2014 Parent Camp Manual

2014
Glenview
Park District
Parent
Camp
Manual
Dear Camp Family:
We hope you and your camper are as excited as we are about the upcoming 2014
summer camp season! Our staff has been busy planning a summer full of fun
and exciting activities for your child.
This manual will give you a good head start preparing for summer camp. We
encourage you to take some time to review the information. It will provide you
with good tips and insights to ensure that you and your camper get the most
out of the Glenview Park District summer camp experience. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact your camp supervisor (see page 5 for contact
information) or we encourage you to attend the Camp Parent Night on June 3 to
get your questions answered in person.
It is the Glenview Park District mission to provide your camper with a safe
and fun camp experience. Each year we solicit parent feedback, camp staff input
and supervisor observations to incorporate those suggestions into our camp
curriculum. While every camper has a favorite activity, we strive to provide a
well-rounded schedule of activities to expose our campers to something new
and different.
We are looking forward to spending a great summer with your campers! If any of
our staff can be of help to you now or during the course of the summer, please do
not hesitate to call us.
Best wishes,
Glenview Park District Program Staff
Get off to a Good Summer Camp Start….
Complete your summer camp emergency forms and return them to Park
Center by June 6, 2014.
Forms will be emailed to your home, can be downloaded and printed from
our website glenviewparks.org or you can pick them up at Park Center,
2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview, IL
Table of Contents
Absence/Illness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Behavior & Discipline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Camp Administration Staff Contacts . . . . . . . 5
Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dates to Remember. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Drop-off & Pick-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Emergency Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Field Trips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Forms Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How to Dress & What to Bring . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Inclement Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
Lunch, Food Allergies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Medication Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Participant Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Philosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Separation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Small Group Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Swimming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Toilet Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Transfers and Refunds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vacation Rebates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Take
Note
Important dates
for your calendar
Forms Required by the Park District Due By
1. Participant Information Sheet & Conduct Form . . . . . June 6
2. Camper Emergency Information Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . June 6
3. Medication Form (if applicable). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 6
4. Allergy Form (if applicable). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 6
5. Vacation Rebate Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 16
(only for Camp Funview, G-Crew, Young Adventures - 5 days,
We Got Game - 5 days and Camp Wilderness - 5 days)
Be sure to attend our Camp Parent Meeting June 3, 6–7 pm
at Park Center Lakeview Room.
Forms will be emailed home and can be found on-line
at glenviewparks.org under Quick Links. If you do
not have access to our website, you may request the
forms at the Park Center Front Desk.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • •
3
Stars under the Stars
Overnight Camp Out
& “Can” Film Fest
featuring Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Friday, June 20–Saturday, June 21
Flick Park, 3600 Glenview Rd.
Pitch a tent under the stars! Enjoy a movie and an overnight
adventure with your family. Don’t forget sleeping bags, pillows and
flashlights for lots of fun after dark. A special treat will be provided
but bring a picnic dinner, drinks and snacks to enjoy during the film
(no alcoholic beverages permitted). A 7:30 am wake-up call will
allow everyone to have their belongings packed up by 8:30 am.
A unique summertime family event! Bring cans or boxes of
non-perishable food items to donate to the Northfield Township
Food Pantry and help fight hunger in the community. You “can”
make a difference!
MAX/MIN: 500/150
(Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.)
ID#: 405304-A
DAY/TIME: F/Sa 6 pm-7:30 am
FEE (R/NR): $15/$18.75 per person (For ages 3 yrs. to adult.
Children 2 & under are free.)
Philosophy
The Glenview Park District strives to provide positive recreational experiences
in which all individuals are welcomed and treated with respect, sensitivity
and fairness.
We offer a wide variety of summer camp opportunities including full and partial
day camps, workshops and specialty clinics in safe environments. Each camp is
structured to enhance a child’s self-concept, socialization skills and creativity
through developmentally appropriate activities.
4 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
Staff
All camps are under the administration of Glenview Park District full-time
supervisory staff. (see contact list below)
Camp directors provide on-site supervision. Many of our camp directors are
certified teachers with teaching experience or are college graduates with recreation/
education related degrees. Some camp directors are college students studying
education or recreation with extensive camp or early childhood experience.
Year after year, we welcome back our experienced camp counselors as well
as new talented and energetic counselors.
All of our camp staff must complete an extensive training program which
includes First Aid, safety awareness, activity development and behavior
management techniques.
Camp Administration Staff Contacts
Andrea Juricic • (224) 521-2541: Funview, Out & About Camp, Kids Zone,
Safety City, Computer Explorers, Before Care & After Care
Jill Bruns • (224) 521-2560: G-Crew, We Got Game
Dorie Cascio • (224) 521-2041: Camp Ice Cool
Denise Christopoulos • (224) 521-2550: You Are My Sunshine, Bunny Club,
Barrel of Monkeys, Little Giants, Preschool Summer Explorers
Sarah Hagye • (224) 521-2189: Barnyard Buddies, All in a Day’s Work, Time Travelers
Judy Ksiazek • (224) 521-2105: Xtreme Xplorers, Outdoor Discovery,
GBS Science & Engineering
Kathleen McInnis • (224) 521-2596: Fit 4 Kids Extravaganza
Taylor Pahos • (224) 521-2584: Playtime Pals, Sun Troopers, Fun Quest,
Artist In Training, Young Adventures, Young Rembrandts
Chris Pietrini • (224) 521-2546: Sports Camps & Clinics
Ann Marie Shipstad • (224) 521-2558: Camp Wilderness, Wildcat Cheer Camps,
Rhythmic Gymnastics Camp, Glenview Children’s Theatre Workshop, Dance and
Poms Camps, GBS Poms Camp, Tiny Dancer, Choreography Camp
Erika Oldenkamp • (630) 886-4524: Glenview Prairie Club, Movement 3 Golf Camp
Mike Stone • (224) 521-2210: Summer Swing Golf Camp, Summer Swing Advanced
Kris Van Voorhis • (224) 521-2101: Little Acorns
Dave Woolf • (224) 521-2137: Tennis Camps, Lifetime Sports Camp
If an emergency situation arises and you need to get in touch with your
child’s camp director, please call Park Center front desk at 847-724-5670.
Our staff will assist you in contacting the camp director.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • •
5
Let the
Fun
begin…
Small Group Structure
To provide the best and safest experience for your child, most of our camps
divide into smaller groups based on age and grade. Each group is assigned a
specific counselor. This “small group” structure ensures that your child’s counselor
can move your child safely throughout the day’s activities. The number of
children in each group is based on the staff/camper ratio for your child’s age
group. The groups are typically co-ed, though sometimes registration warrants
that all girls or boys comprise a group. Throughout the day, the groups will
regularly do activities together.
If your child is signed up for more than one session of camp, he/she may be
assigned to a new group or counselor at the beginning of each new session.
This will add a little variety to your child’s camp experience and give them the
opportunity to establish new friendships.
Communication
At the end of each camp week, your camp director will hand out or email a
newsletter highlighting the fun activities, trips and special events that took place
at camp that week. In addition, newsletters include reminders on what to bring
for special events and field trips taking place in the coming week. The newsletters
will also be available on our website at glenviewparks.org.
To assist us in providing the best camp experience possible, you will be asked to
complete a camp evaluation survey at the end of summer camp. Your input is
very important to us and we appreciate you taking time to complete the survey
with your child. If you have any suggestions or comments during the camp,
please feel free to share your ideas with your camp director.
Participant Information
Because you are entrusting us with the care of your child during camp, you must
notify the Glenview Park District of any medical condition, disability or other
situation requiring special consideration by our camp staff. We want to make
your child’s camp experience successful and satisfying and we will make every
effort to accommodate your situation. Confidentiality is respected at all times.
6 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
For your child’s safety, the Glenview Park District has instituted the following
special “sign in” and “sign out” procedures:
• In the packet of Emergency Forms that need to be filled out and returned by
June 6, you will be asked to provide a list of authorized adults whom you have
given permission to pick up your children from camp. The forms will also give
you the option to authorize your school-aged child to sign him/herself in and
out of camp if you live within a short bike ride or walk to the camp site.
• You or other authorized adults providing transportation for your child to and
from camp will be asked to sign his/her name and then place a check mark at
the end of his/her typed name at both “drop off ” and “pick up” times. This will
insure that our staff are able to identify the signature (if illegible) with the
authorized name.
Please do not be offended if you are asked for your ID during this process. It is
for the safety of your child.
• If you participate in a carpool with other camp families, and intend to have
another parent/guardian other than yourself pick up your child, that person
must be listed on your child’s Emergency Information Sheet as an authorized
adult. If the person is not listed or you have not notified us in writing (including
child’s name, date of pick-up, name of authorized adult picking up your child and
your signature as your child’s parent/guardian) prior to the pick-up, we will not
allow your child to leave camp.
Absence / Illness
If your child is ill or has a fever, please do not send him/her to camp. All campers
must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to camp. Children attending
camp must be well enough to participate in all scheduled activities. Please be sure
to immediately report any communicable diseases or conditions to your camp
supervisor so that other parents may be notified of possible exposure, symptoms
and treatment. In the instance that your child has a communicable condition,
you must provide a signed doctor’s note showing that your child can return to
camp. Confidentiality is respected at all times.
If your child becomes ill during camp, we will notify you or your emergency
contacts and ask that an authorized adult pick up your child.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • •
7
Bearfoot
in the Park
“Jam Your Little
Out!”
Free Summer Musical Entertainment
Every Wednesday
June 11-August 6, 7-8:30 pm (no concert July 2)
Jackman Park Gazebo at Lehigh Ave. & Prairie St.
Bring your dinner, folding chairs and lawn
blankets and enjoy these shows guaranteed
to please young and old alike!
June 11- Glenview Concert Band
Kick off the Jackman Park outdoor
concert series with Glenview’s own
hometown favorite!
June 18 - Spoken Four
Spoken Four brings the party to life with
the music you know by heart and love to
hear. The band’s fantastic sound makes for
a fun, high energy show.
June 25 - Piano Man
“Sing us a song, you’re the Piano Man”
and sit back and enjoy entertainer Mike
Sigman’s amazing tribute to the music of
Elton John & Billy Joel.
July 9 - Johnny Russler &
The Beach Bum Band
Island and beach music come together
with variety for everyone who enjoys warm
weather and enough Buffett music to please
the Parrothead crowd.
July 16 - The New Invaders
Using vintage instruments and attire, The
New Invaders perform a wide variety of
hits from the 1964 British Invasion including the American bands of the era through
the Woodstock era of 1969.
July 23 - Flat Cats
August 6 - The Student Body
Chicago’s hottest new cover band is ripped
right out of your school yearbook pages!
The Student Body plays all of your favorite
high energy hits and will leave you reminiscing about your high school daze.
Weather uncertain?
In case of inclement weather, all concerts
will be held at Park Center, 2400 Chestnut
Ave. Alcohol is not permitted on the park
grounds. For weather updates, sign up for
our Rainout Line at glenviewparks.org.
Little Bearfoot
in the Park
Free Summer Children’s
Entertainment Series
Thursday mornings
July 10-24, 10:30 am
Gallery Park Amphitheater
(behind Park Center)
Our whimsical, interactive and delightful
entertainers provide a fun-filled outing for
your whole family!
July 10 - Circus Boy
Circus Boy Bobby Hunt has traveled the
globe entertaining audiences with his
unforgettable brand of stunts.
A range of vintage and modern music
rooted in the hottest swinging jazz and
blues, contemporary classics, and timeless
standards. Come ready to listen, tap your
foot, or cut a rug on the dance floor!
July 17 - Jeanie B
July 30 - Jin & Tonic
July 24 - Damen Avenue Puppeteers
With their unique blend of three part
harmonies and great musicianship, The
Jin and Tonic Band specializes in covering
only the best of current and classic country
and rock songs.
8
• • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
Performing songs that teach children about
themselves and songs that are just plain
fun, Jeanie B will have you and your kids
dancing & laughing together.
Fairy tales and stories come alive in this live
puppet show especially for ages 3-5. Children are sure to be engaged and entertained!
(Parking available at Park Center and
in the Attea Middle School parking lot)
Medication Policy
Our staff cannot administer medication of any type to your child without your
completed “Permission to Dispense Medication Waiver” form.
In Case of an Emergency at Camp
For the safety of your child, please complete all requested information forms in full
detail. Be sure to provide your daytime phone numbers and the names and phone
numbers of your emergency contacts in the event we are unable to reach you.
If your child is injured during camp and requires more than basic First Aid,
the following steps will be taken:
• Paramedics will be called
• Parents will be notified of the situation
• If necessary, the injured child will be transported by paramedics and
accompanied by a camp staff member to the nearest hospital
Toilet Training
The Glenview Park District requires that your child be toilet trained by the start
of camp (with the exception of the “You Are My Sunshine” camp). To avoid
accidents with our preschool aged campers, our staff will do their best to take
frequent bathroom breaks.
If there is a “toileting accident”, you will be contacted immediately to bring a change
of clothes. Ongoing accidents will result in your child being removed from the
remainder of the camp. Please note, Bunny Club campers must be toilet trained.
Separation
For Bunny Club, Barrel of Monkeys, Little Giants, and Playtime Pals parents are
asked to leave the classroom or fieldhouse as soon as their child is comfortably
settled in an activity. Although a period of separation anxiety may occur, many
times a parent’s presence can hinder the child’s adjustment. If a child experiences
a difficult adjustment period, the director will work with the parents to develop a
plan for gradual adjustment. Camp staff want to ensure that children and parents
are comfortable with their surroundings and will do whatever they can to assist
in this adjustment process.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • •
9
Inclement Weather
Our camp program will be held rain or shine and regardless of temperature. Our
staff is well prepared with a variety of rainy day activities as well as passive activities
for hot days. Please note: field houses and buses are not air-conditioned.
How to Dress & What to Bring
How to dress your camper everyday….
Your child will have a better camp experience if they are dressed appropriately for
our camp activities! Make sure to label all clothing, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen,
water bottles, backpacks prior to camp.
• Comfortable, cool play clothes (please do not send your child to camp in
valuable clothing -- grass stains and paint spills are not always avoidable during
action-packed days)
• Gym shoes (open- toed shoes are not allowed)
Camp Shirts – All campers will receive one t-shirt for the camp season.
Your child must wear his/her camp shirt on all field trip days. T-shirts will be
distributed on the first day of camp. If lost, there is a $5 replacement fee &
replacement is subject to availability.
What to pack in your camper’s backpack everyday….
• Spray type Sunscreen – (Labeled) Be sure to apply it at home before camp, too!
• Water bottle (Labeled)
• Bug spray (Labeled)
• Nut-free Lunch (Labeled) For full day camps only. (see more info on lunches
on page 11)
• Towel, swimsuit, goggles (Labeled) For camps that include swimming only.
(see more info on swimming on page 12)
Please leave valuable items at home! – this includes video games, action figures,
toy weapons, ipods, cell phones, etc. The park district is not responsible for any
lost items.
Backpacks - Campers attending Barrel of Monkeys, Out & About, Funview,
Little Giants, Young Adventures, We Got Game, Camp Wilderness, G-Crew,
Playtime Pals, Sun Troopers, Fun Quest, Artists-in-Training and Glenview Children’s Theater will receive a backpack on the first day of camp. If lost, there is a $5
replacement fee & replacement is subject to availability.
10 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
No Nuts / Food Allergies
All of the Park District camps have been designated NUT FREE. These
practices are being implemented due to the rapid increase in serious nut
allergies experienced by children in our programs today.
We are requesting your cooperation in partnering with us to
ensure a safe environment for children with nut allergies.
Peanut free replacement products such as soy butter will not
be allowed because camp staff will not be able to distinguish the
difference between the nut and nut free product.
Lunch
If your child is attending a full-day camp, they must bring their own lunch and
drink. Be sure to label your child’s lunch bag. With the exception of field trip
days, we will provide refrigeration for lunches. On field trip days, please pack
an appropriate non-refrigerated lunch, unless otherwise notified.
Field Trips
Most school-age camps will participate in field trips. These trips are carefully
planned to enhance the camp curriculum. All costs have been included in your
child’s camp fee. For supervision and safety purposes, your child must wear his/
her camp shirt on trip days. Staff to camper ratios will remain the same on trips
as they are at the camp site. Children may bring spending money provided they
are responsible for their own money. Camp staff can not be responsible for
securing a child’s spending money.
Please arrive promptly on field trip days. The Glenview Park District is unable to
provide alternate transportation in the event your child misses the bus. In case
of inclement weather, a trip destination may be changed or cancelled. If you have
any questions regarding alternate locations, please call the supervisor of your
child’s camp. Please be aware that you will not be notified personally if we choose
an alternate trip.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • • 11
Swimming
Many of our camps include the opportunity for campers to swim
each week and the cost of swimming has been calculated into
your camp fee. Some of our camps that do not participate in
recreational swimming at our pool facilities may schedule on-site water play.
All campers attending a camp that includes swimming will undergo a swim
proficiency evaluation at the beginning of each camp. Campers who do not
pass the evaluation must wear a lifejacket provided by the park district and will
be restricted to shallower areas of the pool. If your child is attending multiple
sessions of the same camp or is attending different camps over the course of the
summer, they will be required to undergo another swim proficiency evaluation.
Swim lessons are not offered as part of the camp program, but, are
available for you to enroll your child separate from camp &
throughout the year. Please refer to the park district brochure or
glenviewparks.org for more information & to register your child in our
swim lesson programs.
If you wish to swim at our pool facilities during non-camp hours, you must
purchase a pool membership or pay a daily admission fee.
Code of Conduct
The goal of the Glenview Park District is to provide positive recreational
experiences in which all individuals are welcome and treated with respect,
sensitivity and fairness. The Glenview Park District offers its programs, activities,
services and benefits to all individuals on an equal basis regardless of age, race,
sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Employees of the
Glenview Park District and all program and facility users are expected to exhibit
appropriate behavior at all times by showing respect for all participants and staff
members. Employees of the Glenview Park District and all program and facility
users are expected to refrain from using inappropriate language, from threatening
or causing bodily harm to others, and from defacing or damaging district
property, equipment, supplies and facilities. Employees of the Glenview Park
District and all program and facility users are also expected to adhere to all
Glenview Park District rules.
The Glenview Park District reserves the right to restrict, suspend, expel or
deny participation in any program, event or facility to any person whose
behavior materially interferes with, or disrupts the quality of those offerings,
the enjoyment of them by other participants, or the ability of staff to conduct
or manage the activities or facility.
12 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
The Glenview Park District Personnel Guidelines will be used to address
inappropriate behavior on the part of a staff member.
Behavior & Discipline
A caring, positive approach will be taken regarding discipline. Three basic overall
principles will be expected from all participants.
They are as follows:
1. A child will treat all campers and camp staff with respect.
2. A child will respect the facility and all equipment at camp.
3. A child will follow all camp rules so he/she will not place him/herself or other
campers in a dangerous situation.
The purpose of discipline is to help a child develop self-control and learn to
assume responsibility for his or her own actions. We use positive statements
and reinforcement to redirect negative behavior. Should a child need more than
that, a “cool down period” may be initiated. The Participant Code of Conduct
policy is on page 12. You must also obtain a form online or at Park Center to be
reviewed with your child and completed prior to June 6, 2014.
Photographs
We may, at times, take pictures of the children enrolled in our camp programs
while they are engaged in various activities. Our intention is to share the
photos with the children, as well as possibly use them for display and/or
publicity purposes.
• Pure Fun 2014 • • • • • 13
Vacation Rebates
Vacation Rebates are available for Camp Funview (5 days), Camp Wilderness
(5 days), Young Adventures (5 days), We Got Game (5 days) and G Crew
(4 days). This unique service is offered for these camps only due to the 6+ hours
per day, 4+ days per week, multiple week structure of camp that results in more
costly fees for each participant. Vacation Rebates are an opportunity for a family
to receive a one- time refund in the amount of $100 due to a family vacation or
other family plans. A Vacation Rebate Request Form will be available at Park
Center beginning the week of May 19, 2014. To request a one week rebate, complete and return the form by June 16 designating what week your camper will
not be attending camp. Rebate weeks are for a Monday through Friday period
only. Your Rebate request dates may not be changed or modified after June 20.
The June 20 request deadline will be strictly enforced to allow the park district to
finalize staff needs, field trip arrangements, program supplies and more. You will
receive your vacation rebate at the conclusion of our camp season in mid-August.
For questions regarding Vacation Rebates, call (847) 724-5670.
Transfers and Refunds
Transfers are allowed up to 48 hours after the first program meeting. This timetable
provides the flexibility for a participant to try a camp or clinic while helping the
district assess changes in availability before too many sessions have occurred.
A $10 transfer fee will be charged for each additional transfer involving the same
individual after the first transfer.
Refunds will be granted up to 48 hours after the first program meeting. A 10%
cancellation charge per total program fee per child will be assessed, for camps up
to a maximum of $75 per program per child. After 48 hours, no refunds will be
granted except for medical purposes or change in residence (proof required) and
there will be a pro-rated refund based upon number of program sessions held.
How Do I Get a Refund?
Call (847) 724-5670 or visit Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave. to apply for a
refund. Allow two weeks to receive your refund. Refunds will be issued net
of any outstanding balance owed by you to the park district. If there is no
outstanding balance, the refund will be made by check or credit card based upon
the method of payment used at the time of registration. No refund checks issued
under $2.
14 • • • • • Pure Fun 2014 •
New
Event!
Camp Family
Outdoor
Movie Night
featuring Despicable Me
Thursday, July 24
(movie starts at dusk)
Flick Park, 3600 Glenview Rd.
What better way to say THANK YOU to all of our summer
campers and their families than to bring everyone together for
an end-of-season summer movie celebration under the start!
Mark you calendar now and make plans to join us! Details will
be available as we get closer to our showtime date!
Please note: though many of the camp
counselors and directors will be there to
enjoy the movie with our camp families,
parent/guardian supervision of campers
is required to attend the event.
FREE!
for cam
pers
& famil
ies