 12
• Session C: Monday, June 26
• Session D:Monday, July 10
• Session E: Monday, July 24
REFUNDS
Refunds will not be given. No adjustments will be made for missed or partially attended weeks. When you enroll, you are reserving the time, space, staffing and provisions for your child, regardless of attendance.
DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP YOUR CAMPER
DROP-OFF & AUTHORIZATION FOR PICK-UP
You may drop off your camper no earlier than 8:55 a.m., a counselor must be present when your child is dropped off. Everyone who picks up a child from the summer day camp must be on the authorization list that is provided by the parent(s)/ guardian. Anyone not on the authorization list will not be permitted to pick up a child. Parents, please remember to add yourself to the authorization list.
EARLY & LATE PICK-UP
Camps will always be at their designated pick-up locations at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. If you need to pick up your child earlier, come directly to the YMCA front desk so they can locate the appropriate camp. Since the camps have the freedom to roam throughout the Y’s campus during the day, please allow time for staff to locate your child.
If a parent/guardian is going to be late for pick-up, please call 412-741-9622 ext 103 to inform the camp director. The camper may be removed from the camp program if repeated late pickups occur. Please respect the pick-up times for staff/safety concerns.
PHOTO ID
A photo I.D. must be shown by anyone who will be picking up children from the YMCA. Anyone who does not have a photo I.D. will not be allowed to pick up a child. Thank you for your understanding of the Y’s strong commitment to keeping children safe.
RELEASE OF A CHILD TO IMPAIRED PERSON POLICY
An impaired condition specifically relates to alcohol, mind-altering chemicals or other medical conditions that render a person unable to operate a motor vehicle and thereby endanger the safety of a child who would be transported by the impaired person.
If in the judgment of the responsible personnel at the Day Camp, a parent or designated person appears to be unable to transport a child safely, the Day Camp to arrange such transportation. If the person is unwilling to provide such alternate transportation, the matter will be referred to the police before the child is released for transportation. Hopefully, the necessity to implement this policy will not arise, but should it, the parent/designated person must be apprised of the policy.
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
CLOTHING & SHOES
Please dress children in play clothes. We will be outside as much as possible, so dress for the weather. Suggested dress for a cold and rainy day should include a sweatshirt or jacket and a raincoat. Remember, any child who is not well enough to go out should not be in a camp that day. Campers must wear athletic shoes daily; jellies or sandals are not permitted; however, closed-toe sports sandals are appropriate. All Camp participants need to be potty-trained. No pull-ups, diapers or training pants will be permitted.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Rainy day signs will be posted at the entrance of the parking lots. Please be prepared on these days to conduct drop-off and/or pick-up indoors at the Sewickley Valley YMCA. A staff member will be available in the Y lobby to direct you to your child’s camp location.
LOST & FOUND
All items left behind at the end of the day will be placed in the lost and found box located at the Walter J. Brannon Community Activity Center.
LUNCH
Parents are required to send their camper with a healthy lunch. Insulated lunchboxes are highly recommended because refrigeration is not available.
Please send your child a refillable water bottle. Kids will take frequent water breaks, and we will refill water bottles throughout the day.
SAFETY
AQUATIC SAFETY
We care about our campers’ safety at the pools at the Y. Adhering to all policies and procedures concerning pool safety is vital to ensure that our campers enjoy their time in the pool safely.
All Camp participants must have a swim test before they enter the pool. We will divide our campers into three categories to run efficient swimming lessons. Children swimming in the large pool will wear colored “Safety Necklaces” that will designate the level/ability the camper has in the swimming pool. Camp staff and Lifeguards will always be with the campers during swim time. Children will be separated into three categories based on skill level:
BEGINNER (RED)
Children who have little or no swimming background. Possibly have a fear of the water. Lessons would be held in the shallow (3 ft.) end of the pool. A “Swim Trainer” water back float will be provided for all non-swimmers for children six years old and under.
INTERMEDIATE (YELLOW)
Children who can doggie paddle or float and have no fear of the water. Lessons will be held in the middle (4 ft. to 5 ft.) of the pool.
ADVANCED (GREEN)
Children who have taken swimming lessons before and demonstrate the ability to use freestyle or front crawl for ½ the length of the pool without stopping. Lessons will be held in the deep (5 ft. to 12 ft.) end of the pool.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Basic rules include respecting each other, the property of others, the YMCA facility, the child’s safety and the group’s security. Children have input in deciding the rules for their group and establishing acceptable group standards. Behavior management is accomplished through a positive approach that will respect the child as an individual. Discipline procedures are handled individually, usually with a mild consequence associated with a particular infraction. “Time Out” is used on a limited basis. No child shall be subjected to punishment that subjects a child to verbal abuse, ridicule, humiliation, or denial of food, rest or bathroom facilities. There is no punishment for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet, and no punishment related to eating or not eating food.
The YMCA promotes a warm, welcoming and friendly environment to ensure every child perceives a positive self-image. The Sewickley Valley YMCA has a ZERO TOLERANCE for child-tochild and adult-to-child bullying.
The YMCA asks that all adults abide by appropriate YMCA Rules of Conduct. The following behaviors are NOT allowed:
• Being disrespectful
• Physical abuse/verbal abuse of any kind toward others
• Being under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Smoking on-site
• Confronting and correcting other children enrolled in the program
• Confronting other parents/guardians
• The YMCA’s first responsibility is the safety of every child.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
If your child shows any sign of illness, rash, high temperature, diarrhea, infection or any contagious disease, the parent/guardian or another authorized person will be called and required to pick up the camper.
INJURIES
If a child is mildly injured during the daily activities, the camp staff will administer first aid. If the injury requires outside medical attention, the child will be taken to the Emergency Room at the hospital by ambulance and accompanied by the Camp Director or Head Counselor. The parent will be called and should meet the child at the Emergency Room. An incident report will be filled out for all injuries for the YMCA records.
MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Please be sure to inform the Camp Counselor of any food allergies your child may have. If any medical consideration(s) should arise with your child during the summer, please notify the counselors immediately. Medication should be sent in the original prescription bottle with only the dosage allotted for that day. Any variations of this will not be accepted.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Please drive carefully throughout the Y’s parking lot and War Memorial park. Do not leave other children unattended in your car at pick-up or drop-off.
PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
Our YMCA has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. As a YMCA day camp program, we are mandated by PA state law to report all incidents of suspected child abuse or imminent risk to authorities via the child hotline. The state law requires reporting of suspected adult-to-child abuse and peer-to-peer abuse. All staff and volunteers in the day camp program will be trained on child abuse prevention and reporting procedures required by state law. For more information on this law, visit: keepkidssafe.pa.gov
TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION
The Sewickley Valley YMCA reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate day camp services with one-day advance notice to families. When other children’s health, welfare, and safety are at stake, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate the day camp services immediately. Possible reasons for suspension and termination of a child from day camp include inappropriate behavior considered harmful to your child, staff or others, chronic tardiness at pickup time, overdue fees, parent/guardian behavior, as determined and discussed with the Day Camp Director.
TSS / CAMP AID INFORMATION
The Sewickley Valley YMCA reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate day camp services with one-day advance notice to families. When other children’s health, welfare, and safety are at stake, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate the day camp services immediately. Possible reasons for suspension and termination of a child from day camp include inappropriate behavior considered harmful to your child, staff or others, chronic tardiness at pick-up time, overdue fees, and parent/guardian behavior, as determined and discussed with the Day Camp Director.
