Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open SpacesEcoAdventures

CampManatee 2014

ParentHandbook

EcoAdventures Mission Statement

Vision StatementWe will build and maintain a model parks and recreation system to provide for a healthy, livable, and sustainable community that enhances the quality of life for our residents and visitors.

Mission StatementWe create outstanding Recreational,Natural, and Cultural experiences to enrich you and enhance the quality of life for our community for this and future generations.

Philosophy & GoalsEcoAdventures Nature Camps offers children the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide variety of activities in a safe, supervised, and well-organized setting.

All activities at camp are planned to help children achieve the following goals:

1. To foster stewardship of our natural resources.

2. To develop skills and knowledge in leisure activities including sports, arts & crafts, games and, of course, nature.

3. The development of social skills and respect for others.

4. To assist in the development of a positive self-image.

5.To have fun!!

Program Description

Nature adventure camps for children and teens, boys and girls, together with naturalist guides that are also certified in water safety, will have fun exploring the South Florida environment through a variety of fun and exciting activities in a safe park environment ranging from nature hikes on wooded trails, canoeing, kayaking (age 10 and older), swimming (guarded pools), playing interactive nature games, arts and crafts, field trips to local park preserves, Zoo Miami, Monkey Jungle, Crandon Park, Shark Valley in Everglades National Park and more. Camps hours are 9:00am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, and offer 7:30am early drop-offs and 6:00pm late pick-up options.

Camp Manatee Greynolds Park - Boathouse 17530 West Dixie Highway 305-948-2891/ 305-944-6111Camp Manatee is a nature-based specialty camp for children 6 to 14 years, which teaches about the wonders of the environment through interactive games, activities, crafts and fieldtrips. Our summer session focuses on the South Florida’s unique ecosystems and fantastic history with Greynolds Park as a backdrop for exploration and learning. Examples of activities include canoeing (ages 10 and older), hiking, archery, swimming and hands-on nature studies. Environmental themes change weekly. Campers will meet at the Boathouse.

Registration, Payments, Orientation

Program FeesRegistration Fee - $12 annually per camper,non-refundableTuition- $104 weekly per camperField Trip Transportation - $11 weekly per camperDaily rate - $34 per camperDiscounts10% off - Sibling tuition10% off - Paying for all 10 weeks in advanceHours of OperationDrop-off: 7:30am - 9:30amNature Camp: 9:30am - 4:00pm Pick up: 4:00pm - 6:00pmRegistrationRegistration starts May 1st, 2014. Registrationmay be completed online or in-person.In-Person RegistrationRegistration may be completed at the Greynolds Park Boathouse location by appointment. Call 305-944-6111 or email archcreek@miamidade.gov to schedule an appointment. Greynolds Park is located at 17530 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Fl. 33160

Online RegistrationParents can register for the full 10-week Summer Camp Program online at https:// rms.miamidade.gov/RMS7/Activities/Search. aspx.Type “Camp Manatee” in the Search field or select “Arch Creek Park” in the Place field.If registering online, all required paperwork must be completed and returned prior to the start of camp.

Payment ProceduresAll payments for camp must be paid in full atthe time of registration. Acceptable forms of payment include: cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX. Camp Manatee can- not hold any weeks or availability without appropriate payment. All required registra- tion forms must be completed and submitted at the time of registration.REMINDER: Save your receipts for your personal records. Camp Manatee does not issue end-of-year statements, or reprint receipts. Child Care Federal Tax ID number is 59-6000-053.

Parent OrientationCamp Manatee Parent Orientation will beheld on Friday, June 6th, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Greynolds Park Boathouse. We would like all parents old and new to attend. Campers are welcome to attend, however the orientation will focus on camp information for the parents.

Registration

Special Needs at RegistrationIt is the policy of Miami Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. When a child with a disability registers for a program, an Inclusion Assessment will be conducted to determine what, if any supports are needed, and to plan for those supports, or to document the reason that the individual will not participate in the program.The Inclusion Assessment form shall be filled out when any potential participant is identified as having a disability, before, during or after the registration process.

The Inclusion Assessment will be filled out during an interview with the participant and parent/guardian. The assessment will be completed by the camp manager or his/her designee, which shall be an employee at Recreation Leader level or above. The interview shall take place in an environment which allows for privacy and confidentiality. The employee conducting the assessment shall add to the form any information that is of benefit to the inclusion process, whether there is a question relating to that issue or not.No participant with a disability shall be discharged from the program without a completed Inclusion Assessment on file. The completed form shall be kept with the registration form and utilized by field staff

to implement the inclusion plan. The camp manager is responsible to assure that the assessment and inclusion information is provided to all pertinent staff in a timely manner, so they may carry out the inclusion plan appropriately.

If, as a result of the Assessment, the camp manager determines that the individual with the disability will not participate in the program, the reason(s) for the decision will be clearly documented on the assessment form and kept on file for future reference.

A copy of all Inclusion Assessments will be sent to the Disability Services administrative offices.

Policy and Procedures

Dress CodePlease make sure to check the camp schedule online atwww. archcreek.wordpress.com/camp for planned activities and dress camper accordingly. Remember, your child is at camp to have fun, learn and play. Please do not send children in any clothing that cannot get dirty.

For safety purposes, “Heelys” (skate shoes), open toed shoes, heeled shoes and flip flops are not permitted. Sneakers or tennis shoes are strongly recommended.

If a child comes to camp in inappropriate attire, a parent will be called and informed to bring new proper attire for the child to change clothing. For safety reasons, the child will have to sit out of certain activities while inappropriately dressed.

Campers should wear comfortable, cool clothes suitable for athletic activities such as shorts, light colored t-shirts, and socks with closed-toed shoes. Sandals, flip-flops or Crocs are not allowed. Hats are always a good idea too.

•A spare set of clothes can be brought to camp each day but not necessary.

•On pool days, or other aquatic activities, please pack a modest bathing suit and towel. Girls should have a one-piece bathing suit.

•All belongings should be put in one bag with the campers name on it.

•Personal belongings (toys, electronics, jewelry, etc) are not allowed in camp.

•Parents are encouraged to send child with a jacket and/or rain poncho on days of inclement weather.

•Please apply sunscreen before camp, due to the fact that camp is held outdoors in the sun. Also please send sunscreen in their bags so it can be reapplied throughout the day. In our experience spray sunscreen is not as effective therefore please send lotion or cream instead.

•We also recommend insect repellant be sent with your child.

•Your children WILL get dirty and wet, so please dress them appropriately.Camper dress code applies to all activities: field trips, swim days and special events. On swim days, please send your child with a towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, hat and a change of clothing in a bag with their name clearly marked.

Policy and Procedures

Camp T-shirtsOne camp t-shirt is included in the registration fee for camp.

Additional t-shirts maybe be purchased for $10 each. It is required that all campers wear their t-shirts on field trip days. Please do not

put your child’s name on the outside of the t-shirt. We suggest writing their name on the shirt tag since all of the shirts will be the

same.

Policy and Procedures

Field Trips and SwimmingCampers will travel off campus at least once a week. Dates and times may vary. To avoid missing the bus, please check the camp schedule.

•Please be sure to arrive to camp at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

•The bus will not stop en- route and pick up any late camper traveling by car.

•Due to safety concerns, campers must depart and return with their camp program for each field and swimming trip.

•Parents and/or guardians may not drop-off or pick-up children at off campus field trip locations.

•Please dress your camper in appropriate clothing for the trip. Campers are required to wear their camp T-shirt on field trips.

•Extra money is not needed on trips. Staff is not responsible for camper’s money.

•For swimming trips, children that aren’t good or stronger swimmers will be required to stay in the swallow end of pool. All 10-14 year olds will be required to pass a swim test at the pool prior to any aquatic activities canoeing, kayaking and/or snorkeling).

•Campers must bring their own bathing suit, towel and spray sunscreen (with their name clearly marked on each item).

Campers are responsible for applying their own sunscreen, but we strongly advise parents to apply sunscreen on their campers before leaving home. Staff will assist younger campers on a needed basis with a spray sunscreen bottle only.

•No electronics such as mobile phones, iPods, etc. will be permitted in camp or on field trips. All electronics brought to camp will be held in the office and returned to parent at pick-up.

Pick-Up and Sign-OutSign-OutPrior to the first day of the program, parents must complete a Registration Form. This form authorizes individuals to pick up your child from a program. Only those individuals authorized on the form will be permitted to pick up your child. All parents, guardians and authorized individuals MUST show a photoID when signing out a camper. There are no exceptions!If parents would like to add or delete any authorized individuals on the Registration

Late Pick-Up FeesFor the children’s safety, please be prompt in picking up your child. Children who have not been picked up by 6:00pm will result in a late pick-up charge. Any charges must be paid no later than the next day of camp, there will be no exceptions. If there are four latepick-up occurrences, the child may be asked to leave camp. The late pick-up fee is $5 per every 15 minutes. If you are running late, please notify the staff by calling the nature center.

Drop-Off and Sign-InDrop-OffDrop-off for camp is 7:30am- 9:30am at Greynolds Park Boathouse. For safety reasons, campers are not to be dropped off before 7:30am.

REMINDER: Please only use the circular drive in front of the boathouse if you are just signing in and out your child. If you are coming in for any other reason (payments/ concerns), please parking in the parking lot across from the boathouse by the playground.

Sign-InAll parents/guardians must sign their child into camp each day. Once your child is signed in, they will join other participants until scheduled activities start for the day.

Form, Camp Manatee requires that all changes be completed in writing with the staff and a new form completed. We will not accept verbal or faxed pick-up authorizations.Parents/Guardian will sign-out for all camp programs at the Greynolds Park Boathouse between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.Sign-Out Before 4:00pmIf you need to sign your child out prior to 4:00pm, you will need to inform camp staff upon dropping camper off in the morning. Remember, campers may not in the boathouse during this time, so sign-out will take a little longer. Please plan accordingly. Permission to Leave Park UnsupervisedIf a parent gives their child permission to walk, ride a bike, or take the bus home, a letter must be submitted with complete the Registration Form prior to start date. NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED without a signed letter by the parent or legal guardian.

Policy and Procedures

Program Information

Camp CalendarCamp Schedule is available online at www.archcreek.wordpress.com/camp.

Camp Staff and GroupsNature Camps are supervised daily by the camp supervisor and Recreation Specialist 1 or Recreation Leader who is highly qualified and experienced in camp leadership. Camp counselors are a mixture of adults, mature and enthusiastic college and high school students. All staff has participated in

pre-camp training, orientation and have some first aid training. Camp supervisors are CPR/ AED and First Aid Certified. Additional information about staff will be provided at the beginning of camp. Please make an effort to get to know your child’s camp counselor. We are proud of our staff and think you will feel the same.

Campers are assigned into groups to provide better supervision and camper/counselor ratios. Groups are assigned by age.

Program Information

Meals, Snacks and Water BottlesMeals are not provided for campers. Please pack a nutritional and non-perishable lunch and snack for your child. We do not refrigerate or microwave any foods. Please make sure your child’s lunch bag is labeled with the child’s name. Ice packs are recommended. If you have more than one child in camp, please send each lunch in a separate bag. In addition, there are no snack or soda vending machines on the premises.In the event that a meal is being provided for a special event, advance notice will be given regarding the menu. If for any reason your child does not like what is on the menu, please send a meal with them.Plastic water bottles are allowed provided they have:

•A closed top.•The camper’s first and last names

written on the bottle.Note: Water bottles left at the end

of the week will be thrown out.Lost & FoundPlease encourage your child to keep track of his/her belongings. The Miami-DadeCounty Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items. All belongings left at camp will be placed in the lost and found box at the Nature Center.At the end of each day, the Camp counselors Nature Camp is an outdoor program. Camp will hold up items that have been found. Items will take place outdoors each day at the

summer will be donated to a good cause.

weather campers will be kept inside.

not claimed will be kept in the box for one week. All lost & found items left at the end of

Telephone UsageIn case of an emergency, please call the Greynolds Park Boathouse at 305-948-2891. All pick up arrangements should be made at home prior to your child coming to camp. A parent, guardian, or emergency contact will be called if an emergency situation should arise or if your child becomes ill. Cell phones are not permitted at camp for any reason. All cell phones that are brought to camp will be held in the office and returned to parent at pick up. Multiple offenses will result in suspension.

Severe Weather

park, except for field trip days and severe weather (i.e. storms). In the event of severe

Program Information

Camp Rules•Safety is our main priority for all children.

Campers are not permitted to leave their assigned group without a staff member or CIT and must be signed out upon exiting the program.

•Campers will be under staff or CIT supervision at all times, including to and from the restrooms.

•Appropriate attire/shoes are required.•Please do not arrive prior to program

start, as no supervision is available. Please remember to update your emergency information and personal information on forms (address changes, telephone numbers

– work, home, emergency, cellular – and individuals authorized to pick up your child).

•At no time will a parent approach another camper should a situation arise. Parents must inform the child’s counselor or supervisor if there are any issues.

•If an issue arises at camp, the camp director reserves the right to speak to the alleged camper(s) first and notify parents after.

•Respect staff, yourself, and others.•Respect property, site and equipment.

Games and equipment are to be cared for

determined by the Camp Director.and put away after each use.

•Gum is not allowed at any time and will be confiscated.

•At the end of the program, be prompt when picking up your child. A late fee will be applied.

•Camp Manatee is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave personal or valuable items at home.

•Participants may not bring cellular phones, Ipods, two-way radios, toys or any electronic devices. All electronics that are brought to camp will be held in the office. Multiple offenses will result in suspension.

•Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Please see the Camper Code of Conduct for further information.Camper Code of ConductCampers are expected to display appropriate behavior and respect towards others at all times. If inappropriate behavior is observed; preventive, corrective or disciplinary action will be taken. Disciplinary actions range from a verbal warning to expulsion. Parents will be notified of all developments regarding their child’s behavior and of any actions that are taken. All cases of suspension and expulsion will be

Program Information

Examples of Inappropriate Behavior•The use of foul, harsh, aggressive,

discriminatory or callous language including gestures or actions toward others, including but not limited to campers and staff.

•Harassment or bullying towards another camper or physically striking or injuring

another person whether or not the action was accidental.

•Vandalism or graffiti.•Inflicting physical harm or

injuries to

•Careless use of items that belong to the camp or items belonging to another person that could result in damage to property.

•Stealing, under any circumstances, is not tolerated.

•Repeated violations of camp rules or directions from staff.

•Weapons of any kind are not permitted, and will result in immediate expulsion.

themselves.

Program Information

Behavior & Discipline ProceduresMiami Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces promote positive behavior and good decision making. Guidelines for behavior management are established to help create a system for dealing with inappropriate and disruptive behavior at the nature camps. The Behavior Management Plan is to be filled out when a child engages in ongoing inappropriate, negative behavior that is disruptive to the program, and after staff has clearly communicated behavioral expectations to the child and provided appropriate verbal interventions without any positive effect on the child’s negative behavior.

This policy is not for behavior for which achild should be immediately terminated from the program,Examples of this behaviorinclude violence and aggression or illegal activities such as carrying weapons or drugs.To use this plan effectively the Behavior Management Plan worksheet should be filled out completely by the campsupervisor during a meeting with the child and his/her parents. Some of the information that is to be discussed is if the behavior occurs in home, how it is handled there, and what methods of teaching and discipline work best for the child.During the meeting the camp supervisor discusses the child’s behavior by stating what has occurred, the situations in which these behaviors have occurred, what staff has

child has responded up to that point. Parents are asked to review the situations and provide input and suggest interventions; rewards or consequences that they feel may be more effective.After this initial meeting, the camp supervisor will document the plan and share with the field staff that cares for that child. Atraining date/explanation date will be recorded on the behavior management plan. The camp supervisor will keep the parent/guardian informed of whether the plan is working and will set dates for further review. For more severe behaviors, the plan should be reviewed more frequently. The plan should be reviewed no later than one week after its inception. If the plan works, field staff will sign the form and continue to monitor at said intervals.If the plan is not working, field staff will notify the camp supervisor who will ask the parents/guardian for a follow-up meeting to adjust the plan, and continue to review the adjusted plan at said intervals. If the behavior has not improved after the appropriate follow up and implementation of the Behavior Management Plan, then the child will be removed from the program.

done to correct the problem, and how the

Program Information

Field TripsField trips are scheduled to enhance the week’s theme. In the case of inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule the field trip. Please be sure to check the weekly schedule for field trip locations. Make sure your child gets to camp at least 30 minutes before departure time, as all staff will be attending the field trip and no one will be staying behind. A school bus or 15-passenger van is used for transportation.Field Trip RulesIt is important that campers know the rules while being on a field trip, so they can have an enjoyable time. If a camper continues not to follow field trip rules, they will not be able to attend camp on days when field trips are held.

•Stay with your group and group leader.•Always keep track of your partner.•Listen to your group leader.•Wear your camp t-shirt.•Follow all rules of the place we are visiting.

•Do not talk to strangers.

•When traveling by van, campers must wear seatbelts at all times.

Parents, please reiterate the importance of these rules with your child before each field trip and pack a sack lunch on field trip days.Fieldtrip Permission FormsThis form gives the Nature Camp permission to transport your child in a Miami-DadeCounty vehicle or Franmar bus to and from the fieldtrip facility. Forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to Camp Staff prior to the fieldtrip. Forms can not be returned via fax or email and verbal permission is not accepted. The exact location of the fieldtrip as well as departure and return times from/to camp will be listed on the form. If we do not have a signed form for your camper he/she will not be allowed to go on the fieldtrip. We do not have enough staff members to provide supervision at the nature camp while the rest of the camp ison a fieldtrip, therefore if you camper is not going to participate in the fieldtrip, please do not bring them to camp that day.

Medical Information

First AidBecause many campers may have unknown allergies or reactions to certain types of first aid supplies, the staff will only use water to clean the injured area, apply ice, and cover with a band-aid as needed. A parent will be called if any further direction is needed. If the camper’s injury requires additional medical attention, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue will be

Contagious Illness of ConditionsIf the illness or condition is contagious or communicable, the camper will not be permitted to participate in the program until he/she completely recovers from the illness or condition, and a doctor’s release is required prior to the camper re-entering the program.

called immediately.

Medical Information

Medication AdministrationThe American with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that program access be provided for individuals with disabilities in “the most integrated setting”. In order to serve persons with disabilities in the community park / cultural arts setting, trained Park staff may administermedication to participants with or without disabilities, who meet the criteria below. An Authorization for Medication form and a Medication Log form accompany this procedure.The Authorization for Medication form includes: name of participant, park site, program name, prescribing Physician’s printed name, signature and contact number, name of medication, dosage, precautions/side effects anddirections for administration for park personnel, as well as Parent/Guardian’s name,relationship to participant and signature under “permission statement”.

has requested that the medication schedule be in disciplinary

action.

This form must be notarized.The Medication Log includes medication, dose, date, time medication given and printed name and signature of staff dispensingmedication.

Criteria for dispensing medication to participants:All of the following criteria must be met for Park staff to dispense medication to participants.1. The participant is unable to self-administer medication with cues from staff, due to age or cognition, and

2. On-site Program Manager (Park Manager, Recreation Specialist or Arts Director/Supervisor)

altered to dispense medication at home before and/or after program hours, and

parent/guardian has stated that this is not possible, and

3.Medication is necessary for full and appropriate program participation,

and 4.Authorization for Medication form is

complete and filed in Medication LogOnce the On-site Program Manager determines the criteria above have been met, he/she will implement the following procedure:

1.Park Manager delegates trained Recreation Leader, or higher level staff to begin dispensing medication.

2.Designated trained staff giving medication and fills out Medication Log each time medication is dispensed.

3.Program Manager puts note regarding medication on the daily attendance/roll call sheet as a reminder to staff.

4.The Program Manager checks log daily to ensure proper documentation.

5.The Program Manager forwards all authorization forms to Region Office.

6.Medication shall not be stored on-site from day to day. Parent/Guardian will provide staff with only the daily dose to be administered each day in a clearly labeled container. Labelmust contain date, participant’s name, dose and name of medication.

7.Medication will be stored during the program in a lock box, (or locked first aid kit) kept in the Park Manager’s office while participant is in the park, or in the County transportation vehicle participant is traveling in, if medication must be dispensed while participant is on field trips.

8.Staff failure to follow this protocol will result

Contact Information

We are looking forward to an exciting, enjoyable, and safe summer. Should you have any other questions or concerns not addressed in this book, please contact the Camp Manatee at 305-944-6111 before June 9th, if calling after June 9th, call 305-948-2891.

Greynolds Park – Boathouse (Camp Manatee) 17530 West Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33160 18500 NE 22nd Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33160Greynolds Park – Main OfficeIn case of emergency and no answer at the Boathouse, leave a message (name, camper’s name and phone number) with the secretary and they will reach the camp director.Arch Creek’s BlogFor schedules and Parent Handbook.

Staff DirectoryAimee Scott, Recreation Leader Camp Director

305-948-2891archcreek@miamidade.gov

305-945-3425

www.archcreek.wordpress.com/camp

305-944-6111/ 305-948-2891ascott@miamidade.gov

Please take the time to review the materials provided. This signed memo will serve as your acknowledgement you have read and understand the policies and procedures of EcoAdventures Nature Camps and will adhere to all rules and regulations. It is your responsibility to seek additional information as needed. If you have questions concerning the program, please direct them to us by calling:

Camp Manatee - Arch Creek Park/Greynolds Boathouse

305-948-2891/305-944-6111

Participant: D/O/B:

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Eco Staff Signature:

WELCOME toMiami-Dade County Parks, Recreation & Open

Spaces EcoAdventures - Camp Manatee.

Information Acknowledgment