2014 West Bank YMCA Summer Camp Handbook

ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Summer Camp WEST BANK YMCA AT FEDERAL CITY

SO MUCH MORE. Day campers are able to explore creativity, teamwork and leadership in a wide range of physically active programs that influence lifelong healthy living.

Day camp builds an interest in community with experiences in local and global cultures where campers gain an appreciation for others different from themselves.

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Welcome to Summer at the Y! We are so glad to be a part of your summer! The YMCA is committed to making sure that every child has the opportunity to have a summer full of adventure with learning opportunities, fun activities and great friends!

This guide is design to help make summer great and give you information about Summer Camp at the Y: what to expect, what to bring, who will be there, payment information and lots more!

Krystal Moore– Youth Services Director krystalb@ymcaneworleans.org Jennifer Dobies– Assistant Summer Camp Director jenniferd@ymcaneworleans.org WEST BANK YMCA AT FEDERAL CITY 2220 Constitution Street New Orleans, LA 70114 (504)821-9622

Camp at the Y is more than a place to go Our purpose is to offer a wonderful atmosphere that focuses on creating memories for our campers based on our four core values of respect, honesty, responsibility and caring. Your child will spend between one and eleven weeks this summer making friends, enhancing social skills, trying new things and gaining self-confidence through positive reinforcement, safe surroundings and fun with our trained and committed staff!

We have the best staff for the best summer!

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.

Who: Children ages 5 to 12 What: 11 weekly summer camp sessions with awesome adventure filled themes! Weekly fieldtrips included.

Where: West Bank YMCA When: Weekly May 27th to August 8th Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00pm Important Camp Dates

May 20, 2014: Open House/Parent Orientation 6pm to 8pm May 26, 2014: Memorial Day YMCA CLOSED May 27, 2014: 1st Day of Camp July 3, 2014: Camp Wars at West Bank YMCA July 4, 2014: Independence Day YMCA CLOSED August 8, 2014: Last Day of Camp

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READY FOR SUMMER! Register at the WEST BANK YMCA

Cost Members: $130* weekly Non-Members: $180* weekly plus a one time $50 registration fee *$30 non-refundable deposit per week required to reserve your spot

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

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, non-threatening, 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.

CAMP PAYMENT SCHEDULE Session

Session Dates

Payment Due By

Payment Information

1 Core Values

May 27-30

Monday, May 19

2 Animal Planet

June 2-6

Tuesday, May 27

The YMCA will be auto-drafting summer camp fees from the account noted on the camper registration form 1 WEEK PRIOR to the intended week of camp.

3 Pirates

June 9-13

Monday, June 2

4 Rewind the Times

June 16-20

Monday, June 9

5 Mad Scientist

June 23-27

Monday, June 16

6 Camp Wars

June 30-July 3

Monday, June 23

7 Super Heroes

July 7-11

Monday, June 30

8 Holiday

July 14-18

Monday, July 7

9 Idol

July 21-25

Monday, July 14

10 Wild, Wild West

July 28August 1

Monday, July 21

11 To Infinity, & Beyond! August 4-8

Monday, July 28

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2014 SUMMER CAMP HANDBOOK All you need for a great summer!

WHAT TO EXPECT

CAMP CODE OF CONDUCT

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 West Bank YMCA Camp has well-trained staff that are focused on meeting the needs of individual campers and is committed to serving as excellent role models.

GENERAL 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.

WHAT TO BRING– (PLEASE LABLE 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 YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, traded, or damaged clothing, toys, or equipment.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Acceptable payment forms are: Cash, Check, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. A $30 deposit is due per week 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 late 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.

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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 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. Disciplinary steps are as follows:  1st incident will result in parent notification by phone and/or writing.  2nd will result in a disciplinary action form and meeting with parent  3rd incident will result in temporary or permanent suspension from camp without refund.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

HEALTH AND SAFETY

EACH CAMPER IS SIGNED 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!

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Children with colds or experiencing illness will not be permitted to attend camp.

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YMCA Staff are mandated child abuse reporters – this includes physical, sexual, emotional, mental abuse and neglect.

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The YMCA will document all bumps and bruises and make the parent aware each time an incident or accident occurs. In extreme cases, we will call right away based on the information provided on the campers registration form. In not so extreme cases, we will communicate to the person picking the camper up and they will sign a “bump and bruise” report. If an accident/incident occurs that requires IMMEDIATE medical attention, the YMCA will call 911. The parents will assume fees for the emergency transportation.

PICK UP AND DROP OFF Early Drop Off 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.

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.

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.

LATE FEES Parents who pick up their children after 6:00 pm will have to pay a late fee. The fee is $1 per child per minute after 6:00pm. The fee must be paid before your child can return to camp. Fee should be paid at the membership desk.

ACCEPTANCE/ RELEASE 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.

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.

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.

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YMCA OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS

WEST BANK YMCA 2220 Constitution St. New Orleans, LA 70114 P 504 821 9622 www.ymcaneworleans.org

111204 01/12

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