2015 YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPSPARENT INFORMATION GuIdE

Where Summer Happens!

AgES4-16

A Typical Day at YMCA Summer Day Camp Page 2

general Information Page 3

Frequently Asked Questions Page 7

WElCoME To ThE YMCACoMMUnITY!

Whether it’s your child’s first or fifth summer with the YMCA we want to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared. We are thrilled to offer YMCA Summer day Camps and Leadership Programs for children and youth aged 4-16.

In this guide you will find information on:

A Typical Day at YMCA Summer Day Camp Each of our 36 day Camps is a bit different and unique based on the site location. depending on the program your camper is enrolled in, they will participate in a wide range of fun and engaging camp programs!

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Welcome and Morning Circle (Inside)All camp songs and/or games led by 2-3 staff

Camper group Team BuildingFull value contract, team name, team banner, team cheer

Traditional Day Camp games Octopus, spud, capture the flag, etc.

nature PlayBug hunting, leaf prints, natural arts, etc.

lunch (30 minutes)

Arts and CraftsIncluding but not limited to: dream catches, volca-noes, painting, drawing, bracelets, etc.

Swimming (Indoor pool)Campers may swim 2-3 times a week based on the camp

Sport games (varies depending on location)Soccer, baseball, basketball, kickball, etc.

Circle games/Camper group DebriefWhat did you like today? What do you hope to do tomorrow?

Closing Circle and Bead Ceremony Repeat After Me Song, beads, announcements

Welcome and Morning CircleAll camp songs and/or games led by 2-3 staff

Camper group Team BuildingFull value contract, team name, team banner, team cheer

Adventure Activity (varies depending on location) Slack lining, hiking, biking

Canoeing or KayakingCampers get to learn important boating skills as well as have fun on the water!

lunch (30 minutes)

natural Arts and Craftsdream catchers, leaf creations, painted rock gardens, sketches, etc.

Swimming (outdoor pool/lake)Campers may swim 2-3 times a week based on the camp

Fire building and marshmallow roasting Campers learn how to build a fire from scratch and all the safety precautions needed

Circle games/Camper group DebriefWhat did you like today? What do you hope to do tomorrow?

Closing Circle and Bead Ceremony Repeat After Me Song, beads, announcements

here is an example of a typical day at an indoor site (i.e., Variety Camp).

here is an example of a typical day at an outdoor site (i.e., outdoor Adventure Camp).

YMCA Day Camp Dates and ThemesEach week all 36 day camps will celebrate one theme with various games and activities. This will lead up to our Friday special event day where campers will participate in a series of theme related activities and are welcome to wear their theme week costumes.

Dates and Camp ThemesWeek 1

Carnival

Week 2

Superheroes

Week 3

Pirates vs. Ninjas

Week 4

Amazing Race

Week 5

Summerween

Week 6

Mystery

Week 7

Under the Sea

Week 8

Rock Stars

Week 9

Safari

Week 9

The Day Camp

Games

Jun 29-Jul 3* Jul 6-10 Jul 13-17 Jul 20-24 Jul 27-31 Aug 4-7* Aug 10-14 Aug 17-21 Aug 24-28 Aug 31- Sep 4

*Short weeks: All camps are closed Wednesday, July 1, Canada Day, and Monday, August 3, 2014, Civic Holiday.

YMCA Day Camps Value BeadsAt YMCA day Camps, value beads play an important role as a sign of character and personal achievement. As a form of recognition, beads at camp promote positive behavior, and are worn as a constant reminder of what we value as a camp community. Throughout the week, beads are awarded to individuals for demonstrating our YMCA core values of responsibility, respect, inclusiveness, caring, health and honesty, and achieving success in specific program areas. Ask your camper how they achieved their beads! Visit our website to download a YMCA Values Bead Tracker for your fridge.

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StaffYMCA day Camp staff are a minimum of 17 years of age, and most are college and university students or recent graduates. All staff must have their current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” certification as well as a clear criminal reference check on file. YMCA day Camp staff receive a minimum of 48 hours of pre-camp training each spring, and senior staff receive approximately 90 hours prior to each camp season!

At camp, each counsellor is responsible for 10 children and supported by a floater staff and program head. Each camp has an on-site Camp director, and is supported by a Senior director and Camp Manager.

Parent Communication The Thursday evening before your camper is registered to attend camp, you will receive an automated pre-camp call with information specific to your child’s day Camp location, including the on-site contact number. If you don’t receive this call, please contact the YMCA Program Registration Office at 1-877-303-2267 to ensure we have your correct phone number on file. You will also be able to access more information online at ymcagta.org/daycamps. Also don’t forget to follow us on twitter @ymcagtacamps

Camper Journals The last Friday of your campers program week they will come home with a camper journal. The journal will share some fun information about what your camper has been up to at camp as well as a certificate of participation in our camps.

general Information Your child will grow and make new friends in a warm and welcoming camp community that teaches YMCA values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility. Children learn new skills and discover their potential as they laugh and play.

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What if I’m late to pick up my child at the bus stop?Please ensure you arrive to the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled drop off time. If you are late, your child will be dropped off at the next closest Extended Hours location on the bus route. If you’re late, please call 1-877-303-2267. If the next stop or stops do not have have extended hours on site, the camper will be waiting at the last stop with the counselor. We understand that parents are busy people, and from time to time everyone is late to arrive. However, a child with parents who are consistently late picking them up will be withdrawn from the program.

Can my child travel to and from camp on their own?Your child’s safety is very important to us. An adult must pick up children under the age of 12 years. The YMCA defines an adult as 16 years of age or older. On the Summer Camp Registration Form there is an opportunity for parents to give permission for children ages 12 years or older to be permitted to walk home unescorted. If your child is not picked up and there is no signed release form, your child will be dropped off at the next closest Extended Hours location or the last bus stop where they will wait for the authorized pick-up person.

What if I need to pick up my child during the day?Please call your child’s camp location directly to make arrangements to meet your child’s group at the designated meeting area. It is best if you make arrangements ahead of time, as your child might be away from the main site participating in an activity and it can take some time for them to walk back to meet you.

When do I drop off my child?Each camp day starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. On the first day of each session follow the signs to the drop-off area. Please ensure you sign your camper in and out each day with a YMCA staff member. If you require care for your child prior to 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. please register them for an Extended hours program. For your child’s safety, please have your Id ready to sign out your child. In order to authorize someone else picking up your child, please call the office to let us know or we will not let the child leave. Please note repeated failure to pick your child up on time could result in withdraw from the camp program.

how do Extended hours work?We have both full Extended Hours (starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.) and mini extended hours (starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.) programs available at many locations across the GTA. Please see the camp brochure for fees and availability in your community. Extended hours is run by trained YMCA staff. Campers will continue participating in fun activities and enjoy an afternoon snack.

how does busing work?Busing is available to many of our camps from various locations across the GTA. There is an additional fee round trip daily service each week, and you must register your camper to ride the bus. See the camp brochure for bus fees and bus stops available for your day camp. Bus times can be found on our website at http://www.ymcagta.org/en/camps/day-camps/busing.html Please note campers must get on and off at the same bus stop daily and guardians must sign children in and out with a YMCA staff member.

If your camper is riding the bus, check the busing schedule at ymcagta.org/campbus the Friday before camp begins, as bus times are subject to change. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Buses depart at the time stated on the bus schedule and will not wait for absent campers. Campers are supervised on the bus by YMCA camp counsellors who will engage your camper with fun games and activities on route to camp! Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/ymcagtacamps to get updates on bus scheduling.

You can also sign up for the bus notification texting service. Follow the steps below.

1. Text the name of the bus (i.e. OWL) to 6474YMCA88 (647 496 2288) (no hashtags or other symbols required)

2. After the initial opt-in, a link will be texted back for families that wish to opt-in for one/multiple weeks during the summer. If this link is not followed, please make sure you have typed in the correct bus name.

3. After submitting your selection, a confirmation receipt of the opt-in will appear.

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When will my child swim?depending on the camp, children may swim one to four times per week. Check the brochure description of the camp your child will be attending for more information. Even if your camper is not swimming daily, they should bring a bathing suit and towel each day as water play may be part of their daily activities. When swimming, campers are supervised by qualified NLS lifeguards. Children enrolled in aquatics camp swim five days a week. On the first day of camp all campers will participate in a swim test to determine their swimming level. We provide life jackets for non-swimmers.

What happens when there is a pool fouling?unfortunately in the event of a pool fouling the pool will be shut down for up to 2hrs to allow our certified pool operators to shock the pool and ensure it’s sanitary for the children to return to their regular activities. Our counsellors ensure that campers go to the bathroom before there swimming session but in order to help us more in not having to close the pool please inform you campers counsellor if your campers is experiencing any signs of an unsettled tummy or nausea in the morning.

What should I send for lunch?Your child will be very active in our camp programs — playing games and sports, swimming, carrying their backpack when they walk, etc. Children need healthy lunches and snacks to fuel this high level of activity — greater quantities of food than they would require in a lunch for a typical day at school. Please ensure your camper comes with at least two snacks and a hearty lunch to ensure they are fueled for the day! When you plan your child’s lunch, please keep in mind that there are no refrigerators or microwave ovens at camp.

lunch suggestions: • Choose an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep lunches and snacks fresh all day. • Freeze juice boxes or water bottles the night before – the drink stays cool and refreshing and the frozen container acts like an ice pack! •Fresh drinking water is provided at all camp sites. Send a refillable water bottle and we’ll remind your child to drink and fill it up during the day.

AM Snack Ideas:• Breakfast bars• Fruit• Yogurt • Oatmeal

lunch:• Chicken Strips and dip• Sandwiches / wrap / pitas• Crackers with slice cheese and meat• Pasta / Mac and cheese• Pizza• Fruit• Muffins

PM Snack:• Crackers• Goldfish• Veggie sticks and dip• Cookies

Please note: Nut products are NOT permitted at any YMCA programs. Many of our campers have nut allergies, so please do not send your camper with nuts or any products that contain peanuts or tree nuts!

Bagged lunch option: In partnership with Real Food for Real Kids, we are excited to offer a bagged lunch option at Toronto Central YMCA day Camp, Toronto Winona YMCA day Camp, Toronto Scarborough YMCA day Camp, Toronto Sheppard Ave YMCA day Camp, and Markham YMCA day Camp. For $27 / week, each day campers will enjoy a 100% all natural juice, sandwich/wrap, piece of fruit and a snack. Please register with the YMCA Contact Centre at 1-877-303-2267. Registrations for the lunch program end the Tuesday before to the following week of camp. In addition please still pack AM and PM snacks for your camper as the days are very active.

YMCA Cedar Glen also offers a bagged lunch option made on site by our food services team. For $27 per week, campers receive a drink, sandwich, granola bar, veggie sticks and a piece of fruit. Please also register with the YMCA Contact Centre 1-877-303-2267.

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What should my child bring to camp?Along with wearing comfortable clothes, a hat and if necessary a rain coat/poncho, your child should also have a backpack with these essentials all labeled with their name: sunscreen, a healthy lunch, at least two snacks, a refillable water bottle, bathing suit and towel. Campers should not bring electronics to camp, and the YMCA cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen valuables.

What to Bring- Program Specific Camps:

Baseball Day CampCampers will need to bring their personal baseball glove to camp. Helmets will be provided by the camp and sanitized daily. Children are welcome to bring their personal helmet.

Cedar glen Specialty Camps: horseback Riding and golf Day CampsFor Horseback Riding Camp, rubber boots are recommended or boots with a small heal. For Golf Camp, campers are welcome to bring their own clubs if they would like, or clubs will be provided.

hike and Bike/Paddle and Peddle Campers are encouraged to bring their own helmets for Mountain Biking, and must have sturdy hiking shoes and a well-fitted backpack. Campers must be comfortable riding a bike for this program.

Ice hockey (oshawa Mary St. YMCA Day Camp only) Campers must have basic skating and hockey skills and must come with full hockey equipment each day.

outdoor Adventure/Advanced Day CampCampers must wear closed-toe shoes and are welcome to bring their own personal labelled canoe/kayak life jacket if they choose.

outdoor Adventure Advanced/Youth leadership, Youth Environmental and Youth Aquatic leadership and Advanced leadership. These youth programs also include an overnight experience at YMCA Cedar Glen! Additional information will be sent home on how to prepare your youth for this exciting experience.

lacrosse Day CampCampers are encouraged to bring cleats if they have them, all other equipment will be provided.

Soccer Day CampCampers are encouraged to bring soccer cleats, shin pads and soccer socks to camp

overnights at YMCA Cedar glen All Youth Leadership day Camps include an overnight experience at YMCA Cedar Glen the second Thursday of the leadership program. Youth will join leadership participants from other YMCA day Camp locations and participate in team building activities such as low and high ropes courses, and the climbing wall. Lunch, dinner, evening snack, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Youth will also participate in an emergency first aid and CPR training. Youth should bring the following to YMCA Cedar Glen: • A sweater or jacket in case its cool at night • A change of clothes for the next day • Close toed shoes (mandatory for ropes courses) • Sleeping bag and pillow • Bathing suit and towel • Notebook and pen • Flashlight and toiletries • Their energy and enthusiasm!

While at Cedar Glen youth will be supervised by their Youth Leadership counselors as well as YMCA Cedar Glen outdoor education staff. The contact number for YMCA Cedar Glen is 905-859-9622.

Please see Page 7 for more very important information to ensure a successful first day of camp!

What should my child wear to their program?We have a lot of fun and tend to get dirty when playing outside! Please dress your child in washable clothes that you don’t mind possibly getting stained. Choose fabrics that are cool and lightweight. It’s a good idea to layer clothes as mornings can be cool and days can be very hot. Children are very active in our programs — running, climbing, rolling, jumping — so please choose shorts or lightweight pants (no skirts or dresses), and running shoes (no flip-flops). You may want to avoid sandals as toes easily get stepped on. Please ensure that your child wears a hat each day.

What if my child is going to be absent?If your child is going to be absent please call the YMCA Program Office at 1-877-303-2267 or your camp phone number, which will be provided in the email newsletter, and leave a message.

What if someone else is picking up my child?On the registration form you can include two main contacts and one emergency contact. If you require any additional adults to be authorized to pick up your child from camp, please send a note to your child’s counselor with the date and your signature. We will ask all people we have not met to identify themselves with photo identification (e.g. driver’s license). The person must be over the age of 16. If someone comes to pick up your child without your prior written authorization, we will call home for verbal permission before releasing your child.

What should my child bring to camp?Along with wearing comfy clothes, a hat and if necessary a rain coat/poncho, your child should also have a backpack with these essentials all labeled with their name: sunscreen, a hearty lunch, at least two snacks, a refillable water bottle, bathing suit and towel. Campers should not bring electronics to camp, and the YMCA cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen valuables.

What if my child loses something?To help ensure all belongings return at the end of the day, teach your child to put items back in their backpack when they’re finished with them. It also helps to label all items with your child’s name and to have your child help pack their backpack so they know what’s inside — many kids don’t recognize their own stuff, especially if it’s new! It’s important that children bring a backpack, since it’s easier to carry and more sturdy than a plastic bag. Any found items at the end of the day are collected and storedat camp/club/kinder program. If your child loses something, call your camp directly or visit to look through the lost and found. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please encourage your child to bring only what’s needed for the program to camp. do not bring electronic toys.

lost and Found Disclaimer: Our staff will do their best to ensure campers keep their belongings in their backpacks, but sometimes things get left behind. Please check daily to ensure your child is coming home with everything they left with! Lost and found will be kept on site for one week and then donated.

What happens in inclement weather?Extreme heat: Camp directors check the weather daily to help keep campers safe. In the event of extreme heat your camper’s counselor will ask them to apply sunscreen every couple of hours. At outdoor sites they will play in the shaded areas. Indoor sites will play inside with limited time outside in the sun. Counselors will also remind your campers to take water breaks regularly throughout the day.

Thunderstorms: If thunderstorms are scheduled for the day CAMP STILL RuNS. Thunderstorms at Indoor sites - Campers will remain inside continuing their normal camp day until the storm passes over and it’s safe to continue with outdoor play. Outdoor Sites - Campers will be taken to a sheltered area and engage low key camp games until the storm passes. during a thunderstorm NO water play is permitted this includes swimming in the pool and boating in a lake or stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

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who you are — let’s work together to keep your child’s skin safe this summer! For more information about sun safety visit www.cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.

how do I protect my child from insect bites?If you are considering sending insect repellent to camp with your child, please read the instructions carefully and check Health Canada’s recommendations:Ages 2 to 12:• Choose a product with less than 10% DEET• Apply no more than three times per dayAges 12 or older:•Choose a product with less than 30% DEET • Apply no more than three times per dayInsect repellent should be applied after sunscreen and be reapplied after swimming. Visit Health Canada at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/life-vie/insect-eng.php#a4 for more information. don’t forget to label your child’s insect repellent with their name. Staff will remind your child to reapply insect repellent only if it is within the Health Canada recommended percentage of dEET. You may want to consult with your child’s physician before applying any insect repellent.

What if my child needs medication at camp?If your child requires medication during the day, please download the YMCA medication form from our website and ensure you hand it, with the medication, directly to a YMCA staff member on the first day of the program. If your child requires non-prescription medication, please obtain a doctor’s note that indicates:

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how do I protect my child from the sun?The best way to ensure children are protected from the sun is teaching them how to apply sunscreen and to wear a hat at all times when outdoors. Please send sunscreen labeled with your child’s name to camp, and we will remind them to reapply throughout the day and after water-related activities.

We will also plan activities so that children are not in the hot sun all day, and blend active and quiet activities. Once again the Canadian Cancer Society and the YMCA of Greater Toronto have teamed up to help keep your child sun safe this summer. By the age of 18, young people will have spent more time outside than they will for the rest of their lives! To help protect your child’s skin, the Canadian Cancer Society will provide campers at select camps with wide-brim hats free of charge and Society volunteers will work with camp staff to teach your child the 5 steps to sun safety:

1. Wear a wide-brim hat.2. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.3. Play in the shade.4. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs.5. Wear sunglasses with uVA and uVB protection.

And remember, sun safety is important regardless of

Counselors go through training before camp on what to do in these weather conditions. during this time please refrain from calling the director as they are busy coordinating camper groups to safe areas.

• Your child’s name• Name of medication• Dosage• Expiry date of the note• Doctor’s signature• Times to administer, or specific signs and symptoms that indicate medication needs to be administered.

All medications need to be in the original container with your child’s name and the date of the prescription on the container. All medications are locked in storage at camp and can be refrigerated if required. If the medication is for emergency use (e.g. inhaler or EpiPen) the counselor will carry it in their emergency waist pack. If your child self-administers their medication, they can carry it in their waist pack.

What if my child becomes ill during the day?

If your child is too ill to participate fully in all aspects of the program, please keep them home from camp. When a child is feeling poorly the last place they want to be is on a bus, outdoors in the heat, or around all their friends who are busy having a good time. In the event your child becomes ill at a YMCA program, we will call you to come and pick them up at the camp site. All our staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C.

What if I have to cancel my child’s registration?Requests for cancellations or refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the YMCA Registration Centre via fax or email located at the end of this guide. Requests for refunds received prior to 28 days from your camp session will receive a refund minus an administration fee of 10% of the total fee or $25 (whichever is greater). Refund requests received with less than 28 days notice from your camp session are subject to an administration fee of 50% of the total fee. Refund requests that are received after 12 p.m. on the Friday before the camp session starts will not qualify for a refund. Any refund requests are considered on an individual basis. A doctor’s note is required for cancellations due to medical reasons. Refunds are not granted for inclement weather and take four to six weeks to process.

Can I visit my child’s program?Visiting your child’s program location is the best way to learn more about their experience. Call ahead, directly to the location to make arrangements to meet your child’s group at the designated meeting area. You will be asked to wear a visitor badge and sign in and out.

ConTACT US

YMCA Program Registration office2200 Yonge Street, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M4S 2C6

February 2 to June 26: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 29 to September 4: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: 647-439-6611 or1-877-303-2267 Fax: 416-928-2030

summer.camp@ymcagta.orgymcagta.org/daycamps

@YMCAgTACamps

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