OVERALL SAFETY

All upper staff are certified in first aid for professional rescuers, RTE, AED, CPR and many are certified as lifeguards as well.  These emergency staff members, as well as the group leaders, will carry first aid kits on them at all times.

Transportation safety

On the buses, campers are properly seat-belted prior to beginning the trip. All counselors do face checks (we do not simply use “head counts” – our staff always goes the extra step to ensure our children’s well being and safety). Upon arrival at the destination, a “safe zone” is designated (typically near a food court) where there are directional signs.  A staff person certified in first aid for professional rescuers, RTE, AED, CPR is stationed at the safety zone with a first aid kit, to be used in emergency situations only. Campers will walk in two lines, with a counselor stationed at the front, rear, and middle of the line.  Every 15 steps the counselors do a face check.

SWIM SAFETY

At the start of the child’s time in camp, campers are tested by a certified Water Safety Instructor, and their individual swimming level will be assigned. The pool is sectioned off in three parts horizontally.  Each swim level is divided into a section.  Within each section there are counselors assigned to remain in the water.  Around the perimeter of the pool, counselors are placed 5 ft apart and are instructed to remain in place watching campers and the pool area.  Each section will have its own lifeguard to provide for their safety. Each camper is given a brightly colored swim cap that they must wear when swimming. Each swim level has a different colored swim cap (i.e. blue, yellow, red). Each camper is paired with a swim buddy within their swim level and camper group (we utilize the buddy check system).

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

If you have chosen transportation, your child will be picked up between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, and arrive home between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on the placement on the route.  A staff member will contact each family to tell them the exact pick -up and drop-off times, but if you have further questions regarding your child’s transportation please call our office. We ask that all campers be ready by 7:30 AM on their first day, although your child may be picked up later. After the first day, all pick-up and drop-off times will remain as consistent as possible. In order for someone to pick up a child, they must have a photo ID on them. This includes parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. Our staff will match the name on the photo id with the name on the list that was provided to us with your application. You may email regarding all absences, late arrivals, or special requests, or call the camp office.  Please DO NOT give messages to the driver or counselors. The number to call is (718) 407-6377 or e-mail camp@jcc-brooklyn.org. Feel free to leave a message with information regarding absences on our machine if we are away from the office. Remember –If for some reason you are late to pick up your child, there is an additional fee of $1 for each additional minute. An invoice will be sent home or an additional charge will be added to the camp tuition.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Each camper is provided with a nutritious snack and 100% juice in camp daily. Each camper brings a NUT free lunch from home. Campers are reminded to always have a water bottle with them.

SUN SAFETY

All campers should have sunblock brought from home. Staff will assist with sunblock if needed (our staff prefers to use spray-on sunblock with your children, whenever possible).

CAMPER BEHAVIOR CODE

Our camp is designed to encourage success-building skills in children. All camp activities are designed to reinforce the five character principles of Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Friendship.  In our camp we reward children for displaying positive behaviors.  We practice progressive discipline and we employ positive reinforcement.

Zero Bullying and Violence Policy:

Upon completion of the internal investigation, acts of bullying, violence or extreme aggression towards participants, staff, or camp property could result in a child’s immediate dismissal from camp for the remainder of the day. Please note: If a camper’s behavior is disruptive to the experience of others, appropriate action will be taken by the counselors.  Most incidents are handled effectively by the staff. If behavior problems continue, we will always call parents or guardians to enlist their help. Campers who are continuously disruptive will be sent home from camp, up to and including expulsion. There is no camper refund for any child sent home for disciplinary reasons.