CAMP YOMECHAS PARENT HANDBOOK

CAMP YOMECHAS
PARENT HANDBOOK
Summer 2015
Old Colony YMCA Camp Yomechas
375 Wareham St
Middleboro, MA 02346
(P) 508-923-6300 (W) www.oldcolonyymca.org
(E) campyomechas@oldcolonyymca.org
WELCOME FROM THE CAMP DIRECTOR!
ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Our goal at Camp Yomechas is to provide the building blocks necessary for child
development. We purposely hire summer camp counselors who we believe will be
positive role models and provide your child with the tools necessary to develop
friendships and confidence; to feel empowered; to set boundaries; and to ensure your
children are in a safe community where their best interests are our #1 priority. It is
our objective to provide a creative learning environment through our youth programs
and activities to engage, motivate, and induce self-esteem and to light your child’s
individual and unique spark.
We are dedicated to producing a great camp with exceptional role models so you and
your child can rest assured that you picked the right place for your summer
experience. Those are the experiences and memories that last a lifetime… We are
sure you will agree that Camp Yomechas is the perfect destination for your child and
family!
Sincerely,
Ariana Lally, Camp Yomechas Director
Handbook Contents
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….
Welcome Letter
2
Contact Information
3
Important Reminders
8
Tuition/Refund Policy
4
Physicals & Immunizations
8
Staff Ratios
4
Photo Notice
8
Lunch/Snack/Camp Store
4
Lost & Found
8
A Typical Day at Camp
5
Medical Concerns
8
New Options for 2015
5
Rainy Days & Extreme Heat
8
Preparing for Camp
6
Youth Contract & Behavior Policy
9
Attendance Policies
7
Asset Development/Family Strengthening 10
Arrival and Departure Information 7
YMCA Memberships
10
Bus Transportation & Safety
8
Camp Map
11
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WELCOME!
Welcome to the Old Colony YMCA Camp Yomechas where we are for youth development, healthy living and social
responsibility. We are delighted to offer a summer of fun, friendships, exploration and discovery for children and
teens. This handbook is designed to present our policies and procedures. Checklist, phone numbers and transportation information is also included.
Camp Yomechas is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local Board of Health. Parents
may request copies of our background check policies, health care policies, and discipline policies as well as procedure for filing grievances.
The Y is one of the nations’ largest childcare providers and now we want to be the healthiest. By adopting the
HEPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity) standard we will build a healthier future for our children by providing
them with healthy environments rich in healthy eating and physical activity opportunities. All our programs follow
these guidelines and want to ensure that parents and guardians do as well when sending food in with your children.
• Water is our beverage of choice
• Foods that have 0 grams of transfat
• No sugar sweetened beverages
• A fruit or vegetable is served at every meal
• Choose whole grains
• No fried food
Please feel free to call the Y staff with any questions and/or concerns that you may have about the program.
Once again, welcome and thank you for choosing the Old Colony Y as your Day Camp.
We look forward to a wonderful summer!
Ariana Lally- Camp Director
CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION
For emergencies or reporting absences:
Camp Phone
508-923-6300
Camp Email
campyomechas@oldcolonyymca.org
Camp Director
Ariana Lally, alally@oldcolonyymca.org
508-923-6300 ext 11
Camp Secretary
Bridgette DeBoe, bdeboe@oldcolonyymca.org
508-923-6300 ext 10
Aquatics Director
Colby Linkeletter, clinkeletter@oldcolonyymca.org
Associate Executive Director
Julie Kennedy, jkennedy@oldcolonyymca.org
508-923-6300
508-947-1390 ext 14
508-947-1390 ext 29
*Please note: During the camp day, camp Leadership staff are not always available to take your call; however, there is always a member of
the YMCA staff available to answer or refer your call to the appropriate staff person. All calls will be answered in a timely manner.
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TUITION / REFUND POLICIY
 $60 registration fee per week & $120 per session, per child. This fee
is non-refundable.
 Tuition refund will be awarded for medical reasons with doctors note
required or proof of relocation of family with proper documentation.
 A formal request for refund must be made in writing.
 Payments must be paid in full prior to the session your child will be attending.
STAFF RATIOS
 Staff Ratios —Lakota Village, New Horizons, Comanche, Iroquios, Sioux
Village 10:1, Way in the Woods Camp: 5:1. Group size may vary depending on age and enrollment and depending on the activity, groups of
the same age may travel together.
SLEEPOVER INFORMATION
 Camp Sleepovers will be held the second Tuesday of each session. The
cost of the sleepover is $50.00 per child. The children will be provided
with dinner that evening, breakfast and lunch the next day. Permission
slips with payment must be received by the Friday before the sleepover. Children should bring the following items to the sleepover: Sleeping bag, pillow, change of clothes, toothbrush, flashlight, comfort item
(teddy/ blanket), bug spray, sunscreen, and a smile. Electronic devices
are not permitted.
LUNCH / SNACKS/ CAMP CAFE
 Campers need to pack a non-perishable lunch and beverage in a nonbreakable container. We cannot refrigerate or heat up your child’s
lunch. Please pack it in a cooler or with an ice pack. All lunches will be
left at their group meeting place. We are not a peanut-free camp. If
your child has a peanut allergy, please write it on your medical forms.
All counselors will be notified and will make sure your child will not be
near other children consuming peanut products.
 There will be a snack time built into the 5 & 6 year old group schedule.
Please provide a variety of snacks for your child.
 There is a camp cafe where children can purchase a variety of frozen
ice creams and snacks. Prices range from $.50 to $2.00.
 Lunch is available on select days for purchase. On the first day of each
session, a lunch menu will be sent up to sign up for lunch options.
Lunch prices range from $4.00-$6.00.
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LEARN, GROW, THRIVE
CAMP ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP YOMECHAS (SAMPLE SCHEDULE)
7:00-9:00AM
EXTENDED AM CARE
9:00-9:30AM
PARENT DROP OFF/BUSES ARRIVE
OPENING CEREMONY
9:30-10:30AM
ACTIVITY PERIOD 1
10:30-11:30AM
ACTIVITY PERIOD 2
11:30AM-12:30PM
1ST LUNCH
12:30-1:30PM
2ND LUNCH
1:30-2:30PM
ACTIVITY PERIOD 3
2:30-3:30PM
ACTIVITY PERIOD 4
3:30-4:00PM
CLOSING CEREMONY
4:00-4:15PM
PARENT PICK UP/BUSES DEPART
4:00-6:00PM
EXTENDED PM CARE
SO MANY OPTIONS
ARE AVAILABLE!
HELP YOUR CHILD TO:
LEARN,
DEVELOP,
ACHIEVE
CAMP FUN
 WE HAVE OVER 32 ACRES OF LAND TO EXPLORE
 2 POOLS TO JUMP INTO AND SPLASH YOUR FRIENDS
 1 ROPES CHALLENGE COURSE TO TEST YOUR COURAGE
 AN ARTS & CRAFTS CABIN TO INVOKE CREATIVITY
 AN ARCHERY RANGE TO ENHANCE YOUR
SKILLS & ACCURACY
 FIELD/SPORTS TIME TO RELEASE YOUR ENERGY
 CAMP SPIRIT THAT INCLUDES A VARIETY OF THEME DAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN (PIRATE DAY,
HALLOWEEN, CARNIVAL)
 CAMP FAMILY NIGHTS THAT YOUR FAMILY CAN ENJOY WHICH INCLUDE UTILIZING ALL OF
OUR ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS ENJOYING SOME ENTERTAINMENT!!!
NEW FOR 2015
Make camp work for you!
1-Week Option
Enjoy camp for 1-week at a time rather than committing for a 2-week session!
2-Week Session Option
What better way to spend the summer than experiencing camp every day for 2 weeks!
Participate in all of our themes, family nights, carnival, Olympics and so much more!
NEW Health Form System
All required health forms will be completed through CampDoc, an electronic health record system
for camps. Within 5-7 days of registering your child you will receive an e-mail from CampDoc
providing you with your account log-in information, password, and instructions on how to complete all necessary fields and upload all required documents.
In accordance with state regulations, no child will be permitted to be at camp without all required
documentation completed.
If your child has had a physical within twenty-four months of their last day at camp, a copy of
that physical can be uploaded, provided a physician’s signature or doctor’s office stamp is on the
signature line.
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PREPARING FOR CAMP
CLOTHING
Plan on dressing your camper in comfortable clothes. Be sure the camper is familiar with personal
items and can identify them in the event of a loss. Label everything including swim suits, towels,
lunch boxes, etc. Campers MUST wear closed-toe shoes that will provide some support and tread
(sneakers work best). All clothing should be appropriate for outdoor play. We recommend sending
them in clothes that are OK to get dirty, as our fun activities sometimes end with a lot of mess!
All campers should bring a swimsuit and towel every day.
BACKPACKS
Backpacks are good for transporting items to and from camp. Please label the backpack with your
camper’s name! Campers have a designated are to leave their backpack during the day, but we
recommend a traditional two strap, lightweight bag that can be worn on their backs. Backpacks
with wheels are often more of a hindrance than a convenience, as they are hard to wheel over the
grass, wood chips, and terrain.
LUNCH & SNACKS
Pack your camper a lunch and plenty of snacks. All campers should bring a water bottle. There is
no refrigeration available but freezing a water bottle makes a great ice pack and a refreshing afternoon drink. We have water stations available to our campers at all times.
SUNSCREEN
We ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before you drop them off at camp each morning,
and that you provide them with sunscreen to be kept in their backpacks. Sunscreen should also be
labeled with your camper’s name. Counselors will have campers reapply sunscreen multiple times
throughout the day.
BUGSPRAY
We ask that you provide your child with bugspray to be kept in their backpacks. Bugspray should
be labeled with your camper’s name. Counselors will have campers reapply bugspray multiple
times thoughout the day and depending on the activities they are participating at camp.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Camp is a natural setting to retreat from the amenities of electronic technology and to discover
self-potential, group dynamics, friendships and nature. Cell phones, ipads/tablets, kindles, Nintendo DS/DSI, MP3 players, ipods, Pokemon or other trading cards, toys, etc. do not fit into the
camp setting. Please do not send any valuable or meaningful items to camp with your child, leave
these items at home. The Y and our staff will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged toys
or electronics.
We encourage campers to try all the activities and we continue activities rain or shine.
Expect your camper to come home a little dirty, tired and rumpled after a full day of camp fun!
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ATTENDANCE POLICIES
 Attendance is taken at the beginning of every day. If a child shows up late, please sign them in
at the camp office.
 If your child will be absent for any reason, please call the camp office.
CAMP ARRIVAL INFO
 AM Early Care 7:00 - 8:50am
Park in the spaces by Hilltop Office. Please sign your child in with a counselor at the camp
office. Every child must be signed in. Please do not leave your child at camp prior to 7:00 a.m.
 Parent Drop off 8:50 - 9:00 am
Park in the spaces by Hilltop and escort your child to the camp office for check in with a camp
counselor. A camp counselor will escort your child to his/her group.
 Bus: Please arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to your buses scheduled departure. Buses
will arrive at camp at 9am and all campers will be escorted to their groups to be checked in.
 Late drop offs: All late drop offs should report to the camp office to be checked in.
EARLY DISMISSAL
 No child may leave the camp grounds for early dismissal without his/her parent or guardian
signing him/her out at the camp office.
 If a child is to be released early, we must be informed in writing or by phone call. Please note:
Early dismissals must take place before 3:30pm.
CAMP DEPARTURE INFO
 Traditional Camp Pick Up 4:00pm: Park in the spaces by Hilltop and proceed to the camp
office. Parents/ Guardians must show proper identification when picking up and signing out
their camper.
 Extended Care Pick Up 4:10 - 6:00pm Park in the Y parking lot and proceed through the
gates to the extended care location. You or a designated person with a valid picture ID must
sign your child out with the Counselor on duty.
 Bus Pick up: An authorized person must be present at the bus stop with proper ID. If you are
not present for the camper, he/she will be brought back to the YMCA.
EXTENDED CARE
 Parents who need supervised childcare before and/or after camp may enroll in our Extended
Care Program for an additional fee. This program runs from 7-9am, and 4-6pm. Locations
available are: Easton YMCA (Frothingham), Taunton YMCA, Camp Yomechas and the Youth Division in Brockton. Transportation will be provided from these locations. Children may not be
dropped off before 7am and must be picked up by 6pm. An additional fee of $15 will be
charged for every 5 minute interval after 6pm that the child is not picked up.
WALKERS
 A waiver must be signed to allow your child to walk or bike home from camp or from the bus
stop or camp. Walkers must be at least 13 years old and the camp director must approve
request as well.
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS
BUS TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY
Please arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes prior to your buses’ scheduled arrival or departure time. Please note that a child may not be left alone while waiting for the bus. If your child is
a “walker” and will be arriving and departing the stop alone, please be aware that you take full responsibility for their safety. The Old Colony YMCA is not responsible for the children until they
are safely on the bus or signed out at the end of the day.
The opportunity to ride on the camp bus is a privilege that can be revoked if behavior issues occur
on the bus. We expect campers to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Unruly behavior,
destruction of bus or personal property, or endangering the safety of the bus riders may result in
exclusion of that person from using the bus
PHYSICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
Up to date physical and immunization reports must be on file BEFORE the child attends his/her
first day of camp! Children will be unable to attend camp if these reports are not on file.
PHOTO NOTICE
The following photo release is contained in the camp application you have filled out for your
camper(s).
 “It is understood and agreed that the Old Colony Y reserves the right to take and utilize pictures, likenesses, videos, and testimonials of participants for promotional purposes including,
but not limited to, reports, publications, brochures, emails, our website and other instances of
online presence.”
If for any reason you do not want your child photographed, please be sure that you have written
“DO NOT PHOTO” on the application.
LOST & FOUND NOTICE
All lost & found items can be claimed at the lost and found bin located at the camp
office or each village location. Reminder: Campers need to leave their personal belongings and
electronics at home. They are NOT PERMITTED at camp.
MEDICAL CONCERNS
Medications must be sent in their original prescription containers. Please hand the medication,
with medication administration form to the nurse, at check in, on the child’s first day of camp (or
drop off at the Y prior to the start of camp). If your child uses our transportation, please hand
the medication, with the written consent form, to the bus monitor for delivery to the camp nurse.
Children are never allowed to keep any prescriptions or over-the-counter medication in their possession. We do recognize that inhalers and epi-pens may need to travel around camp with the
camper. If this is the case, our nurse will work with parents on determining the best plan for storage/travel of the medication. Please feel free to contact our nurse with your concerns at 508923-6300.
CAMP INSURANCE
The Old Colony Y/ Camp Yomechas does not carry medical accident insurance. The user will assume all risks.
RAINY DAYS & EXTREME HEAT
In the case of thunder, lightning and torrential downpours, all campers are brought inside. In the
case of light rain we try to continue all activities outdoors utilizing the pavilions and tent areas,
however ropes course, archery and other activities may be closed and campers moved to alternate
activities/locations. In the case of extreme heat, we utilize all shaded areas, implement extra
swim/water activities and we utilize lodges indoors to move some activities inside. We do request
that you prepare your camper with clothes/gear for all weather. Camp leadership staff will make
decisions during inclement weather to ensure safety for all campers.
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YOUTH CONTRACT AND BEHAVIOR POLICY
Please review with your child the following values pledge, anti-bullying pledge and behavior policy.
Please understand and explain to your child that by not following this contract, he/she can be given a
written behavioral incident report and/or suspension or termination from the program.
Values Pledge:
I promise to be respectful of other people’s feelings, property and body.
I promise to be responsible for my everyday duties, the things I use and the areas I use.
I promise to be honest when I make mistakes and honest when I have not done what I was responsible for.
I promise to be respectful of the YMCA and the Afterschool program rules.
I promise to be an all around caring person to those who participate in the YMCA Program and the people in the
YMCA building.
Anti- Bullying Pledge:
We are all friends at the Y
We will not bully others
We will help others who are being bullied by speaking out and by getting adult help
We will use extra effort to include all others in activities
We will display the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
Behavior Policy: Steps in Modifying Behavior
1. Children are reminded of the expectations.
2. Transition time and redirection are used.
3. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the problem is discussed with the child, who is encouraged to offer
solutions.
4. A short “time out” (no longer than 1 minute per year of age), away from the activity may be implemented.
During this time, staff will talk with child and when ready, may return to activity.
5. If the unacceptable behavior continues, staff will write a Behavioral Incident Report, which will be shared with
and signed by the parents/guardian. If needed, a parent conference will be requested. At that time parents and
staff will discuss behavior management options.
6. Write-ups can and will result in a one day immediate suspension or termination under discretion of Director.
7. Prior to the child returning to the program a meeting may be required with parents and child to discuss a
behavior management plan, as well as referrals for evaluation, diagnostic or therapeutic services.
8. If a child’s behavior at any time injures or places another child or/and staff member at risk, immediate
suspension and/or termination may result and a Parent Conference will be required. Continued enrollment in the
program will be at the discretion of the YMCA Directors. Refunds are at the discretion of the YMCA.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY - WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
Everyone shares a responsibility to help keep children safe, ensure their rights are protected and that their needs
are met. The safety and wellbeing of the children and youth in our care is our primary concern. Old Colony YMCA
has zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior involving children, and we take multiple steps to prevent child sexual
abuse within our organization. Please see the attached “IN OUR CARE” Brochure for further information regarding
the Old Colony YMCA Staff and Volunteer Screening Procedures and Training and Program procedures.
OFF HOURS CONTACT BETWEEN STAFF AND CAMPERS:
The YMCA PROHIBITS staff members from babysitting for, caring for, providing instruction to, or engaging in a social relationship outside of approved YMCA activities with children (other than family) who participate in YMCA
programs or class activities. This policy is designed for the protection of all involved - children, staff members,
parents and YMCA. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to talk to the camp directors.
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ASSET DEVELOPMENT AT CAMP YOMECHAS
Camping experiences hold tremendous opportunities to build Developmental Assets. They take young people away
from their everyday environment and, at their best, create an asset-rich experience for the campers, linking them
with caring adults and older youth, engaging them in stimulating, challenging activities, developing leadership
skills, and cultivating positive peer relationships. Though individual camper experiences varied, a major study of
camps by the American Camping Association found that, overall, children, parents, and camp staff all reported
improvements in positive identity, social skills, physical and thinking skills, and positive values and spirituality.
CAMP YOMECHAS is dedicated to integrate asset development this summer by:
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Creating ways for young people to get to know each other. Include getting-to-know-you activities
and community-building activities.
Being clear about boundaries and expectations. At camp, we create a list of rules and expectations
and enable the campers to offer their ideas.
Recognizing that some young people may not have much experience with camping. They may resist
trying certain camping activities because of their inexperience—or their fear of failure.
Integrating a service project into your camp activities. We ask that the children pick up after themselves,
especially after lunch time. We also have the LIT group help in the community.
Expecting camp counselors to be role models. Train them about this critical aspect of their role and how
important it is for them to exhibit positive behaviors to campers.
Engaging young people in leadership roles in our camp, particularly the LIT and CIT program.
Veteran campers can be mentors for first-time campers.
Emphasizing an experiential educational aspect to our program. This summer we are implementing
a literacy program for ALL AGES which will be a daily activity for them. We are also offering Book Club for the
older campers. We have also created a MAD SCIENTIST PROGRAM for every camper which they will participate
in every other day.
Our goal is to inspire teachable moments throughout a camper’s day that will keep their minds engaged while
having fun. Sending your child to camp will enable them to stay on track through creative positive learning
experiences. The Y recognizes that all children experience learning losses when they do not engage in
educational activities during the summer. We provide building blocks necessary for a child’s development.
Empowering young people by giving them choices during activities. For example, if you have a
craft activity, consider having two or three possible outcomes that use the same materials.
FAMILY STRENGTHENING AT THE MIDDLEBORO Y ALL YEAR!
Y FAMILY TIME
Serving families has always been at the heart of the Y. We are a place they can find respite from social, economic
and educational challenges, and learn how to overcome them. We desire for every family to build stronger bonds,
achieve a greater work/life balance, and become more engaged within the community.
Y FAMILY & YOUTH WELLNESS—GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER
FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER
We offer families the opportunity to work out together with modified equipment, you can work out in this room
located off of the gymnasium with family members ages 8 and up.
YMCA MEMBERSHIPS
We hope that you will consider joining us as a member of the YMCA. If you are interested in becoming a member
and benefiting from our savings on program rates, please contact our Membership Experience team for more
information.
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