Parent Handbook Summer Camp Programs 2021 - COVID-19 Edition - Reach your peak.
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Reach your peak.
Parent Handbook
Summer Camp
Programs
2021
COVID-19 Edition
TABLE OF CONTENTSWelcome Letter 1
General Camp Information
Contact Information 2
Camp Goals and Objectives 2
Camp Activities 2
Camp Rules 3
Hours/Drop Off & Pick Up
Camp Hours 3
Parent/Guardian Sign-In/Out 3
Attendance 4
Drop Off and Pick Up Times 4
Lost and Found 4
Safety 4
Lunch & Snack 5
Camp Dress Code 5
What To Bring/What Not To Bring 5
Tuition & Payment Policies
Fees 6
Withdraw Policy 6
Absences 6
Illness Guidelines
Injuries/Medical Emergencies 6
Medications 7
Sunburns 7
Discipline Policy
Verbal Warnings and Reports 7
Separate Households
8
Wednesday Activities
9
Weather
9
Additional Policies & Information
Fire/Emergency Drills 10
Staff Conduct 10
Parent/Guardian Conduct 10
Reporting Abuse or Neglect 10
Questions & Concerns 10
Camp Guidelines are subject to change in order to better facilitate the program.
1Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to welcome you and thank you for choosing the Apex Centre to be a part of your
family’s activities this summer. It’s no secret the Apex Centre is home to a wide variety of
recreation and leisure opportunities throughout the year. We are thrilled you have chosen us to
host your child and provide them with new and exciting experiences by participating in the 2021
Apex Centre Summer Camp Program.
The Apex Centre’s Camp Staff believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow
through meaningful summer camp experiences in a healthy and safe environment. The Apex
Centre aims to create a high-quality summer camp program with an intentional focus on youth
development and continued education. Our hope is that your child and family will be positively
impacted and enriched because of your time with us.
The Parent Handbook is designed to acquaint you with our Apex Summer Camp Program
guidelines, as well as to provide valuable information to help prepare you and your child for what
is to come during the 2021 Camp Program. We encourage you to browse through the handbook
and use it as a resource should you have any questions.
We hope you enjoy your experience with us, and we thank you for choosing the Apex Centre!
Sincerely,
Jesslyna Olivares
Recreation and Fitness Supervisor
2General Camp Information
Contact Information
Jesslyna Olivares – Recreation and Fitness Supervisor (972) 547-9007
jolivares@mckinneytexas.org
Alex Copeland- Assistant Recreation Supervisor (972) 547-9025
acopelan@mckineytexas.org
Apex Centre (972) 547-2739
camp@mckinneytexas.org
Camp Goals and Objectives
Support
• Participants will receive positive adult and peer interactions through relationship building,
activities, team challenges, and exposure to new experiences.
Empowerment
• Participants will be empowered by making choices in activities, building friendships, and
taking on leadership roles in day-to-day camp processes.
Constructive Use of Time
• Participants will grow by playing group and individual games, engaging in activities, and
being exposed to experiences without being plugged in.
Commitment to Learning
• Participants will be engaged in all games and activities when leaders use our 5E Lesson
Plan model, participate in S.T.E.M. activities, and group challenges.
Positive Values
• Participants will learn the importance of friendships, respect, and integrity by being
influenced through positive staff and peer relationships, rules, and boundaries.
Social Competencies
• Participants will learn how to problem-solve, build friendships, regulate emotions, and
respect others through positive staff and peer influence.
Positive Identity
• Participants will gain confidence by taking on leadership roles, working with staff and
peers, and participating in group and individual activities.
Camp Activities
Daily camp activities at the Apex Centre will take place both indoors and outdoors, weather
permitting. Campers will take part in activities based on our themes. Campers will swim every
day (see list of what to bring below). The schedule for the week will be available to all parents
3every Monday. Wednesday activities in lieu of field trips are in the middle of the camp week at
various times. Schedules are subject to change. Please see more details below:
What to expect at camp
• Games
• Arts and Crafts
• Science Experiments
• Continual Learning Activities
• Group and Individual Activities
• Nature Walks
• Outdoor Play
• Sports
Camp Rules
• Campers must follow and listen to the counselor’s instructions at all times.
• During the camp, children must be accompanied by a counselor at all times.
• If a child uses a restroom, the counselor must accompany them to the location.
• Campers must be courteous to other campers, counselors, and Apex Centre property at
all times.
• No foul or rude language and/or aggressive behavior will be tolerated.
• Zero tolerance for bullying (suspension and expulsion from camp may result with no
refund based on severity)
Hours/Drop Off & Pick Up
Camp Hours
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended hours
Before Care $20: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
After Care $20: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Campers that are not picked up by 6:00 p.m. will receive a 1st warning. If campers do not get
picked up by 6:00 p.m. for a second time, the camper will lose their spot in the camp for the
week. If your child has not been picked up by 7:00 p.m., McKinney Police will be notified. A
report will be filed with police and your child will be released into the custody of Child
Protective Services. Please direct any questions you may have regarding this policy to the Apex
Centre Manager, Teresa Thomason, at tthomason@mckinneytexas.org 972-547-9026.
4Parent/Guardian Sign-In and Out
Parents/Guardians are required to sign their child in and out each day. Campers must be escorted
to and from the building each day by their parent or other authorized persons. Children are not
allowed under any circumstances to sign themselves in or out of the program. For the safety of
your children, A STATE ISSUED DRIVERS LICENSE MUST BE PRESENT AT EVERY PICKUP.
If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up your child, this policy will be explained to them
and you will be called and asked to verify their identity by sending an email with a signed
permission letter to jolivares@mckinneytexas.org. Once the email is received, your child will be
released. If you are unable to complete the steps of granting permission, your child will not be
released. In the case that the unauthorized person continues in their attempt to take the child
without permission, the police will be notified immediately.
Sign- In and Out COVID-19 Guidelines
Parents/Guardians and campers are required to hand sanitize before starting the process
of check-in and check-out. Campers are required to have a temperature check and
completed wellness checklist at check-in each day before entering camp.
Attendance
Regular attendance is heavily encouraged as daily activities are important in the overall camp
experience; however, attendance is not mandatory. In the case that your child will be absent on
a field trip day, please speak with or leave a message with Jesslyna Olivares, Recreation
Supervisor, as soon as possible at jolivares@mckinneytexas.org or (972) 547-9007.
Drop Off and Pick up Times
Regular drop off at 7:00/8:00 a.m. is heavily encouraged as well as pick up at 5:00/6:00 p.m.
however it is ok to drop off after 8:00 a.m. and pick up before 5:00 p.m. Daily activities will
commence at 9:00 a.m. every day. Drop off is located in the gym and pickup is located in the
party rooms.
A mandatory drop off time on Activity Wednesdays will be given the Monday of camp and will be
sent home in a letter notification at pickup on Tuesday. Any campers late to field trips are allowed
to be dropped off at the field trip location. NO campers will be allowed to stay behind at the Apex
Centre on Wednesdays, including late arrivals.
Lost and Found
In order to keep the frequency of lost items at a minimum, we ask that you remind your camper
to keep track of their belongings and that you label them with your child’s name. Any unclaimed
items that remain at the facility for two weeks will be donated. The Apex Centre is not responsible
for any lost or stolen items.
5Safety
In order to provide a fun, safe environment for your campers during their time with us, we strive
to hire and train the best camp counselors. The Apex Centre requires counselors to have current
CPR and first aid training, we search for individuals who have a desire to work with children, are
fun and outgoing, have strong leadership skills and are good role models. Our counselors go
through pre-camp training that focuses on relationship building, continual learning, youth
development, and behavior management.
Our camps will include a staff-to-participant ratio of 1:10. This will allow our counselors to
provide quality care to all campers. If your camper needs 1-on-1 assistance, please notify
Samantha Frison at sfrison@mckinneytexas.org | 972-547-2694 to receive accommodations.
Lunch & Snack
Please send a sack lunch (no microwavable items, please), a water bottle, and a morning and
afternoon snack with your camper daily. If your child chooses to bring money to camp, the Apex
Centre is not responsible for lost or stolen money.
Lunch and Snack COVID-19 Guidelines
Counselors will encourage and promote social distancing of at least 3 feet between
participants. Participants will be required to wash their hands before any consumption of
food.
Camp Dress Code
Campers should come dressed in seasonably appropriate, comfortable clothing. Shorts, tights, or
leggings must be worn under all dresses. Parents should prepare their campers with the proper
attire depending on the activities held that day (i.e. field trips).
Open-toed or open-backed shoes, including sandals, are not permitted with the exception of any
time they are going to the pool. Rubber-soled sneakers are the most appropriate type of shoes
for participation in various types of activities. Wearing jewelry is discouraged, as it can be a
potential safety hazard.
What to Bring/What Not to Bring
Daily Items to Remember
• Lunch (No microwavable items, please)
• 2 Snacks (Morning/Afternoon)
• Bathing Suit
• Towel
• Coast Guard Approved Lifejacket (If needed to swim)
• Change of Clothes and Underwear (In case of an emergency)
6• Closed Toed Shoes
• Water Bottle
• Hat
• Spray-on Sunscreen (If you do not want your child to use the sunscreen we provided)
Prohibited Items
• Electronics (phones, tablets, headphones, accessories)
• Real or Play Guns or Knives
• Scooters/Rip Sticks/Related Items
• Personal Games or Sports Equipment
What to Bring/What Not to Bring COVID-19 Guidelines
Mask for ages 10 years or older is encouraged except when outside, eating, swimming, or
actively playing.
The Apex Centre is not responsible for any broken, traded, borrowed or stolen property.
Tuition & Payment Policies
Fees
Weekly Tuition:
Members/Non-members: $200
Refund Policy
In the case that you need to withdraw your child from camp, we will process refunds until May
14th 2021. Refunds do not include the $25.00 down payment (for pay in full/payment plan
options). After May 14th 2021, refunds will only be processed for extenuating circumstances with
provided documentation i.e. COVID positive, family emergency, illness, etc. If there is no
extenuating circumstance, we will process a transfer if possible or apply the money to another
week of camp that is pending payment. Please email or give your written notice to the Recreation
and Fitness Supervisor Jesslyna Olivares jolivares@mckinneytexas.org to make arrangements to
withdraw your child.
Absences
Due to financial obligations, payments or other fees will not be refunded because of an
absence(s), unscheduled vacation, or withdrawals. The only exception: a prorated refund/credit
will only be considered with a written doctor’s notification if the camper misses 3 or more days
or a documented family emergency.
Illness Guidelines
Children will be asked to leave camp if they have any of the following conditions:
• Fever of higher than 100 degrees
7• Discharge from the eyes or nose
• Condition resulting in vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
Children will also be asked to leave camp if they have been exposed to head lice and are
untreated or who have been treated and are not nit-free. Children will not be allowed to return
to camp without a written notice from their physician.
If a child has a temperature higher than 103 degrees and the parent is unable to immediately
pick up the child, 911 will be called. Staff illness guidelines are the same as those stated above.
Illness Guidelines COVID-19 Guidelines
Please prescreen your child for COVID-19 symptoms before arriving to camp.
If the participant has a cough, fever or symptoms of COVID-19 please do not come to the
facility until you are symptom-free and fever-free for three days without the use of
medication.
If you have been tested positive for COVID-19 or have knowingly come in close contact
with someone who has, we ask that you do not come to the facility for 14 days or you
have tested negative for COVID-19. *Please see Prescreen Checklist online*
Injuries/ Medical Emergencies
Upon signing the waiver and release of liability form, you have given the Apex Centre the ability
to secure medical care to your child in your absence. You will also assume liability for the
payment. We will make every effort to contact you at the number(s) you have provided on your
child’s registration form. If we are unable to contact you at those numbers, we will call your listed
emergency contact. Please keep us informed and updated of any changes to your contact
information.
Medications
If your child requires medication while in camp care, we must have a completed medication form
before a staff member may administer medication. The medication must be a prescription in its
original container, and the label must include the child’s name. The medication must be handed
to the camp staff from the parent and then camp staff will store medication in a lockbox that will
stay in the general camp area. Any rapid release medication such as inhalers or epi pens will be
held by Leads when on field trips and in camp areas outside of the Apex Centre building (i.e.,
playground).
We will only give the medication according to the directions on the container. We are not
permitted to administer over-the-counter medications without written approval and directions
from a physician. If you give your child medication before coming to camp, please inform a staff
member, so we are aware if side effects develop. Inhalers and peak flows must follow the same
instructions as the prescription medication. The camp staff will give the medication to the parent
at the end of the camp week.
8Medications COVID-19 Guidelines
All staff members that administer medication will be required to wash their hands and
wear gloves during administration.
Sunburns
Please send sunscreen with your child each day. All children will need to apply sunscreen before
going outdoors. Please alert the camp counselors of any heat-related illnesses your child may
suffer. Please send children with spray sunscreen and note if they need assistance with the
application. Counselor will only be able to apply spray sunscreen to children; staff will not apply
other types of sunscreen. When campers are participating in water activities, they will be asked
to re-apply sunscreen approximately one hour after entering the water. If your child has a light
complexion or is prone to sunburn, please send them with an extra T-shirt and hat to wear on
water days. Participants with extensive sunburns will be allowed to participate in the program,
but their outdoor participation will be limited.
Discipline Policy
Our policy centers on a “positive discipline” philosophy. We use positive reinforcement as well
as redirection. Prevention of problems is the key to a happy summer for campers. At the
beginning of each week, participants are given rules and expectations in order to stay safe and
have fun at camp. The use of the “Chill Chair” and “Chill Box” is to allow campers to learn how to
redirect themselves and take a moment to relax and get away from an escalating situation
without having to be sat out by staff.
If a serious incident takes place such as violence against a person or property, a false 911 call or
fire alarm, or any situation deemed dangerous and against safety policies by the Recreation
Supervisor, the child may be sent home and or suspended from camp immediately without going
through the steps listed below.
The youth participant who engages in disruptive behavior shall be given verbal warnings by staff,
and the staff will document the warning and the nature of the disruptive behavior in writing,
using the daily communication log
Verbal Warning/Report: Talking to the participant and reflecting on the situation. Staff will ask
the participant what they can do differently and will also explain what actions will be taken if the
behavior continues. A discipline report will be completed in order to document the verbal
warning.
2nd Verbal Warning/Report and Parent Notification: The camper will be reminded of what rule
they broke. The camper will be taken out of the activity by the camp lead and placed in chill time
for a maximum of 5 minutes. A camp counselor will complete a discipline report. The parents will
be notified at pick up by camp lead.
93rd Verbal Warning/Report and Suspension Warning: A camp lead will take the child out of the
activity and complete a discipline report. The Recreation Supervisor will be notified and intervene
by helping the child to understand their actions and better direct their feelings. A second
discipline report will be completed, and the parent will be notified by phone of the report and
informed that the next incident will result in a suspension. *Days of suspension are determined
on a case by case standard*
4th Report and Suspension: A camp lead will take the child out of the activity and complete a
discipline report. The parent will be notified of the fourth discipline report. They will be asked to
pick up the camper immediately. The camper will be suspended. In order for the child to return
to camp, the parents and camper must meet with the Recreation Supervisor and the Apex Centre
Manager. There will be no refund. *Days of suspension are determined on a case by case
standard*
Additional Reports: The camper will be dismissed from the camp for the remainder of the season.
Violence is taken very seriously. Any child whose behavior is deemed as a threat to him or herself
or to other children may be removed from the program until staff believes the problem no longer
exists. If a camper were to engage in physical violence or cause a false fire alarm, a discipline
report will be filled out, and the child will be sent home immediately with three days of
suspension. Accounts will not be credited for any suspended days.
Separate Households
From time to time, staff is placed in a situation regarding a custody dispute. The Apex Centre staff
cannot deny a parent access to his or her child. Staff is instructed not to put themselves or
children in jeopardy in order to mediate a family dispute or attempt to enforce a court order. If
a parent chooses to leave a child in the care of the Apex Centre’s Summer Camp with a court
order in force, the custodial parent will be required to sign an acknowledgement stating the Apex
Centre’s inability to physically obstruct a hostile effort to take the child from the facility.
Non-custodial parents cannot act as a parental volunteer on field trips or other center events
without written permission from the custodial parent.
Wednesday Activities
A mandatory drop-off time on Activity days will be given on the Monday of camp and sent home
in a letter notification at pickup.
Weather
The camp is an indoor/outdoor camp and will strictly adhere to the ozone alerts. The schedules
will be adjusted to accommodate severe weather conditions.
10Additional Policies & Information
Fire/ Emergency Drills
Campers will practice fire drills and tornado drills at random times throughout the summer. We
will practice these with the campers and go through the proper steps so they will be ready in case
of a real emergency.
Staff Conduct
Staff will always address issues and concerns in an appropriate manner to the participants,
parents and/or guardians. It is unacceptable for a staff member to express hostility in any manner
toward other members of staff, camp participant, parent, and/or guardian. Prior to employment,
we require them to complete a current adult, child, infant CPR and first aid with AED certification.
The Apex Centre staff is not allowed to transport campers in their personal vehicles. Staff is also
not allowed to “babysit” or provide care to campers outside of Summer Camp. If a staff person
violates these rules, the City of McKinney and the Apex Centre may not be held responsible for
the actions of the employee.
Parent/ Guardian Conduct
Parents and guardians need to address issues and concerns in an appropriate manner to the staff.
It is unacceptable for a parent or guardian to express hostility in any manner toward staff or camp
participants. All discipline issues are handled by camp staff and should not be discussed with
other camp participants. If you do not feel your issue has been resolved by a staff member or the
Recreation Supervisor, please call the Apex manager.
Reporting Abuse or Neglect
As childcare providers, it is our responsibility to report child abuse or neglect to Child Protective
Services. To report child abuse, call Child Protective Services (972) 562-5832
Questions & Concerns
The Apex Centre strives to provide the best possible experience for your child during our Summer
Camp Program. We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
The Recreation Division supervises the Apex Summer Camp Program and will do anything they
can to assist you in any way you may need. Contact information can be found below.
Jesslyna Olivares
Recreation Supervisor
Apex Centre
(972) 547-9007
jolivares@mckinneytexas.org
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