PARENT HANDBOOK 2019 SUMMER CAMP - SOUTH DEKALB FAMILY YMCA - YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA
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South DeKalb Family YMCA
SUMMER CAMP
Parent Handbook 2019
1Dear Y Summer Camp Families,
Welcome to our Y Summer Camp 2019! We are honored and privileged to be entrusted with
the care of your children. We look forward to working with you and your family.
Our goal for our Y Summer Camp is to provide children with a safe, fun, stimulating and
structured environment to spend their summer days. We have been working hard to plan
activities and provide an environment that meets the needs of all the children and the
expectations of their parents/guardians.
Please take a moment to read and become acquainted with the policies and procedures
contained in the family handbook before your child begins summer camp. This handbook will
answer many commonly asked questions and includes a fee schedule for the entire 2019
summer. We encourage you to keep your handbook in a safe place and use it as a reference
throughout the summer.
If at any time you should have any questions about our Y Summer Camp, please feel free to
contact our Executive Director, Curtis Winston @ 770-987-3500 or via e-mail at
Curtisw@ymcaatlanta.org. If you do not receive an email response within two days, please
call me as our emails sometimes filter and does not alert the sender or the addressee.
On behalf of the entire YMCA staff, I thank you for choosing the YMCA as your summer
camp provider. We look forward to a fun filled summer working with you and your children!
Sincerely,
Curtis Winton
Executive Director
2TABLE OF CONTENTS
YMCA Mission Statement……………………………………………………… page 4
Our Staff………………….……………………………………………………… page 4
Financial Assistance……..……………………………………………………… page 4
Summer Camp Hours...……………………………………………………… page 5
Camp Sessions/Dates/Themes/Camp Fridays………………………………… page 5-6
What to Bring to Camp….……………………………………………………… page 7
What to Wear to Camp….……………………………………………………… page 7
Pre and Post Camp……………………………………………………………… page 8
Camp Drop Off…………..……………………………………………………… page 8
Camp Pick-Up…………..………………………………………….…………… page 8
Fees and Payment Policies..……………………………………….…………… page 8-9
How to Make Changes to Your Camp Registration……………….………… page 10
Child Guidance Policy…..……………………………………………………… page 10
Distribution of Medicine..……………………………………………………… page 10
Sick Children……………..……………………………………………………… page 10
Weather Policy…………...……………………………………………………… page 10
Lost and Found…………..……………………………………………………… page 11
Child Abuse Policy……....……………………………………………………… page 11
Accidents and Injuries…..……………………………………………………… page 11
Pictures and Videos……...……………………………………………………… page 11
Types of Camps…………..……………………………………………………… page 12-13
Photo/Video Refusal Form..……………………………..……………………… page 14
Summer Camp Authorization for Medication Form........................................ page 15
3YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta Mission Statement
Your YMCA, reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage, is an association of volunteers,
members, and staff open to and serving all, providing programs and services that develop
spirit, mind, and body. Assistance is available based on need. The YMCA actively seeks to
identify and involve those in need.
OUR STAFF
Each counselor is chosen for their experience, education, and love of children. The YMCA
completes criminal background checks on all employees and requires them all to be trained in
First Aid and CPR. Many counselors are returning from last summer. All counselors
complete over 20 hours of training before camp begins.
Counselor to Camper Ratios is:
5-6 year olds 1:10
7-12 year olds 1:15
13-15 year olds 1:15
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance to qualifying
families through the generous donations to our Why It Matters Campaign. Please contact
Curtis Winston at 770-987-3500 or curtisw@ymcaatlanta.org for more information.
LOCATIONS
South DeKalb Family YMCA (Ages 5 – 15)
2565 Snapfinger Road Drop off: 6:30a.m- 8:30a.m
Decatur, GA 30034 Pick up: 4:30p.m- 6:30p.m
CAMP HOURS:
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Pre-Camp (campers will be placed in different areas
according to age. NO additional charge)
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Morning Assembly
9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Camp
3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closing Assembly
4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Post Camp (Outside at all locations, weather permitting. NO
additional charge)
4SESSIONS / DATES
Session 1 May 28- May 31*
Session 2 June 3-7
Session 3 June 10-14
Session 4 June 17-21
Session 5 June 24-28
Session 6 July 1-5*
Session 7 July 8-12
Session 8 July 15-19
Session 9 July 22-26
Session 10 July 29- August 2
BACK TO SCHOOL
DeKalb County back to school August 5, 2019
*Memorial Day, May 28 – YMCA will be CLOSED. There will be NO camp.
*Independence Day, July 4- YMCA will be CLOSED. There will be NO camp.
CAMP THEME WEEKS
Every week at camp we will incorporate a special activity, such as a pool day, or field
day, etc. *(Weekly themes are subjected to change prior to start of camp).
YMCA Location:
Session 1 – Spirit Week
Session 2 – Team Building Week
Session 3 – Jr. Chef’s Week
Session 4 – Inventor’s Week
Session 5- Super Hero
Session 6 – Wet N Wild Week
Session 7 – Mad Science Week
Session 8 – Carnival Week
Session 9 – Jr. Olympics Week
Session 10 – Close-Out Camp Week
5Super Hero Day – Dress up as your favorite super hero on Friday!
Team Building Week- Campers will learn about the importance team concepts and working
with their peers.
Junior Chef Week - The YMCA will have a local community chef to come out to camp and
provide tasty snacks for the campers. (Fee for this service)
Talent Show – Campers who are interested in showcasing their special talent will get to do so
on this particular Friday afternoon. Campers will be given the opportunity to practice their
talent throughout the week during a designated time. Parents are invited to attend. Parents
must check in when they arrive. (For security purposes).
Carnival Week- Campers will get to enjoy some snacks and food that you see the carnival
from cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone, etc. (Fee for this service)
Wet-n-Wild Week- Lots of FUN activities that include water!! Be sure to bring a change of
clothes for your little campers.
Mad Science Week- Campers will learn about science and technology from experts.
Jr. Olympics Week – All of the campers will participate in a field day full of fun activities.
Spirit Week- Campers will get a chance to dress up each day of the week so show their
YMCA Camp spirit!! The themes will be chosen by our Camp Director soon!!
6WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Make sure to LABEL ALL ITEMS with your camper’s first and last name.
This helps tremendously when an item is misplaced and we need to search our
Lost & Found. (See our Lost & Found Policy on page 11.)
• Backpack, book bag and/or tote bag with a drawstring, zipper or other means of
securing the contents. The bag should be large enough to hold all personal belongings
(i.e., swim suit, towel, lunch, etc.) and small enough for your camper to carry all
day. It is preferable to have a water-proof bag.
• Bathing suit and towel. (Old beach towels work the best.) These items should be
brought to camp daily.
• Sack lunch, 2 snacks and drink. We suggest you pack 2 drinks or a refillable water
bottle. Please remember that there are NO REFRIGERATORS or MICROWAVES
at camp. Campers may not use the vending machines at any time during the camp
day
• NO alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or weapons (pocket knives, knives, guns, etc.) -- safety is
the YMCA’s primary concern. If your camper attends camp with any of these items,
they will be immediately expelled from camp for the entire summer. Refunds will not
be given for any camper expelled from camp.
• We cannot guarantee that valuable items will not be lost or stolen, nor is the YMCA
responsible for broken, lost or stolen items. The camp day is packed full of activities,
with not much down time; therefore, do not send Discmans, Gameboys, cell phones,
trading cards, IPODS etc. to camp. If such items are found the parent will be
contacted and all items will be confiscated and dropped into the safe and will only
be released to the parent/guardian. We are a Technology FREE Camp.
WHAT TO WEAR TO CAMP
• Old play shirt, shorts, socks, and SNEAKERS are required. Camp is based outdoors
and campers will come home dirty. Please don’t send campers wearing sandals, flip
flops, Crocs or other shoes unsuitable for outdoor play. NO jewelry. Jewelry can be
dangerous when playing and can be easily lost or broken. If they are wearing
inappropriate clothing, then the parents will be notified and asked to correct the
situation.
• SUNSCREEN We suggest SPF of 15 or more. Sunscreen should be applied before
campers get to camp. Counselors will remind campers to apply sunscreen, however;
counselors are not permitted to apply sunscreen to campers. Campers may not share
sunscreen, so if you would like your camper to reapply sunscreen throughout the camp
day, please make sure to provide sunscreen for your camper.
7PRE AND POST CAMP
The YMCA offers Pre and Post Camp care at no additional fee to accommodate the needs of
working parents. The Pre Camp program operates from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. in the
summer camp valet parking assigned area weather permitting. If it is raining parents must
park and bring their camper inside the building at the front entrance of the YMCA. The Post
Camp program begins at 4:00 p.m. and operates until 6:30 p.m. at our valet pick-up designed
areas, or in the gymnasium due to inclement weather. Please send an extra snack and drink
with your child for post camp.
CAMP DROP-OFF
Drop-off Counselors will be at the entrance of the drive-way to assist in drop-off. You may
drive up and the counselors will help the camper out of the vehicle, have you sign in, provide
you with a schedule, information, etc., and you never have to get out your vehicle! If you
arrive after 8:30 a.m., please park and bring your camper into the YMCA location for
sign in at the front desk. If the camp day has begun, we will need to locate your child’s
camp in order for you to escort your child to his/her camp location. PLEASE DO NOT
ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO ENTER THE YMCA ALONE. ALL CAMPERS MUST BE
SIGNED IN EVERYDAY. The safety of your children is our #1 goal.
CAMP PICK-UP
When you pick up your camper, you will need a picture I.D. everyday. The counselors will
check your I.D. with the authorized names to pick-up that are listed on your child’s
registration form, if the name of the person picking up your camper is not on the authorized
pick up list then your camper WILL NOT be released to that person. Your camper will then
be called and brought across the field to you. INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR PICK
UP MUST BE 18 years and OLDER, campers will not be released to anyone under the age
of 18 no matter if they are on the authorized pick up form.
• INCLEMENT WEATHER -In case of inclement weather, post-camp will take place
at the YMCA facility in the indoor gymnasium.
• TRANSITION TIMES - If you arrive before 4:00pm to pick up your camper,
there may be a longer waiting period due to our camp transition rotations
schedule, please be patient with our staff.
• DAILY ID CHECK AT CAMP PICK-UP - Campers must be signed out on a daily
basis. Parents or those authorized to pick up your camper must show their picture ID
everyday at sign out.
• ADDING PEOPLE TO YOUR AUTHORIZED PICK UP LIST - Please call the
YMCA if your camper will be picked-up by someone not listed on your camp
application. You will then be instructed to fax the authorized pick up information at
(678) 418-3521. It is important that a call is made prior to faxing so the appropriate
staff is waiting for your fax. We will not release your child to someone who is not
authorized.
• LATE PICK UP - If a camper is picked-up later than 6:30 p.m., a late fee of $1.00
every minute will be administered. The late fee is due at the time of pick up. After
7:00 p.m., if there has been no contact made with the YMCA and the emergency
contacts cannot be reached, the YMCA is required to call DFACS.
8FEES AND PAYMENT POLICIES
• A NON-REFUNDABLE / NON-TRANSFERABLE DEPOSIT OF $40
PROGRAM REGISTRATION FEE (Program Members)
• THE FEE IS REQUIRED PER CAMP/ PER SESSION/ PER CHILD.
• ALL BALANCES FOR EACH CAMP SESSION IS DUE AT POINT OF SALE
ON SAME DAY. YOU CAN PAY FOR MORE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE
BEGINNING OF EACH CAMP SESSION. One day constitutes an entire week.
No fees will be pro-rated. There will be a $10.00 late fee charged to your account if
payments are made past the due date.
• Registration and Payments are due at one/ two weeks before each camp session
begins, due to limited space.
• If payments are not received on the due date, the waitlist will be called to replace your
spot. The balance must be paid in full before a camper may attend camp. If your
camper attends camp with an unpaid balance, you will be called to come and pick-up
your child immediately. Fees are payable by check, money order, or
Visa/Master/Discover/AMEX card. Please do not send cash through the mail.
• A $37 service fee will be charged for all returned checks. If a check is returned, a
money order, credit card, will be required for all future payments and the campers will
not be allowed to return until all fees are current.
• Refunds/Cancellation – A written notice of cancellation is required one week in
advance of the camp starting for a refund, minus the deposit.
∗ No camper(s) may be registered with a past due balance from any other program.
∗ Membership must be current through August 5, 2019
HOW TO MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR CAMP
REGISTRATION
It is often difficult to fulfill requests for changes after the camp registration form has been
processed. Camps fill very quickly. In order to avoid disappointment, we ask that you make
every effort to talk with your camper and finalize your plans before registering. If it becomes
necessary for you to make a change (i.e. switching a session or changing camps) please do the
following:
Call the YMCA at least one week prior to the session start date.
CHILD GUIDANCE POLICY
Our Summer Camp program is designed for children to grow and learn. We believe that
discipline should be a learning experience not a humiliating or punitive one.
Our goal is to be proactive and preventive in our discipline procedures. Preventive discipline
involves clear expectations and consequences, consistency, redirection, humor, follow-
through, and positive reinforcement.
9The following steps will be taken when behavior expectations have not been met:
1. Verbal warning and explanation of why the behavior is inappropriate
2. Withdrawal from activity
3. Verbal communication between parent and staff
4. If behavior continues child will have a 1-day suspension
5. If behavior persists, suspension for 1-week and written contract will be drawn up.
Parent/guardian and child will be required to meet with Camp Counselor and Camp
Director before returning.
6. If contract is broken or prolonged disruptive or violent, unsafe behavior continues,
dismissal from Summer Camp may result.
Steps 1-3 may be omitted if Camp Director deems the behavior is serious and an
endangerment to themselves and/or others.
Note: If a parent is called for a discipline issue the camper must be picked up from camp
within one hour.
DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICATION
If your child must receive medication during Summer Camp hours, you must provide written
authorization. A medication authorization form is included at the end of the handbook for
convenience. The authorization must include: date, child’s name, name of medication,
prescription number, if any; dosage, date and time to be dispensed and parent/guardian
signature. All medication must be in its original container. The YMCA Summer Camp staff
will keep a written verification log of date, time and staff member who administered the
medication. No camper is allowed to carry his or her medications. (Including EpiPen).
SICK CHILDREN
A child with communicable diseases such as conjunctivitis (pinkeye), pediculosis (head
lice), scabies, ring worm, chicken pox, strep throat etc. or with a fever of 101 degrees or
higher and another contagious symptom, such as, but not limited to, a rash or diarrhea, sore
throat, or discolored mucus will not be allowed to attend or remain at Summer Camp.
Please refrain from allowing your child to return to camp until they have been without a fever
for 24hrs. If a child becomes ill during Summer Camp we will contact parents/guardians to
come pick-up the child within one hour.
WEATHER POLICY
Our camp is an OUTDOOR camp. Please dress your camper(s) accordingly. If there are light
showers, we will carry on camp activities as normal, so please send a rain jacket! We will
bring the campers inside the YMCA during thunderstorms or extreme heat (heat index
of 99 degrees or more).
LOST AND FOUND
If your camper misplaces a belonging during camp and it is found, that item will be displayed
at sign out. If parents would like to look for lost items, there will be a designated area in the
10YMCA specifically for camp items. Lost and Found items will be kept for one week and then
donated to charity.
CHILD ABUSE POLICY
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta believes that the safety, support and care of our campers
are the most important goals of the Summer Day Camp program. The law also has provisions
safeguarding the well-being of all children. Therefore, in compliance with state laws and
regulations the following applies:
Child care and day care personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child under the
age of 18 has had physical injuries inflicted upon him/her by other than accidental means by a
parent or guardian or has been neglected or exploited by a parent or guardian or has been
sexually assaulted or sexually exploited, MUST report or cause reports to be made to the
Department of Human Resources, Child Protection Agency.
ACCIDENTS & INJURIES
Although we take every effort to keep the children in Summer Day Camp safe at all times,
accidents and injuries are a normal part of childhood. Should your child become injured
during Summer Day Camp the following steps will be taken:
• Minor injury (scraps, bumps, bruises etc.) will be cleaned off with soap and water
and treated with band-aid or ice pack as needed. You will be notified at pick-up time of the
injury.
• Head injuries-due to the possible implications of head injuries we will treat all head
injuries as severe cases. The staff will monitor the child for signs of a concussion and will
provide ice if needed. Parents/guardians will be notified immediately of a head injury.
• More severe injuries- If a child should suffer a more severe injury we will attempt to
contact a parent/guardian before seeking professional medical attention. If we are unable to
reach a parent/guardian we will call emergency contacts. If these steps are unsuccessful we
will seek professional medical attention and continue to attempt to reach parents.
• Emergencies- If a child should need immediate medical attention we will contact 911
and parents/guardians. The child will be transported by ambulance and accompanied by a
YMCA staff. If we are unable to reach parent/guardians, we will contact emergency contacts
and continue to attempt to reach parents/guardians.
PICTURES & VIDEOS
Periodically, the YMCA takes pictures and/or videos of children and activities for newsletters,
for the promotion of programs in brochures or presentations, and/or for use at family events.
If you do not want your child’s picture to be used, please complete the enclosed refusal form
and return it to the Camp Director.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping with the policies!
11TYPES OF CAMPS
Traditional Day Camp – Ages 5-12
We offer traditional day camp for all ten weeks of summer. Campers will enjoy
swimming, outdoor recreation, group games, arts & crafts, weekly themes,
STEAM computer lab with 3D printer, summer learning and more. We will focus
activities around the four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and
responsibilities.
Explorers ages 5&6
Voyagers ages 7&8
Pathfinder ages 9&10
Commanders ages 11 &12
Sports Camp – Ages 5-12
Coaches will offer a half-day sports most weeks of camp. Campers will learn
fundamentals, rules and technique of the sport of the week, as well enjoy
traditional camp activities.
Basketball
Flag Football
Swim
Specialty STEAM Camp – Ages 5-12
Dive deep into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts &
Math) in the computer lab with our 3D printer. Each camper will have an
interactive experience that allows them to approach a variety of challenges,
utilize scientific processes and engineering designs to create solutions and much
more. We offer morning an afternoon half-day sessions to accommodate all
schedules.
12TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMPS
A.L.A (Advanced Leadership Academy) AKA – L.I.T - Ages 15
Learn the ins and outs of being a camp counselor. LITs will learn about games for
kids, interviewing skills, organizational skills, teaching techniques and team-
building. Participants must complete an application and interview process before
being selected to serve as a A.L.A.
Navigators Ages 13-14
This camp will be held onsite and offsite. Teens will have the opportunity to give
back to their community with weekly service projects, strengthen their
leadership skills by taking weekly leadership classes and participate in fun
outings.
Enjoy your summer at the YMCA!
13Photographs/Video REFUSAL SLIP
I do not wish to have my child photographed or videotaped during the 2019 Summer Camp program.
Child’s Name
Signature of Parent/Guardian DATE
Please turn this form to the Camp Director
14SUMMER CAMP 2019 AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION
FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN WITH
MEDICATION IN A ZIPLOC BAG AT DROP-OFF.
Child’s Name: _____________________________________________________________
Name of Medication: ________________________________________________________
Prescription Number: ________________________________________________________
Time Medication is to be Given: _______________________________________________
Amount of Medication to be Given:_____________________________________________
Dates to be Given: ___________________________________________________________
______________________________ _________________________________
Signature of (parent/Guardian) Date
For Staff Use Only
Date Time Given Amount Adverse Reactions Administered By
If noticeable adverse reaction to medication what action was taken? Please describe:
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