www.ym c ab ham .o r g / har g isr etr eat Pa rent Surviva l Ma nua l 2014 CAMP KICK OFF an d Ice Cream Social MAY 22 at 6 pm ! YM C A Ha rgi s Ret rea t 9 2 8 Ha rgi s Dri v e C hel sea , Al a ba m a 3 5 0 4 3 2 0 5 .6 7 8 .6 5 1 2 F a x : 2 0 5 .6 7 8 .6 5 1 5 Welc o m e to Y MCA H ar g is R etr eat’s S um m er Day Cam p ! We are pleased and excited that you have chosen to enroll your child in our Day Camp Program. We will serve your child/children with compassion, patience, skill and respect. It is our desire that staff and parents become partners. To better serve your family, we ask that you, as a parent, help us. Let us know of any concerns, ideas or thoughts that you may have regarding camp. The YMCA is a place for families, and we want to do everything possible to strengthen and support your family. The staff at Hargis Retreat believes that each child is a unique individual with his or her own rate of development. Our goal is to introduce children to as many new positive experiences as possible and help each child feel confident and secure in a fun, safe camp environment. We are dedicated to molding the lives of our campers and creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. A l l Y M CA c am p s are d es i g ned t o m eet t he fo l l o wi ng g o al s . Eac h c am p er wi l l : • • • • • • • Learn to appreciate oneself, gain confidence and self-esteem. Learn the character values; Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility Learn to appreciate the natural environment and work toward its conversation. Develop positive relationships. Develop skills, leadership and group support. Learn to appreciate diversity. Have fun and g et d i rt y. Our M i s s i o n: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We’re fo r: • Youth Development • Healthy Living • Social Responsibility T ax I D N um b er: 630299894 Wha t a r e the da ily pic k- up a nd dr op- of f pr oc edur es? H arg i s Pi c k -up and D ro p -o ff Parents utilizing Hargis as their drop-off/pick up site should drive to Hargis and follow the signs directing cars to drop-off/pick-up areas. Please be prepared to show photo identification when picking up your child at camp or at the bus stop. • Regular drop off time: 8:00-8:15 • Extended Morning drop off time: 7:00-8:15 • Regular Pick up time: 4:45-5:00 • Extended Evening pick-up: 4:45-6:00 If you arrive later than 8:15 you will need to sign your camper in at the camp office. If you need to pick your camper up early, please fill out an early checkout form. Forms are available on the website, at Hargis pick-up/drop-off sites, in the camp office and at every bus stop. B us S t o p T i m es / Lo c at i o n Pl eas e no t e: We c anno t t rans p o rt a c hi l d who i s no t reg i s t ered fo r t he c am p s es s i o n. There will be a counselor at the bus stop for the entire length of time listed. Counselors do their best to make bus-stop time an enjoyable experience by playing games, singing songs, etc. B us S t o p s T i m es Lo c at i o n M ountai n Br ook Communi ty Chur ch 7:15-7:50 am, 5:15-5:50 pm Corner of Dolly Ridge Rd / Hwy 280 Low e’ s 7: 30- 7: 50 am 5: 00- 6: 00pm Val l ey dal e & I- 65 Fi r st Chr i sti an Chur ch 7: 15- 8: 00 am 5: 15- 5: 50 pm Val l ey dal e Rd (near i ng 280) Gr ey stone El ementar y 7: 10- 7: 55 am 5: 00- 5: 55 pm HWY 280 Har gi s 8: 00- 8: 15 am 4: 45- 5: 00 pm Har gi s(Fol l ow Si gns) Har gi s Ex tended Day 7: 00- 8: 00 am 5: 00- 6: 00 pm Har gi s (Fol l ow Si gns) Where i s H arg i s l o c at ed ? 928 Hargis Dr. Chelsea, Alabama. It is approximately 5 minutes off of HWY 280. Traveling east on HWY 280(away from Birmingham): ! Go over Double Oak Mountain into Chelsea ! Turn Left onto County Rd. 39 (by the Publix) ! Turn right at stop sign onto CR 280 ! Turn left onto CR 461 at the Hargis Retreat sign ! Bear right when the road splits T rans p o rt at i o n I nfo rm at i o n We cannot transport a child that is not registered for the camp session. If you have not registered prior to the session start date, please bring your child to the camp office and complete the registration process. Transportation can be provided after this has been completed. S evere Weat her and B us T rans p o rt at i o n: Please be aware if we determine that traveling on buses in not safe due to weather conditions, we will hold the buses at Hargis and ask that parents pick up campers here. In this case, parents will be contacted by phone to be made aware. Who d ri ves yo ur b us es ? All of our drivers are certified bus drivers, most of who work with Shelby County School System during the school year. Where d o yo ur b us es c o m e fro m ? Are they Safe vehicles? All of our buses are YMCA owned and certified and inspected by the Department of Transportation. Inspections are performed by drivers prior to each trip per YMCA policy. YMCA Audit teams also conduct periodic inspections. D o es a Co uns el o r c hec k ro l l o n t he b us es ? Yes: Counselors check roll when the buses load and again when they unload. What are t he b us rul es ? 1. Campers must remain in their seats with their backs and bottoms touching the seats at all times. 2. Camps sit same sex same age. 3. Campers must keep their voices at an appropriate level at all times. 4. Campers may not put anything (including body parts) outside the bus windows. 5. Campers must behave respectfully and use appropriate language. 6. No eating or drinking on the bus (except when permitted by camp staff). 7. All campers must follow the directions of the driver and camp staff at all times. What i f I need t o ad d o r d el et e s o m eo ne fro m t he aut ho ri zed p i c k up l i s t ? You may change camp information at the camp office or during drop-off or pick-up times. You must present identification to the staff and they will be happy to update the information. What i f m y c am p er i s g o i ng t o b e ab s ent ? If your child will be absent from camp, please call the camp office by 8:15. There will be no credits or refunds for missed days of camp. What i f I am l at e p i c k i ng up m y c am p er fro m c am p ? Children not picked up by 6:00 pm will be charged a fee of $1 per minute. Every attempt will be made to contact parents. If the parents are not reachable and the child has not been picked up by 7:00 p.m., DHR and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department will be contacted. What s ho ul d m y c am p er b ri ng t o c am p ? Campers will need a backpack with a change of clothes, water bottle, modest swimsuit (one-piece or “Tankinis for girls” please), sunscreen (please apply one coat before your child gets to camp) bug spray, and a towel. A plastic bag is also a good thing to pack to put wet clothes in. Do not send new clothes or expensive water bottles as they can get damaged or lost. Label ALL items with your camper’s name. Campers may bring fishing poles (be aware that the poles will be left unattended at times during the day). What s ho ul d n’t m y c am p er b ri ng t o c am p ? The best way to prevent the loss of property is to leave valuables at home! Please leave new clothes, all video games, personal cd players, cell phones, Ipods and expensive jewelry/watches at home. Also, campers are not to bring money to camp. Don’t send your child to camp with any toys, such as trading cards etc. In addition the following items are not allowed to be brought by campers to Day Camp: alcohol or drugs, personal sports equipment (unless required by camp participating in), vehicles, animals, weapons, and video games. What i f m y c am p er l o s es s o m et hi ng at c am p ? Please feel free to check for your child’s lost items at the designated area in the summer camp office. Lost and found items are kept at Hargis for two full weeks and then donated to charity. The YMCA is not responsible for camper possessions that are lost, stolen, or broken. What s ho ul d m y c am p er wear t o c am p ? We encourage our campers to wear old clothes in which they are ready to play hard and get dirty! Campers are required to wear closed toe shoes and socks daily. Fl i p Fl o p s , and / o r Cro c s are no t al l o wed ! Can m y c am p er and hi s / her fri end b e i n t he s am e g ro up d ay? In most cases, however, there are circumstances in which the YMCA camp staff will be unable to meet your request. Our campers are divided into groups by age. Luckily, there is time during the day in which the entire camp is together. Your child will be able to be with his/her friend during this time. And remember, camp is for making new friends, too! What c an m y c am p er ex p ec t t o d o o n a t yp i c al d ay? There are certain activities (swimming, chapel, lunch and snack time twice a day) that your camper will participate in each day. Among others, your camper will participate in the following activities once or twice each week, depending on his/her schedule: • Archery • Canoeing • Fishing • Rock Climbing (entering 6th grade and above ) • Rock wall climbing (entering 4th and 5th grades) • Arts and Crafts • Chapel/Value time • Lake Swimming • Hiking • Teambuilding Activities • Field Games Other f r equently a sked questions? Wi l l s uns c reen b e ap p l i ed t o m y c am p er t hro ug ho ut t he d ay? Of course! We apply sunscreen throughout the day. We also count on our parents to apply sunscreen before children come to camp. A LL children will apply sunscreen. If you do not want sunscreen applied to your child or would like a special type applied, please call the camp office on the first day of your camper’s session. What i s c am p res t ro o m p ro c ed ure? No camper is ever alone, and no camper is ever alone with a staff member. All campers use the “buddy system” (in groups of three) when taking trips to the restroom, or they go with the entire camp group. What i f I need t o s p eak wi t h m y c am p er whi l e he/ s he i s at c am p ? We understand that urgent situations come up. If you should ever need to reach your child while he/she is in camp, please call the camp office at 205.678.6512. The office staff will then reach your child’s counselor via two way radio or cell phone. What hap p ens when t here’s i nc l em ent weat her? All camp activities proceed in the case of light rain. In the case of: • Lightening, there is ample shelter to which groups can go. • More severe weather, all day campers will gather either in Cannon Hall or the Dining Hall. • Tornado warning, all day campers will go to a pre-determined area within the Dining Hall and/or other buildings on site. Wi l l t here b e c am p eval uat i o ns ? Evaluations will be conducted periodically during the summer or at the end of summer. We love your feedback and we appreciate the opportunity to address any problems. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Day Camp Director. When wi l l m y c am p er rec ei ve a t -s hi rt ? Each child will receive one t-shirt per summer. Even if your child is here for every session, he/she will only receive one shirt. Shirts will be given out on Thursdays, so that campers can wear them on Friday. Super v ision of Ca m per s Who i s res p o ns i b l e fo r m y c hi l d whi l e he/ s he i s at c am p ? We feel confident that we have the best staff around! Our staff is as diverse as our campers. The majority of our staff is college students. Our camp counselors who are responsible for supervision of children are at least 19 years old. We will often have junior staff members and/or volunteers assist with groups and activities. All Camp staff members go through an extensive interview process, have background checks performed and are also cleared through DHR’s Child Abuse and Neglect Registry before they begin work with children. Additionally, a minimum of three references are checked for each staff member. They are also all certified in CPR, basic first aid and undergo extensive training for their position as camp counselors. We do everything possible to make sure your child is safe and well-taken care of during their time at Hargis. Most importantly, our staff is people who love kids. They want to spend their summer playing, teaching and working with children. What t rai ni ng d o es t he c am p s t aff rec ei ve? All camp staff members are required to attend staff training prior to the first day of Summer Camp. Our trainings cover a great deal. The staff learns all the policies and procedures of the Birmingham YMCA and Hargis Retreat YMCA Summer Camp program. They learn techniques of how to better interact with children, how to use positive discipline, how to detect and report child abuse. They are well trained in areas of safety/emergency procedures, songs, activities, games and arts & crafts. At the end of our training, they are ready to use their new skills and knowledge with campers. Selection as a Camp Leader at YMCA Hargis Retreat is competitive. You can be sure that we are hiring the “best of the best” to work with your children. We are sure that you’ll agree. H o w m any s t aff wi l l b e wat c hi ng m y c am p er? We operate on the following ratios, which are recommended by the Department Of Human Resources. Entering 1s t -3r d grades Ratio: 1:10 Entering 4th -8th grades 1:12 Can s t aff m em b ers b ab ys i t fo r o ur fam i l y? No. Although Y-Camp staff work well with children, our policy states that our staff are not permitted to babysit for families involved in our YMCA programs. Can s t aff ac c ep t p res ent s ? Although our staff works long, challenging hours, our policy states that employees are not to accept gratuities. If you wish, we would encourage you to make a donation to our Annual Scholarship Campaign to help fund children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend camp. Pool a nd Wa ter f r ont Sa f ety Where d o c am p ers c hang e i nt o t hei r s wi m s ui t s ? The campers change in designated same-sex changing areas. These areas are staffed and monitored while campers are in these areas. What i f m y c am p er d o es no t want t o s wi m / o r fo rg et s hi s / her b at hi ng s ui t ? If your child doesn’t want to swim or forgets their swim suit he/she simply won’t go swimming. Most campers want to swim, but those who do not may engage in other activities in the pool area. What i f m y c am p er c an’t s wi m ? If your child cannot swim, please contact the camp office prior to your child’s attendance. All children will be given a swim test at the beginning of the week in the pool and will receive a colored wrist band which will identify their swimming ability to our lifeguards. Pl eas e al l o w yo ur c hi l d t o k eep t he wri s t b and o n al l week . All non-swimmers must wear life jackets at the pool and other waterfront areas. While at the lakefront, whether at canoes or swimming, all campers are required to wear life jackets. All waterfront areas are monitored by certified lifeguards. If you a r e inter ested in swim lessons, c onta c t John T ilton a t 205- 678- 6512 H o w o ft en d o c am p ers t ak e t he s wi m t es t ? In order to keep your child safe, campers will be required to take a swim test at the beginning of each week. It doesn’t take long, and it ensures lifeguards know who the newest swimmers are. Registr a tion/T r a nsf er /Pa ym ent Inf or m a tion D o yo u have a reg i s t rat i o n fee? The registration fee for Hargis Retreat Day Camp is non-refundable $25 per camper. What t yp e o f d ep o s i t d o yo u req ui re? There is a non-refundable/transferable deposit of $35 for each Traditional Track session and a $50 deposit for each Navigator Track session. These deposits will be deducted from the weekly fee and insure your child’s position at camp. I s t here a l at e reg i s t rat i o n fee? There is no late registration fee. However, as there are a limited number of spaces available, we advise that you register as early as possible to ensure that your camper is able to get into the session of his/her choice. What i s t he refund / T rans fer Po l i c y? If the YMCA cancels the camp, a full refund will be given. If you request to cancel/transfer a camp session you must complete a drop/add request form t wo week s p ri o r to the start date of the camp session in order to receive a refund or transfer minus the non-refundable deposit. Please be aware that if there are less than 5 campers registered for a Navigator camp, we will likely cancel that session. Every effort will be made to accommodate anyone who is registered in an alternate session. What i f m y c hi l d i s a few m o nt hs t o o yo ung t o at t end a c am p ? All campers MUST be five on their first day of camp or meet age requirements for individual camps. D o es t he Y M CA o ffer Fi nanc i al A s s i s t anc e? The YMCA has raised funds for scholarships to help families in need. To apply, complete an application form, attach required documents and return it to YMCA Hargis Retreat. Required documents are a current pay stub, current bank statement and most recent Federal tax return. Applications will be awarded based upon availability. T he c am p I want t o reg i s t er fo r i s al read y ful l . I s t here a wai t i ng list? Yes, when a camp fills up, the registration staff begins a waiting list. If a space becomes available for your camper, you will be notified by phone in the order in which you were placed on the list. I o nl y need t o s end m y c am p er t o c am p a few d ays a week . Wi l l yo u p ro rat e? We believe that a true camp experience is a week-long experience. Additionally, we schedule staff and order supplies based on weekly enrollment. For these reasons, we do not prorate camps. Disc ipline What hap p ens i f m y c am p er has a d i s c i p l i ne p ro b l em at c am p ? These guidelines will be used by camp counselors, Lifeguards, Bus Drivers, Day Camp Director and the Professional Staff in the event your child fails to abide by the rules of the YMCA and general safe behavior practices. Depending upon the seriousness of the incident, suspension or expulsion may be immediate: 1. Fi rs t Offens e: Verbal warning delivered by the staff person in charge. 2. S eco nd Offens e: Time out from the activity the camper is currently participating in. The duration of the Time out will be age and offense appropriate and is determined at the direction of the counselor. The average Time out could last anywhere from five to ten minutes. A written Disciplinary note will be sent home to parents/guardians. 3. Thi rd Offens e: Staff/Parent conference on the phone. 4. Fo urt h Offens e: Parent/child/counselor/Director conference at the YMCA for determination of camper’s continued participation in the program. D i s c i p l i ne I nfrac t i o ns / Po s s i b l e Ex p ul s i o n fro m t he p ro g ram . • • • • • Stealing Continual profanity Violent(physical) behavior Destruction of Hargis Continual misbehavior What are s o m e o f t he rul es at c am p ? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Follow directions Don’t throw anything Listen to your counselor Call people by their name(nothing else) Keep your hands to yourself Listen and learn Medic a tion, Illness, a nd Injur ies What i f m y c am p er need s t o t ak e m ed i c at i o n d uri ng t he c am p d ay? All medication must be turned into the counselor who is checking in your camper. Parents must fill out a Medication Authorization form that is available at the Day camp website (www.ymcabham.org/hrdaycamp) at the camp office or at drop-off and pick-up locations. Medication cannot be administered without the completion of this form. No child may hold medication. The day camp director or professional staff will administer your child’s medication as directed. In order to administer the medication, follow these guidelines: 1. All over the counter medication must be in the original unexpired bottle/package. Please do not pack medication in your child’s backpack. 2. Prescription medication must be in the original bottle, unexpired with your child’s name printed on the label. 3. A completed medication form. What i f m y c am p er b ec o m es i l l o r g et s i njured whi l e at c am p ? We make every effort to not have any injuries occur at camp, but accidents do happen. If your child is injured while at camp, the following steps will be taken: • If the injury is minor (cuts or scrapes) our staff will apply any needed first aid, and we will send a “boo boo” report home with your child and/or will call you before the end of the day. • If the injury is a little more severe, our staff will apply any needed first aid and you will be notified immediately to determine the next step. • If injury is severe, our staff will apply any needed first aid, including calling 911 and you will be notified immediately. If we are unable to reach you and your child needs medical attention he/she will be transported to the hospital by an ambulance or by a YMCA vehicle. The day camp director or professional staff will ride to the hospital with your camper and meet you there. All expenses for emergency medical care are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Because we are concerned for the health and welfare of each child, if your child becomes ill while at camp, we require that you pick up the child as soon as possible. Please do not send your child to camp if he/she is sick. If your child is sick, please call the office at 205-678-6512 to let us know of their expected absence. We worry about campers who do not show up to camp. A bout the “Ra gs a nd Lea ther ” pr ogr a m Parents: I am excited to share with you a long standing tradition among YMCA’s that will be implementing this summer and the summers to come here at Hargis, the “Rags and Leather” program. I have attached the history and brief explanations of Raggers so that you are aware of this exciting opportunity your child will be able to take part in. We have always felt that Hargis is a unique and special place that allows campers to grow in spirit, mind and body. With this in mind, by adding Raggers we have a wonderful rewarding tool to help encourage and motivate campers to make those right choices. The choice to become a ragger is optional both for campers and staff. This is a decision that should be made by the camper with the support of their parents. Any staff member that is a part of the program is available for a camper to choose as their “counselor” in the process. Campers may decide to become a Ragger no earlier than the age of 9 and can choose to take the next step each year. Christine Shores “Fi refl y” Summer Day Camp Director T he S t o ry o f t he R ag In 1914, 38 year old Thomas Caldwell, boys’ secretary of the Oakland, California YMCA was searching for a method to deal with certain discipline problems at camp in a positive, rather than negative, way. At the time, the method used by many YMCA camps was to present awards for participation in athletics and other activities. Caldwell considered this, but discarded the idea because a handicapped boy, Charles Von Konnigsburg, would be unable to win such an award, and was expected to attend camp. Caldwell’s aspiration evolved into the idea of rewarding positive character traits, such as good health habits, promptness, cheerfulness, morals, trust and helpfulness. To symbolize these positive qualities, Caldwell bought some very simple blue kerchiefs which he called “Rags” for 10 cents each from the Williamson’s County Store in Pescadores. Their simplicity signified that, in and of themselves, the rags had no value—rather, they were just a symbol of positive qualities the person had demonstrated. During an evening camp fire, Caldwell called several of the boys forward. As he tied the rag around each boy’s neck, he explained to them, and the camp, the reason for receiving it. Thus a tradition was started. For over 97 years, the YMCA Rag/Leather program has been an effective tool in promoting one on one counseling and personal growth. The program is designed to help people take a closer look at themselves in relationship to their own strengths and weaknesses, religious beliefs and relationships that surround them. It provides an opportunity to promote positive growth. YMCA’s use the Rag/Leather program as a tool to encourage quality time between staff and members, counselors, and campers. Growth in spirit, Mind and body is incorporated into the program. This program also follows in line with what YMCA’s strive to accomplish through their mission. Each Rag and Leather has a specific challenge and is accompanied by a personal goal developed by the individual. Participation in the program is enhanced by the use of tradition, resource materials and one-on-one sharing sessions. Raggers’ Points are permanent at YMCA camps, and have been constructed by Raggers all over the United States and all over the World. Usually built of rocks at remote and private view sites whenever possible, they are rarely destroyed. Constructed of mankind’s best known shapes Raggers Pointe, consist of the Cross, symbol of Christianity; the traditional triangle; the square, to signify the four square life; and the circle, a circle of friendship uniting the hearts of all men everywhere. It is known that many boys and girls return home from camp with their Rags and Leathers and do not tell their parents anything about them probably because they can’t. Even adults who have been raggers for many years are unable to interpret their feelings about the Rag. The ceremonies, which are simple and dignified, are so highly inspirational and emotion-charged that individuals can’t find the words to express their experiences. The Ragger and Leather bearer doesn’t always succeed in living up to the challenges of their Rag and Leather, but they try. And because they do try, they are better people. T he c hal l eng es o f t he Leat hers are: • Triangle- To grow in body, mind and spirit • Square- To grow, become a better friend and to keep good friends. • Circle- To become close to God through appreciation, love and concern for the earth that he has created. T he Chal l eng es o f t he R ag s are: • Blue- Loyalty to God, Country, one’s best self and the Raggers’ Creed. • Silver- Acceptance or re-dedication to the Christian way of life or spiritual growth. • Brown- Christian service. • Gold- Understanding, concern and acceptance of others. • Red- Sacrifice of time, talent, and personal will. • Purple- A dedication towards excellence and noble living in all Christian Service Opportunities. • Whi t e- Li fe o f Ful l -T i m e Chri s t i an S ervi c e. D ep art m ent o f H uman Cent ral Payment s R es o urc es & Chi l d c are D H R Paym ent s & Enro l l m ent Po l i c y All children who are in the custody of DHR must have a completed registration form and 1878 mailed and/or faxed to YMCA Hargis Retreat p ri o r to the child’s first day of attendance. This 1878 must contain authorization for the registration fee and weekly childcare fees (if applicable) for each child attending the program. All other fees such as field trip, registration fees or deposits may require a “physical check” from the parent/guardian instead of an 1878. If so, advance notice will be given to the parent/guardian and or social worker. Chi l d c are Cent ral Paym ent s & Enro l l m ent Po l i c y All children who participate in the Childcare Subsidy Program, Childcare Central (CCC), must have a provider notification form with the correct Y M CA H arg i s R et reat on it and a child care T I M E and A T T EN D A N CE CA R D (swipe ca rd) p ri o r to their enrollment in the program. The child cannot begin the program until the date listed on the Provider Notification Form. All parent fees must be paid in accordance to YMCA Hargis Retreat’s Payment Policy. All late payments will be reported to Childcare Central. The parent/guardian will be notified by Childcare Central and the YMCA when their Provider Notification Form is about to expire. It is the Parent/Guardian's responsibility to make sure the YMCA has an updated Provider Notification Form. If that form expires prior to us receiving an updated form, the child's weekly fee will automatically be the parent/guardians responsibility. A l ab am a Chi l d c are T i m e and A t t end anc e Card Y o u’re R es p o ns i b i l i t i es : You must keep your card with you. You must swipe the card to report attendance and absences. If you don’t report attendance and absences, you may be responsible for paying your provider. T al k t o yo ur Chi l d Care M anag em ent A g enc y ( CM A ) i f The card system will not accept your card swipe The reporting system says your child is not eligible/decline Cus t o m er S ervi c e 1-866-960-6629 Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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