Zilker Day Camp Parent Guide 2020 - Girl Scouts of Central ...
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Zilker Day Camp
Parent Guide
2020
1
Important Contact Information
General Camp Questions or Concerns: Alicia “Bubba” Gust
Director of Camps & Outdoors
aliciag@gsctx.org
800-733-0011 ext. 109
Registration and Payment Questions: Michele “Starfish” Wagner
Activities Manager / Camps Registrar
michelew@gsctx.org
800-733-0011 ext. 111
All Other Inquiries: customercare@gsctx.org
800-733-0011
During Camp Hours/Days Only: zilkerdaycamp@gsctx.org
512-327-1777
Drop off/Pick up location Mc Beth Recreation Center
2401 Columbus Dr.
Austin, TX 78746
After-hours Emergency Only Paging Service: 800-733-0011 #9
2
Table of Contents
Behavior 4
Buddies at Camp 4
Bugs! 4
Camp Names 4
Cell Phones/Technology 4
Check-In/Out 5
Communications 5
Field Trips 5
Health & Wellness 6
Lost & Found 6
Meals 6
Medications 7
Notes from the Nurse 7
Open House 7
Packing List 8
Photos 8
Refund Policy 8
Special Needs 9
Swimming & Swimsuits 9
Weather 9
When do we call home? 10
3
Behavior
Everyone is expected to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law while at camp. We expect girls who attend to fully
participate in the life of camp – to attend activities, to share in daily responsibilities, and to sincerely work to get along
with others. The Camp Manager and staff will do everything possible to help girls adjust to camp life. However, if a
behavior or discipline problem becomes serious or disruptive, parents will be contacted. GSCTX reserves the right to
send home from camp any girl who consistently exhibits unsuitable behavior, endangers herself or others in the camp
community or whose actions towards others are unacceptable. Inappropriate behaviors include but are not limited to:
biting, hitting, bullying, excessive profanity, running away, refusing to participate in programs, not following staff
directions or creating an unsafe environment. On these rare occasions, the parent will be responsible for coming to
pick up their camper as soon as possible, and no refund for camp fees will be given.
Buddies at Camp
At Day Camp, we place our campers into groups by program level. This means first-year Brownies with first-year
Brownies, second-year Juniors with second-year Juniors, etc. We allow campers to request one buddy at camp,
however buddies will only be in the same group if they are the same program level. While we do our best to place
buddies, we cannot make any guarantees. Buddy requests must be entered as part of the registration process and
buddies must request each other. While many of our campers come to camp without a buddy, 100% of campers are
sure to make new friends at camp, whether accompanied by a buddy or participating individually.
Bugs!!
Bugs are a natural part of our outdoor environment. We treat ant hills, wasp nests, and spider webs where we can, but
can never completely remove the presence of insects from our camps. We ask campers to help where they can by not
carrying food, snacks, candy, etc. anywhere except their lunch box/bag. We also take care to reduce the mosquito
population where we can be eliminating standing water. We highly encourage everyone visiting our camps to protect
themselves by wearing, and reapplying as directed, insect repellant.
Camp Names
Ever wonder why the counselors and camp aides at camp have such fun names? The relationship between counselors
and campers is a special one. Calling the counselors ‘Mrs.’ is too formal for the camp setting, and counselors are
advisors/teachers/helpers/guardians and so calling counselors by their first names is too familiar. Camp Names has
proven a great way to handle the ‘what to call them’ question and has now become the time-honored tradition.
Counselors choose names that remind them of things they like or places they’re from, or sometimes just use a
nickname from their own childhood. At camp, you may meet a Snickers, a Sunshine, a Boston, or a Pumpkin Pie.
Campers do not get to use camp names until they have completed their first leadership program.
Cell Phones/Technology
More than ever before, this year’s campers have grown up in a world connected by technological devices. An important
hallmark of camp is to balance this reality with a high-quality outdoor experience aimed at inspiring respect for the
natural world year-round. To provide this important experience, we require campers to leave all electronics at home.
Any cell phones, mp3 players, iPods, handheld game devices, e-readers, iPads, tablets, or computer like objects brought
4to camp by campers will be collected and stored in the camp manager’s office until the camper is picked up. We
appreciate your family’s efforts to support this important requirement!
Check-In/Out
Check in is from 7:45 a.m.–8:00 a.m. each day at the McBeth Recreation Center picnic tables
(Monday check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. due to the additional time needed to collect paperwork)
Check out is 3:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. each day at the McBeth Recreation Center picnic tables
Worried about making it to check out by 3 p.m.? – Consider registering your camper for Extended Care. This option
allows your camper to stay until 6pm. NEW this year, we are offering Extended Care by the day or by the week.
If arriving late for check-in or check-out, or if your camper is in Extended Care, you will need to walk from the McBeth
Recreation Center to the Zilker Cabin to pick up your camper. Please do not drive directly up to Zilker Cabin. The road
is too narrow and cannot accommodate more than one vehicle at a time.
During check-in, do not leave a child of ANY age unattended. All campers and camp aides must be checked-in with
camp staff.
During check out, we will ONLY release the camper to someone listed on the Camper Release Form that also shows a
government issued photo ID. This includes parents so don’t forget to list anyone who could be picking up that child on
your form and make sure whoever is picking up brings their ID.
If your camper will be arriving late or needs to be picked up early, please notify us as soon as possible.
Please park only in designated parking spaces and do not block any buildings, driveways, or dumpsters. Do not enter
any of the McBeth Center buildings or allow children to play on outdoor playscape. Please try to keep gates closed at
all times.
Communication
It is very important that we have the correct contact information and person(s) on all of your camper’s paperwork
(registration, health forms, camper release). Please ensure that the phone numbers and email addresses are correct
and that the person or persons listed checks them regularly. Any information that we need to send to all camper
families will go out via email, this includes emergency communications or changes to pick-up/ drop-off information.
Field Trips
Once each week, usually on Wednesdays, campers will travel by chartered bus to a location locally that pertains to the
theme of the week. Campers should wear their camp shirt (given out at check-in) on field trip days. Information
regarding the location of that week’s trip will be distributed at check-in on Mondays.
5Health and Wellness for Campers
Let Us Be Your Parenting Partner. Some parents hesitate to provide camps with personal information about their
camper’s behavior or past experiences. They fear the information may be misused or are concerned about their child
being labeled, singled out or treated differently. All parents want to see their child have a strong, fresh start at camp,
unrestrained by past problems. As seasoned camp professionals, we appreciate and understand these concerns. We
also know how invaluable such information can be in assisting us help your child make a smooth and happy adjustment
to camp. Having prior knowledge of a learning difficulty, ADHD, medical condition, recent loss or major change in the
family for example can make a tremendous difference in helping us be sensitive to your child’s need for patience,
understanding and reassurance, especially in the first few days of camp. This is especially true for children who have
attention issues or anxiety in new situations. Children often use their behaviors rather than their words to tell us
something is bothering them. Having advance knowledge of areas that might be difficult for your child helps us
understand the messages in her actions. The better we understand your child, the more we can do to ensure a better
camp experience for her. Our commitment is to use such information only to help your child adjust to camp. It will not
be used unless necessary and will only be made available to those staff members whose knowledge is directly relevant
to the safe and positive delivery of camp programs for your camper. Remember, when faced with challenges, we can
help your child have success, if you help us. We encourage you to make us a full partner in planning for your child’s
summer success by providing us with as much information as you can about your camper. Our Health History form
contains space for this important information.
Your camper may come home with insect bites, minor cuts/abrasions or sunburn. While all attempts are made to
prevent these occurrences, they are a normal part of outdoor living and activity. The counselors will emphasize the
regular application of insect repellant and sunscreen but campers will have to follow these instructions. First aid is
provided to all campers, but campers must make us aware of their needs as they arise in order for us to help. If your
camper is unusually sensitive to sun exposure or insect bites, please let us know.
Lost & Found
Please help us prevent lost and found items. Label everything clearly with permanent marker and involve your camper
in the packing process. Please check the lost and found table during check out. Items left behind are sent to the
Kodosky Center the week following each session. Items are donated to charity on September 1st if not claimed. To
claim items, please send as much information as possible to customercare@gsctx.org.
Meals
All Day Campers should plan to bring a sack lunch in a soft sided container each day of camp. We will provide a mid-
morning and mid-afternoon snack and plenty of water. Lunches will be kept cool, but not cold, so please don’t send
items that are overly perishable. If your camper has special dietary needs, please let us know on the Health History
Form so we can be sure to accommodate. We always plan to have gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy free options
available. If your camper has any additional restrictions beyond those, please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance
of her camp session. We are nut-aware, but not a nut free camp. We do our very best to work with each family to
ensure no camper is left out of a camp experience due to dietary needs.
6Medications
GSCTX camp infirmaries are well-stocked with over-the-counter medications found in most homes such as aspirin,
Tylenol, calamine lotion, etc. to treat our campers. There is no need for you to bring these items and it will significantly
speed up your check in experience if you do not. On the health history forms, please make sure to indicate what
medications you want us to use to treat your camper if the need arises. We need all medical treatment items to be
given to health staff at check in, including, but not limited to, hand sanitizers, vitamins, essential oils, pain relievers, etc.
If your camper doesn’t strictly need these items, we recommend you leave them at home.
• If your camper has any allergy, disorder or disease that could flare up while at camp, please let the Health Staff know
in writing on the health history forms.
• ALL MEDICATION MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND LABELED if brought to camp. Include on the forms
provided written and legible instructions, giving CAMPER'S NAME, DOSAGE, and DIRECTIONS.
• Please send prescription or necessary medications ONLY!
• ALL medications should be together in a resealable clear plastic bag and given to the Health Supervisor during check
in.
• Please do not pack medications in backpacks or you will have to retrieve them in order to complete the check in
process.
• All medications will be administered according to the prescription or packing label. Adjustments to medication
dosage cannot be made without written physician instructions.
• If you have an emergency medication that needs to be kept on the camper or with their counselor instead of the
infirmary- such as an epi-pen or inhaler- please be prepared to discuss this need upon check in with the health staff.
Notes from the Health Staff
• If there are personal or religious objections to the immunizations, the camper must submit an original
Vaccine/Health Exam Exemption Affidavit, available through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Campers
with exemptions for immunizations cannot stay in camp without the affidavit.
• Day Campers are not required to have a physical for camp.
Open House
Open House is a great opportunity to view camp facilities, tour the camp, and get a preview of some of the fun
activities your camper will do while at camp. The Open Houses’ are free of charge and open to all family members and
friends of campers. Please leave any pets at home. Each camp offers something different for girls, and gorgeous
landscape and surroundings all its own. You’re sure to find which camp is a perfect match!
Zilker Day Camp – Sunday, March 8th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
7Packing List
Here’s a list of things your camper should bring to camp! You are highly encouraged to label each camper’s items with
permanent marker!
_____ Insect repellent (non-aerosol, with DEET preferred)
_____ Waterproof sun screen-at least SPF 30
_____ Day pack (shoulder bag that closes) or backpack
_____ Bathing suit (one-piece suit or tankini recommended due to activity level)
_____ Cover-Up or extra clothes (girls must wear a cover up or clothes over their bathing suits during transportation)
_____ Large towel for pool
_____ Hair ties or bands (for hair long enough to be put into a pony tail)
_____ Hat with a brim
_____ Reusable Water Bottle
_____ Closed-toe shoes NO FLIP-FLOPS!
What not to bring to camp
• Electronics
• Valuables
• Make up
• Jewelry
• Breakables
• Nice clothes or shoes
• Sandals
GSCTX staff are not responsible for any items that are lost or damaged during your camper’s
visit so be sure to pack carefully.
Photos
We know how much fun your camper has with us and understand your wanting us to share photos of her camp
experience with you! Unfortunately, we often do not have the staffing capacity to do this at Day Camp. Please also note
that some families do not want their camper’s photo to be taken or posted online – we absolutely respect their
request. Thanks for your understanding!
However:
• Your child will bring home a picture of their camp group in a homemade frame on the Friday of their session. These
pictures are generally taken during our field trip and will only include girls who were present on that day and who have
permission to be in photographs.
• We will NOT take or post any pictures of campers that don’t have a photo release on file with GSCTX, including group
photos. This permission will be part of your confirmation paperwork. Campers without a photo release on file will be
asked to wear something nondescript (like a neck bolo or handkerchief) to identify them.
Refund Policy
While we hope that you are able to join us this summer for camp, we know that sometimes things happen and a
change has to be made to your registration date. Up to 2 weeks prior to your camp session’s start date, if we are
notified in writing, a full refund (minus the $50 deposit) is available. Should a medical issue arise prior to camp check-in,
your camper can be rescheduled into a later session, if available, at no charge. Rescheduling or a refund due to a
8medical reason can only be made with a note from medical personnel. You must notify us in writing no later than the
first day of your camper’s session of any illness in order to reschedule or receive a refund. Refunds will not be issued if
your camper ‘No Shows’ for her session. Refunds will not be processed until all required documentation is received.
Special Needs/Considerations
In order to attend Girl Scouts of Central Texas’ summer day camps, campers should be able to meet the following
essential functions:
• Move independently from place to place, including being able to walk up to a quarter mile in one stretch
• Effectively interact in group-based program content
• Be able to meet personal needs (toileting, dressing, diet management, etc.)
• Capable self-manager of chronic illness. A camper must be able to be aware of her own dietary restrictions,
medication requirements and potential restrictions on physical activity and can alert counselors when she
needs additional assistance.
Help us ensure your girl’s success at camp. Our goal is to provide a positive experience for all girls, and the more we
know, the more we can help her grow. Parents/guardians of girls with special needs or unique habits should contact
the appropriate camp manager or customercare@gsctx.org so the best placement and appropriate accommodations
can be made.
Swimming & Swimsuits
Weather permitting, Zilker Day Campers will travel by chartered bus to a local private pool most days of the week
except field trip days and Fridays. The pool is staffed by GSCTX Lifeguards. All campers are required to demonstrate
their swimming skills regardless of prior experience. We use this demonstration to allow our lifeguards to become
familiar with each girls’ varying abilities and to decide which campers will be allowed to swim in the deep end of the
pool. This is not meant to be a swim ‘test’ or to take the place of a swim card and is not a pass or fail situation. All
campers will be assigned a different color wristband based on their demonstrated abilities, that will allow them access
to the different areas and depths of the pool, and all campers will be allowed to participate in free swims.
We highly recommend you send your camper with a one-piece swim suit or “tankini”. Due to the active nature of camp
and the large number of hours spent in the sun, we want to make sure to protect your camper as much as possible and
that includes recommending the appropriate swimwear for your camper. If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact us.
We require everyone to wear their clothing over their swimsuits while traveling to and from the pool. If your camper
does not want to put their regular clothes back on over a wet swimsuit, you can send her with an appropriate swimsuit
cover-up. The cover-up must cover both the campers top and bottom half. Campers will be allowed to change out of
their wet swimsuits once they arrive back at the main camp.
Weather happens!
Our outdoor activities are dependent upon the weather. In the case of bad weather (lightning, thunder, and high
winds) it may become too dangerous to continue with the activity. The decision to cancel an activity due to bad
weather is left up to the expertise/discretion of the instructor/manager leading and trained in the safety standards of
the activity. We will do our absolute best (but cannot guarantee) to reschedule any canceled activities, depending on
the weather and time/day of the week. Alternative activities will take place in the event of unsafe weather conditions.
We want to encourage you to not worry, our staff is trained on what to do and where to go during severe weather &
other emergencies. We do not want to put you in any danger trying to get to camp. If there is an event that we need
9you to pick up your camper, we will implement our Emergency Plan and our camp team will contact you with specific
information regarding when and where to pick up your camper. Please do not put yourself in danger needlessly.
What if it is REALLY Hot Outside?
We still have a great time at camp even when it is hot outside. We encourage the girls to drink plenty of water and to
refill their water bottles often with cold water from the camp water station. Please encourage your Girl Scouts to
spend increasing amounts of time outdoors prior to arriving at camp so that being in the heat is not a total surprise to
her. All campers should bring a refillable water bottle and sunscreen to camp. You may also consider hats, light colored
clothing and cooling towels or bandanas. Allow your child to get used to the heat by encouraging outside play,
teaching her the importance of drinking water, and showing her how to protect herself with sunscreen and clothing.
When will GSCTX Staff call home?
We will contact a parent or guardian if a camper:
• Experiences atypical homesickness (clinging to adults, , disrupting camp activities or crying constantly)
• Experiences behavior challenges including but not limited to:
o Hitting, biting, other physical violence
o Running away or hiding from staff
o Bullying
o Severe inappropriate language
o Stealing
o Sexual harassment
o Endangering herself or others
• Has an acute, sudden illness
• Has a temperature of 101 or higher
• Has an active case of head lice
• Needs to be taken to Urgent Care or the hospital
Parents are welcome to contact the camp office at any time with questions or concerns.
Smoking Policy: Thank you for not smoking at camp. GSCTX policy prohibits smoking in or on council
property.
Firearm Policy: The carrying or possession of any type of weapon or firearm, even with a concealed handgun
license, on GSCTX council premises (including all camp properties) is strictly prohibited.
Please do not bring pets to camp, even during check-in/out. Service animals are welcome.
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