Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center Summer Camp Handbook & Policies 2019 - Earnest Shepherd Youth Center
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center
Summer Camp Handbook & Policies
2019
ESMYC
610 E Shepherd Rd
Liberty, MO 64068
Pho ne:
816.781.7733
E-mail: earnestshepherdyc@sbcglobal.net
Thank you for choosing Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center for your child’s summer
camp experience! Whether walking the halls of Hogwarts, spending time with other Knights
at the Round Table, or discovering a magical tree house—children will truly have an
unforgettable summer experience at Earnest Shepherd!
Table of Contents
TOPIC PAGE
Application/registration process 2
Confirmation 2
Grade Level Requirements 2
Permission to Participate/Emergency Contact Form 2
Health Forms 2
Cancellation Policy 2
Camp Times 2
Social Media Release 2-3
Camp Activities 3
Parent communication log 3
Snack (including ESMYC Peanut allergy strategy) 3
Swim 3
Water bottle 3
Lunch 3
What to bring to camp 4
What not to bring to camp 4
Lost and found 4
What to Wear 4
Inclement Weather 4
First Aid 4
Staff ratio 4
Pickup policy 4-5
Special Needs 5
Discipline 5
Who to call 5
ESMYC Program Policy 6
1Things to know before camp starts:
Applications for camp registration:
Registration opens on March 6, 2019. The Summer Camp Listing with program descriptions, dates and times
can be found on-line.
NEW THIS YEAR…
Please complete an online application using a credit card to register your child for any Earnest Shepherd camp.
As always, space in each camp is limited.
Go to www.earnestshepherd.com;
Open the summer camp tab
Preview the camp descriptions
Click to open the on-line registration form
Complete all six sections (make sure you include all the “required” information)
After the application is submitted, if the system gives you an error or “unavailable” message, please contact
us at 816.781.7733.
Camp Confirmation:
A month before your camp starts we will email you details about the camp your child will be attending. When
filling out your camp registration form don’t forget to include an email address that you check regularly.
Please print the email address clearly. If you don’t receive the email please look in your spam folder, if you
still do not see the email call us at 816-781-7733 so we can get you the information.
Campers Grade Level Requirements:
Campers must have completed the grade level indicated on the registration form to qualify for camp. We
cannot allow children in camps that they are not eligible for.
Permission to Participate/Emergency Contact Form:
Please be sure to fully fill out the permission to participate/emergency contact form on the application. We
must have this information on file before your child(ren)can be admitted to camp.
Health Forms
Earnest Shepherd Youth Center requires that all parents/guardians fill out a camper medical form to have on
file. These forms help our medical staff know your camper’s medical history in the event they are sick. These
forms are confidential and governed by HIPPA laws.
Cancellation Policy:
ESMYC requires a fifteen day notice for full refund. If less than a fifteen day notice is given, Earnest Shepherd
Youth Center will not refund program fee. However, in the event the vacancy can be filled-a refund minus
$10 administration fee will be returned.
Camp Times:
Most of our camps are 5 days and run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be one 4-day camp this year [Harry Potter Camp, July 1, 2, 3 and 5] that runs from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m. to accommodate the Independence Day holiday.
We will introduce two new camps with new times. The week of July 8-12, Camp KAPOW will run 3
hours each day 9 to noon. Lemony Snicket Camp will also run 3 hours each day. 1 to 4 p.m.
Children may NOT be dropped off before 8:50 a.m.
Social Media Release:
We like to share how much fun the campers are having on our Facebook page. It’s a great way to share with
the parents and all the other people who love ESMYC what wonderful things we are doing at camp. We never
2use the children’s names. If you would prefer for your child to stay out of the pictures please make sure to
mark “no” on the photo release area on the camp registration form.
Activities:
All activities at camp are “challenge by choice”. If there is a camp activity you do not want your child
participating in, please write it down and deliver to the Camp Director the first day of camp.
Parent communication log:
You will find a binder or notebook in which you can leave messages for the Camp Director or counselors.
This will be handy in the following instances:
Child needs to leave early from camp. The time they will be picked up so we can have them ready for
you.
A different adult will be picking up your child. Please indicate the person coming to pick-up your
camper. We will check adults against this list at pick-up and require an ID. We cannot send your
camper home with someone not on the list or with someone who cannot provide identification—unless
we receive written permission from you in advance.
Carpool information, children in carpool, and who will be picking them up each day.
Snacks:
Campers will be served a snack during their mid-morning break. If your child has dietary restrictions (such as
peanut allergies), please bring a snack to accommodate them. Parents can review the snacks for the week.
ESMYC peanut allergy strategy:
1. Parents are to inform the youth center staff of allergy.
2. Parents are to provide the Epi-pen.
3. Parents will provide peanut-free snacks. ESMYC will have the week snack available for the parents to
review.
4. ESMYC will have a staff member trained in administering the Epi-pen.
5. ESMYC will designate a peanut free table. One staff member will be assigned that table for the week
to ensure that rules are being followed.
6. After, lunch, all students will be required to wash hands using soap/anti-septic hand gel.
Swim:
ESMYC has a swimming pool that is 3’ on both ends and 5’ in the middle. If campers would like to swim in
the 5’ they must pass a swim test. The staff’s primary goal is to make sure that children are safe.
Camp Rule: To swim in the deep end (5 foot) each child must be able to swim the length of the pool,
free style (no dog paddling). Your child may be permitted to retake the test later in the week.
Camp staff and a certified lifeguard will supervise pool time.
ESMYC has bathrooms with stalls and a changing room for campers to change in/out of swimsuit.
Some campers choose to wear a swimsuit under clothes to camp with a dry pair of clothes to change
into after swim (this is your call).
Water Bottle:
Please have your camper bring a refillable water bottle to camp each day. It gets hot playing all day and the
kids need to refresh from time to time with a nice sip of water.
Lunch:
Please bring a lunch for your child each day. When kids arrive for the day they will be directed to put their
lunch in the fridge.
3What to bring to camp:
a labeled water bottle
bug spray
sunscreen
swimsuit
lunch
Swim towel
If your child needs to apply sunscreen and/or bug spray, please do this before camp begins each day. Campers
can reapply after swim. They may include a pair of flip flops to wear to and from the pool, but campers will
need to wear close-toed shoes except for swim time.
What not to bring:
We believe Ipad’s, Nintendo DS’s, cell phones, and other portable electronic devices are better left at home.
Not only are these items easily lost, damaged or even stolen, they are counterproductive to the camp
experience.
The Youth Center is a place for teaching kids about new games & activities, while making new friendships.
When kids are playing with their cell phones or electronics, their opportunities to learn and experience new
things with their group are limited.
Please do not wear or bring anything of value.
Lost and found:
We will have a table dedicated to lost items during the week. ESMYC is not responsible or liable for any
personal items/equipment that is left behind at camp. Lost and Found items/equipment may be held at camp
until the last day of the camp season. Any remaining Lost and Found items/equipment will be
discarded/recycled at the end of the camp season.
What to wear:
Your child may need a sweatshirt or jacket for outside activities depending on the weather. Have children wear
tennis shoes you don’t mind getting dirty to camp each day. They may wear flip flops during swim time only.
Inclement Weather:
In the event of severe weather (i.e. lightning, heavy rain, excessive heat) it is our policy not to cancel camp.
We have alternate activities planned for days that limit outdoor time. Note: On rainy days (weather permitting),
we will still go outside.
First Aid:
First aid is located in the office of Shepherd Hall. Key staff members are CPR and first aid certified. We do
not hand out medicine.
Staff Ratio:
There is one counselor for every 8 campers.
Pick-up Policy:
Children must be picked up at 1 p.m. (2:00 the week of July 1st; the week of July 8th Noon for Camp KAPOW
and 4:00 p.m. for Lemony Snicket Camp) There is a $10 fee per 5 minutes if your child is not picked -up on
time.
Staff cannot under any circumstances release participants to anyone other than the authorized parent/guardian,
or individual authorized by the parent/guardian in writing, including relatives of the participant.
4Daily sign-in and sign-out log books are maintained and kept at the camp’s office. The adult will need to
provide valid photo identification upon request. In cases where one parent/guardian has custody of the camper
and the noncustodial parent/guardian has restricted visitation, the custodial parent/guardian must provide the
camp with a copy of the custody order (and restraining order if appropriate – the Director will be involved in
these situations).
Special Needs
For certain children with special needs, our camps are wonderful. For others, it puts the child and the staff in
a situation where the staff lack the proper skills to handle the event–which might lead to unsafe
circumstances for all involved. The Youth Center is responsible for the safety and well-being of all the
campers and cannot allow one child to jeopardize that. Please call to discuss your child’s particular needs. If
possible, be prepared to discuss options/assistance applicable to your child.
ESMYC staff is not trained to handle campers who have severe emotional disturbances, demonstrate violent
behavior or who routinely violate rules and policies. If your child has severe behavioral problems, we can
refer you to programs designed to accommodate these special needs. See additional information under
Earnest Shepherd Youth Center Policy- page 6.
Discipline Policy:
If the need arises, discipline will be based on an understanding of the participant’s needs and will encourage
the participant to develop self-control, appropriate behavior and respect for the rights of others. Each
participant will be listened to and treated with respect and fairness. Staff may approach inappropriate behavior
using methods such as conflict resolution, problem solving, alternative activities and logical consequences.
During all Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center programs, participants are expected to follow the four
general standards: (SPARC) Safety, Participation, Acceptance, Respect and Compromise. With patience,
a perceptive staff member may discover the reasons behind the behavior problem and help solve it. Campers
are supported and supervised as they navigate their way to positive resolution. Camp will be a safe place for
everyone. All campers are instructed to treat each other as they would like others to treat them.
1st time- Verbal warning – gives the child opportunity to check themselves.
2nd time- Verbal warning, separate from the group and discuss needed change in behavior.
3rd time- Verbal warning, separated from the group, a portion of swim time taken away. Parent/Guardian
notified of behavior upon pick up. Behavioral plan filled out for child*.
*Behavior Plan for camp- ESMYC director will work with parents to develop a plan of action to help their
child be successful in ESMYC programs.
NOTE: If a child, parent or guardian displays aggressive or violent behavior towards ESMYC employees,
another camp participant, parent or guardian, immediate termination will result from ESMYC programs.
If campers repeatedly disrespect or harm other campers, staff, or property, the parents will be notified
immediately of the situation. Campers who are unable to interact at camp in a positive way will be sent
home. Some infractions are serious enough to warrant campers being sent home without warning.
Earnest Shepherd Youth Center reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program.
Whom to Call:
If you need to contact us while your child is at camp you can call the office (816) 781-7733. You may need to
leave a message, but we will be checking the machine regularly.
5ESMYC Program Policy:
1. The Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center’s (ESMYC) policy accepts all school-age youth from
4 to 18 years of age. Bearing in mind that certain programs target specific age groups.
2. ESMYC staff will treat youth with respect, caring, and acceptance.
3. ESMYC will provide a safe environment – both emotionally and physically.
4. ESMYC staff will serve as positive role models and mentors.
5. The Youth Center is not completely ADA accessible or equipped to handle all medical issues. Teachers
and parents will be advised of this fact upon inquiry.
6. ESMYC staff will work with students who have special needs using the teachers, para-professionals
and parent as the main resource for information and accommodation.
7. Parents need to disclose medical conditions for the safety and success of the child. Any conditions
shared will be held in confidence with staff utilizing information for success of child.
8. Teachers and parents are notified of limits to ADA accommodation. Staff will work with the involved
parties on each occurrence on an individual basis. The Youth Center will do their best to accommodate
children with physical and mental disabilities; however, not all areas are handicap accessible.
9. ESMYC director will work with teachers and/or parents to develop a plan of action to help their child
be successful in ESMYC programs.
10. If a child, parent or guardian displays aggressive or violent behavior towards ESMYC employees,
another camp participant, parent, or guardian, immediate termination will result from ESMYC
programs.
11. All participants must sign an Earnest Shepherd Youth Center Permission to Participate Form (Release
Form) in order to participate in the program.
12. ESMYC is not responsible for dispensing medication.
13. ESMYC staff is not qualified to diagnose any medical conditions. The role of the staff is to use general
behavior modification techniques, teacher and parent knowledge to understand and assist the child for
success.
14. ESMYC staff understands that there will be children they cannot help due to lack of training and
qualifications.
15. ESMYC does not have the funding for additional staff to assist children with special needs. They rely
on the teachers and parents to participate or find a volunteer to assist.
ESMYC is an Equal opportunity/ADA institution. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing
accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact staff at (816) 781-7733 in advance
of the program.
We are looking forward to another awesome summer helping youth create memories that will last a
lifetime!
Still have questions?
Please call or e-mail us at (816) 781-7733 or earnestshepherdyc@sbcglobal.net
6You can also read
