2019 Summer Camp Guide Darien YMCA 2420 Post Road, Darien, CT darien-ymca.org

BEST SUMMER EVERTM

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome 3Pre School Camp 4School Age Camp 5Gymnastics 6Afternoon Navigators 6Counselor In Training (CITs) 7Mini Camps 8Special Needs 9Extended Care 10Registration Guidelines 11Financial Aid, Payment Plans, and Membership 12Forms

IMPORTANT DATESCamp Info SessionsDate: May 8, 2019Gymnastics Camp 5:30 - 6:00 pmPreschool Camp 6:00 - 6:30 pmSchool Age Camp 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Session DatesSession 1: June 17 – June 28 (Preschool Camp) June 24 – June 28 (School Age Camp & Gymnastics Camp)Session 2: July 1 – July 12 (Closed for Fourth of July)Session 3: July 15 – July 26Session 4: July 29 – August 9Mini Camp Session 1: June 17 – June 21 (School Age & Gymnastics Camp) *will be based on Darien Public School ScheduleMini Camp 2: August 12 – August 16

Registration Dates *Please review page 11 for registration guidelines.February 5 at 10:00 am Returning 2018 campers and siblings who are Y members.February 7 at 10:00 am Darien Y members who are residents of Darien.February 12 at 10:00 am Darien Y members who are not residents of Darien.February 14 at 10:00 am Open registration for all non members.June 5 at 10:00 am Registration for Extended Care begins.

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WELCOME TO CAMP The Darien YMCA Summer Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to experience a wide range of activities. We offer an environment where campers will build lasting memories and friendships.

The Darien YMCA Summer Camp is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We help children grow and have fun through exploration, building self-confidence and independence, learning core values, developing life skills and most importantly being active.

Our dedicated camp staff will help teach the campers new skills and facilitate learning in a safe and fun environment.

Campers can choose from our Preschool Camp, School Age Traditional Camp, Gymnastics Camp, Afternoon Navigators or our Swim and Sail Camp for children with special needs.

Our Summer Camp Brochure and website will give you the information you need to choose the right camp for your child. You will find information about our 2019 Registration Dates, Session Dates, Fees for each individual camp, Mini Camp, Extended Care and the necessary forms needed to attend camp.

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PRE SCHOOL CAMPYour child’s first years at camp are so important. The Darien YMCA Preschool Camp provides a safe, nurturing and age appropriate environment while they play, learn and grow.

HOLLY HOPPERS • Ages 3-4 years

For 1st time campers, this is a great program for your child. Campers will explore at their own pace while building coordination and concentration skills in a safe and nurturing environment. They will participate in music, creative movement, swimming, games, cooking, arts & crafts and special events. Holly Hoppers can also sign up for Lunch Bunch. Camper must be fully trained and must be 3 by the start of session registered for. 3 Day AM T, W, Th 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Fees: $380 Session 1, 3 or 4 $317 Session 2 $1,384 All 4 sessions

3 Day PM T, W, Th 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Fees: $380 Session 1, 3 or 4 $317 Session 2 $1,384 All 4 sessions

5 Day AM M – F 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Fees: $460 Session 1, 3 or 4 $414 Session 2 $1,705 All 4 Sessions

5 Day Full Day M – F 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Fees: $650 Session 1, 3 or 4 $585 Session 2 $2,409 All 4 Sessions

*Additional $50 per session for non-members

LUNCH BUNCH • For Holly Hoppers Only

Supervised lunch and quiet play is available from 11:30 – 12:30 for Holly Hoppers who would like to extend one hour of their day or will stay for afternoon camp. Children must bring their own drink and lunch in disposable bag. Preregistration is required online or at the YMCA front desk beginning June 5. Fee: $10 per day

SUMMER FUN CLUB • Ages 4-5 years

Campers who have not yet completed kindergarten will enjoy this camp. Activities such as swimming, creative movement, crafts, cooking, canoeing/sailing, music, sports and free play give campers the opportunity to build self-esteem through creativity and exploration. Special events and a field trip to a local beach are enjoyed each session. Children must bring their own drink and lunch in a disposable bag.

3 Day AM T, W, Th8:30 am – 12:30 pm Fees: $390 Session 1, 3 or 4 $325 Session 2 $1,420 All 4 Sessions

5 Day AMM – F8:30 am – 12:30 pm Fees: $490 Session 1, 3 or 4$441 Session 2$1,816 All 4 Sessions

5 Day PMM – F11:30 am – 12:30 pm Fees: $490 Session 1, 3 or 4$441 Session 2$1,816 All 4 Sessions

5 Day Full DayM – F8:30 am – 3:30 pm Fees: $650 Session 1, 3 or 4$585 Session 2$2,409 All 4 Sessions

*Additional $50 per session for Non-members

Preschool Camp Director April Greene, Youth Services Director agreene@darien-ymca.org

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SCHOOL AGE CAMP Our School Age Camp is a traditional day camp that provides campers with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that help build confidence and friendships. Our campers are encouraged to try new things while they grow and learn about themselves and others all under the care of our wonderful, trained camp staff.Our School Age Camp is held off site. Due to construction at our previous location, camp for the 2019 Season will be held at Royle Elementary School, located at 133 Mansfield Avenue, Darien. Children will be bused daily to the YMCA for swimming. Drop off and pick up is at Royle School. Information regarding the Royle location will be provided prior to camp starting.

Our School Age Camp groups are co-ed and arranged by grade that the camper is just completing.Session 1 is only one week. Please see section on Mini Camp to get information about June 17 – 21.

SUPER CAMP Completing Kindergarten & First Grade

EXPLORER CAMP Completing Second & Third Grade

Day: Monday – FridayTime: 8:30 am – 3:30 pmFees: $315 Session 1$567 Session 2$630 Session 3 or 4$2,035 all 4 sessions

Day: Monday – FridayTime: 8:30 am – 3:30 pmFees: $323 Session 1$581 Session 2$645 Session 3 or 4$2,085 all 4 sessions

*Additional $50 per session for non-membersADVENTURE CAMP

Completing Fourth & Fifth GradePIONEER TEEN CAMP

Completing Sixth & Seventh Grade

Day: Monday – FridayTime: 8:30 am – 3:30 pmFees: $340 Session 1$612 Session 2$680 Session 3 or 4$2,197 all 4 sessions

Day: Monday – FridayTime: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Fees: $363 Session 1$653 Session 2$725 Session 3 or 4$2343 all 4 sessions

*Additional $50 per session for non-membersACTIVITIES Camp offers a variety of activities that give campers the opportunity to experience new things each day. Schedules vary weekly and will be posted on our Parent Only Page each week.

• Swimming Lessons • Sailing, Canoeing & Paddle Boards (Adventure & Pioneers)• Arts & Crafts• STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math• Sports & Games• Field Trips- a field trip calendar will be provided prior to camp• Playground Time• GaGa • Electives- During elective periods, campers can choose one of many activities to participate in

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“My kids loved camp. They made great friends and took some amazing trips. My son still

hasn’t stopped talking about the trip to Playland.

They both left camp confidant and exhausted!!”

SPECIALTY CAMPSGYMNASTICS CAMP • Ages 5-12 Girls only; Must have completed Kindergarten.

Come and train at our 11,000 sq ft state of the art gymnastics facility! Your daughter will be inspired and motivated by their gymnastics experience and accomplishments. Our Staff is extremely knowledgeable in gymnastics and will assess each gymnast throughout their camp experience. You will receive a recommendation at the end, as to where your child should be placed within our YMCA Gymnastics Program.

The girls will make new friends, participate in arts & crafts, along of a variety of special activities. At the end of the two-week sessions, the gymnasts will participate in a Demonstration Day, showing off a variety of skills they have learned and are currently working on.

Our goal is to build confidence, knowledge, skill, and life-long memories

New hours: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm daily. We will take a break for arts and crafts and lunch. Bring a bag lunch. Afternoon Navigators provides an extended day option — please see our Afternoon Navigators section for more information.

Days: Monday - Friday Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Fees:Session 1: $247Session 2: $441Session 3 or 4: $493All 4 Sessions: $1,591

*Additional $50 per session for non-membersGymnastics Camp Director Nicole Kapitan, NLKapitan@aol.com

AFTERNOON NAVIGATORS • Ages 5-12

Afternoon Navigators is a great program for children attending Gymnastics Camp or Summer School who need an afternoon program. Afternoon Navigators runs Monday – Friday from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm and is held at the Darien YMCA. (If your child attends the Gymnastics Camp, they will be walked from the Gymnastics Center to one of our designated classrooms) *Children must have completed Kindergarten to attend Afternoon Navigators.

Days: Monday - Friday Time: 1:00 - 3:30 pm Fees: Session 1: $153Session 2: $275Session 3 or 4: $305All 4 Sessions: $987**Additional $50 per session for non-members

ACTIVITIESMonday & Wednesday- Arts & Crafts and SportsTuesday & Thursday- Swimming and Boating Friday- Field Trip (TBD)

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“My girls absolutely loved the Darien YMCA Gymnastics camp. They especially could not wait for the end of session demonstration that showed off their new tumbling skills.”

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CITs) • Ages: Completed 8th, 9th, or 10th Grade

Our Counselor In Training program is a great step for 8th, 9th and 10th graders to learn what it takes to be a Camp Counselor. The goal of the CIT Program is to find participants that have a true desire to work with children. It is our goal to teach you through hands on experience the aspects of working with children at camp. This will include planning and implementing activities, organization of campers, discipline and at times parent interaction. Each CIT will be assigned a group each session. They will work with the counselors of their group with all the day to day operations of camp and will participate in all activities. The CIT. Coordinator will ask the counselors to evaluate the CIT that was assigned to their group and those evaluations will be used when hiring CIT’s to be paid staff members in the future.

Returning CITs may register during regular registration times. No application is needed.

New CIT’s must fill out the CIT Application and return it to Suzanne Richards. Once applications are received, applicants will be contacted by the CIT Coordinator to set up a short interview beginning in April. You will then receive a Welcome Letter and payment information. Applications can be found on our website or at the YMCA front desk.

Days: Monday - Friday Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Fees: Session 1 Member- $148 Non-member- $198 Session 2 Member- $266 Non-member- $316 Session 3 or 4 Member- $295 Non-member- $345 All 4 sessions Member- $954 Non-member $1,144

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“Never met a more mature,

dedicated group of young

individuals. I’ve witnessed other camps and have not seen the caliber of

students/counselors you bring on board

for your program.”

For more information about any of our camp

programs visit: darien-ymca.org/

summercamp/

MINI CAMPS PRESCHOOL MINI CAMP

During Mini Camp Week, campers will be separated into full day and half day classes. These classes will be different than their regular camp classes. You may choose which days you want to attend. Each mini camp day will have different activities. They will have free swim every day. Other activities include: arts & crafts, music, sports, outside play. Session Dates: Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16

HALF DAY Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Fee: Members- $70 per day Non-members- $80 per day

FULL DAY Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Fees: Members- $90 per day Non-members- $100 per day

Space is limited! Priority registration begins

Tuesday, February 5th.

SCHOOL AGE MINI CAMP • Ages Kindergarten-15 years Mini Camp days will be held at the Darien YMCA. During Mini Camp week, campers will be separated by grade. These groups will be different than their regular camp groups. You may choose what days you want to attend. Each mini camp day will have different activities. They will have free swim every day. Other activities include: arts & crafts, sports, boating, STEM, outside play, field trips and more. *Field Trip days will be determined at a later date.

Session Dates: Mini Camp 1*: June 17 – June 21 (School Age & Gymnastics Camp) *will be based on Darien Public School ScheduleMini Camp 2: August 12 – August 16

FULL DAY Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Fees: Members- $90 per day Non-members- $100 per day

AFTERNOON Time:1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Fees: Members- $50 per day Non-members- $60 per day

CITs Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Fees: Members- $30 per day Non-members- $40 per day

Space is limited! Priority registration begins Tuesday, February 5th.

GYMNASTICS MINI CAMP • Girls only 5-12 years. Must have completed Kindergarten.

Mini Camp days will be held at the Darien YMCA. During Mini Camp week, girls may be in different groups than they were during regular Gymnastics Camp. You may choose what days you want to attend. Your daughter will learn a variety of gymnastics skills, make new friends and participate in arts & crafts, along with a variety of fun games. We will take a break for arts and crafts and lunch. Bring a bag lunch.

Session Dates: Mini Camp 1*: June 17 – June 21 (School Age & Gymnastics Camp) *will be based on Darien Public School ScheduleMini Camp 2: August 12 – August 16

Time: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Fees: Members- $65 per day Non-members- $75 per day

Does your camper need a full day? Gymnastics Camp has the option to enroll in our Afternoon School Age Mini Camp from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm.

Space is limited! Priority registration begins on

Tuesday, February 5th

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“Our son has attended Darien Y Summer Camp for

the third year in a row and every year we've been told it's even better than the previous.”

SPECIAL NEEDS Ages Kindergarten-18 years

SWIM AND SAIL

The Swim and Sail program will be offered to children with special needs and one typical sibling or friend to swim at the YMCA and sail, canoe, and kayak on Holly Pond. The Y’s sailing staff and support staff will be conducting and facilitating this program, which includes social skills and development.

Age Groups: 5-10 year olds, Monday - Friday 3:00 pm-5:15 pm 11-18 year olds, Monday - Friday 5:30 pm-7:45 pm Sessions: Session A: July 1-July 12 Session B: July 15-July 26 Session C: July 29-August 9 Fees: Session A Members- $245, Non-members $295 Session B Members- $270, Non-members- $320 Session C Members - $270, Non-members - $320 Additional for one typical sibling or friend per session Members- $100, Non-Members- $150

CAMP SUPPORT

The Darien YMCA is an all-inclusive camp. We feel that every child should be given the opportunity to participate a fun-filled camp day. Campers are fully immersed in the camp program. At the discretion of the Special Needs Director and Camp Inclusion Coordinator, campers will be assigned 1:2 or 1:1 support. Support staff will motivate campers to be actively engaged in their group activities and provide modification when needed. The Darien YMCA reserves the right to deem if a camper requires additional support. At this time, the Special Needs Director or Camp Inclusion Coordinator will contact the family to discuss a proper plan.

Please see specific camp based on age/grade for fees and times. You must contact Suzanne Richards at srichards@darien-ymca.org to arrange a support staff or to answer any questions. Registration is based on program availability. Once a session is full, your child will be placed on the wait list. Priority registration begins on February 5th.

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“This was a wonderful life changing experience for my son. He has always wanted to go to

summer camp and I could never find one that I

could afford or that could accommodate his special

needs. This experience over exceeded my expectations and words cannot express

the gratitude I have for the Darien YMCA.”

“It was way above what I expected. I would have

never been able to afford

this type of experience for

my son if it had not been

for the scholarship that was

granted. Thank you to the donors and whoever else

made it possible.”

EXTENDED CARE The YMCA Summer Camp offers Extended Care hours for those families that need extra care.

Times: Pre-School Camp: 8:00 am – 8:30 am and/or 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm at the YMCASchool Age Camp: 8:00 am – 8:30 am off site at Royle School and 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm at YMCAGymnastics Camp: 8:00 am – 8:30 am at YMCA in Gymnastics CenterSchool Age Mini Camp: 8:00 am – 8:30 am and/or 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm at the YMCA

Fees:AM Care: $5 per dayPM Care: $20 per dayAM & PM Care: $22 per day

Registration: All Extended Care Participants will register online or at the front desk for the days needed. Extended Care registration will begin June 3, 2019. **We do not provide transportation to the YMCA in the afternoon for children not participating or registered in extended care.****Due to limited staff, we do not take children from extended care to any YMCA classes**

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“My son loved it and we will definitely be

coming back. The price

is great, the kids have

so much fun, and my son talks about it (it’s almost October now) almost every day.”

REGISTRATION GUIDELINES • Children who are members of the Darien YMCA or who have parents who are YMCA members will receive priority registration due to a ruling by the Darien Planning and Zoning Commission. Siblings of returning campers may register during priority registration if they are a member. • If registering for all 4 sessions, you will receive a 5% 4 Session Discount. If registering online the 4 session discount will not calculate. You may apply for a System Credit after your register. Mini Camp registration is not included in the 4 sessions discount.• A non-member fee of $50 per session will be added.• Determine correct camp placement by noting what grade in school the child has just completed. If a child has not attended Kindergarten, they must attend the Pre School Camp.• You may not register for Camp 2019 if you have any outstanding balance for other YMCA programs.

REQUIRED FORMS

The following items MUST be on file at the Darien YMCA Camp in order for your child to attend.

• A Registration Form fully completed. If you register at the YMCA front desk, you will be required to complete at the time of registration. If you register online, you must complete the form and return to the YMCA within 10 days.• A complete Physical Form that is less than 36 months old. Campers may submit a copy of completed school physical or use the camp physical form.• Any children bringing medication to camp must have their physician complete and sign the Authorization of Medication Form. Parents must sign the Parent Section on the form. Medications must be submitted in the original container with the prescription clearly visible. If it is an “over the counter” medication, this form must be complete and medication must be in original container. We will not accept any medication without a completed form.• Individual Care Plans are required for any child who has a special health or behavior concern that our staff should be made aware of. Once filled out by the parent, the form will be shared with the Camp Directors, Camp First Aider and the child’s immediate counselors if necessary.

HOW TO SUBMIT FORMS

Registration form, Medical Forms and Authorization of Medication Forms can be submitted in the following way:

• Mail to Darien YMCA, 2420 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 attn: Camp• Scan and email to srichards@darien-ymca.org• Drop off at YMCA• Fax to (203) 656-2267

CAMP REFUND POLICY

• A participant canceling before May 1st will receive a refund or online credit less a $50 charge per session canceling or $10 charge per day of Mini-Camp.• A participant canceling after May 1st will receive a refund or online credit less a 30% charge per session canceling or each day of Mini-Camp canceling• A participant canceling after June 1st will receive an online credit only less a 30% charge per session canceling or each day of Mini-Camp canceling.• If a participant cancels after the 1st day of camp or Mini Camp, no refund will be given.

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Financial Assistance, Payment Plans, and MembershipFINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Darien YMCA wants all children to have the opportunity to participate in summer camp, regardless of financial situation or ability to pay. Our Financial Assistance is based on family income, number of members in the household and the availability of YMCA funds.

1. To apply for Financial Assistance through the Darien YMCA, you must fill out a financial assistance application. The form must be completed and accompanied by income verification. Income verification will be most recent Tax Return, W-2 forms, past 4 weeks pay stubs, public aid documentation, social security or disability statements, child support/alimony payments. If you did not file a tax return, please indicate and explain. We require letters from all employers if no tax return has been filed. You must also provide a copy of your lease or mortgage and two utility bills. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to applicant.

2. You will be contacted by the Camp Director via email once your application has been approved.

PAYMENT PLANS

The Darien YMCA Summer Camp offers a Camp Payment Plan. You must complete the Payment Plan Form. All payments are made on the 20th of the month, with the last payment being June 20th. You must pay the first payment at the time of registration. If you choose to do a payment plan, you must register in person at the YMCA front desk.

YMCA MEMBERSHIP

A $50 per session non-member fee is applied to all camp fees. Your child can become a Youth Member, which will give them the member fee and priority registration. A Youth Membership is $250 for the year, with a $30 joiners fee. *Become a member by March 15, 2019 and the Y will waive the $30 joiner fee.

YMCA Camp DirectorsSchool Age and Special Needs Camp Suzanne Richards, Director of Youth Development and Special Needs Programs srichards@darien-ymca.org

Preschool Camp April Greene, Youth Services Director agreene@darien-ymca.org

Gymnastics Camps Nicole Kapitan, NLKapitan@aol.com

DARIEN YMCA