SUMMER CAMPS FOR AGES 4 to 15

SUMMER CAMPS
FOR AGES 4 to 15
DARTMOUTH SPORTSPLEX www.dartmouthsportsplex.com
902-464-2600
ACTIVITIES TO
EXPECT THIS
SUMMER
1. PIRATES COVE
SWIMS
2. OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
3. PICNIC
LUNCHES
4. WEEKLY
FRIDAY BBQ
(RAIN OR
SHINE)
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR DAILY
UPDATES AND SCHEDULE CHANGES
CAMP STAFF STRUCTURE:
The Child and Youth Programmer and the Assistant Camp Co-Ordinator are
responsible for the development of daily activities. When camp begins the camp
counsellors are ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of their
campers, ensuring the delivery of quality programming, and communicating with
parents.
For camp groups ages 4-7, we have at least one staff member for every 6
campers; for camp groups for children 8-12 years, we have a minimum of 1 staff
for every 8 campers. Please note that these numbers are minimum standards and
guidelines for scheduling. For camp activities that require additional supervision
(Birch cove, swimming, day trips, etc.) there will be additional staff members,
supervisors and/or lifeguards.
CAMP STAFF QUALIFICATIONS:
Our counsellors are selected with care, paying careful attention to their ability to
serve as positive role models for your child. We seek a strong mix of outgoing and
thoughtful leaders to complement our themes and activities. Each staff member
holds a valid standard level of first aid certificate and level CPR C, and all complete
a child abuse check. All camp staff members complete training in leading
activities, group dynamics, communication, problem solving, accident prevention,
and Dartmouth Sportsplex policies and procedures.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
The High Five Standard
Our camp programs are formally evaluated using the High Five Quality Experience
Scanning Tool (QUEST). This is a statistically validated program evaluation used to
monitor the quality of our children`s program. The QUEST assessment requires
that a program supervisor observe and score a program based on 27 different
quality indicators. There are 5 categories of quality indicators:
 Leader-to-Child Interactions (counsellors showing warmth, interest ,and
care)
 Supervision and Safety (counsellors are aware of other adults and where
campers are)
 Child-to-Child Interactions (campers are acting respectfully and inclusively)
 Leader Behaviours & Interactions (with appropriate behaviour and
language)
 Program Characteristics and Supports (following a clear program plan;
appropriate facility and equipment use)
OUR PROGRAM
Program hours
Day Camps
8:30 am-4:30 pm
Extra hours
Pre Camp
Post Camp
7:30 am-8:30 am
4:30 pm-5:30pm
If not requiring pre- and post- camp, please sign in your child between 8:30-9:00
am, and sign out between 4:00-4:30 pm.
DROP OFF & PICK UP
The Dartmouth Sportsplex sign-in and sign-out system is developed for the safety
and security of your child.
Your child must be signed into and out of camp each day by a parent or approved
guardian. When picking your child up from the program, you must sign your
child’s attendance sheet AND provide photo ID to indicate that care has been
handed over. Children may sign themselves out of camp with your written
permission.
On Monday mornings we ask that you make your way to the following rooms to
sign in, and fill out medical and swimming ability forms for each camper. A copy
will be attached in the back of this handout if you wish to bring it in pre-filled.
Pre-camp & Post-camp: Thistle Room
After 8:30am & before 4:30pm:
Ages 4-7: Small Dance Studio
Ages 8-12: Thistle Room
Youth Corps: Brooklyn Room
PARKING
Parking for drop off and pick up for all Dartmouth Sportsplex camps is available in
parking lot in the back of the facility. We ask that families respect the parking
signs, and keep the fire lanes clear for emergency vehicles. Please note that
monthly parking passes are available if you wish to park your vehicle during the
days.
IF YOUR CHILD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND CAMP
If you child will be unable to attend camp, please leave a detailed message before
9:00am on the morning of the absence for Chelsea Mitchell at
(902)464-2600 ext. 323 or by e-mail to mitchech@halifax.ca
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
We believe that positive camp experiences strengthen and build each child’s selfesteem. Camp leaders are dedicated to providing your child with a creative and
innovative program that will capture their interest and keep them engaged. Our
camps thrive on the mottos of: “have fun”, “play fair”, and “show respect for
others and yourself”.
Camp staff will review the guidelines for each camp at the beginning of the week.
Our program participation guidelines are simple:
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Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Speak to each other nicely
Touch only what belongs to you (food, supplies, etc.)
Stay within activity area
Listen to your leaders
Ask a leader for help if you need it
Additional guidelines based on the specific camp activities will also be reviewed
with the campers
Behaviours that are unacceptable at camp will be communicated to you at sign
out or if necessary we will call you. Based on the intent and severity of the
incident, a participant may be withdrawn from the program.
To encourage positive camp behaviour, the Dartmouth Sportsplex has designed
their own Positive Effective Behaviour Supports (PEBS/GOTCHAS), similar to the
type of approach found in schools.
PEBS is an approach compiled from a broad range of effective practices and
interventions based on research which validates practice and behavioural science
which emphasizes strategies for achieving important outcomes while preventing
problem behaviour.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
All program sites and camp leaders have access to first aid kits and emergency
medical services (911). All of the camp staff is certified in first aid and CPR level C.
For moderate injuries your child may be taken to one of our lifeguards for
assessment and treatment.
SWIM & WATER SAFETY
Activities taking place in or around water are supervised by trained lifeguards.
This also includes out trip locations (beaches). All of our camp programs include
swimming as a daily activity and children are expected to participate. All parents
have filled out a swimming ability form; which indicates which pool the child may
swim in, and whether or not a life jacket is needed.
The Dartmouth Sportsplex does have lifejackets available for your child to use.
However, life jackets are NOT permitted on the water slides for safety reasons.
There are two pools in our facility. The shallow water pool is a warmer water
training pool with steps and a gradual depth up to 1 meter. The deep water pool
is an 8 lane, 25 meter swimming pool, and its depth begins at 6ft and gets
gradually deeper.
Your child must be at least 1.2 meters (48 inches) tall AND a very strong and
confident swimmer in deep water to ride the Pirates Cove Slides.
If you have concerns about your child’s swimming abilities please talk to a camp
leader.
FECAL MATTER POLICY: Fecal matter in the swimming pool can introduce microorganisms such as E-coli or cryptosporidium into the water. Swallowing this water
can make someone ill. In the event of an accident in the pool, the affected
swimming pool will be closed to swimmers for a minimum of 90 minutes. The
filtration systems in the pool are not linked, and campers will be given the option
to swim in the unaffected pool, only if their swimming ability allows.
SUN & WATER SMART
Hats, shirts, water, and sunscreen are required for campers to protect themselves
from the effects of the sun. Camp staff will assist our younger campers to apply
sunscreen.
WEEKLY SCHEDULES
All camps have an approved weekly schedule of events. You can have a copy to
help prepare your child for the daily activities. Schedules are subject to change
without notice based on a variety of factors. Please check our Facebook page and
Twitter for big changes. (Trips, beach, etc.).
LOST & FOUND
Look for lost and found articles outside the Thistle Room. Staff members make an
effort to reunite those items clearly labeled with their owners. Past the end of the
summer all unclaimed items are donated to charity. Please ensure that you label
each item with your child’s full name so that we can help return it during camp.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR CAMP
NEW CAMPERS (AND PARENTS!)
For those new to the Dartmouth Sportsplex Day camps, the first day of camp can
be as scary as the first day of school. For that reason, we recommend you bring
your child to The Dartmouth Sportsplex before their camp program begins. Many
campers get to know the facility through Family swims. Stop by or call anytime for
a tour; contact Chelsea Mitchell at (902)464-2600 ext 323 or email
mitchech@halifax.ca
Arrival on the first day can be overwhelming-for both children and parents. You
will be greeted by our camp staff when you arrive and directed where you need
to go.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
The following is a list of what to bring to camp. Please remember that children
must be able to carry their own belongings. We recommend a suitable size
backpack with comfortable straps. We do not recommend multiple bags.
What to Bring:
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Lunch & two healthy snacks
Water bottle
Sneakers
Swimsuit & Towel
Hat & sunscreen
Jacket
CSA approved helmet and Skates for
skating activities
What NOT to bring:
Camp staff is NOT responsible for money or other valuables brought to camp. For
most of the day, campers do not have access to the vending machines and it is
not recommended to bring money to camp.
We strongly discourage participants from bringing any electronic devices (i.e.
video games, iPods, cell phones, cameras, etc.) from home.
PACKING A LUNCH AND SNACKS
Please provide your child with a nutritious lunch, snacks, and plenty of water for
every day of camp.
Eat Well, Get Moving
All of our camps involve physical activity and children attending the camps should
be supported with a healthy food choice for their snacks and lunch.
Use Canada’s Food guide to Healthy Eating to help you and your child plan and
prepare balanced meals and snacks. A balanced meal includes 3 to 4 food groups,
while a balanced snack includes 2 to 3 of the 4 food groups.
Ask your kids for their ideas-they will be more likely to eat it! Pack things that are
healthy, and easy to open.
To keep teeth clean and healthy, choose foods like cheese and vegetables that are
low in sugar or do not cling to teeth. Drink plenty of water to rinse sugars out of
the mouth.
Food Safety
It is important to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold by using insulated
bottles and insulated lunch boxes.
SUMMER 2015:
WEEK
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
DATES
THEME
SPECIALTY CAMPS
JULY 6-10
JULY 13-17
JULY 20-24
JULY 27-AUG 7
AUG 3-AUG 7
AUG 10-AUG 14
AUG 17-AUG 21
AUG 24-AUG 28
FANTASTIC WORLD OF FANTASY
SECRET AGENT DSP
SPORT FANATICS
SPLISH SPLASH
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CLUB HOLLYWOOD
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
EXTREME OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
GYMNASTICS
CHEERLEADING
GYMNASTICS
COST:
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
$120/WEEK: SPECIALTY CAMPS $135
$140/WEEK: SPECIALTY CAMPS $155
TIME
MONDAY-FRIDAY
8:30AM-4:30PM
*PRE & POST CAMP AVAILABLE FROM 7:30 AM-5:30 PM FOR $25/WEEK*
DAILY CAMPS:
DATES
MONDAY, JUNE 29
THURSDAY, JULY 2
FRIDAY, JULY 3
THEMES
GROSSED OUT!
PIRATES VS NINJAS
OCEAN COMMOTION
COST: MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
$25/DAY
$31/DAY
TIME: 8:30AM-4:30PM
PRE/POST CAMP IS AVAILABLE: $8/DAY
DAY TRIPS
Day trips are available to purchase, in addition to a week of camp for $15/ a week.
Campers must register for the trip at the information desk no later than the Friday
before. This fee includes transportation to and from the facility, entry costs, and
extra staff, etc. this summer we have spread the trips across two days to make
group sizes smaller, and to allow for make-up dates depending on weather.
Campers ages 4-7 will attend their trips on Tuesdays, and campers ages 8-12 will
attend their trips on Wednesdays.
We hope that you have found this information handout
to be informative and helpful! The goal is for your child
to have the best summer camp experience possible!
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any
questions, comments or concerns. I am available by
phone or e-mail, and am always open to your feedback.
Thank you for taking the time to read through the
information provided. I look forward to meeting you
this summer!
Sincerely,
Chelsea Mitchell
Child and Youth Co-ordinator
Phone: (902)464-2600 ext. 323
E-mail: mitchech@halifax.ca