JAMESON CAMP Referral Brochure

Jameson Camp enriches the lives of Indiana youth by inspiring them to discover their strengths.

GET OUTSIDE. GROW INSIDE.

Whether you are a social worker, teacher, connected with a community agency, or simply an advocate for youth, we are a resource for you. Thank you for the work you do in our community, for your interest in our agency, and for helping us reach the youth who would most benefit from our programming. Our children are our future and we must connect them to resources which will enable them to explore their worlds, learn about new people and places, discover their talents, and set free their imaginations. Jameson Camp would like to help your youth do just that. Please take a moment to read through this brochure to discover more about who we are, whom we serve, and how you can connect with us. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely, Jameson Camp Staff

This brochure will focus mainly on our Summer Camp Program. Additional information regarding Youth Leadership, renting facilities, fieldtrips, and team building activities can be found on our website or by calling our main office.

General Information

Jameson Camp 2001 Bridgeport Road Indianapolis, IN 46231

Phone: 317-241-2661 Fax: 317-241-2762 www.jamesoncamp.org

WHO WE ARE Beginning as a “fresh air” camp in 1928, Jameson Camp has a rich history of serving children. From our first decades when children affected by Tuberculosis learned about healthy nutrition, to our present focus on children’s social, emotional and behavioral challenges, our commitment has been unchanged - making a difference in the lives of boys and girls equipping them for productive, responsible lives. Jameson’s 100 acres of meadows, woods and streams are a sanctuary and outdoor classroom in the midst of the city. Over eighty years Jameson Camp has evolved to meet the needs of kids and families in the Indianapolis area. Jameson Camp is a year-round youth development agency hosting an annual summer camp and youth leadership programming.

WHO WE SERVE Jameson will serve any child age 7-17 that might benefit from a camping program which values diversity by creating a rich environment of endless opportunities for growth and personal development. Our staff is specially equipped to serve children with social, emotional, and mental health challenges (e.g. Autism, ADHD, low self-esteem, etc). Two main reasons why a child would not be a good fit for our summer camp would be: 1.) They pose as a threat to themselves or others 2.) They cannot function independently to meet their own basic needs (i.e. eating, dressing, etc).

PROGRAMMING All programming is overnight and focuses on Character Development derived from the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. During Summer Camp, the Developmental Assets are a part of our daily program. This is how it looks at camp: The Beads:

Positive Identity (white); Positive Values (purple); Educational Commitment (yellow); Time Use (green) Support (blue); Empowerment (red); Social Competencies (orange); Boundaries & Expectations (brown);

• Two beads/colors are the theme for each day of camp. • Our Activity Leaders develop activities that incorporate the values taught through that day’s beads. • Head Counselors lead Reflections, a 20-minute time period after dinner in which campers

participate in a game or activity related to the beads and discussion is generated. • Our counselors facilitate Devotions, nightly activities and discussions which strengthen the

bond in the camper’s group. Campers also receive two beads from their counselors each night.

• Character Development Awards are given to each child at the end of the session.

ACTIVITIES Jameson Camp offers activities such as art expressions, recreation, outdoor education, challenge courses, campouts, camp newspaper, and much more. During the first half of each day, campers will rotate between three activities he or she chose at the beginning of the session. After the activities there will be a lunch hour followed by a rotating schedule involving rest hour, swimming, and new adventures each day! These activities give special attention to helping children develop skills so they will be more successful. Our counselors strive to help every child discover his or her unique gifts and abilities.

COST In order to best serve our families, program fees are based on the family’s income. We work to make it possible for any child to be able to attend camp. We also work with many community centers, schools, and grant programs (i.e. McKinney-Vento, CA-PRTF) which sponsor camper fees based on a flat rate. See the back page for details.

RECOGNITION 2 National Programming Excellence awards through the ACA, Angel of Mercy Award for Tataya Mato programming, American Camp Association Accreditation, United Way Community Partner, Youth Program Quality Assessment certified annually through HighScope.

Why refer a child to JAMESON CAMP?

Jameson Camp serves any child who would benefit from a camping experience. This could simply be a child in need of a week of fun or a child needing to improve social skills. Jameson Camp staff is specially trained to work with children facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges (e.g. Autism, ADHD, Foster Care, etc).

A HOLISTIC APPROACH:

Good Social and Emotional Health • Building self-Esteem and strengthening self-confidence • Providing opportunities for interpersonal interaction • Developing leadership skills • Positive peer and adult interactions Good Mental Health • Challenging thinking by encouraging exploration and discussion • Helping children find their “voice” and personal expression • Promoting appropriate decision-making Good Physical Health • Nutrition • Exercise and personal fitness • Health habits (personal hygiene, proper rest, etc.)

JAMESON CAMP GOALS AND OUTCOMES: • To provide a safe and supportive environment

in which children and youth have the opportunity to discover their individual strengths and cultivate a positive self-image

• To provide an atmosphere in which children and youth learn to work with others, respect their differences, and resolve conflict peacefully

• To provide programming that fosters the development of interpersonal, recreational, academic, and developmental skills that can be carried out into their everyday lives

• Campers feel more confident through camp activities and are therefore more empowered to accept new challenges.

• Campers improve interpersonal skills, leading to more positive relationships with others.

who just would enjoy a week of active, outdoor fun! WE CAN SERVE CHILDREN:

who would benefit from leadership development and positive role models who would benefit from the positive values and the fun, nurturing environment that camp offers who need financial assistance (application form available upon request) who would benefit from improving their social skills and making new friends who would benefit from emotional growth or improving their self esteem who come from deficient family situations who have emotional and/or behavioral challenges who have learning disabilities or mild mental handicaps who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders ,etc. who would benefit from being active and learning more about healthy lifestyles immediately affected by HIV/AIDS

How do I refer a child to JAMESON CAMP? 1. Identify children who would be appropriate for Jameson’s programs.

Focus of Jameson’s Programs: Responsibility Decision-Making Skills Self-esteem Resistance Skills Environment Leadership Peaceful Conflict Resolution Health and Wellness

2. Send the enclosed letter (new each year) to the child’s parents/guardians and/or a brief note

emphasizing the value of the Jameson camp experience.

Please explain to parent/guardian that they can register by mail, attend a walk-in camp registration, or register online at www.jamesoncamp.org.

3. Complete a Referral Form for each child and return to Jameson Camp.

One is enclosed in this packet. You may also submit the Referral Form on-line at www.jamesoncamp.org (taken through Survey Monkey), by mail, or via fax. Please indicate if your agency is sponsoring the camper on the form. A camp application must be completed

in order for the camper to be registered in our programs. Referral forms will be matched to their files once registration is received so their counselors may review prior to the camper’s arrival.

4. *If you or your agency is paying for the cost of camp,

be sure to complete a “Payment Contract” form. If the parent/guardian does not have one, request one from us and ensure all parties (guardians, Jameson Camp, and you) have a copy. This will help our agency, as well as yours, track which campers’ costs will be covered by which parties. Agencies/Grants/Sponsors will be charged $150/per camper for up to 5 campers, and receive a group rate of $125/camper for a group of 6 or more. We are more than happy to send an invoice if that makes things easier.

5. Follow up (again) with families to see if they have any questions.

We have found it most effective for referral partners to follow-up with families because of the previous relationships developed. Please take the time to help the family fill out their form or answer any questions that they may have.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call or email: Andrea Groves

Program Manager 317-241-2661 x 31

registrar@jamesoncamp.org

All documents/information can be downloaded from our website at www.jamesoncamp.org