BEST SUMMER EVER!SUMMER DAY CAMP 2015PARENT HANDBOOK FAIRFIELD FAMILY YMCA

Fairfield Family YMCA 4949 ATLANTIC AVELONG BEACH, CA 90805

March 2015

Dear Parents,

Thank you for enrolling your child into our YMCA Summer Day Camp program. Day Camping is a tradition of excellence at the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. We have been busy planning exciting activities for your child’s summer of camping fun. This summer the Fairfield Family YMCA is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA Camp number 6659), which requires us to adhere over 300 quality and safety standards. Your child will have a positive, safe and fun summer meeting new friends and conquering new adventures.

This parent handbook will provide information and regulations to help answer questions about your child’s camp. You and your child will be held accountable for all information covered in this handbook. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact the Youth Development Director.

Along with this Parent Handbook, you should have received a registration packet that includes an immunization form, emergency contacts and medical information form and a medical release/instruction form. These must be completed before your child is officially enrolled in our camps. The forms are due no later than June 1, 2015. Participants that register after June 1, 2015 must return all required forms no later than seven (7) days before the first camping week attended by your child.

Thank you again for enrolling your child into our Summer Day Camp Program! We look forward to providing a memorable summer for you and your child(ren). Please feel free to contact me at 562.423.0491 or email me at angelica.cortez@lbymca.org with any additional questions at any time during the summer.

Sincerely,

Angelica CortezYouth Development Director Fairfield Family YMCA

YMCA Camp Leadership

Leticia Leos Executive Director 562.423.0491

Leticia.Leos@lbymca.org

Angelica Cortez Youth Development Director 562.423.0491 Angelica.Cortez@lbymca.org

Mariana Rodriguez/Malindsey Nobles Associate Camp Directors562.423.0491

The YMCA Mission StatementTo put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The YMCA Summer Day Camp PhilosophyThe Fairfield Family YMCA has long recognized the rights and needs of young people to belong to a group where they can nurture friendships, new and old, and develop a strong sense of camaraderie with peers as they develop their own sense of self. The YMCA believes that organized small groups are one of the most effective ways of encouraging personal growth for a child. In such groups, young people and adults work together to create an environment that nurtures independent growth through fun filled activities.

YMCA Summer Day Camp Goals Provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for all campers Demonstrate by example, positive character values including honesty, caring,

responsibility and respect Provide an opportunity for new experiences in an environment that fosters healthy

relationships Assist your camper in acquiring an appreciation for our natural surroundings

YMCA Character DevelopmentAt the YMCA we are meeting the changing conditions of the times by committing to teaching character development principles in all our programs.Respect: To treat others as you would have them treat youHonesty: To tell the truth and to be worthy of trustCaring: To love others and to be sensitive to the well being of othersResponsibility: To do what is right and to do what we ought to do

Camp RegistrationCamp Registration begins on April 1, 2015 and will be accepted until camper registration limits are met. When you register your child you will need the following:

Camper Registration form The non-refundable deposit of $25.00 for each week you are registering. A $30.00 per child non-refundable registration fee

Upon initial registration parents/guardians will receive a Parent Handbook. Please complete the information forms with the Parent Handbook. Return all signatures, medical information, and emergency contact information no later than June 1, 2015. All campers who register after June 1, 2015 must complete all the required forms no later than seven (7) days before your child’s first camp day. Your child will not officially be enrolled in our camp programs and may not participate in any camp activity until all required forms are completed.

Waiting ListSpace is limited in each camp. Camps will be filled according to the order that registration is received. There will be a waiting list for each week of camp that has reached capacity. If your child is placed on the waiting list, the Summer Day Camp administrative staff will notify you on the Friday prior to the start of that camp week whether or not a space has opened up.

If you have defaulted on a payment, in addition to forfeiting the $25 deposit, your child will be dropped for any future weeks of camp (see Payment Policies). In the event that this may occur, your child will lose their spot in that week of camp and will be waitlisted for any camp weeks that have reached their capacity.

Payment InformationPayments will be processed at the YMCA. After your initial registration, payments may be taken over the phone for your convenience with a major credit card. We can also set up direct debit for your convenience which will automatically withdraw your camp fees out of your checking account or credit card.

For your convenience we accept Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express, money orders, personal checks and cash.

All balance payments are due no later than seven (7) days before each camping week. Failure to pay balances 7 days in advanced will lead to forfeiture of your child’s camp spot. You will also lose your deposit.

All nonrefundable deposits will be applied to weekly camp balances. A $20.00 late fee will be charged to all accounts after the payment cut-off day. A $20.00 transfer fee will be charged for each transfer from camps or camp weeks once

the registration process has been completed. A $1.00 per minute late pick up will be assessed to your account for every minute you are

late picking up your child from camp. All 3rd party agency participants must sign their attendance sheets daily or your care may

be terminated and you will be held financially responsible for camp fees.

Financial AssistanceFinancial aid is available on a limited basis through the YMCA of Greater Long Beach Annual Campaign Fund. Funds for financial assistance program are raised through our Annual Campaign. All applications take at least two weeks to process. When completing the application process attach proof of all income. Two consecutive recent paycheck stubs or a copy of your 2014 W2 statement is considered proof of income. For additional information on the financial aid process, contact Angelica Cortez, Youth Development Director at 562.423.0491

If you would like to donate to our Annual Campaign to help send a few wonderful kids to camp that would not normally get the opportunity to, please contact our Executive Director Leticia Leos. All donations are tax deductible.

Tax InformationThe YMCA Tax ID number is 95-1643396. Receipts are given upon payment. If you require a complete list of payments made for Summer Day Camp you may request a statement from Angelica Cortez; allow one week for processing

Refunds & CreditsThe Youth Development Director must approve all credits and refunds. Credits are issued immediately and are valid for the period of one year. All credits can be applied to any Fairfield YMCA program or membership. Refunds are issued in the form in which they were received,

except cash which is refunded via check. Refunds issued by check will be processed by our corporate office and may take up to three weeks to receive in the mail. Refunds issued by credit or debit card are issued immediately and may take up to three business days to be reflected in your account.

All refunds require a $15.00 processing fee All deposits are nonrefundable. All camper registration fees are nonrefundable Camp balances are nonrefundable after the first camping day is completed. Refunds/Credits will not be issued for any camper who is suspended or expelled from camp

for behavior or safety violations. Refunds/Credits will be issued for medical emergencies/illnesses accompanying a doctor’s

statement for absences of more than 2 consecutive days in the same camping week. If the Fairfield Family YMCA cancels camping day/days, except for inclement weather

and/or natural disaster, a partial refund/credit will be issued without a processing fee. If the Fairfield Family YMCA cancels a day camp program, except for inclement weather

and/or natural disaster, a full refund/credit will be issued without a processing fee.If you have additional questions about our credit and refund policies, please contact the Youth Development Director immediately.

YMCA Summer Day Camp StaffWe hire the most qualified staff as camp counselors to help ensure your child’s positive and fun experience in our day camp programs. Counselors agree to behavior expectations and have provided references during the interview process. Many counselors are studying Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education in college. All counselors must meet the following requirements:

Certified in CPR Certified in First Aid Complete 28 hours of pre-camp training Be a minimum age of 18 for all Specialty & Sport Camps Be a minimum age of 18 and a high school graduate for our Traditional Camps Obtain a criminal record clearance Obtain a child abuse record clearance 1-2 years of prior experience with children ages 3-15.

Camper GroupsCampers will be divided into camper groups based on age. Campers will be assigned a team and will interact in daily scheduled activities with their team. At certain times, campers will participate in camp wide events and activities. We will be adhering to the required American Camping Association ratios. The following are the camper groups and camper to counselor ratios:

Children Ages 5-6 1:6 counselor to camper ratioChildren Ages 7-8 1:8 counselor to camper ratioChildren Ages 9-14 1:10 counselor to camper ratio *Camper not allowed to be alone with a CounselorYMCA Camp HoursCamp hours: 9:00am- 4:00pmExtended Camp hours: 6:30am-9:00am & 4:00pm-6:30pm

Camp NewsAll campers will receive a weekly camp newsletter. Please pick up the newsletter at the sign in and out area. Inside the newsletter, you will find information about your child’s camp experience for the week and parent reminders

Daily Camp Schedule Sample

Traditional Day Camp Camp Opening Character Development Time Games Arts & Crafts or park activity Lunch

Special Theme Activity Sports Team Time Field Trip (9) Camp Closing

Theme Weeks

Children enrolled in our traditional day camps participate in weekly theme events. Children will have special activities and guests that incorporate the theme each week. The theme weeks for this summer in order are as follows:

Themes:Week 1 Around the World Week 2 Party in the USAWeek 3 Super HeroWeek 4 Groovy TimesWeek 5 Sports Extravaganza Week 6 Everyday is a Holiday Week 7 Animal Planet Week 8 Masquerade Week 9 Pirates Week 10 Fiesta Party

Last Blast Summer CelebrationAll campers who attended summer camp at any time during the summer are invited to a Last Blast Summer Dance on the last day of camp, August 28, 2015. The celebration consists of a picnic and dance held from 11:30am-4:00pm. Campers vote on “Summer Camp Queen and King”, eat picnic treats and dance away the afternoon to music with a DJ.

Field Trips

Children enrolled in our Traditional Day Camp will be attending nine field trips. Date Destination Bus Departure Address

June 25, 2015

Splash! 10:00am 13806 La Mirada Blvd.

La Mirada, CA 90638

July 9, 2015 Chuck E. Cheese

10:00am 515 Lakewood Blvd. Lakewood,

CA 90712July 16, 2015 Norwalk 8

Theatre10:00am Norwalk Town

Square 13917 Pioneer Blvd. Norwalk, CA

90650July 23, 2015 Cabrillo 10:00am 3800 Stephen M

White Drive San

Beach/Aquarium

Pedro, CA

July 30, 2015 Staples Center

10:00am 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles,

CA 90015August 6,

2015El Dorado

Nature Center

10:00am 7550 E Spring St. Long Beach, CA

90815

August13,2015

John’s Incredible

Pizza

10:00am 8601 Buena Park, CA 90620

August20,2015

Mother’s Beach

10:00am 5839 Appian WayLong Beach, CA

August27,2015

Long Beach Aquarium

10:00am 100 Aquarium way, Long Beach,

CA 90802Traditional Day Camp

** Field Trips are subject to change ** We may not be in a position to accept children who arrive after 9:00am. If your child arrives late and there is a scheduled field trip we will not be able to hold back the bus or van to wait for your arrival. We will not provide alternative care if your child misses the bus or van for the field trip.** We will return from our field trips by 4pm ( depending on traffic )

Daily Sign In/OutEach camper must be signed in and out of camp each day. Please be prepared to show a photo I.D. We realize that asking for photo identification in order to sign your child out may be inconvenient but this is not a rule that we are lenient with, for the safety of your child. We will be requiring photo ID for the entire summer even if our staff recognize you. Unless the YMCA Summer Day Camp Director is notified in writing, only adults (at least 18 years of age) authorized by the parent on the child’s registration paperwork are allowed to sign out children at the end of the day. You may pick your child up on a trip.

Each camper is expected to be picked up by the end of their enrolled camp day. Campers picked up after their enrolled time will be charged $1.00 per minute. If your child is not picked up by 7:00pm and we cannot reach you or an emergency contact, we will contact the Long Beach Police Department to assist us.

Camper Attire Your child will be participating in several indoor and outdoor activities each camping day. It is very important that your child be appropriately dressed for summer weather and outdoor activities. Please mark all clothing and belongings with your child’s name. Provided below is a list of appropriate clothing and camper needs.

A lost and found bin will be placed at the sign in and out table at the beginning and end of each camping day. Please ask your child if they have all of their belongings each day. If your child is

missing an item please check the bin. The YMCA cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

Sneakers & Socks –Sandals and other open toed shoes are not permitted at camp. Shorts & T-Shirts – Children should be dressed in “camp clothes”. Please do not allow

your child to wear expensive or “dressy” clothes to camp. In addition, clothing should be age appropriate and non-offensive in nature. Children dressed inappropriately for camp will be asked to leave for the day. Children will be engaged in sports, games and arts & crafts, all known to be potentially messy.

Bathing Suits – Please be sure you pack your child’s bathing suit every day. Although children may not swim every day, they will be engaged in water activities every day ranging from water balloon to a slip & slide. Campers may only wear one piece bathing suits

Hat & Sunglasses – It is very important that your child has additional protection from the sun. We recommend that your child wear both to camp. Your child will be spending a significant amount of time outdoors.

Additional Camper NeedsPlease clearly label your child’s name on the following camper needs with a permanent black marker:

Water Bottle Waterproof Sun Block of 25 SPF or higher Towels Backpack

Waterproof Sun BlockAll campers must wear waterproof sun block of 25spf or higher. Children in all camps will be spending much of their day outside. Sun block should be applied at home before children come to camp. During the day counselors will reapply sun block frequently. If parents do not wish to have their child wear sun block or have sun block applied to their child, a written letter from the child’s parent/guardian must be presented to the Camp Director on the first day of camp.

Camper T-ShirtsAll campers will be issued a YMCA camp T-shirt for the summer. The campers are only required to wear this T-shirt for the field trips. They are welcome to wear the shirt on non-field trip days as well. Additional shirts may be purchased for $10.00 at the YMCA Welcome Center.

What Not To Bring to CampThere are several items that we do not want children bringing to camp for various reasons. We are interested in providing your child with a positive camping experience. That experience can be ruined if a child loses a “special” toy or personal item during the camp day. A list of restricted items follows.

Personal Property or toys Sport Equipment Radios, MP3 players, IPods, CD/tape players, personal DVD players Trading cards Make up Skateboards, Roller Blades, Scooters Video games or gaming equipment Expensive jewelry Cell phones Pet/Animals

The Fairfield Family YMCA cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen property.

Opportunities for CommunicationTo ensure that you and your child are getting the most out of your YMCA experience, we maintain open lines of communication through a variety of sources including: Top Sheets, bulletin boards, written notices and/or reports from staff and surveys. Phone numbers for program directors and each camp are listed on the cover sheet of this parent handbook.

Parent Information AreaThe sign-in table provides information regarding daily and weekly activities. Our staff will be ensuring that your camper is prepared for the day, checking that proper attire is worn, lunches are brought and they are in good health. Please be aware that any changes to the schedules will be posted on the sign in bulletin board.Weekly calendars will be placed at the sign in/out table at the end of each week. Information on these weekly calendars will include a schedule of the daily activities, what to bring each day and any changes made.

EmailParents can email the YMCA Summer Day Camp Director Angelica Cortez at angelica.cortez@lbymca.org or call 562.423.0491 regarding any questions about the program.

Money at CampMoney is optional during camp trip days. If your child will be bringing money on the trip day, please check the money in at the sign-in table. Their money will be placed in an envelope with their name and amount enclosed. Any change left over will be returned when your child is signed out. Your child is not allowed to carry their own money during trips. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen money that is not checked in at the sign-in table.

Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Free All YMCA camps and programs occur in a drug, alcohol and tobacco free environment. Any camper who brings drugs, alcohol or tobacco to camp or on YMCA property or at one of our outreach sites will be immediately expelled from the program for the duration of the summer. No refunds or credits will be issued for a violation of this code.

Behavior Management/Discipline ProceduresOur Summer Day Camp needs rules and guidelines in order to have a quality program. We understand that children will push limits and are learning about life. This is expected. What we have zero tolerance for is hitting, threatening or disregard for staff or peers. It is not fair for other campers who are following camp guidelines to have their activities interrupted by those not following directions. We do not permit verbal or corporal punishment. If we have difficulty with a child we initially redirect them. If the problem continues, we implement a cool off time. A child can be instructed to separate from the group for a brief period of time to help them calm down or simply just to be away from the current situation.

In cases of negative or inappropriate behavior, the following process will be employed:Reasoning and Redirection: Every effort will be made to help the child understand the inappropriateness of his/her action and agree to an alternate form of behavior. Children may be redirected to alternative activities. When the conflict is child-to-child, every effort will be made to have them reason together face-to-face with staff facilitating.

Removal from Specific Activity: When reasoning has been pursued and has not changed behavior, removing child from the activity involved for an appropriate amount of time may become necessary. The denied activity should be related to the misbehavior and the removal should not exceed 10 minutes.

A Behavior Report will be written documenting the inappropriate behavior and discussed with parent upon pick up. If the child continues to have problems in the same area or demonstrates problems in several areas then we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the child from the program (refunds will not be given for time missed due to disruptive behavior). If a child receives 3 Behavior Reports they may be instantly dismissed from the program. This is at the discretion of the Summer Day Camp Director.

A child can be instantly terminated from the Summer Day Camp program for the following reasons:Physical confrontation or assault on another camperRunning away from campThreatening, intimidating or bullying other campersPossessing a weaponPossessing drugs or alcoholDemonstrating intent to hurt someone through action or words

Behavior PolicyIt is the goal of the Fairfield Family YMCA camps and programs to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all camp participants. The YMCA teaches our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Children who attend our summer camp programs are expected to follow the behavior guidelines and to interact appropriately in small and large group settings. All Day Camp counselors received training in peaceful conflict resolution, behavior management and rule enforcement. Please review the following rules with your child before the first week of camp. You and your child will be held accountable for the knowledge and comprehension of these rules.

Camp Rules: Fighting, both verbal and physical will not be tolerated. Campers are to stay with their assigned groups at all times, unless the counselor

gives specific permission to leave the group temporarily using the buddy system. Campers are to show respect for other campers, staff and their surroundings. Campers are to act in a caring manner at all times. Campers are held responsible for their actions. Campers are asked to communicate honestly with each other and with their

counselors.

General Camp RulesNo inappropriate physical contact between childrenBe respectful of staff, counselors, directors and peersStay with your camp and within designated boundariesFollow directionsLet staff know if you need to use the restroomNo pets permitted in camp

Van/Bus RulesNo eating, drinking or chewing gum in van or busRemain seated at all times (with seat belts in vans)No LOUD talking, yelling, whistling or singingKeep all body parts in the vehicleNo throwing items out of the windowsClosed toe shoes must be worn at all times

Beach/Swimming RulesFollow all general rulesSwim only when lifeguard is presentDo not enter water without permission

Swim directly in front of lifeguard station at the beachNo surf-boards; Boogie boards permitted ONLY by Teen CampersNever swim aloneNo throwing sand or other itemsSwimmers- allowed only into water at chest highNon-swimmers- allowed only into water at waist high

Park RulesFollow all general rulesNo throwing sand or other objectsFeet first on slidesSit when slidingDo not climb up slidesStay with your group and within designated boundariesNo running offInform staff if needing to enter a restroomShoes must be worn always - No sandals or any open toed shoes

All Camp Discipline Policy If your child should violate any of the above camper rules, the discipline policy will go into effect. The discipline policy is carried out through the use of “steps”. Any kind of violent act or behavior will automatically result in a suspension from the program.

Step 1: The first violation of a camp rule will result in the child and counselor having a discussion and a conflict resolution session. The Youth Development Director will notify parents/guardians of the behavior infraction during sign out.

Step 2: The second violation will result in a meeting with the Youth Development Director to discuss conflict resolution. The Youth Development Director will notify parents of the behavior infraction. Children will lose a camp privilege for 1 or 2 camping days (i.e. swimming).

Step 3: The third violation will result in a suspension from camp issued by the Executive Director. Campers are to be picked up from camp at the time of the violation by either yourself or a person named on the emergency card. Depending on the severity of the violation the child may be suspended for 1 – 5 camp days. Length of suspension also depends on the child’s attitude during conflict resolution sessions and level of remorse for behavior infraction. No refunds or credits will be issued for the period of the suspension.

Step 4: The fourth and final violation of camp rules will result in immediate expulsion from camp. No refunds or credits will be issued for the remainder of the camping week. The Youth Development Director and Executive Director reserves the right to immediately dismiss a child from the program based on the severity of the situation and/or aggressiveness of behavior.

Special Needs/Medical Forms/MedicationsYour child is not required to have a physical before joining camp however if your child has special needs of any type YOU MUST INFORM Angelica Cortez IN WRITING. Special needs may include needing medications, medical illness/conditions or bathroom emergencies. In order to meet the needs of your child we must know exactly what their needs are and how you would like us to meet those needs. Our program is not designed to meet the needs of all special needs children but we will always do our best within the program’s guidelines. If your child will be requiring medication during day camp then you will need to fill out and sign the Authorization to Administer Medication form which can be obtained at the sign-in table. We

will not administer medication without this form. All medication MUST be in the original pharmacy bottle with the pharmacy label stating your child’s name and dosing directions or we will not administer it. We cannot and will not administer over the counter medication or insulin.

Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication Medication should be taken before and after camp whenever possible. Campers must administer their own medication while at camp. Before we can allow your child to self- medicate, you must compete the medication instruction form. All campers must self-medicate under the supervision of the Youth Development Director. If your child will need medication during camp hours please abide by the following procedures:

All medications must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. All prescription medications must be current and be in the original prescription bottle. All medications must be given to the camp staff on the first camping day. All medications must be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the camping week. Explicit written directions including dosage and frequency of dosage must accompany

medication. The Youth Development Director or Assistant Camp Director will supervise while campers

self- medicate. All medication will be kept in a locked, secure location. Children who are on any current medication including behavior modification medication

must continue to take that medication during each camping week or for the duration of the dosage period.

Illness and Emergency ProceduresIt is extremely important that all emergency numbers provided are correct. If your child is ill, please do not bring them to camp. If your child becomes ill at camp, we will call you to come and pick him/her up. If we are unable to reach you your emergency contacts will be called to pick up your child. If your child is diagnosed with a serious contagious health condition throughout the course of camp, please inform your camp director so that we may inform other parents. This diagnosis may include but is not limited to: chicken pox, pink eye (conjunctivitis), head lice, scabies, ring worm, swine flu, etc. A doctor’s note must be obtained clearing your child to return to camp.Our staff is certified in CPR/First Aid. If your child is injured while at camp we are able to tend to minor injuries. If your child is greatly injured, your child’s camp director will take all steps necessary to obtain appropriate medical care. These steps include:

1. Attempting to reach the parent/legal guardian/emergency contact2. Call paramedics/ambulance3. Have your child taken to an emergency hospital while in the company of a staff member

All parents/guardians must complete an emergency contact form. On this form please indicate the next person you would like us to contact if your child needs to be picked up from camp for an illnesses, a contact person should be available at all times. All campers enrolled in camp must complete a Health Assessment, which requires a complete physical and immunization record before campers can be officially admitted into camp. In case of a medical emergency parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible. Parents are required to sign a medical consent form giving permission for certified Fairfield Family YMCA employees to perform First Aid and/or CPR on your child.

Parents are also required to sign a consent form to transport your child to the hospital by ambulance. A YMCA employee will accompany your child to the hospital and stay until a parent/guardian arrives. If the medical emergency does not allow the child to continue in the Day Camp Program, a partial credit or refund will be issued. Please do not bring your child to camp if they have a contagious disease, illness or lice. Children who are deemed to be sick by the Camp Staff will be sent home. Children with open wounds or sores will not be permitted to swim.

Illness/Injury

It is extremely important that all emergency numbers provided are correct. If your child is ill, please do not bring them to camp. If your child becomes ill at camp, we will call you to come and pick him/her up. If your child is diagnosed with a serious contagious health condition throughout the course of camp, please inform your camp director so that we may inform other parents. This diagnose may include but is not limited to: chicken pox, pink eye (conjunctivitis), head lice, scabies, ring worm, swine flu, etc. A doctor’s note must be obtained clearing your child to return to camp. Our staff is certified in CPR/First aid. If your child is greatly injured, your child’s camp director will take all steps necessary to obtain appropriate medical care. These steps include:

1. Attempting to reach the parent/legal guardian/emergency contact

2. Call paramedics/ambulance

3. Have your child taken to an emergency hospital while in the company of a staff member.

Code Red and Inclement Weather DaysWe hope that all days at camp this summer will be sunny! However, we must be prepared for severe heat and other forms of inclement weather. During a Code Red day campers will be kept inside and will take frequent water breaks. Code Red days are when the temperatures outside reach 95 degrees or higher.

For severe rain, thunder and lightning campers will be brought inside. We will not return to the outdoors for a ½ hour after the storm has passed. Your child’s safety is our top priority at camp. We will not jeopardize your child’s safety by exposing them to severe weather. Children will also not swim during any thunder or lightning event.

Absences If you know that your child will not be attending the next camping day, please notify your counselor. There are no credits or refunds issued for absences. If your child is absent from camp for two or more consecutive camping days in the same week, a partial refund or credit will be issued if a doctor’s note is accompanied with the credit or refund request.

Late ArrivalsWe may not be in a position to accept children who arrive after 9:00am. If your child arrives late and there is a scheduled field trip we will not be able to hold back the bus or van to wait for your arrival. We will not provide alternative care if your child misses the bus or van for the field trip.

Bus & Van Rules Children using the busing service are to abide by the following rules. The driver has full authority on the bus. The counselors will work with the bus driver to enforce all rules. Please review the following rules with your child before the first day of camp. You and your child will be held accountable for the knowledge of these rules. Children who continually violate the bus rules will lose busing privileges.

Driver instructions to children must be followed at all times Children are to be seated and facing forward while on the bus. Keep all hands and arms inside the windows of the bus at all times. There is no eating or drinking on the bus. Speak with inside voices while on the bus.

Camp Evaluations

Program evaluations will be distributed for each camp. Evaluations will be distributed weekly for all camps. Specialty Camp Program Evaluations will also be distributed weekly. Program evaluations will give you an opportunity to rate our program and provide the Youth Development Director valuable feedback. Program evaluations are anonymous. We value your opinion and truly take what you say into consideration. Changes have been made to our programs in the past based on these parent evaluations. You may either mail in your evaluation to the Youth Development Director at the YMCA, turn evaluations in to the box at the sign in and out area at Fairfield Family YMCA or you may give your evaluation to your child’s camp counselor.

Camp Breakfast and LunchCampers in traditional camp will receive breakfast and lunch daily. If your child has special dietary needs or is a picky eater we encourage you to pack your child’s breakfast and lunch. Please pack foods that will not spoil. Please be sure provide an AM and PM snack for your child (ren) on a daily basis. Refrigeration is not available.

Additional QuestionsPlease contact us with any additional questions or comments. Refer to the phone list in the beginning of the parent handbook for the proper contact person.