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MAKING
SUMMER
FUN
WELCOME PACKET SUMMER 2014
Camp Bull Run
Lakewood YMCA Day Camp
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622 / www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
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WELCOME TO CAMP BULL RUN!
Hello! You have chosen Camp Bull Run as your child’s summer camp destination. That’s fantastic! We understand that this is a big decision and we want you to know your child will have a great time
and will be taken care of by an outstanding staff.
At Camp Bull Run your child will experience days full of games, swimming, arts and crafts,
archery, sports, and opportunities to begin lifelong friendships! Our camp is designed to keep campers
engaged and moving throughout the day. The YMCA prides itself on hiring quality staff members to take
care of your child. These staff members have a passion for being positive role models for children and
many have previous experience in other YMCA programs. We select our staff through a comprehensive
application and interview process and each staff member completes a minimum of 30 hours of training
that emphasizes the importance of safety, child development, and having fun.
This Welcome Packet is a guideline to assist you with everything you need to
know to be prepared to send your child to Camp Bull Run. Please look through
the information and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
We are looking forward to helping your child have their best summer ever!
Sincerely,
Zach Fisher, Camp Director
919-401-9622
[email protected]
FIRST TIMER INFORMATION
Camp Lingo
Rides in / out - This is what the YMCA calls Pick up and drop off. You will see “Rides in and Rides out” signs as
you pull in to summer camp to drop off your child.
Huddle –The YMCA’s term for a group of 20-25 age or grade related campers.
Wacky Wednesdays— Based on the theme of the week, counselors and campers will create a silly costume to
wear to camp for assemblies and competitions.
Devotion—A time for children to learn more about God, to reflect, to learn new values and to utilize character
traits.
Bead Necklace— Campers can earn beads every day that represent character traits and accomplishments
throughout the summer.
Tours
Parents may stop by the Lakewood YMCA at any time for a tour of camp. One of our leadership staff will be
happy to walk you around our beautiful facility and show you where your child will be spending their summer.
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
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CAMP LOGISTICS
PICK UP CARDS
All parents/guardians will be issued a pick-up card either at orientation or on the first day your child attends a
YMCA program. This card acts like a photo ID; cards will only be issued to those on the pick-up list. You must
present a picture ID in order to receive your pick-up card. All returning campers will be issued new cards as the
cards change colors each year.
PACKING LIST
-A morning healthy snack, lunch, and an afternoon healthy snack (if possible, please avoid sending products that
are processed with nuts.) Lunches are stored in a safe, shaded, but outdoor area. Please pack food/drinks that
do not need special heating/cooling, in a hard-shell lunchbox. We will have water on site but feel free to pack a
water bottle as well.
-Weather appropriate clothing, including close-toed tennis shoes
-Swim Suit and Towel
ABSENCES
If your child is sick or unable to attend the program, please contact your program’s office prior to the start of
the program on that day. We call all parents of absent children. If you receive a phone call, it is a courtesy to
you and a safeguard for your child. If you are able, please call us to let us know ahead of time if your child will
be absent or late at 919-401-9622.
LOST AND FOUND
Any items that are found at Camp Bull Run will be placed in the Lakewood YMCA lost and found. This is located
in the front lobby of the branch. We will not have a separate lost and found for summer camp.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Our staff cannot administer medicine during program
hours to any camper without the following:

A completed and signed Medication Form.

A written and dated note from your physician for any
over the counter medicine.

All prescription medication must be kept in the
original pharmacy container in which it was received.
The container should include the doctor’s name, name
of medication, procedures for use, and the child’s
name.

Any medication must be checked in at the program
office by the parent/guardian. This includes over the
counter medicines such as Advil or Tylenol.
Please note: If your child has an epi-pen or an inhaler,
these items must also be accompanied with a
completed medication form and checked in at the
program office.
Also note that if your child attends multiple YMCA
programs (i.e. summer camp, SOS, after school), we
ask that you please provide a signed medication form
and an original container of your child’s medicine to
each program that your child attends. We are not able
to move medications between programs/sites nor are
we able to allow campers to transport medications
between programs/sites.
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
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ILLNESS & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If a camper becomes ill during the program day and is unable to participate in activities, the parent/
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 parent/guardian as soon as possible. In the event that the parent/
guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be called. The program director or another
staff member will call the designated physician and/ 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
parent/ guardian arrives and signs the camper into his/her custody.
Inclement Weather:
Camp will run rain or shine unless Durham County Year Round Schools are closed, because of inclement
weather. On days that there is inclement weather during Rides In or Out, we ask that parents please park and
walk their children inside to check-in or park and walk inside to pick their children up. You may always call our
Weather Hotline at 919-667-0187 to check on any closings or program changes due to weather.
On code orange ozone days, outdoor activities are modified with frequent water breaks and play in shaded
areas. On code red ozone days, activities are modified with indoor play. We highly encourage campers to bring
a water bottle that can be refilled at our many water coolers around camp.
Rides In & Rides Out:
Rides In and Out is located in the bus loop behind Lakewood Montessori Middle School. Parents will turn off of
Chapel Hill Rd. onto Crosswind Ave. and then turn left into the bus loop . Counselors will assist your child out
of the car and with their belongings to check them in. During this time, you do not need to park or leave your
car. Parents will then exit through the Lakewood Middle School Parking lot back onto Chapel Hill Rd.
Rides In starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs until 9:00 a.m.
Rides Out starts at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 6:00 p.m.
If you are dropping off or picking up your child during the normal hours please follow the rides in and rides
out directions. However, If you are unable to drop off or pick up your child during the designated times,
please check them at the camp office located inside the lobby of the YMCA. The front desk will radio one of
our head counselors to come pick up your child and walk them to their group.
Late Fees:
Parents who arrive late to pick up their children will be charged a late fee of $5 for the first 10 minutes and
an additional $1 for every minute there after. Late fees are to be paid at the time of pick-up. Cash or checks
made payable to the YMCA are acceptable forms of payment.
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
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BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES
YMCA RULES
To ensure that our programs are safe, pleasant, and fun-filled for all children and staff, our basic YMCA rules
are clearly communicated and consistently enforced. They include:
1. Safety First
2. Listen and follow directions
3. Try everything and do your best
4. Do what’s right
5. Have fun
EMPHASIS ON THE POSITIVE
We realize that the single most effective behavior management tool at our disposal is an emphasis on positive
behavior. Our counselors are trained to be constantly on the look out for opportunities to praise or otherwise
reinforce positive behavior. Common reinforcements include (but are not limited to): verbal praise, a high-five or
hug, and/ or program wide recognition (for example, being named “Camper of the Week”) As often as possible
counselors will share incidents or positive behavior with parents.
YMCA & HOME PARTNERSHIP
Sometimes families have specific concerns regarding their child’s behavior or are working in the home and
school to modify certain behaviors. Our staff welcomes the opportunity to support these efforts. Please do
not hesitate to speak with the Camp Director if you have concerns or if you would like for us to support any
work that you are doing at home or school with your child. We will be happy to include your child’s counselor(s)
in a discussion regarding specific approaches or concerns.
SUSPENSION & EXPULSION
While it is our hope that these procedures and a strong YMCA & home partnership will promote positive
behavior (and minimize behavioral problems), serious and/or chronic disciplinary problems can occur. In these
cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. For a full description of our behavior policy, please see
registration forms available online. However, the Y encourages appropriate language, cooperation, respect to
staff and facilities, positive attitudes, staying in program areas, and participation in all activities. Please take
time to review these with your children as 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.
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
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What Makes YMCA Camp Special?
Character Traits & Beads:
Devotion:
The YMCA believes strongly in character
development and in teaching our campers the
importance of our five core character traits:
respect (yellow), responsibility (green), caring
(red), honesty (blue) and faith in God (purple).
We spend time reinforcing these traits at camp
by pointing out campers who display these traits
throughout the day and by rewarding campers
with beads.
The YMCA believes strongly in our mission: To put Christian
principles into practice through programs that build healthy
spirit, mind, and body for all.
Children participating in Camp Bull Run will have
an opportunity to earn beads throughout their
day in our program. Beads are used throughout
YMCA programs as a way to reinforce good
behavior and praise children regularly. Campers
are encouraged to think of their own creative
beads to award to other campers/counselors
during Bead Time.
We incorporate our mission into our daily programs in many
ways: one of the most important means of sharing our
mission is by holding daily devotions with our campers.
Devotions are a time of sharing our YMCA character traits
as well as sharing Bible stories and verses with campers. If
you have further questions about this part of our day,
please talk with your child’s Camp Director.
MISSION OF THE YMCA:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
SPIRIT, MIND & BODY for all.
The Many Faces of Camp Bull Run
Camp Bull Run Themes
BULL RUN TRADITIONAL: A traditional camp setting with a variety of
activities including swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and tons of
fun!
Specialty Camp Sessions
June 16—20
June 23—27
June 30— July 3*
July 7— 11
July 14—18
July 21—25
July 28—Aug. 1
Aug. 4—8
Aug. 11—15
Camp Bull Run is one big happy family. However we do have
specialized camps that are part of that big family so that each
camper can have their own special experience. Below are the
different camps you can choose from.
BULL RUN EXTRAS: A camp with a LOT of variety. Each week will
focus on a new theme including Painting, science, fitness, Cooking,
and much more.
UPWARD BOUND: A camp designed for teens with Field Trips!
Activities throughout the summer include swimming, horseback
riding, museum visits, service projects and more!
SPORTS CAMP: A blend of traditional day camp and sports skill
development allows seasoned players to excel and introduces
newcomers to either basketball or soccer. Please be aware that we
are only offering Sports Camp during select weeks throughout the
summer.
Wacky Wednesdays
Wacky Wednesdays are based on the theme of the week. Campers
and counselors will create silly costumes to wear to camp for
assemblies and competitions. It is expected that everyone
participates in Wacky Wednesdays so please make sure to check
the weeks theme and have fun with it!
Theme
Science
Art
Nature
Cooking
Science
Art
Nature
Cooking
No Camp
*No camp Friday., July 4 (fees are adjusted); Bull
Run Extras will be off for the entire week.
Sports Camp Sessions
June 16—20
June 23—27
June 30— July 3*
July 7— 11
July 14—18
July 21—25
July 28—Aug. 1
Aug. 4—8
Aug. 11—15
Theme
Basketball
Basketball
Basketball
Basketball
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Soccer
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org
Camp Bull Run Welcome Packet / Summer 2014
Parent Involvement:
6
Camp, Etc.
Campers and their families will be invited to join us for family nights throughout the summer. During
this time, you will get to experience what camp is like, meet your child’s counselor as well as have time
for fellowship with other families in the program. There will also be other family events held
throughout the summer! In addition, Parents are welcome to stop in during camp hours and attend an
activity as long as it is scheduled.
Parent Communication:
The YMCA will make every effort to communicate with you about camp activities and special events as
well as about your individual child. We communicate through online services, e-mails, signs posted in
Rides In and Rides Out, phone calls, and face to face during Rides In and Rides Out. If there is ever a
time when you feel that you need more information about your child or about your child’s camp, please
let your Camp Director know.
Be sure to have an accurate email address on your registration materials. The week prior to your
child’s first day of camp you will receive communication which will include a calendar of events that will
let you know what is planned for camp each week including swim times, Wacky Wednesdays, as well as
special activities and events.
Confidential / Safety Hotline:
The Durham YMCA has a special hotline that is 100% confidential that you may use at any time during
the summer if you need to. This hotline is in place for someone who does not feel comfortable discussing a matter with a counselor or director. Please call 919-791-9690 ext. 9500 and leave a brief
message. Someone will return your call promptly.
Swimming
To ensure pool safety, campers will take a swim test their first Monday of camp. Earning a swim band
allows a child to swim anywhere in the pool (goggles are allowed to be worn during the test). The swim
band is earned by freestyle swimming the length of the pool and treading water for 30 seconds. 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 who do not pass the swim test will need to stay in less than chest deep
water or wear a life jacket. We swim in the zero entry pool at the Downtown YMCA. This pool goes
from 0-4 feet deep. Please make sure that your child’s bathing suite is lined.
Camp Blog
This summer we will be sharing information about camp via our closed and private camp Facebook
page. On our page you can find more information about our staff, pictures of your camper at camp,
and copies of the news letter.
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or concerns, we are here to help! Please don’t hesitate to contact
Zach Fisher, [email protected], or by phone 919-401-9622. We are excited for an unforgettable summer, and excited that your family will be a part of it. We can’t wait to see you at Camp
Bull Run!
Lakewood YMCA / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd. / Durham, NC 27707 / 919-401-9622/ www.YMCATriangle.org