2024 Youth Day Camp

JUNE 6 - AUGUST 12

IN RECOGNITION OF LUKE WARD

In 2010, the Sewickley Valley YMCA recognized Luke Ward for his dedication and passion for the Y and our community. Luke graciously donated his time and talent to the Y through his leadership roles on the Board and in our development efforts. Luke is committed to removing financial barriers so that all may be a part of our YMCA. With his assistance, the Sewickley Valley YMCA is better able to support friends, neighbors, and the community.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPONSOR

Thank you to Calgon Carbon, whose generosity helps the Sewickley Valley YMCA maintain and expand service to the families and individuals who need us most. Like the Y, our corporate sponsors are committed to giving youth and teens opportunities to experience the health benefits of swimming, youth sports, and camp.

ABOUT YOUTH DAY CAMP

Experience the magic of summer at Youth Day Camp with Sewickley Valley YMCA! Our campers are grouped by age and grade level completed, ensuring an enriching experience tailored to their developmental needs.

From team-building to friend-building activities, every session is packed with opportunities for growth and fun!

Through staff support and mentoring, kids are given opportunities to build on the skills learned from the previous day and try new activities they have never tried before. Campers soon find they can do things they didn’t know were possible. For more information, contact Marc Smith, Senior Director for Youth, Teen and Family, at 412-741-9622 ext. 103 or msmith@sewickleyymca.org

A TYPICAL YOUTH CAMP DAY

While daily schedules may vary, expect an exciting array of activities, including outdoor education, arts and crafts, swimming, S.T.E.A.M. projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), team-building exercises, physical activities, and fun group games.

YOUTH EARLY CARE, 7 - 8:45 a.m.

Held on the Y’s Field

OPENING CEREMONY, 9 - 9:30 a.m.

Games and songs to energize campers

CAMP, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Activities will be focused on the theme of your child’s camp

LUNCH, 12 - 12:30 p.m.

CAMP, 12:30 - 4:15 p.m.

During this time, all youth camps will be divided in age groups

and will participate in swimming, songs, crafts, hikes, games and themes.

CLOSING ACTIVITIES, 4:15 - 5 p.m.

Held at pick-up locations

YOUTH LATE CARE, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Held at the War Memorial Park playground

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

With the items listed below, your child will be all set for a day of adventure and fun at camp!

• • •

Backpack or shoulder bag Water bottle Hat and sunscreen

• • •

Lunch (brown bag or cooler-style) Swimsuit and towel Athletic shoes

Please make sure your child’s name is on all belongings. Please leave all valuables, electronics, cell phones, toys, games, Pokemon cards and books at home. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or broken items. Children will not be permitted to play with any personal items that are not the property of the program.

CAMP FEES, ENROLLMENT & PAYMENT INFORMATION Youth camp is for children who have completed Kindergarten by the first day of camp. Fees are for two-week session dates.

Multiple session registrations require the full fee for the first session and a $50 non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session(s). Multiple Early Late Care session registrations require the full fee for the first session and a $35 non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session(s).

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. A sliding fee scale is used to determine appropriate assistance levels based on low-income guidelines.

The following dates pertain to any participant with a remaining balance owed after the first session has been paid in full.

• • • • •

Session A: Paid in full at the time of registration Session B: Monday, June 10 Session C: Monday, June 24 Session D:Monday, July 8 Session E: Monday, July 22

Early Care, 7-8:45 a.m.

Member $75 Non-Member $95

Early & Late Care, 7-8:45 a.m. & 5-6:30 p.m.

Member $85 Non-Member $105

Youth Half Day, 9 - 1 p.m.

Member $272 Non-Member $294

Youth Full Day, 9 - 5 p.m.

Member $326 Non-Member $375

Counselor In Training, 9 - 5 p.m.

Member $275 Non-Member $310

Teen Adventure, 9 - 5 p.m.

Member $335 Non-Member $375

ONE-WEEK YOUTH DAY CAMP Registration for the youth one-week session begins Wednesday, May 15. At that time, participants will be allowed to register for any session A-E. Availability for a one-week session is dependent upon space for each camp. If pre-registered for an entire two-week session, participants cannot change to a one-week session.

Early Care, 7-8:45 a.m.

Member $56 Non-Member $71 Youth Full Day, 9 - 5 p.m.

Member $245 Non-Member $281

Early & Late Care, 7-8:45 a.m. & 5-6:30 p.m.

Member $64 Non-Member $79

SESSION DATES & THEMES Session A, Carnival

June 3 - 14

Join us for a fun-filled adventure as we transform our camp into a vibrant carnival atmosphere.

Session B, Super Sloppy

June 17 - 28

Session C, Party in the U.S.A.

July 1 - July 12

Get ready to dive into a messy adventure filled with slime, mud, and all things gooey!

CAMP CHAOS

Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-10 In this camp, anything is possible. We will have water gun battles, slime time, capture the flag, treasure hunting, slip n’ slides, kite flying, and tug of war. The options are limitless. Try new experiences and walk on the wild side.

Although camp will be closed on July 4, this session will focus on fun July 4th activities.

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING

Session D, Wacky Water

July 15 - 26

Session E, Color Wars

July 29 - August 9

CIT is for teens interested in becoming counselors.

This program teaches campers responsibility and organization, helping build leadership skills through team-building and camp activities. Campers will participate in leading, planning, and assisting all camps with games, songs, swimming, sports, crafts, and more. We will divide our CITs into Sr. CIT or Jr. CIT. By doing this, we will be able to provide an experience and opportunity that will specifically assist our CITs to grow and mature at their own pace.

Campers must demonstrate maturity, commitment, the ability to work well with others and leadership potential.

Your camper will have fun swimming, sliding on the slip-n’ slide, having water balloon fights, and more!

From colorful relay races and tie-dye workshops to rainbow scavenger hunts, every day will be a celebration of color!

EARLY AND LATE CARE Sessions A-E, ages 5-15

Early Care is held from 7-8:45 a.m. and is located at the Y Field. Group games and activities will be led each morning for all campers wishing to participate. Camp staff will ensure each camper is dropped off at their appropriate camp daily. After 8:45 a.m., parents should drop off campers at their camp location.

Late Care is held from 5-6:30 p.m. and is located at the Playground in War Memorial Park. Group games, activities and supervised free play at the playground are scheduled each day.

BASKETBALL

Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-8 Sessions B & D, ages 9-12 Have fun shooting hoops! The basketball camp will focus on drills and skills (dribbling, passing, shooting and defense) along with scrimmages and mini-tournaments.

BRAIN WAVES

Sessions A-E, ages 13-16

Sr. CIT Participants that have been a CIT the previous summer and have shown dedication and responsibility to be in this category. Sr. CITs will have the opportunity to lead similarly to our camp staff.

Creating and leading games, songs, themes and special events will be heavily emphasized to prepare participants to apply for the Jr. Counselor position (age 16). Sr. CITs will not oversee or supervise Jr. CITs. Jr. CIT All new CIT participants, regardless of age or grade level, will enter the program as a Jr. CIT. Activities will include assisting with games, snack time, and special events. These participants can be moved to the Sr. CIT at the discretion of our Head Counselor or Camp Director due to age, experience and maturity.

EXPLORATION

Sessions A-E, ages 5-10

Sessions A, C & E, ages 9-12 Sessions B & D, ages 5-8

Grades will separate Brain Wave campers to ensure age-appropriate activities, and it is geared toward building social skills, self-esteem, and teamwork. This camp will focus on session themes; please refer to the top of the page. Each session will incorporate games, songs, swimming, hikes and more.

Mountain biking, tuff mudder nature trails, and creek walks are part of Exploration Camp. Campers are encouraged to bring their bikes, which the Y will lock up each night. Campers will participate in weekly themes, games, songs, crafts and swimming. Taking home bikes at the end of the session is greatly appreciated.

FUNK FACTORY

Sessions A-E, ages 5-12 Campers will learn high-energy, fun dance routines to kid-friendly/pop music and participate in dance parties daily. Campers will also create dance routines and host a dance show for parents at the end of every session. This camp will also make crafts, swim and enjoy outdoor games and activities.

GYMNASTICS

Sessions A-E, ages 5-12 Campers will be placed in groups according to skill level, not by age or grade. For two hours each morning, participants will work on the following skills: forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, back walkovers, front walkovers, front and back limbers, back handsprings, tip-up to handstands, tripods, and more. Uneven parallel bars will be used several times throughout the session. At the end of each session, campers will perform a show that parents can watch.

LEGO

Session D, ages 5-8 Session B, ages 9-12 We are leaping into the Lego world.

Resourcefulness, creativity, and cooperation come together in this unique camp! Campers will boost their imagination while building and designing bridges, cities, or chain reactions.

NEW! MEGA MIND

TENNIS

Sessions B & D, ages 7-12

Sessions A-E, ages 6-12

This new camp focuses on a variety of science activities and projects that are hands-on and fun!

The goal is to have our campers get (safety first) first-hand experience with flight and explosions and become a part of the Mega Mind crew.

Campers will have tennis instruction for one hour and 30 minutes each morning. During that time, campers will be separated into skill levels, and each group will learn to participate in drills, learn new skills on the court, and play games to create lasting friendships.

Campers must wear tennis shoes and bring racquets to camp each day.

NEW! OLYMPICS

Sessions A, C, & E, ages 6-12 During each session, campers will mimic adventures of the Olympics in our camp style.

Individuals and team events will include the following: • Track & Field • Baseball Tennis • Corn Hole • Relay • Calisthenics • Flag Football • Obstacle Course • Minute to Win It games •

SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA Sessions A, C & E, ages 8-11 Sessions B & D, ages 5-7

Sports Extravaganza focuses on a wide variety of sports. Soccer, flag football, deck hockey, dodgeball, tennis, baseball, obstacle courses and more! We will play different sports every morning and possibly have multiple sports each day while focusing on sportsmanship, fair play and fun!!!

TEEN ADVENTURE

Sessions A-E, ages 12-15 During each session, teens will go on four field trips (the cost is included in the registration fee). Past trips include a wave pool, museums and mini-golf. Campers will also participate in a variety of activities, including sports, hikes, themes and games

WARRIOR

Sessions A, C & E, ages 5-8 Sessions B & D, ages 9-12 Our Warrior course is an excellent experience for the active camper. Climbing the equipment, working as a team and having individual time trials make this camp great! This camp is perfect if you have the next Ninja Warrior Jr. in your home!

YOUTH ADVENTURE Sessions A - E, ages 7-12

Youth Adventure focuses on weekly themes such as (A) Art Antics, (B) Survivor, (C) Splish Splash, (D) Super Heros, and (E) Fear Factor. We will go on mini local field trips throughout each session (minimal cost depending on the trip).

PARENT HANDBOOK Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Sewickley Valley YMCA’s Summer Day Camp Program! As we begin the 2024 season, we would like to welcome all of our new families and extend a great welcome back to each of our returning families. We look forward to providing your child with an exciting summer with memorable moments.

We take pride in teaching the Y Core Values – Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring – while creating a nurturing community that supports your kids’. Our top priority is your child’s safety; we take this responsibility very seriously. Each camp counselor is thoroughly screened, certified in CPR/First Aid and trained in Child Abuse Awareness before the summer camp season starts.

The Summer Camp Parent Handbook has been created as a reference guide for parents and children. It contains vital information and policies about our program. Please take the time to read and review the entire handbook before the start of camp. If you have any questions, please contact Marc Smith at msmith@sewickleyymca.org.

CAMP FEES, ENROLLMENT & PAYMENT INFORMATION CAMP TRANSFER

Any transfer(s) must be made by Marc Smith only.

If you transfer the camper to another camp prior to seven days before the start of the next session and there is space available to the camp you wish to switch to, the full amount, including the $50 deposit, will be transferred. A switch or transfer of a camper will not occur inside of the seven-day deadline. Please do not cancel or switch camps with our camp counselors.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be made in writing or by phone to Marc Smith at 412-741-9622 ext. 103. Cancellations of registration by the parent/guardian must occur by the following date.

• • • • •

Session A: Monday, May 27 Session B: Monday, June 10 Session C: Monday, June 24 Session D:Monday, July 8 Session E: Monday, July 22

If cancellation of a camp occurs by the dates above, all non-refundable deposits will be forfeited. This means a $50 deposit for a full or half-day camp and/or a $35 deposit for early/late care cancellation must occur before the closing time of camp (6:30 p.m.) to Marc Smith. After these dates, payment must be paid in full regardless of the participant’s attendance. If a camp cancellation occurs, the $50 deposit for a camp and the $35 deposit for early/late care cannot be transferred to the balance of another camp.

PAYMENTS

The remaining balance for each session must be paid in full by the following dates listed below after the first session has been paid in full and non-refundable deposit for each subsequent session has been made.

• Session A: Paid in full at the time of registration • Session B: Monday, June 10 • Session C: Monday, June 24 • Session D:Monday, July 8 • Session E: Monday, July 22

REFUNDS

Refunds will not be given. No adjustments will be made for missed or partially attended weeks. When you enroll, you are reserving the time, space, staffing and provisions for your child, regardless of attendance.

DROPPING OFF & PICKING UP YOUR CAMPER

GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION

DROP-OFF & AUTHORIZATION FOR PICK-UP

CLOTHING & SHOES

You may drop off your camper no earlier than 8:55 a.m., a counselor must be present when your child is dropped off. Everyone who picks up a child from the summer day camp must be on the authorization list that is provided by the parent(s)/ guardian. Anyone not on the authorization list will not be permitted to pick up a child. Parents, please remember to add yourself to the authorization list.

EARLY & LATE PICK-UP

Please dress children in play clothes. We will be outside as much as possible, so dress for the weather. Suggested dress for a cold and rainy day should include a sweatshirt or jacket and a raincoat.

Remember, any child who is not well enough to go out should not be in a camp that day. Campers must wear athletic shoes daily; jellies or sandals are not permitted; however, closed-toe sports sandals are appropriate. All Camp participants need to be potty-trained. No pull-ups, diapers or training pants will be permitted.

Camps will always be at their designated pick-up locations at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. If you need to pick up your child earlier, come directly to the YMCA front desk so they can locate the appropriate camp. Since the camps have the freedom to roam throughout the Y’s campus during the day, please allow time for staff to locate your child.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

If a parent/guardian is going to be late for pick-up, please call 412-741-9622 ext 103 to inform the camp director. The camper may be removed from the camp program if repeated late pick-ups occur. Please respect the pick-up times for staff/safety concerns.

LOST & FOUND

PHOTO ID

A photo I.D. must be shown by anyone who will be picking up children from the YMCA. Anyone who does not have a photo I.D. will not be allowed to pick up a child. Thank you for your understanding of the Y’s strong commitment to keeping children safe.

RELEASE OF A CHILD TO IMPAIRED PERSON POLICY

An impaired condition specifically relates to alcohol, mind-altering chemicals or other medical conditions that render a person unable to operate a motor vehicle and thereby endanger the safety of a child who would be transported by the impaired person.

If in the judgment of the responsible personnel at the Day Camp, a parent or designated person appears to be unable to transport a child safely, the Day Camp to arrange such transportation. If the person is unwilling to provide such alternate transportation, the matter will be referred to the police before the child is released for transportation. Hopefully, the necessity to implement this policy will not arise, but should it, the parent/designated person must be apprised of the policy.

Rainy day signs will be posted at the entrance of the parking lots. Please be prepared on these days to conduct drop-off and/or pick-up indoors at the Sewickley Valley YMCA. A staff member will be available in the Y lobby to direct you to your child’s camp location.

All items left behind at the end of the day will be placed in the lost and found box located at the Walter J. Brannon Community Activity Center.

LUNCH

Parents are required to send their camper with a healthy lunch. Insulated lunchboxes are highly recommended because refrigeration is not available.

Please send your child a refillable water bottle. Kids will take frequent water breaks, and we will refill water bottles throughout the day.

SAFETY AQUATIC SAFETY

We care about our campers’ safety at the pools at the Y. Adhering to all policies and procedures concerning pool safety is vital to ensure that our campers enjoy their time in the pool safely.

All Camp participants must have a swim test before they enter the pool. We will divide our campers into three categories to run efficient swimming lessons.

Children swimming in the large pool will wear colored “Safety Necklaces” that will designate the level/ability the camper has in the swimming pool. Camp staff and Lifeguards will always be with the campers during swim time. Children will be separated into three categories based on skill level: BEGINNER (RED) Children with little or no swimming background or possibly fear the water are considered beginners.

Lessons would be held in the shallow (3 ft.) end of the pool. A “Swim Trainer” water back float will be provided for all non-swimmers for children six years old and under.

INTERMEDIATE (YELLOW) Children who can doggie paddle or float and have no fear of the water. Lessons will be held in the middle (4 ft. to 5 ft.) of the pool.

ADVANCED (GREEN) Children who have taken swimming lessons before and demonstrate the ability to use freestyle or front crawl for ½ the length of the pool without stopping are considered advanced. Lessons will be held in the deep (5 ft. to 12 ft.) end of the pool.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Basic rules include respecting each other, the property of others, the YMCA facility, the child’s safety and the group’s security. Children have input in deciding the rules for their group and establishing acceptable group standards. Behavior management is accomplished through a positive approach that will respect the child as an individual. Discipline procedures are handled individually, usually with a mild consequence associated with a particular infraction. “Time Out” is used on a limited basis. No child shall be subjected to punishment that subjects a child to verbal abuse, ridicule, humiliation, or denial of food, rest or bathroom facilities. There is no punishment for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet, and no punishment related to eating or not eating food.

The YMCA promotes a warm, welcoming and friendly environment to ensure every child perceives a positive self-image. The Sewickley Valley YMCA has a ZERO TOLERANCE for child-tochild and adult-to-child bullying.

The YMCA asks that all adults abide by appropriate YMCA Rules of Conduct. The following behaviors are NOT allowed: • Being disrespectful • Physical abuse/verbal abuse of any kind toward others • Being under the influence of alcohol/drugs • Smoking on-site • Confronting and correcting other children enrolled in the program • Confronting other parents/guardians • The YMCA’s first responsibility is the safety of every child.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

If your child shows any sign of illness, rash, high temperature, diarrhea, infection or any contagious disease, the parent/guardian or another authorized person will be called and required to pick up the camper.

INJURIES

The camp staff will administer first aid if a child is mildly injured during the daily activities. If the injury requires outside medical attention, the child will be taken to the Emergency Room at the hospital by ambulance and accompanied by the Camp Director or Head Counselor. The parent will be called and should meet the child in the emergency room. An incident report will be completed for all injuries for the YMCA records.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Please be sure to inform the Camp Counselor of any food allergies your child may have. Please notify the counselors immediately if any medical consideration(s) should arise with your child during the summer.

Medication should be sent in the original prescription bottle with only the dosage allotted for that day. Any variations of this will not be accepted.

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Please drive carefully throughout the Y’s parking lot and War Memorial Park. Do not leave other children unattended in your car at pick-up or drop-off.

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

Our YMCA has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. As a YMCA day camp program, we are mandated by PA state law to report all incidents of suspected child abuse or imminent risk to authorities via the child hotline. The state law requires reporting of suspected adult-to-child abuse and peer-to-peer abuse. All staff and volunteers in the day camp program will be trained on child abuse prevention and reporting procedures required by state law. For more information on this law, visit: keepkidssafe.pa.gov

TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION

The Sewickley Valley YMCA reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate day camp services with one-day advance notice to families. When other children’s health, welfare, and safety are at stake, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate the day camp services immediately. Possible reasons for suspension and termination of a child from day camp include inappropriate behavior considered harmful to your child, staff or others, chronic tardiness at pickup time, overdue fees, parent/guardian behavior, as determined and discussed with the Day Camp Director.

TSS / CAMP AID INFORMATION

All campers that require a TSS or Aid to accompany them throughout a school day, must have the TSS or Aid in the Day Camp Program. All parties must touch base with Marc Smith two weeks prior to the beginning date of camp with completed forms (Act 33 & 34 clearances along with his or her company’s liability insurance). Please remember that the same TSS or aid must accompany the child for the entire two-week session. (The YMCA does not allow multiple TSS or aids per child). All Camp participants need to be potty-trained. No pull-ups, diapers, or training pants will be permitted. If payment is being made by an outside agency or school district, there will always be space, but certain camps cannot be guaranteed.

CAMP DROP-OFF & PICK-UP DROP-OFF

PICK-UP

Basketball Camp

Large Gym (YMCA)

T-ball Field

Brain Waves

1st Shelter, War Memorial Park

1st Shelter, War Memorial Park

Camp Chaos

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front left court)

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front left court)

Exploration Camp

YMCA Athletic Field

2nd Shelter War Memorial Park

Funk Factory

Walter J. Brannon CAC

Walter J. Brannon CAC

Gymnastics

Large Gym (YMCA)

2nd Shelter, War Memorial Park

Lego Camp

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Deck)

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Deck)

Mega Mind

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front left court)

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front left court)

Olympics

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Deck)

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Deck)

Sports Extravanganza

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front right court)

Walter J. Brannon CAC (Front right court)

Tennis, half day

Tennis Courts (upper lot)

Tennis Courts (upper lot)

Tennis

Tennis Courts (upper lot)

2nd Shelter, War Memorial Park

Youth Adventure

2nd Shelter, War Memorial Park

2nd Shelter, War Memorial Park

Warrior Camp

Warrior Course, YMCA Field

1st Shelter, War Memorial Park

Pick-Up for all half-day youth camps (9-1 p.m.) will be located at the YMCA Field.

TEEN CAMPS/EARLY & LATE DROP-OFF

Counselor In Training Teen Adventure Camp Early Care Late Care

Teen Center (YMCA) YMCA Front Tree/Sitting Area Y Field (Tent) 7 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

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PICK-UP Assigned Camps YMCA Teen Center ----------Playground, War Memorial Park 5:15-6:30 p.m.