2023 Summer Camp Brochure & Guide

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4 yrs to 6 yrs (JK/SK)

Dates: Themes:

Week 1: June 26 - 30 Gnomes & Fairies

Week 2: July 4 - 7 Camping (4 days)

Week 3: July 10 - 14 Wool Crafts

Week 4: July 17 - 21 Forts & Nests

July 24 - 28: Camp and Childcare Centre closed

Week 5: July 31 - Aug.4 Woodworking

Week 6: August 8 - 11 Castles & Dragons (4 days – no camp for Aug.7 Civic Holiday)

HALF DAY: 9:00 - 1:00

Camp Fees:

FULL DAY: 9:00 - 4:00

EXTENDED DAY: 8:30 - 5:00

Half Day: 9:00 - 1:00, $300 ($240 for Weeks 2 & 6)

Full Day: 9:00 - 4:00, $450 ($360 for Weeks 2 & 6)

Extended Day: 8:30 - 5:00: $465 ($372 for Weeks 2 & 6)

Please note a fee of $5 per minute will be charged for late pick-ups.

Children must be 4 years of age to attend camp and able to follow instructions within a group setting. All summer campers must be potty trained. Please find more information about the student code of conduct in this brochure.

at the Waldorf Academy

Summer Camp, your child will experience:

- Nature hikes

- Making new friends and deepening relationships

- Plenty of time for creative free play

- Music and movement (as approved by Toronto Public Health)

- Fun-filled activities

- Learning and practicing new skills

- Weekly themes

- Creating art projects with natural materials

- A consistent rhythm

The gentle rhythm of Waldorf education carries the children throughout their day, ensuring a balance of activities.

Summer Camp Director: Camila Garcia

Ms. Garcia is from Brazil and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television and diplomas in acting, dance, and children’s media. In her career in the film/TV industry, she has worked in many different types of productions, where she began to question how to best support the healthy development of our children. The Foundations of Anthroposophy studies showed her the way to Waldorf Education. She has acted as a Kindergarten Assistant and After School Coordinator at Waldorf Academy this year and is pleased to lead this year’s Summer Camp!

Summer Camp Assistant: Pallavi Mehra

Ms. Mehra is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and acted as a Camp Assistant at the Waldorf Academy 2022 Kindergarten Summer Camp. Pallavi considers herself to be a global nomad and hopes to use her multicultural upbringing to create an environment of diverse inclusivity. She has acted as a Kindergarten Assistant and After School Coordinator at Waldorf Academy this year and is pleased to support this year’s Summer Camp once more!

Summer Camp Assistant: Megan Merlene

Originally from Ohio, Ms. Merlene holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business with minors in Spanish and History from the University of Mount Union. She earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida and soon after received her teaching certification in Elementary Education. Ms. Merlene has taught in both Ohio and South Korea, most recently teaching Grade 2 at an American school in South Korea. Ms. Merlene spent the 2022-23 school year as a supply teacher at the Waldorf Academy where she was able to spend time with each kindergarten class. She is excited to act as a Camp Assistant at the 2023 Kindergarten Summer Camp!

Summer Camp Schedule

9:00: Outdoor welcome circle and nature activities

9:45: Light snack and play time

10:15: Activity (theme based) 11:30: Lunch and cleanup

12:35: Storytelling

1:00: Rest time & Half-Day Pick-Up

2:00: Free play and snack

3:00: Activity

4:00: Pick up Extended Care: 4:00 - 5:00: Free play and snack time

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Waldorf Academy is pleased to welcome you and your child to the 2023 Summer Camp!

We are dedicated to providing a fun, creative, and holistic experience for our students and campers.

Please read this guide in its entirety and include your children in its review Address any questions or concerns by contacting us at: info@waldorfacademy.org

* Parents/guardians are required to fill out our Summer Camp Mandatory Forms

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Please note that Waldorf Academy adheres to all mandates and guidelines directed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Toronto Public Health. If masks, physical distancing, or other health and safety measures are enacted, we will steadfastly enforce these measures. Waldorf Academy will confirm any updates to guidelines with families as they are announced.

Masks are strongly recommended but not mandated.

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All campers must be 4 years old in order to attend camp as per the Childcare and Early Years Act. For instance, a child born July 10, 2019 can only attend camp as of July 11, 2023. All campers must be fully potty trained.

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Registration is limited to a capacity of 15 - 18 students. Registration must include all required forms and full payment to secure your child’s spot. Families placed on the waitlist for any camp week will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Lunch is provided by the parents/guardians; the Waldorf Academy Camp provides some healthy, organic snacks provided by Loblaws Organics. Parents are required to pack nut free lunches (we are a nut free camp) and snacks.

Please bring and label the following:

● Water bottle

● Nut-free lunch (and any snacks you’d like to send along)

● Face masks are strongly recommended for children aged 4-6

● Weather appropriate clothing (rain boots, rain jacket, sweater, etc.)

● Closed toe and heel shoes must be worn to comply with camp safety rules

● Sunscreen

● Hat and sunglasses

● Any doctor prescribed medications (Camp staff will not administer medications except in the case of a life-threatening situation such as administering an Epi-pen which is provided by you). Our Medication Authorization Form must be submitted if your child is required to take medication while on site at camp.

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The camp closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to arrive on time to pick-up your child/children. Parents or guardians arriving after 5:00 p.m. will be charged a late fee of $5.00 per minute.

- All camp registrations must be paid in full to secure your spot at camp.

- All cancellations must be sent in writing to info@waldorfacademy.org

- No refunds will be provided

- In what we hope will be an unlikely event of summer day camps being cancelled by the local, provincial, or federal government, a full refund will be provided to families.

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The Waldorf Academy Summer Camp reserves the right to change or update our policies, terms, and conditions and/or programming as our staff and/or the Ministry of Health or health professionals may make recommendations and/or changes to the COVID-19 guidelines prior to and/or during the summer.

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Parents are required to dress their children accordingly and provide extra clothing. There are no refunds due to bad or hot weather, including if a facility is not air conditioned.

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If your child will be late to camp (arriving after 9:00 am) parents must contact the camp leaders to ensure that a counsellor will be there to meet you and your child at the normal drop off/pick up location to allow for camper sign in, and then escort the camper safely to the activity location. If you have not called ahead of time and are running late you will not be able to enter the facility due to new COVID restrictions. You must call and receive confirmation that a camp leader will meet you.

DO NOT leave your child unattended to find his/her group or enter the building unsupervised.

In the event that a camper needs to leave camp early, parents should inform the camp leaders as soon as possible.

We reserve the right to ask you to withdraw from camp for multiple late pick up occurrences.

To ensure their safety, all campers must be signed in at the time of drop off and signed out at the time of pick up by a parent/guardian. Parents/guardians must indicate the names of the authorized persons for pickup on the online summer camp mandatory forms and everyone must show photo identification in order to sign out a child. Should a parent/guardian wish to add an authorized person(s) to the approved pick up and drop off list for their child they may contact the Camp Director at campdirector@waldorfacademy.org.

If a parent/guardian is not available, an authorized individual (as documented at the time of the online enrolment or added as noted in the process above) will be permitted to sign a camper in and out upon presentation of a government-issued photo ID (drivers license, passport, etc.). Campers will not be permitted to leave the camp without permission. Should a camper leave without permission, the Camp Director will telephone the parent to inform them that the child has left without permission. Depending on the circumstances a staff member may need to physically restrain your child to prevent them from leaving camp and entering a dangerous situation.

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We welcome your feedback; positive and constructive. Please address any concerns with the Camp leaders. They will have firsthand knowledge of the facility, the camp environment and your child and can usually quickly address and resolve any challenges you may have.

Contact Information (during Summer Camp scheduling): campdirector@waldorfacademy.org 416. 962. 6447 x. 242

General: info@waldorfacademy.org

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Our camp health and safety plans may need to adapt to evolving public health guidelines. Parents/guardians will be notified of any public health notifications and mandates as they arise. All mandated policies and procedures will be enforced.

Parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter school playgrounds or the building to minimize health and safety risks.

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Please do not send sick children to camp. We ask that all families continue to screen their households and children for illnesses using the Toronto Public Health Screening Tool.

Nausea, and/or vomiting and/or diarrhea: children experiencing any of these symptoms must stay home for 48 hours.

If a child falls ill while attending camp, parents/caregivers will be notified of their child’s illness and will be required to collect their child immediately.

*We can not offer refunds due to absences from the camp, including absences related to illness/COVID-related circumstances.

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Masks are currently not mandated by municipal, provincial, or federal governments, however, masks are available at the school for anyone who wishes to wear one. Wearing masks is a personal choice and we support people who wear or choose not to wear a mask under current laws.

If masks are mandated:

• Students, staff, and essential visitors wearing a mask throughout the day are responsible for its safe use, cleanliness, and disposal.

• All students using masks must have two clean masks stored in a paper envelope or bag.

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· Routine cleaning and sanitization of facilities and high-touch areas throughout the day.

· Touchless liquid soap and towel dispensers are available in the classrooms and washrooms.

· Daily professional cleaning at the end of each day.

Classroom/Camp Guidelines

· 15- 18 student capacity

· Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible if required

· Frequent hand washing will be part of the daily routine, including prior to and after snack and lunch times

· Students will not share resources. Personal belongings must be labeled and will be stored in a dedicated space in their classroom or locker/hook

· Daily washing and disinfection of toys

· Twice daily, disinfection of all high-touch surfaces

Staff Training

· All staff have been trained on COVID-related protocols and policies.

· All staff are provided with appropriate PPE and cleaning products, as well as certificate training through the World Health Organization in PPE use and disposal.

A magical puppet show from our teachers!

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The below forms and waivers must be signed by a parent/guardian of the Waldorf Academy Camper.

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I understand that although the school and its staff will exercise reasonable care in the supervision of my child, accidents and mishaps may occur. In the case of a medical emergency concerning my child, I give my permission for Waldorf Academy staff to use her/his best judgment in obtaining the best medical service for my child. I agree to pay all costs incurred by Waldorf Academy in obtaining emergency medical care for my child. I also understand that in the event of such illness or accident, I will be notified as soon as possible.

In addition, I hereby release Waldorf Academy and its employees and agents from all liability in respect of obtaining any such medical care. I also understand and agree that the school is not liable for anything that may occur due to my providing incorrect information, or my failure to give full information, regarding the physical condition of my child.

Please see Waldorf Academy Summer Camp Mandatory Forms: signature required.

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I _______________________________(Parent/Guardian of registrant)

Consent to the use of photographs or video footage for use on the Waldorf Academy website, in newsletters and publications as well as for distribution to members.

Consent to the use of photographs or video footage being used to promote future Waldorf Academy events by the Committee and other media.

I further understand that this consent may be withdrawn by me at anytime, upon written notice.

Please see Waldorf Academy Summer Camp Mandatory Forms

As a part of the educational process at Waldorf Academy Summer Camps, students are taken off the school property from time to time. This may include regular daily trips to nearby public parks and recreational areas.

Short excursions may also include visits to museums in the Toronto area, historic sites or to recreational facilities such as local conservation areas and other similar places of interest or enjoyment consistent with school policy.

On such excursions, staff members of the school supervise the children. Transportation may be by foot or chartered bus.

Please complete and sign below to give consent for your child's participation in the camp excursions as described above and to agree to release the school from any claim which you might otherwise be entitled to assert against the school for any injury or loss suffered by your child while on such an excursion.

l hereby give our/my permission to take: Child's Name: _________________________________________________

on excursions (as generally described above) with his/her class while a student at Waldorf Academy.

We/l understand that the children will be supervised (as generally described above) during such excursions and that this consent does not extend to overnight or other special excursions for which our/my special consent will be sought.

We/l understand that, although the school and its staff will exercise reasonable care in the supervision of our/my child, accidents and mishaps may occur. We/I hereby release Waldorf Academy and its agents from any claim which we/l might otherwise be entitled to assert against any of them for any injury or loss suffered by our/my child in conjunction with excursions in which he or she participates.

We/l also understand and agree that the school is not liable for anything that may occur due to our/my providing incorrect information, or our/my failure to give full information, regarding the physical condition of our/my child.

Please see Waldorf Academy Summer Camp Mandatory Forms: signature required

Due to the nature of the mixed ages in Waldorf Academy aftercare and camps we follow a developmentally appropriate student code of conduct as stated in the Family Handbook. If a student is unable to follow the code of conduct there will be the following interventions:

1. Corrective teaching as outlined in the family handbook and a communication to the family that includes the incident report and description of the corrective teaching.

2. If the behaviour continues to escalate the aftercare teacher/camp leader will try an alternate corrective measure and consult with the family and the class teacher with regular check ins to determine impact and need for additional resources/strategies.

3. If the above two strategies have not resulted in a change that meets the expectant behaviour, the family may be asked to withdraw from the aftercare/camp program or to finance direct support for the student (for example, to hire an education specialist to directly supervise the student on-site).

Our goal is to provide a healthy and safe program that benefits all students. If any student behaves in a way which compromises our ability to foster a sense of respect and preserve the dignity of every person at school (students and staff alike), then it must be understood they will be managed as described below.

Any student that breaks any of the following in-house rules will be sent home immediately. There will be NO refund or credit on fees.

• Weapons or any implement that our staff deem dangerous or potentially dangerous are strictly prohibited.

Any camper that breaks any of the following in-house rules MAY be sent home based on the seriousness of the offense. If that is the case, there will be NO refund or credit on fees.

• Students must remain inside our designated facility boundaries; students cannot ‘run away’ from the teachers/camp leaders at any time.

Inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying, teasing, harassment, swearing, acts of aggression (kicking, biting, hitting, including threats to do so), threats, pranks, practical jokes or disrespect for other people or the environment are not tolerated at Waldorf Academy. What may seem harmless to you may have lasting emotional or physical consequences for others.

• Stealing or borrowing other people's possessions without their consent will not be tolerated.

• Vandalizing, defacing, and damage to school property and equipment is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. This includes any damage to walls, furniture, window screens, doors, washrooms, classrooms, any other buildings, signs, program equipment and including the natural environment. You will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, including labour costs.

• Tampering with any safety devices including smoke alarms and fire extinguishers is a serious offence and will not be tolerated.

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● Students must be fully toilet trained.

● Students who run away from the group/camp leaders will be automatically withdrawn from the camp.

● Students who are physically and/or verbally abusive towards campers, staff, or others will be withdrawn from the camp.

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Waldorf Academy adheres to all national, provincial, and municipal laws, bylaws, and guidelines; this includes COVID-related bylaws set by government agencies and Toronto Public Health.

At all times, please adhere to this Community Code of Conduct which was developed to support a healthy social life within the school community. Violation of the code of conduct could result in the expulsion of the student/family from the camp.

To build and sustain a healthy school community, as a parent or guardian, I will:

● SPEAK DIRECTLY with the relevant teacher, administrator, or parent about matters of concern.

● LISTEN WITH OPENNESS to what others have to say and allow space for healthy disagreement.

● AVOID SECOND-HAND INFORMATION and hearsay.

● DISENGAGE from communications with fellow parents that lay blame.

● CONSIDER, before acting or speaking, the question “Is this constructive?”

● MODEL those behaviours that I encourage and expect in my children.

● PROMOTE the above behaviours when engaging with others in the community.

If issues persist:

ASK THE ADMINISTRATION FOR HELP to organize a meeting involving the appropriate parties.

Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to:

● DISRESPECT towards members of the school community, especially school employees and other persons in positions of authority.

● INJURY to the moral tone of the school or to the physical or mental wellbeing of others.

● BULLYING, INTIMIDATING OR THREATENING a member of the school community.

● HARASSMENT of any kind, which is defined as engaging in vexatious comments or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Please see more information regarding harassment under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

● MISUSE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND EMAIL LISTS to solicit, advertise or discuss matters unrelated to the Waldorf Academy curriculum.

● DUAL RELATIONSHIPS, such as the hiring of current staff for private babysitting, tutoring, (etc.) of our students at any time is prohibited; this practice creates a dual relationship as well as a conflict of interest.

Code of Conduct Procedures:

a) Parents and guardians exhibiting inappropriate behaviour will be called to meet with the Camp Director and administration to conclude a plan for resolution and repair.

b) Failure or refusal of the parent or guardian to meet or conclude a plan may result in an immediate or future termination of enrolment of the parent or guardian’s child/children.

Code of Conduct Agreement

By signing this Agreement, the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) understand(s) that Waldorf Academy may require the withdrawal of or may dismiss a student/camper at its sole discretion.

The Parent/Guardian further understands that a positive and constructive working relationship between Waldorf Academy and a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) is essential to the fulfillment of Waldorf Academy's mission, and agrees that Waldorf Academy may terminate enrolment, or decline re-enrolment, if Waldorf Academy, in its sole discretion concludes that the student's action or inaction is detrimental to Waldorf Academy, or whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have engaged in conduct which is detrimental to Waldorf Academy.

* A parent is defined as anyone who has legal custody of the child.

Please see Waldorf Academy Summer Camp Mandatory Forms: signature required