Community Services Department

2016 Parent & Camper Handbook

Contents Welcome ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Mission ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Summer Parent Orientation Evening ....................................................................................................................... 4 Our Staff ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 High Five ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 General Information .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Dates for Summer Camps ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Camp Hours .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Before and After Hours Care .................................................................................................................................... 5 Late Pick-Up ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Collection of Camper Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Camper Pick-Up Information ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Absenteeism............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Inclusion Services ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 All About Camp ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 Lunch and Snacks ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Camper Groupings ................................................................................................................................................... 7 What to Bring to Camp ............................................................................................................................................ 7 What Not to Bring to Camp ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Trips / Busing............................................................................................................................................................ 7 Rainy and Cold Weather .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Camper Health and Safety Information ....................................................................................................................... 8 Behavioural Expectations......................................................................................................................................... 8 Illness at Camp/ Emergency Transportation ............................................................................................................ 9 Anaphylaxis and Epi-Pens ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Sun Protection........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Pediculosis (Head Lice) ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Photographs and Media ............................................................................................................................................. 10 Lost and Found ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 Refund/Cancellation Policy ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Payment Options.................................................................................................................................................... 11 Early Bird Discount ................................................................................................................................................. 12

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Third Child Discount ............................................................................................................................................... 12 Camp Bus Information ............................................................................................................................................... 12 Swimming ................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Camp Swim Regulations ......................................................................................................................................... 13 Skating ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Mobile Playground ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 2016 Playground Locations .................................................................................................................................... 14 Camp Gear.................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Camp Reunion Night .................................................................................................................................................. 15 Community Services Department .............................................................................................................................. 15

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Welcome On behalf of the Community Services Department, the Summer Camp Staff would like to welcome you and your child(ren) to our Summer Camp Program. The counsellors have been busy planning an exciting program for this summer. We hope to make this an enjoyable and memorable experience for you and your camper(s). We invite your questions and are here to address your concerns.

Mission The Municipality of Clarington, Community Services Department, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our Community by valuing and embracing: o Partnerships - Fostering and building relationships o Accessibility - creating recreation opportunities for all o Active Living - promoting healthy lifestyles o Leadership - creating opportunities and developing potential o Safety- offering quality programs, facilities and services The Community Services Department fulfills its mission through open communication, a strong customer focus and respect for individuals.

Summer Parent Orientation Evening A great opportunity for you and your child(ren) to meet our Camp Staff and ask questions you have concerning our camps. Drop by; it’s an open house, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.

Our Staff Our Camp Staff team is comprised of university, college and senior high school students who have a personal interest in ensuring that your child(ren)’s experience is a memorable one. Staff are selected based on their leadership skills, day camp experience and genuine interest in working with children. All staff are carefully screened and must submit a successful criminal information/vulnerable sector check. Each staff member has a current Standard First Aid and CPR ‘C’ certificate and is certified in High Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development. High Five

HIGH FIVE is a provincial Quality Assurance Program, designed to assist children and parents along the path of healthy development. The HIGH FIVE program is based on the premise that a child’s development is best supported when they are in a program that provides them with a caring adult and the opportunity to play, make friends, master skills and participate. We are committed to ensuring that every child has a

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positive sport and recreation experience. Through training of staff and the provision of tools for supervisors to assess best practices and overall program quality, recreation and sport programs will offer program excellence that focuses on quality, and the child first approach. Our organization values children and is committed to making sure that all of our programs are designed and delivered in a way that respects and nurtures children, and helps them be the best they can be. All of our Camp Staff will be trained in HIGH FIVE, Principles of Healthy Child Development. For more information on the HIGH FIVE program or the resources visit www.highfive.org

General Information Dates for Summer Camps Our Summer Camps will operate Monday through Friday starting July 4 and ending September 2. Camps will not operate on Monday August 1, 2016.

Camp Hours All camps operate from 9:00am to 4:30pm daily.

Before and After Hours Care Extended care is available Monday through Friday from 7:00am - 9:00am and 4:30pm 6:00pm. The extended care option should be selected at the time of registration. If your schedule changes after registration and additional supervision is needed please contact customer service staff for the extended care option. During shortened weeks the extended care rate is pro-rated to reflect a 4 day week. Extended care is not available at all camp locations; please check the Community Guide for dates and specific locations.

Late Pick-Up There will be an additional charge of $20 for every 15 minutes for the late pick up of campers at all locations after 6:00pm.

Collection of Camper Information During the registration process we will collect important camper details such as emergency contacts, allergies/special needs and sign-out permission. If at any time this information changes, we ask that the changes be provided in writing to the Camp Supervisor. You will be required to verify the information on the first day of camp.

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Camper Pick-Up Information The safety of your child(ren) is our number one priority. To ensure the safety and well-being of all campers, we require all campers to be signed in and out each day by a parent or guardian. It is imperative that the person registering each camper provides us with the names (first and last) of all people permitted to pick up your child(ren). Your child(ren) will not be released to anyone who is not on the list. For the safety of your child(ren) there is no exception to this rule. If a name needs to be added, please call the Camp Hotline. Photo identification will be required before we will release the camper.

Absenteeism If your camper(s) will be away from camp, please call or email the Camp Hotline at the beginning of the day. If you know in advance that your camper(s) will be absent, please send a note indicating which day(s) he/she will not be attending camp. This will be a great help and will eliminate unnecessary concerns about your camper(s). Camp fees are non-refundable, except for medical reasons, and a doctor’s note is required (see Refund Policy).

Inclusion Services The Community Services Department welcomes children of all abilities to our summer camp programs. Please call our Camp Hotline: 905-435-1061 ext. 229 upon registration if you require support or accommodation due to a special need. Extra support at camp is generally required according to the following criteria:  A physical, developmental and/or learning disability exists, affecting mobility, communication, comprehension and/or interaction.  Extra support/assistance is required at home for basic care such as dressing or toileting.  Extra support is required at school. Please ensure that if your child has a disability that requires additional staff support, you call the Camp Hotline prior to registering and speak with our Integration Supervisor. This will enable your child to have a positive and supported time at camp. Families not disclosing the needs of a participant prior to registration may be required to withdraw from the program. The Municipality of Clarington Refund Policy will apply. To facilitate a successful experience for your child, parents will be required to complete a Camper Skills Checklist prior to the start of camp. Program available to Clarington residents only.

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All About Camp Lunch and Snacks  

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Each day your child(ren) will require, at minimum, a lunch, 2 drinks and 2 snacks. Our camps strive to be Nut Free. Please do not send your child(ren) with any products containing nuts. Municipality of Clarington camps are not a peanut free environment. We cannot ensure that all food served in community centres or items brought into camp by other campers do not contain peanuts or other nut traces. If your child has a peanut allergy please let the camp staff know prior to arrival. Campers with peanut allergies attend camp at their own risk. To help minimize our impact on the environment, please make every effort to send your child with a “litter-less lunch”. Please pack your child(ren)’s lunch in a portable lunch box that will keep their food cold and safe to eat. We DO NOT have use of microwaves or refrigerators for children’s lunches so please pack lunches accordingly. To avoid lost lunches and confusion please label lunches with your child(ren)’s name.

Camper Groupings Camp groupings are determined by chronological age. If you wish to have your child(ren)’s placed with friends in the same group, please call the Camp Hotline at 905435-1061 ext. 229 prior to the first day of camp. We will try to accommodate your request. However, please keep in mind your child(ren)’s safety and camp ratios are the determining factor in the Camp Supervisor’s decision.

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Running shoes (not flip flops, crocs or sandals). Sun hat and waterproof sunscreen each day. Weather-appropriate/active clothing, extra clothes. Swimsuit, towel and water shoes or a 2nd pair of runners that can get wet (even though we will not be swimming everyday at camp, we do lots of water activities so it is a good idea to bring a swimsuit and water shoes so you don’t miss out on the fun!) Label all articles worn or brought to camp with your child(ren)’s name.

What Not to Bring to Camp Please do not bring valuables to camp such electronic devices, cell phones or money. It has been our experience that no matter how careful a child is, inevitably something gets broken or lost. Our camps will not be responsible for lost or damaged items.

Trips / Busing A number of our camps will take part in off-site excursions this summer. Parents will receive a schedule of activities on the first morning of camp outlining times and details of our trips. Please note changes may occur based on unforeseen circumstances. Due to

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the many variables involved in off-site trips and traffic, late return times are sometimes unavoidable. Please be patient with the return of buses. Due to Camper/Counsellor ratios alternative arrangements are not possible for those who wish to not participate in certain off-site trips. Please note: all trips are subject to confirmation.

Rainy and Cold Weather Programs continue during inclement weather conditions. Most sites have both indoor and outdoor shelter options. Camps run a full program schedule no matter the weather, so proper dress for such days is essential (rain wear, boots etc.) If outdoor trips are scheduled, a decision will be made in the morning as to whether to cancel a trip due to weather conditions. Alternative trips and activities have been planned in advance to ensure campers have an exciting and enjoyable day. Our Outdoor Adventure Camp, Early Bird Camp and Summer Send-Off Camp would re-locate to a community centre on days when the weather conditions are poor – in these instances, campers will return to Orono Park for regular end of day pick up.

Camper Health and Safety Information Behavioural Expectations The goal of our Camp Programs is to provide a healthy, safe, positive and fun experience for all participants in our programs. Camper’s Rights and Responsibilities:  To learn and play in a safe environment  To be free of physical and verbal harassment  To take part in all activities offered by the program  To respect the rights of others; peers and staff alike

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Counsellors will discuss the behavioural expectations and safety policies/guidelines with their campers on the first day of camp. Failure to abide by the Camp Policies may lead to progressive consequences:  verbal warning  time out, discussion  conversation with parents If a child’s behaviour threatens the immediate safety of themselves, other children, or the staff, parents will be notified and requested to pick up their child immediately. This will result in removal of the child for the day OR temporary suspension from the program. No refunds will be given if a participant is dismissed from the program.

Illness at Camp/ Emergency Transportation If your child becomes ill or injured at camp, immediate care will be provided. If they are unable to participate in the activities of the day you will be contacted and asked to pick up your child immediately. Every effort will be made by staff to keep your child comfortable until your arrival. Should an accident occur at camp, where your child needs to be taken to the hospital, emergency transportation will be provided. In all emergency situations, the parent and/or the emergency contact will be notified. If a child must be taken to the hospital, a staff member will accompany the camper in the emergency vehicle and wait at the hospital until the parents arrive. At no time will the child be left alone.

Anaphylaxis and Epi-Pens If your child(ren) requires the administration of an Epi-Pen you must notify the staff and complete an Anaphylactic Allergies and Epi-Pens Administration Consent Form on their first day of camp. All Camp Staff participate in Epi-Pen training as part of their pre-camp training. The following is our Camp Procedure for anaphylactic allergies and the administration of Epi-Pens. 1. Participants must notify the Department upon registering for camp if they may require the use of an Epi-Pen. 2. Participants whom may require Epi-Pens are responsible to ensure that they have their Epi-Pens with them while attending camp. Epi-Pens must be carried by the participants, in a waist pack that is easily identifiable. 3. Camp Staff will supervise the self-administration of Epi-Pens by participants. 4. In the event that a participant is not capable of administering it him or herself Camp Staff will assist in administering an Epi-Pen. 5. Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for staff to assist in administering an Epi-Pen.

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6. In the event an Epi-Pen is administered, Emergency Medical Services will be contacted and the Emergency Transportation procedure will apply where necessary (see page 6).

Sun Protection With the health risks resulting from extended exposure to the sun, we understand that children need to be reminded to apply sunscreen and wear hats. Campers are expected to arrive with sunscreen already applied. We will provide time during the day for re-application of sunscreen and require the use of hats in the outdoors. In the event of extreme heat temperature, Camp Staff will make accommodations to bring campers inside and limit their exposure to the heat. We ask you to send your child(ren) to camp with the following items:  Sun hat (remember that baseball hats do not cover the ears or neck)  Waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+)  Reusable water bottle (labeled with child’s name)

Pediculosis (Head Lice) We support families in addressing this health nuisance. We suggest families conduct regular examinations to ensure that your child(ren)’s hair is free of lice and nits. If you find your family is host to these unwanted guests, please contact the Camp Hotline as soon as possible at (905) 435-1061 ext. 229. Children who have head lice will only be readmitted to camp once their hair has been checked by a medical physician and found clear of lice and nits.

Photographs and Media Photographs taken at camp allow us to showcase what happens each day. By signing the consent line on the Media Release Form you authorize the Municipality of Clarington to use photographs of your child(ren) in municipal advertising and promotional materials. Media Release Forms must only be filled out once for the duration of the summer. If you have filled out the form previously – simply let Camp Staff know. If you do not want your child(ren) included in any photographs please speak to the Camp Supervisor.

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Lost and Found All lost articles are collected daily and kept at each camp location. Each camp location will have an area for lost and found items. Please label everything to make identification easier. At the end of the summer session all lost and found articles will be sent to the South Courtice Arena for two (2) weeks after the final camp session. All items that are not claimed will be given to charitable organizations.

Refund/Cancellation Policy If you wish to cancel registration in a program, a Cancellation Fee of $10.00 +HST per registration will apply. The Community Services Department must receive ALL requests for cancellations/refunds in writing. Requests for specialty classes (Aquatic Leadership, First Aid, CPR, High-Five Principles of Healthy Child Development, and Day Camps) must be received by the Community Services Department a minimum of three (3) business days prior to the first Class. Medical refund requests will be assessed at any point during the session and must be accompanied by a doctor’s note.

Payment Options Post-dated cheques are accepted for camp registrations. Cheques may be post dated one (1) month prior to the camp session’s start date.

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Early Bird Discount Register your camper(s) no later than May 2, 2016, and receive a 10% discount off your registration fee!

Third Child Discount We also offer a third child discount for children in the same immediate family. Third and subsequent children are eligible for a 50% reduction in their rate (lowest dollar value program), but cannot be combined with the 10% Early Bird Registration and cannot be used on Extended Care programs. When using Eazy Reg please contact the Community Services Department at 905-623-3379 ext. 2505 to arrange for the adjustment.

Camp Bus Information Once again this summer we will be offering free busing to many of the camp locations. Campers MUST register for busing when registering for camp, and will be prompted during the registration progress. For the safety of all campers, the bus will be staffed with two (2) Counsellors daily. 

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Parents must meet the bus to sign their child(ren) in/out of camp. Alternatively, you can provide permission for your child(ren) to sign themselves out of camp (during the registration process or call the Camp Hotline at 905-435-1061 ext. 229). Any campers who miss the bus must find their own way to camp. We cannot provide special arrangements, and campers will be dropped off at the stop selected during the registration process. If your child(ren) will not be taking the bus home, a written note signed and dated by the parent/guardian is required, and must be given to the Bus Counsellors or on-site Camp Supervisor. We ask that at least one day notice is provided. Stop times are approximate. Please be at your stop 5 minutes before the posted time and be prepared to remain at your stop up to 10 minutes after the posted time.

If you require extended care supervision in addition to the busing service, please register for extended care at the location where your child will pick up/drop off the bus.

Swimming Most camps will participate in recreational swimming at least once during the camp week. While in the water, Campers will be supervised by Camp Staff as well as the Pool Lifeguards. On the first visit to the pool, each camper will be screened for swimming ability by Pool Lifeguards. If Campers have a swim test card please send it with them to camp.  Outdoor Adventure Camp will swim daily (weather permitting) in the Orono outdoor pool.  Trip Camp will swim at the Orono outdoor pool only when weather permits. In cases where we have inclement weather they will swim at the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex.

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Kinder Camp will not participate in swimming.

Camp Swim Regulations The following are details regarding the swim ratios for camps:  Children 5 years of age and under must wear lifejackets during Camp Swims and will be placed in a 3:1 ratio with a Counsellor.  Children aged 6-9 years who cannot complete the facility swim test will be in an 8:1 ratio with a Counsellor and must wear a lifejacket.  Children aged 6 to 9 who are able to complete the facility swim test will receive a wrist band and will not be required to be part of the camp ratios as outlined above. The swimmers that pass will be permitted to go in the deep end and down the slide, but will be required to have a participating Camp Counsellor in the area the child is swimming.  Camp Counsellors will participate in Camp Swims, supervising their camp group.  Parents/Guardians may specify during registration if they wish to have their child(ren) wear a lifejacket while swimming.

Skating Some camps will participate in recreational skating at least once during the camp week. Campers must provide and wear a CSA approved helmet with chin strap, as well as warm clothing (including gloves/mittens) in order to participate.

Mobile Playground The Community Services Department, Summer Mobile Playground Program allows children 12 years and under to enjoy outdoor games and activities free of charge at selected Clarington park locations.

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The Mobile Playground will be visiting a park in your community from 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm each day. We will bring truckloads of equipment. All you have to do is show up and be prepared to have FUN!!! This is a Stay and Play Program – parents are required to accompany their children during the program.

2016 Playground Locations Monday

AM Location, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Tyrone Park, Tyrone

PM Location, 1:00PM–4:00 PM Solina Park, Solina

Tuesday

Pearce Farm Park, Newcastle

Harry Gay Park, Courtice

Wednesday

Ina Brown Park, Newtonville

Bons Park, Bowmanville

Thursday

Haydon Hall, Haydon

Rosswell Park, Courtice

Friday

Orono Park, Orono

Port Darlington East Beach Park, Bowmanville

Camp Gear Don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase 2016 Clarington Summer Camp Gear. T-shirts, water bottles and ‘I LOVE CAMP’ wristbands will be available for purchase at the front desks of the South Courtice Arena, Courtice Community Complex and Newcastle & District Recreation Complex. A limited numbers available – don’t miss out!

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Camp Reunion Night Calling all Campers and their Families! You are invited to an End of Summer Camp Reunion to be held at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex Thursday, August 25th at 6:00 PM Be treated to an evening of fun, food and laughter hosted by the Summer Camp Staff!

Community Services Department The Community Services Department strives to provide high quality, professional assistance to our residents by continuously improving existing programs and implementing new and innovative ones. We are committed to providing programs, facilities and services in response to community needs. If you have any ideas and/or comments to help us meet your recreational and leisure needs, please let us know by telephone, email or in person. Please visit our website at: www.clarington.net

CAMP HOTLINE: 905-435-1061 ext. 229 [email protected]

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