Department of Recreation Services
Summer 2011 Redhawks Kids Camp (RKC) Parent Guide “Everything You Need To Know about RKC!” Southeast Missouri State University Department of Recreation Services One University Plaza MS 7100 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 www.semo.edu/recservices
Department of Recreation Services (Main Office): 651-2105 Camp Headquarters (Student Recreation Center - North): 986-7379 Student Recreation Center – North Front Desk (Emergency needs number): 651-2147 1
From Your Camp Director – Department of Recreation Services April 27, 2011 Dear Parent/Guardian: Thank you for joining our Redhawks Kids Camp family this summer. I am looking forward to getting to know both you and your camper(s) this summer. We are looking forward to an exciting summer, with great themes and activities. We will be located at the Student Recreation Center – North, which includes benefits such as swimming in the Student Aquatic Center, use of the rock climbing wall, easy access, and a variety of both outdoor and indoor activity locations. Throughout my years of experience as a kids’ camp director I know the importance of a safe, fun, and educational environment for the summer. RKC stresses all of these points making it the perfect summer destination. Please know that you can feel comfortable and confident in what we can provide for your children this summer:
Your children will be well taken care of and looked after while in camp. Safety is the utmost concern we have and we will stop at nothing to ensure your child is as safe here as if he/she were at home. Check-Out ID’s needed, low camper to counselor ratios, constant headcounts, and practiced emergency procedures– all meant for the sake of safety. Staff Training – counselors participate in over 30 hours of intensive training – discussing all parameters of camp, children, safety, activities, etc. All staff members must complete a nationwide background check. In addition, counselors are trained to be mandated abuse reporters and have been certified in child/infant & adult CPR and basic first aid by the American Red Cross. Diversity and an array of activities – feel good knowing that your children are being provided a diversity of experiences and education while at camp. With all activities scheduled and planned, kids will remain busy through the summer. We are an ACTIVE camp! We are always on the go and it’s our job to tire out your kids by the time evening comes around.
I am proud to offer another summer of the Redhawks Kids Camp and privileged that you have chosen us to be a part of your child’s life. If there is anything that I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to call on me. We are confident your child will enjoy their RKC experience! Sincerely, Jennifer Rose Assistant Director, Sports and Youth/Family Programs Department of Recreation Services Southeast Missouri State University 986-7379 or jrose@semo.edu
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Administrative Camp Staff Student Administrative Staff -
Jen Rose, Camp Director Katie Markey, Assistant Director Robert Shanahan, Head Counselor
Jackie Tippee, Coordinator
About The Staff Members of the Redhawks Kids Camp Staff are trained and experienced students at Southeast Missouri State University. The Administrative Staff all have background working with youth programs and have been training in their position for months now with camp. Jen is in her eighth year directing summer youth day camps, her fourth year with RKC, with fours years at a summer day camp in California. She also has an extensive background in coaching and youth special events. Jen is the Assistant Director, Sports and Youth & Family Programs for Recreation Services at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Jackie Tippee is in her first year with Redhawks Kids Camp and comes to us with years of working with children. She babysat throughout high school and college. She was also active in supervising youth activities at her church. In addition, she had extensively taught swim lessons over the years. She is currently the Graduate Assistant of Aquatics and Youth Programs for Recreation Services at SEMO. Katie Markey is back with us again for her third year with Redhawks Kids Camp. In addition to her camp experiences here, she has had a multitude of classroom experiences. We are excited to have Robert Shanahan returning for his second year with Redhawks Kids Camp. This year he has been promoted to Head Counselor and we are excited to have him share his camp experiences with the new counselors. Robert has had experiences as a counselor for a grade-school residential camp and a variety of youth coaching experience. In addition he has assisted in elementary school classrooms. The Counselor staff was hand selected for their positions. All staff members are current students at Southeast and many are education majors at the University. All have been through extensive training for the position and you can feel safe with these counselors caring for your children. Many of the counselors will be safely trying ideas associated with lesson plans as they look to teach in the future. It’s an excellent training ground for them, and one that will provide them the experience they need to teach our children in the classrooms in the future! All staff members have passed a thorough national background check and are CPR, AED and First Aid certified for adults and children. You should feel comfortable with the staff of the RKC! The Administrative Staff will be on hand throughout the day in the Camp Headquarters at the Student Recreation Center North and will be in constant contact via radio at all times.
About The Redhawks Kids Camp The designs of RKC are simple – we provide a safe and educational environment where kids have fun and enjoy their summer days. Kids coming to the camp will be involved in many games, sporting events, activities, educational opportunities, swimming, arts and crafts, and much more. Kids will certainly have fun in RKC during the summer while being involved in many activities provided by RKC staff.
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RKC Sessions – Summer – 2011
May 31-June 3 GET INTO THE GAME From hopscotch to four-square, Guess Who to Battleship, kickball to wiffleball, we’ll have fun learning new games and reviving games of old. Don’t miss the Game Show Extravaganza, where campers will compete in everything from Minute to Win It to Wipeout to Wheel of Fortune! June 6-10 CRAZY CRITTERS Leap, soar, dash and slither as we explore crazy critters! June 13-17 BLAST FROM THE PAST Dine with the dinos, “Stroll” at a sock hop, and glow in the eighties as we cruise eras of the past. We’ll also be tye-dyeing and having a decades dance! June 20-24 IMAGINE IF Campers get to use their imaginations as we fly with superheroes, climb beanstalks and blast off into space! Celebrate at the Camp Carnival! June 27-July 1 AMAZING RACE Campers will explore different countries and cultures. The week will culminate with an “all camp” day of games and competitions. July 5-8 MASTERPIECE Show us what you’ve got – arts, singing, dancing and acting! Don’t forget the Annual RKC Talent Show, a favorite for campers and parents! July 11-15 WATERPALOOZA Splish, splash through this “wateriffic” week! The water blasts away during our Annual Water Olympics and Giant Slip-n-Slide! July 18-22 STARS OF TOMORROW Our guests and fun activities will spark your future and we’ll show how you impact your community and the future. July 25-29 REDHAWKS RALLY Let’s get Rowdy! Play your favorite sports and meet collegiate athletes.
Aspects of Redhawks Kids Camp
Recreation! Recreation is the main theme of RKC. Everything we do will revolve around some sort of recreation. Some things the kids will like and others they may not, but we ask they try out the activity and give it a shot!
Environment around RKC! We will be utilizing the Student Recreation Center - North (next to the Show Me Center) as the camp headquarters for RKC. We will always start and end the day at this facility. We will be walking (no vehicular transportation will be used unless permission is asked) to get around campus and find new places to play! We will utilize green spaces throughout campus (Intramural playing fields and building lawns) as programming areas outside. We will be in constant contact in severe weather situations and campers will be led to safety in buildings if outside or kept in the Student Recreation Center - North on bad weather days.
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Dress for Camp Parents and guardians are asked to dress RKC campers in clothes to play in all day. Only tennis shoes (sneakers) are permitted to be worn during the camp day (sandals, sport sandals, Crocs, etc. are NOT permitted). We ask that shorts and a t-shirt are also worn during the camp day. Kids will be playing, so wearing older clothes will be ideal – clothes they can play in, get dirty in, etc. All shirts must be in good taste and must cover to the waist. Boys will be asked to wear shirts at all times. Hats are encouraged to be worn. There is no need to bring money to camp. RKC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Happenings and Activities! The camp day is FULL of many activities and events. A “typical” day in the life of RKC is listed below: Time
Event
Description
6:30am - 7:45am
Early Arrival
Pre-paid service for parents that need extra time in the AM
7:45am – 8:15am
Regular Check-in
Regular check-in time for full-day campers
8:15am – 8:25am
“Good Morning RKC”
Given by Administrative Staff
8:25am – 9:30am
Counselor Choice I
Programmed activity by assigned counselors to the camper’s age group
9:30am – 10:30am
Counselor Choice II
Programmed activity by assigned counselors to the camper’s age group
10:30am – 10:45am
Morning Snack Time
Opportunity for campers to eat snack from home
10:45am – 11:45am
Counselor Choice III
Third programmed activity by assigned counselors
Noon
Afternoon check-in
Designated time for half-day afternoon campers and arrival of Horizon’s campers
11:50am – 12:20pm
Lunch
Designated lunch time for campers
12:20pm – 12:45pm
All-Camp Game
Fun school-yard style game played with all campers
12:45pm – 1:00pm
Change/Dress /Pool-Prep
Change into swimming gear
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Swimming at SAQ
Swim – certified lifeguards watching and some counselors in the water as well!
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Change to regular clothing
Change back into regular clothing and split back into groups
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Counselor Choice IV
Smaller programmed activity given by counselors to age groups
3:30pm – 4:00pm
Daily Wrap & Afternoon snack All Star awards, singing and a snack given by counselors
4:00pm
Plan I campers released
Plan I’s are released (as registration form indicates)
3:50-4:15pm
Open Play
Kids awaiting pick-up for Plan II’s
4:15 – 5:30pm
Late Extended Play
Pre-paid service for parents that need more time in the PM
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Age Groups of Campers Kids are broken down by the grade in which they are going into for the fall, 2011. This is done from a safety standpoint, and for the enjoyment of the kids in camp. For most of the activities during the camp day, groups will remain constant. Counselors will be assigned to a specific age group in pairings made by the Administrative Staff. All counselors will work with all ages throughout the summer. The following groups will be designated: Group Number
Grades
Group #1 Group #2
Grades K-2 Grades 3-6
T-Shirt Color Red Blue
Walking and Fitness! RKC is an “active” camp and we like to get outdoors and be active during the day. Weather permitting; we will walk, as a group, to many locations on and off campus. Counselors will address issues of fitness and regular activity during RKC on many occasions.
Kids Playing and Respecting One Another! Kids will be encouraged to take part in all activities for the day. We will encourage kids to play within the rules, treat each other with dignity and respect, and to respect all equipment and facilities like they were their own at home! Those campers not adhering to these standards will meet with Administrative staff members and the results could be parental or guardian meetings.
Swimming!!!!! Ahhh, the #1 rated event in RKC! This is a definite favorite. We will be using the Student Aquatic Center during the summer. We will swim from 1:00-2:30p.m. each day. Kids that cannot swim will need to bring floaties or wear provided life vests. Counselors will be in the pool area at all times with campers and certified lifeguards will be on hand to monitor the pool. There are some needs for swimming – please note the following:
We will swim each day. All campers will be encouraged to swim or be near the pool at all times. Only a parent’s/doctor’s written notice will excuse a camper from swimming. All campers will need to bring a plastic bag (to place wet items in after swimming), towel, swim suit (one or two-piece is fine), flip-flops/deck shoes, goggles and swimming aides (if needed) with them to camp. No noodles or pool toys are permitted in the water, other than those provided by RKC staff.
Additionally, some non-aquatic activities may take place outside of the pool area. No extra swimsuits are available, and we will have a counselor out of the water to care for children that cannot swim that day. While the pool environment will be very safe, swimming lessons will NOT be taught during the camp day and swim times. Children that are not good swimmers can bring swim aides to camp to use, or lifevests will be available on site to use. *ALL campers will be tested on their first day of camp to determine swimming abilities. If your child does not pass the swim test, they will be required to wear a lifejacket until they can pass the swim test and they will be kept in the shallow end of the pool at all times. Campers that pass the swim test are eligible to use the rock wall, zip line and rope swing.
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Shirts! Included in your registration fees is a camp t-shirt. Additional shirts can be purchased. We will also have some backpacks available for purchase with the RKC logo on them. Pricing for these items will be available during camp.
Identification ALL parents, guardians, or friends approved to pick up children at the end of the camp day MUST show a picture ID in order to pick up the child. This policy is for all parents, guardians, and friends who selected Plan II on your child’s registration form. Please understand this is for the safety of your child, and no exceptions will be made from this policy. Parents need to be aware that we will not release a child to a parent/guardian without an ID, no matter how well we know parents or guardians. This protection is arranged for the safety of campers, counselors, and parents/guardians alike. RKC staff has the right to refuse dismissal of campers to any person not listed or incoherent at pick-up. Parents/guardians are asked not to try and take advantage of this safety-related procedure. There are no exceptions to this policy for those campers on Plan II. A change in Plan can occur at any time, please contact the Administrative Staff if you wish to change the pick-up plan for your child/ren. *** Our counselors can always be identified easily. This summer, counselors will be wearing staff T-shirts with the RKC logo on the front, specifically designed to make them visible to the Administrative Staff, other counselors, and parents/guardians. All staff members will have their names printed on the back of their shirts.
Discipline for Campers The staff of RKC is aware that there will be times when kids may have a rough day. Please be aware that we will quickly resolve all conflicts to keep your child involved in camp activities. On occasion, a break may be needed for campers to regroup. Parents will be notified of any serious or persistant problems we may have with your child. Not all issues will necessitate a call home to to a parent/guardian. It will be dependent upon our counselors and Administrative Staff. It is the policy of our staff to communicate with parents as much as we can. We always provide praise when praise is due! Discipline will be handled on an individual basis only. If it is necessary for an entire grade to be addressed, a member of the Redhawks Kids Camp Administrative Staff will handle the discussion. RKC Discipline Policy 1st Offense:
Camper will receive a verbal warning from the counselor explaining the inappropriate behavior and written documentation will be made.
2nd Offense:
Campers will be removed from the activity and escorted to the RKC office to discuss behavior choices with members of the Administrative Staff. At this time, phone calls to parents may be made and behavior contracts with consequences may be drawn up and implemented for the camper. Campers may also find themselves having to help Administrative Staff members for a period of time rather than participating in the activities with their group. Written documentation will be recorded of the incident(s).
3rd Offense:
If a child has three or more offenses in one day, parents will be called and asked to remove their child from camp immediately for the day.
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Each day, campers will start off with a clean slate. However, any steps in the discipline policy can be skipped and a camper may be sent directly to the office if the incident is severe. Parents may be called when the child is sent to the office. Parents will be notified at the end of the camp day of any situations that may have occurred thoughout the day with their camper. The Department of Recreation Services and the Redhawks Kids Camp have the right to terminate the registration (without refund) for any child not abiding or conforming to stated RKC policies.
Snacks and Lunches During the day, we will provide a small afternoon snack and water to the campers. The afternoon snack will be given at approximately 3p.m. Snacks are just that…snacks. Kids use a ton of energy during the day. Our “snack” is meant to give them some added energy to get them through the day. Our snacks are crackers, pretzels or similar items. Water will be available throughout the day at anytime for campers and also available at snack times. We will have a morning snack break at 10:30am, during which time campers have the opportunity to eat snacks they have packed from home. Lunches must be provided by parents as RKC does not provide lunches to campers. A refrigerator will be available to store items. Campers are asked to bring their lunch in a brown lunch bag with their name and grade written on the front. Campers bringing lunches in anything than a paper bag will be asked to leave their lunches in the activity room. This area is safe, however these lunches are kept at room temperature. We cannot heat anything up for lunch. A sample lunch could be:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich An apple A juice drink box A dessert (like a small candy bar or cookies)
**NOTE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS: It is important that kids eat breakfast in the mornings. Again, the amount of energy needed in a young body is sometimes twice that of an adult, so please stress a good and balanced breakfast with your child each morning! Please let us know in advance if your child has special dietary needs so that we can assist your camper at lunch time. It is also important that we are aware of any food allergies (especially nuts) so we can plan appropriately. Campers have a tendency to trade items at lunch, so if your child has a food allergy indicate this on their registration form.
Creative Arts and Crafts! Camp is not just about sports, it’s about being creative with arts and crafts as well. Again, some kids will like this and others won’t but it’s a part of the camp day. A specific area for arts and crafts will be located in the Student Recreation Center North. Several times throughout the summer, counselors will assist campers with special “projects”. These may have some educational component to camp and all will be available for take-home when completed. During Session #6, “Masterpiece” campers will be able to participate in the annual camp Talent Show and art from throughout the summer will be displayed in the camp Art Gallery that week. Parents will be invited to share in both of these.
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Absences, Late Arrivals and Early Departures Summer is a time where we all go to the dentist, eye doctor, take a vacation, etc. We know things will come up. If your child is scheduled to attend camp that day, please call us and inform us that you will be late. We will have someone answering the front desk phone from 6:30a.m.-5:30p.m. daily M-F. We ask that a camper running a fever does NOT come to camp that day. Keep your camper at home and call us and let us know he/she is not attending that day. Campers are NOT permitted to leave any segment of camp without consent of a legal parent or guardian. All check-in’s and check-out’s MUST occur at the Camp Headquarters (Student Recreation Center North).
Personal items! As part of the safety aspect, we ask that no personal items be brought to camp. Items such as video games, cell phones, cards or card games, or other personal items or activities are not permitted in camp. These items will be held at the camp office until the end of the day if found. On occasion, campers may be asked to bring something in conjunction with a camp activity – that is OK, but a note will go home with the camper requesting such an item. It’s also important that campers do NOT bring any money as none will be needed during the day. RKC is NOT RESPONSIBLE for personal items of campers.
Other RKC Information That Parents/Guardians Need To Know SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Special arrangements for your child can be made allowing him/her to arrive late to camp or to leave early for the day. Advance notice MUST be given for this to occur. This notice needs to be in writing and given to the check-in/check-out staff. Please keep in mind that due to transportation logistics, your child may be paired with an older or younger age group for a short time to accommodate this request. Emergency notification to leave early can be made through the Recreation Center at 651-2147. We ask that all parents/guardians to only call for such requests in emergency situations. Children with disabilities: if you are considering having a child with a specific physical or mental disability attend RKC, please consult the Administrative Staff to meet and discuss available options. RAINY DAYS: On days of bad weather, all activities will be moved indoors. RKC staff (counselors) are given instructions for each activity area on where to take campers should a sudden storm occur. Parents and guardians should know the Administrative staff keeps contact with the National Weather Service, local weather radar, Internet Weather stations, and with local radio for the latest in weather information.
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NOTICE: On Friday of each week, you will receive details on the activities planned for your child the next week. This RKC Camp Newsletter will inform you of all special events or other activities both on and off campus. We hope this newsletter will keep you informed about camp activities. This notice will be your camp information guide and will detail camp happenings and other important information during the week. The RKC Camp Newsletter will also be avaliable on-line at www.semo.edu/recservices. ACCIDENTS IN THE POOL—PLEASE EDUCATE YOUR CAMPER!!! In recent years, there have been “accidents” in the pool. These include fecal deposits, vomit, etc. Please discuss with your child the importance of getting to the restroom, and not going in the pool. If an accident does occur, Student Aquatic Center Staff will evacuate the pool and we will be out of the pool until chemical tests indicate it is safe to re-enter. This process is inconvenient to other campers, and is also VERY expensive. Help keep overall camp costs as low as possible by educating your camper(s) regarding this issue. Thank you for the help! LOST and FOUND At various times, children have a tendency to lose things (sock, shoe, swimsuit, etc). A Lost and Found box will be kept in the RKC headquarters (Student Recreation Center – North). Parents, campers, and guardians are encouraged to check in this location if something is missing. Sample Checklist for a typical RKC day… Backpack Swimsuit Towel Lunch (in a brown bag with the camper’s name and grade on the front) Possible extra shirt/shorts One or two light snacks – optional (we provide one per day) Their RKC backpack (required each day) A Water Bottle (required each day) A brush or comb (children should not share with others) Sunscreen A hat ILLNESS: On occasion, your child may suffer from an infection, cold, or flu. If your child is ill and will not be attending camp for that day, please notify the RKC staff as soon as possible. If your child becomes ill while at camp, we will notify you as soon as possible. Many times an illness can be overcome with rest, fluids, or food. We ask for your discretion on sending your child to camp if he/she is ill or tired. PLEASE NOTE: The RKC staff cannot administer any medications unless specific written directions are left with the Administrative staff with the medication, dosage, times, and other relevant information needed. Tylenol (or headache-like medications) cannot be dispensed without written notification from a parent/guardian. Please let us know if your child has severe allergies or needs the use of an Epipen. Epipens are not provided by RKC, but can be kept with a counselor in case it is needed.
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DEADLINE FOR BALANCE PAYMENTS: Payments are made in the Department of Recreation Services main office (SRC-North, Room 101) from 8a.m.-4p.m. M-F. As a convenience to parents, RKC will accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER cards (no American Express accepted), cash, money orders, or personal checks (in-state only made out to Southeast Missouri State University) as payment for all camp services. Remember, balance payments are due the Wednesaday of that camp session. Thus, the balance payment schedule is: Session Balance Payment Due Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9
by Wed, June 1 by Wed, June 8 by Wed, June 15 by Wed, July 22 by Wed, June 29 by Wed, July 6 by Wed, July 13 by Wed, July 20 by Wed, July 27
Prompt payments are a necessity of RKC. If payment is not made by 5:30p.m. on a Wednesday of that session, an automatic $15 late fee will be assessed for that session. All dishonored checks will be charged a $25 penalty and restitution must be made to RKC within 24 hours notice or the account will be sent to university collections. RKC Administrative Staff members will keep you updated on your account balance for RKC. No deposits may be transferred from one session to pay the balance or reserve another. All Deposits and RKC payments are non-transferable and non-refundable. Remember, all balance payments MUST be made in person. Balance payments cannot be accepted by U.S. mail or campus mail. Receipts can be given for all payments and camp purchases. * Parents and Guardians that attend either Parent Orientation Meeting will receive a $5 discount which will be applied to your first registered session. Orientation meetings will be held Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30p.m. in the Student Recreation Center – North Multi-purpose Room. *****NO REFUNDS will be given for paid sessions that are not excused by a physician. Please note this as parents and families decide on vacations. If the decision is made not to attend a RKC Session after a deposit has been made, we will not permit this deposit to be applied to another session. Please notify us if you will not be attending a session. TAX (Child Care Expenses) INFORMATION: The Redhawks Kids Camp State Tax ID # is 43-6003569. The Redhawks Kids Camp will not blanket - mail statements out to Parents/Guardians regarding verification of child care provided during the summer but individual requests after January 1, 2012 will be granted. Parents/Guardians can call 9867379 to request this information. The verification will come on SEMO letterhead and have total weeks attended and toal amount paid to RKC for the previous summer. CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT: Campers will be checked-in and out at the Student Recreation Center – North with NO exceptions. One table will be set up in the southeast entrance of the building (near the walkway bridge) during check-in and check-out. Half-day campers will check in and out through the RKC camp headquarters located just inside the entrance to the Student Recreation Center – North.
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PARKING INFORMATION Parking is available in the parking lot off of New Madrid by the walkway bridge. RKC and the Department of Recreation Services are not responsible for parking tickets issued. Vehicles not appropriately parked or parked in reserved spots may be ticketed and towed at owners expense. Additionally, during the summer, special events may take place where parents are invited to attend. Parents will be informed of special parking arrangements that will take place. ACCIDENT PREVENTION: In the case of an emergency or accident involving your child, you will be notified immediately by a camp administrator. All members of the RKC staff are certified in CPR (Adult, Child and Infant), AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and first aid. If you, as a parent, have an emergency and need to reach a child, please call 651-2147. Age groups are in radio-contact with all camp personnel. On the registration form, we asked for any medical conditions that camp personnel need to be knowledgeable of. Please notify us if there are any changes or additions to this information. In the case of a severe accident, you have given RKC staff approval to contact an ambulance for your child. DIRECTIONS: Redhawks Kids Camp is located out of the Student Recreation Center North – 750 New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. The main parking lot for parents to drop-off/pick-up campers is the lot located off New Madrid directly east of the walking bridge crossing over New Madrid. You will be allowed to park in this lot without a parking pass for camp related reasons. Below is a link to the interactive campus map if you need directions to the Recreation Center: http://wds.semo.edu/map/
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RKC Parent Orientation Acknowledgement Summer 2011 I, _________________________________________, the stated parent/guardian of Parent/Guardian PRINTED Name
___________________________________________, have been given access to and have read Camper(s) PRINTED Name
the 2010 Redhawks Camp Parent Guide. I understand that I must read and sign this agreement before my children can attend the Redhawks Kids Camp. ________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
________________ Date
Please make sure a signed copy is returned to the Administrative Staff at the RKC Headquarters
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