Registration Opens April 4!
Swim Lessons Included for grades K-2!
Day Camp / Summer Child Care Preview Day May 14!
Ask about our New Smart Forms!
Summer Child Care & Day Camp Program Guide
Welcome to Summer at the Y! There is no place like Summer with the Y – A home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover not just the wonders of Summer, but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. That’s why more than 600 kids in the West Valley area attend the Y’s Summer Child Care and Discovery Day Camp at the Y programs; to belong, to achieve and to build relationships. ABOUT US OUR CAUSE At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. OUR MISSION The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. OUR FOCUS We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. That’s why we focus our work in three key areas that are fundamental to strengthening community: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Our financial assistance program ensures that everyone can participate in Y programs, despite the inability to pay. Financial assistance is provided through our Annual Support Campaign and donors like you. OUR STAFF At the Y, caring and professional role models are committed to helping kids build confidence and character. The loyalty, dedication and professionalism of our highly trained staff is extraordinary. We count on our staff to meet strict Y qualifications and pass an extensive background check. All Y staff in our Summer Child Care and Discovery Day Camp at the Y programs are 18 years or older and have been trained or certified in the following: Positive Discipline Emergency Procedures Field Trip Procedures Safety Practices First Aid and CPR Leadership Skills
Positive Role Modeling Group Building Character Development Child Development Child Abuse Prevention Licensing Regulations (for child care)
SAFETY
Parents look to the Y for a safe and secure environment where children can learn practical social skills and develop positive values. Our reputation for consistency and safety, as well as our focus on youth development, gives parents the confidence they need to trust us with their children. To ensure the well-being of each child, we review our health and safety policies on an ongoing basis. Our low 1:14 staff-to-child ratio for our Summer Child Care Programs and our low 1:10 staff-to-child ratio for Discovery Day Camp at the Y also allows our staff to give each child the attention and guidance necessary to create a positive and safe environment.
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IMPACT FOR LIFE
OUR FOCUS IS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Youth Development is the social-emotional, cognitive and physical processes that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful development process fulfills children and teens innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy.
Belonging We are a place where kids feel safe, welcomed and can express their individuality through: Autonomous Choices Rituals and Traditions Daily Activity Framework Inclusion
Achievement We help children realize their passions, talents and potential through: Achievement Activities Skill Development Camp Readers Program
Relationships We demonstrate the role positive relationships plan in the well-being of a child through Staff-children relationships and role modeling Peer-to-Peer Friend-making Parent Engagement
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SUMMER CHILD CARE PROGRAM June 13 - August 19 (10 weekly sessions)* Monday-Friday | 7:00am - 6:00pm** For children entering grades K-9*** FEES Registration Fee: K-5 Children: 6-9 Good Times****: Sibling Discount*****:
$50 per child (one-time annual fee, not discountable) $175 per child, per session $195 per child, per session $17.50 off ($19.50 for Good Times) per additional child, per session (10% discount)
* LAUSD sites, 9 weeks, June 13 - August 12. LVUSD Sites, 10 weeks, June 13 - August 19 ** Bay Laurel Elementary runs 7:00 am to 6:30 pm on all days of operation *** Bay Laurel Elementary only accepts children entering K-5 grade (No Good Times Program) **** Good Times Program is for children entering 6th - 9th grade ***** Siblings must be on the same account / memberships.
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP AT THE Y June 13 - August 12 (9 weekly sessions) Monday-Friday | 8:00am – 6:00pm For children entering grades K-5 FEES Registration Fee: K-5 Day Camp: Sibling Discount*:
$50 per child (one-time annual fee, not discountable) $160 per child, per session $16.00 off per additional child, per session (10% discount)
* Siblings must be on the same account / memberships.
Summer Child Care Locations BAY LAUREL ELEMENTARY Does not offer Good Times Program 24740 Paseo Primario, Calabasas, CA 91302 818 223 9528 Facility # 191231094 WOODLAKE ELEMENTARY 23231 Hatteras Street Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818 643 0065 Facility # 191200082 POMELO ELEMENTARY 7633 March Avenue West Hills, CA 91304 818 665 9794 Facility # 197408524 VANALDEN ELEMENTARY 19019 Delano Street Reseda, CA 91335 818 996 8564 Facility # 191226194
Discovery Day Camp at the Y WEST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 18810 Vanowen Street, Reseda, CA 91335 818 774 2840
Child Care & Community Department CHRISTOPHER JEFFERSON Senior Program Director, Child Care and Community 818 668 2611 ChristopherJefferson@ymcaLA.org
COUNSELOR-INTRAINING PROGRAM
SAMANTHA BLOOMER Program Director, Youth and Family 818 668 2606 SamanthaBloomer@ymcaLA.org Area: Discovery Day Camp at the Y
The Y offers an experience for youth entering grades 10 th-12th that are too old for Day Camp and too young to work as a Camp Counselor. C.I.T.’s must apply and have an interview in order to be accepted into the program. C.I.T.’s gain valuable leadership skills, assist the camp staff in activities with campers and have fun too! C.I.T.’s are always supervised by a paid YMCA staff member and are never left alone with children. The CIT program is only offered at our Discovery Day Camp at the Y. The C.I.T. program has a weekly session enrollment fee. Once accepted into the program, the parent must complete a registration packet for the C.I.T.
CASEY WEST-BANKS Senior Director, Resident Camp 818 763 5126 CaseyWestBanks@ymcaLA.org Area: Resident Camp
June 13 - August 12 (9 weekly sessions) For youth entering grades 10-12
FEES Registration Fee: Session Fee (if approved):
$0 (there is no registration fee, once approved) $50 per session
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CHARREL CRYER Program Director, Child Care 818 668 2622 CharrelCryer@ymcaLA.org Area: Summer Child Care Programs
VEENU AGARWAL Accounting, Billing Issues and Collections 818 668 2621 VeenuAgarwal@ymcaLA.org
Suggested Supplies for the Day Please write your child’s name on all of their personal belongings
Backpack
Hat or Visor
Swimsuit
Change of Clothes
Plastic Bag for Wet Swimsuit and Towel
Water Bottle with Water
Towels Sack Lunch What to leave home: Sun Block SPF 30+
Please see our Parent Handbook for a complete list of items that should be left at home. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Thirty Minutes to Succeed! Camp Readers Makes Literacy Simple and Fun! This summer, the West Valley Family YMCA is participating in an exciting new program called Camp Readers. By including 30 minutes of reading time during our program, the Readers Program shows kids that reading is fun while building general reading skills and increasing their reading confidence.
TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE 7:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 12:00 noon 1:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm
Extended Care activities guided by YMCA staff Morning snack and morning recess Morning assembly/Opening Ceremony, songs, schedule and rules review, large group activities, team building AM Group Time Activities: Group Huddles, Enrichment, Skill Building, Arts and Crafts, Recreation, Fitness, etc. Lunch and afternoon recess PM Group Time Activities: STEM, Camp Readers, Enrichment, Outdoor Play and Games, Service Learning, etc. Afternoon snack and afternoon recess/ Closing Ceremony Extended Care activities guided by YMCA staff Closing
Our Discovery Day Camp at the Y does not travel. It is a facility-based, non-travel camp. There are no off-site field trips. Our Discovery Day Camp at the Y has special visitors and vendors throughout the summer. Our Summer Child Care Program has off-site field trips and on-site visitors and vendors throughout the summer, once or twice per weekly session. Our Good Times Program has off-site field trips and on-site visitors and vendors throughout the summer, two to three times per weekly session.
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INTENTIONALLY AWESOME!
Summer Child Care and Discovery Day Camp at the Y for children entering K - 9th grade
SUMMER CHILD CARE PROGRAM FOR KIDS ENTERING GRADES K-5 Our Summer Child Care Program will be like no other. Kids will be active and engaged with our full-day, theme-based curriculum to capture their attention and build a love for learning. Add the fun of field trips, enrichment and water days, and parents will be thrilled with the stories their children share each day. Having peace of mind, knowing that your children are cared for in one of our licensed facilities makes it even better! Top that off with arts and crafts, skill development, sports and games, group time, STEM and all the activities we know and loved as a child. Come and experience what a little creativity, innovation and ingenuity can produce.
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP AT THE Y FOR KIDS ENTERING GRADES K-5 Day camp at the Y is an organized camp that provides youth with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Children will enjoy the summer making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Daily activities will include arts and crafts, wonders of wilderness, group games, specialty activities, reading enrichment and camp opening and closing councils. Our specialty activities include STEM activities, music and drama, cooking classes and special guests. Children will also get to enjoy water play and swimming weekly. Join us for a summer you’ll never forget!
GOOD TIMES PROGRAM FOR KIDS ENTERING GRADES 6-9 Welcome to the new and improved Good Times Program, formerly known as Teen Camp! Good Times is the perfect experience for your older youth, entering 6th—9th grade this fall. Through field trips, excursions and on-site activities, Good Times participants will discover who they are and develop the social and leaderships skills they need to be successful and productive adults. Summer Good Times is just another pit stop on their journey towards success. By the end of the program, participants will feel empowered to be leaders in their communities today and the leaders of the world tomorrow. Participants will build up their character, learn to work as a team and develop their creativity.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU! The West Valley Family YMCA offers financial assistance for those who qualify. Funding is provided from the generous gifts of our donors and members like you. Please ask for more details and an application. 6
My son loves the Y! It is like home!
THE BEST TIME EVER!
Themes, Field Tips and Highlights (if applicable to your program) SUMMER CHILD CARE PROGRAM JUNE 13 - AUGUST 19, 2016 (10 WEEKLY SESSIONS) Our Summer Child Care Program is licensed by the State of California. Our licensed, off-site programs are designed with your child in mind. Sessions includes enrichment, skill building, fitness, sports and games, reflections, STEM, Literacy and group time. Weekly swimming and weekly visitors or excursions / field trips included during some sessions. Grades: Locations:
Hours/Days:
Fees:
SUMMER CHILD CARE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Kids entering grades K-5 Woodlake Elementary School (No Session 10) Pomelo Elementary School (No Session 10) Vanalden Elementary School (No Session 10) Bay Laurel Elementary School (Open Session 10) 7:00 am—6:00 pm, M-F Bay Laurel closes at 6:30 pm each day of operation. $175 per session (10% sibling discount available)
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP AT THE Y JUNE 13 - AUGUST 12 2016 (9 WEEKLY SESSIONS) Are you READY for summer? Get SET, because the West Valley Family YMCA is ready to CAMP! Summer Discovery Day Camp at the Y provides youth with organized activities that teach core values, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. A typical camp day includes arts and crafts, wonders of wilderness, reading enrichment and field games. Weekly swimming, STEM activities and cooking projects are also part of our line-up. Grades: Locations: Hours/Days: Fees:
Session
Theme
Highlight
Session 1
Child vs. Wild
Scooter’s Jungle
Session 2
Sports of All Sorts!
LA Sparks Game
Session 3
Party in the USA
Summer Games
Session 4
Treasure Island
Seaside Lagoon
Session 5
STEM Academy
Mad Science
Session 6
Farm Frenzy
Underwood Farms
Session 7
Adventure Quest
Adventure City
Session 8
To the Moon and Back
Discovery Cube
Session 9
Catching A Wave
Bubble Mania!
Session 10
Art Gala Spectacular
Color Me Mine
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP AT THE Y HIGHLIGHTS
Kids entering grades K-5 West Valley Family YMCA 8:00 am-6:00 pm, M-F $160 per session (10% sibling discount available)
GOOD TIMES SUMMER PROGRAM JUNE 13 - AUGUST 12, 2016 (9 WEEKLY SESSIONS) Let the GOOD TIMES roll! Welcome to the new and improved Good Times programs. For past families, you may have known this program as Teen Camp. Weekly field trips, excursions, visitors and swimming await. Come and discover who you are by developing new skills and making new friends. Grades: Locations:
Kids entering grades 6-9 Woodlake Elementary School Pomelo Elementary School Vanalden Elementary School Hours/Days: 7:00 am—6:00 pm, M-F Fees: $195 per session (10% sibling discount available) * This program is NOT available at Bay Laurel Elementary School or Discovery Day Camp at the Y
Session
Theme
Highlight
Session 1
A Campin’ We Will Go
Making S’mores/ Pitching Tents
Session 2
There’s No Place Like Space Building Rockets
Session 3
Down on the Farm
Petting Zoo
Session 4
America the Beautiful
Red, White & Blue Party
Session 5
Under the Big Top
End of the week Carnival
Session 6
Ooey, Gooey & Slimy Too
Bubble Mania
Session 7
Y Olympics
Olympic Games
Session 8
Mysteries, Maps & Riddles
Scavenger Hunt
Session 9
Cowabunga Dude!
Water play ALL week!
GOOD TIMES SUMMER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Good Times themes and highlights are available at the Welcome Center and via our website. Please visit us at the branch or online to view their scheduled activities and field trips for the summer.
Please note that all field trips, vendors and visitors are subject to change and/or are subject to cancellation by the YMCA, without notice, for all programs listed above.
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SWIM TESTING, SWIM LESSONS, and AQUATIC FUN! SWIM LESSONS Included for enrollees entering grades K-2
RATIOS: Throughout the summer we will attend the swimming pool and may also attend other aquatic venues, such as the beach, the waterpark, etc. (for programs that travel). Our ratios for all pool and aquatic venue trips is 1 adult for every 6 children. We reduce our ratios to ensure the safety of everyone. SWIM LESSONS / NON-SWIMMERS: Children entering grades K-2 in the fall of 2016 are not required to take or pass a swim test. If you would like to have your child who is entering K-2 in the fall of 2016, take a swim test, that is optional and up to the parent. Children in this grade category (K-2) who take and pass the swim test, will be classified as swimmers and will be subject to the guidelines in the below “Swimming / Swimmers� subsection. For children in this grade category (K-2) who either do not take a swim test (because they cannot swim, yet) or who attempt to take a swim test but fail the test, will be classified as non-swimmers.
SWIM TESTING Every Saturday in May, June and July. 12-2pm
NEW FOR 2016: For this summer, children classified as non-swimmers will now be enrolled in a 30 minute swim lesson to take place during the program day while the child is at the Summer Child Care Program. This is new for 2016 and an added benefit at no extra cost to you, the parent. Children will have a 30 minute swim lesson each session that a pool field trip is scheduled. This will happen at the West Valley Family YMCA and the children will be given their lesson by a trained and certified YMCA swim instructor, with support for a program leader. Unless your child passes the swim test, there is no other swim time provided for children entering grades K-2 in the fall. It is important for all children to feel safe around water, as a majority of the earth is made up of water. Please encourage your child to participate in swim lessons, as this is a lifelong skill. Children in this age category (K-2) who pass the swim test are not required to be in swim lessons and may enjoy free swim during the program. This is an added benefit for our 2016 summer program. We are proud to offer this to our younger participants, entering grades K-2 in the fall at no additional cost.
Children K-2 who are already enrolled in swim lessons, but are not yet able to pass a swim test, will still participate in swim lessons during the program. The YMCA will do their best to place the child in a swim lesson that best matches their swim level, although this cannot always be guaranteed. This is dependent upon the availability of swim instructor and the number of children matched for each swim level. Please complete the Swim Survey in your registration packet, as this will be helpful in us determining your child’s swim ability, pre-swim-test. SWIMMING / SWIMMERS / CHILDREN WHO MEET THE HEIGHT REQUIREMENT: Children of any grade / age who are able to pass a swim test will be classified as swimmers and will be able to swim in both the shallow and deep end of the pool with their group leader. Children who are entering grades 3-9 in the fall of 2016 are not eligible for swim lessons as a part of the Summer Child Care Program. For these children, they have two options: Option one (1) take and pass a swim test, which would allow the child to swim in both the shallow and deep end of the swimming pool with their group leader. This would also allow the child to swim up the surf line on a beach field trip (Only Good Times has field trips to the beach). Option two (2): Children entering grades 3-9 who either do not take a swim test (because they cannot swim, yet) or who attempt to take a swim test but fail the test, will be classified as non-swimmers. In this case, the child would only be allowed to play in the shallow end of the pool. There is an additional requirement for 3-9 grade children to play in the shallow end of the pool. These children must be able to step into the pool, with their feet planted on the bottom of the pool. At this point, the water may not rise above the child’s armpits; meaning, they must be able to safely stand-up in the pool. If your child is in 3-9 grade and they are classified as a non-swimmer and are too short to meet this height requirement, please contact a Program Director in the Child Care Department to discuss options for your child. Children classified as swimmers are not required to meet this height requirement. SWIM TESTING: The YMCA classified children as “swimmers” or “non-swimmers” for our summer programs. The YMCA will no longer provide swim testing during summer day camp and summer child care. All swim testing will be conducted prior to the start of the summer program. We will also offer one additional swim testing date mid-summer. Parents will need to bring their children to the YMCA during one of our swim testing dates to have their children tested for the deep end. Swim testing is only required if you would like for your child to swim in the deep end of the pool. The YMCA defines “deep end” as the level of water in the pool that, once your child has their feet planted on the bottom of the pool, reaches above your child’s armpits. The “deep end” is based upon the height of a child and not necessary defined by the depth of the swimming pool. In order for a child to swim in water that rises above their armpits, they must be swim tested. If you prefer for your child to remain in the
“shallow end” a swim test is not required. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles defines swim testing as follows: Children are to be tested by the Lifeguard as to ability before attending an aquatics venue for the summer. A child classified as a swimmer must be able to swim a distance of 75 feet without touching the bottom or side of a pool and tread water for one (1) minute. If a child is not tested, they are to be classified as a non-swimmer; if child is classified as non-swimmer, swim test is not needed. The results of the swim test must be recorded on the “Swim Test Results Form”. The site supervisor must have this form on every child listed as a swimmer while at an aquatic venue. The swim test results will be given to each director so that they are aware of who is classified as a swimmer. All other children not on the list will be classified, by default, as nonswimmer. SWIM TEST DATES AND LOCATION Location: WEST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA POOL Check in with Swim Test Lifeguard 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Every Saturday in May, June and July AQUATIC VENUE VISITS: Throughout the summer, the program may have field trips to different water venues, such as waterparks and the beach. Our ratios of 1:6 are maintained at all field trips where there is a body of water or where the children will engaged in aquatic activities. Only our Good Times program goes to the beach during the summer. Swimmers will be allowed to go into the ocean up the surf line and non-swimmers will be able to go into the ocean up to their knees. We do not take our elementary school programs to the beach. Please see the activities calendars and highlight reel for scheduled aquatic and swimming field trips. Please note that the activities calendar, field trips and highlight reels are subject to change without prior notice. WATER PLAY ON OUR TURF (SPLASH ZONE): This summer, we will be offering swim lessons for K-2 graders in lieu of our traditional Splash Zone. We will not be setting up a Splash Zone this summer. Children will either be engaged in swim lessons (K-2 graders) or free swim (3-9 graders). ADDITIONAL NOTES: If your child does not want to get in the pool on a scheduled pool or aquatic day, we will provide light activities for them during the swim or aquatic activity time, such as arts and crafts, coloring, card games board games, trivia, etc. We are not scheduled to attend the pool each session. Typically, the last session of the program, we do not attend the pool or any aquatic venues. For Bay Laurel, we may not attend the pool or any aquatic venues for session 9 and session 10.
My child has more selfconfidence.
PROCEDURES AND PAYMENTS
Highlights Only—For full list of Policies and Procedures, see our Parent Handbook
Weekly Sessions 1-5
Dates
Draft Date & Deadline for Cancellations or Changes
Weekly Sessions 6-10
Dates
Draft Date & Deadline for Cancellations or Changes
Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5
June 13 – June 17 June 20 – June 24 June 27 – July 1 July 5 – July 8 (4 days) July 11 – July 15
June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 July 5
Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Session 10
July 18 – July 22 July 25 – July 29 August 1 – August 5 August 8 – August 12 August 15 – August 19
July 11 July 18 July 25 August 1 August 8
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU SIGN-UP! Children must be at least 4-years-and-9-months to be eligible to attend our Summer Child Care Program or Discovery Day Camp at the Y. In addition, children must be entering grades K-9th grade in the fall of 2016 in order to qualify for our programs. If your child is entering TK or Pre-K in the fall of 2016 at a Public Elementary School, your child may still be eligible for our programs, even if they are under 4-years-and-9-months. Please contact the Child Care and Day Camp if your child will be under 4-years-and-9-months at the start of the summer program. All program sites will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2016. We do not prorate for this week (See FAQ’s and Parent Handbook for more details). We do not offer drop-in service. Our program is offered in weekly sessions and we do not have daily or partial week enrollment. We do not prorate for children who start mid-week, regardless of how many days are left in the session. When signing your child up for our Summer Child Care Program, you are required to pay the $50 registration fee for each child that you are enrolling in the form of cash or credit. After paying the registration fee, you may register your child for a Summer Child Care Program session or sessions using one of the following options: (1) pay for the Summer Child Care Program sessions upfront and in advance using cash or credit or (2) reserve Summer Child Care Program sessions by setting up an Automatic Payment Plan using your checking/saving account or credit card account. Session fees will be deducted for each session on each payment draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes (Payment draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes is one week in advance of each session – the draft will happen at 12:01 am on Mondays). You will be subject to a $25 service charge for all returned items due to insufficient funds and my enrollment may be cancelled. You can re-enroll my child if space is available. Although not recommended, you can pay session-by-session (week-to-week), before, on or after the payment draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes, in-person, at the YMCA. However, please understand that this method of paying is not a reservation and is subject to space availability at the time that you make the full payment for a session. There is no pre-registration or reservation (saved space) if you choose to pay this way. Children entering grades K-2 in the fall, who do not reach the YMCA’s height requirements for our swimming pool will participate in swim lessons (restrictions apply). Please see Page 10 & 11 for more details or our Parent Handbook. Before signing up, know your school district schedule. The following dates of program correspond with the dates the school districts are on summer break: Los Angeles Unified School District: Monday, June 13 - Friday, August 12 Las Virgenes Unified School District: Monday, June 13 - Friday, August 19
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Important Parent Information
What is the difference between the Summer Child Care Program and Day Camp at the Y? Our Summer Child Care Program is our summer programming that takes place at one of our 4 licensed child care centers, located at elementary schools throughout the community. These programs not only offer a great full-day summer program experience, but also provide year-round before and after school child care and programming during the fall, spring and winter breaks. Discovery Day Camp at the Y is in its second year. It is a traditional day camp program offered during the summer only. The camp offers the convenience of being inside of our branch. Discovery Day Camp at the Y is a little cheaper than our Summer Child Care Program. Discovery Day Camp at the Y does not travel and instead has on-site enrichment, on-site visitors and on-site vendors throughout the summer. Our Summer Child Care Program includes field trips (via bus). Do you have online registration? Unfortunately, we do not have online registration at this time. For your convenience, all of our summer registration materials are available as a smart form, which allows you to type right in the document, for parents who prefer to type rather than hand write. Are the registration packets available online Yes, registration packets will be available online beginning April. Please note that our Summer Child Care Program and Discovery Day Camp at the Y have a separate registration packet. We also have a supplemental packet for parents who are enrolling their children into both the Summer Child Care Program and Discovery Day Camp at the Y. Tell me a little bit more about your refund policy. Parents may request a refund for our Summer Child Care Program and Discovery Day Camp at the Y using the refund request form. There is a $25 refund fee for all approved refunds that will be deducted from the total refund amount approved. The $25 refund fee is per session and per child. If you are requesting a refund for several sessions and it is approved, you will be assessed a $25 refund fee for each session and for each child. The refund request form is exactly what it states, a request. Completion of the refund request form does not guarantee a refund. The draft date & deadline for cancellations and changes (listed on the chart above) is also the deadline to request a refund for each session. If you are requesting a refund for a session or sessions and it is after the draft date & deadline for cancellations and change for that session, that refund will not be approved under any circumstance. For example, the final payment for Session 1 is due June 6. June 6 is also the deadline to request a refund or to make changes for Session 1. The YMCA does not prorate, issue credits or refunds for missed days of session or late registration. The YMCA is not responsible for personal schedule conflicts. The YMCA does not prorate for wait periods for first time participants. The YMCA will not accept deposits, partial payments, or split payments for the Summer Child Care Program. The YMCA will allow you to register after the payment draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes by walk-in if space is available. If your program is closed on July 4, how come that session is not prorated? Please remember, that the Y is a non-profit organization and our general expenses do not change session-to-session. The rent, insurances, bus and transportation fees, taxes, etc., do not change just because we have closed for a day. We staff our programs weekly, and do not prorate for shortened weeks. Why aren't the younger campers allowed to swim in the swimming pool during the program? Due to the height requirements and ages of our younger children in our summer programs, we are unable to provide them with recreational swim time in our pools The YMCA requires campers to meet certain height requirements for recreational swimming (See swim testing information on page 8 and 9). Because we no longer provide the Splash Zone area (due to our concerns about water usage), we now provide swimming lessons for children entering grades K-2 this fall, at no additional charge. Some restrictions apply. Please see Page 8 and 9 of this program guide for more information and see our Parent Handbook. Do you offer a multi-child discount? We sure do! After you enroll one child into a session, you may enroll up to three additional children and receive a 10% discount. The children must be enrolled in the same weekly session, but the program can be different. For example, if you enroll two children in session 1, one child in Day Camp a the Y and one child in Good Times, you would receive the 10% sibling discount on the child in the lowest costing session. Even though they are separate programs, the session dates are the same. The discount for additional children is only for children in the same family and household; additionally, they must be either facility or program members on the same account. Families may only apply one discount for our summer programs. Discounts cannot be combined (for example, you cannot use financial assistance and the sibling discount). Does the YMCA provide lunch and daily snack each day? Children in most of our camps will need to bring their own sack lunch each day. Sack lunch should be healthy. Parents should try to avoid packing the 4 C’s: Cookies, Candy, Chips and Cake. Additionally, parents should avoid packing soda pop. Our Summer Child Care Program provides a morning and afternoon snack. Our Discovery Day Camp at the Y only provides an afternoon snack. At the time that this Program Guide was printed, the YMCA was in the middle of a partnership agreement with LAUSD to provide free lunch and afternoon snacks to all participants of our Summer Child Care Program’s on LAUSD campuses and at our Discovery Day Camp at the Y. At the time that this Program Guide was printed, no such agreement had been finalized. Please check with the summer leadership for updates on the summer lunch program. What if I need to transfer from one session to another? A transfer request is a request for a change to your child’s enrollment that allows you to transfer (or switch) the same child from one or more week session(s) to another week or other week session(s). This can be convenient for some families, as scheduling conflicts may arise during the summer. You must complete a Summer Child Care/Day Camp Transfer & Changes Form and identify which session(s) you are transferring from and which session(s) you want to transfer to. Transfers are subject to space availability at the child care program site you are transferring to. You may make one transfer per summer, per child, for free of charge. Any additional transfers after the first free transfer is $10 per session, and per child. The $10 fee is due at the time of the transfer request and is contingent upon whether or not space is available and the request is made on or prior to the draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes. The deadline for a transfer request for a specific session or sessions is the same as the draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes (listed on the chart above). All transfer requests must be submitted by 10:00 pm on or before the draft date & deadline for cancellations or changes for the session or sessions you are requesting for us to change.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Important Parent Information Continued
When will the full calendar / schedule / curriculum be ready? We anticipate early May 2016. Once ready, calendars / schedule / curriculum will be posted online for download and will be available weekly at all of our summer program locations. In the meantime, each program has a Highlight Reel for the summer, available online and at the branch. Please pick up a highlight reel today! The program that I have signed up for is already full. Do you have waitlists? Yes, we have waitlists, but they are not first come, first serve. The welcome center can add you to the waitlist. When a space opens up, an email is sent to ALL families on the waitlist. The first family to come into the branch and register for the space will receive it. We do not make phone calls to waitlist families, so please make sure your email is in the system. I would like to see a list of field trips and the typical daily schedule. Where can I find this? Pick-up a highlight reel from the Welcome Center at the branch or download from our website. The highlight reel will show you the field trips, vendors, visitors or enrichment for the session, as well as a breakdown of a typical days schedule. The schedule is subject to change without notice. Am I allowed to send extra spending money with my child? Most day–to-day expenses are covered by the Y through your enrollment fees. Occasionally, we will attend a field trip or venue where extra spending money would be optional. If this in the case, your director will inform you via signs and notes left at the parent information table at your site. How are the children grouped? Our ratio for Summer Child Care is in-line with California Community Care Licensing standards of 1 adult for every 14 children. Our ratio for Discovery Day Camp at the Y is 1 adult for every 10 children. Children are typically grouped with one staff member for the entire session or season (if feasible) based on their age group. The Y does provide some limited time during the day for mixed-age play as a part of the YMCA of the USA’s research study on supervised mixed-age free play. Does my child have to attend every session? Nope! You can attend any sessions that you sign up for; they do not need to be consecutive sessions. Wait! Where are the Specialty Camps? The West Valley Family YMCA will not offer Specialty Camps this summer. The Child Care and Day Camp Leadership team hopes to reintroduce these programs in 2017. I only need to send my child for a few days a session. Do you prorate? We believe that in order for your child to have the best experience it must be a week long. Unfortunately, we cannot prorate fees because we pay our vendors and assign staff for the week. Tell me a little bit more about the staff. Will the staff consists of teenagers and college students? The YMCA prides itself on finding the best staff possible. Our staff team members are trained in CPR and First Aid and are required to attend a 24 hours of orientation. Most of our staff possess college coursework in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Sociology, Recreation, Physical Education and Nutrition (this is required, not optional, for all staff at our Summer Child Care Program locations). Staff are also required to attend Child Abuse Prevention training and Positive Discipline training. Staff must also be 18 years or older at the time of employment. We do not guarantee staffing at any location. Staff may move from one site-to-another throughout the summer as needed and without prior notice. Do I have to pay a registration fee for each day camp/ summer child care program my child attends? No. You are only required to pay one $50 registration fee per child, which covers all our Summer Child Care Programs and Discovery Day Camp at the Y. You are covered if you transfer from one session to another, even if it you are switching between a Summer Child Care Program and Discovery Day Camp at the Y. Why does the Y charge a $50 registration fee per participant? The registration fee covers a number of administrative items for the program, in addition to the purchase of program t-shirts. Our administrative costs include office services, marketing and mailings (such as this Program Guide), communication, print and production of documents (such as registration packets) and overhead. How do I apply for financial assistance? Financial assistance applications are available for submission. You may download and print our financial assistance application from our website, or pick one up at the Welcome Center. Make sure you get your applications in early so that you can have your award before registration begins. Please note, if you are applying for financial assistance, you cannot register until after your application has been processed and approved. If you register before you receive an award, we cannot go back in the system and adjust your rate. Will sunscreen be applied to my child throughout the day? We rely on our parents to apply sunscreen to their child before bringing them to the program and also providing them with a personal supply of sunscreen (preferably a spray can for easy application). For the safety of our staff, we do not apply sunscreen directly onto children, but provide opportunities for children to apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours or before a lengthy outdoor activity. The YMCA staff will assist younger children and teach them how to apply their sunscreen. We have very limited amounts of sunscreen on site, so do not forget to send your child with sunscreen each day. If you do not want sunscreen applied to your children or would like a special type of sunscreen, please indicate so on the sunscreen notice inside the registration packet. If your child burns easily, he or she may need to bring some additional protective gear like a hat, t-shirt or rash guard that he or she can wear while participating in outdoor activities. I heard the buses do not have seatbelts. Is this right? Yes, that is correct. Don’t worry, according to the National Safety Council in 1996, school buses are 172 times safer than your family automobile. This is not an exhausted list of questions, policies, procedures and guidelines. For more information, frequently asked questions, and a full list of guidelines, policies and procedures, please see the applicable 2016 Parent Handbook.
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BEST SUMMER EVER! Overnight Resident Camp
RALLY NIGHT! July 13th! 6:00 pm West Valley Family YMCA
Summer Resident Camp YMCA Camp Whittle –July 30th – August 6th 2016 Where fun and friends meet.
Summer is a time of freedom, friends and fun! Our Summer Camp programs are designed to provide kids with great experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Led by trained, nurturing members of our team, your camper will swim, hike, bike, laugh, play, sing and, most importantly, enjoy an unplugged week of nature and fun while staying at YMCA Camp Whittle. Working from a foundation that focuses on building social skills, cabin counselors are carefully selected and trained to support your camper’s journey. “This is the second year my son has been away to camp. The first time, we were all a little nervous, but he had such fun he didn’t want to come home. This year he met old friends, made new ones and had an even better time, if that’s possible! ”The Y summer camp experience is special because we provide:
A caring environment for all children Adult role models. Our camp directors, camp counselors and staff model positive, responsible behavior Positive peer interaction. Campers interact responsibly in safe, well-supervised settings Creative activities, such as music, art and drama as well as being in the great outdoors Self-esteem. Our staff and activities make campers feel successful and good about themselves
As we believe all children deserve a chance to experience Summer Camp, limited financial assistance scholarships are also available. Check out all the Summer Camps and activities we offer, and if you have any questions, just give us a call. For more info about the West Valley Family YMCA’s resident camp week at YMCA Camp Whittle July 30 – August 6, 2016, please contact Casey Banks at CaseyWestBanks@ymcala.org or call him at 818 763 5126. Grades Entering Grades 3-6 Entering Grades 7-9 Entering Grades 7-9 Entering Grades 7-9 Entering Grades 7-9 Entering Grades 10-12
Program/Options YMCA Camp Whittle Camp 101 and 102 Outdoor High Adventure Jr. High Camp Sports Jr. High Camp Whittle Night Live – Performing Program Waterfront Jr. High Camp Leadership in Training Program
Ben has been counting down the days to camp Whittle!
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Fees $495 $495 $495 $495 $595 $495
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2016? We’ve made a couple of changes this year that we think are important for you to know. Some of more logistical and some you may find really exciting. Take a look!
Our summer programs now offer Swim Lessons for children who are entering grades K-2 in the Fall. See our Parent Handbook and page 10-11 of this Program Guide for more details (restrictions apply).
If your child needs to be Swim Tested, we now offer Swim Testing all season long from 12 pm to 2 pm, every Saturday in May, June and July at the West Valley Family YMCA Pool.
We have a new policy to help keep our program days smooth: we now require that children arrive to the program site by 10:30 am, unless prior arrangements are made with your director.
Tired of hand-writing those pesky registration packets? We now have Smart Forms to make it easier for your to complete your paperwork.
Please note that a credit card or checking / savings account is now required for all session reservations. Unless you intend to pay upfront, or on a session-bysession basis, without a reservation, payment must be made via an automatic draft from an account you designate.
This summer, we are going through the Accreditation Process for the American Camping Association.
For more details on all of the above listed bullets, please see the applicable Parent Handbook.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES We have many summer job opportunities. You must be a minimum of 18 years old & be a high school graduate & enjoy working with children. For day camp at the Y, candidates are required to have prior experience working with children & college courses related to child development, youth development or recreation is preferred. For our Summer Child Care Program, a minimum of 12 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education is required for Summer Teachers & experience is required for Water Camp Counselors. Interesting in applying? Pick-up a job application at the West Valley Family YMCA Welcome Center.
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WEST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
KICK THE CAN! SODA FREE SUMMER! Our YMCA Summer Child Care and Discovery Day Camp at the Y programs will be participating in “Soda Free Summer initiative”. Every session we will do an activity to educate the kids about the importance of health, exercise and reducing the consumption of high sugar foods and drinks. As a Y program, we have made a pledge to not consume soda and to reduce the consumption of other high sweetened beverages and snacks. Make the pledge and join us!
LOCATIONS:
She can’t wait to see her friends!
WEST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 18810 Vanowen Street, Reseda, CA 91335 P 818 774 2840 F 818 776 0153 www.ymcaLA.org/wv
1. WEST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA Day Camp @ the Y CIT Program 2. VANALDEN ELEMENTARY K-5 Summer Child Care 6-9 Good Times Program 3. WOODLAKE ELEMENTARY K-5 Summer Child Care 6-9 Good Times Program 4. POMELO ELEMENTARY K-5 Summer Child Care 6-9 Good Times Program 5. BAY LAUREL ELEMENTARY K-5 Summer Child Care