Butler YMCA CAMP KEYSTONE at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park PARENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Butler YMCA CAMP KEYSTONE at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park PARENT HANDBOOK Butler YMCA Child Care 339 N Washington Street Butler, PA P F YMCA MISSION STATEMENT: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

2 Dear Parents, Welcome to Camp Keystone! As part of the Butler YMCA, Camp Keystone offers a summer day camp for children who have completed Kindergarten through 6 th grade. This camp program is designed to provide challenging activities in both large and small group settings under the guidance of caring, well-trained staff members. We hope that the time your child spends with us will be a positive experience and that your child will grow in body, mind and spirit. Please read your Parent Handbook carefully. If at any time you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please let us know by calling A parent s input is always valued! We are looking forward to meeting you and your child! Sincerely, Kyra Rall Camp Coordinator (724) x137 [email protected] Camp Keystone cell phones (724) (724)

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS YMCA MISSION... 1 PROGRAM GOALS... 1 CHILD CARE LICENSE... 1 EQUAL ACCESS... 1 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS... 1 MANDATED REPORTERS... 1 HOURS OF OPERATION... 1 PHONE NUMBERS... 2 YMCA CAMP/ARMCO PARK... 2 DAILY SCHEDULE... 3 LUNCHES... 4 SNACKS... 4 FIELD TRIPS... 4 T-SHIRTS... 4 SIGN IN/OUT INFORMATION... 4 DROP OFF PROCEDURE... 4 PICK-UP PROCEDURE... 5 LATE PICK-UP... 5 DELAYED RELEASE OF CHILDREN... 6 PERSONAL BELONGINGS... 6 DRESS CODE... 6 CELL PHONES... 6 SUNSCREEN... 6 ABSENT CHILD... 7 DISCIPLINE POLICY... 7 REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM... 7 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES... 7 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION... 8 ILLNESSES... 8 PHYSICALS... 9 RAINY DAYS... 9 EXTREMELY HOT DAYS... 9 PHOTOGRAPHY... 9 PARENTAL CONCERNS... 9 REMIND TEXT & SERVICE PAYMENT POLICY ESTABLISHING PROGRAM FEES FEE AGREEMENT PAYMENT OPTIONS NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS COUNSELOR IN TRAINING FOR GRADES STAFF:CHILD RATIO SWIM POLICY TEST.MARK.PROTECT TEST.MARK.PROTECT FAQs TEST.MARK.PROTECT ZONE REFERENCE GUIDE BABYSITTING CLAUSE PARENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING... 17

4 YMCA MISSION To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA is a community service organization which promotes positive values and welcomes all people. The Butler YMCA is a nationally affiliated character-building social service agency focusing on program services for individuals and families. Christian in its heritage, it is nondenominational in its delivery of services and membership. The YMCA offers programs and services to individuals and families regardless of age, sex, religion, or national origin. PROGRAM GOALS The Butler YMCA Camp Keystone seeks to provide a safe, fun-filled, creative and educational day camp experience in which children can forge friendships while challenging themselves to experience personal growth. CHILD CARE LICENSE Camp Keystone is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Our license is posted in the child care department on the 2 nd floor of the YMCA. DPW regulations can be found at chap3270toc.html. EQUAL ACCESS The Butler YMCA, in keeping with its mission to help all people realize their fullest potential, encourages and supports the participation of all children in YMCA programs. We serve all children regardless of gender, race, color, nationality, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Whether a child is non-disabled or has special needs, consideration is given to the individual needs of every child and the ability of the program to meet those needs. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS We pride ourselves on our thorough selection of camp staff to ensure safety and fun for your child. Camp counselors have an education degree or are currently enrolled in a college program in the fields of child development or education. Camp counselors have Act 33/34 clearances, FBI fingerprint clearances, and current CPR/Pediatric First Aid certification. The staff has completed camp training regarding the children s activities. MANDATED REPORTERS Employees of Pennsylvania state licensed childcare centers are mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect. As such, the YMCA staff is legally required to contact the PA State hotline if there is reasonable cause to suspect physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or maltreatment of any child enrolled in the center. HOURS OF OPERATION Camp Keystone Day Camp 6:30am 5:45pm 6:30am 8:45am at Butler YMCA 7:00am 4:00pm at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park 4:30pm 5:45pm at Emily Brittain School Playground 1

5 PHONE NUMBERS Child Care Offices (724) Camp Keystone cell phones (724) (724) Main YMCA (724) Ext 110 for Phillips Hall YMCA CAMP/ARMCO PARK Camp Keystone uses YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park for daily excursions. 2

6 DAILY SCHEDULE Kindergarten Mon/Tues/Wed Grades 1-2 Mon/Tues/Wed Grades 3-4 Mon/Tues/Wed Grades 5-6 Mon/Tues/Wed All Groups Thursday All Groups Friday 6:30-7:00am Phillips' Hall 7:00-8:25am 7:00-8:25am 7:00-8:25am 7:00-8:25am Grades K-2 Phillips' Hall Mon/Wed/Fri Gym 1 Tues & Thurs Grades 3-6 Gym 1 Mon/Wed/Fri Phillips' Hall Tues & Thurs Grades K-2 Gym 1 Grades 3-6 Phillips' Hall Grades K-2 Phillips' Hall Grades 3-6 Gym 1 7:30-8:00am AM Snack 8:25-8:45am Morning Meeting 8:45-9:00am Load Grades K-2 Bus 8:45-9:00am Load Grades 3-6 Bus 8:45-9:00am Load Buses 9:30am Buses Arrive at YMCA Camp/Armco Park 9:30-9:45am Bathroom/Sunscreen 9:30am Buses Arrive at YMCA Camp/Armco Park 9:30-9:45am Bathroom/Sunscreen 9:45-10:20am ART 10:20-10:55am ENVIRONMENTAL 9:45-10:20am ENVIRONMENTAL 10:20-10:55am ART 9:45-10:20am MUSIC 10:20-10:55am GAMES 9:45-10:20am GAMES 10:20-10:55am MUSIC 9:45am-10:55am CAMPWIDE ACTIVITY 10:55-11:10am Wash Hands 11:10am-11:40am LUNCH 10:55-11:10am Wash Hands 11:10am-11:40am LUNCH 11:40am-12:00pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 12:00-12:50pm POOL 11:40am-12:15pm GAMES 12:15-12:30pm Counselor Directed Activities 11:40am-12:15pm ART 12:15-12:50pm ENVIRONMENTAL 11:40am-12:15pm ENVIRONMENTAL 12:15-12:50pm ART FIELD TRIP FOR ALL GROUPS 12:50-1:10pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 12:30-12:50pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 12:50-1:20pm Playground 1:10-1:25pm Counselor Directed Activities 1:25-2:00pm MUSIC 12:50-1:40pm POOL 1:40-2:00pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 1:20-1:40pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 1:40-2:30pm POOL 1:20-1:40pm Counselor Directed Activities 1:40-2:10pm PM Snack 11:40am-3:40pm GRADE LEVEL ACTIVITES 2:00-2:35pm GAMES 2:00-2:35pm MUSIC 2:30-2:50pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 2:10-2:30pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 2:35-3:10pm Playground 2:50-3:10pm Counselor Directed Activities 2:30-3:20pm POOL 3:40-4:00pm Load Grades K-2 Bus 3:10-3:40pm PM Snack 3:40-4:00pm Load Grades 3-6 Bus 3:20-3:40pm Bathroom/Sunscreen 3:40-4:00pm Load Buses 4:30pm Buses Return to Butler YMCA 4:30-5:45pm Dismissal from Emily Brittain Playground 3

7 LUNCHES Lunch is 11:10-11:40am daily. A healthy lunch must be packed daily in a lunch container marked with your child s name. We do not have any way to provide a lunch for a child while we are at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park. The parent will be notified to bring a lunch. We do not have the ability to refrigerate or heat up lunch items. Campers may not share lunch items with other campers. On field trip day, please send a disposable brown bag lunch so the children can throw away items. The YMCA is not responsible for lost lunch containers. SNACKS Camp Keystone provides two snacks daily as part of the program schedule. AM Snack 7:30-8:00am PM Snack 3:10-3:40pm FIELD TRIPS All campers participate in a weekly field trip. Most field trips are scheduled on Thursdays. All children must be at the YMCA by 8:30am. Camp shirts must be worn on field trip days. Please send a disposable lunch and apply sunscreen before arrival. Please do not send extra spending money. Alternative care is NOT provided on field trip days. T-SHIRTS Every child attending summer camp will receive a complimentary T-shirt as a gift from the YMCA. The camp T-shirt should be worn on field trip days. Please label your child s shirt. SIGN IN/OUT INFORMATION Recording attendance is a Title 55 Licensing Regulation (a) requirement. The attendance sheet serves as the main accounting system in the event of an emergency or during an evacuation. Signing the log is essential every day. When a camper arrives at a Butler YMCA program site, parents and kids must check in with a staff member. Make sure the adult signs the camper in on the attendance sheet. Children should never be dropped off outside the building and allowed to go inside without an adult. DROP OFF PROCEDURE Butler YMCA site 6:30-8:45am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Campers are bused from the Butler YMCA site to YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park at 8:45am. YMCA Camp/ARMCO 7:00am-4:00pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays All campers must be dropped off at the main Butler YMCA site on Thursdays for field trips. 4

8 PICK-UP PROCEDURE Your child will be released only to the persons designated on their Emergency Contact Form. All individuals, including the parents/guardians, will need to show photo identification. Staff will check the photo on the ID and match the address with what is listed on the Emergency Contact Form. Notify the staff in writing if someone other than those persons authorized on the Emergency Contact Form is to pick up your child. In an emergency, you may call the YMCA Child Care Office at to authorize a verbal request for release of a child. Campers may be picked up at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park before 4:00pm. There will be no Camp Keystone staff at YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park after 4:00pm. All campers will be returning to the main Butler YMCA by 4:30pm daily. Camp Keystone will be using the Emily Brittain School Playground as the pick-up location from 4:30-5:45pm. The camp staff will provide curb side pick-up. Cars should turn from W. Brady Street onto the one-way alley of N. Church Street. Staff will have campers ready to be signed out as cars turn to exit onto W. Walnut Street towards N. Washington Street. 5

9 LATE PICK-UP Anyone picking up their child after 5:45 p.m. will be charged $5.00 for every 5 minutes that they are late. DELAYED RELEASE OF CHILDREN The staff reserves the right to delay the release of a child to a parent or other adult if they have reasonable cause to believe the adult is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs or is in any way incapable of assuming responsibility for the child including not having a car seat in which to transport the child. Staff shall confer with the Director, contact additional YMCA representatives or call emergency contact persons listed in the child s file in order to make an appropriate determination regarding the release of the child. PERSONAL BELONGINGS Each child should have his/her own bookbag clearly identified with their name for personal belongings. Required daily items are: Lunch Athletic shoes swimsuit and towel water bottle DRESS CODE For the welfare of your child, please be sure your child is dressed according to the weather and always dressed for active play! Please label your child s items as we have many similar items. For your child s safety we ask that you send your child to camp in athletic shoes. Flip flops can be used in the pool area only. If a child is sent to camp in sandals, they will not be able to participate in many activities. CELL PHONES No electronic items are permitted to come to camp. We are unplugged and play outside all day. Cell phones, any gaming systems, MP3 players, and toys are not allowed at camp. If these items come to camp, a counselor will take them and return them to an adult at the end of the day. Cameras may come on field trip days at the parent s discretion. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. SUNSCREEN Campers will need waterproof sunscreen SPF30 or above. Please label the sunscreen bottle with your child s name. It will be kept in locked bags for daily use. The staff will notify you when your child needs more sunscreen for camp use. Your child should apply sunscreen before coming to camp each morning. Campers will be encouraged and monitored by staff to re-apply sunscreen a minimum of three times during our camp day. These designated times are before morning activities, before swim time, and after swim time. Campers can have another camper help with sunscreen application. Counselors are NOT permitted to apply sunscreen to campers, but will monitor body application and help with their face. 6

10 ABSENT CHILD Please call or the Camp Keystone staff if your child will not be attending as scheduled. DISCIPLINE POLICY There shall be no harsh, cruel, or unusual punishments. Explanations and re-direction is the standard method of discipline. In severe cases, time-out from something or someone may be necessary. Parents are contacted when serious discipline problems occur with their child. The staff will use a blue Incident Report form to communicate in writing with parents/guardians. If problems continue, children may be asked to leave the program. In the event of repeated inappropriate behavior by a child, the following actions will be taken: To immediately notify the parents in writing at the end of the day so that the incident can be discussed. Conference with the parent/guardian. Removal from the program. Our intent is to work as a team with the parents or guardian for the best care for each child. Working together as a team is a necessary step to correct repeated inappropriate behavior. Your patience, support, and follow-through are not only appreciated, but necessary. REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM The YMCA reserves the right to remove a child from our program for the following reasons: The camper s needs are not being met in our small/large group settings. The camper is a safety threat to themselves, other children, or the staff. This includes behaviors such as fighting, striking others, and wandering away from the program. The camper has inappropriate conversations or contact, shows disrespect towards staff or other campers, or bullying. The camper refuses to participate in the whole camp program including work and play values, sharing, and cooperation during daily activities. Failure to submit a physical as requested. Failure of a parent or guardian to pay weekly fees. Consistent late pick-up. Inappropriate behavior conducted by the parent/guardian. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In case of a severe emergency or accident, we will: 1. Administer first aid 2. Call emergency medical transportation (911) 3. Contact parents and child's doctor 4. Contact YMCA administration 7

11 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION Prescription and non-prescription medication will only be administered with daily written consent from the parents. MEDICATION MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER. Parents need to complete and sign the medicine log before staff will administer any medication. Prescription and non-prescription medication must be labeled with child's name. DO NOT send medications with the child, it must be given to a staff member by the parent/guardian. ILLNESSES List of conditions that indicate a child might need to be temporarily out of child care due to mild illness: The child has any of the following conditions--fever, lethargy; irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, or other manifestations of possible severe illness. Fever--Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 F or higher taken auxiliary, armpit with behavior change or other symptoms. Vomiting--Once during the previous 24 hours, unless the vomiting is determined to be caused by a non-communicable condition and the child is not in danger of dehydration. Conjunctivitis--Defined as pink eye or red conjunctivitis with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eye. Exclude until examined by a physician and approved for readmission, with treatment. Diarrhea--Two loose bowel movements within a close time frame. (1-2 hours or less) Body rash with fever--or any untreated infected rash Sore throat--difficulty swallowing, swollen glands Severe coughing--child gets red or blue in the face or makes high-pitched whooping sound after coughing. Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation Illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities- -Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention that you can provide without hurting the health and safety of other children in care. Please note: We will NOT administer fever reducing medication to keep a child s fever below 100 F in order to stay in care. Certain conditions do not require that children stay out of childcare unless recommended by the child s health care provider or the public health department. 8

12 Children may be admitted back into childcare if the following are true statements: Child has been symptom free for 24 hours = one full day. Symptom free (for 24 hours = one full day) without medicines (Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen) Vomiting has stopped (for 24 hours = one full day) and child can eat and keep food down. If sent home for diarrhea, last bowel movement was normal If seen by a physician: Provide a note from the physician s office stating the child is not contagious and may return to care. Antibiotics prescribed and 2 doses given, with a note from the physician stating child may return after 2 doses. PHYSICALS Children registered for camp will need a signed Child Health Report on file. Documentation of immunizations is to be included. RAINY DAYS Camp Keystone will go to YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park and on scheduled field trips on rainy days. YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park has indoor facilities that the campers and staff can use on days of inclement weather. EXTREMELY HOT DAYS Camp Keystone will go to YMCA Camp/ARMCO Park and on scheduled field trips on very hot days. On such occasions, please send extra water and remember to apply sunscreen. We will conduct activities in the pavilions to provide shade. If you child has asthma, please remember to give the appropriate medications to your child s counselor. Please refer to our section ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION for further details. PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs of the children participating in our program may be taken from time-totime and may appear in newspapers, magazines, brochures, or other publicity material. These pictures may also appear on the YMCA operated advertiement boards or social media outlets for promotional purposes. Your permission for photographs including your child(ren) to be used without compensation is a part of this agreement unless otherwise stated. PARENTAL CONCERNS If you have any questions or concerns with the Butler YMCA Camp Keystone, please do not hesitate to inform the camp counselors. If you feel your questions have not been answered or problem resolved, please contact Kyra Rall, Camp Coordinator at [email protected] or Francine Mills, Senior Child Care Director at [email protected] or by phone at (724)

13 REMIND TEXT & SERVICE Remind is a one-way text messaging and system. With Remind, all personal information remains completely confidential. Camp staff will never see your phone number, nor will you ever see theirs. The app helps the staff to connect instantly with parents/guardians. It is an effective way to alert parents/guardians of program changes or send reminders of upcoming activities. Parents/Guardians must join to receive the text or alerts. Complete instructions are included below. 10

14 PAYMENT POLICY ESTABLISHING PROGRAM FEES YMCA program fees are established to offset the costs of operation for the program within the following framework: Because parent income rarely fluctuates, fees are established by a school year, on a weekly basis, and do not vary during school holidays or vacations. All children in the program share equally in the cost of providing for the fixed cost of the program, regardless of time usage. Fixed cost include insurance, directing staff, and administrative costs. Direct costs such as snacks, program supplies, and program leadership are considered when establishing fees. All participants to the YMCA programs need to pay a non-refundable preregistration fee. (Child Care fees are tax deductible, please see the billing administrator for more information.) FEE AGREEMENT The required financial agreement (one for each child) stipulates fees, payment due schedule, attendance, and enrollment. Appropriate billing procedures will be enacted. It is essential that the arrangements of the financial agreement be followed and payments made on time. Payment may not be deducted for the time a child is not in attendance because of illness, personal reasons, or during family vacations. Schedule changes must be made in conjunction with the Camp Coordinator. Any questions about payment and/or necessary variances from this contract should be brought to the billing administrator s attention before payment is due. A weekly $10.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due the Friday prior to attendance in camp. Deposits will not be refunded or transferred to alternate weeks of camp. PAYMENT OPTIONS Payment arrangements can be made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Select one of the three payment options on the agreement form along with the fee amount. Payments are due on the Friday prior to the week of service. Make checks payable to Butler YMCA. If your payment is not made by the Wednesday during the week of service, you will be charged a $10 late fee and you have until the following Friday to make that payment. If the payment has not been made by 5:30 p.m. on Friday of the week of service, then services will be denied. Payments can be given to the child care billing administrator or staff at the Membership Desk. Do not give payments to the camp counselors. NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS A $10.00 charge will be required for checks returned due to non-sufficient funds. 11

15 COUNSELOR IN TRAINING FOR GRADES 7-11 The Counselor In Training (CIT) program promotes leadership in young teenagers by allowing them to take an active part with the campers in a mentor capacity and to train future counselors by giving them the opportunity to learn about working with children in a camp setting. CITs are scheduled for two week sessions. All teens interested in a CIT position must schedule an interview with the camp coordinator. STAFF:CHILD RATIO Young School Age (Kindergarten thru 3 rd grade) 1:12 Older School Age (4 th thru 6 th grade) 1:15 SWIM POLICY Campers will swim at ARMCO Pool in four groups with up to 24 swimmers per group. Any camper not dressed to swim will be included in the activities with one of the groups not currently in the pool area. The ratio of staff with swimmers in the pool area is 1:6. Camp Keystone will follow the guidelines of the new Child Aquatic Safety Program that the Butler YMCA adopted as of December 1, (Complete information regarding the program is included on the following pages.) 12

16 TEST.MARK.PROTECT 13

17 TEST.MARK.PROTECT FAQs 14

18 TEST.MARK.PROTECT ZONE REFERENCE GUIDE 15

19 BABYSITTING CLAUSE I am employing for a babysitting position for my child(ren). Although is an employee of the Butler County Family YMCA Child Care department this employment agreement is a personal choice and will not be in competition with her/his position at the YMCA. Any arrangements, for care, must be made on personal time and not on the YMCA property. If the arrangement above is in need of termination, for poor performance or other reasons, I, agree not to hold liable the Butler County Family YMCA Child Care. Parent Signature Date Employee Signature Date YMCA Supervisor Signature Date 16

20 PARENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING The following information is important for the safety and protection of your child. Please read the information, sign this form and return it to the YMCA. Please keep and refer to your copy of YMCA Program Policies. Your signature below indicates that you have received them. I understand that YMCA staff and volunteers are not allowed to babysit or transport children at any time outside of the YMCA programs. The YMCA will take immediate disciplinary action toward staff & volunteers if a violation is discovered. I understand that I am not to leave my child at the YMCA or program site unless a YMCA staff or volunteer is there to receive and supervise my child. I understand that my child will not be allowed to leave the program with an unauthorized person. Any person authorized to pick-up my child must be listed with the YMCA or other arrangements must be made by calling the YMCA office to inform them of a change. I understand that should a person arrive to pick up my child who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, staff may have no recourse but to contact the police for the child s safety. Please do not put staff in the position where they have to make this judgment call. I understand that state law mandates the YMCA to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities for investigation. PHOTO RELEASE Photographs of the children participating in our program may be taken from time-to-time and may appear in newspapers, magazines, brochures, or other publicity material. These pictures may also appear on the YMCA operated advertiement boards or social media outlets for promotional purposes. Your permission for photographs including your child(ren) to be used without compensation is a part of this agreement unless otherwise stated. In consideration of gaining membership or being allowed to participate in the activities and programs of the Butler YMCA and to use its facilities, equipment, and machinery, I do hereby waive, release, and forever discharge the YMCA and its officers, agents, employees, representatives, executors, and all others from any and all responsibilities or liability for injuries or damages resulting from my participation in any activities or my use of equipment or machinery in the above mentioned facilities or arising out of my participation in any activities at said facility. I have read and understand the statements above. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Printed Name Child s Name COPY OF STATEMENT FILED WITH CHILD S RECORD 17