YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
Summer Day Camp
Parent Manual
2014
Dear Parents,
Parenting is hard work. We know you make many
decisions concerning your child’s care. Selecting a summer day camp program may
also be included in one of those decisions. We understand choosing the right program for your child can mean a great deal to your child’s sense of confidence, self respect, and positive self image.
For those of you returning to our Summer Day Camp program and those of you using
the program for the first time, thank you for your trust and sharing your children with
us.
Open communication is important to us, so if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, suggestions or compliments, please feel free to drop me a note or call the YMCA.
On behalf of the child care staff and myself, we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Steve Fox
Youth and Adult Sports Director
Western Area YMCA
195 Montour Run Road
Coraopolis, PA 15108
[email protected]
412-787-9622
Important Numbers:
For general questions about the program: 412-787-9622.
To reach the Summer Day Camp site directly during program hours:
Western Area YMCA Summer Camp - 412-787-9622
Bayer Summer Camp - 412-310-1643
Summer Day Camp Program Philosophy
Children should be in a safe, healthy, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Every child is an individual, and our program environment and curriculum are designed to accommodate and plan for
their individual needs and interests.
Our Day Camp program provides children with the opportunity for a variety of
experiences. Children learn to cooperate in a group and enjoy a variety of
recreational, sport and creative activities.
Children in our program benefit from a trained professional staff. These
caring adults make available a multitude of activities, while focusing on the
needs of each child. We encourage you to participate whenever possible, to
get to know the staff, and visit whenever you would like. It is one of the goals
of our staff to work cooperatively with parents for the benefit of the child.
Systems for support and communication will be established.
About Our Program
Our Summer Day Camp Programs are designed to meet the needs of children.
1. Programs are based on educational principles appropriate for each child’s
development level. Age appropriate activities are offered in both large and
small group settings.
2. The program offers security and protection during the day when parents are
not available.
3. Opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities are provided.
4. Because children have a high interest level in task-oriented
activities, such as crafts and nature, these types of activities are
included in the curriculum to challenge their present abilities and teach
these new skills.
5. A physical education program is provided so that the children can develop and reinforce healthy
habits and physical fitness.
6. Older, mature children will be allowed to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in
planning activities and establishing rules. Younger children are encouraged to accept
responsibility and develop self-reliance.
7. The children will have the opportunity to learn appropriate social behavior through group
discussions and projects, positive adult modeling and individual conduct evaluations and values
clarification.
8. The program provides positive self-esteem building for the child. A helpful and cooperative attitude is expected in return.
9. The program will serve as an aid to the family unit by encouraging the family to utilize the YMCA
for activities, as a resource for information and as a bridge for communication.
10. The YMCA and our staff are committed to serve the community by providing the highest quality
of services. Complete parental support is essential to this goal.
11. Our program reinforces the core character values that the YMCA is known for: Caring, Honesty,
Respect and Responsibility. Discussions and activities will encourage the children to keep these
attributes strong and stable within themselves as well as society.
PROGRAM CALENDAR
The Summer Day Camp program runs Monday through Friday from June 13th through August 19th .
You can drop your children off as early as 7:00am and pick them up as late as 6:00pm, the main
hours of camp are from 9:00am till 4:00pm.
WHAT HAPPENS AT SUMMER DAY CAMP
Camp begins daily with an opening assembly consisting of the Pledge of Allegiance, skits, and announcements. After opening assembly, the campers are divided into groups based upon age and
participate in daily activities. The afternoon ends with a closing assembly where the campers are
recognized for their daily achievements. At the closing assembly, the campers receive beads which
represent outstanding participation, character development, and excellent behavior. Each bead is
valued and earned based upon merit, not attendance. Therefore, beads are not given to every
camper every day. The necklaces upon which the beads will be put, will be given out at meet the
staff night, and during the first week of camp. It is the campers responsibility to wear the necklace
everyday. If the necklace is lost, there is a $1.00 replacement fee. Any beads that are lost will not
be replaced!
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, the YMCA will make every effort to continue services at our branches and
through our programs. However, in certain conditions when safety becomes an issue, branch closures and
program cancellations may be necessitated. Information regarding cancellations and closures is available by
calling the Western Area YMCA at 412-787-9622. Closings and cancellations will be publicized through
KDKA-TV, WTAE-TV and WPXI-TV and may be viewed on their websites as well as the YMCA website under
News Headlines at www.ymcapgh.org.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The following is a list of all forms that must be completely filled out and returned for enrollment and
also for the safety of your child. If any of the forms are not completed and updated as needed, care
can not be provided. Parents will be notified if forms are not completed correctly. The forms include
the registration form, emergency contact form, agreement form, child health appraisal, misc. agreement form, and parent manual acknowledgement slip.
SIGN IN/OUT INFORMATION
When a child arrives for the Summer Day Camp Program, he/she must be escorted in and signed in
by a parent or authorized adult. At the end of the day, a parent or other authorized adult MUST enter the building and sign the child out. Please check for information updates or changes each day
posted by the sign out sheet.
AUTHORIZED PICK-UP
Only persons authorized in writing (On Emergency Contact Form) by the parents may pick up a
child. The staff will question those who are unfamiliar and check their authorization and ID.
Anyone without proper authorization and photo ID will not be permitted to leave with the child.
LATE ARRIVAL POLICY
Closing Time: 6:00 pm. A fee of $15.00 for every 15 minute increment will be charged for all late
pick ups. Fees must be paid prior to next day of attendance . If late pickups are frequent, services
will be terminated. If a child remains in our care longer than a half hour after closing time and we
have not heard from parent, the staff person has been instructed to do everything possible to try to
contact a parent or a person on the emergency list by phone.
Children at the child care site for longer than one hour will be turned over to local authorities.
Please note: Staff persons are not permitted, under any circumstances, to provide individual transportation for any child or to bring or take a child home.
SAFETY AT PICK UP/DROP OFF
During pick-up and drop-off, parents are expected to accompany your child(ren) to and from the program or play site. To maintain safety in the area, parents are asked to not leave their cars running
or leave children unattended in the car while coming in to drop-off or pick-up your child. Please drive
slowly and watch for children.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult. While children are walking to or
from their cars their care and safety is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. The children shall
be released to the person authorized by the parent(s).
A pick up card or photo I.D. will be required when any person picks up a child. This minor inconvenience will protect your child.
ILLNESS AND MEDICATION
Due to the active nature of our program, we are unable to care for ill children. This includes children
who have a fever, vomiting, a contagious illness, or diarrhea. Children showing symptoms of any of
the aforementioned illnesses during the course of the day, will be kept quiet and comfortable and the
parent will be notified to pick up the child as soon as possible. Staff will request a doctor's excuse
for the child's return to the program after a contagious illness.
Medication, whether prescription or non-prescription, will only be administered when:
* We receive a doctor's note stating the child's name, type of medication, date and instructions for
administration. The doctor's note must also state that the child is well enough to participate in child
care while on medication.
* A parental medication permission form can be obtained from the site director, and must be signed
and dated by the parent.
Special Note: It is required that we have a telephone number on file where
parents can be reached during the day, and an emergency number of an alternate person who can be reached if a parent is unavailable. (We emphasize the importance of keeping the records up to date, especially telephone
numbers.) When minor injuries occur, the staff will administer first aid. If the
injury requires outside medical attention, the child will be escorted by a staff
and taken to the Emergency Room by ambulance (staff may drive personal
vehicle and follow the Ambulance to the closest Hospital . The parent will
be called and can meet the child at the Emergency Room. If possible, we will
wait at the child's program for the parent. An incident report will be filled out
on all injuries, minor or major.
SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is strongly recommended for your child during the day. Please pack sunscreen in your
child’s lunch box so that they can reapply during the day. We strongly encourage them to reapply at
morning snack, during lunch, and during afternoon snack. We do have extra sunscreen which we
will apply to your child if they do not have sunscreen with them. If your child is unable to apply sunscreen themselves, please complete the permission form provided in the enrollment packet.
PRIVACY OF INFORMATION POLICY
Any information in your child’s file is kept confidential. We will not share information without the written consent of the parents/guardians. By signing the statement encloses, you give us permission for
the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to examine your child’s file for no reason other than
to make sure that we are in compliance with state regulations.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Children are responsible for their own belongings including clothing, toys, and other personal items.
The YMCA is not responsible for any/all items lost, broken or misplaced. There may be times when
your child will be asked to bring something for a special activity or to share, but for the most part, we
discourage children from bringing their own toys or money. (No electronics of any kind which includes cell phones, any electronics brought will be confiscated and kept in the camp office until a
dismissal) Please make sure that anything that is brought to camp is labeled with your child’s name.
WHAT SHOULD CAMPERS WEAR
Campers should dress for a fun and active day. T-Shirts, shorts, socks, and tennis are preferred.
Sandals, jelly shoes, heelies (any tennis shoe with a wheel inside), and flip flops are not permitted or appropriate for camp. Parents will be called to bring their children proper attire if any of
the above is worn to camp. Dress your child for the weather , sweat shirts may be necessary for
cool mornings. All campers will receive a camp T-shirt at the “Meet the Staff Night” that must be
worn on field trip days and for swimming.
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I PACK
Campers should bring a lunch, two snacks, and several drinks daily. We recommend small cooler
type lunch boxes clearly marked with the camper’s name. Non-perishable items are recommended.
Please pack your child’s lunch with foods that will give them the proper nutrients for the day. Campers are also to bring individual water bottles with them. However, our staff will not be responsible for
carrying or keeping track of your child’s water bottle. Please discuss with your child the importance
of keeping well hydrated during the summer months.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/EVACUATION
In an emergency, the director, site director or supervisor may take
appropriate action as deemed necessary to ensure your child's safety, health
and well being. Our emergency plan provides for response to all types of
emergencies.
Depending on the circumstance of the emergency, the following actions will
be taken:
*Immediate evacuation Children are evacuated to a safe area on the
grounds of the facility in the event of fire, etc.
*In place sheltering are sudden occurrences, weather or hazardous materials related, which dictate
taking cover inside the building as the best immediate response.
*Evacuation Total evacuation of the facility may become necessary if there is a danger in the area.
In this case the children will be relocated to the Western Area YMCA or Robinson Municipal Bldg.
*Modified operation May include cancellation/postponement or rescheduling of normal activities.
These actions are usually taken in case of a summer storm, flooding or building problems (such as
utility disruptions) that make it unsafe for children but may be necessary in a variety of situations.
In the event of an emergency call Western Area YMCA at 412-787-9622.
You are urged not to attempt to make different pick-up arrangements during an emergency. This
may create additional confusion and divert staff from their assigned emergency duties.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
Program staff that either suspect or are informed by a child or informant that child abuse may have
occurred are under obligation by the state of Pennsylvania to inform proper authorities of such an
occurrence.
DISCIPLINE
Staff facilitates the development of self control in the children by using positive guidance techniques;
such as modeling and encouraging expected behavior, redirecting children to a more acceptable activity, and setting clear limits. Occasionally, staff may use positive incentive programs to assist in the
development of desired behavior. Staff expectations correspond with children’s
developing capabilities.
FIRST DISCIPLINE: Disciplinary Report: Parents will be notified and a plan of action will be agreed
upon by the parent and staff.
SECOND DISCIPLINE: Disciplinary Report: Parents will be notified and a plan of action will be
agreed upon by the staff and parent. The YMCA reserves the right to suspend the child for an unlimited amount of time.
THIRD DISCIPLINE: Disciplinary Report: Parents will be notified and the YMCA reserves the right
to remove the child from the program permanently.
Suspension from the child care program will be an automatic consequence for behavior such as fist
fighting, physical/verbal coercion and destruction of property. Parents will be notified that day about
the incident at the site, supervisor and/or director will meet with the parent(s) to discuss date(s) of
suspension.
The YMCA reserves the right to dismiss a child from the program, not necessarily in the above order, but depending on the severity of the action. No refunds or credits will be given for time missed
due to disciplinary action.
Please see the site for specific rules and regulations that they follow.
FEE POLICY SCHEDULE
Tuition is due and collected every Friday for the following week. Any payment that you make please
note your child’s name, site, and week. A bank or credit card, cash, check, or money order are the
only acceptable forms of payment. (There is a $25.00 charge for returned NSF checks)
Day Camp tuition fees are eligible for child care tax credit. Our FEDERAL CHILD CARE TAX # IS:
25-0969497. You can request a tax receipt by contact the YMCA at 412-787-9622 in January.
Registration Fees - Upon registration a $25.00 deposit is required for each week that you will be
registering your child for summer day camp. The deposit are per child, and are non-refundable and
non-transferable. Also, upon registration the first week of camp is required to be paid in full and your
child must have a current YMCA membership.
Tuition fees (Please see the YMCA for full facility member discounts)
YMCA Camp up through age 11
Full time (4-5 days/week): $145.00/week
Part time(2-3 days/week): $110.00/week
CILT Program ages 12-14
Full time (4-5 days/week): $100.00/week
Part time(2-3 days/week): $85.00/week
Bayer Camp up through age 11
Full time (4-5 days/week): $145.00/week
Part time(2-3 days/week): $110.00/week
Bayer Camp CILT Program ages 12-14
Full time (4-5 days/week): $100.00/week
Part time (2-3 days/week): $85.00/week
In the event an account becomes delinquent, a statement will be issued. If no response is made to
the statement within one week, the child’s registration will be terminated until the account is current.
Also, any outstanding balances past 60 days will be sent to a collection agency.
PROGRAM RULES:










Fun and Safety are first, stay within the designated
area both inside and outside the building
Wash or sanitize hands before all meals and after using the restrooms
Sit at a table while eating lunch and snack, and clean
up your area after lunch and snack
Follow directions and listen the first time
Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Equipment shall be taken care of and returned to its
proper place
Talk in quiet voices while in any inside area that is not
meant for loud voices
Tell a counselor if someone or something is bothering
you
No child is to be away form their group without a
counselor with them
Do not show disrespect to staff or other children at any time
(Parents are encouraged to review these rules with your child(ren). Every group/
camp site may have specific rules as needed; these rules will be posted and reviewed
with your child)
Parent’s Acknowledgment of Receipt
of the Parent Handbook
I understand that these policies and procedures have been formulated
for my child and/or children attending School Age Child Care through the
YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.
I understand it is my responsibility to become aware of the contents of
this Handbook and that I have the opportunity to ask questions about any
policy or procedure in this handbook.
________________________________________
Child/Children's Name
_________________________ _____________
Parent Signature
Date
*Please return to the Summer Day Camp Office.
Thank you.