Northville Park Day Camp Policies and Procedures
CAMP DIRECTOR and ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR
Convenes the Camp Management Team, which consists of the Camp Director, Camp Staff and Park Manager.
Qualifications/Education/Training Requirements
Must be 21 years old. Familiarity with state camp licensing guidelines, Minimum of 8 weeks of cumulative full-time experience working with a population similar to that which camp serves. Minimum of 4 weeks full-time administrative experience in an organized camp or similar program. Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent and college-level coursework. American Red Cross Lifeguard Trained.
Pre-Camp Duties: Camp Operations
1. With input from others on the Camp Management Team, identify, hire, communicate with and supervise camp staff in paid positions. (Swim Instructor, Tennis instructor, Crafts counselor, nature counselor, field counselor)
2. Maintain personnel record (camp staff application forms) for each adult staff member. This includes a criminal history check , Red Cross Lifeguard Certified and successful completion of 1st in-service safety review.
3. Administer all communication, payments, and arrangements regarding Camp.
4. Create and manage budget that was designated by Association.
5. Assist NPA Board with camp publicity.
6. Assist Board with correspondence to guardians of enrolled campers.
7. Supervise receipt of camper registrations and maintain a roster or database for current campers, staff, and counselors.
8. Organize and make arrangements for camp materials.
9. Create program booklet that tells hourly details for camp schedule.
10. Handle camp licensing app. and communication with camp licensing consultant.
11. Establish camp policies and procedures (with input from camp management team) and update Camp Policies & Procedures Manual accordingly.
12.Ensures Assistant Director has adequate support and assistance for counselor training (possibly attend).
13. Provide leadership for the pre-camp on-site staff orientation meeting. Orient camp staff to site and review health/safety protocols.
At Camp Duties
1. Provide leadership and supervision to all staff personnel.
2. Be familiar with, administrative rules, policy and procedures as set forth by the state and federal rules and regulations as well as those assigned by the camp. Meet with State Licensing Camp Consultant during camp inspection. Maintain order, health, and safety standards of camp facilities.
3. Be in residence at all times throughout the Camp session – at least one must be present at all times.
4. Be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the camp.
5. Develop, implement, and direct a functional schedule for camp operations, including staff free time, staff meetings, and in-service opportunities.
6. Assume responsibility for behavior management of campers and staff in the camp setting throughout the duration of camp.
7. Administer and keep locked camper and staff medications.
Counselor – Responsible to Camp Director and Assistant Director
Camp staff share their expertise and serve as mentors and role models as they assist in other aspects of camp life throughout the days and evenings.
Qualifications/Education/Training Requirements
Age 16 or older. Work well with children. Lifeguard and CPR trained.
Duties
1. Prepare and teach natural resources-based sessions to campers. Lesson plans, supplies and equipment lists are needed before camp for all morning sessions.
2. Assist in other learning experiences (such as afternoon recreation sessions) as requested by other camp staff. Participate fully in the life of Camp.
3. Promote camp spirit. ␣ Promote positive youth development (i.e., talking with campers, advising campers on natural resources careers, etc.).
4. Model good judgment and appropriate behavior.
5. Assist in behavior management of campers at all times. Inform camp Directors of any observations or circumstances that raise concern.
Know and follow camp policies relevant to instructional staff such as severe weather policies, emergency procedures. Monitor weather conditions at any time you are responsible for a group, and act accordingly in the situation to maintain the health and safety of all.
At Camp Duties
1. Review camper, counselor and adult staff health information with ongoing maintenance of health files throughout the week.
2. Maintain confidentiality regarding health information.
3. Maintain permanent records of health and first aid activities conducted throughout the week.
4. Maintain storage of medications in locked storage unless medically contraindicated.
5. Check, maintain and store first aid and health supplies during camp including primary, secondary and traveling first aid kits.
6. Notify appropriate staff member, including Director, ASAP of any and all serious medical
conditions of each minor they will be responsible for and provide and monitor emergency supplies for that individual at all times.
Staffing Ratio Plan and Staff Background
1. State licensing requires that for campers age 13 and older, there will be 1 adult staff (age 18 or older) per every 14 campers or fraction thereof. NPA Camp will strive to have 1 staff for every 6 youth under age 13. In addition, Staff recruitment and selection needs to made in a way that ensures adequate and quality educational programming and supervision for campers ages 13 to 15.
2. The minimum number of staff on duty in camp shall be 2 adults. For aquatics activities, 2 lifeguards will be on duty at least one will be over age 18.
5. Before camp, all of the following characteristics shall be evaluated in relation to the duties assigned: Character- an individual demonstrated worthy of interactions with campers. Emotional Stability- demonstrated individual control of behavior and accepted social attitudes. Health- ability to perform all duties assigned without restrictions.
Ability- has individual skills required to perform assigned duties. Experience- has experience required toward performing assigned duties. Education- has appropriate educational background related to the job assigned.
These characteristics will be evaluated through the staff member’s application and by three statements
of positive reference that are obtained before camp from persons unrelated to the applicant.
6. A personal interview and a criminal history check will be performed for each staff member as required by camp state licensing rules. An additional camp state licensing requirement is that a Department of Human Services background check must be conducted for all staff ages 21 or over to verify that the staff member has not been determined to be a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. 7. Each staff member’s completed application will be maintained throughout camp on site. All reference and criminal history check information will be maintained in a locked personnel record.
8 Each staff member shall be provided with a copy of the job description he or she fills.
9. Each staff member will be expected to follow these general supervision recommendations.
• Use the “buddy system” whenever possible, such that no individual staff member is alone with a minor, especially with a minor of the opposite sex. • Follow other camper/staff rules and expectations. • Report any or all concerns regarding conduct of staff, counselors, or campers to the co-directors.
Child and Adult Protection Plan
1. In any case of suspected child abuse and neglect, the Michigan Department of Human Services office in the county where camp is located (Kent County) will be contacted by telephone within 48 hours by the Camp Director. Kent County Dept. of Human Services is: (616) 248-1000.
2. Staff are to report to Camp Director or NPA Park Manager any suspected child abuse.
3. Any alleged perpetrators will be immediately separated from the camper population until the incident is resolved, until the threat is removed, or as long as necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the campers. An alleged perpetrator will be placed under direct supervision of adult camp staff. All such cases remain confidential.
Northville Park Association Required Reporting Protocols
The reporting protocols for NPA employees and volunteers are: • Suspected Child Abuse: If in your position you suspect a child may be abused or neglected, you must contact the Police Department immediately. The camp director is a “mandatory reporter” under Michigan law and must also file a report with Children’s Protective Services. • Sexual Assault: If you receive an allegation of sexual assault related to a member of the NPA community (staff, volunteer, or park member), you must report the alleged assault to the Police Department. • Child Pornography: If you become aware of suspected child pornography taking place on NPA property, you must contact the Police Department immediately. Contact Information: Kent County Sheriff (616) 632-6100 Emergencies: 911
Camp Staff Training
A pre-camp training program for all camp staff members will be held for not less than 3 hours per state camp licensing requirements. See staff Training Resource Manual Appendix IV for a sample pre-camp training agenda and an on-site training agenda.
Behavior Management Policy
1. A camper will not be deprived of food; be placed alone without staff supervision, observation, and interaction; or be subjected to hazing, ridicule, threat, corporal punishment, excessive physical exercise, or excessive restraint.
2. Campers, counselors, and staff are expected to follow camp rules and guidelines at all times during their stay. These are provided in a handout to each camper, counselor, and staff member.
3. Violation of certain rules or guidelines will result in immediate dismissal. At other times when a less severe infraction of the rules takes place, a camper or counselor may be requested to fill out a Disciplinary Action Form, take part in discussion with the staff involved and/or receive a verbal warning.
4. Counselors and staff will set an example of positive behavior for the campers and counselors to watch and model their behavior.
5. It is essential that counselors and staff communicate instances of positive, as well as negative, behavior to the individual involved as the instances occur.
6. Counselors and staff will reward (e.g., verbal recognition or special privileges such as first to sign up for afternoon sessions, etc.) positive behavior of individuals and/or groups.
7. Counselors and staff should help individuals understand and develop positive, alternative, appropriate behaviors to replace the unacceptable ones.
8. If negative/harmful behavior continues after implementing the above recommendations, person(s) of immediate authority should initiate remedial action by communicating up the lines of authority (e.g., camper to counselor, counselor to instructional staff member, counselor to Director, staff member to Director, depending on the circumstances.
9. Northville Park Association reserves the right to take appropriate action (including dismissal of camper, counselors, or staff) to protect the health, safety, and welfare of any or all individuals involved in camp.
Northville Park Association Day Camp
Disciplinary Action Form
I have been informed by the Director NPA Day Camp that my behavior has not followed expectations, standards, or rules published for camp. Since discipline in the form of punishment or taking away camper privileges detracts from the camp experience, I have simply been asked to stop this behavior. I agree to abide by this request and apologize for the disruption and inconvenience I have caused.
I also understand that this form will be destroyed at the end of camp and not held against me provided my behavior improves immediately and remains acceptable. I also understand that another serious offense (as defined by the Camp Director) will result in my being expelled from the camp.
Offense or rule violation that caused this action to be taken: ______
______
______Signature of Person Disciplined
Date
______Signature of Camp Director
Date
______Signature of Campers Guardian
Date
Camper Release Policy and Plan
1. No camper (person under 18 years of age) will be released into the custody of another person without a signed statement of permission from the parent/guardian/authorized person.
2. Parents/guardians/authorized persons must provide a completed camper release form at the time of registration. The form will include when, where, how, and to whom each camper is to be released.
3. At the conclusion of camp, campers will be released to either parents/guardians or the designated person on the release form.
4. A current roster of all campers will be maintained on-site and shall include, but not be limited to, his/her application, health form, and emergency contact information.
Health Service Policy
1. Anyone entering the pool area will shower with soap before entering the pool.
2. All campers will wash hands before snack and lunch times.
3. In any emergency situations 911 will be called. All other minor injuries will be treated by trained first aid staff and parents will be called to decide if they want to have the camper seen by their doctor.
4. A Health Screen will be done on the arrival of the first day of each camper. It includes:
1) The checking in of prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications.
2) A review of the health history statement.
3) A discussion with the camper and his/her parent/legal guardian regarding the camper’s current health status including additions, deletions, changes and/or special circumstances/needs.
4) An observation of the camper’s physical state, paying particular attention to potential contagious diseases and possible abuse.
5. The “lifeguard first aid room” shall be used as the Health Center area described in the Rule 123 of the State of Michigan Licensing Rules for Children’s and Adult Foster Care Camps.
6. All prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications shall be held in locked storage unless medically contraindicated. All medications from campers must come in the prescribed bottle with their name on it. Parents must have a medication form on file.
7. The First aid supplies shall be maintained and updated on a weekly basis. Any injury of camper or staff will have an incident report filed by the counselor in charge of the camper at that time. Incident Reports should be filed by the end of the day. Parents/Guardians should be contacted immediately of any injuries other than minor scrapes.
8. Throughout the day counselors should be aware of their campers and note to the Director any youth that seems ill. The Health Center should be used to isolate the camper if they seem to be ill. Parents/ Guardians should be notified to come get them and the camper should stay isolated until they are picked up.
9. All Staff should keep all medical information confidential.
Permission to Administer Medication
Northville Park Day Camp
Complete this form and return to camp only if your child will be needing medication while at camp. You may mail this in prior to camp, or bring with you to registration.