Adventure Camp Handbook

Activities for the week are detailed in the Camp Chronicle, sent via email every Friday. Refer to the Camp Chronicle when planning your camper’s week.

Movies

• Movies may be shown.
• All movies shown are rated “PG” or “G.”

Pool Rules

• Parents must complete the Swim Permission Form & indicate the maximum pool depth allowed. Campers without completed permission forms must remain in shallow pool areas.
• Children listed as Swimmer or Unsure are swim tested. Based on the results, campers who are unable to swim 25 yards unassisted are restricted to certain areas of the pool.
• Children must wear color-coded bracelets indicating those who are restricted swimmers.
• All regular pool rules apply.
• Running and horseplay in the pool and on deck are not permitted.
• Campers must use the buddy system when swimming and when in the locker room/washroom.
• Campers should not linger unnecessarily in the locker room.

Label swimsuits, towels, bags, shoes and all personal items with your child’s name using a permanent marker

Field Trips

• Consult the Daily Activity Schedule or the weekly Camp Chronicle for field trip dates and locations.
  • The Camp Chronicle is sent out the Friday prior to the following  camp week.
• All Summer Camp rules apply at outside sites.
• Campers may not bring money for candy, souvenirs, etc. on trips, unless noted otherwise in the Camp Chronicle. Camper’s are responsible for any money/items purchased while on field trips.
• Campers must stay with their group/buddy while on field trips.

Bus & Van Rules

• Yelling, throwing items, littering, standing, and other unsafe behaviors are not permitted.
• Refrain from eating and drinking in the bus and van.
• Remain seated until directed to disembark.
• All participants must wear a seat belt at all times.

Attire

• Dress for the weather – Layer clothing for comfort in case the day gets warmer or colder or send additional layers.
• Wear gym shoes for safety during activities.
• No clothing that depicts violence or inappropriate scenes is allowed.

Personal Belongings

• Bringing personal belongings and toys from home is strongly discouraged.
• Any toys that are brought from home must have prior approval from the Camp Supervisor.
• Electronic handheld games (Nintendo DS, etc.) and MP3 players (iPods, etc.) are only allowed as designated by staff.
• The trading of Pokemon cards, and similar items, is not allowed at camp.
  • Campers are not to exchange money with other campers.
• Personal Belongings may not be shared with other campers.
• Mark your child’s name on all personal belongings.
• Staff is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, including backpacks, swimsuits, towels, glasses, toys and phones.
• Staff may restrict or withhold inappropriate items.

Staff is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Discipline Standard

Discipline is carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own behavior. We encourage children to solve their own conflicts. When necessary, staff assists children in understanding each other’s actions. We make every effort to assist the child in correcting any unacceptable behavior through re-direction, reminders of expected behavior, time-outs, and parent conferences. Our approach focuses on positive reinforcement; staff act in a manner that is kind and caring, yet firm.

A time-out is  given with a Time-out Worksheet or verbal warning.

• If the negative behavior continues after multiple time-outs or warnings, a written Conduct Report is filed with the Lead Counselor and parents.
•  A Conduct Report may be issued immediately, without warnings or time-outs, for any serious infractions including physical/emotional harm to a camper or staff, destruction of property, and any major safety concerns.
•  Staff works with the child and parent to correct behavior. Parents are required to sign the Conduct Report which remains in the child’s file.
•  On the occurrence of a third Conduct Report, the child is suspended for a minimum of one day, or more, depending on the severity of the infraction.
• Suspension may be effective immediately, without three conduct reports, depending upon the severity of the infraction. On a case by case basis, staff may authorize a delayed start to a suspension for up to 48 hours following the infraction.
• If upon return, inappropriate behavior continues, or three additional Conduct Reports are issued, staff may permanently suspend the child. Future participation  is determined by the Carol Stream Park District on a case by case basis.
• Refunds and prorations are not issued for suspensions.

The Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to immediately and permanently suspend a participant for serious infractions.

Code of Conduct

Participants, parents, and guardians are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. The following standards have been established for the benefit of our programs as a whole. The safety, structure, and integrity of the program take priority over those of any one individual. Behavior guidelines are not limited to, but are based on, the following overall rules and apply to all participants. The term “participant” is henceforth be used to represent children, parents, and guardians.

• Participants must show respect to all other participants, staff, property, equipment, and facilities.
• Participants must follow the directive of staff and all program-specific rules.
• Participants may not harass, bully, or intimidate through the use of words, foul language, gestures, body language, phones, texting or other devices, social media, or menacing behavior.
• Participants must refrain from threatening, spitting, or causing physical harm to other participants and staff.
• Participants may not place themselves or others in dangerous situations through their actions or behavior.
• Participants may not possess weapons, devices that may be used as a weapon, or illegal substances.
• Participants may not demonstrate any sexual suggestiveness or sexual activity.
• Parents/Guardians may not instruct their children to disregard the staff’s directions or to respond physically with violent or threatening behavior or language.
• Parents/Guardians may not direct, discipline, or instruct children other than their own.
• Staff reserve the right to dismiss, suspend, or ban any individual who represents a risk or danger from program premises (including buildings, parking lots, playgrounds, and surrounding areas).
• Participants must keep track of their own belongings. Staff is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings including backpacks, glasses, towels, toys, cell phones, etc.

Zero Tolerance Policy: Bullying, verbal and physical abuse, threats, and disrespect are not tolerated. Participants are held accountable for their actions in compliance with the Carol Stream Park District Code of Conduct. All threats or threatening behavior is taken seriously and are reported to the authorities. Participants using threats of death, violence, or suicide are immediately suspended and are required to undergo a professional safety evaluation at their own expense. The participant may be eligible to return to the program upon approval of the Carol Stream Park District and receipt of said evaluation stating that the participant is not at risk to themselves or others.

Campers are required to bring the following items to camp every day, regardless of what activities are scheduled.

Backpack

Refillable Water Bottle

• Campers must have their own drinking vessel, which can be refilled at the touchless water dispenser.

Sack Lunch

• Refrigerators are not available to store lunches and microwaves are also unavailable.

Snacks

• Additional snacks are allowed, but eating is restricted to specific times.

Sunscreen

• Send your camper with sunscreen already applied.
• Keep spray sunscreen in your child’s backpack. (Camp counselors can only assist with spray sunscreen.)

Swim Suit and Towel (for water days and swim days – noted on the week’s Camp Chronicle).

Drop-Off Procedure

Although staff may arrive prior to program start times to prepare for the day, they are NOT permitted to admit participants prior to 7 am for Before Camp. There is a 10 minute grace period for Summer Camp drop-off only; arriving earlier than 8:50 am results in an early drop-off fee of $10, charged to the credit card on file.

• Before Camp drop-off – parents may park their cars and escort their campers into the building where staff assists.

• Summer Camp Drop Off (8:50a-9:15a):
  • Summer Camp Drop Off begins at 8:50a. Staff cannot accept campers before 8:50a if they are not registered for Before Camp.
  • Park your car and walk you camper to the appropriate entrance:
    • Last name A-L, enter through the main entrance (by the circle drive).
    • Last name M-Z, enter through the North East entrance.
    • Do not park in the circle drive/fire lane.
    • Line forms outside, except in inclement weather.
  • Parents are expected to conduct a wellness check of their camper prior to arriving to camp.
  • If a camper exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 at drop off, they are not permitted to enter camp. A doctor’s note is required for a camper’s return.
  • If arriving later than the drop off time, call 630-936-5480 and staff assists you.
  • Due to high enrollment, prepare for a short wait.
  • Campers should sanitize their hands upon entering the building.
  • Once signed in, camp staff escorts participants to camp.
• For late drop-offs after 9:15, call 630-936-5480, and staff assists you.

Pick-Up Procedure

Campers must be picked up by the end of their registered program time: 4 pm for Summer Camp and 6:30 pm for After Camp. In the event that you are not able to pick up your child by the designated pick up time, notify the site immediately. Late pick-ups incur a late pick-up fee.

• Summer Camp Pick Up (3:45-4 pm):
  • Park your car and approach the appropriate entrance.
    • Last name A-L, enter through the main entrance.
    • Last name M-Z, enter through the North East entrance.
    • Do not park in the circle drive/fire lane.
    • Line forms outside, except in inclement weather.
  • Have your ID ready.
    • Staff checks before releasing campers.
    • ID verification is required prior to staff being able to release participants. Participants are only released to parents/guardians and additional contacts listed on the Authorized Contact form.
  • If arriving earlier than the pick-up time, call 630-936-5480 and staff assists you.
  • Due to high enrollment, prepare for a short wait.
• For early pick-ups, call 630-936-5480 and staff assists you.

• After Camp pick-up – parents may park their cars and enter the building for pick up, where staff assists.

Only people listed on the Authorized Contact form are able to sign your child out from the program. In order to ensure your child’s safety, anyone picking up a camper (you or another authorized individual) must be able to show a photo ID. You are welcome to pick your child(ren) up prior to the Summer Camp or After Camp ending times.

Late Pick-up Fee (per child)

• A $12 late fee is applied after the first 10 minutes of being late (ex: Summer Camp Pick Up ends at 4 pm. The late fee is applied if a guardian is late picking up the camper after 4:05 pm). 
• This late fee is charged to the credit card on file.
• If late pick-up becomes habitual, you run the risk of your child being discharged from the program.

Modified procedures have been developed based on guidelines given by the IDPH and CDC. Procedures are subject to change based on evolving guidance.

• Campers are accompanied to and from the bathroom with a buddy.
• Handwashing and sanitization are required at the following times:
  • Upon arrival to camp
  • Before leaving the homeroom for stations
  • Before leaving a station
  • Upon return to the homeroom
  • Before and after lunch or other eating
  • After using the bathroom
  • Before and after playing a game that shares pieces (board game, cards, etc.)
  • Prior to leaving camp for the day

Camper Essential Eligibility and Expectations

•  Campers must be able to follow and comply with staff directions without physical intervention
•  Campers must comply with the established behavior code of conduct and be devoid of behavior necessitating physical intervention.
•  Campers must be independent in managing personal care (toileting, feeding, changing clothes, personal hygiene, hand washing) and all personal belongings.

For matters that require immediate attention during program operating hours, along with late drop-offs and early pick-ups, contact the Camp Supervisor via cell phone: 630-936-5480. This phone is staffed from approximately 7am-6:30 pm. This phone is active as of the first day of camp. For issues that do not require immediate assistance, including registration matters, contact the Camp Supervisor’s desk line at 630-784-6185. This phone is staffed from approximately 8 am-4 pm.  In order to reach the Camp Supervisor prior to the first day of camp, call 630-784-6185.

The Camp Chronicle is sent out weekly with reminders, updates, and the coming week’s schedule.

Authorized Individuals

Only current Carol Stream Park District staff, current participants, parents, guardians, invited special guests, and individuals listed on the Release Forms are allowed on or around premises during program hours.

Partners & Groups

Children are not permitted to leave the group on their own.

Photo ID

Staff reserves the right to request a photo ID at all times.

Relationships

Participants must maintain a professional relationship at all times with other participants and program staff.

COVID-19 Considerations

Subject to change based on evolving guidance.

In accordance with IDPH guidelines, the following standards are in effect:

• Parents must conduct a COVID-19 symptom screening each morning before Summer Camp. Review the CDC’s symptoms list. Do not bring your child if they have any listed symptoms. A wellness check is also is conducted at drop off.
• If a participant exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 during the wellness check at drop-off, they are not permitted to enter the program until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication), and other symptoms have improved. A doctor’s note is required for a participant’s return.
• If a participant exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 at any other time of the day, they are brought to a quarantine area to await pick up, which should be done within an hour. Other emergency contacts or authorized pick-ups are contacted if the parent or guardian is unreachable. They are not permitted to return to the program until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication), and other symptoms have improved. A negative COVID-19 test is required for a participant’s return.
• If a participant tests positive for COVID-19 or has come into close contact (closer than 6 ft for longer than 15 minutes) with someone recently diagnosed with COVID-19:
  • Notify the Carol Stream Park District immediately.
  • Stay home and isolate for at least five full days.
    • Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or test date.
  • End isolation on day six if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving OR if you had no symptoms.
    • If your symptoms are moderate to severe, isolate for at least 10 days.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days.
• COVID-related policies and procedures may be updated and enforced at any time by Carol Stream Park District staff. Refer to the full Park District COVID-19 protocol.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle Pain
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore Throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Nausea/Vomiting

Refer to the CDC for the most up to date list of symptoms.

Dispensing Medication Procedures

Strict policies have been put in place regarding the dispensing of medication to participants. These steps must be taken if a participant is required to receive medication while in the program. This includes restrictions for cough drops, vitamins, pain relievers, and over the counter or prescription drugs.
Parents/Guardians are required to complete a Permission to Dispense Medication Form for all medications to be administered to participants by staff or by the participants themselves.

Prescription Drugs and Inhalers – Administered by Staff

• The parent or guardian must sign and complete a Permission to Dispense Medication form.
• The parent or guardian needs to provide the Carol Steam Park District staff with the child’s medication in the original container with a prescription label that includes the patient’s name, physician’s name, pharmacy name, name of the medication, and complete dosage information. The proper dosage for the day should be sent in the original container each day.
• Medication is stored in a locked area and at a temperature consistent with the package instructions. If the program is held outside, staff carry the medication with their emergency kit, or on ice if refrigeration is necessary.

Inhaler – Controlled by the child for self-administration

• The parent or guardian must sign and complete a Permission to Dispense Medication form.
• The parent or guardian needs to provide the Carol Steam Park District staff with the child’s medication in the original container with a prescription label that includes the patient’s name, physician’s name, pharmacy name, name of the medication, and complete dosage information.
• The parent or guardian must have the “Self-Administration of Asthma Medication” portion of the Permission to Dispense Medication form completed and signed by a Physician, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Practice R.N.
• In addition to the information/direction stated above, all Carol Stream Park District staff is required to call the participant’s parent or guardian before administering medication to verify that all information on the form is clear and correct. Carol Stream Park District staff do not administer medication to a child without this verification.
• The staff goes through the medication directions with the parent or guardian over the phone.
• Does not apply to a life-threatening situation (i.e. Emergency Asthma Inhaler or EpiPen). Check off the box on the Permission to Dispense Medication Form for life-threatening medications.

Emergency Contact & Release Form – Authorization

Only authorized individuals listed on each participant’s Emergency Contact and Release Form are permitted to “sign” a child out. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing site instructors with any changes to individuals who are authorized to pick up their child.

• All participants must have at least 1 emergency contact person that lives within a 5-mile radius or 20 minutes of the program location, other than a parent or guardian.
• Authorization for release is accepted only from the parent(s) or guardian(s) with primary custody, mother, father, both or guardian.
• Parents or guardians are also responsible for informing instructors of any changes to primary custody, restraining orders, or any other situations or changes that may affect the participant.

There is no obligation to provide or communicate any information on the Emergency Form [including copies] to any parent or guardian. Parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be responsible to communicate information regarding the child including the Emergency Form to all necessary persons. Disputes regarding the Emergency Form or similar information must be settled off-site, and without any involvement of Carol Steam Park District. If these requirements are not followed, then services to the child may be terminated.

Only the custodial parent(s) or guardian(s) listed in the child’s registration form or Emergency Form may obtain information and change information. Financial information is only communicated with the person named as responsible for the child’s account.

Health & Medical Emergency Standard

The Carol Stream Park District continually strives to create a safe environment for your child. However, at times an accident may occur. Below are our policies and procedures regarding notifying parents and guardians of any such incidents:

Minor Injury/Illness:

• Staff only administers basic first aid, including band-aids and ice packs as necessary according to staff training.
•  You are notified when you arrive to pick-up your child of such an incident

Moderate Injury/Illness:

• In addition to the steps above, we attempt to contact you or your emergency contacts in the event that you are unreachable.
• An accident report may be completed. Accident reports are internal documents that cannot be given out to participants.

Serious Injury/Illness:

• In addition to the steps above, your child may need to be picked up from camp immediately.
• Emergency transportation may be arranged as deemed necessary.

Healthy Kids Standards

• If your child is running a fever (99.9 or above) or appears sick, we request that they be picked up as immediately as possible. Our policy is that participants must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to the program.
• We also ask that you be considerate of other children and staff and keep your child home if they show signs of illness.
• If your child contracts a contagious condition that restricts them from returning, inform camp staff.
• Participants must receive appropriate treatment, depending on the condition, and may require a medical release form from a physician before returning.
• Cases of head lice require a doctors note confirming your child is no longer contagious prior to return.
• Paramedics are called to handle serious injuries. If your child needs emergency medical care, we accompany them and a parent/guardian must meet us at the medical facility as immediately as possible.
• There are no refunds for absences, including due to sickness.

Insurance

As with all Carol Stream Park District programs, the Awesome Adventure Camp programs do not provide insurance coverage for participants. Parents should check their individual insurance policies for coverage.

If your child has any special medical, physical, psychological, or emotional needs, or receives any special services, list them in detail in your Registration Packet. If your child needs an inclusion aide from the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, note this in your Registration Packet so that we can submit a request immediately. WDSRA requires at least two weeks advanced notice in order to secure assistance. Aides are secured for you at no cost, if available.

Lack of information adversely affect the Park District’s ability to accommodate the needs of your child. Problems resulting from withheld information may necessitate the participant’s suspension from the program until appropriate accommodations can be made for a more successful camp experience.
All participants are held to the same code of conduct & behavior policies, unless otherwise discussed. The following essential eligibility requirements apply:

• Campers must be independent in managing personal care (toileting, feeding, changing clothes, personal hygiene, hand washing) and all personal belongings.
• Campers must refrain from physically aggressive behaviors such as biting, spitting, scratching, hitting, kicking, etc. or behaviors that require direct or close proximity intervention from staff.
• Campers must be able to stay in safe proximity to the group and refrain from elopement or wandering.
• Campers must be able to respond to verbal prompts and lack the need for hand-over-hand instruction.
• Campers must be able to be responsible for their personal items with verbal prompts and reminders.