Conejo Valley YMCA

Day Camp 2019

Parent Handbook

4031 N. Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information

Parent Welcome Letter Page 1

Contact Information Page 1

Camp Experience Page 2

The First Day of Camp Page 2

Whom Should I See When I… Page 2

Enrollment Information

Purpose and Goals Page 3

Age Groups & Rates Page 3

Session Dates & Payment Schedules Page 3

Registration Policies Page 4

Requirements for Registration Page 4

Cancellation & Refund Policy Page 4

Payment Policy Page 5

For Your Taxes Page 5

Arriving & Departing Camp

Days of Operation Page 6

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Hours Page 6

Early Pick-Up Policy Page 6

Late Pick-Up Policy Page 6

Who May Pick-Up a Camper? Page 6

Important Camp Information

Program Design Page 7

Field Trip Days Page 7

Transportation Page 7

Riding the Bus / Van Page 7

Transportation Rules Page 7

What to Bring to Camp Page 8

Lunches and Snacks Page 8

Clothing Page 8

Bathroom Accents Page 8

Sunscreen Page 9

Lost & Found Page 9

Electronics Page 9

Camp Rules Page 9

Discipline Page 10

Medication Page 10

Sick at Camp Page 10

Lice at Camp Page 11

Injuries Page 11

Disaster Plan Page 11

Membership Handbook Page 11

Parent Copy of Liability Waiver Page 12

Page 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

PARENT WELCOME LETTER

Dear YMCA Parent,

Welcome to the 2019 Conejo Valley YMCA Summer Day Camp Program! We are excited to have you and

your child become a part of our YMCA family. The Y’s past, present and future commitment is to ensure

that your child’s summer is an enjoyable and memorable one.

Since its beginning in the early 1900s, YMCA day camping has offered children the opportunity to build

character and self-esteem through challenging and rewarding experiences, in both small and large group

settings. Our program has been specifically designed with the needs and interest of both you and your

child in mind. Under the guidance of caring, well-trained staff members, YMCA Day Camp will offer

children memories that will last a lifetime. Nurturing the potential of every child and teen

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.

That’s why, through the Y, thousands of youth in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties are cultivating the

values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational

achievement.

The Conejo Valley YMCA day camping experience is grounded in a set of seven objectives that remain at

the heart of the program. These objectives are:

Grow Personally - to help build self-esteem and self-reliance.

Learn Values – opportunities to develop moral and ethical behavior.

Improve Personal and Family Relationships – to care for and communicate better with friends and

family.

Appreciate Diversity – to respect people of different ages, abilities, incomes, races, religions,

cultures, and beliefs.

Become Better Leaders and Supporters – to learn to work toward a common good.

Develop Specific Skills – to help campers acquire new knowledge and ways to grow in mind, body

and spirit.

Have Fun – to show campers that life is enjoyable.

The material contained in this Parent Handbook will help you and your child prepare for camp. We ask

that you become familiar with and abide by these policies. Together we can create a magical summer for

our children!

Thank you very much,

Casie Cretal Day Camp Director

805.523.7613

ccretal@sevymca.org

Page 2

GENERAL INFORMATION

CAMP EXPERIENCE

Day camp provides your child with a unique opportunity to learn, grow, create and explore, by testing

their skills, gaining confidence, making new friends and learning to share and accept others. Here are

some suggestions that will make your child's experience even better and allow some fun and learning to

carry over at home.

Encourage participation and trying new things at camp.

Show an interest in what he or she has been doing at camp. Take time at dinner to talk about

what was seen and done during the day.

If a particular activity or event sparks your child's interest, don't hesitate to encourage further

exploration at home and with the family.

Any award or recognition given at camp is an acknowledgement of individual accomplishment.

Everyone's self-confidence can use a little encouragement.

Camp offers many avenues for new camper experiences. There are also many things that include

you, the parents and families of our campers.

THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP

Please ensure that you have paid in-full (or authorized timely scheduled payments) for each week that

your child will be attending Day Camp. On the first day of each camp session, the Camp Staff will be

checking participants in. If you have paid in full, your child’s name will be on the roster sheet and you

may sign in your child. If you have not paid in full, your child will not be allowed to attend camp until

payment is made with an addition of a $25 late fee. To make the payment you must go to the Conejo

Valley YMCA main office. When your payment is made, you must present the Camp Staff with your

receipt. Depending on availability, the Camp Director may allow you to sign your child in.

Whom should I see when I…

Have a question about payment Member Service Center

Want information about other YMCA programs Member Service Center

Have a concern about a camper Camp Director

Have a concern about a camp counselor Camp Director

Have a concern about a camp activity Camp Director

Have a concern about a program policy Program Director

Have a concern about a Camp Director Program Director

Have a concern about transportation Program Director

Page 3

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

MISSOION , PURPOSE AND GOALS OUR MISSION

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA builds relationships, impacts lives and strengthens our

community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The purpose of YMCA Day Camp is to provide children with an opportunity to acquire positive values,

achieve our seven objectives, make new friends and gain an appreciation of nature in a variety of outdoor

settings and situations. To achieve this purpose, the program volunteers and staff have adopted the

following goals:

Employ and train staff who are good role models and skilled in group work and leading outdoor

activities

Develop and maintain facilities and equipment that provide a safe environment for exploration and

growth

Prepare program plans that ensure an organized and well-rounded camp experience

Cultivate in campers strong feelings of self-worth, appreciation of diversity in others, and

creation of lifelong friendships

Involve the campers' families in the preparation, experience and evaluation of camp

AGE GROUPS & RATES

Grade Level

Entering Fall 2017

Full-Time

4-5 Days per Week

Part-Time

1-3 Days per Week

Grades K - 5 $250.00 $205.00

Grades 6 - 8 $270.00 $220.00

Grades 9 - 10 $190.00

SESSION DATES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULES

Week Dates Payment Due Week Dates Payment Due

Week 1 06/10 - 06/14 05/27/19 Week 6 07/15 - 07/19 07/01/19

Week 2 06/17 - 06/21 06/03/19 Week 7 07/22 - 07/26 07/08/19

Week 3 06/24 - 06/28 06/10/19 Week 8 07/29 - 08/02 07/15/19

Week 4 07/01 - 07/05 06/17/19 Week 9 08/05 - 08/09 07/22/19

Week 5 07/08 - 07/12 06/24/19 Week 10 08/12 - 08/16 07/29/19

Page 4

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

REGISTRATION POLICIES

Registration must be completed in-person at the Conejo Valley YMCA during the following hours of

operation:

Conejo Valley YMCA

4031 N. Moorpark Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Weekdays 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturdays 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Forms are available online for parents to print and complete prior to visiting the facility. A valid method

of payment must be provided at registration for any fees due as well as any scheduled future payments.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

A completed Day Camp Registration Form that includes an authorized pick-up list, emergency

contact information, a brief health history, payment agreements, sunscreen permission form, and

release and wavier of liability

The YMCA is a membership-based organization; all participants in YMCA programs are

required to be either Full Facility Members or Program Members

o $40.00 for an Individual Program Membership (one camp participant)

o $80.00 for a Family Program Membership (two or more participants)

o Visit the Member Service Center for Full Facility Membership details

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

The Conejo Valley YMCA office must receive a written notification of the intent to cancel at least one

week prior to the start of the camp week. Any paid fees, minus the $25.00 deposit, will be refunded upon

receiving written notice of cancellation. Without timely notice, only a doctor’s note for illness or injury

preventing participation will allow for a refund of camp fees. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS POLICY.

There will be no refunds/credits or makeup days for days missed. If your child is asked to leave camp due

to a violation of a camp policy, neither your program fees nor your deposits will not be refunded.

If you wish to change your initial selection of camp sessions, you may do so by submitting your request

in writing at the Conejo Valley YMCA, or by e-mailing the Program Director at ccretal@sevymca.org. We

will make every effort to accommodate your change, as long as enrollment and space allow for it.

Page 5

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

PAYMENT POLICY

Payment Information

Payments are due two weeks before the first day of camp. Payment methods will be automatically

withdrawn from either your bank checking/saving account or through your credit card company.

Late Payment

You may not bring your child to camp if you have not paid in full. Before your child will be allowed to

attend camp, you will be required to make the payment in full and pay a $25 late fee at the Conejo Valley

YMCA main office and present the Camp Director with your receipt. Please pay on time. Availability at

camp is not guaranteed.

Non-Sufficient Funds

Checks returned unpaid by the bank or credit cards that are declined can affect current and future

registration. We've adopted the following policy to prevent losses from unredeemed bad checks:

We charge $25 for each returned check or declined credit card.

We cannot accept personal checks from anyone who has previously given us a check that was

returned by the bank

Financial Scholarships

Our Community Support Campaign, in which volunteers collect generous donations from the community,

helps us to be able to give out scholarships to those in need. Each summer a number of children receive

assistance through this fund. It is the goal of the YMCA to turn no one away for purposes of financial

hardship; however, this is subject to the availability of funds.

Visit the Member Service Center for more information and to request an application. Please allow up to

two weeks for Financial Scholarships Applications to be reviewed and note that your child will not be able

to attend the summer camp program until the review process is complete and payment is made.

FOR YOUR TAXES

When you file your Federal and State Income Taxes, you are required to provide the Taxpayer I.D. number

of the Child Care provider to get the Child Care credit. Please maintain your own record of amounts paid

to the YMCA by keeping receipts.

Our 501(c)3 Non-Profit Tax I.D. Number is 95-2305501.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Inc., Conejo Valley YMCA Branch

Page 6

ARRIVING & DEPARTING CAMP

DAYS OF OPERATION

All Day Camps operate in one-week (Monday through Friday) sessions beginning Monday, June 11th and

ending Friday, August 17th 2018. The YMCA and the Day Camp program will be Closed on July 4, 2018.

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP HOURS

Camp Hours are from 9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Extended care is available, at no additional charge from

7:00am-9:00am and 4:00pm-6:00pm. You may drop your child off any time between 7:00am-9:00am

each morning and pick up after 4:00pm until 6:00pm. It is imperative that you sign your child in and out

every day and have available a proper photo I.D. and Pick up Authorization Form. This is for purposes of

your child’s safety. No one under age of 18 is permitted to sign your child out. Between the hours of

9:05 A.M. & 3:30 P.M., please sign in & out at the Member Service Desk in the lobby.

EARLY PICK-UP

If you must sign your child out of camp for doctor's appointments or other personal business, please

check the schedule and notify the camp director in at least 24hours in advance. If camp will be traveling

on a day you need to have your child away for part of the day, it's best to keep the camper out the whole

day. For your child’s safety, there is NO EARLY CHECK-OUT between 3:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. as this is

when all groups are traveling from the different program areas back to our lower ball field for Closing

Activities.

LATE PICK- UP

If we must stay open after 6:00 P.M. for your child, we will:

Add a late pick-up fee of $15.00 per child for each 10 minute increment after 6:00 P.M. Please be

prepared to pay this fee (cash, credit/debit card, or check at the time you pick up your child)

Take your child to the main office and you will be required to pick your child up from there

At 6:30 P.M. the Thousand Oaks Police Department will be called (Phone: 805.494.8200)

Alternate arrangements will be discussed after more than three (3) late pick-ups

Repeated late pick-ups may result in termination of Day Camp services

WHO MAY PICK-UP A CAMPER?

When you enroll, you are asked to list anyone authorized to pick up your child. You and anyone you

authorize should be prepared to show picture I.D when signing out your camper. Anyone not on the

authorized list or less than 18 years of age will not be allowed to sign out your child. If you wish to add

someone to the list it needs to be added in writing here at the Conejo Valley YMCA office or emailed to

ccretal@sevymca.org.

Page 7

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

PROGRAM DESIGN

The camp staff will carefully plan each camp day and a calendar of weekly highlights is published and

available by the Friday before a camp session. Calendars are available at the campsites or at the YMCA

main office. A typical day's schedule is:

7:00 AM Extended Care Begins

9:00 AM Opening / Bus-Loading

9:30 AM Small Group Time & Snack

10:00 AM Activity Periods

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Swimming

2:15 PM Activity Period

3:15 PM Small Group Time & Snack

3:45 PM Closing Ceremony

4:00 PM Camp Dismissed / Sign Out

4:00 PM Extended Care Begins

6:00 PM Day Camp Closes

FIELD TRIP DAYS

On Major Trip Days all children need to be dropped off to camp by 8 A.M. This will allow our staff to get

them into their age appropriate groups while helping ensure we leave for our destination on time. See the

weekly schedule for more information on early departure or late arrivals from trips. All campers must be

signed in 30 minutes before departure time on Field Trip Days to enable us to stay on schedule. We will

not delay our departure. All campers attending a field trip must wear a YMCA camper shirt. For the safety

of campers, there are NO EXCEPTIONS.

TRANSPORTATION

Riding the Bus / Van

Every camper will be riding the camp bus / van several times a week as the camps travel to parks,

attractions, the beach, and other locations. Campers need to be sure that they arrive on time for camp,

because the bus or van will leave promptly at the scheduled time. The Conejo Valley YMCA contracts with

a licensed bus company for all field trips.

Transportation Rules

Riders must remain seated at all times except when entering or exiting the bus when it is stopped

There will be no horseplay or yelling while on the bus

Riders will not enter or exit the bus until told to do so by the driver

Drivers of Camp Buses / Vans have full authority over riders and his/her authority should be

respected at all times

Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times while on the bus

Hands, arms, heads, and legs must be kept inside the bus at all times

Eating or chewing gum on the bus is not permitted

Throwing things on the bus or out of the windows is not permitted

Failure to abide by the bus rules will result in loss of privileges and possible Camp Suspension

Page 8

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

Lunches and Snacks

Lunches are not provided in any of our camps, so you will need to send one each day with your camper.

The following suggestions should be helpful in planning your camper's lunch:

Lunches should be packed in small coolers with the child’s name clearly written on them unless

otherwise suggested.

Drinks are not provided and should be packed in your child's lunch every day.

Water fountains/jugs are available, however a water bottle is recommended.

On trip days, be sure to send your child’s lunch in a paper sack and only send things that can be

thrown away.

Lunches will not be refrigerated or prepared for your camper, so please plan accordingly.

Clothing

Every year we wind up with a huge lost and found inventory left by campers. Dressing campers

appropriately and labeling clothing will save you considerable expense so please observe the following:

Campers should wear socks and gym shoes to cover their feet. For Safety, open-toed shoes and

bare feet are not allowed.

On Beach or Swim Days, swimsuits should be worn under clothing, and sandals may be brought to

be put on once we get to the beach or pool.

Please help your child dress appropriately for camp activities. Clothes he or she can play in are

best. There is a chance that clothes may get ruined. Do not send them in new clothing.

Label all clothing and belongings with camper’s name.

All campers are required to wear a camp t-shirt on all traveling days for safety and easy

identification in a crowded public area. The YMCA will provide one camp t-shirt at time of

registration. Additional shirts are available for purchase at the YMCA main facility.

Bathroom Accidents

All children in our program must be toilet trained. However we understand there may be an occasional

accident. If this occurs with your child:

You will be called to bring a change of clothes immediately.

Your child may change clothes and return to the site.

If they already have a change of clothes they may clean themselves and change their clothes (The

staff will not assist in changing).

Page 9

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

Sunscreen

In order to avoid potential allergic reactions, all campers should supply their own bottle of sunscreen to

be used at camp. This bottle should be clearly labeled with the child’s name in black permanent marker.

Campers should apply sunscreen prior to their arrival at camp. Reapplication reminders will occur at

several points throughout the day to ensure proper protection. Children should wear a minimum of SPF

30, but this may be higher if the child has characteristics for a greater chance of burning.

Lost & Found

The Y will not be responsible for lost items. Please mark your child’s name on all items. A lost & found bin

will be located in the camp parking lot. Please check it weekly.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Camp is full of fun activities, many involving sunshine and water. Cell phones and all other electronic

devices MUST be left at home. The YMCA is not responsible for any lost or damaged items. Camp

Directors have the right to confiscate all electronics until the end of the camp day. Repeated offenses

will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

CAMP RULES

On the first day of each camp session, counselors and their groups will spend some time making up their

own camp rules. This gives every camper a buy-in and it’s surprising how thoughtful and appropriate the

rules they come up with are. We do insist that a few rules be included even if the campers don't think of

them on their own. They are:

We're all at camp to have a fun and safe time; no one has the right to take that away

We must keep our hands to ourselves

Trees are made for shade and not to be climbed on or pulled apart

Rocks and other objects should be left where they are, not picked up and thrown

Alcoholic beverages, drugs or smoking materials and weapons are not allowed at any time, under

any circumstances; possession of any of these results in removal from the camp program

Campers are not allowed to leave camp under any circumstances without being signed out

Third party funding paperwork must be signed daily

Page 10

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

DISCIPLINE

At the YMCA we do not believe that punishment is the best way to help children learn good behavior in

the group setting. Instead, we use the following graduated approach when a child’s behavior goes outside

of the group’s rules or is otherwise inappropriate. These are the steps we will follow:

1. Reason with the child

2. Ask the child to sit a small distance away and take some time to calm down. After that the

behavior choices are discussed.

3. Camp Director will talk with the child to figure out a positive behavior modification plan

4. Plan a conference with parents and child to come up with strategies to correct behavior and

consequences

5. In extreme or reoccurring cases, the program director will be brought in and review the situations

and responses, then the appropriate action will be determined. This will usually include temporary

or permanent removal from the program. Children who appear to be a threat to themselves or

others must be temporarily removed from the program, even if steps 1-4 have not been taken

6. Continued disruptive and poor behavior may result in expulsion.

The Y has zero tolerance for bullying.

MEDICATION

If your child needs to take any type of medication while at camp, we must have a doctor’s written

prescription, and a written permission slip from a parent or guardian. The medication must be in its

original container or prescription bottle. Although over-the-counter medications are not prescription

medications, we must have both a doctor's prescription stating its need and parental permission in order

for us to administer.

Permission to medicate form must be completed by parent and prescription provided to Camp Director

before start of camp drop off. Your child's Counselor and Director must know if your camper needs to

take medication. The camp will have a form for you to fill out.

SICK AT CAMP

Should your child become ill while at camp, we will call you or your emergency contact person if you

cannot be reached. We cannot allow your child to remain in camp while ill, so please arrange to pick him

or her up within an hour of notification.

Page 11

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION

LICE AT CAMP

In observance of Health Department safety standards, we cannot allow a child with lice into camp. Should

we discover that your child has lice while at camp, you will be asked to pick him/her up within one hour of

notification. Children will ONLY be readmitted to camp with a clearance from a doctor stating that he/she

is lice, egg, and nit free. The YMCA has a NO NIT policy.

INJURIES AT CAMP

We work very hard to anticipate and prevent injuries at camp. Usually any injuries are minor or the result

of a child not following directions from his or her counselor. If your child is injured we will:

Clean the area and administer Band-Aids for minor cuts, scrapes, and bumps

Contact you or your emergency contact if an injury may require medical attention including bee

stings, moderate cuts, sprains or possible fractures. You may then decide what you want done

Secure medical treatment immediately in the event you cannot be reached or the nature of the

injury warrants fast action

DISASTER PLAN

The YMCA participates in the City of Thousand Oaks Emergency Operations Plan. In the event of a major

emergency (such as an earthquake, chemical spill, or fire) children will remain at the camp site until

directed to move or evacuate. If the camp is away on a trip, it will return to the campsite if possible or a

designated emergency shelter if appropriate. If telephone service is interrupted seek information on the

Thousand Oaks Emergency Broadcast Station - 1450 AM.

MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK

Camp participants will be given a Membership Handbook upon enrollment and agree to adhere to the

Code of Conduct and Program Polices outlined within. Membership privileges may be suspended or

revoked in response to behavior in violation of these terms. Parents and guardians assume responsibility

for all dependents listed on their membership and agree that they, too, will abide by these terms. An

electronic copy of the Membership Handbook is available at www.conejoymca.org.

Page 12

PARENT COPY OF LIABILITY WAIVER

IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to utilize the facilities, services and programs of the SOUTHEAST VENTURA COUNTY

YMCA (or for my children to so participate) for any purpose, including, but not limited to observation or use of facilities or

equipment, or participation in any off-site program affiliated with the YMCA, the undersigned, for himself or herself and such

participating children and any personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, hereby acknowledges, agrees and represents

that he or she has, or immediately upon entering or participating, will inspect and carefully consider such premises and

facilities or affiliated program. It is further warranted that such entry into the YMCA for observation or use of any facilities or

equipment or participation in such affiliated program constitutes an acknowledgement that such premises and all facilities and

equipment thereof and such affiliated program have been inspected and carefully considered and that the undersigned finds

and accepts same as being safe and reasonably suited for the purpose of such observation, use or participation by the

undersigned and such children.

IN FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO ENTER THE YMCA FOR ANY PURPOSE INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED

TO, OBSERVATION OR USE OF FACILITIES OR EQUIPMENT, OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY OFF-SITE PROGRAM AFFILIATED WITH

THE YMCA, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:

THE UNDERSIGNED ON HIS OR HER BEHALF AND BEHALF OF SUCH CHILDREN, HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND

CONVENANTS NOT TO SUE the YMCA and all branches thereof, its directors, officers, employees and agents (hereinafter

referred to as “releasees”) from all liability to the undersigned or such children and all his personal representatives, assigns,

heirs, and next of kin for any loss or damage, and any claim or demands thereof on account of injury to the person or property

or resulting in death of the undersigned or such children whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise while

the undersigned or such children is in, upon, or about the premises or any facilities or equipment therein or participating in

any program affiliated with the YMCA.

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the releases and each of them from any,

loss, liability, damage or cost they may, incur due to the presence of the undersigned or such children in, upon or about the

YMCA premises or in any way observing or using any facilities or equipment of the YMCA or participating in any program

affiliated with the YMCA whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise.

THE UNDERSIGNED ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND RISK OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE to the

undersigned or such children due to negligence of releasees or otherwise while in, about or upon the premises of the YMCA

and/or while using the premises or any facilities or equipment thereon or participating in any program affiliated with the

YMCA.

THE UNDERSIGNED further expressly agrees that the foregoing RELEASE WAIVER AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is intended to

be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is

agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY

AGREEMENT, and further agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducement apart from the foregoing written

agreement have been made.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS DOCUMENT AND RELEASE.