Parent Handbook 2014

 Parent Handbook 2014 Welcome to Camp B'nai Brith of Montreal At Camp B’nai Brith our goal is to provide a unique and positive experience for all our campers. We want to empower our campers to learn about themselves, to learn new skills, and to explore their Jewish heritage. This Parent/Camper handbook will provide you with the basic information necessary to help prepare you and your child for the exciting summer ahead. We strongly urge you to read the booklet and become familiar with the aims, goals, and policies of Camp B’nai Brith and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Once again, a hearty welcome to all our new and returning campers and their families. Since 1921 we have built Jewish identity, given independence, fostered friendship, and created lifetimes worth of memories.
We encourage campers to try new things physically, socially, and emotionally. We create a family environment where we nurture our campers. This is a place to grow, be independent, and build confidence. We are a summer camp in Canada that offers programs that will encourage team building, skill development, respect of self and others. Daily Schedule 8:15 a.m. Flagpole / Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Clean Up 9:55 a.m. First Period 11:00 a.m. Second Period 12:00 p.m. Flagpole / Lunch 12:50 p.m. Rest Hour 1:55 p.m. Third Period 3:00 p.m. Fourth Period 4:00 p.m. Fifth Period 5:00 p.m. Shower Time 6:15 p.m. Flagpole / Dinner 7:15 p.m. Free Play 8:15 p.m. Evening Program 9:30 p.m. Jr. Side Lights Out 10:30 p.m. Sr. Side Lights Out Addresses CBB is located approximately 8km east of downtown Ste-­‐Agathe, and is 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Montreal. Summer 5445 Route 329 N. Sainte-­‐Agathe-­‐de-­‐Monts, QC J8C 0M7 Tel: 819.326.4824 Winter 1 Carre Cummings Square Suite 232 Montreal, QC, H3W 1M6 Tel: 514.735.3669 Fax: 514.735,8197 Transportation The camp provides chartered school buses for campers. The buses will depart (and return) from Spheretech Cinema Guzzo Parking Lot (facing 40 West) located at 3500 Cote Vertu Blvd. You will be notified of the exact times for all departures and arrivals. All campers must come to the buses with their Medicare card. PLEASE NOTE: If you are unavailable to pick up your child, we must have a letter of authorization informing us as to who will be picking up your child. If you need to drive your child to camp and / or pick them up from camp, you must notify the camp office in advance so that the proper arrangements can be made. Please observe the following drop-­‐off and pick-­‐up times if you are driving your child to camp: First Session Arrival / Drop-­‐Off (Thursday June 26) 10-­‐11am Departure / Pick-­‐Up (Monday July 21) 8:30-­‐9:30am Second Session Arrival / Drop-­‐Off (Wednesday July 23) 10-­‐11am Departure / Pick-­‐Up (Friday August 15) 8:30-­‐9:30am Mail Write and write often. The campers who get the most mail, delivered in the old fashioned way, (in an envelope with a stamp affixed) are the happiest. In fact, we suggest that you mail the first letter before your child leaves home. Campers are expected to keep in touch and we require that they write home a minimum of 2 times per week. Make sure to send enough stamps, stationary and pens to accommodate your child’s needs. Pre stamped, addressed envelopes or post cards are the easiest for most children. Please address all mail to campers as follows: Camper’s Full Name Campers Unit Camp B’nai Brith 5445 Route 329 N. Sainte-­‐Agathe-­‐de-­‐Monts, QC J8C 0M7 If you do not receive any mail after the first week of camp, STAY CALM. Remember, if there was a problem, we would have contacted you. If you are concerned for any reason, please call the camp at 819.326.4824. A member of our team will take the information and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Packages From Home We welcome the arrival of packages containing necessities or presents and we will deliver them to the campers. PLEASE DO NOT SEND FOOD PACKAGES OF ANY KIND TO CAMP, with the exception of chewing gum. Food in our cabins brings animals and stomach aches. For a multitude of reasons including the laws of kashrut, we reserve the right to inspect ALL packages as they are opened to check for food. Please do not send articles of great value to camp. Meals All campers eat in one of our two dining halls. Strict observance of Jewish Dietary laws (supervised by the Va’ad Hair) is enhanced by our spotless, modern, well-­‐
equipped dairy and meat kitchens. Our menu is in accordance with the Canadian Food Guide and much attention is paid to the children’s likes and dislikes and there is always something for the “picky” camper to eat. Along with three (3) daily meals, there is a mid afternoon snack, a bedtime snack as well as tuck two (2) times per week. Tuck Tuck consists of special snacks (chocolate bar, chips, licorice, etc.) that is distributed to all campers a minimum of two (2) times per week. These treats are strictly Kosher and are an addition to our already complete menu. Peanuts and Nut Products at Camp While we make sure that all products that we supply are nut free the onus also falls on our parents and staff members to ensure that no peanuts or nut products are brought into camp. Accordingly, parents can send their child with a severe peanut allergy to camp, and Camp B’nai Brith can provide a safe space for those allergies. In order to accomplish this task, these are the steps that Camp B’nai Brith takes to make our camp a safe environment for peanut or nut allergic children. As this is a safety issue, your ongoing support is greatly appreciated. 1 We do not serve peanut butter at camp. Instead, we serve soy nut butter that is extremely close in taste to real peanut butter. 2 We have adjusted our menus to make sure that there are a variety of alternatives. We also make a vegetarian and lactose meal available for any child who prefers it to the standard meal. 3 Camp B’nai Brith will ensure that there will be sufficient food and snacks available to campers and staff during the course of the day and at night. 4 Campers are not allowed to bring any food to camp. Please do not provide your child with food for the bus as they will not be permitted to board the bus. 5 No food packages are accepted to camp. Camp B’nai Brith reserves the right to search any camper or staff member’s bags or packages for food while they are at camp. All food found in camper’s toolboxes or luggage will be confiscated. 6 All staff members in Pre-­‐Camp and all campers during the course of the summer will be given a clear message that peanuts and nut products cannot be in camp. Telephone Please do not call camp and ask to speak to your child as we do not allow this. Contact with home may prolong homesickness and create problems. Also, campers are not allowed to place phone calls. If you have any concerns about your child, please call the camp office (819) 326-­‐4824 and ask to speak to a member of our administrative team. Please understand that Camp is a very busy place and you may not be able to speak to the Director right away, but a detailed message will be logged and the Director will try to return your call within 24 hours. Policies It is important that you are aware of Camp B’nai Brith’s policies concerning serious infractions of Camp rules. Among these infractions are: 1 Smoking 2 Drinking 3 Possession and/or use of illegal drugs or paraphernalia usually associated with their use. 4 Behavior that is dangerous to oneself, other children, or staff. 5 Demonstration of sexual advances. 6 Sexual activity. 7 Romantic contact between campers or campers and staff. 8 Disruptive behavior such as stealing, bullying, or excessive fighting/aggressive behavior. 9 Leaving camp without permission. 10 Raids or late night excursions. 11 Vandalism Such infractions of camp rules will be dealt with firmly and decisively and may result in immediate dismissal from Camp B’nai Brith for which no tuition refund will be given. Visiting Camp Visitations during the camp season are not allowed. Our philosophy is that there is a better opportunity for a positive adjustment as well as meeting the challenges of the camp situation if the camper’s stay is uninterrupted by a family visit. We do, however, invite you to attend our annual OPEN HOUSE. We are extremely proud of our facilities and would love to give you and your family an opportunity to walk around, see the sites, and meet some of your child’s staff. This year’s Open House will be taking place on Sunday June 22nd from 10am to 3pm. Change of Summer Address If you expect to be away from home during your child’s stay at camp, or must go away unexpectedly, please be sure to leave an address and phone number where you can be reached, as well as the name of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency. Homesickness Having a positive approach in all discussions concerning camp is essential in reducing the feelings of homesickness. Feelings of homesickness or separation anxiety are normal and can be exaggerated in a child’s mind. It is not uncommon for many new campers and some old ones to be homesick for the first few days as they adjust to camp. This is particularly true of second year campers who arrive with only great memories of the preceding summer and are faced with the realization that camp is never the same. Our staff members are trained to help each camper adjust by finding new activities, making new friends and feeling comfortable in the camp environment. In the rare cases when homesickness continues past the first few days, we will contact you to discuss ways of dealing with the camper’s homesickness. Spending Money There is absolutely no need for any spending money at Camp B’nai Brith (unless your child is in S.I.T, Pioneers). All in camp activities and any outside excursions are paid for by the Camp. If your child does come to camp with money, it will be collected by his/her Unit Head upon arrival at camp, placed in a sealed envelope with their name on it and placed in our camp safe which is located in the front office. Camp is not responsible for any money that is not in the safe. Birthdays Every camper celebrating a birthday while at camp receives a cake that is shared with his/her bunkmates. No one is forgotten. Please do not send any special birthday food. Presents are optional. Although there is no visiting, we will setup a phone call for you to speak with your child on their special day. Bunking Requests It is no easy task to group hundreds of campers and make sure that everyone’s requests are met. Your child may request as many children as he/she desires and we will do our best to accommodate their requests. Your child should indicate who his/her first choice is (this information will remain confidential), as well you should note if there is a camper you or your child DO NOT want to be bunked with. The Director makes final decisions regarding bunk assignments. Please bear in mind that the most successful cabin group experiences combine a number of children from different schools and backgrounds. In addition, all Camp B’nai Brith campers, regardless of living arrangements, see each other regularly during the day (at flagpole, camp wide events, general swim, etc). Gratuities Gratuities (tips) to staff are NOT permissible. We appreciate all feedback in relation to our camp staff and will share any kind words you have to offer with the appropriate individuals. Please note that acceptance of gratuities by a staff member is in direct violation with the Camp – Staff Agreement and will result in immediate dismissal of the staff member. Laundry All camper and staff laundry is done weekly. Please provide a mesh laundry bag for this purpose. All clothing MUST be labeled with indelible ink or name tapes. We are unable to assume responsibility for lost or damaged items. Attendance Procedures Camp B’nai Brith has a strict policy regarding parents who request that their children be taken out of camp. In order for a parent to take their child out of camp they must provide the Camp Registrar with proof of the event that the child is attending prior to the session that they are attending. If the camp does not receive such notification a child will not be released from camp. Campers cannot leave camp for their birthday. It is at the discretion of the camp director to allow parents to see their children for special or unforeseen circumstances. Shabbat Attire All campers and staff are expected to wear appropriate Shabbat attire. At Camp B’nai Brith we wear white shirts. Please send your child to camp with a white shirt/top to wear on Friday nights. Luggage Space in our cabins is limited; therefore, two large duffel bags and one tote bag are the maximum for each camper. No trunks or garbage bags. Tool boxes MAY NOT exceed 18” x 12” x 12”. Luggage is picked up prior to camp. The Luggage dates and times are: Session 1 Luggage: Wednesday, June 25 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Spheretech Cinema Guzzo Parking Lot (facing 40 West) 3500 Cote Vertu Blvd., H4R 1P8 Session 2 Luggage: with departure Wednesday, July 23 from 8:00am to 9:00am Spheretech Cinema Guzzo Parking Lot (facing 40 West) 3500 Cote Vertu Blvd., H4R 1P8 ABSOLUTELY NO WATER OR LIQUID OF ANY KIND SHOULD BE PACKED IN A CAMPER’S LUGGAGE. IT IS UNFAIR TO OUR LUGGAGE CREW AND MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR CHILD’S OR ANOTHER CAMPER’S BELONGINGS. IF WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS ARE DISCOVERED AT LUGGAGE DROP OFF, THEY WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE BAGGAGE AT THAT TIME. We do not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or personal belongings while in transit or during any period at camp. PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT BRING POCKETKNIVES, BOOM BOXES, TELEVISIONS, HOT PLATES AND/OR HEATERS TO CAMP! IN ADDITION, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT CAMPERS NOT BRING ANY ELECTRONIC GAMES OR TOYS. IF YOUR CHILD BRINGS VALUABLES TO CAMP, WE ARE UNABLE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. Health & Safety MEDICAL FORM: MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BY BOTH THE CHILD’S PHYSICIAN AND PARENT/GUARDIAN, AND MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CAMP OFFICE BY JUNE 1. Accurate and complete medical information is a must in order to give proper care to your child. Our doctors rely on this information in order to diagnose and treat your child. If you do not complete the form, including signatures required, it will be returned to you. NO CAMPER WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE BUS WITHOUT A COMPLETED AND SIGNED MEDICAL FORM SUBMITTED TO THE CAMP OFFICE BY JUNE 1. Health Facilities There is a minimum of 1 nurse (RN) and one doctor on site at all times and they can be found in our fully equipped, state of the art infirmary. Clinics are held a minimum of two times per day. In case of an emergency, Ste Agathe hospital is within 10 minutes of camp. Our medical team, including the local hospital and doctors, is there to make sure that your child is both healthy and safe. If there is any medical intervention involving your child, you will be notified. Any camper or staff member will be attended at all times while taken to the hospital. Medications Please put all medications (adequate amount for child’s stay at Camp) in a plastic bag and clearly and carefully label it. If your child is taking the bus, the medication bag MUST be dropped of at the Infirmary table at our departure site. No medication may be kept in the bunk (except for inhalers). The nurse will dispense all medications according to the instructions given by your child’s physician. Because camp is an active environment, water-­‐soluble medications, such as Ritalin, may be perspired out of the system at a faster than normal rate. We recommend that you speak to your child’s doctor regarding the camp environment to see if any changes may be necessary. If there are going to be any medication or medical procedures that differ from the completed medical form, the camp must be notified and a letter from your child’s physician with the new instructions must be submitted. If desired, have your child’s pediatrician contact the Camp Director or camp doctor. Dental Since there is no dentist at camp, it is important that dental needs be taken care of before camp begins. In an emergency, a camper will be taken to the local dentist or orthodontist at the parent’s expense. Lice Lice are a concern in any communal setting. We ask all families to check for head lice just before leaving for camp. All campers will be checked for lice on arrival at camp. If head lice are discovered at camp, your child will be treated, then sent home until all the lice AND eggs are clear (camper will be checked upon return to camp by our medical team and admitted back into camp upon Doctor’s satisfaction).