Parent Information | Day Camp Heritage
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Please label all items with your child's first and last name.
- Non-perishable Lunch & 2 snacks
- Swim suit and towel
- Rain Jacket and/ or sweatshirt
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Wear tennis shoes that can get dirty
- Pack everything in a labeled backpack
What Not to Bring
Morning
Opening Ceremony
Snack/Small group time
Traditional Camp Activities*
Lunch
Afternoon
Traditional camp activities*
Closing ceremony
Load buses
Traditional Camp Activities
:: Free Swim
:: Target Sports
:: Team Building
:: Nature Studies
:: Art Projects
:: Songs
:: Canoeing
:: Picnic/Cookout
:: Small and Large group games
Family Nights give your entire family a chance to experience Day Camp first-hand. Your camper can show off camp and you get to:
:: Meet your child’s counselor
:: Spend time with your family on a relaxing summer night
:: Participate in camp activities like archery, canoeing, songs and games
How are staff selected?
:: Each staff member goes through an extensive hiring process including a criminal history background check, reference checks and an interview.
:: Staff receive over 40 hours of training including training in camp program areas, relating to children, health and safety skills and are First Aid and CPR certified.
:: All staff are committed to being positive role models for campers.
Where is the lost and found?
:: Lost items will be held for two weeks, and after that they will be given away to a local charity. Please check with the Camp Staff AND the branch for lost items. The lost and found is located in the office building. All families will have an opportunity to look for lost items on family night.
:: We will do our best to help campers remember their things, however, the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What about rainy days and severe heat?
:: Camp is held rain or shine. We have many fun-filled activities planned for rainy days. CAMPERS MUST DRESS ACCORDINGLY FOR THE WEATHER WITH APPROPRIATE RAIN GEAR!
:: Your child may come home wet and muddy. Activities are modified outside to fit rainy days and will continue as long as it is not lightning or thundering. Some of the best camp memories for children can be had on rainy days!
:: To keep campers safe during extremely hot days, we will occasionally cancel certain activities. We always encourage campers to drink lots of water and will play more water games and stay in the shade.
Is camp prepared for severe weather?
:: All of our staff have been trained in emergency procedures.
:: If a tornado warning has been issued while the children are at camp, they will be instructed to go to the Tornado Shelter.
:: The camp director will notify the YMCA immediately if the bus will be delayed.
What should I do if someone else is picking up my camper?
:: If you are arranging for persons who are not on your authorized to transport list to pick up your child from camp, you must send a written permission slip.
:: We will not accept phone calls.
:: Authorized individuals will be responsible for signing your child in and/or out.
:: VERY IMPORTANT: you and all authorized persons need a picture ID to pick up your camper(s)!
What if I’m late for pick up?
:: We will try and reach you.
:: If we do not reach you, we will call persons listed as emergency contacts.
:: Campers will be transported to the Before and After Care site.
:: After 1 hour we will call authorities to ensure the safety of your child.
I’m nervous about swimming. What can you tell me about it?
:: All children at camp will have the opportunity to swim.
:: Counselors are required to be engaged with the campers when their group is in the pool.
:: Children will never be forced to swim if they don’t want to.
:: Campers are required to take a swim test to ensure their safety.
:: Campers may be required to wear a lifejacket depending on swim ability.
What are the safety guidelines followed for boating?
:: Our boating program is an introductory opportunity for children to learn basic boating and safety skills.
:: All children and staff wear life jackets while in the boats and a Certified Lifeguard is always present and in sight of all boats while children are boating.
What if my child(ren) is ill or will not be able to attend Day Camp during the week?
:: Please call camp. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message.
What if my child is injured during the program?
:: If your child is injured YMCA staff will notify you.
:: In case of an emergency, YMCA staff will:
1. Call 911, perform immediate First Aid and contact you. After 911 has been called, it is then up to the emergency response team to decide what actions will be taken.
2. Staff will accompany the child to the hospital and stay until the parent/guardian arrives, if emergency transport is required.
3. If a parent/guardian is not able to be reached, we will continue to call through your designated emergency contact list until contact is made.
My child needs care before and after the bus stop times. What is available?
:: Before and after care provides the camper with supervised activities prior to and following the end of the program day.
:: A late fee of $1.00 per minute must be paid at the time of pick-up.
:: Select Dates & Rates for specific before and after care information.
My child mentioned something about emergency procedure drills. What exactly are these?
:: To ensure the continued safety of all campers in case of an emergency, we will hold emergency procedure (waterfront emergency, lost camper, tornado warning, bus evacuation) drills on a regular basis.
:: It is important that your child participate in these drills, just like they participate in fire and tornado drills at school.
:: Your assistance and understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Go to
Dates & Rates, Bus Information > for specifics.
:: Camp Counselors will ride and supervise all buses.
:: We do not staff the bus stops.
:: Please be at the bus stop at the designated pick-up and drop-off times to meet your child.
:: If no one is there to pick up your child, the bus will wait 5 minutes past the scheduled time, then we will finish the route and bring your child to the YMCA.
:: Your child’s day begins on the bus. During the ride, counselors will lead songs and games to make the bus ride a fun part of the day.
:: If you have not indicated your bus stop on your registration form, or need to make a change, please contact the YMCA Customer Service Center at 612-230-9622.
:: It is very important to have your child’s name on the bus roster due to limited seating.
:: The YMCA makes every effort to be on time. Due to traffic and road construction, buses may be delayed at times. Please contact the YMCA for an update if buses are running behind schedule.
:: Please review the following important bus rules with your child before they attend camp.
:: Please check with camp prior to making arrangements to ride home on another bus, even for one day. Often buses are at capacity and we cannot accommodate changes.
Bus Rules | Safety First
:: Campers must remain in their seats.
:: Always check on and off the bus with the Bus Captain.
:: No eating or drinking (except water) on the bus.
:: All campers must sit on a seat and face forward. (No lap sitting and no one in the aisle.)
:: All body parts and belongings are to remain inside the bus at all times.
:: Hands remain to yourself.
:: No fighting or screaming.
:: Let a counselor know if something is wrong right away.
:: The emergency exits should be used only during an emergency.
:: Please participate in bus games and songs.
:: If a child’s behavior does not meet these standards, parents will be notified; seating arrangements
may be made and if problems persist riding privileges may be revoked.
Bus Safety & Persons Authorized to Pick-up
:: Safety of your child is the number one priority at the YMCA.
:: Day Camp has bus security procedures. It is not our intention to offend or question anybody’s right to pick up a child. They are in place for the safety of your family.
:: We will only release children to individuals listed as authorized to pick up, no exceptions.
:: We will be checking ID’s of parents/gardians and all authorized persons as children are picked up. Please make all authorized people on your list aware of this.
:: If you will be giving your child permission to ride his/her bike or walk home from a bus stop, a Child Release Waiver will need be filled out before your child will be released without an adult’s signature. (certain restrictions apply)
:: You will be asked to sign your children on & off of the bus each day. To expedite this process, we ask you to be near the bus and ready to sign children in/out, so our buses can remain on schedule.
:: PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF A FEW EXTRA MINUTES TO LOCATE THE BUS STOP ON MONDAY MORNINGS!
When a camper does not follow the behavior guidelines, we will take the following action steps.
1. Staff will redirect the camper to more appropriate behavior.
2. If inappropriate behavior continues, the camper will be reminded of behavior guidelines and camp rules and the camper will be asked to decide on action steps to correct his/her behavior.
3. Staff will document the situation, the inappropriate behavior and action taken. Parents will be notified.
4. If the situation is not resolved and inappropriate behavior continues, as a final action step, the camper will be dismissed from camp.
Unacceptable Behavior
:: Refusing to follow the behavior guidelines or camp rules
:: Using profanity, vulgarity or obscenity
:: Stealing or damaging property (personal or camp property)
:: Refusal to participate in activities or cooperate with staff
:: Disrupting the program
:: Leaving the program without permission
:: Endangering the health and safety of children and/or staff
:: Physical violence or bullying/teasing toward another camper or staff will not be tolerated.
:: For the health and safety of all children in our programs please do not send your child to YMCA programs if they are ill. Please notify camp if she/he will not be attending.
:: Children must be free from symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the YMCA and any contagious illness should be cleared by a doctor.
:: Parents/Guardians must notify the Camp Director if their child contracts a communicable disease, as soon as diagnosed. When a communicable disease occurs, the YMCA will notify other participants in writing, including cause and symptoms.
Administering Medication
Medication must be sent in a prescription-labeled bottle. Staff may only dispense prescribed medications in the original container that bears the original label and directions.
The following information must be legible:
:: Name of medication
:: Child’s name
:: Date of original issue
:: Directions for use
:: Prescription number and expiration date
:: Physician’s name
:: Dosage and duration
:: Name and address of licensed pharmacy issuing the medication
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2125 E. Hennepin Ave., Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Phone: 612-230-9622 or 612-822-2267
Fax: 612-465-0559
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