Thank You Again for Choosing Everwood Day Camp!

WELCOME!

Dear Parent,

Everwood Day Camp is an extraordinary world - a wonderful community of friendship and acceptance, where everyone can grow as individuals towards being happy, healthy, and successful people. It’s a place where:

- Being a good friend is the highest value. - Everyone feels physically and emotionally safe at all times. - We stand up for what is right and take care of each other. - We encourage each other to try new things, to explore and give our best effort. - We take healthy risks, and if we fail, we learn from our mistakes and friends encourage us to try again. - We learn to be good leaders, communicators, and team members. - We take care of our Camp and its natural surroundings because we love and respect it. - We listen and relate to each other with respect and understanding.

At Everwood Day Camp we hold each other accountable for each of these statements, every single day! Our vision is that our campers and staff take these high standards from Camp back to their lives in the “ordinary world” the rest of the year to help make positive change. As part of the Everwood Day Camp community your child will have fun, and will be inspired to be the best person they can be!

This handbook contains important information about Everwood Day Camp and our policies and procedures. If you find you still have questions or concerns after reading it, please feel free to contact us at any time.

We look forward to everything the Summer of 2019 will bring!

Warm and Sunny Regards,

Dane and Jaime Pickles, Jen Kaplan, Colleen Connors, Nikki Savaria, Ian Smith and the entire Everwood Day Camp Leadership Team

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contact Information 3 What Camp Means to Us 4 Warm and Fuzzies 4 Important Dates to Remember 5 Before Camp 6 To Bring or Not to Bring 7- 8 Lost and Found 9 Everwood’s “No Screen Commitment” 10 Peanuts and Tree Nuts 11 Lunch and Snacks 12 Birthdays at Camp 12 Activities at Everwood 13 Everwood’s Elective Program 13-14 Swim Program 14-15 Communication 15-16 - Your CampInTouch Account 16 Forms 16-18 Insects and Arachnids 18 Healthcare 18- 20 Absences, Late Arrivals, and Early Dismissals 21 Getting to and From Camp 22 - Bus Transportation 22 - Parent Drop Off & Pick Up 22-23 - Transportation Changes 23 - Textcaster Alert Services 24 Visiting Camp 24 Behavior and Discipline 24-25 Financial Facts 25-26

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be Licensed by the local board of health.

CONTACT INFORMATION Camp Office: (Phone) 781-694-5829 (Fax) 781-636-2126 Address: 125 Lakeview St., Sharon, MA 02067 Email: [email protected]

Directors: Dane and Jaime Pickles Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Program Director: Ian Smith Email: [email protected]

Assistant Director and Head Counselor - Lower/Middle Camp (Pre-K- 4th grade): Jen Kaplan Email: [email protected]

th Head Counselor - Upper Camp (5th- 10 grade): Sarah Faulkner Email: [email protected]

Director of Enrollment: Colleen Connors Email: [email protected]

Office and Transportation Manager: Nikki Savaria Email: [email protected]

Camp Nurse: Jennifer Maloney, RN Email: [email protected]

Division Leaders and Assistant Division Leaders (ADL):

Turtles (pre-k- k): Lewis Kass, [email protected]

st nd Freshmen (entering 1 and 2 ) :Victoria Rusek , Entering 1st, [email protected] Olivia Cormier, Entering 2nd, [email protected] ADL: Krystina Stoker, [email protected]

rd th Sophomores (entering 3 and 4 ) : Tori Brown, 3rd grade, [email protected] Sarah Iandoli, 4th grade, [email protected] ADL: Hadley Porreca, [email protected]

th th Juniors (entering 5 and 6 ) : Matthew Medina, Boys, [email protected] Ann Marie Piscitelli, Girls, [email protected] ADL: Matt Greenstein, [email protected]

th th Seniors (entering 7 and 8 ) : Ben Alden, [email protected] ADL: Julie Fox, [email protected]

th th L.E.A.D and C.I.T (entering 9 and 10 ) : Angela Weldon, [email protected]

WHAT CAMP MEANS TO US At Everwood Day Camp, we teach young people skills of life. Our philosophy is best explained through our 5-Star-Points of Youth Development, created because we are youth development professionals with high expectations. We believe that every moment of every day at Camp is an opportunity for both campers and team members to positively impact each other’s lives. This is a deceptively simple thing to say, and is a profound mind-set we teach the many children who attend our camp.

If you yourself have never attended summer camp, it’s easy to assume the camp experience is an enjoyable form of summer child care, and you would be right—if camp isn’t fun, what’s the point in going? But at Everwood, our purpose extends far beyond simply having FUN. Fun is one of the many results of what we do with our summer camp.

This is why we’re so intentional about integrating our 5-Star-Points philosophy into our camp activities and electives. We monitor the many behaviors essential to being a decent human being and successful adult and acknowledge campers when observed demonstrating these behaviors. The core values of Everwood’s 5-Star-Points are:

• Independence• Integrity • Inspiration • Teamwork • Friendship

Bundled into this system is the concept of intentional camp: Everything at Everwood Day Camp is done with the intention and purpose of furthering our philosophy and mission.

WHAT IS A WARM AND FUZZY? At the end of each day, each camper group meets, and counselors reflect on the day and give out the only award we have here at Everwood the 5-Star Camper award. This award goes to the camper(s) who have … demonstrated something unique during the day that reflects their hard work on 1 or more of the 5-Star Points. Each 5-star camper receives their very own Everwood “Warm and Fuzzy” (cute and cuddly little creature they can take with them) along with a “Warm and Fuzzy Note” that describes the behavior that was observed and what kind of character trait that shows.

4 IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

“Partnering with Parents”- Thursday, June 13th , 6:30 - 8pm To keep the lines of communication as clear and open as possible, we invite PARENTS ONLY (no kids) to an open forum with Directors Dane and Jaime Pickles. How will the campers and parents feel during their first week of Camp? Why are there certain rules in place? What is our discipline policy? Learn about our Camp culture and some of the fun traditions we have. Day Camp can seem complicated to kids and parents - electives, swimming, and division leaders, etc so bring all your questions and don’t leave until we … answer every one of them! This conversation is geared toward families that are new to us, but parents of returning campers are welcome!

Meet ‘N’ Greet Come out before Camp begins (with your kids) to meet your child’s Group Leader, Counselors, Division Leader and the Camp Nurse (bring any medications). Attendance is optional, but strongly encouraged. st Knowing names and faces makes the 1 day of Camp extra smooth! Tuesday, June 18th, 6:00-8:00pm Thursday, June 20th , 6:00-8:00pm

Red Turtles Orange Turtles Blue Turtles Green Turtles Yellow Turtles Purple Turtles st nd Entering 1 Grade Boys and Girls Entering 2 Grade Boys and Girls r d t h Entering 3 Grade Boys and Girls Entering 4 Grade Boys and Girls t h th t h th Entering 7 -10 Grade Boys and Girls Entering 5 and 6 Grade Boys and Girls

Family Night Take part in Camp activities with family and friends in a relaxed evening at Camp. Campers go home on the bus (unless arrangements are made) and return to Camp with the family for fun, games, and more! Families who have completed their summer season with us, or have yet to begin are also invited to enjoy a wonderful evening with us at Everwood. Allow your child to be your tour guide and proudly share their accomplishments from the summer! Parents, please wear your sneakers!

Wednesday, July 24th , 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday, July 31st , 6:00-8:00pm

5 BEFORE CAMP

It’s very typical for children to feel some nervousness or anxiety when entering an unfamiliar environment. Though we understand that the transition from “unfamiliar” to “familiar” happens rapidly in our Camp world, it’s not always that obvious to campers. There are several things that you can do to help your child feel more comfortable, confident and ready for the summer. Here are a couple of things to think about:

√ TALK: Talk to your child about what they are looking forward to doing at camp, and set some achievable goals for their experience. Goals can be activity-based (play Ga-Ga, shoot a bulls-eye in archery) or friendship-based (make a new friend from a different town, connect with a counselor). Make sure you review our website and brochures with your child, and know that you are always welcome to come by Camp to visit and become more familiar with the property itself. Just call the Camp office!

√ VISIT: Attend our Meet ‘N’ Greet and Open House events, so that your child can meet our staff and other campers. These events help to ease the transition to Camp and will help your child feel more comfortable and confident at Camp.

√ SHARE: Complete the Camper Profile form. It is important for your Camp Directors to understand your child as best we can before the summer begins. We communicate critical information to your child’s Division Leader, Group Leader and Counselors in order to ensure your child has a successful experience at Camp, not only integrating into the Camp environment, but throughout the entire summer!

√ COMMUNICATE: DO NOT HESITATE to reach out to Dane and Jaime or any member of our leadership team. We are your partners in your child’s development through the summer Camp experience. Call or email ANYTIME. No issue or concern is too small.

√ A FEW WORDS ABOUT “FUN”: Fun is a result of the many things that happen at Camp. While Camp is mostly “fun,” there are moments of Camp life - some of the most important developmental moments a child can have - that are simply not fun. Learning to understand people’s differences, dealing with challenging situations, coming to terms with your fears, not getting exactly what you want when you want it - each of these experiences, while not fun, represent “teachable moments” on the important road of growth and development.

√ REMEMBER: No deals! Parents occasionally make pick-up deals in an innocent attempt to reduce pre-Camp anxiety. There are two reasons why pick-up deals usually backfire. First, the deal contains a negative message. The message is “Mom and Dad don’t think you can make it at Camp”. The second reason these deals backfire is they give children a powerful thought to dwell on The … Pick-Up. What happens next is, every time the child encounters a stressful situation at Camp, or feels a twinge of anxiety, his/her thoughts turn to The Pick-Up. This thought becomes a mental crutch: the child leans on it, rather than his or her own developing power to cope.

√ CELEBRATE!: This summer your child is going to meet new friends, and do things they’ve never done before. They are going to build their self-confidence and with the guidance of their caring and attentive counselors, they will have fun! You have given your child the gift of the Camp experience! Now if that’s not worthy of celebrating, we’re not sure what is!

TO BRING or NOT TO BRING?

Please be sure your child brings the following items on their FIRST day of Camp. These items will be left at Camp, and sent home at the end of each week:

✓ Name Tag - You will receive a printed name tag with your child’s name, division, and group prior to the summer. This will come in the mail in June. Keep it in a safe place as it’s needed on the first two days of your camper's’ session!

✓ A change of clothing and a sweatshirt and sweatpants packed in a clearly labeled plastic bag - nd (Pre-K- 2 grade/ Lower campers will keep their change of clothes at Camp through their entire rd th session—3 - 10 grade/Upper Campers will bring extra clothes home every Friday)

✓ Sunscreen (at least SPF 15) - spray kind preferable, but not mandatory*

✓ Insect repellent spray kind preferable, but not mandatory*

✓ Water-shoes for waterfront use ONLY – Water-shoes should have solid traction and be made for the water. Crocs are not acceptable as they are slippery when wet!

Please be sure your child brings the following things each day they come to Camp. These things will return home with your camper daily:

✓ 1-2 bathing suits If your child is scheduled for Swim Instruction first or second period of the day you may consider sending them already wearing a bathing suit, but be sure to pack underwear!

nd Pre-K to 2 Grade campers should come to Camp in their bathing suit. For girls, 2 piece tankinis or one piece suits are great for play at Camp. Please consider saving bikinis for vacation and trips to the beach. ✓ 1-2 towels for daily swim (these will come home each afternoon). ✓ Goggles (optional - Goggles not recommended for Pre-K and K). Swim masks not allowed. st th ✓ Reusable water bottle- Please label clearly with your child’s name. (recommended for 1 – 10 graders only). ✓ Rain jacket and boots (optional) for rainy days. ✓ Hat (optional but strongly encouraged!)

*Please note sunscreen and bug spray should be applied BEFORE coming to Camp. Campers will reapply sunscreen throughout the day, particularly after AM and PM swim. Sprays are applied outside the bunk in well-ventilated areas. Counselors will supervise and assist when needed. Campers cannot share each other’s sunscreen or bug spray, due to allergies and skin reactions.

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO CAMP:

- Personal sports equipment - Jewelry - Toys, dolls, or stuffed animals - Live animals of any kind - Toys that in any way resemble or might be mistaken for any kind of weapon: this includes squirt guns! - Trading cards - Electronic Games - iPods, iPads, iTouches, or tablets - Cell phones - Heelys - Money in any form - Group snacks or special treats

Alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances (we reserve the right to check belongings) or anything that can be used as a weapon, are strictly PROHIBITED. Campers found to have any of these items at camp will be immediately dismissed from Camp, and depending on the situation the appropriate authorities will be notified.

The Camp assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to camper’s personal property.

8 LOST AND FOUND

LABEL, LABEL, LABEL!! Put your camper’s FULL NAME on all towels, shirts, bathing suits, hats, shoes, sunscreen, etc. with a permanent laundry marker or labels. This will prevent too many items from going to the lost and found, and most importantly, ensure that they come home with your camper!

Recommended Labeling resources: o We LOVE OLIVER’s LABELs! Go to www.oliverslabels.com/everwood or click “Camper Clothing Labels” in your parent account to order yours!

Other resources: o http://www.namedropperstamper.com/ o The good ol’ permanent marker: http://www.sharpie.com/

- Counselors and Group Leaders will make every effort to make sure everything that comes to Camp with your camper returns home; however, inevitably, things get misplaced at Camp. Articles of clothing, water bottles, etc., that are left at Camp are collected weekly and brought to the Camp Office. Please call or email the office if your child has misplaced an item.

And, did we say LABEL! …

9 Everwood’s No Screen Commitment Camp MUST be a time to UNPLUG!!

There is no shortage of research and discussion about the impact of technology on today’s youth. Teens spend an average of 9 hours a day online while children ages 8-12 spend an average of 6 hours. With every year, and every new app, it seems to be more challenging to pull kids away from their screens. Many parents struggle daily with how to manage their child’s screen time as well as their own.

Here’s the good news. You have decided to send your child to Everwood Day Camp this summer. Here at Everwood, we are SCREEN FREE. This is true for our camp staff as well as our campers. And we take this VERY seriously. If a staff member uses their smartphone during the camp day they will be terminated immediately.

In many ways, a summer camp experience like Everwood is the antidote to modern society. Campers here develop invaluable social and emotional skills while navigating friendships and facing risks all on their own, without an online audience. They are guaranteed the undivided attention of the people who are looking after them. It’s a place where true connection can thrive.

However, we need your help. If technology is “snuck in a backpack,” our community values are undermined. As much as your child may insist that they won’t use it, it’s still there…. beckoning. This makes it infinitely harder to do the work you have signed your child up for. Therefore, we need you to make sure that your camper’s smartphone/smart watch etc., stays at home.

We need you to own this, as it’s part of the investment you’ve made in the Everwood experience for your child this summer. Have the difficult conversation with your child, and remind them that they can do this. Know that if they ever need you, or you need them we will ALWAYS connect you by phone. Know that our lead bus counselors, do have their phones in case of emergencies, and that all of our buses have GPS trackers.

We ask you and your child to PLEASE comply with the following:

**EVERWOOD’S “NO SCREEN” POLICY: Cellular phones, smart phones, video players of any sort, any electronic device capable of internet access, walkie-talkies, scanners, MP3 players, iPods, iTouches, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, PSPs, Gameboys, or any other electronic video game systems are strictly PROHIBITED at Camp AND on the buses traveling to and from Camp.

PEANUTS AND TREE NUTS

As you are undoubtedly aware, over the last decade there has been a significant increase in peanut related allergies throughout the United States. Nut allergies are particularly unforgiving. Exposure to even tiny or trace amounts can produce anaphylaxis in allergic individuals, which is life threatening unless immediately treated.

Our mission as a Camp is to create a safe and caring community for each of your children, and for our staff. That is why we have chosen to create a peanut and tree-nut friendly culture.

Here at Everwood peanut and tree-nut friendly means: anything that is provided by us, including all snacks, ingredients for cooking classes, and everything provided in the BBQ lunch on Fridays, does not contain peanut or tree-nut related products. Our counselors diligently inspect lunches that come in from home and immediately remove any products that may contain peanuts or tree-nuts, however, we cannot guarantee that every item will be detected. Please share this responsibility with us. Here is what is required:

Please do not send your child to camp or on the camp buses with ANY products that contain peanuts, peanut flour, peanut oil, peanut butter, or other nuts. This includes snacks with almonds, filberts, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts.

Please note: Food labels/ingredients may change over time, so it is always recommended that you read the label before purchasing snacks. Please read labels carefully to make sure the products are nut free. Food with a label that reads “May contain traces of peanuts/nuts” is NOT acceptable.

Quick check brands: Kellogg’s, Keebler, General Mills, Betty Crocker, and Quaker Oats brands are excellent at calling out allergens in a box: Example: CONTAINS PEANUT AND EGG INGREDIENTS

LUNCH and SNACKS

Lunch is to be sent with your child to Camp Monday through Thursday. Please put your child’s lunch in a lunch box/bag that is clearly labeled with his or her name. Please also label any reusable containers and water bottles to ensure they return home with your child.

For campers grade 4 and under, we will refrigerate your child’s lunch, so ice packs are not necessary. For campers grade 5 and up, please send lunches with an ice pack, as these lunches will not be refrigerated.

Please note: we are not able to microwave or reheat any food items. We do not accept ANY group snacks or special treats (please see “Birthdays at Camp”).

Everwood Day Camp will supply water for lunch each day. If a camper does not want water, he/she may bring a drink from home. Everwood Day Camp will also supply peanut and tree nut free snacks daily. Typically, a snack will be provided both in the morning and the afternoon. Snacks are limited to one serving of each snack offered (a child can have an apple and some pretzels), but we certainly can accommodate children who are extra hungry throughout the day. A Kosher snack option will always be available.

Each Friday, we will provide a Kosher BBQ lunch for all campers and staff, typically consisting of the following: burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, veggie hot dogs, mixed green salad, corn, chips, and watermelon. Gluten free buns will be available as necessary. It is not necessary to pack a lunch that day unless your child would rather eat his/her own food of choice.

SMART LUNCHES We’re happy to be partnering with Smart Lunches this summer to take lunch off your plate! Ordering is simple on smartlunches.com - you can pick from a variety of camp meals and they’re made fresh and delivered daily! To learn more visit www.smartlunches.com.

BIRTHDAYS AT CAMP

Having a birthday at Camp is very special. It’s not very often in life that a huge crowd of people sing “Happy Birthday” to you! Birthdays at Everwood happen as follows:

● At Morning Assembly, the Division Leaders bring any camper celebrating a birthday out to the flagpole. Siblings and group mates, and/or anyone else strongly connected to the camper will step forward to lead the entire Camp in singing “Happy Birthday,” as well as our own Camp Birthday song! Then the birthday boy or girl has the honor of raising the flag.

● The birthday boy or girl will also receive a special badge and crown to wear throughout the Camp day so everyone has a chance to personally wish your child a very happy birthday!

● Please DO NOT send group treats or gifts in for your child’s birthday! Not only do we ask that you not send things in due to allergies, but also group gifts and treats often result in an undue sense

12 of pressure or stress on families to bring the “right” thing or compete with their peers. Even without a treat from home your child will have an unforgettable Camp birthday!

ACTIVITIES AT EVERWOOD

All programs offered to an age group are adapted for that age group to ensure full participation.

All our campers participate in all of our activities except for archery which is saved for entering 3rd graders and older, and sailing, digital photography, woodworking, outdoor cooking and video which are offered as electives for campers entering 3rd grade and above.

Any programs offered to a specific division are for all campers in that division.

EVERWOOD’S ELECTIVE PROGRAM

Electives take place at the same time each day for a week and are designed to be mini-workshops. Depending on your child's age he/she may have either 1, 2 or 3, or 4 electives during their Camp week.

rd th Campers entering 3 through 10 grade have the opportunity to customize portions of their Camp rd th day. Our entering 3 and 4th graders have 1 elective, our 5th through 6 graders have 3 elective th th period, and our 7 through 8 graders have 4 elective periods (though some may be combined to be double period electives!). Any programs offered to a specific age Division are for all campers in that Division. We don’t combine campers in electives across divisions!

Electives are a great opportunity for campers to focus on activities they not only enjoy, but in which they also want to develop skills. The list of offered electives each elective period may vary from week to week so it is important to review and submit the electives form (see below) for each camp week.

How does my child choose their Electives? In order to make this system work, campers create an activity “Top 10” list prior to the start each camp week they are attending (see the “Top 10 Preferences Form” in the forms section of this handbook), with choices listed in order of preference-the TOP THREE CHOICES are the most desired choices, which we make every effort to schedule first and then work down the list. Any “bumped” choices (due to scheduling conflicts, closed out, or lack of attendance) are given priority placement the next week the activity is offered and chosen. Activity Preferences are not erased from the system - so if no updates are made in successive weeks campers may receive the same choices. Elective offerings may change weekly, so be sure to update your camper’s “Top 10” list 13 every week by the end of the day on Wednesday before his/her next week at Camp. Don’t worry! You will be receiving frequent emails from our Program Director, Ian Smith with instructions and updates prior to your camper starting at Camp!

When your child arrives at Camp they will be assigned an elective for the week based on the input provided on this form. Please note that every effort will be made to honor your child’s top requests however, it may not be possible for your child’s top choices each period and week they are at Camp. If you have any questions or concerns about the elective your child has been assigned please reach out.

SWITCHING ELECTIVES: If a camper isn’t happy with their elective after giving it a try, Campers can switch electives on Tuesday for the rest of the week; however, the switch is based on availability.

If you have questions or concerns please reach out to program director Ian Smith, at [email protected]

SWIM PROGRAM

Swimming is perhaps the most popular and important component of the Everwood Day Camp program. When a camper begins their summer session their swim skills are assessed. Placement in the appropriate swim instruction group is then made for Turtles through Sophomores (Pre-K to th th th 4 grade). Entering 5 - 10 grade* Juniors and L.E.A.D. division campers do not have a specific swim instruction period in their camp day, but may choose swim instruction as one of their electives. If your older camper is not a comfortable, confident, or safe swimmer we STRONGLY encourage you and your child to elect swim instruction.

Here at Everwood Day Camp we fully embrace the idea of growth mindset, and that there are always ways we can learn, grow and improve. In partnership with the incredibly knowledgeable and talented Andy Broido of Swimconsultant.com we have created a child centered swim program that will keep your swimmer moving forward and developing a love of the water! Some of you may recognize Andy's work as she has closely consulted with the beloved Little Flippers Swim School as well as PODS in Providence.... Here a little more about what to expect …

Our Goal: Our goal for our swim program is to teach water safety and instill in all students a true love for the water. In fact we want our campers to love it so much they could live in the water. To achieve this our goal is that all swimmers feel safe, balanced, comfortable, and happy in the water. This is how swimming and a love of water becomes a skill for life!

The Curriculum:

14 Our new and updated curriculum has been developed over many years of teaching experience and have proven effective in teaching children to swim. The curriculum focuses on learning breath control, buoyancy and balance in the water. All of our instructors will follow our progressions and lesson plans to insure consistent, effective classes. Classes will incorporate lots of fun games, songs, and unique equipment to motivate every child toward becoming a stronger and more confident swimmer.

Recognition and Awards: Campers and their parents will receive continued feedback on their progress through our new ribbon rewards. Each time a child achieves a new goal/skill they will receive a ribbon recognizing this achievement. Collect them and watch your child's confidence and pride soar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SWIM PROGRAM AND ANSWERS TO MANY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR EMAIL [email protected]

COMMUNICATION

We pride ourselves on our ability to maintain connections with parents and families not only during the summer, but also throughout the entire year. We are committed to being your partners in your child’s development, and the most important piece of that commitment is maintaining open lines of communication. Throughout the summer, you can expect the following: - Communication from your child’s Division Leader and/or Group Leader prior to the start of the summer. - Check-in call or email from Camp staff after your child begins Camp. - Prompt access to your child’s Counselors and Group Leaders for routine communication (through phone calls placed to the Camp Office and/or emails to Division Leaders). - Weekly Travel Confirmation emails from our Transportation Coordinator, confirming your camper’s travel plans for the upcoming week. - Weekly newsletters outlining highlights from the Camp week as well as reminders of upcoming special events and activities.

We encourage you to email or call ANYTIME to discuss your child’s summer experience and we will answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Thoughts on Written Notes If you have specific information or questions for any of the staff here at Camp, we would always prefer an email (see contact list on page 3) over a written note, as often written notes are inadvertently overlooked. If you do feel it necessary to write a note please place it in an envelope, address it to the desired recipient, and give it DIRECTLY to your child’s bus counselor or a morning drop- off staff member. However, we ask that any transportation changes or

15 absences, including early dismissal from camp, are communicated by direct phone call or email with one of our office staff members.

Your Online CampInTouch Parent Account Everwood Day Camp is proud to utilize the technology of CampMinder- the leader in web-based Camp database systems. This means that you have an online CampInTouch parent account that you can use all year round. This online system means you can take care of the following:

➢ Complete/download/upload all necessary Camp forms: Refer to the Forms section a little further on for a more detailed explanation of what is required. ➢ Online Registration: Re-enrollment is a snap as all your information is already in the system! ➢ Update your family’s information any time: Check your camper’s information as well as your own, and update at any time! ➢ Review your financial information: Check your balance, update your billing or credit card information, make payments and view/print statements for your records.

FORMS

Please complete all forms by May 1st. It is a legal requirement that we have your child’s health history and medical forms in order for them to attend Camp. You are able to access the necessary forms through your CampInTouch account. As a reminder, to access this you can click here. Then, enter your email address and password. If you forget your password, click on ‘retrieve password’ at the bottom right of the box. A link will be sent to your email address for you to reset your password.

Please complete the following forms: 1) Health History Form (Complete and submit online*) Please complete this form online to give us a detailed and accurate picture of your child’s health. The good news is that you will only need to input this information once, and it will be saved for all future summers (and will only need to be updated each year rather than re-typed completely)! The Health History has a number of authorization statements at the end; please read them carefully before agreeing to the conditions and submitting the form.

2) Permission to Administer Medication form – only if applicable to your child. (This form is only required if your child will be taking prescription medication while at Camp. Complete and upload as a PDF to your CampInTouch account, fax back or mail to Everwood Day Camp.) If your camper will not be taking prescription medication while at camp, this form does not need to be completed.

3) Immunization Form (This form is to be completed by your child’s physician then upload as a PDF to your CampInTouch account, fax back, or mail to Everwood Day Camp).

16 Most doctors’ offices prefer to give you a copy of their own form, but if you need to use our’s, you may print it out and ask your physician to complete it. Note: If your child’s next Dr.’s visit is after May 1, 2019, please upload or fax your most recent Immunization form in its place so that it can be reviewed by our Camp Nurse as quickly as possible.

4) Camper Profile (Complete and submit online*) This form presents an opportunity for you to share important details about your child with the Camp Administration and your child’s counselors. As our partners in your child’s summer experience, we ask that you answer each question as openly and fully as possible. Don’t worry that your child will be ‘labeled’ by what you disclose. We value your child’s individual identity and only seek this information to enable us to provide your child with the best possible Camp experience. Please be assured that all information is held in strict confidence, and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

5) Authorized Grown-Ups (Complete and submit online*) This form allows you to indicate whom you permit to pick up your child, either from Camp or from the bus stop. Please include yourself along with any other parent/ guardian or anyone else that you have authorized to pick up your child. We will NOT release your child to anyone that you have NOT authorized on this form. Please be sure that you complete this form in order to ensure a smooth and timely pick-up for both your child and other camp families.

rd 6) Top 10 Preferences Form (Complete and submit online- for each camper entering 3 grade or older) This form will be available close to the start of the summer. You will receive an email from our program director, Ian Smith, when the form is ready! Use this form to create an activity “Top 10” list prior to the start of the Summer with choices listed in order of preference- thus, the TOP THREE CHOICES are the most desired choices, which we make every effort to schedule first and then work down the list. Activity preferences do not get erased from the system; therefore, if no updates are made in successive weeks, campers may receive the same choices. Elective offerings may change weekly, so be sure to update your camper’s “Top 10” list by the end of the day on Wednesday before his/her next week at Camp.

7) Day Travel Form (Complete and submit online*) Please select the travel option for your camper for each week they will be attending (extended day, by car, or by bus). If necessary, you can customize your camper’s travel plans each day of the week by selecting the “show daily view” option. This form can only be submitted once; any subsequent changes must be made by emailing our Transportation Coordinator, Nikki Savaria, at [email protected].

8) Permission to Walk (Available online, please print, complete, and email only if your camper will be walking to/from Camp or a camp bus stop without an authorized adult.) While we encourage that all campers travel to/from the bus stop or Camp with an Authorized Adult, we understand that this is not always an ideal situation for all of our Camp families. This year, we have added a “Permission to Walk” form into your parent account. If filled out, this will allows campers over the age of 10 to

17 walk to from Camp or a Camp bus stop without an authorized adult. Only fill this form out if you are giving your camper permission to walk unaccompanied by an authorized adult.

9) Friend Requests (Optional, complete and submit online by May 1st) Groups are formed by grade and gender. We make every effort to honor at least one groupmate request, but this is not guaranteed.

*If you want to come back to either the Health History or the Camper Profile to view it or to add anything after submitting it, you are welcome to do so. Each time you click ‘submit’ the latest version of the form will be saved.

INSECTS and ARACHNIDS

As you know, Everwood is located on a beautiful 75 acre property, and your child will be outside for the majority of the time they are here. Activities take place in the woods and around the lake, which of course is habitat to a variety of wildlife including those pesky insects. While the utmost care has been taken to prepare Camp for the summer invasion of these 6- and 8-legged creatures, your child may be exposed to these little buggers (pun intended) on a daily basis. Therefore, we recommend the use of insect repellent containing up to 20 percent DEET, and will require that our campers apply their bug spray daily, particularly before they venture into the woods for activities including archery, ropes, and nature.

In addition, please make sure you give your child a good inspection when they get home just to be sure they didn’t bring home any creepy stow-a-ways!

HEALTH CARE

If your child is ill, please keep them home from Camp in the same way that you would from school. This ensures that any contagious illnesses are not passed on to other campers or staff, and gives your child the best chance of recovering quickly.

Immunizations Each camper is required to have their immunizations up to date. Please see our Forms section (pg. 16) for more information.

Medications All medicine should be sent in its original container with a “Permission to Administer Medication” form (you can download this online) in a Ziploc bag. Our Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse will administer prescription medication, but must have the Permission to Administer form to do so. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc. will be dispensed by our Nurse 18 Practitioner or Registered Nurse when deemed necessary, as instructed by you in the Health History form.

Medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in their original containers bearing the pharmacy label.

Please make sure that the Camp knows of all medications that your camper(s) may take, both at home and at Camp.

Our Camp Nurse will have the ultimate responsibility for all health care and emergencies under the guidance and supervision of our on-call primary care physician.

Minor Illness or Injury A camper who is not feeling well will be brought to the Nurse, made comfortable, and supervised there. If necessary, the Nurse will call the camper’s parent/guardian to explain the situation and they will decide together if the camper will either stay at Camp or be picked up. If the issue is treated quickly and the camper returns to their group, the Nurse will send a “Nurse’s Note” home with the Camper and/or email or call you, so that you are aware of any treatment that was provided during the Camp day. There may be circumstances under which the camper would not be able to ride the camp buses (e.g, illness, injury). The Camp nurse and/or Director has the final discretion on whether a Camper can be transported via Camp bus. It is the parent’s responsibility to find alternative transportation for the camper should it be determined they are not able to travel to camp or from camp in camp vehicles.

Medical Emergencies If there is an emergency situation, the Nurse will call 911 or arrangements will be made to transport the camper to the hospital and the parent/guardians of the camper will be contacted. If they cannot be reached, the emergency contacts listed on the Health History form will be contacted.

All parents have the right to review our complete background check, health care, behavior and discipline policy, and grievance procedures upon request.

ABSENCES, LATE ARRIVALS, and EARLY DISMISSALS

Absences: [email protected] Travel changes/ early dismissals: [email protected]

Please notify the Camp office as soon as you know that your camper is going to be absent. If this is a planned absence, please email the Camp office at least 24 hours in advance. If this is a day-of absence, please email or call the Camp office and leave a voicemail before 7am. Both email and voicemail should include your camper’s first and last name, group, and when they will be returning to camp.

Late Arrivals: If your camper is going to arrive late, please call the Camp office as soon as possible. Please tell us your camper’s name, group, and what time they will be arriving. Please see new procedures below for when you get to Camp.

Early Dismissals: Early pick-ups are permitted at Camp before 3pm. For safety concerns, there are absolutely no pickups between 3pm and 4pm. We ask that you look at your camper’s schedule and try to plan an early dismissal during their breaks. Please give us at least a 24 hour notice via email.

Same Day Early Dismissals: Please call the office before noontime if you need to schedule a same day early dismissal. If the dismissal is not called in beforehand, it can take up to 30 minutes to retrieve your camper, pick up their belongings, and bring them into the office to be signed out. Please remember, there are absolutely no early dismissals after 3pm.

LATE ARRIVAL and EARLY PICK UP PROCEDURES

● Campers 5th grade and up will be dropped off (late arrivals) and picked up (early dismissals) directly at our Upper Camp Office. ● Campers 4th grade and under will be dropped off (late arrivals) and picked up (early dismissals) directly at our Lower Camp (Main) Office. ● If you are dropping off late or picking up early for both a lower and upper Camp camper, they will both be be picked up at the Lower Camp (Main) Office.

When you arrive at Camp to pick up your camper, please park in our visitor's parking lot at either our lower campus, or upper campus. Come directly to the office with a picture ID to sign them out. Your camper will be brought to the office for dismissal. If someone other than yourself is picking up your camper, please make sure that they are on your Authorized Adults list, which can be accessed online through your parent account.

*All emails regarding late arrivals/ absences should be sent to [email protected].

*All emails regarding transportation changes/ early dismissals should be sent to our Transportation Coordinator, Nikki Savaria, at [email protected].

21 GETTING TO and FROM CAMP

Bus Transportation Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and efficient trip to and from Camp for our campers. We use school buses with seat belts, professional bus drivers, and trained Camp staff on board who supervise and play games with the campers.

Please make sure to be at the bus stop 10 MINUTES PRIOR to both your scheduled bus pick up and drop off times. For example, if your pick up in the morning is scheduled for 8:15 am, please arrive by 8:05am. If your child is scheduled to be dropped off at 4:30pm, please be at the bus stop by 4:20pm.

***If you, or another authorized adult, are unable to make it to the afternoon drop off location on time, your camper will stay on the bus and continue on to the next stop. The bus will continue on it’s normally scheduled route, and you will be asked to meet the bus at the next stop.We will not, under any circumstances, leave a child at a bus stop. In the event that your camper is still on the bus at the last stop, the bus, bus driver, bus counselor, and your camper will all return to camp, where you can pick them up.

General bus note: Please keep in mind that our buses may run a few minutes early or late, depending on traffic situations each day. If this happens in excess of a 15 minute delay, or if we need to change a bus stop time or location, all families affected will be notified as soon as possible via our SMS/ email service, Textcaster (See Textcaster section below). A complete list of bus stops and times is available on our website at http://everwooddaycamp.com/current-families/bus-transportation/

Extended Day and Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Morning Procedures: Please follow the signs to the designated drop-off area. For extended mornings, staff members will take attendance and bring your camper up to the main lodge. Extended mornings begin at 7:15am and end at 8:45am.

Regular parent drop off begins at 8:45am. Please follow the signs to the designated drop-off area. Staff will be there to assist your camper and bring them to their

22 groups. *Any campers being dropped off before 8:45am will join the extended morning program and your account will be billed accordingly.

Afternoon Procedures: Please follow the parking signs and patterns designated by our staff. To ensure this process goes smoothly for everyone, please have your camper’s car placard in the window of your vehicle and a picture ID ready for our staff to check. Please stay in your vehicle, and a staff member will bring your camper to you. Please make sure that whomever is picking up your camper is on your authorized adults list, which can be accessed and changed anytime online through your parent account.

Regular parent pick up is at 4pm. *Any campers being picking up after 4:05pm will join the extended afternoon program and your account will be billed accordingly.

When picking up for extended day, please follow the same procedure. Follow the parking signs and pull around to the designated parking area. Staff will be ready to bring your camper to you after they have checked your authorized adults list and a picture ID. Extended day ends promptly at 6pm.

Walking Home Alone: While we encourage that all campers travel to/from the bus stop or Camp with an Authorized Adult, we understand that this is not always an ideal situation for all of our Camp families. Please download and sign the “Permission to Walk” form into your parent account in order to allow you camper(s) over the age of 10 to walk to from Camp or a Camp bus stop without an authorized adult. This form must then be emailed to [email protected]. Only fill this form out if you are giving your camper permission to walk unaccompanied by an authorized adult. If you have more than one camper, we MUST have signed permission slips on file for both/all campers before they are allowed to walk home together.

*Transportation Changes* We are certainly flexible, and if need be, you can make changes to your transportation selections. Please give us at least 24 hours notice via email when making changes to your camper’s travel plans. All transportation changes should be sent to our Transportation Coordinator, Nikki Savaria at [email protected].

Last minute travel changes: We understand that emergencies happen. In the event that you must make last minute transportation changes, please call the Camp office before noontime to ensure that your camper is transferred to the correct afternoon pick- up location.** Notes sent in with Campers are not acceptable forms of communicating travel changes or early pick ups.

23 *Textcaster Alert Services* Textcaster is a texting and emailing system that allows us to quickly and efficiently communicate with our Camp families in the event of a bus stop change, delay, and also as an Everwood Emergency Alert System.

*In order to receive these notifications, you MUST sign up for this service, even if you used it last year. This is confidential service provided for yo ur convenience. This service is required to receive bus updates and Emergency Notifications.

VISITING CAMP

We welcome parents to visit Camp throughout the summer. This being said, we ask that you partner with us to make sure that all aspects of your visit are successful. Please consider the following when planning your visit:

➢ Visiting within the first 3 days of your child’s camp session is strongly discouraged. As your child acclimates to the Camp environment, his/her group mates, and counselors, a visit from a parent can disrupt this process. If you have concerns about your child’s transition into the Camp environment, please contact Jaime or Dane anytime. ➢ Visiting is allowed between the hours of 10am-2pm to allow for the smooth and safe execution of our transportation procedures. ➢ You must FIRST stop in at the office to receive a visitor's badge. ➢ No dogs are allowed to accompany you during your visit.

BEHAVIOR and DISCIPLINE

Every camper at Everwood Day Camp should feel physically and emotionally safe. Fighting, cursing, verbal intimidation or any inappropriate behaviors are never tolerated at Camp or on a Camp bus. A safe and friendly atmosphere is the responsibility of all campers and staff at Everwood.

Discipline is about teaching and learning; it is not about punishment in and of itself; it is not something done “to” a child, but “for” a child. Our goal is to teach healthy patterns of behavior. We create a learning process and a Camp community that intrinsically motivates individuals toward such behavior. All children need to learn what is acceptable and

24 desirable, in order to help them become positive influences on society. We teach character, morals, ethics, communication and problem solving.

All disciplinary issues are brought to the attention of the Division Leader, who will then inform the parents of all campers involved as to what occurred and what action was taken. In the unlikely event that there is a disciplinary problem that cannot be resolved by the Division Leader and the camper’s parents, or if a camper has recurring issues, the Directors will call the parents to discuss the matter and may request a meeting. If it is deemed by the Directors that the safety of the camper or other campers may be at risk, a camper may be asked to leave Camp and a refund will be issued in accordance with our refund policy.

Please know: 1. Corporal punishment, including spanking is prohibited 2. No camper shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse 3. No camper shall be denied food, water or shelter as a form of punishment 4. No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet.

All parents have the right to review our complete background check, health care, behavior and discipline policy and grievance procedures upon request.

FINANCIAL FACTS

Tuition and Refund Policy Your account balance is due in full on May 15th, or upon registration if you enroll at Camp after May 15th. If your balance is not paid in full prior to June 24th your child’s space in his/her group may be forfeited. We want to be a good partner for your family. For that reason, our unique refund policy is as follows: ● Before March 15th, 2019, all tuition paid by your family, including deposit, is fully refundable at any time, for any reason! ● After March 15th, 2019, all other tuition* is refundable until May 15th, 2019. *Your $300 deposit per child is non-refundable after March 15th, 2019. ● After May 15th, 2019, if you choose to withdraw your child from all or any sessions, we will credit your tuition amount (minus your deposit) to your family’s account for the summer of 2020.

Extensions As long as there is availability, we allow our Camp Families to extend their children’s number of weeks at camp once the summer begins. Space is limited, therefore we ask that you send in all extension requests as soon as possible. We will make every attempt to accommodate these requests.

25 Tipping Based on the significant number of requests we’ve had from families over the past few years, we have made a change to our tipping policy and now will allow parents to tip their child’s counselors and/or specialists upon completion of their child’s summer session. Please understand that this is NOT an expectation from our staff, rather just a way that some families may decide they want to thank the staff that their child has gotten to know. If you feel your child’s counselor is doing a good job (and we hope you all will), a “thank you” note or letter sent to camp with your child will mean the world to our staff members and if you want to add in something monetary you are welcome to.

Tax ID Number Some employers have set up dependent care accounts that allow participants to pay for childcare – including camp – with pre-tax dollars. In order to do this or to take advantage of other tax deduction opportunities, we have listed our tax information below:

Everwood Camp Partners LLC, tax ID number 26-4667041

Thank you again for choosing Everwood Day Camp!

We are looking forward to another A-W-E-S-O-M-E Summer! HOORAY for the Summer of 2019!

This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be Licensed by the local board of health.