Parent Information & Camper Guidelines

SUMMER 2014

Camp Kingfisher Contact information
9135 Willeo Rd
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 992-2055 x222
http://www.chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher/

Camp Director: Tim Reidy
Camp Coordinator: Debby Head
Page 2 of 9


Dear Camp Kingfisher Families,

Welcome to Summer 2014! We are looking forward to a great summer and
are excited that your child will be a part of it. Please read over this packet
to learn all the information you will need to know prior to your childs first
day of camp.

We know you have options when choosing a summer camp and we are
excited you have chosen to spend part of your summer with us. If you are
brand new to camp please view the Frequently Asked Questions section to
answer any questions you may have about camp. If you still have
questions after reading this section please feel free to call or e-mail the
camp office.

See you this summer,

Tim Reidy Debby Head
Camp Director Camp Coordinator


















Page 3 of 9

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Camp Kingfisher 2014

1. What do campers do in a typical day? The staff plans daily camper schedules. Typical activities include: nature
hikes, animal encounters, science exploration activities, & nature games. In addition, each camper participates in
swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, singing and having fun!! There is a typical schedule posted on-line.

2. What about swimming? Our pool is located on the property, behind the house, next to the parking lot. There are
2 trained lifeguards, one counselor as an extra set of eyes on the pool, and 2 staff swimming with the campers.
The pool is 3.5 feet at the shallow end, 12 at the deep end. There are wide stairs at the shallow end for kids who
do not want to go all the way into the water and we do have noodles and kickboards for beginners in the shallow
end. In order to swim in the deep end campers must be tested for ability level on their first day of camp. If they fail
the test and then improve, they can request to take the test again. The test consists of swimming back and forth
across the shallow end of the pool without stopping or touching the bottom and treading water for 60 seconds.

3. What about canoeing? We canoe on three flat ponds at CNC. Campers entering K & 1
st
grade canoe twice a
week on Kingfisher pond. Campers entering 2
nd
, & 3
rd
grade canoe twice a week on Beaver Pond. Campers
entering K-3
rd
grades canoe with other campers and an adult or teen supervisor in the boat. Campers entering 4
th

& 5
th
grades canoe 4 times a week on Heron Pond. They canoe with other campers and the staff supervises from
boats on the pond. Campers entering 6
th
& 7
th
grade canoe 3-4 times a week on Heron Pond and take one trip on
the Chattahoochee River (during the second week of their session). They are in the boat with other campers and
2 staff supervise this trip. Everyone wears Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) when canoeing.

4. What is the camper: staff ratio? The ratio in camp is 1:6; the ratio per group is dependant on age. Younger
campers (K & 1
st
) have a 1:6 ratio in the group. Groups are usually 3 staff with 18 campers. Older campers (2
nd
,
3
rd
, 4
th
, & 5
th
) have a 1:9 ratio in the group. Groups are usually 2 staff with 18 campers. Our oldest group in camp
(6
th
& 7
th
) have a ratio of 1:10. Groups are usually 1 staff with 10 campers. Our travel program (8
th
& 9
th
) has a
ratio of 1:6. Groups are 2 staff with 12 campers. We also have administrators and specialists on site.

5. What should my child bring to camp? The basics are: lunch, snacks, swimsuit, towel, backpack (no wheels)
water bottle, & sneakers.

6. Is food provided? No. Your child needs to bring a lunch, snacks & water; we will provide a juice drink during
lunch time and a popsicle as a treat on Friday. Lunches are not refrigerated, so you will need to put a cold pack
inside your childs lunch box.

7. My child will be 5 in July. Can he/she still attend camp? You must be five by September 1, 2014 to attend the
2014 summer sessions.

8. My child must be with his/her friend. Can you guarantee this? If the two campers are in the same camper
group (entering grades K & 1; 2 & 3; 4 & 5; 6 & 7; 8 & 9) and both in the same session, you may request for them
to be together. The maximum number of campers you can request is 2. We want campers to be with their friends,
and we want campers to meet new people. We will separate large groups of friends into smaller groups. We will
make every effort to honor your requests, but we make no guarantees. If they are not in the same camper group
(i.e. 1
st
and 2
nd
grade) they can not be together. Campers, regardless of age, will not be grouped up or down. If
you have questions of special concerns, please ask.

9. What if I need to switch to another session after registering? If space is available in the session you would
like to switch to, you may change for a fee of $20. However, no changes will take place until the change fee is
received and the space you need cannot be held until your fee arrives. This fee applies each time you make a
change.

10. What if I need to cancel? Cancellations must be received BY PHONE no less than 2 weeks prior to the first day
of the camp session for which your child is registered. You will receive 90% of your fee as a refund, 10% is
retained to cover the administrative costs of processing your registration and cancellation. If you cancel less than
14 days before your session you will lose your entire fee. Please allow 7-10 days for credit card &4-6 weeks for
checks. We do hold to this policy.

11. Extended care: For no additional charge campers can be dropped off as early as 8 am and picked up as late as
6:15. After 6:15; there is a charge of $1/minute.



Page 4 of 9

Camp Kingfisher Basics

CONTACT CAMP:

Office Phones (770) 992-2055 x222 (camp coordinator, registrar) & x232
(director) FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION - PAGER (770) 201-0269

HOW TO DRESS:

- Weather appropriate, comfortable clothing that can get dirty
- Tennis shoes, gym shoes, trainers, hiking shoes/boots no heelies
NO KEENS & NO CROCS - WE MUST PROTECT OUR FEET AT CAMP!!

BRING EVERY DAY:

LABEL
IT ALL!
We reserve the right to
discretely label camper
clothing if lost items
become prevalent.

- water bottle full of WATER only (to avoid bees) REUSABLE & LABELED.
(Disposable water bottles get lost & confused easily)
- towel & swimsuit (or wear your suit and bring your clothes)
- rain jacket or poncho (or expect a wet kid at the end of rainy days!)
- backpack NO WHEELS
- lunch (see next page for details)
- 2 snacks (3 if you plan on staying for after care after 4:15)
-PACK SNACKS SEPARATELY FROM LUNCH AND SEPARATELY FROM EACH
OTHER LABEL EACH ONE.
-Please do not pack snacks in insulated lunchbox type containers.


Lost & found:
- At the end each session when checking out; please check the lost and found tables
located behind the check out tables for any lost or misplaced items
- All lost and found items will be held in the camp office for 2 weeks.
- After 2 weeks all items still in lost and found will be donated to Good will.

SUN & BUGS:
Sunscreen Apply before you come; we will apply twice more
Bug Repellent Apply before you come; we DO NOT apply more
(Bug repellent bracelets available at Target or Bed Bath & Beyond.)
NOT ALLOWED
AT CAMP:
- NO electronics, trading cards, gum, music devices, weapons, money, toys
- NO rolling backpacks, NO cell phones, NO MP3 players, NO exceptions!

MEDICATION:

-By law we are NOT permitted to dispense regular medication to any child.
-If your camper has been prescribed an epi-pen or inhaler it must be on their person at
all times.


GETTING
SICK AT
CAMP:

-Sick campers will be separated from their group and parents will be called.
-Being sick is the only time when campers may call home during camp.
-If your childs illness causes him/her to miss 3 or more days of camp in one week, you
may make up the lost days in a later available week. You will need to purchase days
needed to complete a week at a prorated cost.

BIRTHDAYS:
- If your childs birthday falls during camp, we will help them celebrate.
- If you bring a snack for your childs group, please get prior approval from
your childs counselor to be considerate of food allergies.


THE POOL:
- Every camper who wishes to swim in the deep end must pass a swim test.
- The swim test is on the first day of your campers first session.
- The swim test includes treading water for 60 seconds and swimming across
the short end of the pool and back without touching the bottom or stopping.
- If a camper fails the swim test on Monday he/she may request to re-take the
test once more later that week.
- If your child does not wish to swim we offer limited self-directed activities in
the shade.
- If you require that your child use a flotation device, please send it with him/her.
Page 5 of 9

Camp Kingfisher Drop-off and Pick-up Procurers

MORNING DROP-OFF AT Camp Kingfisher

You must escort your camper(s) into camp and check in with our administrative staff the first day of every
session even if you have already been to camp this summer.

There will be a separate (and well marked) line for camp families checking in who have already been to
camp in 2014.

After their first day of camp, campers may be dropped off by the open double green doors where a
counselor will be outside to see him/her into the gym. Campers will not be escorted in, there will be an adult
stationed outside the doors watching campers enter.



FIRST DAY CHECK-IN PROCEDURES FOR ALL CAMPERS

Check-in is between 8:00am and 8:50am on the first day of each session.

Park in the main parking lot and enter the gym at the double green doors labeled Camp Kingfisher

Once inside the gymnasium, go to the registration table. When you check in you will receive your:

1. Pick-up passes 2. Schedule for the week 3. T-shirt


You will then be directed to your campers group where you will be greeted by his/her counselor(s).

DAILY CAMPER DROP-OFF PROCEDURES

Pre-care is from 8:00am 9:00am
We offer pre-care each morning for no additional charge.
There is limited staffing in the gym during this time, please use this service only when needed.
See below for drop-off details.
Regular camper Drop-off is from 8:50am to 9:00am each morning
The gym is fully staffed at 8:45am.
Please escort all shy or nervous campers into camp until they are comfortable.
Campers, after their first day of camp, may be dropped off by the open double green doors where a
counselor will be outside to see him/her into the gym. Campers will not be escorted in, there will be an
adult stationed outside the doors watching campers enter.
If you need to speak with camp staff, please park and walk in.

LATE DROP-OFF:

Between 9:00am and 9:15am
We will be in Opening Amoeba, raising the flag, making announcements & singing silly songs.
Please escort your campers into the gym and to their group. Please make sure you childs counselor sees that
your camper has arrived.
After 9:15am
Campers will be out and about at camp activities.
Campers must be escorted by a parent or guardian into the gym and to their group; a staff member will help
you find their group. Please note that your childs group might have started their first activity and you will need
to escort them there.
If you cannot find a camp staff member, please go to the camp office and ask for assistance.
Page 6 of 9

Camp Kingfisher Drop-off and Pick-up Procurers: continued
AFTERNOON PICK-UP AT Camp Kingfisher

In order to keep little lungs healthy and encourage parent to staff communication, we do not have a
carpool line. Please do not leave your unattended car running.

We require parents, guardians, babysitters, grandparents or anyone else picking up campers to
walk into the gym for pick up at the end of each day.

Extenuating circumstances We will make alternative arrangements if you are unable to walk
into the gym. Please call Tim Reidy, camp director, at 770.992.2055 x232 to arrange.

PICK-UP PASSES & PHOTO ID

In order to maintain secure pick-up, we require that you present a Camp Kingfisher Pick-up Pass or Photo
ID when you arrive for pick-up.

We will provide you with as many Pick-up Passes as you request. If you forget your pass, a
Photo ID will suffice.

Please do not assume that the staff supervising the door will recognize you and allow you to
enter without a Pick-up Pass or Photo ID.

In order to continue our camper supervision throughout the pick-up process:

o If you leave your Pick-up Pass or Photo ID in the car, we will ask you to go and bring it in.
If you are unable to make the round trip, you may return to the car and pull up to the door
where we will check your Pick-up Pass or Photo ID and bring your child to you.

o If you forget your Pick-up Pass and do not have a Photo ID the camp director will be
contacted to assist you.

CAMPER PICK-UP: 4:00PM 4:15PM

Park in the main parking lot and enter the gym at the double green doors.
Please wait in the hallway until 4:00pm. At 4:00pm the doors will open to the pick-up table. There will be
two lines, one for adults holding Pick-up Passes, the other for Photo ID. Please do not leave your
unattended car running.
Show your Pick-up Pass or Photo ID, let us know who you are picking up so we can sign out your
camper(s).
Campers will be waiting at their bench with their counselors. This is a great time to hear about your
campers day.
If you can not pick up your camper by 4:15, he/she will join the after care program until you arrive.

AFTER-CARE: 4:15PM 6:15PM

Park in the main parking lot and enter the gym at the double green doors. Please do not leave your
unattended car running.
Show your Pick-up Pass or Photo ID, let us know who you are picking up so we can sign out your campers
on the clipboard.
After-care ends at 6:15, you will be charged $1 per minute after 6:15.

If you are signed up for after-care (on the Camper Health Form) and arrive early:
Campers who are signed up for after-care will not be in the gym from 4:00pm 4:15pm. They will be
enjoying a game outside or in a classroom.
Please see a staff member in the gym and they will retrieve your child from their after-care activity.
Page 7 of 9

Camper Guidelines at Camp Kingfisher

In order to succeed at camp, every camper needs to make their best effort and follow camper guidelines. To facilitate
this success, we provide you with these guidelines and expectations in advance.
Camper Expectations
carry your water bottle
drink water
stay on the trails
enjoy trees, do not climb them
inside voices around animals
no violence
no bullying (including name calling & teasing)
keep your hands to yourself
no bug juice in water bottles
no running in the gym
respect for others, respect for materials & respect for self
observe living things; do not touch, chase or pick them
Pool & Locker Room Rules
No rough play (wrestling, chasing)
No fooling around (screaming, running, poking)
No teasing or bullying
Yes, get changed as quickly as possible
Yes, leave the locker room as soon as you are changed
Yes, leave your stuff in a cubby

When camper expectations are not met:

We all have tough days. On those days it can be hard to follow expectations and be a positive part of a group. We
use the information provided by parents/guardians on the Camper Health Form and when campers have difficulty
sticking with our expectations we take the following steps:

1. Reminders and positive feedback every counselor helps campers to remember what is expected of them and
gives positive feedback for good choices.

2. Discussion of consequences when expectations are regularly not met, we explain the consequences of each
campers choices and give them another opportunity to succeed.

3. Removal from the group a camper who cannot meet expectations and participate in the group is removed
from the group for a short period of time (5 20 minutes depending on age). This time-out is supervised by a
staff member and happens in a designated spot.

4. Attention from an administrator serious problems (those not solved by steps 1 3) involve intervention. If an
administrator intervenes; you will be notified at pick-up or receive a phone call at the end of the day.
Administrators at camp include the camp director, assistant director, and head counselors.

5. Parent conference if behavior does not change; the camper, counselor, administrator, & parents will meet to
discuss solutions.

6. Contract in the rare case that behavior still does not change, the camper, counselor, administrator & parents
will develop a behavioral contract.

7. Dismissal from camp if a behavioral contract is broken, the camper will be asked to leave camp and
(hopefully) return the following summer making new and better choices.

If you have any questions about our strategies and systems, please contact Tim Reidy, camp director,
at (770) 992-2055 x232 or camp@chattnaturecenter.org.
Page 8 of 9

LUNCH AT CAMP - Be a Friend to the Earth

Lunches will be stored indoors but not refrigerated.
Camp will provide a flavored juice-drink during lunch
In the event that your child forgets his/her lunch, the camp staff will prepare a substitute.

























Internet, Social Networking, & Blogging Policy at Camp
In general, our camp views social networking sites (e.g., Facebook), personal Web sites, and Weblogs
positively and respects the right of campers to use them as a medium of self-expression. If a camper chooses
to identify himself or herself as a member of our camp family on such Internet venues, some readers of such
Web sites or blogs may view the camper as a representative or spokesperson of the camp. In light of this
possibility, our camp requires, as a condition of participation in the camp, that campers observe the following
guidelines when referring to the camp, its programs or activities, its campers, and/or employees, in a blog or
on a Web site.
1. Campers must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing the camp, its
employees, and campers including not using obscenities, profanity, or vulgar language.
2. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to disparage the camp, campers, or employees.
3. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to harass, bully, or intimidate campers or employees.
4. Campers must not use blogs or personal Web sites to discuss engaging in conduct that is prohibited by
camp policies, including, but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual harassment, & bullying.
5. Campers must not post pictures or videos of campers or employees on a Web site without obtaining
written permission.
Any camper found to be in violation of any portion of this Internet, Social Networking and Blogging Policy
will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from camp.


HELP FOR PARENTS

The Laptop Lunch Users Guide: Fresh Ideas for Making Lunches Your Kids Will
Love,
Amy Hemmert & Tammy Pelstring
www.cookingformonkeys.com
Bento lunch boxes and great lunch ideas!
www.wastefreelunches.org


To encourage campers to be a friend to the earth, we publicly recognize and appreciate all
campers who have at least one low Impact lunch each week.

The Perfect low Impact lunch
Re-usable lunch bag (no paper bags)
food packed in re-usable containers no zip-lock bags
if you have silverware, it must be metal.
cloth napkin
your pre-packaged food must be in recyclable containers
o plastic labeled with a #1 - #7, aluminum or steel
notes from home on paper that can be recycled are AOK

Common lunch items that DO NOT qualify as low impact
pre-packaged chips, granola bars, string cheese, fruit snacks etc
individual Pringles, fruit cups, pudding cups and some yogurt (non-recyclable plastic)
Lunchables

Leftover food, apple cores, banana peels and the like do not count as trash.


Page 9 of 9


Camp Kingfisher SPECIAL PROGRAMS 2014

Fridays are Dress-up days- Every Friday at camp we have a different dress up day.
The dress up days will be posted on our website in May, also your camper will learn about that weeks dress-
up day during amoeba.

When planning how to dress please remember that your child will be partaking in normal camp activities
(they might get wet, dirty)

Please do not send your child with many accessories (swords, stuffed animals, etc.)

FOR EVERYONE Family Evenings at Camp

Activities: picnicking, canoeing, arts & crafts, live animal presentation, dusk hikes & singing

Time: 5:30 7:30 feel free to arrive early & enjoy the nature center bring a picnic dinner!

Summer 2014 dates are Tuesdays June 17
th
and July 8
th
.

This event is for campers and their families, there is no limit to the number of people you can bring.


FOR CAMPERS ENTERING 4th 9th GRADES IN 2-WEEK SESSIONS Overnights
Barred Owls (in 2-week sessions), Great Horned Owls & Travel Program

During the second week of each two-week session there will be an overnight for campers only.

The overnight is optional but campers may only attend during the session they are enrolled.


On the first day of camp, you will receive a letter with the date, packing list, menu and schedule. All of this
information is also available on the website.