belle-chasse-parent-handbook

CAMP CREATI HANDBOOK VE

BELLE CHASSE YMCA 8101 Highway 23 Belle Chasse, LA 70037 504.392.9622

www.ymcaneworleans.org/bellechasse

PARENT/GUARDIAN HANDBOOK 2014

WHAT YOU WILL FIND: Camp Area Mission and Creed Frequently Asked Questions General Camp Policies Conduct Policies Acceptance/ Release Policy What to Expect

IMPORTANT DATES April 26, 2014 May 10, 2014 May 27, 2014 May 26, 2014 July 4, 2014 August 15, 2014

Open House 9 a.m.

Open House/Parent 1st Day of Camp Memorial Day Independence Day Last Day of Camp

– 11 a.m.

Orientation 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

YMCA CLOSED YMCA CLOSED

Drop Off/ Pick Up Camp Special Activities Payment Dates

STAY UPDATED! E-mail to get our monthly newsletter. Like us on Facebook. bcymemberservices@ymcaneworleans.org

CAMP LEADERSHIP

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, IDEAS?

Camp Director Nicole Thompson Assistant Camp Director Sierra Massey Other Positions of Leadership Julie Short

Camp Director Nicole Thompson 504.392.9622 nicolet@ymcaneworleans.org

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CAMP AREA Belle Chasse YMCA 8101 Highway 23 Belle Chasse, LA 70037 Our property is located directly off Highway 23. It is located on the right hand side just north of the Belle Chasse Popeye’s.

Main Office located immediately after entering the front doors. The main office is where all cash, check, and credit card payments will be made.

Change forms and cancellation forms are all found in the office.

Drop Off located to the far left side of the parking lot. Please remember to have your id ready. Adults attempting to pick up campers must be on that child’s authorized release form at the main office. Campers must be signed in and out daily.

Camp Lost & Found is located behind the front desk. Please check in with desk staff before looking through lost & found. Lost & found will be kept for one week after a session ends. After one week, it will be donated.

Field Trips we will take field trips off camp property. Parents will be notified of location for field trips, date, and time. Extra staff are sent with participants to increase supervision on off-site locations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the difference between day camp and day care?

Day care tries to focus on providing a safe environment that is similar to the structure kids experience in a school setting. Day camp focuses on the kids having new experiences and trying new things in a fun, nonthreatening, safe environment that can only be done in a natural outdoor setting.

Will the children be outside all day?

The children will be outdoors for most of the day. However, the children will be able to take breaks from the heat by going into the facility. The children will also be able to take frequent water breaks, have quiet time, and extended lunch periods.

Why do I have to fill out paperwork annually?

Our office require that paperwork is submitted once a year. This helps to ensure that the paperwork we have for your child is updated in the event of an emergency.

MISSION AND CREED YMCA MISSION To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

CAMP PROGRAM CREED “I pledge my commitment to the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and to reflect them in my thoughts, words and actions to be the person I was intended to be.”

CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION A $20 non-refundable deposit is due per session at the time of registration. Campers must be registered and paid-in-full one week prior to a session starting.

After Monday, a $10 late fee will be added to the amount due for each day payment is late. After Thursday, the camp spot will be made available to another child.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Financial assistance is available to individuals and families who substantiate a need.

Applications for financial assistance must be turned in prior to registration, as it may take up to a week to be reviewed.

Applications may be picked up at the front desk.

What type of training does the camp staff have?

All staff is required to attend 40 hours of training before working at camp.

Their training hours are spent on CPR, First Aid, Character Development, Age Appropriate Activities, Child Abuse Awareness, and a variety of other topics to ensure your children have a safe and fun experience at camp.

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CONDUCT POLICY Please make sure that both you and your child are completely familiar with these policies. The Camp Director may suspend or terminate a child’s participation in the program for the following reasons:

 Leaving YMCA program premises without permission, or going into posted unauthorized areas.  Using foul language or being rude and discourteous to YMCA staff or campers.  Defacing YMCA property, vehicles, or field trip facilities.  Engaging in fighting as the only means to solve a problem.  Bringing or using illegal substances.  Stealing or defacing another child’s property.  Intentionally injuring another child.  Refusing to remain with the group during outings or on the property.  Refusing to follow check in and out procedures.  Refusing to follow the basic rules of the program.  Refusing to stay seated or wear a seat belt in vehicle.  Any physical or verbal sexual harassment of another camper Step Step Step Step

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–Written or Verbal Warning –One Camp Day Suspension -Camp Week Suspension –Summer Suspension

Depending on events severity or constant behavior problems, Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director may skip any one of these steps.

GENERAL CAMP POLICIES LATE FEES Parents that pick up their children after 6:00 p.m. will have to pay a late fee. The fee is $1, per child, for every minute after 6:00 p.m.

The fee must be paid before your child can return to camp. Fee should be paid at the Membership desk.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Each camper is signed IN and OUT daily.

Parents will be responsible for providing the correct identification when signing out their camper. To ensure the camper’s safety, the YMCA Camp reserves the right not to release a camper to “unauthorized” individuals.

Parents who wish to pick up their camper early may do so at the camp office. The facility property is large, therefore, it is encouraged to call ahead or send a note with your child, so we may arrange to have your camper waiting for you. Otherwise, please be prepared to wait at least 10-20 minutes in order to gather your child and their belongings for departure.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Acceptable payment forms are: Cash, Check, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. A $20 deposit is due per session at the time of registration. The deposit is non-refundable but transferable.

-Payment is due the Monday one week prior to the start of the session.

After Monday, a $10 last fee is added to the amount due. After Thursday, your child will be withdrawn from the session and your deposit is forfeited. Returned checks are assessed a $25 service charge per check.

After two returned checks, the Y will only accept cash or money orders.

Payments are to be drafted from an account using the payment methods listed above 1 week prior to attendance, with a possibility of two weeks payment at a time.

-No adjustments in the weekly fee will be made for partially attended weeks. Sessions must be changed or cancelled in writing 1 week prior to attendance.

-Tuition will not be prorated nor refunded for any days missed due to camper nonattendance or illness. Refunds are at the discretion of the Camp Director.

ACCEPTANCE/ RELEASE POLICY: The list of persons authorized to pick up the child must be current and accurate. Changes in persons authorized to pick up the child must be made in writing and submitted to the main office.

-Changes in custody agreements will be accepted only with a copy of the court order that specifies the change and designates the person named as having legal custody of the child.

-Photo identification is required for any person picking up the child.

-No child in our care will be released to persons not authorized by the enrolling parent. In case of an emergency, please contact the site coordinator to make arrangements.

-If a person picking up a child displays signs of being impaired or in some way unable to provide safe transportation for the child, the site director will make arrangements for alternate transportation with a private provider.

It is essential that the proper release form and complete enrollment information be on file at the child’s program facility at all times.

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MEDICATIONS

WHAT TO EXPECT

MEDICATION/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Camp prefers that all medications be administered at home before the camp day. Medications that are required during the camp day will be dispensed by our Asst.

Director or Office Staff.

Going off to summer camp is a very exciting experience for campers and parents. It’s very natural for everyone to be anxious about the first day of camp and meeting new friends. The Belle Chasse YMCA Camp has welltrained staff that are focused on meeting the needs of individual campers and is committed to serving as excellent role models.

No medications will be allowed in your child’s lunch box or backpack. All prescription medication must be in the original container that identifies the prescribing physician, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration.

MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION A medication form must be filled out before medication can be administered. Refrigeration will be provided if necessary. Routine scrapes and cuts will be treated by our staff. In the case of serious illness or accident involving your child, the camp will contact you directly. In the event you cannot be reached, your authorization signed on your health form allows us to secure prompt treatment; outside medical costs will be billed to the camper’s parents. General medications and first aid supplies are provided at no cost to campers.

ALLERGIES All allergies should be brought to the attention of the camp staff.

Medications for allergies should be left with the main office.

SPECIAL NEEDS Campers with special emotional or physical needs should be called to the attention of the Camp Director by fully describing any unique requirements of the camper at least two weeks prior to arrival. We will make every reasonable accommodation possible to serve your child with special needs.

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP –(PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!!)

Lunch– Pack a nutritious lunch for your camper, including extra snacks and drinks. Do not pack anything that needs to be heated or cooled.

Water Bottle – You child must bring a water bottle everyday. If water bottles are not provided, camp will sell a bottle for a $1 to the child’s account.

Clothing- Please send appropriate clothing with your child, taking into consideration the weather forecast and camp activities. We encourage your child to wear play clothes and include a jacket and hat. For safety reasons, sandals are not permitted at camp. Please be sure your child wears tennis shoes to camp daily.

Sunscreen- To help prevent sunburn, it is recommended that parents send their child with sunscreen. Staff will only apply spray sunscreen to children. If you send lotion sunscreen, please make sure child can apply it themselves.

Backpack- It will help campers keep things together throughout the day.

Camp Shirt- Campers must wear camp shirts especially on field trip days. Campers are provided 2 shirts after which shirts can be purchased for $10.

WHAT NOT TO BRING Please leave the following items at home: toys, radios, electronic games, cell phones, video cameras, makeup, trading cards, iPods, firearms, fireworks, matches, lighters, tobacco products, canned repellant and expensive items are to be left at home. Any items brought to camp will be confiscated and turned in to the office. It can be picked up by the parent at the end of the camp day.

The Belle Chasse YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, traded, or damaged clothing, toys, or equipment.

DISCIPLINE The philosophy of our program is based on the character development principles of: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring. It is expected that our staff give respect and are courteous to each participant, as we expect to get the same in return. Camp rules are designed to enhance the happiness and safety of all campers. Children, who do not demonstrate appropriate behavior in the judgment of the directors, will be sent home from camp. Camp counselors are taught positive discipline techniques. They use positive reinforcement, redirection, and short calm down periods/techniques. If behavior persists, counselors seek guidance from the camp director.

Camp counselors are mandated child abuse reporters. Any suspected child abuse will be report to children services.

GENERAL CAMP RULES Caring: Keep your hands, feet and other objects to yourself. Take care of equipment property and environment.

Honesty: Tell the truth; do not steal.

Respect: Use appropriate language. Respect the counselors and fellow campers. Treat others like you would want to be treated.

Responsibility: Stay with your group at all times. Keep up with your belongings.

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CAMP SPECIAL ACTIVITIES THEME DAYS Session 1-Core Values Session 2-Animal Planet Session 3-Pirates Session 4-Rewind the Times Session 5-Mad Scientist Session 6-Camp Wars Session 7-Super Heroes Session 8-Holiday Session 9-Idol Session 10-Wild, Wild West Session 11-To Infinity, and Beyond!

SWIMMING  Campers swim daily.  Campers must bring the proper swimming wear and a towel. Girls must wear a one piece swimsuit.  Campers will be tested before they are permitted to swim or participate in any water activities at the beginning of every week.  The head lifeguard will announce general swimming rules before each swimming period.  Our day camp counselors are required to watch and or swim with the campers. Campers will get help learning skills to develop their capabilities during the week.  Campers who pass the swim test will be given a plastic swim band. Please keep the band on the child all week. If they don’t have a band, they will be required to wear a life jacket.

COMMUNICATION We will be sending out camp emails throughout the summer. It will contain important information about upcoming sessions. Please make sure to have a valid e-mail on file with the front desk.

PICK UP AND DROP OFF Sign in and Out Daily  You must sign your child in daily with signature and time.  You must sign your child out daily with signature and time, as well as, show your ID to match your child’s registration form.  Anyone not on the form will not be allowed to pick the child up.  Anyone under the influence of drugs, alcohol or anger will not be allowed to pick the child up.  You must be at least 18 years old to pick up a child from camp, as well as be on the pick up list.  No child is allowed to be dropped off without a signature!

Early Drop Off 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The earliest you can drop off your child is 7:00 a.m., no earlier!

You will drop off your child at the front desk. You will need to sign in your child at this time.

Daytime Drop Off & Pick up 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

During these hours, camp groups are already at activities. You will need to sign in and let the employee know your child is here for camp. At this time they will radio an opener/closer, specialist, or director to come get your child and take them to their group. You will need to be patient if you arrive close to the start of camp. A staff member will come to meet your child. You may not leave your child until a camp staff member arrives.

Late Pick Up 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The latest you can pick up your child is 6:00 p.m. sharp. If you are late, you will owe $1.00 per minute, per child.

Camp Payment Dates SESSION 1 May 26 2 June 2 3 June 9 4 June 16 5 June 23 6 June 30 7 July 7 8 July 14 9 July 21 10 July 28 11 August 4 12 August 11

PAYMENT DUE DATE Monday, May 19 Monday, May 26 Monday, June 2 Monday, June 9 Monday, June 16 Monday, June 23 Monday, June 30 Monday, July 7 Monday, July 14 Monday, July 21 Monday, July 28 Monday, August 4

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