2026 PARENT HANDBOOK Camp Fair Oaks McMillan Center 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd Fair Oaks, CA 95628
WELCOME Welcome to Camp Fair Oaks! This Parent Handbook is designed to provide each child and parent with a general understanding of Camp Fair Oaks. If you have any questions, please contact the Camp Director at campdirector@forpd.org or call the District Office at (916) 966-1036. Please note that the on-site camp phone listed later is only used during regular camp hours and is not accessible during the off-season.
General Camp Fair Oaks Information Camp Fair Oaks means so much to our community, and we are committed to providing a positive experience for our families and their children - one that emphasizes safety, friendship, and fun! Our program offers a wide variety of activities, programming, arts & crafts, and games. With our fun-loving staff, your child will have the opportunity to make friends, discover new interests, and share moments that will last a lifetime.
Camp Fair Oaks Locations & Hours Camp Fair Oaks - Summer Location: McMillan Center Times: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Ages: 6-11 - Split into two age groups: 6-8 (Boogie Borders) & 9-11 (Surfers) Camp Fair Oaks - Break Camps Location: McMillan Center Times: Days of Week Vary, 7:30 am - 1:30 pm Ages: 6-11 - Groups typically not split by age due to lower camper capacity Counselors In Training - Select Break Camps Counselors In Training - Summer Location: McMillan Center Location: McMillan Center Times: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 1:30 pm Times: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Ages: 12-15 Ages: 12-15
2025 Camp Staff Our camp staff attends extensive training to prepare them for the season. Trainings include how to effectively teach activities, how to facilitate group leadership, safety trainings, positive behavior management techniques and other important skills relating to working with children. In addition, each staff member has current certification in Infant/Child/Adult CPR and Standard First Aid, and cleared a background (fingerprint) check done by the Department of Justice. If at any time you have a concern about a leader, or how camp is going please contact the Camp Director.
CAMP POLICIES & PROCEDURES Camp Ratios Our camp has a maximum Recreation Leader to child ratio of 1:14, oftentimes much lower. Our leader/child ratio ensures that there will be sufficient supervision, activities can be modified for age appropriate skill levels, and also enhances team building and cooperation skills.
Sign In & Out All children must be signed in and out of camp each day by a parent or legal guardian. Children will only be released to individuals who have a designated pin code and are listed and authorized on the child’s Brightwheel by the child’s parent or legal guardian. Parents / Guardians must indicate on the Brightwheel form all those individuals who will be authorized to pick up their child(ren). For your protection, we will be unable to release a child to an unauthorized individual. Sharing your pin code is not advised, and a waiver is required to be signed prior to your child starting camp regarding pin code sharing. All persons picking up children must bring legal identification in with them at time of sign out. All persons picking up children must be 18+. Children may not be dropped off before their registered start time. Parents or guardians who pick up their children after the end of the enrolled camp time will be charged $1.00 for every minute they are late starting at $5.00 (to cover the expense of staff overtime). If an emergency arises that causes a child to be picked up late, parent is required to call at least 30 minutes in advance and inform the camp director of their estimated arrival time. If a parent/guardian is 1 hour late or longer, staff are required to call emergency services. Sign-In/Out Process will take place via Brightwheel. All authorized drop-off and pick-ups are required to know their unique PIN code assigned in their profile. PIN codes will only be provided to individuals with legal identification and listed on child's Brightwheel form. Brightwheel Check In-Out Procedure Details
Lunches & Snacks Camp Fair Oaks requires that each child bring two snacks and lunch daily to camp. Break camps only require one snack and a lunch. Refrigeration and/or microwave are not provided, please send food that is ready to consume. Please send adequate food for your child each day as additional snacks will not be provided.
WE ARE NUT FREE. NO EXCEPTIONS- Please DO NOT bring snacks/lunches that contain tree nuts or peanuts to any of our camps.
Day to Day Operations Camp Fair Oaks Summer Daily Schedule: 7:30 am: Earliest Drop-Off Time (Free choice activities are provided) 9:00 am: Camp Begins 9:30 am: Camp Circle Time 10:00 am: Morning Snack 10:30 am: Rotation 1 (Craft/Sports/Games) 11:15 am: Rotation 2 (Craft/Sports/Games) 12:00 pm: Lunch 1:30 pm: Rotation 3 (Exploration Station) 2:30 pm: Afternoon Snack 3:00 pm: Rotation 4 (Clubs) 4:00 pm: Earliest Daily Pick-Up (Free choice activities are provided) 5:30 pm: Camp Ends Camp Fair Oaks Break Camps Daily Schedule: 7:30 am: Earliest Drop-Off Time (Free choice activities are provided) 9:00 am: Circle Time & Morning Snack 9:30 am: Rotation 1 (Craft/Sports/Games) 10:15 am: Rotation 2 (Craft/Sports/Games) 11:00 am: Exploration Station (Activities Vary) 12:00 pm: Lunch 1:00 pm: Indoor Activities / Free Play 1:30 pm: Camp Ends Field Trips (Camp Fair Oaks Summer Season Only): Field trips provide an exciting extension to the camp's weekly theme. Most trips are off-site. Campers are transported via Sacramento City Unified School District Busses. Important Field Trip Information: Field trips take place every Thursday (unless otherwise noted or on short weeks) Campers are required to wear their Camp Shirt to all off-site field trips. This is to help maintain visuals for the duration of the trip. Campers are provided ONE camp shirt for the summer on their first day of camp. Additional shirts cost $10. Some trips offer additional excursion option (additional fees apply). You will be notified in advance if this applies to your weekly field trip. Some field trips require SPECIFIC drop-off/pick-up times to ensure adequate travel time. You will be notified in advance if this applies to your weekly field trip. Themes & Dress-Up Each week of camp has a special theme. This theme guides activity planning, field trips, and our weekly spirit day. Themes and spirit day information is available in your weekly newsletter. Please note that we reserve the right to modify/reschedule/cancel all activities listed above to ensure the successful running of camp. Any major changes will be noted to parent/guardians.
Lost & Found Please be sure to label all items your child brings to camp. Any items left in the lost & found for more than two consecutive weeks or after the end of the camp season will be tossed or donated. We are not responsible for any personal items that have been lost, damaged, stolen, tossed or donated.
Camper Conduct Camp Fair Oaks is designed to be a fun, active and creative camp where participation is mandatory. Most of our activities require complete involvement from staff and campers, therefore we are not safely able to accommodate children "sitting out". Consistent refusal to participate could result in removal from the program. All children are expected to follow the rules of the camp. Camp Staff review all rules thoroughly on the first day of each week and answer any questions the children may have. They also give consistent reminders throughout the entire week. Failure to consistently follow camp rules may result in removal from the program. Campers are not permitted to bring expensive items or electronic devices to camp. If these items are found, they will be confiscated and placed in a secure place until parents arrive for pick-up. Parents / Campers must complete the Participant Agreement prior to starting their time at Camp Fair Oaks. This agreement includes further details regarding camper conduct. Failure to follow the Participant Agreement could result in removal from the program.
Behavior Management The goal of our behavior management approach is to show the children that we care. We do this by providing: A positive and engaging environment Positive reinforcement Action First Language Open communication with parents/guardians In the event, intervention is required, we follow a three-step behavior management process: Step One: Redirection Redirection is the act of refocusing the intent of a child’s actions in a safe and positive manner. Step Two: Limited Choice If the child continues the behavior, the teacher will provide two options for the child to choose from that are conducive for both the child and classroom. Step Three: Removal If the behavior continues the teacher will direct the child to a new activity and inform them that they may return to the original activity when safer choices can be made. If a child displays behaviors that are intentionally and/or consistently harmful to themselves, others or the facility, our Three Strikes Policy will be implemented. Strike One: A behavior report will be completed. The parents/guardians will be contacted and the child will be sent home for the remainder of the day or week. Strike Two: The same as above. Child will not be permitted to return until a formal meeting is held with the parents, director and recreation supervisor to discuss options for success. This meeting may be vie phone call, zoom or in-person. Strike Three: Same as above. Child may be removed from the program. We will take every step, within reason, to assist a child but we also understand that we may not be the right fit for every child. Therefore, we reserve the right to forego the strikes process and remove a child if we feel it is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the program as a whole.
DISTRICT POLICIES & PROCEDURES Refund Policy Refunds and cancellations must be accompanied by a refund/transfer request. All refunds must be submitted 7 days prior to the start of the session of Camp Fair Oaks you are requesting a refund for. Refunds are not guaranteed. Refunds will not be given for children who are no longer allowed to attend camp due to behavior. The amount of the refund will be the camp fee paid less the daily rate, based on the number of days elapsed regardless of attendance. Example: Refund request submitted 7 days prior receive a full refund. Refund request submitted 6 days prior receive the camp fee paid less 1 daily rate refund, etc. All refunds are non-cash. If original payment form is credit card it will take approx. 1-2 business days from processing to show on statement. If original payment form is cash or check, a refund will be processed through the County of Sacramento and will take approximately 4-6 weeks to arrive at your home from date of processing.
Illness & Injury In case of an illness or injury that requires a child to be picked up from camp, the parent or guardian (listed first on the child’s Brightwheel form) will be contacted. In the event that contact is not made, the second parent or emergency contact listed on the child’s form will be contacted. Staff will continue down the list of those individuals permitted to pick up the child, (as indicated on their Brightwheel form) until an authorized individual is contacted that is able to pick up the child. Camp staff will respond to all injuries in a swift, efficient, and safe method. Staff will always contact parents if an injury appears to be serious or life threatening (any head injury, major cuts/bruises, allergic reactions, etc.). Staff may not always contact parents for minor cuts/scrapes or other non-life threatening injuries.
Medications At Camp Any prescribed medication that needs to be administered during camp hours must be sent in the child’s lunchbox. Children will only be allowed to bring one day’s dosage of medication in their lunch box. Lunch boxes will be locked in a secure place and it is up to the child to remember to take their medication. Medications will not be allowed at camp without a written note/prescription for the child’s doctor and approval noted on child’s Brightwheel form.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION Emergency Communication Plan In the event of an emergency, Camp Fair Oaks staff will work swiftly to ensure the proper communication channels are utilized to ensure all program participants and staff members are as safe as possible. The Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for staff to follow for various types of emergency situations. Should an emergency arise at camp, the following communications will take place: 1. Staff will assess the emergency and contact EMS / first-response team(s) if necessary. 2. Staff will contact the Recreation Supervisor & District Appointed Emergency Coordinator. 3. Depending on the emergency, staff will send an alert message via Brightwheel notifying all parents/guardians of the nature of the emergency and instructions to follow if necessary. a. These messages will be sent directly via Brightwheel messages as well as SMS text message to the primary Brightwheel account member’s phone number. It is the parent / guardian’s responsibility to ensure that they have access and notifications on to Brightwheel messages and alerts. b. Examples of types of emergencies where all parents will be notified immediately include but are not limited to; natural disasters, inclement weather, active shooter, etc. Emergency communications will be done in order of importance based on the assessed safety risks. Please note, while staff will do their best to stay in frequent communication, please remain calm, exercise patience, caution, and understanding as we navigate any emergency situation and are guided by emergency personnel. Lock- Down In the event of a life-threatening or similar emergency, Camp Fair Oaks may go into lock-down. During lock-down, all entrances to the building are locked, windows covered when possible, and all program activities are suspended until the all-clear is given by emergency personnel. In the event of a lock-down, staff will follow directives from emergency personnel and contact families notifying them of the incident and any further action needed. (Example: “Camp Fair Oaks is under lockdown due to an emergency taking place in Fair Oaks Park. Emergency Personnel are assessing the situation and we will update you on the status of our campers as soon as possible. Please do not attempt to pick up your child or approach the park until staff are given the all-clear.”) Shelter-in-Place In the event of a non-life threatening or similar emergency, Camp Fair Oaks may go into a shelter-in-place. During a shelter-in-place, all entrances to the building are locked, windows covered if necessary, and program activities may continue or be modified depending on circumstance until the all-clear is given by emergency personnel. Staff will wait until the allclear is given to continue regular activities and organize camper pick-up if necessary. (Examples of Shelter-in-Place: Emergency taking place nearby but not on camp property, anticipated weather event, nearby downed power lines, etc.) Emergency Evacuation In the event of a necessary emergency evacuation, program participants and staff will evacuate to the nearest safe area following directives from emergency personnel. During an emergency evacuation, staff will make all attempts to ensure that all program participants and staff stay in one place all together. Campers will not be able to be picked up until the all clear is given by emergency personnel and staff regardless of evacuation location.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Injuries During Emergencies In the event of an emergency, staff are prepared to render first aid as part of their training. If / when an injury goes beyond the scope of their trained capabilities, staff will rely on emergency personnel to assist any injured parties. In the case of multiple injuries during an emergency, staff will assist as they are able while designating certain staff members to prepare for EMS arrival if necessary, assist with noninjured participants, etc. Staff will be required to complete accident/incident reports for each injury. In the event that an individual(s) are severely injured, staff will wait with the person until help arrives and then fill out a report. Due to the unpredictability of emergency situations, it is vital to ensure that your child’s Brightwheel paperwork is completed thoroughly and kept accurate throughout the duration of the program that they’ll be participating. See District Policies & Procedures section for information on who will be contacted and when if a child needs to be picked up after an injury/illness. Please review the District waiver forms on Brightwheel for additional information. In the event that it becomes necessary for a child(ren) to be taken off-site to a hospital by EMS, staff will make all attempts to identify the location of where the participant is being taken prior to EMS leaving the site. In the event that the location is not able to be identified, or the child is taken by EMS prior to the parent/guardian making it on site, it may be necessary for the parent to contact EMS to determine the child’s location. Staff are not permitted to transport children in District or personal vehicles under any circumstances. See the camp waivers form in Brightwheel for details regarding medical and emergency releases. Pick Up Procedure After Emergencies If an emergency requires children to be picked up from camp, staff will notify parents via Brightwheel when it is safe to do so. All check out procedures must remain the same as normal in order to ensure that all children are picked up from the location safely and by the correct person. Bag Searches Staff reserve the right to search any personal items such as backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. at any time to ensure the safety of program participants and staff if needed. Staff will never seize personal property of campers unless it is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or violates camp rules / safety guidelines. Emergency Cancellations Should camp be cancelled by FORPD staff due to inclement weather, threat of major illness (i.e. COVID-19 outbreak), or other emergency situation, you will be provided a pro-rated refund as applicable to the total time of cancellation at the discretion of FORPD staff.
Important Note:
Use of Brightwheel is REQUIRED for all families, as it is our primary source of communication for families in emergencies as well as with providing essential personnel information regarding your child’s care if necessary. It is your responsibility to maintain your child’s personal information, your contact information, emergency contacts, etc.
FAQ What happens if it rains… or if it’s hot? We hold camp rain or shine, hot or cold! Our staff is well prepared and will adapt activities to rain, sunshine, and extremely hot/cold situations. What should my child wear/bring? Camp Fair Oaks is an active and creative camp, so make sure your child is dressed appropriately. It is important that your child is dressed to play! It is recommended to bring an extra change of weather-appropriate clothes in their backpack. Closed-toe shoes are required, no sandals! NOTE: Any child wearing sandals will not be allowed to participate in games and will be asked to call his/her parent for appropriate footwear. Send your child with sunblock, a water bottle, snacks, and lunch every day! Camp Fair Oaks does not supply them for the children. A positive attitude! We will all have fun if each child comes with a smile on their face ready to have a good time. What if I’m late picking my child up? The definition of a “late pick-up” is any child/children who have not been picked up from Camp Fair Oaks by the scheduled pick-up time of your camp registration. Please be considerate of our staff by picking up your child promptly when camp ends each day. If an emergency arises that will cause you to be late picking up your child, please contact camp staff at least a half an hour prior to the end of the camp day (916) 841-7581. Parents or guardians who pick up their children after the end of the enrolled camp time will be charged $1.00 for every minute they are late starting at $5.00 (to cover the expense of staff overtime). If the parent or guardian is one (1) hour late without notice from their parent/guardian, staff are required to call emergency services. What forms are needed for registration/participation? Completion of the following forms is required for each child to participate. (All forms must be completed and returned to staff before the child attends.) Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District Registration Waiver (completed at time of registration) Emergency and Child Information and Agreements (forms required for EACH child; completed through Brightwheel)
Contact Information Alisha Koehn - Camp Director | (916) 536-6745 | campdirector@forpd.org Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District Office | (916) 966-1036 Mary Stoakley - Recreation Supervisor | (916) 536-6305 | mstoakley@forpd.org Nick Davison - Recreation Manager | (916) 536-6413 | ndavison@forpd.org
BRIGHTWHEEL INFORMATION Dear Parents, Brightwheel is a tool for childcare management, communication, photos, emergency information, and much more. Brightwheel is proven to save time for staff, allowing for measurably more time with students, while also delivering a much better experience for parents. Easy steps to follow: 1. Create a free brightwheel account. When you receive an invitation via email or text, please create a free parent account using either the web or mobile app. Make sure to use the same email address or cell phone number that the invitation was sent to. 2. Confirm your child’s profile. You will see your child’s profile after you create an account - you can confirm information such as birthday, allergies, and additional contacts. If you do not see your child’s profile, please contact us with the email address or phone number you used to sign up. You will not see updates within brightwheel until we start to use it regularly. 3. Set your account preferences. You can adjust your notification preferences within your profile settings on the app. We’re excited to be adding this state-of-the-art system and hope you enjoy it! Best, Camp Fair Oaks Staff
BRIGHTWHEEL FEATURES FOR PARENTS Mobile App Only
Web App Only
MultiPlatform
Utilize the Brightwheel mobile app for all day-today functions.
The Brightwheel web app is great for managing your child's information.
Access these functions on both the Mobile App and Web Version
Review, edit, and complete Member Record Form, Waivers, and other forms and requests View attachments to your child's profile, such as Incident/Accident Reports, Behavior Reports, etc. Adjust two-factor authentication feature Change Password
Access to the help center Activity Feed View your child's profile Edit your child's profile information Manage check-in code Edit parent profile information
Child Check-In View and edit your personal pin-code Access to Calendar & Feed Access to Messaging Feature Access to child's profile and make changes to child's name, profile photo, birthday, allergies, medications, and contacts View lesson plans View uploaded documents Edit push notifications
WE CAN’T WAIT TO HAVE YOU AT CAMP! FORPD.ORG/CFO | (916) 966-1036