BEST SUMMER
EVER!
SUMMER DAY CAMP 2015
PARENT HANDBOOK
FAIRFIELD FAMILY YMCA
Fairfield Family YMCA
4949 ATLANTIC AVE
LONG BEACH, CA 90805
March 2015
Dear Parents,
Thank you for enrolling your child into our YMCA Summer Day Camp program. Day Camping is a tradition
of excellence at the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. We have been busy planning exciting activities for
your child’s summer of camping fun. This summer the Fairfield Family YMCA is accredited by the
American Camping Association (ACA Camp number 6659), which requires us to adhere over 300 quality
and safety standards. Your child will have a positive, safe and fun summer meeting new friends and
conquering new adventures.
This parent handbook will provide information and regulations to help answer questions about your
child’s camp. You and your child will be held accountable for all information covered in this handbook. If
you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the Youth Development Director.
Along with this Parent Handbook, you should have received a registration packet that includes an
immunization form, emergency contacts and medical information form and a medical release/instruction
form. These must be completed before your child is officially enrolled in our camps. The forms are due
no later than June 1, 2015. Participants that register after June 1, 2015 must return all required forms
no later than seven (7) days before the first camping week attended by your child.
Thank you again for enrolling your child into our Summer Day Camp Program! We look forward to
providing a memorable summer for you and your child(ren). Please feel free to contact me at
562.423.0491 or email me at [email protected] with any additional questions at any time
during the summer.
Sincerely,
Angelica Cortez
Youth Development Director
Fairfield Family YMCA
YMCA Camp Leadership
Leticia Leos
[email protected]
Executive Director
562.423.0491
Angelica Cortez
[email protected]
Youth Development Director
562.423.0491
Mariana Rodriguez/Malindsey Nobles Associate Camp Directors
562.423.0491
The YMCA Mission Statement
To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
The YMCA Summer Day Camp Philosophy
The Fairfield Family YMCA has long recognized the rights and needs of young people to belong to a group where
they can nurture friendships, new and old, and develop a strong sense of camaraderie with peers as they develop
their own sense of self. The YMCA believes that organized small groups are one of the most effective ways of
encouraging personal growth for a child. In such groups, young people and adults work together to create an
environment that nurtures independent growth through fun filled activities.
YMCA Summer Day Camp Goals
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Provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for all campers
Demonstrate by example, positive character values including honesty, caring, responsibility and respect
Provide an opportunity for new experiences in an environment that fosters healthy relationships
Assist your camper in acquiring an appreciation for our natural surroundings
YMCA Character Development
At the YMCA we are meeting the changing conditions of the times by committing to teaching character
development principles in all our programs.
Respect: To treat others as you would have them treat you
Honesty: To tell the truth and to be worthy of trust
Caring: To love others and to be sensitive to the well being of others
Responsibility: To do what is right and to do what we ought to do
Camp Registration
Camp Registration begins on April 1, 2015 and will be accepted until camper registration limits are met. When you
register your child you will need the following:
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Camper Registration form
The non-refundable deposit of $25.00 for each week you are registering.
A $30.00 per child non-refundable registration fee
Upon initial registration parents/guardians will receive a Parent Handbook. Please complete the information forms
with the Parent Handbook. Return all signatures, medical information, and emergency contact information no later
than June 1, 2015. All campers who register after June 1, 2015 must complete all the required forms no later
than seven (7) days before your child’s first camp day. Your child will not officially be enrolled in our camp
programs and may not participate in any camp activity until all required forms are completed.
Waiting List
Space is limited in each camp. Camps will be filled according to the order that registration is received. There will
be a waiting list for each week of camp that has reached capacity. If your child is placed on the waiting list, the
Summer Day Camp administrative staff will notify you on the Friday prior to the start of that camp week whether
or not a space has opened up.
If you have defaulted on a payment, in addition to forfeiting the $25 deposit, your child will be dropped for any
future weeks of camp (see Payment Policies). In the event that this may occur, your child will lose their spot in
that week of camp and will be waitlisted for any camp weeks that have reached their capacity.
Payment Information
Payments will be processed at the YMCA. After your initial registration, payments may be taken over the phone
for your convenience with a major credit card. We can also set up direct debit for your convenience which will
automatically withdraw your camp fees out of your checking account or credit card.
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For your convenience we accept Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express, money orders, personal
checks and cash.
All balance payments are due no later than seven (7) days before each camping week. Failure to pay
balances 7 days in advanced will lead to forfeiture of your child’s camp spot. You will also lose your
deposit.
All nonrefundable deposits will be applied to weekly camp balances.
A $20.00 late fee will be charged to all accounts after the payment cut-off day.
A $20.00 transfer fee will be charged for each transfer from camps or camp weeks once the registration
process has been completed.
A $1.00 per minute late pick up will be assessed to your account for every minute you are late picking up
your child from camp.
All 3rd party agency participants must sign their attendance sheets daily or your care may be terminated
and you will be held financially responsible for camp fees.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid is available on a limited basis through the YMCA of Greater Long Beach Annual Campaign Fund. Funds
for financial assistance program are raised through our Annual Campaign. All applications take at least two weeks
to process. When completing the application process attach proof of all income. Two consecutive recent paycheck
stubs or a copy of your 2014 W2 statement is considered proof of income. For additional information on the
financial aid process, contact Angelica Cortez, Youth Development Director at 562.423.0491
If you would like to donate to our Annual Campaign to help send a few wonderful kids to camp that would not
normally get the opportunity to, please contact our Executive Director Leticia Leos. All donations are tax
deductible.
Tax Information
The YMCA Tax ID number is 95-1643396. Receipts are given upon payment. If you require a complete list of
payments made for Summer Day Camp you may request a statement from Angelica Cortez; allow one week for
processing
Refunds & Credits
The Youth Development Director must approve all credits and refunds. Credits are issued immediately and are
valid for the period of one year. All credits can be applied to any Fairfield YMCA program or membership. Refunds
are issued in the form in which they were received, except cash which is refunded via check. Refunds issued by
check will be processed by our corporate office and may take up to three weeks to receive in the mail. Refunds
issued by credit or debit card are issued immediately and may take up to three business days to be reflected in
your account.
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All refunds require a $15.00 processing fee
All deposits are nonrefundable.
All camper registration fees are nonrefundable
Camp balances are nonrefundable after the first camping day is completed.
Refunds/Credits will not be issued for any camper who is suspended or expelled from camp for behavior or
safety violations.
 Refunds/Credits will be issued for medical emergencies/illnesses accompanying a doctor’s statement for
absences of more than 2 consecutive days in the same camping week.
 If the Fairfield Family YMCA cancels camping day/days, except for inclement weather and/or natural
disaster, a partial refund/credit will be issued without a processing fee.
 If the Fairfield Family YMCA cancels a day camp program, except for inclement weather and/or natural
disaster, a full refund/credit will be issued without a processing fee.
If you have additional questions about our credit and refund policies, please contact the Youth Development
Director immediately.
YMCA Summer Day Camp Staff
We hire the most qualified staff as camp counselors to help ensure your child’s positive and fun experience in our
day camp programs. Counselors agree to behavior expectations and have provided references during the interview
process. Many counselors are studying Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education in college. All
counselors must meet the following requirements:
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Certified in CPR
Certified in First Aid
Complete 28 hours of pre-camp training
Be a minimum age of 18 for all Specialty & Sport Camps
Be a minimum age of 18 and a high school graduate for our Traditional Camps
Obtain a criminal record clearance
Obtain a child abuse record clearance
1-2 years of prior experience with children ages 3-15.
Camper Groups
Campers will be divided into camper groups based on age. Campers will be assigned a team and will interact in
daily scheduled activities with their team. At certain times, campers will participate in camp wide events and
activities. We will be adhering to the required American Camping Association ratios. The following are the camper
groups and camper to counselor ratios:
Children Ages 5-6
Children Ages 7-8
Children Ages 9-14
1:6 counselor to camper ratio
1:8 counselor to camper ratio
1:10 counselor to camper ratio
*Camper not allowed to be alone with a Counselor
YMCA Camp Hours
Camp hours: 9:00am- 4:00pm
Extended Camp hours: 6:30am-9:00am & 4:00pm-6:30pm
Camp News
All campers will receive a weekly camp newsletter. Please pick up the newsletter at the sign in and out area.
Inside the newsletter, you will find information about your child’s camp experience for the week and parent
reminders
Daily Camp Schedule Sample
Traditional Day Camp
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Camp Opening
Character Development Time
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Games
Arts & Crafts or park activity
Lunch
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Special Theme Activity
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Sports
Team Time
Field Trip (9)
Camp Closing
Theme Weeks
Children enrolled in our traditional day camps participate in weekly theme events. Children will have special
activities and guests that incorporate the theme each week. The theme weeks for this summer in order are as
follows:
Themes:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Around the World
Party in the USA
Super Hero
Groovy Times
Sports Extravaganza
Everyday is a Holiday
Animal Planet
Masquerade
Pirates
Fiesta Party
Last Blast Summer Celebration
All campers who attended summer camp at any time during the summer are invited to a Last Blast Summer Dance
on the last day of camp, August 28, 2015. The celebration consists of a picnic and dance held from 11:30am4:00pm. Campers vote on “Summer Camp Queen and King”, eat picnic treats and dance away the afternoon to
music with a DJ.
Field Trips
Children enrolled in our Traditional Day Camp will be attending nine field trips.
Date
Destination
Bus Departure
June 25, 2015
Splash!
10:00am
July 9, 2015
Chuck E. Cheese
10:00am
July 16, 2015
10:00am
July 30, 2015
Norwalk 8
Theatre
Cabrillo
Beach/Aquarium
Staples Center
August 6, 2015
El Dorado
10:00am
July 23, 2015
10:00am
10:00am
Address
13806 La Mirada
Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
515 Lakewood Blvd.
Lakewood, CA 90712
Norwalk Town Square
13917 Pioneer Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
3800 Stephen M
White Drive San
Pedro, CA
1111 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA
90015
7550 E Spring St.
Long Beach, CA
Nature Center
August13,2015
John’s
Incredible Pizza
August20,2015 Mother’s Beach
August27,2015
Long Beach
Aquarium
90815
10:00am
8601 Buena Park, CA
90620
10:00am
5839 Appian Way
Long Beach, CA
10:00am
100 Aquarium way,
Long Beach, CA
90802
Traditional Day Camp
** Field Trips are subject to change
** We may not be in a position to accept children who arrive after 9:00am. If your child arrives late and there is a
scheduled field trip we will not be able to hold back the bus or van to wait for your arrival. We will not provide
alternative care if your child misses the bus or van for the field trip.
** We will return from our field trips by 4pm ( depending on traffic )
Daily Sign In/Out
Each camper must be signed in and out of camp each day. Please be prepared to show a photo I.D. We realize
that asking for photo identification in order to sign your child out may be inconvenient but this is not a rule that
we are lenient with, for the safety of your child. We will be requiring photo ID for the entire summer even if our
staff recognize you. Unless the YMCA Summer Day Camp Director is notified in writing, only adults (at least 18
years of age) authorized by the parent on the child’s registration paperwork are allowed to sign out children at the
end of the day. You may pick your child up on a trip.
Each camper is expected to be picked up by the end of their enrolled camp day. Campers picked up after their
enrolled time will be charged $1.00 per minute. If your child is not picked up by 7:00pm and we cannot reach you
or an emergency contact, we will contact the Long Beach Police Department to assist us.
Camper Attire
Your child will be participating in several indoor and outdoor activities each camping day. It is very important that
your child be appropriately dressed for summer weather and outdoor activities. Please mark all clothing and
belongings with your child’s name. Provided below is a list of appropriate clothing and camper needs.
A lost and found bin will be placed at the sign in and out table at the beginning and end of each camping day.
Please ask your child if they have all of their belongings each day. If your child is missing an item please check the
bin. The YMCA cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
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Sneakers & Socks –Sandals and other open toed shoes are not permitted at camp.
Shorts & T-Shirts – Children should be dressed in “camp clothes”. Please do not allow your child to wear
expensive or “dressy” clothes to camp. In addition, clothing should be age appropriate and non-offensive
in nature. Children dressed inappropriately for camp will be asked to leave for the day. Children will be
engaged in sports, games and arts & crafts, all known to be potentially messy.
Bathing Suits – Please be sure you pack your child’s bathing suit every day. Although children may not
swim every day, they will be engaged in water activities every day ranging from water balloon to a slip &
slide. Campers may only wear one piece bathing suits
Hat & Sunglasses – It is very important that your child has additional protection from the sun. We
recommend that your child wear both to camp. Your child will be spending a significant amount of time
outdoors.
Additional Camper Needs
Please clearly label your child’s name on the following camper needs with a permanent black marker:
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Water Bottle
Waterproof Sun Block of 25 SPF or higher
Towels
Backpack
Waterproof Sun Block
All campers must wear waterproof sun block of 25spf or higher. Children in all camps will be spending much of
their day outside. Sun block should be applied at home before children come to camp. During the day counselors
will reapply sun block frequently. If parents do not wish to have their child wear sun block or have sun block
applied to their child, a written letter from the child’s parent/guardian must be presented to the Camp Director on
the first day of camp.
Camper T-Shirts
All campers will be issued a YMCA camp T-shirt for the summer. The campers are only required to wear this Tshirt for the field trips. They are welcome to wear the shirt on non-field trip days as well. Additional shirts may
be purchased for $10.00 at the YMCA Welcome Center.
What Not To Bring to Camp
There are several items that we do not want children bringing to camp for various reasons. We are interested in
providing your child with a positive camping experience. That experience can be ruined if a child loses a “special”
toy or personal item during the camp day. A list of restricted items follows.
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Personal Property or toys
Sport Equipment
Radios, MP3 players, IPods, CD/tape players, personal DVD players
Trading cards
Make up
Skateboards, Roller Blades, Scooters
Video games or gaming equipment
Expensive jewelry
Cell phones
Pet/Animals
The Fairfield Family YMCA cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen property.
Opportunities for Communication
To ensure that you and your child are getting the most out of your YMCA experience, we maintain open lines of
communication through a variety of sources including: Top Sheets, bulletin boards, written notices and/or reports
from staff and surveys. Phone numbers for program directors and each camp are listed on the cover sheet of this
parent handbook.
Parent Information Area
The sign-in table provides information regarding daily and weekly activities. Our staff will be ensuring that your
camper is prepared for the day, checking that proper attire is worn, lunches are brought and they are in good
health. Please be aware that any changes to the schedules will be posted on the sign in bulletin board.
Weekly calendars will be placed at the sign in/out table at the end of each week. Information on these weekly
calendars will include a schedule of the daily activities, what to bring each day and any changes made.
Email
Parents can email the YMCA Summer Day Camp Director Angelica Cortez at [email protected] or call
562.423.0491 regarding any questions about the program.
Money at Camp
Money is optional during camp trip days. If your child will be bringing money on the trip day, please check the
money in at the sign-in table. Their money will be placed in an envelope with their name and amount enclosed.
Any change left over will be returned when your child is signed out. Your child is not allowed to carry their own
money during trips. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen money that is not checked in at the sign-in
table.
Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Free
All YMCA camps and programs occur in a drug, alcohol and tobacco free environment. Any camper who brings
drugs, alcohol or tobacco to camp or on YMCA property or at one of our outreach sites will be immediately
expelled from the program for the duration of the summer. No refunds or credits will be issued for a violation of
this code.
Behavior Management/Discipline Procedures
Our Summer Day Camp needs rules and guidelines in order to have a quality program. We understand that children
will push limits and are learning about life. This is expected. What we have zero tolerance for is hitting,
threatening or disregard for staff or peers. It is not fair for other campers who are following camp guidelines to
have their activities interrupted by those not following directions. We do not permit verbal or corporal punishment.
If we have difficulty with a child we initially redirect them. If the problem continues, we implement a cool off time.
A child can be instructed to separate from the group for a brief period of time to help them calm down or simply
just to be away from the current situation.
In cases of negative or inappropriate behavior, the following process will be employed:
Reasoning and Redirection: Every effort will be made to help the child understand the inappropriateness of his/her
action and agree to an alternate form of behavior. Children may be redirected to alternative activities. When the
conflict is child-to-child, every effort will be made to have them reason together face-to-face with staff
facilitating.
Removal from Specific Activity: When reasoning has been pursued and has not changed behavior, removing child
from the activity involved for an appropriate amount of time may become necessary. The denied activity should be
related to the misbehavior and the removal should not exceed 10 minutes.
A Behavior Report will be written documenting the inappropriate behavior and discussed with parent upon pick up.
If the child continues to have problems in the same area or demonstrates problems in several areas then we
reserve the right to suspend or terminate the child from the program (refunds will not be given for time missed due
to disruptive behavior). If a child receives 3 Behavior Reports they may be instantly dismissed from the program.
This is at the discretion of the Summer Day Camp Director.
A child can be instantly terminated from the Summer Day Camp program for the following reasons:
Physical confrontation or assault on another camper
Running away from camp
Threatening, intimidating or bullying other campers
Possessing a weapon
Possessing drugs or alcohol
Demonstrating intent to hurt someone through action or words
Behavior Policy
It is the goal of the Fairfield Family YMCA camps and programs to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment
for all camp participants. The YMCA teaches our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Children who attend our summer camp programs are expected to follow the behavior guidelines and to interact
appropriately in small and large group settings. All Day Camp counselors received training in peaceful conflict
resolution, behavior management and rule enforcement. Please review the following rules with your child before
the first week of camp. You and your child will be held accountable for the knowledge and comprehension of these
rules.
Camp Rules:
 Fighting, both verbal and physical will not be tolerated.
 Campers are to stay with their assigned groups at all times, unless the counselor gives specific
permission to leave the group temporarily using the buddy system.
 Campers are to show respect for other campers, staff and their surroundings.
 Campers are to act in a caring manner at all times.
 Campers are held responsible for their actions.
 Campers are asked to communicate honestly with each other and with their counselors.
General Camp Rules
No inappropriate physical contact between children
Be respectful of staff, counselors, directors and peers
Stay with your camp and within designated boundaries
Follow directions
Let staff know if you need to use the restroom
No pets permitted in camp
Van/Bus Rules
No eating, drinking or chewing gum in van or bus
Remain seated at all times (with seat belts in vans)
No LOUD talking, yelling, whistling or singing
Keep all body parts in the vehicle
No throwing items out of the windows
Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times
Beach/Swimming Rules
Follow all general rules
Swim only when lifeguard is present
Do not enter water without permission
Swim directly in front of lifeguard station at the beach
No surf-boards; Boogie boards permitted ONLY by Teen Campers
Never swim alone
No throwing sand or other items
Swimmers- allowed only into water at chest high
Non-swimmers- allowed only into water at waist high
Park Rules
Follow all general rules
No throwing sand or other objects
Feet first on slides
Sit when sliding
Do not climb up slides
Stay with your group and within designated boundaries
No running off
Inform staff if needing to enter a restroom
Shoes must be worn always - No sandals or any open toed shoes
All Camp Discipline Policy
If your child should violate any of the above camper rules, the discipline policy will go into effect.
The discipline policy is carried out through the use of “steps”. Any kind of violent act or behavior
will automatically result in a suspension from the program.
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Step 1: The first violation of a camp rule will result in the child and counselor having a discussion and
a conflict resolution session. The Youth Development Director will notify parents/guardians of the
behavior infraction during sign out.
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Step 2: The second violation will result in a meeting with the Youth Development Director to discuss
conflict resolution. The Youth Development Director will notify parents of the behavior infraction.
Children will lose a camp privilege for 1 or 2 camping days (i.e. swimming).
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Step 3: The third violation will result in a suspension from camp issued by the Executive Director.
Campers are to be picked up from camp at the time of the violation by either yourself or a person
named on the emergency card. Depending on the severity of the violation the child may be suspended
for 1 – 5 camp days. Length of suspension also depends on the child’s attitude during conflict
resolution sessions and level of remorse for behavior infraction. No refunds or credits will be issued
for the period of the suspension.
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Step 4: The fourth and final violation of camp rules will result in immediate expulsion from camp. No
refunds or credits will be issued for the remainder of the camping week. The Youth Development
Director and Executive Director reserves the right to immediately dismiss a child from the program
based on the severity of the situation and/or aggressiveness of behavior.
Special Needs/Medical Forms/Medications
Your child is not required to have a physical before joining camp however if your child has special needs of any
type YOU MUST INFORM Angelica Cortez IN WRITING. Special needs may include needing medications, medical
illness/conditions or bathroom emergencies. In order to meet the needs of your child we must know exactly what
their needs are and how you would like us to meet those needs. Our program is not designed to meet the needs of
all special needs children but we will always do our best within the program’s guidelines.
If your child will be requiring medication during day camp then you will need to fill out and sign the Authorization
to Administer Medication form which can be obtained at the sign-in table. We will not administer medication
without this form. All medication MUST be in the original pharmacy bottle with the pharmacy label stating your
child’s name and dosing directions or we will not administer it. We cannot and will not administer over the counter
medication or insulin.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication
Medication should be taken before and after camp whenever possible. Campers must administer their own
medication while at camp. Before we can allow your child to self- medicate, you must compete the medication
instruction form. All campers must self-medicate under the supervision of the Youth Development Director. If
your child will need medication during camp hours please abide by the following procedures:
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All medications must be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
All prescription medications must be current and be in the original prescription bottle.
All medications must be given to the camp staff on the first camping day.
All medications must be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the camping week.
Explicit written directions including dosage and frequency of dosage must accompany medication.
The Youth Development Director or Assistant Camp Director will supervise while campers self- medicate.
All medication will be kept in a locked, secure location.
Children who are on any current medication including behavior modification medication must continue to
take that medication during each camping week or for the duration of the dosage period.
Illness and Emergency Procedures
It is extremely important that all emergency numbers provided are correct. If your child is ill, please do not bring
them to camp. If your child becomes ill at camp, we will call you to come and pick him/her up. If we are unable to
reach you your emergency contacts will be called to pick up your child. If your child is diagnosed with a serious
contagious health condition throughout the course of camp, please inform your camp director so that we may
inform other parents. This diagnosis may include but is not limited to: chicken pox, pink eye (conjunctivitis), head
lice, scabies, ring worm, swine flu, etc. A doctor’s note must be obtained clearing your child to return to camp.
Our staff is certified in CPR/First Aid. If your child is injured while at camp we are able to tend to minor injuries. If
your child is greatly injured, your child’s camp director will take all steps necessary to obtain appropriate medical
care. These steps include:
1. Attempting to reach the parent/legal guardian/emergency contact
2. Call paramedics/ambulance
3. Have your child taken to an emergency hospital while in the company of a staff member
All parents/guardians must complete an emergency contact form. On this form please indicate the next person you
would like us to contact if your child needs to be picked up from camp for an illnesses, a contact person should be
available at all times. All campers enrolled in camp must complete a Health Assessment, which requires a complete
physical and immunization record before campers can be officially admitted into camp. In case of a medical
emergency parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible. Parents are required to sign a medical consent
form giving permission for certified Fairfield Family YMCA employees to perform First Aid and/or CPR on your child.
Parents are also required to sign a consent form to transport your child to the hospital by ambulance. A YMCA
employee will accompany your child to the hospital and stay until a parent/guardian arrives. If the medical
emergency does not allow the child to continue in the Day Camp Program, a partial credit or refund will be issued.
Please do not bring your child to camp if they have a contagious disease, illness or lice. Children who are deemed
to be sick by the Camp Staff will be sent home. Children with open wounds or sores will not be permitted to swim.
Illness/Injury
It is extremely important that all emergency numbers provided are correct. If your child is ill, please do not bring
them to camp. If your child becomes ill at camp, we will call you to come and pick him/her up. If your child is
diagnosed with a serious contagious health condition throughout the course of camp, please inform your camp
director so that we may inform other parents. This diagnose may include but is not limited to: chicken pox, pink
eye (conjunctivitis), head lice, scabies, ring worm, swine flu, etc. A doctor’s note must be obtained clearing your
child to return to camp. Our staff is certified in CPR/First aid. If your child is greatly injured, your child’s camp
director will take all steps necessary to obtain appropriate medical care. These steps include:
1. Attempting to reach the parent/legal guardian/emergency contact
2. Call paramedics/ambulance
3. Have your child taken to an emergency hospital while in the company of a staff member.
Code Red and Inclement Weather Days
We hope that all days at camp this summer will be sunny! However, we must be prepared for severe heat and
other forms of inclement weather. During a Code Red day campers will be kept inside and will take frequent water
breaks. Code Red days are when the temperatures outside reach 95 degrees or higher.
For severe rain, thunder and lightning campers will be brought inside. We will not return to the outdoors for a ½
hour after the storm has passed. Your child’s safety is our top priority at camp. We will not jeopardize your
child’s safety by exposing them to severe weather. Children will also not swim during any thunder or lightning
event.
Absences
If you know that your child will not be attending the next camping day, please notify your counselor. There are no
credits or refunds issued for absences. If your child is absent from camp for two or more consecutive camping
days in the same week, a partial refund or credit will be issued if a doctor’s note is accompanied with the credit or
refund request.
Late Arrivals
We may not be in a position to accept children who arrive after 9:00am. If your child arrives late and there is a
scheduled field trip we will not be able to hold back the bus or van to wait for your arrival. We will not provide
alternative care if your child misses the bus or van for the field trip.
Bus & Van Rules
Children using the busing service are to abide by the following rules. The driver has full authority on the bus. The
counselors will work with the bus driver to enforce all rules. Please review the following rules with your child
before the first day of camp. You and your child will be held accountable for the knowledge of these rules.
Children who continually violate the bus rules will lose busing privileges.
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Driver instructions to children must be followed at all times
Children are to be seated and facing forward while on the bus.
Keep all hands and arms inside the windows of the bus at all times.
There is no eating or drinking on the bus.
Speak with inside voices while on the bus.
Camp Evaluations
Program evaluations will be distributed for each camp. Evaluations will be distributed weekly for all camps.
Specialty Camp Program Evaluations will also be distributed weekly. Program evaluations will give you an
opportunity to rate our program and provide the Youth Development Director valuable feedback. Program
evaluations are anonymous. We value your opinion and truly take what you say into consideration. Changes have
been made to our programs in the past based on these parent evaluations. You may either mail in your evaluation
to the Youth Development Director at the YMCA, turn evaluations in to the box at the sign in and out area at
Fairfield Family YMCA or you may give your evaluation to your child’s camp counselor.
Camp Breakfast and Lunch
Campers in traditional camp will receive breakfast and lunch daily. If your child has special dietary needs
or is a picky eater we encourage you to pack your child’s breakfast and lunch. Please pack foods that will
not spoil. Please be sure provide an AM and PM snack for your child (ren) on a daily basis. Refrigeration
is not available.
Additional Questions
Please contact us with any additional questions or comments. Refer to the phone list in the beginning of the
parent handbook for the proper contact person.