1 | P a g e

Parent Handbook

Mini Camp 2012-2013

2 | P a g e

Welcome to J-Camp at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center! The staff at the OFJCC is committed to bringing programming based on the concept of Tiferet. Tiferet is a Hebrew word with multiple meanings. Biblically, it refers to beauty that is created by the union of many elements. Its more contemporary meaning implies having achieved excellence. It is also used in Israel to honor those who contribute to the greater good of the community. At the OFJCC, we also interpret Tiferet to mean: Tradition Innovation Family Excellence Relationships Exploration Tolerance All of our camps, events, and activities are based on the concepts embodied in Tiferet. Our goal is to introduce children to as many new experiences as possible, as well as help each child feel confident and secure in a fun, safe camp environment. We are dedicated to molding the lives of our campers and creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. We are pleased and excited about the prospect of caring for your child this upcoming summer. Please take a moment to read through this handbook as it should answer many of the typical questions regarding our camp program. All J-Camps are designed to meet the following goals. Each camper will:

Learn to appreciate oneself, gain confidence and self-esteem Develop values for living Learn to appreciate the natural environment and work towards its conservation Develop positive relationships Develop skills in leadership and group support Learn responsibility Learn about Israeli culture and appreciate diversity Learn new skills Develop a balanced life: physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually Have fun and get dirty

Oshman Family Jewish Community Center Mission Statement: The JCC is a 21st century Jewish neighborhood that strengthens and integrates our Jewish community as we:

Embody an inclusive, caring environment that celebrates the diversity and innovative spirit of our region,

Offer outstanding civic, educational, recreational, wellness and cultural programming that speaks to our core values and common concerns as modern Jews, and

Partner with established and emerging Jewish institutions and communities to make our resources the shared hub of the broader community. Our "JCC Neighborhood" invites individuals and families to progress along their personal journeys of Jewish identity and learning by connecting them with others and by experiencing Jewish community as an everyday part of their lives.

Facilitate connections with Israel and Jews worldwide. Thank you for choosing our J-Camp at the OFJCC. Have a great year,

Michele-Bridget Ragsdale Youth and Camp Director

3 | P a g e

Table of Contents Page

I. General Information Where is J-Camp located? 5

What are J-Camp’s hours of operation? 5 Who are the people we contact? 5

What are your camp rules? 5 What does ACA accreditation mean for J-Camp? 5 What is a typical day at camp? 6

II. Registration / Transfer / Payment What forms do I need to register? 6 Does the OFJCC J-Camp offer Financial Assistance? 7 What if my child is a few months too young for a camp? 7 Do you have a minimum enrollment for each camp? 7 The camp I want to register for is full! Is there a wait list? 7 III. Pick up, Drop off and Transportation Information Where do I drop off and pick up my camper? 7 What if my camper is going to be absent? 8 What if I need to pick up my camper early? Or drop off late? 8 What if I am late picking up my camper from camp? 9 What if I need to add or delete someone from my authorized pick-up list? 9 Am I required to sign my camper in and out daily? 9 IV. Preparing for Camp What is a pre-camp call? 9 What phone number is used when making the pre-camp call? 9 What should my camper wear to camp? 10 What should my camper bring to camp? 10 What if my camper loses something at camp? 10 What should I pack in my camper’s lunch? 10 Should I pack water for my child? 10 Should my camper bring money to camp? 10 Can my camper buy lunch during camp? 10 What if my camper forgets his/her lunch? 11 Does the camp program provide a snack? 11 What shouldn’t my camper bring to camp? 11 What is your cell phone policy for campers? 11 V. Supervision of Campers Who is watching my camper? 12 What training does the camp staff receive? 12 How many J-Camp staff will be watching my camper? 12 Can J-Camp staff baby-sit? 12 Can camp staff accept presents? 13 What happens if my camper has a discipline problem at camp? 13 My camper needs to take medication during the camp day. How does this work? 13

4 | P a g e

Table of Contents Page

V. Supervision of Campers (con’t.) What if my camper becomes ill or injured while at camp? 13 Will sunscreen be applied to my camper throughout the day? 14 What is J-Camp’s bathroom procedure? 14 What if I need to speak with my camper while she/he is at J-Camp? 14 How do I communicate with the J-Camp staff? 14 VI. Program Content What is the Havurah Morning Rally? 15 Can my camper and his/her friend be in the same group during the day? 15 Will there be camp evaluations? 15 What if it rains? 15 What are the highlight activities for Mini Camp? 15

VII. Pool & Beach Safety Where do campers change into their swimsuits? 16 What if my camper does not want to swim or if they forget his/her bathing suit? 16 What if my camper cannot swim? 16

What does my camper have to do for the swim test? 16 What happens after the swim test? 16 How often do campers take a swim test? 17 VIII. Forms that Need Parent/Guardian Signature Express Drop Off/Pick Up 17 Changes & Cancellations 17 Late Fees 17 Extended Care 18 Sibling Discount 18 OFJCC Membership 18 Medical Release 18 Photo Release 18 Safe Conduct 18

5 | P a g e

I. General Information

Where is J-Camp located?

Oshman Family JCC Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303

What are J-Camp’s hours of operation?

The camp day is 9:00AM – 3:00PM. Campers can be dropped off at any time between 8:45-9:00am for free AM Extended Care. PM Care is not available during Mini Camp. Campers not picked up by 3:15 PM will incur a late fee of $1 per minute, per child. Who are the people we contact? Youth & Camp Director Program Associate Administrative Assistant Michele-Bridget Ragsdale Whitney Pollack Lisa Boyd (650) 223-8615 (650) 223-8673 (650) 223-8675 mragsdale@paloaltojcc.org wpollack@paloaltojcc.org youth@paloaltojcc.org

What are your camp rules?

J-Camp has 7 basic rules for all campers: 1. Speak for yourself . . . not for anyone else. 2. Listen to others . . . then they’ll listen to you. 3. Avoid put downs . . . who needs them. 4. Stay with the group. 5. Show respect . . . every person is important. 6. Take charge of yourself . . . you are responsible for you! 7. Have fun!

What does ACA accreditation mean for J-Camp? J-Camp is happy to announce that we are an American Camp Association accredited camp. ACA accreditation assures parents that the camp has had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. ACA accreditation means that J-Camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (over 300 health and safety standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. No accreditation process, no licensing program, no set of regulations or laws can guarantee safety. However, accreditation is the best evidence for parents that a camp is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

6 | P a g e

What is a typical day at mini camp? Schedules may vary between camps and sessions. Each camp includes activities such as sports, games, arts and crafts, songs, skits, dance, and water activities. Every day of mini camp will have a highlight activity that will last between 1.5-2 hours. These activities change on a rotating basis and we try to offer a sampling of summer camp activities as well as educational experiences.

8:45 AM AM Express Sign-In begins

9:00 AM J-Camp Roll Call & Havurah Morning Rally

9:30 AM Small Group Time and Sunscreen Check 10:00 AM Morning Camp Activities Begin (Changes Daily)

10:30 AM Morning Snack Time

12:00 PM LUNCH

1:00 PM Highlight Activity (Changes Daily)

2:45 PM Afternoon Snack Time 3:00 PM Camper Sign-Out begins 3:15 PM End of J-Camp Day

PM Extended Care is not available for Mini Camp. Please see page 9 for more information about late pick-up.

II. Registration / Transfer / Payment

What forms do I need to register? A completed Registration Form, including credit card information, as well as a completed Health History & Consent Form is required by each camper to attend J-Camp. Most registrations are done online with the exception of Club J families who can pick up a hard copy registration form. Our camp office has made every effort to contact families who are missing this information. If you have been contacted about missing paperwork and have not yet turned it in, please note that campers will not be able to attend camp without paperwork. All paperwork is due prior to the camper’s start date – NO EXCEPTIONS! If you have not been contacted by our Camp Administrative Assistant, Lisa Boyd, you are probably not missing any paperwork. However, you are welcome to contact her by email at youth@paloaltojcc.org to check on the status of your camper’s paperwork for J-Camp this year.

7 | P a g e

Does the OFJCC J-Camp offer Financial Assistance? The OFJCC is proud to offer financial aid to families in need through the support of the OFJCC Camp Scholarship Fund and the Community Jewish Day Camp Scholarship Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. To receive more information about financial aid, please contact the Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Randi Brenowitz, at rbrenowitz@paloaltojcc.org. If you wish to make a contribution to the OFJCC Camp Scholarship Fund, you may do so by sending your donation to the OFJCC specifically earmarked for a Camp Scholarship. Contact the Development Department Campaign Coordinator, Luba Palant, at lpalant@paloaltojcc.org.

What if my child is just a few months too young to attend a camp? All campers must be at least five years old, enrolled in kindergarten, and potty trained to attend J-Camp. Parents/guardians of pre-kindergarten campers should contact Fatima Flores at 650-223-8648 or fflores@paloaltojcc.org regarding T’enna Preschool Camps. Do you have a minimum enrollment for each camp? Each camp requires a minimum enrollment to run successfully. The OFJCC reserves the right to cancel the program due to low enrollment. In this event, you will receive a full refund, including deposit. Cancellation decisions are made at least one week prior to the start date. If there is a cancellation you will be notified by the email address we have on file. The camp I want to register for is already full! Is there a wait list? Yes! Once a camp is full, additional applicants will be placed on the waiting list by our J-Camp Registration Staff. If there is an opening, we will contact you in the order in which your child was placed on the waiting list. All waitlist applicants will be contacted before the start of the camp to finalize registration status.

III. Pick up, Drop off and Transportation Information

Where do I drop off and pick up my camper?

Oshman Family JCC Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life 3921 Fabian Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 Please see next page for exact pick up/drop off location

8 | P a g e

Express Drop-Off & Pick-Up: J-Camp is happy to offer Express Drop-Off and Pick-Up for our busy camp families-on-the-go. Express Drop-Off is available from 8:45-9:00AM. Express Pick-Up is available from 3:00-3:15 PM. Due to the nature of drop-off and pick-up for our families, the safety of our camp staff and campers, and the consideration of other patrons who use our facility, we ask that you please follow the below guidelines when using Express Drop-Off or Pick-Up. Please observe and follow directions from all

camp staff (in orange safety vests) and the OFJCC security team (black jackets).

Please follow the below map for Express Drop-Off or Pick-Up. Drivers not using the pre-determined route will not be eligible for Express Drop-Off or Pick-Up.

Please do not use Express Drop-Off or Pick-Up if your camper is not ready for camp. We cannot accommodate campers who many need assistance or who are missing camp items. Please utilize the parking spots inside the parking garage if you sense your camper may need additional attention. The OFJCC parking garage is free of charge.

Pull as far forward as possible when reaching

the curb to accommodate other vehicles.

Please be alert of pedestrians and crosswalks. Please respect merging vehicles.

What if my camper is going to be absent? If your child will be absent from camp, please call the J-Camp Office at 650-223-8622 by 9:00 AM. Please state your child’s first and last name. Please speak slowly and clearly. There will be no credits or refunds for missed days of camp. What if I need to pick up my camper early or drop off late? Our staff does their best to accommodate late arrivals and early departures. We ask that you please communicate at least 24 hours in advance with our J-Camp Office and reiterate your request in person during Camper Drop-Off / Pick-Up. For late drop off and early pick up go to the camp office, room M115.

9 | P a g e

What if I am late picking up my camper from camp? PM Extended Care is not available for Mini Camp. Campers not picked up by 3:15 PM will continue to be supervised by J-Camp staff. Every attempt will be made to contact parents and listed emergency contacts. Parents will be charged a rate of $1 per minute/per camper for extended care supervision. This fee will be automatically billed to the account on file. If, by 5:00 PM, the parents and emergency contacts have not responded to the camp department’s calls and the camper has not been picked up, Child Protective Services will be contacted. Can my child go to Club J after Mini Camp if it is open? Yes, if your child is already enrolled in Club J at the OFJCC and if Club J is open on the day of Mini Camp we can drop them off at Club J at the end of the camp day. Please denote directly on your registration form if you would like your child to attend Club J or notify our J-Camp Office at 650-223-8675 or youth@paloaltojcc.org at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, the J-Camp staff will assume that you are planning to pick up your child from Mini Camp. What if I need to add or delete someone from my authorized pick-up list? You may change pick up information at anytime. Changes must be made in writing either directly on the camper’s original health form or by submitting a legible written or typed and signed and dated note. Please contact our J-Camp Office at 650-223-8675 or youth@paloaltojcc.org.

Am I required to sign my camper in and out daily? The Oshman Family JCC requires that all children are properly signed in by an adult and turned over to a J-Camp staff person. This helps ensure the safety of your child. PLEASE NOTE: It is our responsibility to see that your child leaves with the appropriate person each day. Please be prepared to show your photo identification daily. If the staff member at pick up knows you, we may not ask for your photo identification every time. This is done with the child’s safety in mind. We appreciate your cooperation.

IV. Preparing for Camp

What is a pre-camp call? A pre-camp call is a courtesy phone call that our J-Camp staff make the day before the start of the camp date. This call is to inform you of that camp day’s schedule of activities, as well as answer any questions you may have. J-Camp Staff is responsible for making these calls; if you do not receive a pre-camp call, please contact the Youth & Camp Program Associate at 650-223-8673. Please also be sure we have your correct home phone number in our registration system. If you sign-up for camp after 12:00 PM the day before camp, you may not get a pre-camp call.

10 | P a g e

What phone number is used when making the pre-camp call? Our J-Camp Staff will be calling the primary phone number listed in our system. This phone number may have been on file from previous registrations at the OFJCC, or it was inputted at the time of your camper’s registration. To update your phone number on file, please contact our Camp Admin, Lisa Boyd, at 650-223-8622 or youth@paloaltojcc.org. What should my camper wear to camp? Campers are required to wear close-toed shoes daily. Please remember, camp is not a fashion show! We encourage our campers to wear old clothes in which they are ready to play hard and get dirty! Please label all items that are brought to camp with your child’s name. What should my camper bring to camp? All campers must bring their own morning snack, lunch and drink to camp daily. Please see below for information regarding the J-Camp Food Policy. We recommend sending a backpack with your child to keep all their belongings together. Refer page 16 for swimming days. Don’t forget items such as sun block, a hat for sun protection and a sweatshirt for campers who may get cold. What if my camper loses something at camp? We know that sometimes things get lost. Please label all of your child’s belongings. The best way to prevent the loss of property is to leave it at home! Our lost & found is located at the Camp Office, located within the camp office (Rm M115). Please feel free to check for your child’s lost & found items. Lost & found items will be kept at the OFJCC for one month and then donated to charity. The OFJCC is not responsible for camper possessions that are lost or stolen. What should I pack in my camper’s lunch? All campers must bring their own morning snack, a non-perishable lunch and drink to camp daily. Please do not send your camper with pork or shellfish in their lunches. For health reasons, do not send peanut or other nut products in their lunches. Refrigeration and heating of lunches is not possible. Should I pack water for my child? YES! Parents are ultimately responsible for sending their child with plenty of fluids for the day. We will be taking several water breaks throughout the day so campers will have opportunities to re-fill their bottles. Please label your camper’s water bottle with their full name. Should my camper bring money to camp? No. Camp fees include all J-Camp costs.

11 | P a g e

Can my camper buy lunch during camp? No. Campers need to bring a lunch to camp each day. The OFJCC is not responsible for any misplaced or stolen money.

What if my camper forgets his/her lunch?

Every so often, a lunch doesn’t make it from the car to camp. Please feel free to bring the lunch to the Camp Office before 11:00 AM. J-Camp staff will check backpacks of campers thoroughly to make sure that a lunch was not missed. If a lunch has been forgotten J-Camp staff will notify parents as early as possible. Parents can decide to deliver a lunch by 11:00 AM or can call the café and order a lunch. The café will then deliver lunch for that camp.

Does the camp program provide a snack? Yes. All campers will get an afternoon snack each day. All food provided by the OFJCC will be kosher. We ask that you do not send your camper with pork or shellfish in their lunches. Also, please do not send peanut butter or any type of nut products to camp with your child. J-Camp snacks will range from fruit to crackers. J-Camp strongly encourages healthy snacks, so please do not send any form of candy. What shouldn’t my camper bring to camp? The OFJCC is not responsible for any items that are lost, stolen or damaged. Please make sure your child does not bring any of the following to camp:

New or expensive clothes Video games Personal CD players/stereos/MP3 players Expensive jewelry/watches Money Toys and card games Alcohol or drugs Personal sports equipment (unless noted) Vehicles Animals Boogie Board Weapons – Any toys or items that resemble a weapon or explosive device of any kind.

Type of items include, but are not limited to, sling shots, plastic pellet spring loaded shooters, rubber band shooters, Nerf shooters, super soakers (or any water toy that propels water under pressure), or suction target shooters.

12 | P a g e

What is your cell phone policy for campers? The OFJCC maintains the following cell phone policy during all camp activities: We understand that cell phones are required for families to communicate with each other. However, we also believe that they hinder a camper’s J-Camp experience. Therefore, we will ask that your camper silence or turn off their cell phones before the start of camp and leave them in their backpacks throughout the camp day. If there is an emergency and you need to contact your camper, please call our Camp Admin, Lisa Boyd, at 650-223-8622.

V. Supervision of Campers

Who is watching my camper? We feel confident that we have the best staff around! Our staff is as diverse as our campers, with the majority of our staff attending college. A very small percentage of our staff team is finishing high school. All camp staff members have gone through a comprehensive background check, are fingerprinted with the U.S. Department of Justice and are certified in all basic and pediatric first aid. They are also CPR certified. Additionally, all J-Camp staff goes through reference checks and is trained in Child Abuse Prevention, Water Safety, and J-Camp Policies & Procedures. Most importantly, our staff are people who love kids – they want to spend their summer playing, teaching, and working with children. They are good people with good hearts who are silly enough to sing “A-Roostasha” at the top of their lungs and mature enough to help nurture your child’s self-esteem. What training does the camp staff receive? All J-Camp staff is required to attend 30 hours of training prior to the first day of J-Camp. Most of our mini camp staff are either part of our 2012 summer staff or work at Club J during the school year. Our trainings cover a great deal. The J-Camp staff learn about policies and procedures of J-Camp, as well as how to better interact with children, including how to use positive discipline techniques. They also learn fun things like songs, games, skits, and arts & crafts projects. At the end of our training, they are ready to use their new skills and knowledge with campers.

How many J-Camp staff will be watching my camper? We operate with the following ratios, approved by the American Camp Association: Entering Kindergarten 1:6 Entering Grades 1-3 1:8 Entering Grades 4-8 1:10

13 | P a g e

Can J-Camp staff baby-sit? Yes, however there are limitations: Although our J-Camp staff work well with children, our OFJCC policy states that our staff are not permitted to baby-sit for families involved in our OFJCC programs without the interested third party and the staff member signing a waiver relinquishing any legal obligation or responsibility from the OFJCC. To have a J-Camp staffer baby-sit for your family, the OFJCC will require the interested parent/guardian to fill out a babysitting waiver form that states that any babysitting arrangements made with OFJCC staff will be outside the OFJCC’s legal obligations. This policy is effective even after the mini camp season ends. Can J-Camp staff accept presents/gifts? Yes, J-Camp staff may accept small gifts. We ask that you please be discreet when presenting a J-Camp staff member with your gift. What happens if my camper has a discipline problem at camp? Our camp staff is trained and expected to resolve misbehavior problems in a positive manner. Our staff speaks with the child, allows him/her to take time out to think about the problem, discusses the problem/solution with the child, and then lets the child return to activities. In more severe cases, the child will be kept out of activities and the parent will be asked to pick-up the child. Together, parents and J-Camp staff will work out a custom-designed behavior modification method depending on the severity of the problem. In the event the problem persists, the child may be suspended or expelled from the program. Some acts may result in immediate suspension or expulsion, including, but not limited to: fighting, intentionally harming others (including camp staff), theft, and possession of weapons or drugs. Our policies do not grant refunds or credits for missed program days due to behavior problems. My camper needs to take medication during the camp day. How does this work? If your child is currently taking medications, please complete the “Medication Disbursement Authorization” section of your camper’s Health History & Consent Form. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medication. For the camper’s protection, we cannot allow staff to administer medication without this form. All dosages sent to camp must be in the original container with child’s name, dosage directions and/or doctor’s instructions clearly labeled on package. Dosages will be administered and documented according to directions on the bottle unless a physician directs otherwise. Only the Head Counselor, Camp Coordinator or Camp Director can administer medication. In order to administer the medication, the medication will need to be brought to camp and given to your child’s Head Counselor in a zip lock bag. Please do not pack medication in your child’s backpack or lunch. At the end of each mini camp day medication will need to go home with the camper, it cannot be stored in the J-Camp office.

14 | P a g e

What if my camper becomes ill or gets injured while at camp? The health and safety of your child is the first priority of our J-Camp staff. If your child is ill or has a high temperature, please do not send them to camp. If your camper becomes ill while at camp, they will be isolated from the group and our staff will contact a parent/guardian to pick them up. J-Camp is not designed to handle ill children, so it is important to tend to your child in a timely manner. If your child contracts an infectious illness (chicken pox, lice, etc.), please let us know as soon as possible so we can notify other camp families. If your child is injured, the staff will conduct basic first aid or seek medical attention where he/she will then be transported to the hospital by an ambulance or by an OFJCC authorized vehicle. All expenses for emergency medical care are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Will sunscreen be applied to my camper throughout the day? Of course! We count on parents to apply sunscreen before children come to camp in the morning. All children will apply sunscreen. If you do not want sunscreen applied to your camper, or would like a special type of sunscreen applied, please send a note to your child’s madrichim (counselors) on the first day of the session and provide them with the special sunscreen. Additionally, this information may be supplied on your Health History & Consent Form. What is J-Camp’s bathroom procedure? All campers will take trips to the bathroom with the entire camp and/or camp groups (of three or more) escorted by J-Camp staff. Public and private patrons of the OFJCC will not be permitted to use a bathroom while J-Campers are using it. What if I need to speak with my camper while he/she is at J-Camp? We understand that urgent situations may come up. If you need to reach your child for an urgent situation while he/she is at camp, please call the J-Camp Office at 650-223-8622. We will take your message and get the information to your child. How do I communicate with J-Camp Staff? Exchange of information between parents and staff provides insight for both parties. The format may be formal or informal. It is vital that you inform us of changes happening in your family. Changes at home may include: moving, hospitalization of a sibling, loved one, or parent, altercations in the parent’s relationship (divorce), or other circumstances. These may influence the way in which your child relates to others. J-Camp staff members can better provide for a child’s needs if they are aware of these situations. We will treat this information with the utmost confidence. Most communication can be either routed through the Camp Office or by talking with your child’s camp staff during drop off or pick up each day.

In case of an emergency or to contact your child, please call the J-Camp Office at 650-223-8622.

15 | P a g e

VI. Program Content

What is the Havurah Morning Rally? Havurah is Hebrew for fellowship and wonderfully describes our daily Morning Rally. During the Havurah Morning Rally, J-Camp campers, led by the J-Camp staff, will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to America and learn to sing the Hatikvah, Israel’s National Anthem. This is followed by popular J-Camp traditions like the “Continuous Story”. At the conclusion, campers will split off into their camps for small group time and a sunscreen check. Can my camper and his/her friend be in the same group? We do our best to make this happen. Many of our camps are divided into groups by ages/grades and/or ability. Please give a note to the staff member at drop off and we will make our best effort to keep your child with his/her friend. Of course, there are circumstances in which staff will be unable to meet your request. Luckily, there is a great deal of time in which the entire camp is together, so your child will be able to be with his/her friend during this time. Will there be camp evaluations? Evaluations will be conducted periodically throughout the school year via email. Please make sure that the email we have on file is your preferred address that you check most often. What if it rains? Should our camp plans be interrupted by rain, our J-Camp staff will judge the intensity of the weather and make decisions accordingly. Remember, much of camp is about getting wet (the pool, water balloons, etc) so a little rain may not impact your child’s day at all. If weather conditions require it, we will relocate camps to other areas of the facility or plan alternative trips and activities for them than what was regularly scheduled. What are the highlight activities for Mini Camp? For each mini camp, campers experience a highlight activity. The highlight activity will usually last for about two hours of the camp day. On some days, swimming is the highlight activity so please pack a swim suit, towel, and goggles (if needed) in your camper’s backpack. To find out more about the highlight activity on a particular day visit the mini camp website or contact Program Associate, Whitney Pollack wpollack@paloaltojcc.org.

16 | P a g e

VII. Pool Safety

Where do campers change into their swimsuits? When campers are scheduled to go swimming, we will have all campers change in designated same-sex locker rooms or changing areas monitored by J-Camp staff. At the conclusion of the swimming period, campers will change into their regular clothes for the rest of the camp day.

What if my camper does not want to swim or forgets his/her bathing suit? If your child does not want to swim or forgets their bathing suits, he/she simply won’t go swimming. Usually about 90% of campers want to swim. The other 10% engage in other limited camp activities on the pool deck including card games, arts & crafts, or more. Please note: There is no alternative programming during swimming activities. What if my camper cannot swim? Please indicate this on the health form and be sure to inform your child’s Head Counselor. All campers wishing to swim are required to take a swim test to asses their ability before they are allowed to swim. This swim test will be conducted on the first day of swimming each session of each camp.

What does my camper have to do for the swim test? The swim test will consist of the following:

1. The children line up on the pool deck where lifeguards are stationed

2. One camper will enter the water on the “go” of the lifeguards

3. Camper will be asked to swim 25 yards without struggling or without the use of assistive floating devices

4. Camper will be asked to tread water for 60 seconds

What happens after the swim test? If the child is unable to swim from one end of the pool to the other without holding onto the side

or if a child chooses not to take the swim test, he/she will be given a red wrist band and required to stay in the shallow end of the pool within one arm’s reach away from a J-Camp staff member.

If the child is able to swim 25 yards but can not tread water for 60 seconds, s/he will be given a yellow wrist band and not be allowed to go into the deep end of the pool.

17 | P a g e

If the child is able to complete both the 25 yards and treading water for 60 seconds, he/she will be given a green wrist band and will be allowed to be in the deep end of the pool and go down the slide (when applicable).

How often do campers take a swim test? In order to keep your child safe, J-Camp swim tests will be offered on the first day of recreational swimming of each mini camp. Campers should keep their swim band on throughout their camp session. If a camper loses their swim band or it is removed, they will need to take a supplemental swim test and receive a new swim band to go swimming that day. New swim bands can be provided to campers if a swim band is loosening or wearing thin. Campers must still be wearing their swim bands to receive a new one.

VIII. Parent/Guardian Informed Consent

The following statements can be found on the OFJCC 2012 Health History & Consent Form and the 2012 Policies & Procedures Form. By signing these forms the parent/guardian agrees to the following OFJCC J-Camp procedures. Express Drop Off/ Pick Up: Express Drop Off will be available between 8:45-9:00 AM in the shared driveway of the OFJCC. Express Pick Up will be available between 3:00-3:15 PM, also in the shared driveway. Please follow the J-Camp signs and the instruction of our staff when using Express Drop Off and Pick Up. See additional information on page 8.

Changes & Cancellations: To change or cancel your registration for camp sessions or extended care, you must submit a request, in writing, no later than one week prior to the start of the program. Cancellations that occur three weeks prior to the start of the mini camp will be refunded 75% of fees paid. Cancellations that occur between less than three weeks to one week prior to the start of the mini camp will be refunded 50% of fees paid. No refunds will be made for cancellations after one week prior to the start of the mini camp. Refunds are not available for missed dates due to illness or circumstance. Changes may be made up to three weeks in advance of the mini camp date. A change fee of $20 will be charged for each mini camp change made before the three week deadline. No changes will be allowed after the three week deadline. All charges and refunds will be automatically refunded to the credit card used at time of registration. Late Fees: A late fee of $1 a minute will be charged to any camper who is not picked up by 3:15 PM. The late fees must be paid at time of pick up by check or credit card. See additional information on page 9.

18 | P a g e

Extended Care: Mini Camp ends promptly at 3:00 PM. There is no extended care offered on mini camp days.

Sibling Discount: There is no sibling discount available for mini camp. OFJCC Membership: Child does not need to be a member to attend OFJCC programs. I understand that children who are Center or Community Members will receive the discounted member rate. Medical Release: This health history is correct, so far as I know, and the person herein has permission to engage in all prescribed program activities. I understand that the OFJCC assumes no financial obligation for such treatment but, in the event that I cannot be reached for an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the OFJCC to order x-rays, routine tests, and secure proper treatment, hospitalize, and to order injections and/or anesthesia and/or surgery and emergency treatment for my child as named on this form. This authorization is given pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.8 of the Civil Code of California. This authorization shall remain in effect until the end of camp. Photo Release: I grant the OFJCC and its employees, photographers or representatives permission to photograph my child and use these photographs with or without my child’s name and for any purpose, including publicity, illustration, advertising, marketing and web content.

Safe Conduct: Participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations set by the OFJCC for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. Children are not allowed to smoke, chew tobacco, possess any smoking materials, alcohol, illegal drugs, firecrackers or explosives, weapons, personal sports equipment, animals or pets, use of lewd conduct and inappropriate touching of any kind. Willful destruction to property will be the financial responsibility of the child’s parent. Children may not leave the property or established boundaries without OFJCC staff permission. The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center reserves the right and will send anyone home (at parents’ expense and liability) who violates these rules. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up or arrange transportation home for the child. The program director reserves the right to determine what constitutes a violation of these rules and will enforce them as necessary.