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BEST SUMMER EVER!
We've moved to
2000 Richmond Ave. (formerly St. Mary School)
Register online at
https://mattoonymca.org/summer-day-camp/
MATTOON AREA FAMILY YMCA CAMP HANDBOOK 2019
Welcome to the Mattoon Area Family YMCA Summer Camp!
The YMCA staff is excited to launch another great summer of camp, and we’re glad that your child will
be a part of the weekly experience. We recognize that when you register your child for camp, that you are
entrusting the care of your child to our dedicated staff team. We have a mutual investment in making sure that
your child’s physical, social, and mental well-being is enriched through his or her YMCA camp experience.
Based on decades of camp administration, we know one thing that ensures a safe and memorable
summer for all: communication between parents and staff. Please know that your insights and feedback are
welcome and encouraged to make sure the YMCA camp meets you and your child’s expectations. Please contact
me if you have any questions or concerns.
We have a superb group of camp counselors ready to work with your child this summer. Our staff is
trained in child abuse prevention, CPR, emergency procedures, and basic water safety, all in order to prepare
staff for consistent, quality and engaging instruction.
Our Goals
To provide children with new and progressive opportunities and activities that are physically and mentally
challenging.
To encourage children to develop skills that will allow them to build positive relationships with others.
To give children a positive relationship with adult role models.
To provide opportunities to accept responsibility, develop leadership skills, cultivate positive self-image,
and give service to others.
To help youth appreciate and respect the earth and understand their responsibility for the stewardship of
our global community.
On the following pages, you will find information on key topics that you and your child should review together
and acknowledge in order to prepare for a fantastic summer!
Understanding of policies and procedures found in this Handbook
Code of Character Conduct reviewed with child (Page 9)
Consent Form (Page 10)
Waiver of Liability (Page 11)
NEW THIS YEAR:
Our location has changed to the Christian Formation Center (formerly St. Mary School)! We are excited
about this partnership and the extra space for our growing camp!
Only full week registration.
We will be having a maximum capacity for each group, so register early to ensure a spot!
We hope your child has a great summer experience!
Sincerely,
Kayla Kerner
Camp Director
217-234-9494
Page | 2
CAMP OVERVIEW AND ACTIVITIES
Themed Weeks
Each week of camp brings a new and exciting theme that the activities and opportunities will focus
around! Please see the attached schedule for a summary of the themes.
Camp T-Shirts
Each camper will receive a camp shirt (sizes not guaranteed). The only days they are required to wear
the camp shirt is on field trip days. Shirt sizes are given on a first come, first serve basis.
Water Activities
Swim times will be scheduled almost daily at the YMCA. If your child wishes to partake, they need to
bring swimwear. The Y provides floatation devices. Children cannot use floatation devices from
home.
Gardening
Campers have the opportunity to participate in local community gardens through a partnership with a
local nonprofit called Fit-2-Serve. Each camp group will visit the garden weekly!
Library
We will also head to the Mattoon Public Library weekly! The library has opportunities for education
and play. We encourage reading over the summer and provide children the opportunity/time to read.
Spiritual Component
Campers will participate in a Sunday-School style Biblical lesson and activities at partner churches.
We strive to teach Christian principles and apply them to our camp.
Parks
Weekly, each group will take a trip to one of our area parks! That day, they will spend the morning in
the sunshine!
Fitness Classes
The Y is an excellent facility for physical fitness, and we want to encourage that in our campers to
promote heath! So, classes are offered specifically for our campers and geared towards their age
and developmental level.
Field Trips and Special Events
Special activities will be planned each week of camp. It is not necessary to sign an individual slip for
every outing. Registration in our camp programs automatically grants permission for attendance on
field trips. Make sure your camper wears their camp shirt on the field trips!
Community Partners and Guest Speakers
Our camp has other community partners from those listed that come for special activities and
classes! We are grateful for our partners and the opportunities they provide for our youth!
Awards and Recognition
Character awards will be given to campers who display caring, honesty, respect, or responsibility.
One camper from each group will be chosen to receive this award as the “Camper of the Day”.
Page | 3
CAMP HOURS AND LOCATION
Camp Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
*There will be a $1.00 per minute charge beginning at 5:30 if your child is picked up late.
Camp Location
Camp begins and ends the day at the Christian Formation Center (formerly St. Mary School):
2000 Richmond Avenue in Mattoon.
Age Divisions *Camp is for children between the ages of 5 (must have completed a full day childcare program) and 12*
We divide campers into groups based on the grade they are going into next school year.
- Yellow: Those going into Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
- Red: Those going into 2nd Grade.
- Green: Those going into 3rd Grade.
- Blue: Those going into 4th Grade and above.
Check In Procedures
The PSR Entrance at the Christian Formation Center will be used for dropping off and picking up from
camp. Guardians are required to walk their children in and sign their child in and out each day.
Children can be dropped off starting at 6:30 AM. After 8:45, instructions directing a parent of how
to sign in will be posted on the door. Parents must escort children arriving after 8:45 a.m. to the
site they are located at after checking them in at camp.
If your child is attending a field trip, they must be at camp prior to the departure time listed in the
packet and posted by the camp check in and out table. Children CANNOT be dropped off at field trip
sites. They also cannot be picked up at a field trip site.
Check Out Procedures
Check Out will be done at the same table as the Check In. If the child is not in our facility, the parent
must pick him/her up from the activity site. There is a late pickup fee of $1/minute per child picked
up after 5:30 PM.
**Staff will be checking photo IDs every day for pick up, so please come with that ready **
Only persons authorized during registration may pick up. This is for the child’s protection. Anyone
without proper authorization will not be allowed to take a child from the site. Parents will be called
immediately if this occurs. If a parent needs to add someone to the authorized list, they must
contact the camp director.
Parking
During pick up and drop off, we ask that parents please park in a parking spot for the safety of all.
Page | 4
WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT NOT TO BRING
What to Bring on your Child’s First Day:
We ask that each family donate one container of the following:
-Bug Repellant (Aerosol)
-Sunscreen (Lotion or Spray of at least SPF 50)
-Baby Wipes (Used for cleaning surfaces and hands off site)
*These are stored for the summer and used daily for camp activities. If your child has special
requirements for any of these, please notify the camp director.
What to Bring Daily: -Lunch (See Note Below)
-Swimwear/Towel in a Bag
-Water Bottle
*All items need to be clearly labeled with child’s name.
Lunch and Snack
Two snacks will be provided at assigned times (around 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM) each day to all children
in attendance. You will need to supply a lunch each day for your child. Names should be put on all
lunches as they are stored in separate containers in order to be transported to lunch locations.
There will not be a refrigerator or microwave available, so please send non-perishable items or have
the child bring lunch in a small lunchbox.
**The YMCA vending machines for drinks and food will be off limits to campers.
What NOT to Bring:
- Things from home: Games, toys, balls, electronics, cell phones.
-Medications not authorized and submitted to Camp Staff.
-Money (It is not needed for any camp activities).
-Floatation devices for swimming (The Y will provide).
*Any item brought will be given to the Camp Site Supervisor and returned to parent at pick up.
What to Wear:
-Comfortable Gym Shoes.
-Comfortable and non-restrictive clothing that covers camper’s chest and midriff.
-Positive wording and images on clothing.
What NOT to Wear:
- No sandals, crocs, or flip flops.
-Important/Valuable Clothing (Please remember that camp can be messy).
-Good Rule of Thumb: Follow school requirements for clothing.
Lost and Found
The YMCA is not responsible for lost articles. Do not permit your child to bring valuables or
treasured items to camp. A Lost & Found area will be maintained at the school. Articles lost will be
kept for up to 2 weeks only. Please place your child’s first and last name on all personal items.
Page | 5
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Medicine Policy
All medications must be given directly to camp staff in the ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION CONTAINER.
Staff will only store one week’s worth of medication. No over the counter medications will be
administrated at camp. ANY MEDICINE FOUND IN BAGS OR LUNCH BOXES WILL BE CONFISCATED.
If your child will receive medication at camp, that section of the online registration must be
completed. If medication changes during camp, contact the Director and/or update the change on the
next week’s registration.
Illness
Children should NOT be sent to camp if they have any of the following symptoms 24 hours prior to
arrival. Children must be symptom free without medication for 24 hours before returning to camp.
Fever: If over 100 degrees or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Respiratory Problems: Severe congestion or unexplained wheezing.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Which occurs more than once or is accompanied by other flu-like
symptoms.
Rash: If the cause of the rash is unknown, if the rash is not being treated, or if rash is known to
be contagious.
Chicken Pox or Measles: Or other communicable diseases.
Injuries
If your child is injured during camp, the staff will take all steps necessary to administer emergency
medical care. These steps may include, but are not limited to the following:
Attempts to contact parent or guardian.
Attempts to contact any person listed as emergency contacts.
Contact of ambulance or paramedics.
If a child is needing to be transported by an ambulance and parent is not on site, the child will
have 2 Y staff members who will ride with them to the hospital.
Personal Emergencies
If you have an emergency and need to reach the Camp Director or your child during the day at camp,
please call our Welcome Desk at the YMCA (217-234-9494) and request Kayla Kerner. If I am not
available, inform the staff member on the phone of the circumstance and they will get in contact with
the needed staff/children. It is important that this is done only for emergencies.
Discipline Policy
This program has been developed to provide activities that are safe, creative, and fun for the
campers. No child’s behavior will be allowed to interfere with others right to enjoy being at camp.
Any child who, after attempts have been made to meet the child's individual needs, demonstrates
inability to benefit from our camp program, or whose presence is detrimental to the group, shall be
discharged from the program.
Parents may be asked to remove their child from camp for the day depending on the circumstances of
the incident. Refunds and credits are not given for days suspended or picked up early. The Camp
Director has the authority at any time to permanently suspend a camper for the rest of the summer
based on behavioral issues.
Page | 6
CAMP REGISTRATION AND TERMINATION
Registration
Register online at https://mattoonymca.org/summer-day-camp/
You will need to login or create a login
** If you have ever used the YMCA for child care, sports, membership, or any programs, you probably
have an account so start with the “Find Account” option. If no account is found, “Sign Up” now.
A camper must be registered by a parent or legal guardian for each week planned to attend. Late
registration and same day registration are permitted as space is available. These registrations are
not prorated.
*Child cannot be registered or attend camp until all outstanding fees from other programs are paid.
Waitlist
There is a registration cap for each camp group. If you register after that cap has been reached, your
child will be put on the waitlist. I will contact families if we have space for their camper.
Termination
If you wish to terminate your camp registration, you must contact Kayla Kerner at 217-234-9494 or
PAYMENTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
When you register, payment is required at the end. You may pay it right then or leave it as $0 for it
to schedule. Payments will schedule for the first day of each camp week when the amount is left as
$0. All camp fees are due by the first day of each week the camper is registered. Failure to pay camp
fees indicates that your child will not be attending camp.
**Those who use CCR&R or YMCA assistance will leave the payment amount as $0. You will need to
enter a payment method. Contact Kayla after registration so she can adjust your payment amounts.
If you need to make special payment arrangements, you must contact the camp director prior to the
Friday before that week of camp or the payment will process.
Fees:
Member: $80 per week.
Non-Member: $100 per week. *Membership based on the child’s status of membership.
Late Pickup Fee:
A $1 per minute (per child) fee will be added for each minute after 5:30 PM (based on cell phone time).
An invoice for this fee will be emailed and it will be processed with the next scheduled payment or the
following Monday.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is available through Child Care Resource and Referral and by YMCA scholarship to those
who qualify. For information, contact the Camp Director: Kayla Kerner (217-234-9494)
Page | 7
CAMP SCHEDULE
Week Theme Thursday Dress
Up Theme Field trip for the week
Week 1 May 29-31
We Are Family!
(Get to know me week) We are super excited to meet all of you and
find out all the fun things about each of you!!
Wear your Favorite Shirt/Hat
N/A
Week 2 June 3-7
Time Travel!
Ever wondered what it was like to live hundreds of years ago, or what the future has in store? Hop on board our time machine and find out! We will explore different eras as we
play ancient games, create caveman art, make futuristic outfits, and build a time
capsule. Come along for the ride!
Decade Day
Green/Blue Only: *Wednesday, June 5th*
Aikman Wildlife (Arthur, IL)
9:30 AM- Approx 1:00 PM
Yellow/Red Only: Friday, June 7th
Mattoon Police and Fire 9:15 AM- 11:30 AM
Week 3 June 10-14
Wonderful World of Magic! (Disney)
Come take a tour of your favorite Disney tales, learn about the characters, movies,
attractions, and even some secrets only true Disney fans know!
Dress up as your Favorite Disney
Character
Friday, June 14th Staerkel Planetarium
(Champaign, IL) 8:30 AM- Approx 1:30 PM
Week 4 June 17-21
Willy Wonka Week!
Greetings to the lucky campers of this golden ticket from Mr. Willy Wonka! This week campers will be going through the Willy
Wonka factory of fun with all sorts of twists and turns. “We will have so much time and
so little to do. Strike that! Reserve it!”
Miss Match Day
Friday, June 21st 9 AM- Approx 1:30 PM
Yellow/Red:
Decatur Children’s Museum
Green/Blue: The Bouncin Barn (Terre Haute, IN)
**Parents must sign a waiver at drop off**
Week 5 June 24-28
Treasure Hunt! (Pirate) Join us this week as we have a chance to learn
how to follow a compass, draw a map, interpret a sun dial, and create scavenger
hunts to find buried treasure!
Pirate Attire
Friday, June 28th 9 AM- Approx 12:00 PM
Yellow/Red: Douglas Hart Green/Blue: Phoenix Elite
Week 6
July 1-3,5 (No Camp on
July 4th)
Party in the USA! (Holiday Week)
Christmas, 4th of July, Halloween!! Which is your favorite?? Come celebrate some of our favorite holidays all in one fun filled week!!
Dress like a Hero
Friday, July 5th
9 AM- Approx 12:00 PM
Yellow/Red: Mattoon Bowl Green/Blue: Fox Ridge
Page | 8
Week 7 July 8-12
Movin’ and Groovin’
Get ready to shake the sillies out! Campers will exercise their gross and fine motor skills while enjoying a variety of sports and games
designed to build concentration, strength, speed, and skill. Join us for a week of fitness
fun which includes pirate yoga, obstacle courses, sensory walks, Zumba, and dancing. Learn, play, and improve sports skills while
having fun!
Favorite Sport Attire
Friday, July 12th 9:15 AM- Approx 12:00 PM
Yellow/Red: Phoenix Elite
Green/Blue: Mattoon Bowl
Week 8 July 15-19
Monkey Business!
Jungles, rivers, and deserts-tread carefully and discover all about extraordinary animals
from across the globe.
Wear your Favorite Animal
Friday, July 19th St. Louis Zoo
(St. Louis, MO) 8:00 AM- Approx 5 PM
Week 9 July 22-26
Imagination Station!
There are no limits to what we can imagine—Build with blocks, mold with clay, construct
with Legos, move with gears, and create with paint! Let your imagination get the best of
you!
Use your Imagination to
Create a Unique Hairstyle
Friday, July 26th 9 AM- Approx 1:30 PM
Yellow/Red:
The Bouncin Barn (Terre Haute, IN)
**Parents must sign a waiver at drop off**
Green/Blue:
Decatur Children’s Museum
Week 10 July 29-August 2
Splashtacular! (Water Week)
Summer is not complete without all the water fun a kid can stand! This week will focus on all
our favorite games and activities to keep us cool when the temperatures rise, and we don’t dry off until it is time to go home!
Hawaiian Attire
Friday, August 2nd Rotary Pool
(Charleston, IL) 11:30 AM- Approx 3 PM
Week 11 August 5-9
Campers Got Talent!
Lights, Camera, Action! Inside of everyone is a superstar waiting to be born! There will be
no shortage of bravado as we sing, act, dance, and shake our way through this show
stopping week!
Favorite Star (Singer, Actor, Actress, etc)
Friday, August 9th Silver Star Skate Center 9:45 AM- Approx 12:30 PM
Week 12 August 12-15
Camp Rewind!
Did you love all of the water games during Splashtacular week? Did you want to be super slimy just one more time this summer? Then you’re in luck! Spend the last week of camp
revisiting all of our favorite activities and games as we put the entire summer on
rewind.
Backwards Day N/A
Page | 9
YMCA Summer Day Camp Character Code of Conduct Contract
The YMCA Summer Day Camp strives to provide an environment in which children can develop meaningful
relationships, acquire new skills and be engaged in activities that improve their spiritual, physical and
mental well-being. The four pillars of YMCA Character Development are Respect, Responsibility, Caring,
and Honesty.
As staff demonstrates these characteristics, we ask that your child honor these important character
traits as well by agreeing to the following Character Contract.
Please read through the Character Contract with your child and acknowledge your mutual agreement to
the contents of the Character Contract on the registration form.
Day Camp Character Code of Conduct Contract
My child and I agree to honor and support the attributes of good character while participating in YMCA
Summer Day Camp:
Speak with Respect
I will choose to speak respectfully to and about other campers and staff. I will not have harmful
conversations about others, discuss inappropriate topics, or use inappropriate language or gestures.
Listen to Staff
I will honor staff’s directions the first time I am asked or told to do something.
Play Fairly
I will play in all activities that I have been given permission to do so and will play fair, following
instructions, and respecting other’s rights to play. I will not physically hurt or act aggressively towards
others. If I need help expressing my feelings with words, I will ask a camp counselor for help and will keep
my hands and feet to myself.
Be Accountable
I will remain with my assigned group of fellow campers and counselors at all times to ensure my safety
while at the YMCA Summer Camp and during off-site trips.
Be Caring
I will ask permission to use toys, games, and equipment. I will care for these items while I am enjoying
them so that my fellow campers can have the same experience. I will help care for the YMCA property by
cleaning up after myself and returning toys, games, and equipment to their proper place when I am done
enjoying them.
Page | 10
CONSENT FORM
I grant permission for the Y staff to transport my child to and from other Y camp sites for field trips and
other planned events. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and
health of my child.
I understand the Mattoon Area Family YMCA does not grant medical insurance for participants, therefore,
all participants of Summer Camp participate at their own risk. The YMCA attempts to conduct all
programs in the safest possible manner, however accidents sometimes do occur.
I give permission to the YMCA staff to provide first aid treatment for minor injuries.
I have adequate medical insurance for my child(ren).
I understand that any attempt will be made to contact me in case of sickness, accident, or emergency. I
give permission for my child to be transported (at my cost) to the medical facility and permission to the
physician for treatment or tests deemed necessary in case of an emergency.
I give permission for skin products including but not limited to sunscreen, burn cream, bug spray, and
antibiotic ointment to be applied to my child.
I give consent for participation in all of the YMCA activities of Summer Camp. I understand that if at any
time, my child cannot participate in the listed activities, it is my obligation to contact the Camp Director
to make arrangements in advance.
I have read, understand, and agree to all program policies in the parent handbook, with special attention
given to sections regarding Fees, Late Fees, Fee Collections, Behavior Management and
Safety/Supervision.
I understand that my child will not be released to anyone other than those I have indicated on the
registration form, and those picking up must present a photo ID.
I authorize that artwork my child produces at the YMCA may be displayed in ways deemed appropriate by
the YMCA staff in the community, newsletters, flyers, forms, T-shirts, lobby, etc.
I give permission to the YMCA to make, reproduce, edit, broadcast or rebroadcast any video, audio
recordings and photo reproduction of my child (ren) for publication, display, or exhibition thereof in
promotions, advertising, and legitimate business uses without any compensation to me.
I have read and understood the YMCA’s discipline policy and give permission for the staff to enact said
policy.
Consent is given electronically during registration. Please contact the Director directly with any consent
exclusions. Many of the above consents are required for participation in Camp.
Page | 11
CAMP WAIVERS
Payment Agreement
I understand that rates are based on the weeks I register my child and my child’s membership status. I
also understand I will not be credited for any days my child does not attend in which he/she is enrolled. I
understand that this enrollment in the program will remain in effect until I contact the Youth
Development Director/Camp Director directly. I agree that if for any reason I wish to terminate or change
the registration for my child, I must contact the Youth Development Director/Camp Director directly
before the next payment occurs. Should my bank for any reason not honor any payment made by check, I
realize that I am still responsible for that payment, plus a service charge applied by the YMCA. This is in
addition to any service fee my bank may charge. I will be denied access to the program until payment is
received. I understand that it is my responsibility to notify the YMCA with a 30-day written notice should
I change my financial institution or my mailing address at any time. The YMCA reserves the right to cancel
my program enrollment due to insufficient funds or a stop of payment.
Notices and Waiver
I attest that the information in this registration is correct to my knowledge and I understand that I am
responsible for submitting any changes to the above information in writing to the YMCA Camp Director.
The listed participant(s) has my permission to participate in the activities of summer camp. Emergency
treatment for the participant is authorized provided that the parent/ guardian of said participant(s) signs
this form. I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury and I agree to
assume the full risk of any injuries, damages, or loss, which said participant(s) might sustain as a result of
participating in any and all activities, connected with or associated with such program.
I understand that the YMCA assumes no responsibility for injuries or illnesses which I or any member of
my family may sustain as a result of a physical condition or resulting from participation in any athletic
activities, sports programs, the use of any equipment, exercise, or any other activities or programs. I
expressly acknowledge that I assume the risk for any and all injuries and illnesses, which may result from
my or my family’s participation in these activities. I hereby release and discharge the YMCA, its agents,
servants, and employees from any and all claims for injury, illnesses, death, loss, or damage which I, or
any member of my family, may suffer as a result of my participation in these activities. I understand the
YMCA is not responsible for personal property lost or stolen while members and/or guest members are
using YMCA facilities or on YMCA premises. I give my permission to the YMCA to use, without limitation
or obligation, photographs, film footage, or tape recordings, which may include me or my family’s
images(s) or voice(s) for purposes of promoting or interpreting YMCA programs. I acknowledge that the
YMCA is not responsible for the actions of its staff members during time periods when the staff is not
performing duties specifically for the YMCA.
I understand that the registration and balance for the upcoming week of camp is due by the time the
campers is dropped off for that week. I understand that camp hours are 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM and that I
may sign my child in as early as 6:30 AM, and must pick up by 5:30 PM. I also understand that if I pick up
my child after 5:30 PM, I will be charged a $1 per minute, per child, fee.
Signature is given electronically during registration.
