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Recreation, Parks & Community Services - Summer Day Camp

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1. What is the Day Camp Site Directors' background?

Each site is directed by a New Jersey State Certified Teacher. The directors possess a bachelor's degree in education, have completed in-service training, have camp administrative experience, and experience in organizing programs for children. They are also certified in First Aid and CPR.

2. What are the ages of the counselors?

Camp counselors must be at least 16 years old.

3. What training do counselors receive?

Camp staff is trained in:

• Appropriate staff and camper behavior
• Behavior management techniques
• Child abuse prevention
• Emergency procedures and communication
• Safety regulations
• Specific procedures for supervision

4. Is the camp committed to best practices in the camp industry?

The Department of Recreation Summer Day Camp program is American Camp Association (ACA) accredited which means that your child's camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at your child's camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. 

Camps and ACA form a partnership that complies with industry established health and safety standards recognized by courts of law and government regulations.

5. Where are the summer camps held?

The various full day sites will be held in our public schools (NOTE: Schools are subject to change)

 At each school, campers will be able to spread out to different activity areas:
* Cafeteria/Multi-purpose Room
* Classrooms/Game Rooms
* Playground/Athletic Fields
* Gym
* Art Room

6. What activities will campers participate in?

Camp groups will rotate between different activity areas when at the school.  To allow for proper disinfecting and hand washing/sanitizing between activity periods, period length will vary

On site camp activities may include, but is not limited to:
*   Field Sports
*   GAGA
*   9 Square
*   Arts & Crafts
*  Table Games
*  Playground Time
*  Gym Activities
*  Theme Days

All campers and staff will wash/sanitize hands when they arrive and depart each activity.  Cleaning and disinfecting will be completed on all supplies and equipment before each use.   All activities will limit contact as much as possible.

7. What time should my child arrive at camp?

Campers should be brought to the camp site at the designated start time.

With all camps starting at 9:00 am, drop off will start at 8:50 am to allow parents who have children at multiple sites enough time to drop off at multiple locations. 

8. Does my child have to wear a mask at camp?

Campers and staff will follow NJ Department of Health Guidelines for wearing masks at camps. Registered families will be notified of the policies once this information becomes available for 2023.

9. May I send my child to camp with a cell phone?

No. We understand your desire to make sure your child is having fun and being well taken care of, however, cell phones and any other communication devices are prohibited at camp. In emergencies, campers can be reached by parents/guardians utilizing the site phone and/or Site Director's camp cell phone. Campers may use these same phones if parent/guardian must be contacted. 

Disregard of this rule will result in confiscation of the device - to be returned at the end of the day.

10. Are campers grouped by age, activity, or both?

Campers are usually grouped by the grade they are entering in September (either mixed or separated genders). Groups will have 7 campers with 1 counselor.  Groups in grades 1-2 may also have a CIT. Groups will NOT change during the course of a camp session.

11. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?

Counselor-to-camper ratio is typically 1:7.

12. My child can't swim and you have a trip scheduled to Crystal Springs Waterpark. What are participation expectations?

Crystal Springs activities are based on physical size, not age or ability. Participation will be determined according to the guidelines established by park attendants. Camp does not provide swimming lessons. 

Crystal Springs does not allow you to bring in your own personal flotation devices. However, coast guard approved flotation devices will be provided for all campers in first and second grade. Campers in grades 3 and up can use a flotation device available at Crystal Springs. 

If you need additional information about Crystal Springs, visit the Crystal Springs Family Waterpark page. 

13. What should my child bring in their backpack?

Your child should have the following in their backpack:

• Morning snack
• Lunch
• Afternoon snack
• Sunscreen (spray and roll-on ONLY! No lotion)
• Labeled Water Bottle
• Towel
• Extra Camp Shirt
• Extra Mask

No food will be provided by camp.

Crystal Springs Days
In addition to the above, on days at Crystal Springs, water shoes should be brought in their backpacks. Campers will come to camp wearing their bathing suit.

14. Are changes being made to ensure the health of my child?

• All campers and staff members will be taught how to wash/sanitize according to CDC recommendations. These will be reinforced throughout the day verbally and with signage
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting around the camp site
• Campers and staff MUST stay home when feeling sick
• All full day camps will have a nurse on site

15. Will camper's health be monitored?

• Staff and parents should perform daily at home health screenings and temperature checks
• Health monitoring throughout the day 

16. Can my child take Benadryl / Tylenol / medication at camp?

Permission to administer Epinephrine and Inhalers must be part of the camper’s record.  All medication must be in the original container clearly marked with the child’s name and pharmacy label with doctor’s instructions. Epi-Pen or Inhaler forms must be accompanied with directions and permission to administer by staff in an emergency.  This form will be completed on an as needed basis.  Please contact the Day Camp Office with any other medication questions or concerns.

17. Does my child have to wear a camp shirt everyday?

Yes. Camper shirts will be distributed on the first day of camp. 

Full day campers will receive 4 camp shirts. Additional shirts may be purchased for $5 each. 

In an effort to provide the safest environment for our campers and staff, all campers will be required to wear a camp shirt on days at Crystal Springs.

18. How will my child be protected from the sun?

Sunscreen must be applied at home prior to outdoor activities. Staff may not apply sunscreen to a child; staff can only direct a camper how to apply. Sunscreen should be brought to camp and applied frequently throughout the day. Sunscreen should be spray or roll-on variety ONLY, no lotion.

Encourage your kids to drink frequently to avoid overheating and/or dehydration. They need to drink lots of fluid! Campers are encouraged to bring a labeled water bottle that can be refilled at the site.

19. Will the camp provide lunch / snack for full day programs?

No. Snacks (one morning and one for the afternoon) and lunches must be supplied from home. Please use insulated/thermal bags or lunch boxes (paper bags tend to disintegrate). There is no refrigeration on site.

20. Are parent visits encouraged?

East Brunswick Day Camp will be closed to all non-essential visitors; including parents..

21. Can my child bring electronics to camp?

Neither the Department of Recreation nor the site staff can be responsible for campers' personal property or any money brought to the camp site. Please ensure that your child does not bring an iPod, video games, toys, or any like items to camp. If a child comes to camp with personal property it will be confiscated by the Site Director and returned to the parent at the end of the day.

22. Can I request that my child be placed in a group with his or her friend?

Camp is a wonderful place to make new friends! Parents may request placement of camper in group with one friend - the request must be mutual.

Campers must be in the same grade. The request has to be in writing before camp starts. No arrangements will be made after June 9. 

The Site Director has the final decision in group placements.

23. Is transportation available?

No - transportation is not available.

24. What about extended care before and after camp?

Special arrangements must be made in advance for extended care for each camp session. Extended care is child care only (no programming). Extended Care is available before and after camp. 

Your child cannot arrive any earlier than 7:30 am if registered for morning care. Arrangements must be made with the Department of Recreation via email daycamp@eastbrunswick.org or you may register directly online. 

There is a 15 minute “grace period” from the time camp ends to the time PM Extended Care begins.  After the “grace period”, a late pickup penalty of $10 per 15 minutes will be assessed; payable in cash or check before the start of the next camp day. With all camps ending at 4pm, we understand that parents who have children at multiple sites may have a difficulty getting to both locations by 4:15pm.  As such, staff will have a list of these families and will know not to charge their pickup person a late pick up penalty if they are a few minutes late due to pick up at multiple locations. However if it becomes a habitual lateness throughout the summer, a late fee may be charged. If no contact can be made for person(s) responsible for pickup of camper, the camper will be transported in a township vehicle to the Recreation and Parks Office. 

Should you feel the need to sign up for PM Extended Care at any point during the camp season, please contact the Recreation Office via email daycamp@eastbrunswick.org so we can get your child registered.

25. How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?

Positive reinforcement, assertive role-modeling and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership. Rules are necessary in any organization, and the disciplinary approach taken is reasonable and well communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they will be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

At the beginning of the camp season, the campers, together with the staff, will develop and write their own set of rules that will help them create a positive environment. As a result, the campers will know what is expected of them and will understand what is appropriate behavior for them and for others.

Disciplinary Actions
Campers who choose not to accept these responsibilities are subject to disciplinary action which may include: 

• Verbal reprimand
• Written warning
• Time-out from activity
• Exemption from activity
• Conference between camper and Site Director
• Conference between Recreation Supervisor, Site Director and parent
• Expulsion from Day Camp

Disciplinary action will vary according to the frequency, severity, and nature of the incident.

 

26. What happens if a camper or staff member develops COVID-19 like symptoms while at camp?

If a camper or staff member has COVID-19 symptoms, they will be escorted to a quarantine area and a parent/caregiver must pick up as soon as possible. They may return to camp ONLY with the clearance from their doctor in accordance with Department of Health guidelines.

27. What happens if there is a COVID-19 diagnosis at camp?

East Brunswick Day Camp will maintain confidentiality of the individual at all times while mitigating the situation. We will notify the proper health authorities, families and staff who came in close contact with that person. These people may be required to quarantine for 5 days, or if up-to-date on vaccination and exhibiting now symptoms, stay in camp.

28. What happens if there is a COVID-19 diagnosis at home?

It is required for you to notify the Day Camp office if any member of your household or someone your family has come in close contact with tests positive for COVID-19.

Those campers or staff members may be asked to remain home for 5 days after exposure. COVID-19 symptoms, according to the State Department of Health include: 

• Fever or Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Difficulty Breathing
• Muscle or Body Aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of Taste or Smell
• Sore Throat
• Congestion/Runny Nose
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Diarrhea

29. What happens if my child misses days of camp?

If a camper misses days due to being quarantined for potential exposure to a COVID-19 infected individual from the camp, they will receive a prorated refund.

30. Can my child go on vacation during camp?

Yes, but no refund will be given to days missed due to a vacation. Children returning from vacation that are not up-to-date on vaccination should have a negative COVID test before attending camp.

31. How does a camp handle an illness?

If your child is not feeling well before camp, please do not send them to camp. Sick campers will be sent home from camp.