PARENT
HANDBOOK
ABERDEEN BRANCH
100 E. Bel Air Avenue
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-272-8233
EDGEWOOD BRANCH
2002 Cedar Drive
Edgewood, MD 21040
410-676-1020
BEL AIR BRANCH
525 W. MacPhail Rd.
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-3354
HAVRE DE GRACE BRANCH
351 Lewis Lane
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
410-939-1774
Welcome To The
Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County
Our Purpose…
The Boys and Girls Clubs are a youth development organization dedicated to promoting
the health, social, education, vocational and character development for youths 6-18. Our
purpose is to help young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing
skills as well as values.
Introduction
This handbook is designed to inform parents of the policies and practices of the Boys and
Girls of Harford County. It contains rules by which the Branches are operated and helpful
hints which will make your child’s experience more enjoyable.
Membership
Membership is open to all children ages 6-18 and is valid June 1st to May 31st. This membership
must be renewed annually. Additional fees are charged for special events, such
as league sports, field trips, classes, transportation routes and day camps. Only cash and credit card payments will be accepted. The
membership is good at all Harford County Branches.
Please Be Aware
Due to the Club’s Open Door Policy, parental rules determine where their children
may play. Our staff does not grant permission for children to leave the Branch, nor
do we insist they stay. The Club is not responsible for children if they leave the
branch on their own.
Program Information
There are many fun and exciting activities available for your child at the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Harford County. Members are free to choose the program areas in which they
participate, with some exceptions. Here is just a sample of what is available:
Five Core Areas
In order to provide a well rounded variety of activities that meet the development needs of
the youth we serve, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County provides programs in the
following 5 Core Areas:
· Character and Leadership Development: Empowers youth to support and influence
their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive
self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural
identities.
· Education and Career Development: enables youth to become proficient in basic educational
disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations and embrace technology to
achieve success in a career.
· Health and Life Skills: Develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors
that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults.
· The Arts: Enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge
and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing.
· Sports, Fitness and Recreation: Develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for
stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.
Summer Enrichment Program
Summer Enrichment Programs are available to youths ages 6-12. they include arts &
crafts, sports, swimming, field trips and more! Summer Enrichment Programs are an excellent
way for members to spend their school vacation in a safe and fun environment.
Photos
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County occasionally makes use of photos and/or videos
of members and member activities for advertising and publicity purposes. Photos
could be used and not limited to the following: newspaper, media, internet, flyers, brochures,
etc.
Sign In/Out
At the beginning of each day, we ask that all children sign-in using their membership
number or their last name, first initial. At the end of each day we ask that all children sign
out in the same manner.
Visitors
Each child may visit the Club for one week before becoming a member. He or she must
first check in at the front counter to meet the staff and receive a membership application
which must be completely filled out and signed by a parent. Visitors may not participate in field trips,
special events or outings. Each child must become a member upon his or her second
week of attendance.
Lost & Found
Personal belongings should be properly marked and stored as directed. Any articles missing,
lost or stolen are not the responsibility of the Club. Take home all projects and personal
belongings each day. Lost & found items are collected and kept for one month. If
they are not claimed, they are donated to charity.
*No cell phones, Electronic Devices, Toys, Radios, Trading Cards, Etc. The Club is
not responsible for these items and will not provide any reimbursement.
Vending Machines
Members use the vending machines at their own risk. Club staff do not have keys to these
machines and are therefore unable to give refunds. Members may eat and drink in designated
areas only.
Transportation Program
Transportation is available from limited schools to the Branches throughout the school
year. Check with local Branch for schools.
Refund Policy
Please plan accordingly we do not issue refunds of any payment.
Field Trips
For most field trips, we utilize the Branch van. There is limited seating so spaces are reserved
on a first come, first serve basis. Permission slips and payments (if required) must
be received in advance. No refund will be given for field trips missed. It is the parent’s
responsibility to see that the member arrive on time.
Club Hours
Aberdeen & Edgewood Branches 3-8 pm; youth under the age of 12 must be picked up by
7pm. Bel Air & Havre de Grace Branches 3-7pm.
Late Policy
The Club opens and closes promptly as posted. We ask that parents ensure that their
children do not arrive early or leave late. Children remaining at or near the Club at closing
time will be taken inside and a staff member will remain with them until they are picked up.
The parent will be called at closing. 15 minutes past closing, the emergency contact will
be called and 30 minutes after closing the local law enforcement will be contacted. There
is a late fee for children left at the Club after closing.
First Occurrence of less than 5 minutes: Warning. (More than 5 minutes will result in
a late fee of $1.00 for every minute.
Second Occurrence: Late fee of $1.00 for every minute.
Third Occurrence: A late fee will be assessed and membership may be temporarily
suspended.
Abuse of our late policy (repeated occurrences) will be lead to revocation of membership.
This action is necessary for the children’s safety and security. We appreciate your cooperation
Technology Use & Policy
COMPUTER LAB/BRAIN CENTRAL
RULES & INTERNET USAGE
MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CONDUCT AND ACTIVITIES!
All youth must start or complete the appropriate NetSmartz curriculum before being allowed
to use the Internet at the Club.
Ages 6-7 must COMPLETE Clicky’s Web World.
Ages 8-9 must attend first two sessions of NetSmartz.
The following are restricted sites at all of our Units. Members who intentionally access
these sites will have the Internet privilege at the Club immediately and/or permanently
revoked:
All pornography sites to include any sexually suggestive material.
All hate sites.
All drug sites containing production information.
Site with chat or IM capability – regardless of content including messaging services.
Any music site or site containing music or lyrics.
Facebook, E-BAY, etc.—social networking sites.
Members may not provide ANY personal information online—including, but not limited to,
name, address, phone number, age, birthday, school attended, brothers/sisters/parents’
names, town residing in, location of the computer or Club, their picture, etc.
Members may not access the Internet by any other means than those prescribed by the
Club – i.e., they cannot sign on to their personal accounts; they must use those provided
by the Club.
Web based e-mail services are strictly forbidden including Hotmail, Yahoo, MSN, etc.
Members may not download or install any games or programs without permission of Lab
or Brain Central Coordinator.
Members may not put any CD into any computer drive without permission of Lab or Brain
Central Coordinator.
Members may not print any documents without permission.
Members may not change any control panel settings on the computers. This includes
backgrounds, desktops, screen savers, etc.
Members should notify a staff member immediately if the following occur:
a. Restricted materials are accessed, either by accident or intentionally.
b. Technical or mechanical problems with equipment.
c. Any outside source attempting to make contact.
Members may not remove any equipment, software, or printed materials from the Computer
Lab or Brain Central without permission from the Coordinators.
IF ANY EXPECTATION IS NOT CLEAR, THE CLUB MEMBER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
ASKING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION..
Rules
Please familiarize your child with these rules:
1. Treat people and property with respect.
2. Follow staff instructions.
3. Walk inside at all times.
4. Pushing, shoving or fighting is not allowed.
5. Use appropriate language.
6. Food and drink in designated area.
7. No rock throwing.
8. Always keep your shoes on.
9. No climbing (ie. Fences, trees, toilets, ect.)
10. Kids allowed in supervised areas only.
Additional rules may apply at individual Clubs.
PARENT & STAFF RELATIONSHIPS
Under no circumstances should a parent discipline or argue with a Club Member, other
parent or staff on Club property during Club hours. If you have a problem with anyone
affiliated with the Club, please schedule a meeting with the Branch Director to discuss
your concerns.
DRESS CODE
Club members wearing Flip Flops or sandals, skirts or dresses cannot participate in Gym
or outdoor activities. Please dress them in shorts, t-shirts and sneakers. Please remember
that the Club is air-conditioned so dress your child appropriately.
We abide by the Harford County Public Schools Dress Code. This means no “Short”
shorts or midriffs (showing the belly). No sleeveless shirts or heelies. Girls must wear onepiece
swim suits when swimming. No inappropriate messages on tee-shirts will be tolerated (racist, sexist,
drug related, foul language). Hats, bandanas or any other kind of headgear are not permitted to be worn in the club.
Health and Emergencies
If your child does not attend school due to illness, he or she should not attend the Boys &
Girls Club program. If a child displays any symptoms of illness while at the Club, the parents
will notified. Staff members are trained in first aid, C.P.R., as well as being able to
handle everyday bumps and bruises. Should an emergency arise and medical attention is
required, parents will be notified immediately. If parents cannot be reached, the person
listed as the emergency contact on the registration form will be called. Please keep all
emergency information up to date with the staff.
Head Lice Policy
Parents will be asked to pick up any child found to have head lice (nits or live lice) immediately.
The member may return 24 hours after being treated. Upon return, children must be
nit free and parent will be asked to show proof of treatment.
Infectious Rashes
Children with infectious rashes such as Ringworm, Impetigo, and Scabies must be under
effective treatment (medication) for 24 hours before returning to the Club.
Medical/Injury
Medications for children must be brought to the Branch Director by the parent. It is the
responsibility of the child to take medicine at the appropriate time for the prescribed dosage.
Discipline
We are committed to providing the best possible experience for your child at the Club. In
order to ensure safety and maintain a positive environment, staff must use discipline procedures
with members who exhibit inappropriate behavior. In the event your child does
not follow established rules and/or verbal directions from the staff, she/he will be held
accountable. The following steps may be utilized to assist in the enforcement of established
rules and policies at the Club:
1st Offense: Member is verbally warned or written up.
2nd Offense: Member will be asked to stay home for a day, or more (depending on the
situation and severity).
3rd Offense: Member will be suspended for a week or dismissed from the program
(depending on the situation and severity).
In the event of repeated negative behaviors in one day, the Club reserves the right to
request the early pick-up of a member and/or possible suspension the following day (or
longer if necessary).
(Attendance to the Club is a choice!
Youth who wish to exhibit continuous behavior issues will not be allowed to return
Holidays
New Year’s Day 7 Martin Luther King Day 7 President’s Day
Memorial Day 7 Independence Day 7 Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day 7 Christmas
Other Days:
Day before or after Christmas (as deemed appropriate)
Day before or after New Year’s (as deemed appropriate)
Additional days for training and all Club preparations
Again, welcome to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County. Be sure to ask a
Staff member if you have any questions.