Camp Frontier
Summer 2014
WELCOME
here to support you and your family.
At Camp Frontier and Kinder Camp at
Camp Frontier, we are excited for the
opportunity to spend time and grow with
your child this summer. We have a lot of
fun activities planned and can’t wait to
see your child make strong friendships and
memories that will last a lifetime.
We trust your child will have an incredible
summer with the Y at Camp Frontier, and we
will work diligently to ensure that he or she
has the opportunity to learn, grow, and play
each and every day.
We hope this welcome packet will answer
many of your questions, but it is difficult
for us anticipate each and every
individual situation or concern. Please
reach out to me by phone or email—I am
KINDER CAMP
Kinder Camp at Camp Frontier is our halfday specialty camp for children ages three
to rising Kindergarten. It runs from 9:00 am
-1:00 pm, and it is based out of the Lower
Clubhouse. Kinder Camp’s focus is on fun
and engagement by participating in relationship and character building activities. These
campers enjoy Swimming, Arts & Crafts,
and free-play Activities every morning!
Kinder Campers work on Art Projects
throughout the week, including: selfportraits, finger painting, and coloring.
These projects will be displayed on the wall
throughout the week, and you are welcome
to take them home with you on Friday.
Campers swim in our adult sized pool with
life jackets, and our hope is for campers to
become more comfortable in the water.
Here’s to an unforgettable
summer at the Y!
Dylan Stoneham
Camp Frontier Director
[email protected]
(919)308-7360 (Office)
(919)268-1379 (Cell)
SWIMMING
To ensure water safety, campers will take a swim
assessment 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 entire length of the pool and
treading water for 30 seconds.
The life guards will administer all swim assessments. 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 receive a band will need to
stay less than chest deep in the water or wear a
life jacket. All counselors will swim with their
campers, and they will be happy to assist children
with their swim strokes when possible. Please
make sure that your child’s bathing suit is lined.
Hope Valley Farms YMCA / 5818 S. Roxboro Street / Durham, NC 27713 / (919) 308-7360 / www.YMCATriangle.org
CAMP FRONTIER / SUMMER 2014
DAILY SCHEDULE
Each day has a few variations based on what is happening around camp. Please do not hesitate to contact us for
specific information about your child’s group (this is a tentative summer schedule, this is subject to change).
7:30-9:00 Rides In – At the Lower Clubhouse, there will be quiet games and open programming.
9:00-9:15 – Flagpole
9:15-9:45 Assembly – Camp comes together to sing, dance, and get pumped for the day.
9:30-10:00 Snack—Yum!
10:00-10:15 Activity Assembly – Your child will be given activity choices for the morning, and they will have the
opportunity to choose the activities they are interested in participating in.
10:15-11:45 Morning Activity – Your child will participate in the traditional camp activities of their choice.
These include but are not limited to: Field Games, Dodgeball, Arts & Crafts, Archery, Team Building, Cheer &
Dance, Yard Games, and Nature.
11:45-12:00 Lunch Assembly – We will sing praise songs and bless our food.
12:00-12:30 Lunch – This is a great time for kids to enjoy their lunch and talk with their friends. We will
typically eat picnic style under the tent.
12:30-4:30 The camp schedule varies by huddle in the afternoon. Each huddle plays one or two more activities,
has choice activities/clinics with their camp, eats snack, and has devotion/bead time.
4:30-5:00 Closing Assembly – We reflect on the day and award campers with outstanding character.
5:00-6:00 Rides Out – Campers have free play until their ride comes!
CHARACTER TRAITS, BEADS, AND DEVOTION
Camp Frontier is about more than just fun. We focus on building up campers in spirit, mind, and body. Frontier
focuses on 5 core character traits: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Faith in God.
On the first day of camp, campers are given a necklace (please keep your necklace all summer). 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 Week, and more). As campers earn beads on their
necklace, it’s a great way to engage in conversation about what they have done right. Beads are never taken away.
Devotion time is set aside each day, and huddles connect and talk about how character is used in everyday life.
Counselors often read poems or tell personal stories. Sometimes campers lead the lesson. Devotion is a great time
for campers to connect on a spiritual level, instead of just playing games.
Wacky Wednesday
Each week’s theme is celebrated on Wednesday. The whole camp dresses up and participates in an activity together. On these days, we encourage campers and counselors alike to dress up in celebration of the theme!
Funky Friday
On Friday, the entire camp will come together to participate in a camp-wide activity that embodies the theme of the
week. We encourage campers to come ready to make some new friends and step out of their comfort zone!
FAMILY NIGHT
Family Nights are a great chance to see camp from your child’s eyes, meet their friends, and spend time together.
Activities vary from week to week, but may include a pool party, talent show, slide show, and more. Come out
and have fun with your child’s new friends and huddle counselors!
Hope Valley Farms YMCA / 5818 S. Roxboro Street/ Durham, NC 27713 / (919) 308-7360 / www.YMCATriangle.org
CAMP FRONTIER / SUMMER 2014
CAMP FRONTIER BASICS
The information below applies to all Camp Frontier campers for all weeks. As mentioned, a
weekly newsletter will provide additional information about what to expect at camp.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Camp Frontier’s Office
Camp Frontier’s office is inside the Lower Clubhouse
(beside the tennis courts). You can call the office cell
phone between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at (919) 3087360.
Dylan Stoneham
Camp Frontier Director
[email protected]
Camp Cell: (919) 268-1379
WHAT TO BRING EVERY DAY
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A healthy lunch
A re-fillable water bottle
2 healthy snacks
Bathing suit and towel
Sunscreen and hat
Bug spray
A bag/book bag to keep all of your stuff in
Wear clothes and closed toed shoes that you
can be active in and that can get dirty
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 the child.
HOURS
Camp runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday
through Friday. You can drop off or pick up any
time that we are open.
LOCATION
Camp Frontier operates at the Hope Valley Farms
YMCA; 4818 S. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27713.
Rides In and rides out takes place at the Lower
Clubhouse (next to the tennis courts). Campers
that are dropped off late or picked up early will
need to be signed in or out at the Camp Office.
DROP OFF/PICK UP
Camp runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday
through Friday. You can drop off or pick up any time
that we are open.
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 (give it to the counselor at Rides In) or
call the office at 919-815-7596.
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 Rides Out.
Rides In lasts from 7:30 until 9 a.m. You can drop
your child off at the Lower Clubhouse (next to the
tennis courts).
Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., drop off and pick up is at
the Camp Office in the Lower Clubhouse. Please call
the camp cell phone before your arrival so that a
staff member may meet you. Rides Out runs from 5-6
p.m. Please drive to the Lower Clubhouse for rides
out.
Camp closes at 6 p.m. If you pick up your child
after 6 p.m., there is a fee of $5.00 for the first 10
minutes and $1.00 for every minute thereafter. If you
are going to be late, please call the Frontier office at
919-815-7596 and leave a message. At 6 p.m. we
will check for messages or begin to call parents to
confirm that someone is on the way.
Hope Valley Farms YMCA / 5818 S. Roxboro Street/ Durham, NC 27713 / (919) 308-7360 / www.YMCATriangle.org
CAMP FRONTIER / SUMMER 2014
CAMP FRONTIER BASICS, CONTINUED
The information below applies to all campers for all Camp Frontier weeks. As mentioned earlier, a
weekly newsletter will provide additional information about what to expect at camp.
STAFF
Our counselors at the YMCA 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 1:12 ratio for all
elementary and teen programs.
THEMES
Camp Frontier focuses on fun and engagement!
Each week has an overall camp theme as listed below. The games and activities of the week will reflect these teams. Campers are encouraged to
dress up on Wednesday mornings to celebrate the
theme.
Celebrity Week
June 16-20
Pirate Week
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.
YMCA YOUTH RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Safety First.
Listen and follow directions.
Try everything and do your best.
Do what’s right.
Have fun.
June 23-27
Stars and Stripes Week
June 30– July 3 (No Camp July 4)
Wild, Wild West Week
July 7-11
Messy Art Week
July 14-18
Holiday Week
July 21-25
Beach Blast Week
July 28– August 1
Boys vs. Girls Week
August 4-8
Jungle Week
August 11-15
Super Hero Week
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found is collected daily and will be placed in
the Assembly area. We will go through Lost and
Found every day at afternoon assembly; however, we
encourage you to come look for your child’s missing
belongings as well.
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)
August 18-22
Hope Valley Farms YMCA / 5818 S. Roxboro Street/ Durham, NC 27713 / (919) 308-7360 / www.YMCATriangle.org
CAMP FRONTIER / SUMMER 2014
CAMP FRONTIER POLICIES
The information below applies to all campers for all Camp Frontier weeks. As mentioned earlier, a
weekly newsletter will provide additional information about what to expect at camp .
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 a reason we need to be aware
of, please call us! 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). Over the counter medication and
prescriptions must come in original containers.
Sunscreen can be kept with a camper unless help
with application is needed, at which point it’s treated
like medication (we are only allowed to help apply
spray sunscreen).
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 also must sign out before
leaving.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Camp Frontier will run rain or shine unless the
Durham County Public School System is delayed or
closed based on weather. If DCPSS is delayed, Frontier will open with the same delay (if DCPSS is delayed 2 hours, Frontier will open at 9:30). If DCPSS
is closed, Frontier will also be closed. If DCPSS is
closed for an extended period of time, the YMCA will
make every effort to re-open camp as weather and
facilities permit. Parents can check the YMCA website or call the YMCA at 919-667-9622.
In the case of inclement weather during the camp day
(thunder, lightning), inclement weather 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 Camp Frontier is based outside, we take
several precautions to help with the heat. Water
coolers are placed around camp and replenished
throughout the day. We also rotate campers
through our indoor gym and multipurpose rooms.
We ask for your help ensuring your child has
sunscreen for the day. On days with extreme
heat, we will modify our activity schedule to keep
kids as cool as possible.
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 719-9690 ext. 9500 and
leave a message. Someone will return your call
promptly.
MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through
programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body
for all.
Hope Valley Farms YMCA / 5818 S. Roxboro Street/ Durham, NC 27713 / (919) 308-7360 / www.YMCATriangle.org