FINLEY DAY CAMP SUMMER 2016 WELCOME PACKET

Dear Finley Day Camp Parents, Welcome to camp! Whether your camper is back from last summer or brand-new, we are excited and honored that you’ve chosen Finley Day Camp. Your child’s summer will be full of fun and friendship. From swimming and archery, to earning beads and learning character development, their days will be packed. We hope your child comes home tired and having had a BLAST at camp! Our incredible staff will become household names, and you will

soon know all our camp songs and cheers by heart. This welcome packet is a guide for you and your summer at Finley Day Camp. Please take a look and let me know if you have any questions. We could not be more excited to spend our summer with you and your child here at Finley Day Camp! Austin Howe Finley Day Camp Director [email protected] [email protected] FDC Office: 919-845-3882

FDC Quick Tips 

Please pack your child a backpack each day with two snacks (one morning snack and one for the afternoon), a healthy lunch, a swimsuit and towel, and refillable water bottle.

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Label everything you send to camp! Camp life is so much easier with labeled belongings. Our Lost & Found, located in the main building, is donated to the local Goodwill every two weeks.

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On Thumpin’ Thursdays we dress up to participate in camp-wide activities. Check out our weekly newsletters for the theme each week.

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Rides In/Out runs in our back loop from 7 – 8:45 a.m., and 4:30 – 6 p.m. If you are picking up your child between 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., please park and visit the camp office. If you are picking up early, please call the office at 919-845-3882 so your child is waiting for you when you arrive. Make sure we have your most up-to-date email. If you haven't heard from us by Friday morning prior to your week of camp, please let us know.

FDC on Facebook

Want to see what your child is doing at camp? Check out our Finley Day Camp Facebook Group. We strive to update it every day with fun pictures, stories, and information about what your child is doing at camp. Note: This is a closed Facebook page. Only FDC parents will be allowed to join. Group Name:

Finley Day Camp 2016

YMCA RULES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Safety first. Listen and follow directions. Try everything and do your best. Do what’s right. Have fun.

AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

THE MANY PARTS OF FDC

FDC has many options so that each camper has an amazing experience. Below is a brief description of each section of camp. For weekly details, a newsletter is emailed out and posted on our website no later than Friday before each week. Pay close attention for details of what is happening in your camper’s group. Field trips, special events, swim times and more will be found in these newsletters. Also, please remember to let us know via phone or email if you have any additional questions. There is a lot going on, but we can help you make sense of it all!

FINLEY DAY CAMP

Finley Day Camp is packed with outdoor activities including sports, STEM projects, archery, slip-n-slide, art, all sports and more. Campers have the choice to swim daily in the indoor pool, and Thursdays are filled with a special activity based on the weekly theme (Please see page 5 for weekly themes). NEW this year is the three open program sessions, please see page 3 to learn more!

Camp K Rising Kindergarten Campers

Camp One

Rising 1st-2nd Grade Campers

Camp Two

Rising 3rd-5th Grade Campers

Camp III at Finley Day Camp

Camp III at FDC, 6th-8th grade, is perfectly crafted for middle school students We take camp to the next level with awesome trips, cookouts and programs! Along with this check out our action-packed overnights.

FDC EMBARK

The YMCA believes every child deserves a fun camp experience. At FDC we provide inclusion aids to campers with developmental disabilities so they can have the same experience as their peers.

CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING (CILTs)

CILTs is a leadership development program for rising 9th and 10th graders. Time is split between games and training along with time spent with their peers and younger campers. CILTs take a weekly field trip on Tuesdays.

SPORTS CAMP AT FDC

Sports Camp is for rising 1st-8th graders. Campers will be challenged to grow their skills daily. Each activity period is filled with drills, scrimmages, and coaches that are there to grow your child. At the end of every week on Friday, we ask the parents to join us for the Sports Camp Scrimmage! We will be offering soccer and basketball all summer (your camper signs up for one of the two sports).

AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016 Here is a basic break down of the camp day! 7:00am-8:45am Rides In: We open up the playground area, blacktop , backyard games and the field for fun friend building games! 8:30am-9am Morning Snack: Pack heathy morning snack! Fruit is always a good choice 9:15am Assembly: The whole camp come together to dance, sing, act silly and laugh a ton! 9:45am-11:35am Open Program Session One and Two: Time to grow and learn new things! The open programs allow the campers to pick what they want to do and build on each week. 11:45am-12:00pm Lunch Assembly: We sing a song and bless the meal!

12:00pm-12:30pm Lunch: This is a great time for the campers in their huddle to talk about the day so far and make new friends. 12:40pm-1:30pm Open Program Session 3: Back to having a blast! 1:50pm-3:10pm Huddle Activities: After having three times picking 3:10pm-3:35pm Devotion/Bead Time! 3:45pm-4:00pm Snack 4:00pm-4:10pm Camp Assembly: Each huddle picks a camper of the day and we reflect on the day 4:15pm Office Closed 4:30pm-6:00pm Rides Out

CHARACTER TRAITS, BEADS AND DEVOTION

Finley Day Camp is about more than just fun. We focus on building up campers in spirit, mind, and body. FDC focuses on 5 core character traits: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Faith in God. On the first day of each week, campers are given a necklace. Throughout the week, counselors will give out beads for displaying the above character traits. We also have beads for other things (special events, clinics, sportsmanship, spirit, Camper of the Day, and more). As campers earn beads on their necklace, it’s a great way to engage in conversation about what they have done right.

Open Program

Each morning and afternoon, campers spend time away from their typical huddle and select their own activities. Open Programing allows the campers to pick any open activities. Certain activities have ranks associated to them. This allows your child to learn new skills and grow in areas like archery, soccer, creative arts, dance and so much more! Campers are allowed to move freely from activity to activity during each session. Even though they have the freedom to move around they are ALWAYS supervised. Open program allows your child to do more things they love!

THUMPIN’ THURSDAY

Each week’s theme is celebrated on Thursday mornings. The whole camp dresses up and plays an activity together. Wet’N’Wild week will include a giant water day; Christmas in July will include a visit from Santa!

FAMILY NIGHT

Family Nights are a great chance to see camp through your child’s eyes, meet their friends, and spend time together. Activities will vary each night (based on the week’s theme), but may include a pool party, talent show, slide show, and more. Mark your calendar now for June 23rd, July 17th (ALL FDC Pool Party), Aug. 4th, Aug. 18th. AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

PICK UP CARDS

Pick-up cards serve as official passes to pick up your children. The YMCA can issue a pick up card to names appearing on the authorized pick-up section of the registration form when a photo ID is shown. Many parents leave these cards in their front window for ease of pick-up in the Rides Out line. The pick-up card color changes each summer and parents must show photo ID to receive a new card. Please be careful with your pick-up cards. Again, pick-up cards serve as official passes to pick up your children. A pick-up card is checked in place of ID, so do not give a pick-up card to anyone unauthorized to pick up your child.

CONTACT INFORMATION FDC Office Finley Day Camp’s office is the small brown building across from the outdoor pool. You can call the office between 7am and 6pm at 919-368-6543. Also, feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions!

Austin Howe Finley Day Camp Director [email protected]

Sarah Johnston Finley Day Camp Assistant Director [email protected]

During the summer our Directors are out and about at camp. Email is the preferred method of communication.

PARENT VISITS

We love having parents at camp and know it’s tempting to spend the entire day playing with us! When you arrive at camp, please report to the office to receive a visitors tag and be escorted to your child’s group. Parents must also sign out before leaving.

HOURS

Camp runs from 7:00am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday. You can drop off or pick up any time that we are open.

LOCATION

Finley Day Camp runs at the A.E. Finley YMCA; 9216 Baileywick Road; Raleigh, NC 27615. The camp office is the brown building across from the outdoor pool. Rides In and Rides Out take place in the paved circle behind the main building.

DROP OFF/PICK UP For pick up, a photo ID or pick up card is required. If you would like for someone else to pick up your child who is not on your pick-up list, please send written permission (leave it in the mailbox by the Cooler—the picnic shelter behind the YMCA building) or call the FDC office at 919-368-6543. During our most popular pick up and drop off times, we will have counselors waiting at the curb to unload or load your children and answer any questions you may have. This process is called rides in and out.

Rides In lasts from 7:00am until 8:45am. You can drop your child off at the Cooler (picnic shelter behind the YMCA building). Please use the Leadmine entrance (left turn from front entrance will be coned off) Between 8:45am and 4:15pm, drop off and pick up is in the small brown office across from the outdoor pool. The office will close at 4:15 to allow us to set up for rides out. If you arrive after this time please go to the rides out line.

Rides Out runs from 4:30pm until 6:00pm. Please drive around behind the YMCA to the Rides Out loop to pick up your child. Please use the Leadmine entrance (left turn from front entrance will be coned off) Camp closes at 6:00pm. If you pick up your child after 6:00pm, there is a fee after of $5.00 till 6:10pm and then an additional $1 for every minute thereafter. If you are going to be late, please call the FDC office at 919-368-6543 and leave a message. At 6:00 we will check for messages or begin to call parents to confirm that someone is on the way.

AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

STAFF

Our counselors at the Y are mostly high school and college students selected through a comprehensive application and interview process. Each counselor undergoes three reference checks and all counselors over the age of 18 undergo a background check as well. Each staff member completes a minimum of 30 hours of staff training that emphasizes the importance of safety, fun, and acting as a good role model. All staff are First Aid certified and Leadership Staff are trained in CPR. The YMCA strives to maintain a 1:10 ratio for all elementary and teen programs.

YMCA MISSION To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

CHARACTER TRAITS

The YMCA emphasizes five core character traits in everything they do. Caring (red) Honesty (blue) Responsibility (green) Respect (yellow) Faith in God (purple)

DISCIPLINE

The Behavior Expectations and Discipline Policy is listed on the Youth Information Form. If you have specific concerns regarding your child or have systems in place to modify behavior, please let us know. We will keep you aware of any concerns we have. While we hope to promote positive behavior and minimize behavioral problems, serious and/or chronic disciplinary problems can occur. In these cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. The YMCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy with respect to sexual misconduct, alcohol/ tobacco/drug use, and weapons possession. Campers found in violation of this rule will be sent home immediately. If your child is suspended from one YMCA program, he/she will not be allowed to attend any YMCA program for the duration of the suspension.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found is collected daily and kept in the office only for that week. On Fridays we will have the Lost and Found set up at the end of the Rides Out line. Please park your car and collect the items that have been missed placed!

Bead System One unique tradition to YMCA Day Camps is our bead incentive program! All campers receive a bead necklace on their first day of camp. They need to keep this necklace for the whole summer. As they show great character, achieve goals or do something special they receive beads to add to their necklace! This year there will be extra incentives to earn beads and show that great character they all have.

AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

THEMES

FDC focuses on fun! Each week has an overall camp theme as listed below. Campers are encouraged to dress up on Thursday mornings to celebrate the theme. Along with this look out for some awesome related huddle and open program activities!

Week 1: June 13-June 17 Water Water Everywhere: BACK by popular demand! We decided to start the summer out with a bang. Every day will be filled with water games and truly help us take on the hot summer head on. Week 2: June 20-June 24 Animal Kingdom: In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight! That’s right FDC is going to be transformed into an Animal Kingdom. Campers will participate in a variety of jungle-themed activities and have visits from some pretty unique guests! Week 3: June 27-July 1 Survivor: FDC campers are survivors! This week has it all, from camping to survivor themed games pitting groups of kids in competition with each other. Who will win the camp battle? Come and find out for yourself. Week 4: July 5-July 8 Red, White and Blue: And the Land of the FREE! USA, USA! We will be going all out for the red white and blue this week. Diving back into history and playing some of the great American games. Week 5: July 11-July 15 Boys vs Girls: Just like it sounds, the boys take on the girls in the 5th annual boys vs girls challenge. Be on the winning side and have your name etched into the history of Finley Day Camp lore.

Week 6: July 18-July 22 Ooey and Gooey: Just like it sounds, we get to dive head first into the ooey and gooey. Its like jumping in a pool of jello but better. Come prepared to leave messier than you arrived! Week 7: July 25-July 29 Olympics: Hanz and Franz are BACK! This week is full of epic games and activities as everyone represents their country and battles for the gold metal! Week 8: August 1-August 5 Top Chef: This week your child will get to explore the universe of food including learning how to make their own snacks and meals, creating new recipes and of course, trying new, exotic foods. Week 9: August 8-August 12 Wet and Wild: WHAT? ANOTHER WATER WEEK? That’s right… one week of water is not enough for FDC! We are taking water week to a whole new level and bringing back the Raleigh Fire Department to create or traditional FDC rain shower!

Week 10: August 15-19 Crazy science: It's ALIVE! Get ready for great week of exploring the wonders of SCIENCE. Parents, don’t worry we won't be shrinking any kids. Kids will participate in a variety of experiments to learn more about the world around them. Week 11: August 22-26 FDC Rewind: Sad camp is almost over? DON'T get sad - get GLAD! This week we will take on all the highlights from summer and bring back a few of our favorite guests and activities.

(Don’t like a theme? DON’T worry! There will always be your favorite camp activities every week like swimming, archery, field games, and more!) AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

SWIM BAND POLICY To ensure water safety, campers will take a swim test on their first day of going to the pool. Color -coded swim bands will be used to enable life guards to differentiate swimmers of different abilities. If your child has already taken a swim test at the Finley YMCA, we have recorded the color swim band he/she received in our computer system. We will not issue new swim bands to children who are recorded in our system. If your child does not have a band but has taken the test before, please send $3 for a replacement band.

There are two different swim band colors that your child can test for. A yellow band can be earned by freestyle (face in water and arms out of water) swimming half of the length of the pool and treading water for 30 seconds. Earning a yellow band allows a child to swim in the shallow area or the middle area (4-5feet) of the pool. Each area is clearly marked. A black swim band can be earned by freestyle swimming the entire length of the pool and treading water for 60 seconds. Earning a black band allows a child to swim anywhere in the pool. The life guards will administer all swim tests. If a life guard does not feel like a child is a strong enough swimmer to receive a swim band, then the life guard will encourage the child to keep practicing and try again at a later date. Children in grades K-2 who do not pass a swim test or who do not wish to take a swim test will be required to wear a YMCA life vest and will swim in the shallow area of the pool only. Children in grades 3-8 who do not pass a swim test or who do not wish to take a swim test will be required to swim in the shallow end of the pool only.

HOW WILL MY CHILD SWIM WITH OPEN PROGRAMMING? Every day your camper has the opportunity to swim! This year campers who go swimming will have programed activities ranging from fun pool games to free swim. They will have the opportunity to grow in their aquatic skills and have a better understanding of the pool! If you want your child to swim everyday please let the office manager know.

CAMP K SWIM LESSIONS This year we will be offering swim lessons for an additional cost. These lessons are taught by our Y Swim Instructors and are offered on a weekly bases. Sign up for these at the front desk.

AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

ATTENDANCE

Because parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their campers, it is not necessary to let us know your child will be absent. That said, if your camper is absent for an extenuating circumstance please let us know! We may also call you if your camper is gone for several days in a row—we care about our families!

MEDICATION/SUNSCREEN

If your child needs medication throughout the day, it must be stored in the office with a medication form (available in office, front desk, and online). Over the counter medication must come with a doctor’s note and prescriptions must come in original containers. Sunscreen is not considered a medication. We take multiple sunscreen breaks during the day. Have your child pack sunscreen in their bag. Counselors are not allowed to apply sunscreen on campers but can help spray sunscreen on.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Finley Day Camp will run rain or shine unless the Wake County Public School System is delayed or closed based on weather. If WCPSS is delayed, FDC will open with the same delay (if WCPSS is delayed 2 hours, FDC will open at 9:00am). If WCPSS is closed, FDC will also be closed. If WCPSS is closed for an extended period of time, the YMCA will make every effort to re-open camp as weather and facilities permit. Parents must check the YMCA website, and camp may run on an abbreviated schedule. In the case of inclement weather during the camp day (thunder, lightning), signs will be placed outside of the office and rides in/out circles. For the safety of the children and staff, guardians must park and bring their photo ID or pick-up card inside the main building to drop off or pick up their children. A counselor will be inside both the front and back doors of the main building to assist you with drop off or pick up.

HEAT SAFETY

Since Finley Day Camp is based outside, we take several precautions to help with the heat. Water coolers are placed around camp and replenished throughout the day. Our huddle sites are all in the woods which provide cooler temperatures and shade. We swim indoors and we rotate campers through our indoor gym and multipurpose rooms. We ask for your help ensuring your child has a refillable water bottle and sunscreen applied for the day. On days with extreme heat, we will modify our activity schedule to keep kids as cool as possible or inside the building.

ILLNESSES/EMERGENCIES

If a camper becomes ill during camp and is unable to participate in activities, the guardian will be notified. If a camper is hurt, a member of the staff or an authorized person will administer immediate first aid. If the situation should require immediate medical attention, the program director or a member of the staff will attempt to contact and inform the guardian as soon as possible. In the event that the guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contacts will be called. The program director or another staff member will call the designated physician or local emergency unit for treatment and/or transportation to a hospital. A staff member will accompany the camper to the hospital and stay until the guardian arrives and signs the camper into his/her custody.

HOTLINE

If you do not feel comfortable speaking with a staff member or have a concern of a confidential matter, please call 919-719-9690 ext. 9500 and leave a message. Someone will return your call promptly. AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org

FINLEY DAY CAMP / SUMMER 2016

Finley Day Camp FAQ When does camp operate? Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where is Finley Day Camp located? FDC is located at the A.E. Finley YMCA, 9216 Baileywick Rd. Raleigh NC 27615. Can I drop off early? For the safety of your child, we cannot allow children to be dropped off before Rides In starts. Our staff are setting up for camp and are unable to ensure proper supervision. What happens if I’m late to pick up? Parents arriving after 6:00p.m. will be issued a late fee of a $5 for the first 10 minutes and $1 for each minute thereafter. Where should I go if I need to drop off late or pick my child up early? If you are arriving between 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (after 4:15pm please wait in the rides out line - our office staff need 15 minutes to prepare for a safe Rides Out), please check in at the Day Camp Office located across from the Finley Pool House. Parking is available near the office. We ask that you do not park in the rides in circle during this time. If you are picking up early, let us know at Rides In or call our office at (919)368-6543 at least 10 minutes prior to your arrival and we can have your child(ren) ready for you. How do drop-off and pick-up work? From 7:00-8:45am we run Rides In, and from 4:30-6:00pm we run Rides Out. Rides In and Rides Out are a curb-side pickup for your convenience where staff will escort your child to/from your car. Rides In and Out are located behind the A.E. Finley YMCA Building adjacent to our campgrounds. During severe weather, we will not run Rides In/Out. You will need to park your car and walk in your child to the lobby area. We will have a camp desk set up to check in or sign out your child. Parents must present a YMCA issued pick-up card (provided at registration) or a photo ID as a safety precaution. At registration, you can also place additional friends and family on your approved pick-up list to help us ensure the safety of your child. What does my child need to bring to camp?  Backpack with a bathing suit and towel. Swim bands will be earned their first day of camp.  Lunch box or cooler with a healthy and hearty lunch, two snacks and a refillable water bottle.  Extra changes of clothes are recommended for children that may have accidents or on days when messy activities are indicated in your weekly newsletter.  Please label all items you send to camp with your child’s first and last name to assist us in returning all lost and found. How are children divided into groups? During huddle time (a time when the campers are divided into groups) at FDC, we separate campers based on age and grade. Each huddle is staffed at a 1:10 ratio with two staff members per group. What will my child do on a typical day? We offer a wide-range of activities to engage our campers. Daily activities include swimming, a multitude of group games, teambuilding activities, assemblies and meal times. Everyday your child will have a chance to participate in activities that include target sports, athletics, creative arts, performing arts and so much more! This happens both through huddle time and open programming. Thumpin’ Thursday takes place each week and includes opportunities for campers to dress up along with special activities that include large group games, carnival stations, water activities, competitions and more. You will receive a newsletter each week detailing all of the special events that are happening during your camp week. When does my child swim? Our K - 2 graders (Camp K and 1) swim from 9:50-10:30am (swim lessons are available for rising kindergarteners). Our 3-5 graders (Camp 2) swim from 12:45-1:25pm (Thursdays Camp 2 will swim from 10:50-11:30am) and our middle school participants (Camp 3) swim from 10:50-11:30am (Camp 3 will not swim on Thursdays). How do you manage medications? We are able to administer both daily and emergency medications. Please bring all medications in their original containers to us on the first day of camp along with a YMCA Medication Form. Medication forms will be provided or can be found on our website. Can I send my child with sunscreen? Yes! Sunscreen will be re-applied after their swim time and during our sunscreen parties. Can I take a tour? Absolutely! Please contact us to set up time for you and your child to see the full facility. Contact Information: Austin Howe, FDC Director - (919)845-3830 or [email protected] (Email works best!) AE Finley YMCA / 9216 Baileywick Road / Raleigh, NC 27615 / 919-845-3882 / www.YMCATriangle.org