PARENT HANDBOOK 2016 YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR BEST SUMMER YET.

Transcription

1 PARENT HANDBOOK 2016 YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR BEST SUMMER YET. 1

2 WELCOME TO CAMP SOLELIM! Getting ready for camp should be filled with excitement and anticipation, not stress and anxiety. This handbook contains all the information new and returning campers (and their families!) need to know to make the most out of their Solelim experience. IMPORTANT DATES CAMP BEGINS FOR POSTS July 3, 2016 CAMP BEGINS FOR ROOKIES July 5, 2016 VISITORS WEEKEND July 23 & 24, 2016 CAMP ENDS August 17, 2016 KEEPING IN TOUCH We know that communication with Camp staff and your camper(s) is so important. Here s all you need to know about staying in touch throughout the year and during the summer. TORONTO OFFICE Before June 23 rd, the Camp Solelim office is located on the 2 nd floor of 788 Marlee Avenue in Toronto. The office is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Please contact our administrator, Jennifer Levy, at ext CAMP OFFICE The Camp Solelim office is staffed from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday to Thursday and from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday. On Saturday and after hours, voic is checked regularly. All messages are returned within 24 hours during the week and within 36 hours on the weekend. Our office staff check their s daily, but due to the fast paced schedule of camp are not always able to reply immediately. s will receive a response within 24 hours during the week and within 36 hours on the weekend. PHONE NUMBER:

3 LETTERS & PACKAGES Campers look forward to receiving news from home and we encourage families to write regularly. Mail is distributed daily Monday through Friday. Camp mail and packages should be clearly labelled with your camper s name and our summer mailing address: Camp Solelim 6490 Tilton Lake Road Sudbury, ON P3G 1L5 If you would like to send a small care package to your camper, please use CANADA POST only. For security reasons, please ensure that your camper s name as well as the sender of the package are clearly marked. In order to prevent bears and rodents in our campsite, please do not send any food packages to camp. Camp Solelim aims to nurture campers independence and sense of responsibility. We encourage campers to share their camp experience with their families, but we do not have designated letter writing times or quotas. If receiving mail is important to you, please share your feelings with your campers. We find guilt is an effective tactic. Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes also help make writing home easier. Camper mail will be collected and mailed throughout the week. Delivery times can vary due to our rural location, outgoing mail can take up to a week to arrive in Toronto and longer for other destinations. CAMPER DROP OFF To ensure a smooth departure, please arrive a half hour before your camper s designated departure time. Buses will pull into camp between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM and campers will be served lunch upon their arrival. Tip: Bring a nut free snack and drink for the bus ride to camp! POSTS Sunday, July 3 rd, 2016 Buses Depart at 8:00 AM sharp ROOKIES Tuesday, July 5 th, 2016 Buses Depart at 10:00 AM sharp Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Avenue West Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Avenue West 3

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5 BAG DROP OFF Solelim staff will be ready and waidng by the Cartage truck in the parking lot to assist with loading baggage during the designated drop off dmes. POSTS Sunday, July 3 rd, :00 AM 7:30 AM Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Avenue West ROOKIES Sunday, July 3 rd, :30 AM 8:30 AM Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Avenue West OUT OF TOWN CAMPER? Please be in touch with the office and we will make arrangements for your baggage to be brought to camp. RETURNING FROM CAMP All campers and their baggage will return from camp on Wednesday, August 17 th, The buses will arrive at Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre (580 Finch Avenue West) between 10:30 and 11:00 AM. PACKING LIST Our Packing List covers everything the campers should bring. Help us to make camp a safe and happy environment by not packing any of the items in the Do not pack list. Many seemingly harmless things particularly electrical appliances can pose a risk to the safety of campers. WHAT TO PACK IN We recommend campers bring 1 trunk (2ft. x 4ft.), 1 duffel bag and 1 set of plastic drawers. Campers work together and with staff to transport their belongings to their tents if you can t lift your bags, then we won t be able to either! PROPER LABELLING In order to prevent lost and misplaced items, please label every article of clothing and all belongings with your camper s full name. Labels should be machine washable and waterproof. CLICK HERE to purchase labels and help support Camp Solelim in the process! 5

6 LAUNDRY Each camper tent is supplied with two Laundry bags: one for light and one for dark clothing. Every week a service collects the bags and clothing is washed, dried and returned the following day. We recommend campers bring their own laundry bags to be used un\l laundry day. Please help us reduce the chances of lost and/or misplaced laundry by clearly labelling your camper s clothing. LOST & FOUND Lost and found is collected daily and stored in bins outside the Ulam. Campers are encouraged to claim their lost and found throughout the summer and especially at the end of camp. Unclaimed lost and found items will not be returned to Toronto at the end of camp. SOLELIM S ELECTRONIC POLICY We understand that screens and technology are important part of our campers lives during the year. At camp, we strive to give our campers a break from the digital world so that they can focus on building friendships and community face-to-face. CAMP SOLELIM IS PROUD TO BE A SCREEN FREE ENVIRONMENT We believe in unplugging from technology so that we can plug into the environment, activities, and relationships that make Camp Solelim the special place that it is. That is why we insist that our campers leave most of their devices at home. Your understanding and support of this policy helps us ensure that our campers get the most out of their Solelim experience. WHAT S ALLOWED Personal music devices such as ipod Nano (1 st, 2 nd or 6 th generation only), ipod Shuffle, ipod Mini, ipod Classic (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd or 4 th generation only) may only be used inside tents during free time. Small, lightweight and inexpensive digital cameras LEAVE THESE AT HOME: Smartphones, cell phones and/or any device capable of connecting to a cellular network Personal music devices capable of Wi-Fi connection: ipod Nano (3 rd, 4 th, 5 th or 7 th generation), ipod Touch, ipad, ipod Classic (5 th generation and beyond) E-readers such as Kobo, Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle, etc. Laptop computers Sony PSP or any Nintendo product 6

7 Any device capable of playing games, watching movies/tv shows/videos, uploading or downloading data, and/or being used as a telephone If campers bring devices with them to camp that are not allowed, we will take them away for the duration of the summer. TENT LIFE Tent living is a defining feature of the Solelim experience. Made with a concrete base and a wood frame, our tents are sturdy and comfortable. All our canvas tents are equipped with a rain fly, windows and electricity, making them a comfortable summer home. WHY OUR CAMPERS LOVE LIVING IN TENTS Living in smaller groups and within different age groups breaks down social cliques and creates a greater sense of community Living without counsellors promotes independence and responsibility It brings them closer to nature nothing compares to falling asleep to rain beating on the canvas, feeling the cool breeze, or waking up to the smell of fresh dew and birch trees! Most tents will have four or five campers and some may have up to six. We try to group three rookies with two posts; although we try to avoid it, we sometimes have to alter the ratio, resulting in all rookie or all post tents. Every tent is assigned one or two staff as tent parents ; while they do not live in the tent with the campers, tent parents are responsible for checking in daily with their campers and for organizing special tent time activities throughout the summer. Every week, tent parents sit down with each camper in their tent to talk about highlights and challenges from the previous week, and whether they are getting what they want out of their summer. Weekly meetings are held between the tent parents, Head Counselor and Camp Director to ensure that every camper is adjusting to camp and participating in programming to their fullest potential. Our tent parent system allows us to give every camper the support they need to have an amazing camp experience. TENT PLACEMENT POLICY We want all our campers to feel safe and happy with their tent placements. Camper tents are configured during pre-camp. We meet with the Director of Camp Shalom to discuss dynamics of incoming Rookie campers and rely on the insight of our staff team who worked with our returning campers. We empathize with campers desires to be placed with their friends; however, accepting tent requests creates more tension than it eases, causing many campers to feel alienated, intimidated and anxious for the summer. It is Solelim policy to only accept tent requests from campers who are new to the system our office will 7

8 contact families of campers who did not previously attend Camp Shalom or Solelim to figure out where they will feel most comfortable. HEALTH & SAFETY At Solelim, campers health and safety are our highest priority. All camp health professionals are fully informed about health issues prior to camp and they communicate with campers families during the sessions should there be a need. Our fully equipped Health Centre is staffed by a dedicated registered nurse seven days a week. Our nurse is responsible for administration of all prescription and non-prescription medications, treating minor medical problems and monitoring health trends in camp. When the nurse is not available, staff member(s) trained in first aid are responsible for providing basic care. A doctor visits camp once a week should a camper require a physician consultation in the absence of our doctor, campers are taken to the Medical Clinic at Four Corners in Sudbury which is a ten minute drive from camp. There is no dentist or orthodontist on staff at camp, but we are able to access these services in Sudbury as well. Camp Solelim retains the services of a social worker who specializes in working with adolescents within the Toronto District School Board. Our social worker has scheduled weekly camper care check-ins with our Head Counsellor and Director and is available for consultation on issues whenever they may arise. Camp Solelim has 911 services available and a local hospital within a twenty minute drive from camp. In the unlikely event of an emergency, campers will be taken to the Emergency Department at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. CONTACTING FAMILIES IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT We work hard to make sure our campers are safe and happy all summer long, but should an unexpected illness or accident occur, our Health Centre will contact you. You can expect to receive a call if: Your camper is prescribed oral antibiotics or other medications Your camper requires an unscheduled visit to the hospital or dentist An unusually long illness Prolonged homesickness We do not contact campers families for minor medical situations such as: Giving over the counter medications, topical creams or lotions Minor cuts and scrapes Colds and short term illnesses that do not require medication Homesickness that only lasts for a short period of time 8

9 SENDING MEDICATIONS TO CAMP Our staff will be available at the buses to collect any medication you are sending with your campers. Please ensure that you have specified the following on the Camper Health Form you completed earlier this year or in written communication to the camp office: Medication Name Dosage How often the medication should be administered Time of day the medication should be taken Any other notes and/or instructions for our Health Centre We recommend sending any pills in blister packs as it enables our Health Centre staff to track whether campers have received their daily medication. Many pharmacies offer this packaging service upon request. Please ensure that all medication is clearly labelled with your camper s name, the name of the medication, the prescribing physician s name and the required dosage. SUN SAFETY All Solelim campers will be educated about sun and heat safety at the beginning of camp we don t want sunburns or dehydration to cause anyone to miss out on all the fun camp has to offer. Please review the following expectations with your camper before camp: Campers are expected to wear hats during all outdoor activities. Since hats are often easily misplaced, we recommend packing at least three to ensure your camper always has one on hand. Campers are expected to apply sunscreen at least twice a day: once before breakfast and again during rest hour before afternoon activities. All sunscreen brought to camp should be sweat proof, waterproof and offer a minimum protection of SPF 30. Campers are expected to carry a water bottle with them and to drink water throughout the day. We have water stations set up around camp so there is always water available. Bottled water is not allowed at camp. PREVENTION OF INSECT BITES We recommend that campers wear long layers after dusk as well as insect repellents containing up to 30% DEET (registered for use in Canada). Our tents are all equipped with insect netting at all entrances and windows. As required, mosquito coils will be lit by staff at nighttime. ALLERGIES Please make sure that we are aware of any serious allergies your camper may have including food, environmental and medication. Solelim has EpiPens stationed in several places at camp, including the dining hall, waterfront, infirmary and office; however, we also request that campers who carry EpiPens bring theirs with them to camp as well. We also insist that all campers with serious allergies wear a medic alert bracelet while they are at camp. Due to the remote location of our canoe trips, and the distance from 9

10 emergency medical facilities, we feel we are unable to provide a safe environment for campers with anaphylactic allergies and these campers will not be eligible to participate in our tripping program. LICE CHECK All campers will be checked for head lice on the day they arrive to camp. This is a common practice among camps and helps prevent the spread of lice. We recommend that families check their campers heads thoroughly in the weeks and days leading up to camp. If your camper arrives to camp with lice, a professional from Lice Squad will treat your child and Camp Solelim will bill you for the service. FOOD AT CAMP Our menu is nutritious and camper-approved. We offer camp classics like cookouts and mac and cheese, and Solelim specialties like pizza bourekas and braised short ribs. Each meal offers a great deal of variety including alternative proteins, vegetarian options, salads and fresh fruit. We understand that that some campers have dietary restrictions or requirements due to medical issues. While the elimination of certain foods from camp may not be realistic, we will try our best to implement accommodations for campers who need special diets please contact the Solelim office to discuss how we can work together to towards meeting your camper s needs. Camp Solelim is a nut aware camp. The food and snacks prepared at camp do not contain nuts in the ingredients. We also do not use ingredients labelled may contain nuts. While no snacks in our tuck shop contain nuts, there are some items that may be labelled as may contain nuts or made in a facility that manufactures nuts. Campers are not allowed to bring food into camp as it attracts unwanted critters big and small to our tent site. In order to ensure the hygiene and safety of all our campers, bags will be checked for food upon arrival at camp and on Visitors Day. Please do not send food with your camper as it will be confiscated. TUCK The Solelim Tuck Shop is unlike most others. Campers have a wide selection of candy, chips, chocolate and drinks to choose from. Your camper s tuck fee is included in your general camper fees. Special tuck such as toiletries, flashlights, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. are available on request and we will contact you for payment. 10

11 VISITORS DAY: SATURDAY, JULY 23RD & SUNDAY, JULY 24TH We know that the drive up to camp is a long one which is why we schedule our Visitor s Day over a full weekend. Our dual-day schedule allows for families to visit camp and meet our incredible staff as well as spend some quality one-on-one time with their Solelim campers. Please contact the office if there are special circumstances that prevent you from visiting on the designated dates and we will be happy to schedule alternative arrangements. There is no parking at Camp Solelim during Visitor s Day Weekend. Visitors and campers will be shuttled to and from camp via bus service. SATURDAY, JULY 23 RD All visitors will be bused to camp from Sudbury Four Corners Plaza located on Regent Street South (please meet in front of Food Basics Supermarket). The shuttle service will start at 6:00 PM. Visitors will be bussed back to Four Corners Plaza at 9:30 PM. During the evening, visitors will have the opportunity to tour camp, participate in select activities, meet with staff and enjoy refreshments in our Chadar (Dining Hall). SUNDAY, JULY 24 TH Campers will be dropped off at Sudbury Four Corners (in front of Food Basics Supermarket) at 9:00 AM. Campers will be picked up from Four Corners at 4:00 PM and bussed back to camp; however, campers may return to camp beginning at 2:00 PM. Campers will participate in a short program for all visitors on the basketball courts followed by optional performances by various music and dance groups in our Ulam (Theater). TIPS FOR VISITORS DAY: Please do not bring and/or send any food or items from our Do Not Pack List into camp items found will be confiscated. Please help keep Solelim clean (and bear free!) by placing garbage in the appropriate receptacles and paper, cans, or bottles in camp s recycling bins. Our staff work as a team. Please do not tip camp staff. In our experience, kind words and an appreciative note go further than any gift. Camp Solelim is a smoke free environment. Thank you for not smoking on our camp site! Thank you for keeping your dog on a leash and providing any necessary scooping of poop! 11

12 We ask that you respect our end-time of 4:00 PM SHARP and begin your goodbyes at 3:45 PM so that we can transition back to regular camp programming. WHERE TO STAY IN SUDBURY: HAMPTON INN HOMEWOOD SUITES HILTON BLOCK CODE: CAMP SOLELIM REGENT ST. HOLIDAY INN BLOCK CODE: SOL REGENT ST. RADISSON HOTEL COMPANY NAME IS CAMP SOLELIM / STE. ANNE RD. TRAVELODGE HOTEL / PARIS ST. 12