HASTINGS LAKE YMCA - PARENT HANDBOOK 2021

HASTINGS LAKE YMCA

PARENT HANDBOOK
     2021

HASTINGS LAKE YMCA
                PARENT HANDBOOK

                    TABLE OF CONTENTS

Orientation Invite………………………Pg. 1

Welcome Letter…………………………Pg. 2

Day Camp Information………………....Pg. 3-7

Supplies Need List……………………....Pg. 8

What to Bring……………………………Pg. 9

Tips for first day of camp………………..Pg. 10

Contact Information……………………...Pg. 11

Day Camp Orientation:
                Meet the Camp Staff

             Saturday May 29, 2021

                    11:00am                - 1:00pm

Bring the family to meet the Day Camp Staff team, get your
    camp questions answered, make payments, tour the
   facility, pick up field trip shirts and HAVE LUNCH!       All
                         before the start of camp.

                          For questions contact:

                  Rhonda Hoekenga Camp Director

         847 - 410 - 5327 or   rhoekenga@ymcachicago.org

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       We welcome you to the Hastings Lake YMCA
              Summer Day Camp Program

Dear Day Camp Families,

We are pleased that you and your children have chosen to take part in our Summer Day
Camp Program this year! We look forward to working with you, together as partners.
This is essential to the success and quality of the program.

The staff here at the Hastings Lake YMCA believes that each child is a unique individual
with his or her own rate of development. Our goal is to introduce children to as many
new experiences as possible and help each child feel confident and secure in a fun
camping environment. We are dedicated to building strong kids to be a part of a strong
community.

The Parent Handbook was developed to provide you with information on our policies
and programs. Please take the time to read through this hand book and keep it for
future reference. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please feel free
to contact myself or our camp staff at any time.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Hoekenga
Camp Director
Hastings Lake YMCA
847-410-5327
rhoekenga@ymcachicago.org

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                 DAY CAMP INFORMATION:
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Drop off for camp will occur between 8:30 am-9:00am. If early care is needed campers
may be dropped off as early as 6:30 am but NO EARLIER. Pick up for the full day camps
will occur between 3:30pm-4:00pm. If utilizing the extended care, your child MUST be
picked up by 6:00pm. A $15.00 late fee will be charged if you pick up later than
6:00pm. After 6:15pm a charge of $1.00 a minute will be assessed until you pick up
your child.

LOCATION
Pick up and drop off will take place at the East pavilion closest to the main building.
Parents or other authorized persons must sign their camper in and out of camp each
day. Please bring identification, because no child will be released by any person not on
the pick-up list.

ABSENT CAMPERS
Please call if your child is going to be absent. A message may be left for Rhonda
Hoekenga at 847-410-5327 or at the front desk at 847-356-4006. No refunds will
be issued unless your child misses 3 or more days and has a doctor’s note.

SICK CAMPERS
Campers will receive a quick head to toe check upon arriving at camp each morning. Ill
campers cannot remain in the YMCA program. This includes fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
rash and contagious diseases etc. If your child shows any of these illnesses they must
be picked up by an authorized person within one hour.

The YMCA also has a no nit policy. Any child with lice will not be permitted into the
program until hair is shampooed according to doctor’s directions and nits are no longer
present.

CLOTHING
All campers should dress appropriately for the weather. Since we all know that the
weather in this region of the country is unpredictable, extra clothing should be sent
daily. Campers will be outdoors for the majority or the entire day. Socks and closed
toe shoes are required. NO SANDALS.

Each Camper will receive one day camp shirt and will be required to wear it on field trip
days.

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DISCIPLINE
If the Character Contract Pledge is broken or if there is a conflict/interaction that
involves strong feelings or serious negative behaviors the following steps will be
taken.

Step 1: YMCA staff will talk with campers in order to acknowledge feelings, gather
information and create a plan to repair any harm that has been caused. This will be
documented in the behavior log.

Step 2: If negative behavior persists or the plan to repair harm is not followed, parents
will be asked to come to the program as a partner to discuss the issues and work
toward a solution together with their child and YMCA staff. A written plan will be
created and signed by parent, youth and staff.

Step 3: YMCA staff will monitor behavior closely and provide regular feedback to the
camper and his/her parents.

Step 4: If the problem persists or camper does not follow the plan created and agreed
upon, the parent may be contacted immediately to pick up their child from camp. The
following morning, parents, staff and child will meet to discuss any additional supports
that the child might need to be successful in the program.

Step 5: If the prior interventions are not successful AND youth behavior is impacting
the physical or emotional safety of themselves,

Y staff or other campers an alternative placement will be discussed and the child may
be dismissed from the program for the remainder of the session.

*We reserve the right to dismiss your child from the program immediately in extreme
circumstances where physical, emotional or other harm is occurring or may occur to
themselves, other children, staff or members.

ACCIDENTS
For minor cuts and scrapes a counselor will assist the injured campers in cleaning the
infected area with soap and water and immediately cover the area with a bandage. Ice
will be applied if necessary.

For serious injuries, including any head injuries, the emergency contact will
immediately be notified as well as the Camp director. The Camp Director will also call
911 in an emergency situation. If a camper is to be taken by ambulance, the injured
camper may choose, if possible, what counselor they would like to ride with them.

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MEALS AND SNACKS
For full day campers, two snacks and a healthy lunch need to be provided. With each
snack or meal a beverage such as water, sports drink, milk or juice (100% juice is
recommended) needs to be sent as well. Lunches and snacks should be nutritious. We
discourage you to pack your child soda, candy, too many sweets or junk food items.
Your child’s lunch should be packed in a cooler or insulated bag, refrigeration is not
available.

Freezing water bottles or juice boxes the night before camp can help keep beverages
cold for meal or snack time

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips occur each Wednesday of the week for campers in traditional camps.
Campers in specialty camps will not attend field trips unless otherwise specified. Field
trip shirts must be worn on these days; it helps to differentiate our campers from
others. Campers need to arrive by 9:00am on field trip days to ensure we load the
buses on time. Campers should still be sent with a proper lunch and proper snacks on
field trip day. If possible lunches on field trip day should be packed in a brown paper
bag with the campers name on it. Extra spending money is not to be brought on field
trips unless specified by the Camp Director. If campers are allowed to bring money,
they are responsible for it. Transportation for field trips is provided by First Student
Bus Company.

MEDICATION AND ALLERGIES
If your camper requires medication during the camp day or has an epi-pen for allergies,
it must be given to the camp director where they can determine who will administer the
medication if needed. Only medication that is in its original container and is labeled
with the child’s name and exact dosage will be administered. Over the counter medicine

will not be given unless a written consent is received from the parents and the child’s
doctor.

SWIMMING-RULES OF THE POOL
Camp staff will provide a list of the names of all campers each session for the aquatics
staff and lifeguards to use for administering swim tests. Each camper must pass a
deep water swim test in order to swim in water over their heads. Campers that are not
able to swim and cannot touch the bottom of the pool in the shallow end will be
required to wear a swim belt provided by the YMCA. An identification system will be in
place to easily determine swim levels i.e. wristbands.

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The YMCA has four core values that we strive to model and teach to our campers on a
daily basis. They are Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. These values are
incorporated into our daily routines and activities to help each camper grow in a
positive way.

NEWSLETTER
Newsletter will be distributed every Friday afternoon during camp pick-up. Please take
a minute to read the newsletter to say on top of current camp information. We will also
use a Summer Camp Facebook page and a Remind app, where you will receive updates
and reminders with regards to schedules or field trip reminders.

PARENT VISITS
The YMCA has an open door policy for the parents of all campers. Please first let the
Day Camp Director know that you are visiting by stopping in the office located in the
main lobby. Parents are invited and encouraged to visit the program sites at any time,
but must not interfere with or disrupt the on-going activities. Parents disrupting
activities will be asked to leave.

PAYMENTS
Please remember that a $25.00 non-refundable deposit is required for each week of
camp that is registered for. Any specialty camps must be paid in full at time of
registration. For the 2021 camp year, we will have automatic drafting for each week of
camp available. This can be set up when you register for camp at the front desk.

● Payments for camp will only be received at the Member Service desk at Hastings
     Lake YMCA.
   ● Weekly camp fee is due, in full, no later than Wednesday prior to the first day of
     registered camp week. A $15 late fee will be applied to your account starting on
     Thursday.
   ● The camp deposit is non-refundable but transferable within the same
     membership unit, up to 14-days prior to the start of your registered camp week.
   ● Within 14-days of the start of the registered camp week, the camp deposit
     becomes non-refundable and non-transferable.
   ● Refunds requested prior to 14 days of the start of registered camp week, total
     camp fee will be refunded less the deposit.
   ● Refunds requested within 14 days of the start of registered camp week, total
     camp fee will be refunded less the deposit and 20% administrative fee.
   ● No refunds will be given after 3 p.m. on the Friday prior to the start of
     registered camp week.
   ● All refund requests must be in writing and received prior to this deadline.

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SCHOLARSHIPS
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will not deny service to anyone because of the
inability to pay. Financial assistance is available based on camp capacity,
demonstrated need, and the YMCA’s ability to fund assistance. Please contact Judy
Illingworth, Membership Supervisor, for application details at 847-356-4006.

SCHEDULE
Camp counselors are responsible for creating lesson plans for each week of camp.
Activities include but are not limited to: sports, arts and crafts, game, song, skits,
teambuilding, swimming and more.

SPECIALTY CAMPS
Campers registered for a specialty or sport camp will participate in the special activity
for a designated time each day. Families have the option to have their children leave
after the specialty camp has ended or they may attend the traditional camp for the
remainder of the day. Please see the Hastings Lake Camp brochure for pricing.

RATIOS
We are an ACA (American Camping Association) accredited camp. We follow the ACA
camper to adult ratio standards:

3-5 years-1:6
6-8 years-1:8
9-15years-1:10

TRAVELING CAMPS
We have certain camps that will travel for their special activities. Campers will be
transported in the Hastings Lake YMCA 15 passenger mini bus. The driver will be at
least 21 years of age and will have completed the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Van
Driver Training. This individual must also have a clean driving record and be certified in
CPR and First Aid.

ALPINE CLIMBING TOWER
Campers at least 5 years of age will have an opportunity to climb our Alpine Tower. We
will not force any camper to climb the tower. All staff operating the tower are properly
trained and certified by Experiential Systems certified trainers. The Alpine Tower will
be inspected by Experiential Systems prior to the start of camp for safety.

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FRIDAY COOKOUTS
Each Friday we will have an all camp cookout for lunch. We will provide the hot dog and
buns, please provide the camper with any items they would like with the hot dog.
                                                                         LIST          OF
SUPPLIES NEEDED
To help keep the cost of camp down, we would appreciate any items that may be donated
to our camp program. Below is a list of items that the campers can use to make awesome
projects. Any donations of these items would be greatly appreciated:

   ●   Baking Soda
   ●   Construction paper
   ●   Cardstock
   ●   Poster board
   ●   Clothespins
   ●   Cotton balls
   ●   Felt
   ●   Foil
   ●   Glass jars (all food or drink rinsed out)
   ●   Uncooked pasta

●   Rice
   ●   Seeds (flower or vegetable)
   ●   Sandpaper
   ●   Sponges
   ●   Tissue paper
   ●   Wax paper
   ●   Egg cartons
   ●   Masking Tape
   ●   Yarn

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                           WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
PLEASE MAKE SURE EVERYTHING YOUR CAMPER HAS IS LABELED WITH THEIR NAME OR
                                INITIALS

   ❖   Back Pack
   ❖   Healthy Lunch and 2 healthy snacks (1 healthy snack for preschool campers)
   ❖   Water bottle
   ❖   Sunscreen at least SPF 30 or higher if your child is fair skinned
   ❖   Bug Spray
   ❖   Change of clothes - be prepared for bad weather
   ❖   Swimsuit and goggles (goggles only if wanted)
   ❖   Towel
   ❖   Sneakers/tennis shoes with closed toe. NO SANDALS
   ❖   Book for quiet time

It is important for your child to have a nutritional lunch and snacks. A water bottle is
essential due to the fact that the campers will be active and outside for the majority of

the day, and they need to be well hydrated. We will require the campers to put on
sunscreen and bug spray numerous times daily. They should arrive at camp with
sunscreen already applied. Please label your child’s belongings to help us keep track of
them, they will get lost.

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP
   ❖ Soda
   ❖ Toys trading cards or sentimental items from home
   ❖ Money-unless specified from camp staff, you will be given advance notice in this
     case.
   ❖ Items of high value i.e. game boys, ipods, ipads, cell phones or fidget spinners.

We discourage campers to bring soda to camp or anything containing caffeine because
caffeine can cause dehydration. Even soda that is caffeine free is discouraged. No
toys from camp should accompany your child. Toys can be lost or taken and can cause
problems between campers. If any of these items are found at camp they will be taken
and parents can pick them up in the Camp Directors office at time of pick up.

No camper may have an electronic device at camp. If parents want kids to have a cell
phone on hand it MUST stay in the camper’s backpack. For any emergency situations,
parents can contact the Camp Director, Rhonda Hoekenga. Contact information has
been provided in this book. The YMCA will not be responsible for any item that may
have been damaged or stolen or any money that is brought from home.

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Tips to make the first day of the Hastings Lake YMCA Summer Camp GREAT

How do I drop my child off at camp?

   ❖ Drop off begins at 8:30am, early drop off begins at 6:30am
   ❖ The Hastings Lake YMCA Summer Camp has a walk-up drop off
     process. We will have a person stationed at the sign in and out table
     every day. Please park in a legal space and walk your child to the
     sign-in table every day. The sign-in table will be stationed at the
     east corner of the pavilion closest to the main facility.
   ❖ When you get to the table, please communicate any changes in your
     information to the table person at this time. This would be a good

time to let us know about alternative people picking your child up or
    if you plan to pick your child up early.
  ❖ For any specialty camps please drop your child off 1 hour prior to the
    start time listed for that camp. We need to accommodate for travel
    time.

What do I do when I pick up my child?

  ❖ Park your car in a legal parking space
  ❖ You will be asked to provide I.D. at the time of pick up and possibly
    the first time you drop off. Any person who does not pick up on a
    regular basis or is on the alternate list may be asked to show I.D.
    every time.
  ❖ The table person will communicate with staff to bring your child to
    the table.
  ❖ All Children must be picked up by 4:00pm or 6:00pm if they are
    attending after care. Any child picked up after 6:00pm will be
    charged a late fee of $15.00 and anyone picked up after 6:15pm a
    $1.00 per minute fee will be assessed until your child is picked up.
  ❖ Make sure your child has all of their belongings before they leave.

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                         Contact Information:

                             Camp Director:

                          Rhonda Hoekenga
                     Direct Line: 847-410-5327
                    rhoekenga@ymcachicago.org

                         Hastings Lake YMCA

1995 Grass Lake Rd.

       Lindenhurst, Il. 60046

Phone: 847-356-4006 (main facility)

 CHILDCARE TAX ID # 36-2179782

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