Summer Day Camp & Kindercamp 2011
Amazing Camp Counselors!
The Colchester Day Camp Difference 2011
Welcome new friends to Colchester Day Camp and welcome back Camp Alumni! With lots of snow on the ground, (well, it's melting!) we are very excited to tell you about summer camp! We are again, looking forward to providing a safe environment for all our campers who will learn how to build new relationships, cultivate friendships, explore and develop new skills, and enjoy growing individually as well. This is our commitment to you ~ our camp community! It is our honor and promise to create a safe world of wonderful character building “memories that will last a lifetime.” Many of our super staff returns summer after summer to enrich and further develop Colchester Day Camp. The most mature, nurturing, skilled, carefully chosen and best-trained staff are hand
picked from a panel of our directors are on board again this year and looking forward to this upcoming epic season we have planned! Our staff is under the leadership of Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Anita Pizzutiello and Day Camp Director Shannon Tamosaitis (Miss T.) Our Administration team rounds out with six super specialists in core areas: Sports & Games, Archery, Tennis, Nature, Drama and Arts & Crafts.
. Our day camp supervisors and counselors are compiled of full-time teachers, college students, and mature high school students with several years of experience. We invite students entering eight, ninth and tenth grade to apply to be a part of our strong 4-week Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) program. There is a fee of $125 for this unique training experience. Application packets are available on our website at www.colchesterct.gov and in the WJJMS Guidance Office. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2011.
Camp is a favorite time of year for all of us and we especially look forward to summer as we shovel our way through this snow filled winter. So, until the sun warms us again ~ Miss T. says keep reading, go sledding, do your homework first, help your parents, and we can’t wait to see you at day camp! Summer will be here before we know it!
A Very Proud Camper! STAFF TRAINING All staff is
required by state law and OSHA mandates to receive training in Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control (HEPb/HIV). The Colchester Parks and Recreation Department also requires all staff to attend mandated extensive Camp orientation seminars prior to the start of camp. Counselors are active participants in training areas such as First Aid and CPR, Epi-Pen, safety and security, emergency response, splash pad safety, record keeping, staff manuals, department policies and procedures, customer service, positive youth development, and character building. In addition, there are speakers brought in to train them in areas such as how to schedule activities, games and leadership, child development and behavior, mandatory reporting, and lots of hands on activities such as sports and games, arts and crafts, traditional camp games and songs. We are very committed to maintaining and developing all our Day Camp staff.
To find out the most current information on Parks & Recreation programs & special events please visit other areas of this website. We also suggest that you subscribe to our email list for up to the minute notification on rainy day changes and other important information regarding camp and other programs.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Day Camp is for kids entering grades 1 – 6 in Fall 2011. Registration begins on Thursday, March 3rd at 9:00 A.M in the Parks and Recreation Department located in the Town Hall. Register early for the best availability. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For your convenience you may call us at 860-537-7297. All registrations for Day Camp, Kindercamp and the C.I.T. program must be made in person in the office. Please keep in mind all campers are required to have a current (within three years of the date of the exam) copy of their health record on
file with Parks & Recreation. The following required forms are available in the Parks & Recreation office and on our website: Camp Registration Form, Medical Release & Pick Up Authorization, Special Authorization, Health Assessment. Please note, due to severe camper allergies, Colchester Day Camp is a PEANUT FREE CAMP. For your convenience the office will be open until 7:00 p.m. April 1st - June 9th.
Registration for Day Camp and Kindercamp requires a 50% deposit. If prior to the start of camp a participant cancels their registration due to an illness or injury, they will receive a refund or credit for fees paid. There is a one time $10 administrative fee per child, which includes a 2011 Colchester Day Camp t-shirt.
Camp Fees –Prices based on 1 week sessions only: Monday – Friday $140 includes trip fee Extended Care AM $25 per week (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) Extended Care PM $25 per week (4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS! Early Registration Discount: Before May 1st 5% Multiple Week Discount: 5% Sibling Discount: 5%
ALL BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE JUNE 13TH. ANY REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER JUNE 13TH MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION There are a limited number of scholarships available to campers in financial need. Applications are confidential and can be obtained by contacting Valerie Gaeto in Youth/Social Services 860-537-7255.
CAMP DATES Week 1 June 27 – July 1 Week 2 July 5 – July 8 (No camp Monday July 4th) Week 3 July 11 – July 15 Week 4 July 18 – July 22 Week 5 July 25 - July 29 Week 6 August 1 – August 5 Week 7 August 8 – August 12 Week 8 August 15 – August 19 (No extended Care on the last day of camp) NON-RESIDENT POLICY Non-residents are welcome to participate if space allows. Non-residents will be charged an additional $20 fee, per-session, per-child. LOCATION Day camp is held at the Colchester Recreation Complex (RecPlex) located on 215 Old Hebron Road, across from the golf course. This facility offers a variety of amenities to support a general daily activity schedule which includes playscapes, picnic pavilion, tennis & basketball courts, Bocce courts, various ball fields, rest rooms and the very fun water splash pad and skate park!
DATES & DAILY HOURS Day camp is held from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Camp is offered in 8 one-week sessions starting June 27th and ending August 19th. Please note there is no camp Monday, July 4th and no extended care available on the last day of camp, Friday, August 19th.
SIGN IN/SIGN OUT You will notice when you arrive at camp you will be asked by your child’s counselor to sign in and out each day. Upon pick up, please have your identification ready to ensure a quick and easy sign out. This is a great time to ask your child’s counselor any questions you may have. Your feedback is encouraged and always welcome!
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL Campers are dropped off in their designated area by the pavilion at the RecPlex each morning at 9:00 a.m. Campers are grouped by grade, 1 - 6. Your child’s counselors will introduce themselves to you and your child, you sign them in and the wonderful world of camp begins! If your child arrives earlier than 9:00 a.m. they will be signed in for morning Extended Care, fees will apply. Please pick up your children promptly at 4:00 p.m. at the same designated spot you signed them in.
If your child is dropped off or has not yet been picked up within a 15 minute grace period, they will automatically be enrolled and signed into in Extended Care, fees will apply.
EXTENDED CARE We have improved our Extended Care program to include organized activities, as well as an opportunity to unwind and relax. Extended Care does include a healthy snack to help beat the late afternoon slump. Extended Care is available for full day campers only. Morning Extended Care is available from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. for a flat weekly fee of $25.00. Afternoon Extended Care is available from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a flat weekly fee of $25.00. Please pre register for extended
care. If an emergency arises and your child utilizes the extended care program a daily rate of $20 will be billed to you. Please note Day Camp staff is not permitted to accept payments. All payments must be made in our Town Hall office. THERE WILL BE NO AFTERNOON EXTENDED CARE ON THE LAST DAY OF CAMP, AUGUST 19th 2011.
LOVE the HUGE soccer ball!
WHAT WE DO AT CAMP We are safe and we have FUN! Day camp strives to expand imagination, creativity and friendships. Team building activities, enriching games, and a variety of athletics provide a perfect vehicle for building self-confidence, self-esteem, and physical fitness in all our campers through a non-competitive positive environment. Children are encouraged to reach individual goals and levels of success while having FUN! At the same time they learn to feel wonderful about their individual abilities and talents while developing the values of teamwork, friendship and good sportsmanship. Each day at camp offers a variety of programs such as drama, nature, sports & games, archery, arts & crafts, tennis, music, journalism, and many other team building activities. Our special events are designed around our weekly themes complete with costumes and special guest performers that are a memorable part of every camper’s summer. Its no wonder camp creates friendships that last a lifetime!
HUGE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011! In our continuous efforts to create the best possible experience for our campers, we are happy to share a number of exciting traditions we practice at our full-day camp!
FIELD TRIPS Drum roll please…. we have some new field trips this summer!!! Hip-Hip Hooray!!! All campers will attend these enriching and fabulous weekly field trips! See the super amazing camp calendar as we have added amazing new destinations to go along with our fresh new themes this year! What a great and fun way to end each week!
Please note, trips are scheduled to change without notice.
FAMILY FUN DAYS We invite and welcome parents to join us again during our two family fun days this summer on July 13th and August 3rd from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our campers and super staff want to share the magic of camp with the ones we love.
ELECTIVE PERIODS Each Monday, campers will choose a special activity elective they will take part in for one hour each day for the entire week. The elective groups will change from week to week as super staff share and teach the campers some of their special talents and interests! Our weekly Camp Newspaper is always a special choice offering for kids to participate in and learn about journalism and photography! 5th ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE The American Red Cross returns to Colchester day Camp at JJIS on July 21st. We ask and encourage you to please come give the gift of life and donate! Our record breaking turnout the past three years has been amazing and we are thrilled to invite you back again this year! If you cannot be a blood donor, we ask that you drop off a baked good! A magnificent THANK YOU goes out to our CIT’s, camp staff, community members, and all who volunteered and donated over the last few years, you are all so special!
2011 COLCHESTER DAY CAMP WEEKLY THEMES:
Week 1: (June 27-July1) ALOHA SUMMER We will kick off our camp season through making friends in Hawaii! We’ll dress up in grass skirts, Hawaiian Leis and coconut shirts for a Hawaiian Luau. A team of friends will decorate the pavilion with palm trees, shells and tiki torches, while the rest of us get ready for the limbo & hula hoop contest! Special guest Kahana Hula will come teach us Polynesian dancing and the legends of Hawaiian stories and historical traditions. Field Trip: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
Week 2: (July 5-July8) PARTY IN THE USA…. (Monday, July 4th, NO CAMP.) Campers celebrate American history! Wear red, white, and blue while we make new friends. For the past three years, we have received responses from our letter writing to our American troops in Iraq, we will again be sending letters over seas. We’ll also have an all camp sing down and play American trivia. Field Trip: Winding Trails in Farmington, Ct.
Week 3: (July 11-July15) BIRDS, BEES, PLANTS, & TREES Interesting insects, animated animals, the tallest trees, land formations, & extraordinary natural phenomena’s will be discovered in this amazing week of incredible nature wonders! We also kick off our annual Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Campaign as campers of all ages learn more about waste reduction, reusing, & recycling through fun activities and projects. Parents and friends, please join us for our Family Fun Day this Wednesday at 4pm! Field Trip: Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT.
Week 4: (July 18-July 22) GO FOR THE GOLD ~ CAMP OLYMPICS Let the games begin! Campers unite to represent their teams and countries at the annual Colchester Olympic Games. Together we learn and develop the value of good sportsmanship, fair play, and comradery while refining our skills. Also, we ask you join us Thursday this week at JJIS for our camp’s 4th Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive!!! Teens Saving Lives! Field trip: Wednesday, New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Game.
Week 5: (July25-July 29) CREATURES, CRITTERS & PETS, PETS, PETS Calling all animal and pet enthusiasts to join us this week! Enjoy animal-related lessons and activities with other animal lovers and maybe become one yourself! Activities include educational critter projects, group games, and presentations from local animal experts. All campers will get the opportunity to have hands-on experience with special camp animal friends, providing daily care and socialization. Camp Donate Fundraiser: collect items for local no-kill
animal shelter. Field Trip: Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT.
Week 6: (Aug 3-Aug 7) CHASING THE SUN AROUND THE WORLD Nation Celebrations…Ancient Greece, Amazing Africa, Walk like an Egyptian, Children of China, & Australian Outback! Come with us around the world to learn other countries customs, culture, and traditions. Wrap your counselors like Egyptian mummies and taste many different ethnic foods! Parents and friends, please join us for our Family Fun Day this Wednesday at 4pm! Field Trip: Hammonasset Beach State Park & Meig’s Point Nature Center. Madison, CT.
Week 7: (Aug 8-Aug 12) CAMP SPIRIT & WATER WONDERLAND It’s your time to shine through camp spirit with your friends! Get creative with our camp spirit days this week, wacky hair day, twins day, hippy day and pajama day! Be your loudest at the camp pep rally on Thursday! Bring in a t-shirt to tie-dye! Field Trip: Bowling at Norwich 10 Pin Bowl.
Week 8: (Aug 15-Aug 19) TICKET TO RIDE Seriously….Don’t miss it!!! What’s not to love about the most popular week of camp? You’ll have to be here to participate in the Pie Easting Contest, Cerdnaskrap Awards, talent/fashion show, and of course, collect enough tickets to soak your counselors! Cruise down the gigantic water slide and soar to the sky in the moon bounce all while eating the best cotton candy and snow cones around! Come and get your ticket to ride campers!!!!! Parents are invited Friday to join us at JJIS for the talent show & end of the season slideshow at 2:00pm. Field Trip: Thursday, Ice Skating in Cromwell, Ct.
New Friends! OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS RED ZONE DAYS Red Zone or Extreme Heat Days are WET & WILD at camp! Many extra water activities are scheduled throughout the day. The WATER SPLASH PAD will be open and running and sure to be a favorite for all campers! There will be endless amounts of creative fun. However, if the heat becomes a hazard, we will move campers to Jack Jackter Intermediate School located on Halls Hill Road. You may visit our website at www.colchesterct.gov to confirm our location for pick up. We reserve the right to transport/bus campers locally as needed (rainy days, special events, etc.). Visit our website and subscribe to our mass email list and we will notify you of any changes. Day camp office 860-537-6583.
DISCIPLINE Our Day Camp staff adheres to a fair but strict discipline policy. Campers whose behavior interferes with a positive camp experience or safety for other campers or staff may be subject to dismissal.
NOTICES & FLYERS If your child leaves camp before closing ceremonies or will be missing a day or two, please check with your child’s counselor for information and reminders about upcoming special events or other activities your child will need to be prepared for upon his/her return to camp. All flyers, reminders etc. are distributed to campers at dismissal time.
INSURANCE INFORMATION We are unable to assume responsibility for injuries/accidents occurring at programs or on park facilities. Such insurance would make programs and user fees cost prohibitive.
PHOTO PERMISSION Participants permit the taking of photographs and video of themselves and their children during recreation activities for publication and use by the Parks and Recreation Department for promotional purposes unless otherwise stated. Check our website weekly for updated photos on our photo gallery. Arts & Crafts
What and What NOT to Bring to Camp!
- NO PEANUT BUTTER! We are a peanut free camp, please DO NOT BRING PEANUT BUTTER, or anything containing peanuts. Prohibited certain granola bars, chex mix, trail mix, candy bars, cracker jacks etc.
- LABEL EVERYTHING!! In addition to all clothing, please label lunch boxes, towels, water bottles, backpacks, sunscreen etc. If your child loses something, check the LOST & FOUND located outside the Day Camp Office. All unclaimed articles will be donated to charity each Monday.
- SANDALS ARE NOT ALLOWED! All campers should wear sneakers. With the exception of CROC style shoes. Water shoes are required in the Water Splash Pad area. If a child does not have Croc’s or water shoes, he/she will not be allowed to enter the splash pad that day.
- Bathing suits, towels, lunch, and a water bottle should be sent with each camper daily. (Your camper will also have the option to purchase bagged lunch as they were last year. Further details will be available closer to the start of camp.)
- Please apply waterproof sunscreen to your child prior to their arrival at camp. We recommend that you send sunscreen with them daily and teach your child how to re-apply sunscreen at camp to protect them from sunburn.
- Please do not allow your child to bring expensive/valuable items to camp such as Gameboys, PS2’s, IPODS, MP3 Players, cell phones. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Lunch
PEANUT FREE CAMP! Please send your camper with lunch and a healthy snack each day. Do not send glass containers. There is NO refrigerator available, so please include an ice pack. Please send your child with a water bottle, which may be refilled as needed throughout the day at the water fountain. Re-usable containers are encouraged to reduce waste at the water park. There will be occasions during special events when we will offer a special snack as it relates to a theme. Also we have a no tolerance policy for any knives or other dangerous objects. Please do not pack any butter knives for your child’s lunches. Please remember, we are a PEANUT FREE CAMP.
Campers also have the option of purchasing a special sandwich lunch meal deal from a local restaurant, which is delivered to camp each day. Order forms are available in the Day Camp office.
Kindercamp Every Child Matters To Us....
Kindercamp (for children who will turn 3 years old before 12/31/10 through entering kindergarten) is our specially designed camp for pre school children. Under the guidance and care of our mature, gentle staff, our youngest campers are given a special experience. Our program recognizes the social and motor skill level of pre-school children. It has been created to provide a warm, nurturing atmosphere where our youngest campers are encouraged to expand their
horizons while feeling safe and cared for. What better way can there be to start their wonderful camp years? This terrific group of mature, experienced Directors and returning counselors come together to make each day at Kindercamp the best ever for our three, four, and five year old campers. With the wonderful world that has been created for them, it is no surprise that every day is magical for our youngest campers and that the Kindercamp experience establishes an enthusiasm and love of camp that will last well into adolescence while providing them with a lifetime of memories!
Kindercamp Open House Thursday, April 28th 5 – 7 p.m. Colchester RecPlex Pavilion
Meet the amazing Kindercamp Staff & introduce your camper to all the magic of Kindercamp!
Kindercamp has an outstanding staff that works exclusively with our youngest campers. Kindercamp is held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday with other options also available. (See below.) Kindercamp is offered in 8-one week session starting June 27th and ending August 19th. The staff to camper ratio for Kindercamp is 1:8. Extended care is not available for Kindercampers. Please be sure to send your child with a healthy snack each day. For the safety of all campers we are a peanut free camp. Please do not send your camper with any peanut products. Please apply waterproof sunscreen to your child prior to their arrival at camp. We also ask that you please send your kindercamper to camp in their bathing suit.
Registration Registration begins on Thursday, March 3 at 9:00 A.M in the Parks and Recreation Department located in the Town Hall. Register early for the best availability. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and we will be open on Thursday evenings April 1st – June 9th until 7:00 p.m.. For your
convenience you may call us at 537-7297. All registrations for Day Camp & Kindercamp programs must be made in person in the office. Please keep in mind all campers are required to have a current (within three years of the date of the exam) copy of their health record on file with Parks & Recreation. The following required forms are available in the Parks & Recreation office and on our website: Camp Registration Form, Medical Release & Pick Up Authorization, Special Authorization, Health Assessment. Please note, due to severe camper allergies, Colchester Day Camp is a PEANUT FREE CAMP. Registration for Day Camp and Kindercamp requires a 50% deposit. If prior to the start of camp a participant cancels their registration due to an illness or injury, they will receive a refund or credit for fees paid. There is a one time $10 administrative fee per child, which includes a 2011 Colchester Day Camp t-shirt.
Please have your child wear a bathing suit to camp and apply waterproof sunscreen to your child prior to their arrival. For the safety of all campers we are a PEANUT FREE CAMP!!
Camp Fees –Prices based on 1 week sessions Plan A Monday – Friday $ 67 Plan B Mon/Wed/Friday $
50 Plan C Tues/Thurs $ 40
There is a one time $5.00 administrative fee per child, which includes a 2011 Colchester Day Camp t-shirt!
Special Discounts! Early Registration Discount: Before May 2: 5% Multiple Week Discount: 5% Sibling Discount: 5%
ALL BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE JUNE 13TH. ANY REGISTRATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER JUNE 13TH MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.
Kindercamp Fun!
Kindercamp Themes 2011! Week 1: June 27-July 1: New Friends Week We will be focusing on friendship. Kathye Flanagan (Happy Notes) will be visiting us. Come make a special 3D frame to put your new friends picture in it!
Week 2: July 4-July 8: Show Your Spirit Week There will be no camp on July 4. Kathye Flanagan will be back! Come participate in Crazy Hair Day, Backwards Day, PJ Day & Hat Day! Week 3: July 11-July 15: Dr. Seuss Week Who doesn’t like Dr Seuss books? Each day we will visit with one of his crazy, zany books. Anyone know what Oobleck is??? Come find out!!
Week 4: July 18-July 22: Community Helpers Who are the people in your community? What are their jobs? Each day we will discuss a different job. Two specials this week: Kathye and face painting! Regardless of the weather Camp will be held at JJIS on July 19th for the 5th Annual Blood Drive!
Week 5: July 25-July 29: Critters & Creatures Come make a bug house with Kindercamp. We also will be making a ladybug costume & crazy creature paper bag puppets. The CT Audubon Society will be paying a visit with some critters and creatures!
Week 6: Aug 1-Aug 5: Splasharific!! Come get wet with your Kindercamp friends! We will be making water balloons, painting with watercolors and visiting with Kathye again!
Week 7: Aug 8-Aug 12: Island Luau Activities will include making seashell frames, leis, grass skirts and a visit from Kathye. We also will do face painting!
Week 8: Aug 15-Aug 19: A Pirate’s Life Arrgh matey!! Come join us for some swashbuckling fun! We will be making pirate spy glasses, buccaneer hats and having a hunt for treasure. Funtastic Inflatables will be our special for the week!
Arrival and Dismissal Kindercampers are dropped off in the designated area at the RecPlex each morning at 9:00 a.m., no earlier please. Kindercamp’s drop off point is under “Tim’s tree” the big tree located behind recreation field R5. They are picked up at 11:30 a.m. at either the playground or the spray park. There is no Extended Care for kindercampers. After 11:35a.m. there is a $5.00 late charge for every 5 minutes or part thereof that a parent is late picking up a child. We appreciate your promptness.
The Daily Deal Kindercampers start their day with their own opening ceremonies. Then the world of camp opens! Activities vary; each day includes arts & crafts, games, music, storytelling, playscape time, water activities, nature hikes, special events and more! The WATER SPLASH PAD is a favorite for all campers! Some special guests include Kathye Flanagan’s Happy Notes, CT Audubon Society, Mystic Aquarium’s traveling touch tank, Polynesian Dance and story telling, Fantasy Faces By Ruth and Funtastic Inflatables which adds special excitement to our Kindercamper’s day!
Rainy Days at Kindercamp If it is raining, we will hold Kindercamp, along with the Day Camp, at Jack Jackter Intermediate School. Please use the gym ramp entrance. For consistency, we will try to make the decision as early as possible. Once your camper is signed in, if an issue arises, we will transport all campers to JJIS by bus. Kindercampers will travel as a group and will be accompanied by their counselors during the relocation process. If there is ever a question of where camp might be, please call the camp office at 537-6583.
Non-Resident Policy Non-residents are welcome to participate if space allows. Non-residents will be charged an additional $20 fee, per-session, per-child. Location Day Camp is held at the Colchester Recreation Complex (RecPlex) located on Old Hebron Road. This facility offers a variety of amenities to support a general daily activity schedule which includes playscapes, picnic pavilion, tennis & basketball courts, Bocce courts, various ball fields, rest rooms and the very fun water splash pad and skate park!
5th Annual Blood Drive The American Red Cross returns to Colchester day Camp at JJIS on July 19th.. We ask and encourage you to please come give the gift of life and donate! Our record breaking turnout the past three years was amazing and we are thrilled to invite you back again this year! A magnificent THANK YOU goes out to our CIT’s, camp staff, community members, and all who volunteered and donated.
Kindercamp Open House Thursday, April 28th 5 – 7 p.m. Colchester RecPlex Pavilion
Meet the amazing Kindercamp Staff & introduce your camper to all the magic of Kindercamp!
Registration begins on Thursday, March 3 at 9:00 A.M in the Parks and Recreation Department located in the Town Hall. Register early for the best availability. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For your convenience the office will be open until 7:00 p.m. April 1st - June 9th. 860-537-7297
Playing together!
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