Policies & Procedures
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Hello and welcome to the Worcester County Department of
Recreation & Parks Summer Camp program. We are excited to
have your child join us and we are looking forward to a fun
filled summer with your child!
Our goal is to provide a balanced day of sports and activities
geared towards fun, socialization, and learning. Our hope is
that your child will make new friends in a fun, safe
environment they look forward to returning to each day.
Please carefully review all of the information in this packet,
and review our behavioral policies with your child. We will also
review these each week of camp.
We recognize the Summer season is a fun time for your child
and we want to support them in engaging in sports and
recreational activities, but we want to do so in a way that will
keep them safe.
Due to the current COVID pandemic we have made changes to
our Summer Camp format in order to comply with the
Governor’s Orders, local health department, and the CDC.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. We
are looking forward to a great summer.
Sincerely,
Myro Small
Myro Small
Program Manager
410-632-2144 ext. 2512
[email protected]
Summer Camp
Schedule
June 21 - 25 Basketball Camp 1 Field Day Camp June 28 – July 2 Soccer Camp 1Recreation Sports Camp 1 July 6 - 9
July 4 Morning July 4 Afternoon July 12 - 16 Volleyball Camp Sports Combo Camp 1 July 19 - 23
Track Camp
Recreation Sports Camp 2 July 26 - 30
Soccer Camp 2 Theme Week Camp 1 August 2 - 6
Basketball Camp 2 Recreation Sports Camp 3 August 9 -13
Fitness Challenge Camp Sports Combo Camp 2 August 16 - 20 Flag Football Camp Recreation Sports Camp 4 August 23 - 27
Response to COVID
With the health and safety of our campers and staff as our top priority, we are implementing many new safety procedures this year.
Small and Consistent Groups
We feel the best way to keep our campers and staff healthy is to create a “bubble” are campers. Each week children we be assigned to a group made up 15-17 campers and two counselors. These campers and counselor will stay together for the entirety of the week with no overlap between groups.
Increased Cleaning & Hygiene Measures
We have dedicated additional staff to monitor the implementation of our new cleaning and sanitizing policies. These new measures include:
• Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touches objects and surfaces (such as door handles, countertops, tables, chairs, etc.) with special emphasis on the high-traffic, high-touch areas of camp. • Sports equipment throughout camp will be cleaned immediately following group usage.
• Hand sanitizer available within each group.
• Encourage social distancing with campers and counselors from other groups.
• On opening day, we will have an orientation for campers to teach best practices on personal hygiene, cleanliness and recommended protocol for personal space. This will include the following:
o Proper hand washing and frequency.
o Covering of mouth or nose when sneezing and coughing. o NO sharing of food, cups or utensils.
o Water bottles must be filled at the bottle filing stations. Water fountains will NOT be in use. o We will encourage fist/elbow bumps and discourage high fives.
Face Coverings
We request that all campers and counselors bring a face covering (mask, bandana, etc.) to camp. Face covering will be required by campers and parents during pick-up and drop-off. Face coverings will NOT be required outdoors or during snack/lunch times. Staff are required to wear a face covering for indoor activities when not instructing their group of campers. Campers may elect to wear face covering for any indoor or outdoor activity they choose. If a counselor or camper begins to exhibit COVID symptoms, he/she will be asked to wear a face covering and will go to the Isolation Station.
Parents, you are our partner in this plan and communication is KEY! We are asking that you…
• Please monitor your camper’s health in a week leading up to camp. We recommend taking your camper’s temperature each day.
• Do NOT bring your camper to camp if they are sick or exhibiting any COVID symptoms.
• If anyone in your household has been exposed to someone who has tested positive to COVID in the 14 days leading up to camp, you must provide documentation that your camper has tested negative to COVID prior to arriving to camp.
In Person Registration
Registration forms can be picked up at the Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC) or downloaded from our website,
www.WorcesterRecandParks.org.
To register for camp you can bring in your registration form to the WCRC or mail it in. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. You must be in person in order to use a credit card. Please make checks payable to Worcester County.
For registration to be complete, the registration form must be completed, payment received, and a signed copy of our concussion form, authorized pick up form, and the acknowledgement form for
reading/receiving this packet must be on file.
Financial Information
Deposits
A $5 deposit must be paid per participant, per week to reserve their spot in that week of camp. Camp space is limited and will fill up. The $5 deposit will be
deducted from your total balance due. If a participant does not show up for camp, the deposit will NOT be re- funded. If notice is given a week prior to camp (Monday before) the deposit can be credited to another camp, if not already filled.
Limited Space
Camp space is limited and will fill up. Your deposit
will reserve your spot in that week of camp. Registration is taken on a first come, first serve basis. Once a camp fills up, we will create a waiting list.
Payments
Payments for camp are due the Friday before the starting date of each camp. If you have signed up for multiple camps, you may make multiple payments throughout the summer, as long as your deposit is paid and the previous policy is followed.
On Monday morning of camp, if you have not paid for that week you will need to make payment at the front desk that morning. Any camper with an outstanding balance on Tuesday will not be permitted to attend camp.
If you have special circumstances you must discuss these with Program Manager, Myro Small, prior to that week of camp.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available to those who show a demonstrated need. Proof of eligibility is required. All payments and financial aid documentation must be received before the program begins.
Camp payments are for the week. We do not prorate, or offer one day or two day options.
The full week amount is due, regardless of how many days you plan on attending that week.
No exceptions!
Online Registration
We offer online registration! Parents may go
Check-In & Check-Out
Worcester County Department of Recreation & Parks (WCRP) will provide 8 weeks of summer camp beginning the week of July 6 and ending the week of August 28. Drop-off Morning Camp Lunch Afternoon Camp Pick-up 8:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sign-In & Sign-Out Procedures
Campers must be signed in and signed out by a
parent/legal guardian listed on the child’s registration form and/or authorized pick-up form. If an individual not listed on one of these forms is required to pick up a child (carpooling, going with a friend, etc.) the parent/legal guardian must submit a note prior to the designated person picking up the child.
If your child is ill, running a fever, and/or
suspected to be contagious, please DO NOT bring him/her to camp. If your child is at camp and becomes sick, has a fever, etc. we will call you and expect them to be picked up.
Please call us and let us know if your child will be absent from camp.
Check-In
A manager will be stationed under the covered main entrance to the Recreation Center where Covid Screening will take place. Once cleared, they can go inside to their Group Station. Remember that your child will stay with the same group for the remainder of the week.
Parents are required to walk your child to the door for screening. Please do not drop off your child and leave before they are cleared.
On the Monday of camp, participants that have not yet paid for that week must then stop at the front desk and make payment and complete any necessary forms.
If a child is being dropped off later in the morning they should come to the front desk at the
Recreation Center to find out where their child’s group is.
Check-Out
Enter through the main entrance of the building and sign-in at the front desk. From there, follow the signs to your child’s Group Station. A
parent/guardian must sign their child out with the Camp Monitor. Remember that a mask is required to enter the building.
What to Leave at Home
• Valuable items • Money • Electronic devices • Toys/Trading CardsGeneral Information
What to Bring to Camp
• Comfortable clothes
• Close-toed shoes
• Snacks/Drinks
• Reusable water bottle
• Lunch - full day campers
• Sunscreen & Medicine
Food & Snacks
Campers should pack morning and afternoon snack. They will have access to water during the day and are free to bring a refillable water bottle.
Campers should pack a cold lunch. A microwave WILL NOT be provided. Full day campers will
have a one hour lunch break during the middle of the day.
Medication
Campers that need to take
prescription medication during the
day should notify the Program Manager on the first day of camp. The Parent/Legal Guardian must supply a note indicating when the medication should be taken and how much.
Staff will not administer prescription medication, but staff members can assist campers by storing
prescription medication in a safe place and reminding campers to take their prescription
medication at the proper time each day.
All prescription medication MUST be
in the original packaging from the pharmacist.
Shoes
Please do NOT wear flip-flops, sandals, or crocs to camp. If a child does not have close-toed shoes, they will not be able to participate in the activities for that day. This is a safety issue.
If your child chooses to wear cleats (soccer camp), please make sure that they have an extra pair of sneakers with them for indoor use.
Water Bottles
Staff will permit campers to bring their own water bottles to camp so that they can easily refill them during the day. Please have these labeled with your child’s name.
Sunscreen
Campers are encouraged to bring sunscreen to camp; we do not supply sunscreen to any camper. Activities will be taking place both in- side and outside during most camps. WCRP Staff Members are not allowed to apply sunscreen to any camper so it is encouraged that you teach your child how to apply sunscreen properly. The staff will supervise and provide times for campers to apply sunscreen before/ during outdoor activities.
Toys
Toys should not be brought to camp. Toys can be lost or broken and can often lead to arguments between campers.
If a child brings a toy to camp, we will ask that they store it with their belongings.
If the toy is brought out again, it will be removed from their possession and returned to the child at the end of the day.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Cell Phones and all electronic devices are prohibited to be used during the Summer Camp program. We encourage that your child does not bring them to camp. If a child brings a cell phone or electronic device to camp, we will ask that they be turned off and stored with their belongings.
If a cell phone or device is brought out by a child, it will be removed from their possession and placed in the WCRP safe at the Front Desk. It will be returned to the parent at the end of the day when they are picked up.
Sportsmanship Award
Each week a Sportsmanship awards will be presented to campers that exhibit the qualities of good sportsmanship. Every Friday we will award three campers, one from each group, during our Snow Cone party. The award winner is chosen by the Program Manager, which will take into consideration input from the Program Monitors, at the end of each week. We try to make this a very big deal, so please encourage your child to be a good sport, review with them what makes a good sport, and please congratulate them if they win that week’s award.
Behavior Expectations
1. Be respectful of others
2. Listen to Camp Staff -- there will be plenty of time to play/have fun. When STAFF is speaking, you should be listening.
3. WHISTLE RULE - when you hear the whistle signal, STOP what you are doing, put down all equipment, and listen for instructions. 4. Participate in all activities -- we ask that all campers try to
participate in each activity that is presented to them by their coaches.
5. Have fun!
Recreation Point Program
Our Summer Camp has a Recreation Point—Good Behavior Incentive program. Throughout the day, staff will recognize good behavior (walking in the hallway, being a good sport, helping a friend, cleaning up, etc.) and reward them with points. These good behaviors are things that campers do without being asked.
The Rec Points can be used to “purchase” different prizes.
Friday Party
Every Friday Kona Ice will be visiting our camp from 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. and each child will receive a free snow cone. If you choose for your child not to partake in this, please let a staff member know prior to Friday.
Worcester County Recreation & Parks
W - Willing to Participate C - Courteous to Others R - Respect your Environment
P - Play Fair
Sportsmanship Award Criteria
• Treats everyone with integrity, fairness and
honesty.
• Congratulates other participants for efforts and
excellent performances.
• Shakes hands wherever it fits into a sport culture. • Helps up other participants who have fallen or
been hurt.
• Thanks instructor for their effort and work.
• Does not condone fighting or violence of any kind. • Does not use profanity or other disrespectful
language or gestures.
• Avoids taunting and trash talking.
• Avoids disrespectful, “in your face” celebrations. • Keeps facilities clean.
• Continuously displays respect for themselves and
others.
Behavior Issues Policy
All campers are expected to follow basic rules of behavior, including respecting themselves, others,
WCRP property, and equipment/materials. Staff members will review our behavior policies with all
campers at the start of each week. We will not tolerate disrespectful behavior, bullying, foul
language, or violence of any sort.
Disruptive Behavior
During the program if a child behaviorally acts inappropriately as determined by the Summer Camp Staff, the child will sit out for 5 minutes and then can request to rejoin the activity. This is their first warning.
If the same child continues to behaviorally act inappropriately after their first warning has been issued, the child will sit out for 10 minutes. This is their second warning.
If the same child has not changed their behavioral actions as a result of the first two warnings, the child will sit out for the rest of that camp/or until the Summer Camp Staff has determined they have sat out enough time.
After the third warning the parent will be notified of their child’s inappropriate behavior upon pickup at the conclusion of camp on the day of the inappropriate behavior. If a child has a reoccurring theme of inappropriate behavior, then they will be considered for dismissal from the program.
Pushing/Shoving
In the event that a child should push or shove another participant intentionally, the following action will occur; after the incident, the child will sit out of that activity during that camp, this is their first warning. If the behavior continues, the child will sit out the remainder of that camp, this is their second warning. The parents/legal guardian will be notified of this situation upon arrival.
After the second warning, if the behavior continues, the child will be suspended from the Summer Camp Program for one day after the day of the incident. If this behavior continues after the child returns, the child would be permanently dismissed from the program.
Striking/Hitting
In the event that a child should strike a staff member or another participant intentionally, the following action will occur; after the incident, the child will sit out of the activity for the remainder of the day. The parents/ legal guardian will be notified of this situation upon arrival and the child will also be suspended from the Summer Camp Program for one day after the day of the incident. If this behavior continues after the child returns, the child could be permanently dismissed from the program.
If your child is participating in multiple sessions of Summer Camp and they should strike a staff member or another participant intentionally, the following action will occur:
First incident: After the incident, the child will sit out of the activity for the remainder of the day. The parents/legal guardian will be notified of this situation upon arrival and the child will also be suspended from the Summer Camp Program for one day after the day of the incident.
Second incident: After the incident, the child will sit out of the activity for the remainder of the day. The parents/legal guardian will be notified of this situation upon arrival and the child will also be suspended from the Summer Camp Program for two days after the day of the incident.
Third incident: After the incident, the child will sit out of the activity for the remainder of the day. The parents/legal guardian will be notified of this situation upon arrival and the child will be
permanently dismissed from participating in the remainder of our Summer Camp
Programs.
Concussion Awareness Policy
Concussion training and information packets may be picked up at the front desk. This packet covers the signs, symptoms and risks of sports related concussions. There is also a parent education sheet with more information included. Please note that we are providing you with this information to make you aware of concussions, but please know that we do everything to make sure that our programs are run safely to try and avoid children being injured in the first place. A concussion acknowledgement form MUST be signed be- fore your child can participate in our summer camp. This form will be good for the entire summer camp program.
