Parent Handbook 2021

Parent

Handbook

DAY CAMP & BASEBALL CAMP Summer 2021

Excellence in Camping

SINCE 1974

Owners/Directors: P.O. Box 352, 93 Mahopac Ave
Jamie Sirkin & Andrea Ralls Granite Springs, NY 10527
Dear Parents: Phone: 914 245 1776
Fax: 914 245 1683

www.summertrailsdaycamp.com
[email protected]

This handbook is intended to be a living document that may change as new information, regulations and guidelines
are made available. It will serve as a guide for your summer preparations and if you follow the information with-in,
you will find camp preparations to be quite simple. Please feel free, as always, to call on us for assistance
anytime.

Safety has always been our top priority. We will continue to monitor state and local guidance and adapt as needed
to create a safe environment. We want to reassure you that our dedication to a warm and human approach is top
priority. We invite you, our camp families, to join in this effort. Together, we will continue to create a special bond
through summer camp.

If you are a returning family, please be careful to note any changes which have taken place since last year.

You can contact the directors by either calling the office or emailing them directly. Our office is open during the
camp season from 7:00AM-6:30PM on weekdays. Please expect to leave a
message as we are often outside interacting with your children at the time of
your contact. We promise to reply in a timely manner. Information that Contents

requires a response before the end of the day must be called into the
office. If you choose to email a director you can reach each of us directly by
emailing [email protected] (i.e. Dates, Time & Directions
[email protected]). COVID Information
Inclement Weather

We are looking forward to an exciting and fun-filled summer and are delighted What to Bring to Camp

that your family will be part of this camping season at Summer Trails. Our Arrival & Dismissal
commitment to a safe and fun camp experience for our campers and staff is
unwavering. Extended Hours
Camp Policies
- Jamie

Our Mission Statement

Summer Trails is commi0ed to empowering children. Our goal is to build confidence and self-esteem by
reinforcing positive human values. We achieve that goal through cu0ing-edge prog?amming implemented by a

caref@lly selected and f@lly t?ained staff whose investBent in children, like our own, is unparalleled.





Additional COVID-19 Information

DAY CAMP & BASEBALL CAMP

Mask Wearing

Mask wearing guidance continues to evolve. Our promise is to continue to meet State and Westchester County
DOH guidelines. Campers and Staff should all arrive each day wearing a mask and pack a second mask labeled
with your name on it, in case your mask gets wet or is misplaced. Approved facial coverings include 2 ply cloth
masks, disposable masks, and N95s. Bandana’s, facial shields, and gators are not approved facial coverings.
We will have PPE available at camp for those who need it.

Just like last summer campers and staff will wear a mask at arrival for the health screening, when indoors in a
shared space, or when social distancing between stable groups outdoors cannot be met. Campers are
encouraged but not required to wear face coverings and may choose to remove their mask when they are unable
to tolerate one. Campers are not required to wear face coverings when utilizing outdoor space on Summer Trails
camp property. Unvaccinated staff will be required to wear masks at all times except while participating in water
activities, eating or drinking or while taking a socially distant mask break.

Vaccine Recommendation

The Pfizer COVID vaccine has become available for ages 12 and older. We are encouraging everyone who is
eligible, staff and now campers 12 years or older, to be vaccinated before camp. The advantages of being fully
vaccinated before camp include eliminating the need to quarantine should contact tracing occur and working
together in an active way to keep our camp and extended community healthy. Additionally, we anticipate that
those individuals who are fully vaccinated may have the possibility of decreased mask usage. We are required to
collect vaccine history from all campers and staff in case contract tracing is needed.

Group Sizes

The state has increased group size to 36 campers. Group size will be approximately 12-25 campers depending
on a variety of factors. Regardless of the number of campers in the group we will always maintain appropriate
camper to staff ratios. The increased group size allows us to facilitate regular sports programs within the stable
group and combine cohorts of up to 36 at times. As much as possible, groups will be socially distant from each
other.

Restricted Campus

In order to minimize exposure we will operate as a restricted campus. During parent pick up and drop off we will
require that parents do not get out of their vehicles. If you need to drop off late or pick up early please call the
camp office (914-245-1776). We will not be permitting parent visitation. Therapeutic services will have limited
availability. Please call the office to discuss additional protocols. Enhanced protocols are in place for our
contracted entertainers, services (such as pool maintenance) and deliveries. As often as possible these
deliveries and services will be occur after camp hours to minimize exposure. During camp hours these people
will meet our enhanced medical protocols, keep social distancing and wear masks as appropriate.

Swim and Changing Procedures

Campers will be scheduled for both an instructional swim period as well as a recreational swim. For all traditional
campers and for baseball campers entering 3rd and 4th grade, please send in a note if you do not wish for your
child to participate in instruction swim. Older Baseball Campers will receive instruction swim by request only.
Following swim, groups will change in a provided space. Please send your camper to camp with sunscreen
(spray and face stick). Counselors will assist with application, as necessary.

Staff Training

We are fortunate to have over 85% return rate among our staff. In recent years we had already added a web
based component to our staff training and we have kicked this up a notch. Training will be a combination of web
based virtual training and socially distant in-person meetings.

Inclement weather & What to bring

DAY CAMP & BASEBALL CAMP

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Similar to school snow days, camp may now close for a “Rain Day.” If the forecast calls for a complete washout
day, we will announce closing via email, text and phone by 7AM that morning. We will also notify you of late
start and early dismissals. We are prepared on property with shelter that meets social distancing guidelines for
sudden rain. It is helpful to send your child to camp prepared for both rainy day and regular day activities. If it is
raining in the morning or the weather is calling for a rainy afternoon please send your children to camp with a
raincoat. Always send your children to camp with a swimsuit. In the event that the rain passes we will return to
our regular scheduled program including swimming.

WHAT TO SEND DAILY TO CAMP

* All items brought to camp should be clearly labeled with the campers first and last name. Summer Trails
is not responsible for lost items
Lunch
All campers should bring their nut free lunch to camp Monday through Thursday. Lunches are refrigerated and
we request all lunches are brought to camp in disposable paper bags with no containers that need to be
returned at the end of the day. Write the first & last name of your child clearly on the bag. We provide a lunch
time beverage and an afternoon snack consisting of prepackaged ice cream or ice pop. Please be sure to make
us aware if your child has any specific food allergies.
Pizza Friday
Pizza is provided on Fridays at no additional cost. We will be ordering from Yorktown Pizza and Pasta. Campers
and staff can choose from 0, 1 or 2 slices. Contact the office if you have not submitted your lunch order.
Clothing
All campers should arrive at camp wearing a bathing suit and have a towel daily regardless of the weather
forecast. All clothing must be labeled. If your child arrives to camp dressed for swim their backpack should
include an additional swimsuit and a pair of underwear. Except at the pool, sneakers appropriate for active
athletic play are required at camp. Flip flops may be worn to and from the pool only.
Please send sunscreen, raincoats, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts when appropriate.
All preschool campers are encouraged to leave an extra set of labeled clothing in their bag.
Baseball Campers must bring their own equipment to camp daily including glove, hat, water bottle, bat and
helmet. Catcher’s equipment is optional and can be brought if camper chooses. Please make sure that their
name is clearly written on all equipment. Baseball Campers must also bring a protective cup. All bats brought to
camp from home must be carried in a bat bag at all times. Baseball campers must wear sneakers or baseball
shoes and a hat daily. Sunflower seeds, gum and spitting are strictly prohibited.
Lost and Found
All items must come to camp clearly labeled with campers first and last name. Labeled items will be returned to
campers. Unlabeled items will be collected and available to be claimed every Friday from 5 to 6:30. Please call
the office if you plan to look for a lost item. Unclaimed items will be bagged and donated each weekend.
What not to bring to camp
1. Do not send any personal sports equipment except for the baseball equipment previously noted.
2. Pets and animals must remain at home.
3. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
4. Alcohol, tobacco & drugs (except for prescriptions in original containers in camp infirmary).
5. All electronic gadgets, games and toys.
6. Chewing gum, sunflower seeds, food containing nut products or glass containers.
7. Cell Phones

Arrival & Dismissal procedures
extended hours
DAY CAMP & BASEBALL CAMP

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES & MORNING HEALTH SCREENINGS

Summer Trails Staff will greet you each morning in the traffic circle, perform a wellness check and escort your
children from your car to their morning assembly area. Please place pre-printed, color coded ID card on
passenger’s side dashboard/windshield. Please do not exit your car. Never back up or pass another car in
the traffic circle unless you are told to do so by a Summer Trails staff member. Once camper has exited the
car, please drive out of camp slowly and carefully. It is essential to keep the flow of traffic moving.
We have limited space for parents to pull over during arrival. If you must pull over, please follow the directions
given to you by our staff. Please do not make pulling over a daily routine. If a parent needs to pull over to speak
with a staff member, they should remain in their car and must wear a mask.
Late Arrivals
If you drop off your child after 9:20, please call the office prior to arriving at camp. A staff member will meet you in
the arrival circle for the daily health screening.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Campers should be picked up from camp between 4:00 and 4:30pm. Please do not arrive before 4:00 to pick
up your children. Arrival before the designated time will result in unnecessary delay.
When you arrive at dismissal time you will be directed down the camp roadway. Staff members will help your
children into your car. Please do not exit your vehicle during dismissal. With car windows up present color
coded, pre printed, ID card(s) by holding up or displayed on driver's side dashboard/windshield. Camper or parent
will buckle the seatbelt. An area is designated for parents who need additional time to fasten seatbelt
If a parent needs to pull over to speak with a staff member, they should remain in their car and must wear a mask.
If you get to camp after 4:30 your children will be sent to our extended day area. You will be charged our daily rate.
Early Pick Ups/Family Security Numbers
Early pick ups must arrive no later than 2:55pm. Parents should call the office so their camper is ready when
they arrive. Sign out will occur from the circle. Please remain in your car.
REMINDERS
Campers may not be dropped off or picked up on Mahopac Ave
Campers may not be picked up between 3:00 and 4:00pm

EXTENDED HOURS

Optional extended hours are available for parents who are unable to get here for the start and/or close of the
regular camp day. Extended hours may be used throughout your child’s stay at camp or as needed.
Extended Morning
Early morning drop off begins at 7:30am. A staff member will meet you in the arrival circle and the arrival process
will be followed. Shortly before 9:00 campers will be escorted to their appropriate groups’ area for the regular start
of the camp day. Please do not exit your vehicle.
Extended Afternoon
Late Day pick up is from 4:30-6:30pm. When arriving to pick up your children please have your ID card on display
in your windshield. A staff member will meet you in the traffic circle and the dismissal process will be followed.
Campers will participate in organized games and optional swim periods during their extended time at camp. Your
cooperation in arriving by 6:30pm is greatly appreciated. Repeated lateness may result in discontinuing servicing
your family with extended hours. Please note there is no extended day on Thursday, August 19th.

DAY CAMP & BASEBALL CAMP Camp Policies

CAMP POLICIES

1. Valuables – We cannot assume responsibility for any valuable sent to camp with your child. We ask that no
such items are brought to camp. *Items that are not permitted at Summer Trails will be collected and will
require a parent or legal guardian to retrieve the item.

2. Electronics – All electronic equipment, including computers, cell phones, electronic games, MP3 player, all of
which are easily broken, misplaced and subject to abuse, must be left home.

3. Summer Trails Day Camp reserves the right to dismiss any camper who acts in an inappropriate or
detrimental manner.

Drugs/Tobacco/Alcohol/Weapons
No smoking or possession of any tobacco, alcohol products, controlled substances, or weapons will be tolerated
at any time by any camper or staff member. We are a non-smoking, vape-free, alcohol-free, drug-free and
weapon-free environment.
Any camper or staff member violating this policy is subject to immediate dismissal from Summer Trails. There will
be no tuition reimbursement should a camper be dismissed from camp for violating this policy.
Summer Birthdays
We are unable to accommodate treats from home. Party packages (cupcakes, ice pops or watermelon) will be
available for purchase for $20 per group. If you wish for your child to to celebrate their birthday at camp, please
call our camp office, at least 3 days prior to celebration day to place your order.
Absences & Extensions
Campers are not permitted to substitute, change, or make up days missed from their regularly scheduled stay at
camp. Parents wishing to extend their child’s stay at camp may contact the camp office. Extensions will be given
only when space is available.
Tax. I.D.
For those families who declare a child care deduction on their taxes, or tax i.d. our number is 13-2768 237.
Licensing & Accreditation
Summer Trails Day Camp is licensed and inspected annually by New York State Department of Health.
Inspection records and required plans are filed at the Department of Health, Mt. Kisco Office, 25 Moore Avenue,
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549. The regulatory program of the New York State Department of Health places specific
responsibilities on camp operators, on local health departments and on parents/guardian. You can find an outline
of these rights and responsibilities at: http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3601.pdf

Summer Trails Day Camp is proud of its accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is
the only national organization that accredits camps based on compliance with established standards in site and
facilities, health, staff, program, transportation, operational management, and aquatics.
Contact System
We have contracts with a phone communications company (One Call Now), a mass email communication
company (Constant Contact) and a mass text company (Mercury Send). We utilize the mass email system
regularly throughout the summer to provide families with important reminders and updated communication with
camp. Please set your spam filters appropriately. Should we utilize the phone system, you will receive a
recorded message from a member of the Summer Trails administrative team. Each family will be called on their
cell phone and a second phone number. Please understand that these systems cannot determine which
campers are actually present when it is enacted; therefore, it is possible that you might receive a message even
if your child is not in camp.