Welcome to the 2026 Summer Camp season! We are so excited to have your family join us for a summer filled with fun and new experiences. Whether this is your child’s first year or they are returning campers, we are proud to call you a part of our camp community.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources (PRNR) proudly serves children ages 6–13 from all backgrounds and abilities. Our team has thoughtfully planned engaging programs that promote teamwork, confidence, environmental awareness, and positive social growth within a safe and supportive environment.
We are also proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) since 2023 and will be completing our reaccreditation process this summer. ACA accreditation reflects our commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards for safety, staff training, and program quality.
Safety is our top priority, and our camp guidelines are in place to ensure every child can fully enjoy their experience. We appreciate your partnership in helping us create a respectful and inclusive camp community by reviewing the Parent Handbook with your camper, ensuring your CampDoc information is accurate and up to date, and maintaining open, supportive communication with our camp staff.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please connect with your onsite camp staff or email us at parksonline@scgov.net. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Thank you for choosing Sarasota County PRNR as your camp provider. We look forward to an incredible summer together!
Sincerely,
Sarah Bunkley
Sarah Bunkley
Recreation
and Neighborhood Parks Division Manager
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
Email: sbunkley@scgov.net
Cell: 941-500-9128
PRNR MISSION:
To provide clean, safe, and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.
PRNR VISION:
A dynamic parks system that is essential to quality of life and enriches our community through participation, connection, and diverse recreational opportunities.
PRNR VALUES:
Stewardship, Preservation, Innovation, Respect, Inclusivity, Teamwork, Sustainability, Health and Wellness
We are committedto providing a Summer CampProgramthat will address each child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Our camp programs work toward the following outcomes:
• #1: Ensure a safe environment. All camp staff are vigilant about where their campers are, what they aredoing, and thecondition of theequipment and physical space that is being used.
• # 2: Provide a variety of fun and engaging activities to address the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of campers. Camp staff is trained to provide a wide range of games, sports, arts and crafts, field trips, and other recreational opportunities to socialize amongst their peers, try new things, learn new skills, and advance skills in areas of interest.
• #3: Communicate regularly. Our staff will maintain open lines of communication and are committed to keeping parents informed about your child(ren) and their camp experience. Staff will remind parents about special days, activities, and field trips via emails and/or handouts, and written and/or verbal reminders during daily pick-up.
• #4: Take an interest in theirchild's success. Our staffisencouragedto develop each child and make sure that they offer multiple opportunities and well-planned activities that build self-esteem, character,andsportsmanship.
2026 SUMMER IN THE PARKS CAMP LOCATIONS
Please see the Summer 2026 Camp Guide for Specialty Camp Locations SITE
PRNR Central Processing 601 S. Pompano Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
Bee Ridge Park (Adventure) 4430 S Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34231
Nokomis Community Park (Adventure) 234 Nippino Trail E. Nokomis, FL 34275
Woodmere Park (Day/C.I.T.) 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd. Venice, FL 34293
941-861-7275 Camp Enrollment and Registration Questions or Concerns
941-861-9798 Haley Donnelly – Interim Program Coordinator hdonnelly@scgov.net
941-316-1330 Bruce Larsen – Program Coordinator blarsen@scgov.net
941-861-9794 Miriam Sota – Program Coordinator msota@scgov.net
941-861-9793 Ebonie Hadley – Program Coordinator ehadley@scgov.net
941-486-2595 Jon Horstman – Program Coordinator jhorstman@scgov.net
941-486-2780
– Program Coordinator ksummers@scgov.net
CAMP BASICS
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide you with the basic policies and procedures that allow for safe and organized programs. Guidelines shall be followed at each camp throughout the County. It is your responsibility as parents/guardians to review this information with your child (or children) so that all involved understand and agree on camp operations. However, the one thing that remains constant is our team’s commitment to the health and safety of your children.
PROGRAM HOURS & DAYS OF OPERATION
The Day and Adventure Camp programs operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a m to 5:30 p m.
Day/Adventure Camp program dates:
• Monday, June 8 through Friday, July 31.
• Locations: Bee Ridge Park, Colonial Oaks Park, Laurel Park, Longwood Park, Nokomis Community Park, and Woodmere Park.
Mini Camp dates:
• Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5
• Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7.
• Locations: Colonial Oaks Park and Woodmere Park
PARENT ORIENTATION
Both the Parent Information Meeting and Ready, Set, Go pickups are for all Day Camp and Adventure Camp parents. There will not be additional events leading into Session II.
Virtual Parent Information Meeting:
It is mandatory for new camp parents to attend the Virtual Parent Information Meeting. The meeting will provide an overview of the summer, what to bring, safety precautions, and other important information, as well as answer any questions you may have. Returning camp families are welcome to attend as a refresher, but participation is not required.
Meetings will be held on Thursday, May 14 OR Tuesday, May 19, both starting at 6:30 p.m.
Ready, Set, Go:
Parents can pick up camper shirts, car tags, and tour the camp site.
Pick-up dates at your child's camp locations are Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Summer Camp Parent Handbook
STAFF
All staff undergo state and local criminal background checks, a fingerprint screening, a state sexual predator background check and substance screening. At each camp site, we ensure that CPR and firstaid-trained staff are onsite. Our staff encourages open communication to ensure that your child has the best camp experience. Feel free to contact thestaff to discuss any questions or concerns.
COST
2026 Summer Camp Programs:
• Day Camp
o Session I - June 8-July 2 (No camp July 3) - $499
o Session II - July 6-July 31 - $499
• Adventure Camp
o Session I - June 8-July 2 (No camp July 3) - $742
o Session II - July 7-July 31 - $742
• Mini Camp – Day Camp
o June 1-5 - $125
o Aug. 3-7 - $125
• Mini Camp – Adventure Camp
o June 1-5 - $186
o Aug. 3-7 - 186
Summer Day Camp payments are due in full prior to your child attending the program. The rate of $124.75/week includes the following:
• Two to three field trips every week!
• Special on-site activities each week!
• Camp fee includes all field trips and activities. There are never additional fees!
• Camper T-shirt provided for each enrolled camper.
• Meal service provided as field trip schedule allows.
• Staff-to-camper ratio is less than 1 to 12.
• Camp fee breaks down to $124.75 per week, $24.95 per day, $2.49 per hour.
Summer Adventure Camp payments are due in full prior to your child attending the program. The rate of $185.50/week includes the following:
• Four field trips every week!
• Camp fee includes all field trips and activities. There are never additional fees!
• Meal service provided as field trip schedule allows.
• Staff-to-camper ratio is less than 1 to 12.
• Camp fee breaks down to $185.50 per week, $37.10 per day, $3.71 per hour.
REFUNDS
No refunds will be issued within 30 days of your child’s first registered day of camp. Refunds for all camp programs requested 30 days before your child’s first registered day of camp will be subject to a $25 non-refundable administrative fee.
NSF CHECK FEES
A returned check, for any reason, will be charged the face value of the check plus a service charge. Service charges are based on the amount of the check, a minimum of $25.
RECEIPTS/TAX ID NUMBER
Sarasota County’s Tax ID number is 59-6000848. Please keep your receipt for tax purposes.
REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS
Children of all abilities are invited to enroll in our summer camp programs. During registration, be sure to indicate that a modification is necessary for your child. Staff will contact you prior to camp to set up an assessment meeting to discuss modification requests. This is a required section on your child’s CampDoc profile.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources strives to make its programs, services, and activities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities. The County will make reasonable modifications to the programs, services, and activities within the department to ensure accessibility to such individuals. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA.
CAMPDOC
Sarasota County’s Summer Camp program continues to enhance the camp experience with CampDoc, our comprehensive camp management system designed to prioritize your child’s safety and well-being. CampDoc makes it easy for parents to provide vital health information, emergency contacts and other essential details online through a secure portal.
• After registration for your camper’s camp session, you can expect to receive an “invitation” email from docnetwork.org inviting you as a new user to manage your child’s camp profile If you do not receive the email on the same day as registration, please be sure to check your spam/junk mail folder.
• Parents will need to have a completed camper health form for each camper they are enrolling. Here you will fill out all their camper’s information which MUST be 100% complete by the start of their first day of camp, or the camper will not be able to attend. Having the information completed at least a few days prior to the first day of camp helps our staff have time to review all information prior to your child’s first day.
• CampDoc sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete health information, and Sarasota County will be using the messaging feature to send out emails via CampDoc such as reminders
and parent notifications. These notifications will come from noreply@campdoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders
• All CampDoc forms must be 100% completed and/or updated from last summer before the first day of camp.
• The security and privacy of your camper’s health information is important to us. The CampDoc site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. You can find additional information about CampDoc privacy and security information at www.docnetwork.org/security.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
Drop-off and pick-up for full-day camps will take place through a designated car line. Attendance is taken at the start of activities and monitored throughout the day.
• All drop-off and pick-up takes place in the designated car line.
• Please stay in your vehicle.
• Do not park and walk-up during car line times.
• If you need to speak with staff, please call or arrange a meeting time with the Camp Coordinator.
Drop-off: 7:30-9 a.m. | Pick-up: 4-5:30 p.m.
• Please note: times may vary on field trip days.
Authorized Pick-Up
& Car Tags
Each family will be issued car tags for pick-up. Car tags are provided only to individuals who are listed as authorized pick-ups during the registration process and who regularly pick up the camper. The first time an authorized individual picks up a camper, they must present a valid photo ID to receive a car tag and should be prepared to show identification again upon request throughout the summer. The CampDoc profile for each camper allows you to list a parent/guardian and up to three additional authorized individuals who may sign your child out of camp. One of these designated individuals must be present and show photo identification at pick-up.
Walkers & Bike Riders
Families must select and receive approval in CampDoc for this option. Approved campers must sign themselves out before leaving. If a walker/bike rider has not arrived by 9:00 a.m., a parent/guardian will be contacted. If your child will be absent, please notify camp staff in advance.
LATE DROP-OFF AND EARLY PICK-UP
If you arrive after the morning car line has closed, please call the park office. A staff member will come out to greet you.
On field trip days, buses leave promptly.
• If the group has already left, you must transport your child to the field trip location and sign them
in there.
• Early pick-up on field trip days should be arranged in advance, and you must sign your child out at the off-site location.
LATE FEES
Camp hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. A late fee will be charged when campers are picked up late from the camp programs. This policy is strictly enforced, and your child will not be allowed to return to camp until the late fees are paid. Camp sites do not accept cash. Late fees must be paid with a credit card.
• $10 will be charged for the first 15 minutes.
• $1 will be assessed for each minute after the first 15 minutes.
CAMP LIFE
ATTIRE AND SUNSCREEN
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for camp.
• Closed-toe shoes are required – open-toed shoes, sandals and Crocs are not permitted.
• We encourage parents to pack a change of clothes for campers to keep in their backpacks.
• Check the field trip schedule and send sunscreen on necessary days.
• Ensure that sunscreen is applied before arriving at camp each day. Our staff are unable to rub in sunscreen for campers.
• Kids will have time to reapply sunscreen during the day.
• Hats and sun shirts are encouraged
o Please note, camp staff are not responsible for ensuring that children wear sun shirts or hats.
• Talk to your child about sun safety and your expectations.
County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Summer Camp
ELEMENTARY DAY CAMP CAMPER SHIRTS
Each camper attending full-day camp will receive one official camper shirt Your child is required to wear his/her camper shirt on field trips for easy recognition.
• T-shirts will be distributed at the Ready, Set, Go on Wednesday, May 27, or Thursday, May 28, or your child’s first week of camp.
• Additional shirts are available for purchase.
• Shirts are not refundable and cannot be exchanged.
SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM (Breakfast & Lunch)
Full-day camp programs will be provided (for all children under 18, including C.I.T.) with breakfast and lunch through Sarasota County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services Summer Break Spot program, dependent on field trip schedules. On most field trip days, campers should be sent with a full lunch from home, as food services will not be provided off-site. If services are not available, advanced notice will be provided via drop-off and pick-up line communication. Food services will not be available during minicamp sessions.
Snacks will be provided onsite, courtesy of All Faiths Food Bank. Please speak to camp staff about any ingredient related inquiries.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Lunch – If your camper will not be participating in the Sarasota County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services Summer Break Spot program (lunch will not be available via this program on field trip days).
• Lunches are not refrigerated or heated
• Do not send items with glass or sharp pull tags
• Label all lunch boxes/containers with a permanent marker.
Snack – We will allow for snack time twice each day, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
Labeled Water Bottle – There will be ample opportunity to refill throughout the day.
PERSONAL ITEMS, ELECTRONICS AND CELL PHONE POLICY
A goal of our program is to promote an electronic-free environment to allow for campers to connect, learn, and grow. Camper use of cell phones or other electronic or wireless devices is prohibited at any time once the camp day begins unless specific permission is given by camp staff. Children should not bring any personal items such as toys, cellphones, games, tablets, trading cards, headphones, etc. to camp unless approved by staff. Sarasota County is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property.
LOST AND FOUND
Eachcamp will maintaina lost and found area at thefacility. Pleaseadhere to the following guidelines:
• Labeleverything your child brings tocamp withtheir full name.
• Do not send expensive equipment to camp. (No video games,electronics, phones, etc.)
• Haveyour child leave alltoys, games,cards, etc. at home unless otherwisenotified.
• We arenot responsible for the loss or damageof items that your child may bring to camp.
• Lost and Found itemsnot claimed withina reasonableamount of timewill be donated tocharity.
CAMPER GROUPS
We work diligently to maintain a specific camper to counselor ratio as indicated by the American Camp Association. Campers will be organized according to their ages (not grade level) to guarantee ageappropriate activities and experiences. We use the birthday (precise number of years, months, days) of each camper to place them into groups. This policy is implemented to uphold safety and promote consistent programming. Campers will have the opportunity to form bonds and friendships within their designated age groups. We cannot grant special requests for grouping children together.
DAILY CAMP PROGRAMMING GUIDELINES
Children participate in various activities both indoor and outdoor.
• Physical Activity (2-4 times daily) - Opportunities for organized physical fitness through active play shall exist. This could include organized games/sports, playground activity, relays, etc.
• Quiet Play and Reading Activities (1-3 times daily) - Opportunities for quiet play shall exist. Puzzles, individual games, board games, reading, etc. In addition to individualized reading times, reading activities that correlate with our Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge will be programed weekly.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Summer Camp Parent Handbook
• Unstructured Play (1-2 times daily) - Opportunities for unstructured play shall exist each day. During unstructured play, staff will facilitate the flow of activities, initiate games, help to solve conflicts, take time to talk with children, be accessible to the children, and provide constant overall supervision.
WEEKLY CAMP PROGRAMMING GUIDELINES
• Creative Arts (3-5 times weekly) - Opportunities for creative arts shall exist through arts, crafts, drama, music, etc. There shall be at least one opportunity for each participant to take a “project” home each week.
• Leadership & Values (3-5 times weekly) - Opportunities for leadership and values shall exist through daily camp and teambuilding activities.
• Science & Nature (3-5 times weekly) - Opportunities for science and nature activities shall exist. This could include a nature scavenger hunt, nature walk through the park, or hands-on science experiments.
• Field Trips – At least two field trips are planned per week to nearby sites (Movies, Skating, Bowling, etc.).
• On-Site Performers - Professional performers are scheduled to entertain and educate campers at our day camp programs once per week. Safety & Wellness education is a priority in scheduling our performers. These performers could include Police & Fire presentations, IFAS presentation about eating healthy, Child Protection Center, etc.
ACTIVITY ROTATIONS
The daily activitieswill be structured around a rotation schedule utilizing various indoor and outdoor areas of the camp facilities. These rotations will be daily. Campers are encouraged to participate in the many exciting activities and events that are provided at camp.
MOVIE GUIDELINES
Movies may be shown during periods of inclement weather All movies are age appropriate and have a rating of G or PG. (Adventure Camp may see some PG-13 movies with parent permission slip) Movies may also be shown to your camper in the morning during drop off from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and/or in the afternoon during pick-up from 4 –5:30 p.m.
Field Trips arescheduled to themovietheaterthroughout thesummerand occasionallystaffwill show a movie that goes along with a themed activity. In both scenarios the movie will be listed on the board during drop-off and pick-up for awareness.
ON-SITE PERFORMERS
Professional performers are scheduled to entertain campers at our day camp programs. Check the parent newsletter for the weekly on-site performer schedule.
Recreation and Natural
FIELD TRIPS/TRANSPORTATION
Day and Adventure camp programs offer a variety of field trips. All children shall participate in these trips, and the camp facility may be vacated. Please have your child (or children) at camp by 9 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) in order to participate. Some hours may vary depending on field trips and parents will be notified of early field trip departures and late arrivals. Please note the following:
• Participants must be able to transfer on and off standard school buses with minimal assistance.
• Registration fees include the cost of all field trips for Day, Adventure and C.I.T. camps. Field trip fees cannot be refunded. Refer to the field trip schedule for locations.
• Field trips are subject to change without notice. Whenever possible, you will be notified of any changes.
• A field trip and general release must be signed by a parent or guardian at time of registration. This will cover all camp programs unless additional permission slips are required by field trip vendors.
• Please check the on-site white board daily in the car line as well as any CampDoc communication for announcements related to field trips and on-site activities. Provide your child(ren) with the proper attire/change of clothes, sunscreen, lunch/snacks and beverages. NO GLASS containers. Label all personal items with your child(ren)’s name(s).
• We recommend that campers do not bring money on field trips. If your child brings money for field trips, it is your child’s responsibility to keep track of their money and store it in a safe place. Staff is not responsible for a camper’s personal money. There is no guarantee that there will be time/opportunity to use personal money on field trips.
• For late arrivals or early dismissals, parents are responsible for transporting their children to or from the field trip site, where they must be signed in or out with camp staff. Please note that no staff will remain onsite at camp during field trips, and children cannot stay behind instead of attending the trip. We will not hold buses for campers who are arriving late.
SWIMMING AND WATER BASED FIELD TRIPS
Swim and water field trips are always a big hit with our campers, and we want to make sure we are the safest we can be when visiting water-based activities. The first water-based field trip of each session will be to North Port Aquatic Center (NPAC). At NPAC, each child will complete a swim test at the start of each session. NPAC lifeguards will facilitate the swim test prior to letting the campers enjoy the park and determine if the camper is: non-swimmer, basic skills, or swimmer.
If a camper is absent and unable to complete the swim test, they will be categorized as a nonswimmer until the test is completed.
Campers will takefield trips to ourbeautiful Sarasota beaches.Weonly visit lifeguardedbeaches and camp staff are trained to enforce designated boundaries. Lifeguards oversee the water, and staff follow strict safety measures, including a buddy system, designated swim areas, and constant supervision. Counselors arepositioned in thewater,onshore, andescortingkids as needed. Makesureto sendyour childwith plenty of sunscreen and speak to them about how to properly apply.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
HEALTH-RELATED MEDICAL CONCERNS/SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS
• Camper health information for Day/Adventure/CIT programs will be done through CampDoc. The Health Profile MUST be completed prior to your camper’s first day. If profiles are not completed, your child will not be able to participate in camp.
• All campers must be up to date on all vaccinations required for school. If they are not, we require a physician’s letter prior to the first day of camp.
• All camp participants must be toilet trained and be able to use toilet facilities independently.
• Any child with special health needs, as indicated during registration, will be assessed and modifications made as needed, on an individual basis. We ask that all potential behavior issues be communicated clearly so that our staff may help each child thrive.
• If a child becomes ill while at camp, he/she will be isolated from other campers, supervised by staff, parents will be called, and the camper must be picked up immediately to minimize risk to other campers and staff.
• Campers who have a contagious illness will need to stay home until they are symptom-free without medication for 72 hours or until a doctor's notice releases the child to return to camp.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Summer Camp Parent Handbook
• If a child attending camp is diagnosed with a contagious illness, parents will be notified by letter so you may watch your child for similar symptoms.
• If your child has lice, you will need to keep them at home until they are lice-free
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
In the event of an injury, staff will take necessary steps to keep children calm. Staff will seek emergency medical care as warranted. The following actions may include but are not limited to:
1. A trained staff member will provide immediate first aid.
2. Camp Supervisor will contact a parent or guardian.
3. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, we will attempt to contact others listed on your registration form.
4. In case of serious injury, emergency medical assistance will be contacted (911 will be called).
5. If we are unable to reach you or the authorized person on your medical release form, the emergency EMT staff will transport the child to the nearest hospital When emergency medical staff warrants that the child be taken to the nearest hospital, transport fees will be the responsibility of the parents or legal guardian. We will contact you and inform you of the EMS staff recommendation. A PRNR staff member will remain with the child until the parent(s), or another authorized adult arrives. Sarasota County staff may not transport program participants.
MEDICATION POLICY/PROCEDURE
Campers may not keep medication(s) in their backpacks, lunch boxes, or on their person at any time. Medication(s) must be kept in a locked container, onsite, in the camp office. Sarasota County Summer Camp Programs will keep on file the following:
• Authorization forms for each medication, which require both a parent’s and physician’s signature. Complete form includes:
o The child’s name, address, and birth date.
o The drug name and prescribed dose.
o The method of administration (oral, topical, epi-pen, etc.).
o The time to be self-administered.
o The side effects.
o The prescriber’s name and address.
• Prescribed inhalers, Epi-pens or other prescribed medications with parent’s consent and physician’s signature. Medications must be in their original container and clearly labeled.
o Medication(s) will be stored onsite, in the camp office, in a locked box or container. Staff do not have the ability to keep medication cold – therefore if a medication requires refrigeration – the parent should provide an insulated bag with effective cooling accessories (such as ice packs).
insulated bag with effective cooling accessories (such as ice packs).
Summer Camp Staff and Program Coordinators will make all necessary efforts to ensure the timely and proper self-administration of camper medication(s). However, staff are not responsible for spoiled medications or improper self-administration.
Parent Responsibilities:
It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the Camp Supervisor upon arrival, on the 1st day the camper attends the program, that their child has a prescribed inhaler, epi-pen, or other prescribed medication. The medication must be provided to the Camp Supervisor to be inaccessible to other children.
Medication forms are required to be signed by both the parent and physician before the program starts. It is also the parent’s responsibility to inform and instruct the camper, who must self-administer their own medication, how to do so properly prior to the first day of camp.
Staff Responsibilities:
Medication will be self-administered by the camper, but under supervision by a camp staff member. Staff will keep accurate documentation of all medications administered by completing the Health Log,which will be kept onsite. Individual administration records shall include:
• The camper’s name, date, and time the medication was administered.
• The dose that was administered.
• Any comments.
Parents shall be notified of any administration errors by phone and documented in the Camp Health Log.
CAMPER EXPECTATIONS
CAMP RULES
• Be respectful toward other campers and camp staff.
• Follow directions.
• No fighting.
• No foul language.
• No phone use during camp activities.
• No taking pictures of any kind.
• No sexually suggestive language or behavior.
• No alcohol, smoking, vaping or drug use.
• No stealing.
• No teasing other campers.
• No weapons of any kind.
• No bullying of any kind will be tolerated.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE(S)
Our approach to managing camper behavior is designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Staff will use the guidelines below to address behavioral issues through Behavior Modifications and Strikes. Three Behavior Modifications for the same issue equals one Strike. Immediate expulsion may occur if a camper poses a threat to themselves, staff or others. We encourage parents to talk with their child ahead of time about expected behavior at camp, the possible consequences and what a Strike means, so they feel prepared and understand how their choices help keep camp safe and fun for everyone.
Behavior Modifications
Behavior Modifications are issued for the following:
• Not following instructions.
• Inappropriate use of cell phones or electronics.
• Disrespecting campers, staff or property.
• Using profanity, offensive language or name-calling.
• Teasing.
• Infractions to any rule and/or policy that is listed within our camp rules.
Strikes
Strikes are issued for severe behaviors, including but not limited to:
• Physical or verbal aggression.
• Leaving the group or designated areas without permission.
• Inappropriate or suggestive behavior.
• Stealing.
• Bullying or harassment.
• Possession or use of weapons, tobacco, vaporizers or drugs.
Three-Strike System
• First Strike: Parent notification filled out by counselor and discussed with parent at pick-up. Must be signed by a parent. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately if a behavior affects the safety or well-being of others or if the issue persists despite fair warnings.
• Second Strike: Suspension from the program or removal from the next field trip (nonrefundable). A parent conference is required.
• Third Strike: Permanent expulsion from the camp (non-refundable).
Suspension and Expulsion
Suspension or expulsion may occur immediately, without warnings or strikes, if:
• A camper intentionally harms another camper or staff member.
• A camper willfully destroys property (parents are responsible for damages).
• A camper uses, displays or threats of a weapon or any item used as a weapon. Suspension or expulsion decisions are made collaboratively by the Counselor, Camp Supervisor, Program Coordinator and Camp Administration. Recommendations must be documented and discussed with parents/guardians within 24 hours.
Final Review
Should the camper reach their third strike, they will be suspended from the remainder of the session, pending review. Should the Program Coordinator determine that the camper presents a clear risk of harm to themselves or others or is otherwise incapable of following camp policies and procedures the camp reserves the ability to remove the camper from any and all remaining sessions in the summer camp program that year.
Note: Refunds are not provided for suspensions or expulsions.
Appeals Process
Parents/guardians have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions:
• First appeal: Meeting with Program Coordinator and Recreation and Neighborhood Park Supervisor.
• Second appeal: Made to Camp Administration
BULLYING
Bullying is repeated, unwanted aggressive behavior where there's a real or perceived imbalance of power, intended to hurt, intimidate, or control someone. Kids who are bullied, andwho bully others, mayhave serious, lasting problems.
In orderto be considered bullying, thebehavior must be aggressiveand include:
An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if theyinvolve thesame people.
Repetition: Bullying behaviorshappen more thanonce or have thepotentialto happen more thanonce.
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from agroup on purpose.
We are committedtoproviding a caring,friendly, and safe environment for all our camp participants that allowsthem to interact in a relaxed and secure environment. The Sarasota County PRNR camp program will not tolerate bullying behavior in our camps. If bullying does occur, all campers should be able to tell staff and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Anyone who knows that bullying is occurring is expectedto tella staffmember.
We are committed to addressing concerns that fall under bullying immediately and fairly, informing parents about bullying and disciplinary policies and stressing to all camp participants the importance of choosing respect when interacting with one another.
County Parks, Recreation
CAMP COMMUNICATIONS AND SECURITY
COMMUNICATION
Parents/Guardians have the ability to update their camper’s CampDoc profile as necessary. It is their responsibility to ensure the following information is kept current in CampDoc:
• Designation of a new pick-up person (must present valid ID).
Once these updates are made in CampDoc, camp staff will receive notifications through the system.
Please contact camp staff via phone or in person during drop-off/pick-up if:
• You will be late for drop-off or unable to pick up your child on time.
• Your child is ill; please keep them at home until they recover.
Camp staff will notify parents/guardians via phone call or notification form if:
• Your child is injured or becomes ill.
• Your child has disciplinary issues.
• Any other significant incident occurs.
Please communicate any questions, comments, or concerns you may have to park/camp staff. Keeping open communication between parents/guardians and camp staff is key to the success of the summer camp program.
CUSTODY MATTERS
It is Sarasota County PRNR’s intent to meet the needs of the children, especially when their parents/guardians are experiencing a difficult situation such as divorce, separation, or remarriage. However, the camp cannot restrict the non-custodial parent from visiting the child(ren), reviewing the child(ren)’s records, or picking the child(ren) up unless the camp has been provided with current legal documents restricting the parent from having access to the child(ren). Copies of the court documents will be kept in the child(ren)’s file.
CHANGE OF EMERGENCY INFORMATION
It is important that Sarasota County PRNR maintains current and accurate records on each child so that parents can be contacted in case of an emergency. This information includes address, phone numbers, email and names of individuals authorized to pick up your child(ren). It is extremely important for the safety of your child(ren) that we be informed of changes. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make any necessary updates if changes occur. These changes should be communicated to the Camp Coordinator as well as updated in CampDoc.
SECURITY
Unauthorized Person(s)
Unauthorized person(s) are not permitted to visit the camp site during camp hours and will be asked to leave. Any visitor who refuses to follow these policies or who generally seems inappropriate for any reason must be reported to the site Program Coordinator
Visitors at Camp
Visitors are not encouraged as they can become a distraction, and camp staff is not permitted to bring guests. When parents/guardians wish to visit, they must first check in with the Program Coordinator, unless the activity has been advertised as a time for visitation by parents/guardians.
EVALUATIONS
Evaluations will be issued via email to each camp family at the end of each camp. We value your input and appreciate your time in providing us with your feedback.
County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Summer Camp Parent Handbook
