St. Bede’sMarch 17th-21st, 2014

YMCA Camp Arroyo• We opened in 2001• Our buildings use various “green”

building techniques as a living model of sustainability

• We are located in the hills outside Livermore

• 138 acres, including:– 12 modern cabins– Swimming pool– Large cafeteria– Infirmary– 2 yurts– Basketball Court– Organic Garden– Amphitheater

What will my child do at Outdoor School?

• Outdoor Environmental Education School

• Although the students will have fun with the hands on learning, this is not a “summer camp” experience.

• Students will be placed in Adventure Groups by their teachers and assigned to an Arroyo Naturalist who will be their teacher while at camp.

• Your child will be given the opportunity to explore, hike, learn, have fun and make new friends.

What is a Naturalist?

The instructors at camp are called Naturalists

They have experience working with children of all ages

And a love for the outdoors and passion for what they teach

Benefits of East Bay

Outdoor School

• Our hands-on curriculum meets with many CA State Standards

• Community-building and shared experiences transfer into the classroom

• Personal growth– Staying overnight away from

home—we are experts in helping kids through homesickness

– Working with peers and making new friends

– Overcoming personal challenges and achievements

– Chores—kids take responsibility for taking care of where we live and eat

Cabins• Male and female cabins are

separated. • Each cabin houses 12 people—

up to 11 students, at least on adult

• Each cabin has:– 6 bunk beds– Drawers to store clothes– Heat and A/C to keep kids

comfortable– Bathroom inside cabin

BathroomsEach bathroom has:• A private shower• A private toilet• 2 sinks • Shelves for toiletries

Example of Our Schedule

7:00 Wake up—Get ready for the day and do cabin chores

8:15 Breakfast9:00 Adventure Group Lesson11:45 Lunch12:30 Quiet Time in Cabins1:30 Adventure Group Lesson4:15 Recreation Time5:45 Dinner6:45 Cabin Time7:15 Night program8:45 Get ready for bed (showers)9:30 Lights out!

Lesson OptionsIn Adventure Groups

Wild Places

• Explore the areas around camp through games and activities.

• Look for critters under logs, explore with binoculars, and connect yourself to nature!

• Take hikes to check out the wildlife & plants that live around camp.

Voices of the Past

• Learn about the Ohlone Indians who lived here before us.

• We will explore the culture through hands-on activities, such as making rope and using pump drills for a shell necklace, using a mortar and pestle to grind wheat, and attempting to make fire.

LessonsGarden

• Connect to the source of our food by harvesting and cooking with seasonal garden produce.

• Talk about life cycles and see it in action through our composting systems.

• Assist us with caring for our garden

Eco-Design

•Experiment with solar energy and other renewable resources! Can you really power a CD player with the sun’s energy?• Learn earthy-friendly building through hands-on activities

LessonsCresta Blanca Hike

• Hike to the top of the surrounding hills for an incredible view of Lake Del Valle.

• Learn about local geology and watersheds through fun activities.

Recreation Time

• In the afternoons you can choose a Rec Activity

• Choices may include:– Soccer– Basketball– Lanyards– Board games– And other sports and

arts & crafts!

Night ProgramsOptions Include:

Staff Campfire

Night Walk

Surprise Activity

Student Skit Night

Meals• Students are assigned a table group

for the week.• Meals are served family style.• Students will have 3 well-balanced

nutritious meals prepared by our professional Food Service Staff.

• There is plenty of variety to keep everybody satisfied.

• If your child has a food allergy or any dietary issues please write it on the health form so that the kitchen can accommodate your child’s needs.

• Meals may include:Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, cereal, fruit, bacon, tater totsLunch: Burritos, grilled cheese, wraps, fries, pizza, saladDinner: pasta, stir fry, tacos, vegetables, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, rice

We’re all helpers!

• During meals, we have 3 jobs that everyone has the opportunity to assist with. We are a community so everyone helps each other.

– Set Up: A different group will set the tables for each meal

– Hoppers: Each table will have 2 rotating hoppers per meal. Hoppers serving dishes to the table and clear the items at the end of the meal. (They are NOT in charge of serving any food.)

– Clean Up: Each cabin group will sweep the cafeteria floor at least once so that the dining hall is ready for the next meal.

Safety and Medical Concerns• Students are supervised by

adults 24 hours a day• There are 1-2 chaperones per

cabin to supervise whenever students are in the cabin

• Students are never allowed to go anywhere by themselves. We use a buddy system

• The YMCA Camp Arroyo staff have all been fingerprinted

• All staff are First Aid and CPR certified and trained in use of the onsite AED

• All medications are distributed by the Health Supervisor assigned by the school

• Emergency services can be at camp within 10 minutes

Behavior ManagementSome of Our Rules• Four Core Values: Respect,

Responsibility, Honesty, Caring

• Always follow the Buddy System

• Walk on the paths• Listen and follow the directions

of my teachers and chaperones

• Respect the property of others• Respect the privacy of others• Use language that is positive• Help my cabin clean every

morning before breakfast

Our Warning System• 1st warning: Verbal• 2nd warning: Will miss

Rec Time for the day• 3rd warning: Will miss

Rec Time and will call home

• 4th warning: Will be sent home

What to Bring

(You will receive a packing list from your teachers)

• Sack lunch for Arrival Day ONLY• WATERBOTTLE!!!• Day pack to carry water bottle,

sunscreen, warm layer on lesson• Don’t bring anything new and do

n’t buy anything special for camp! You will get dirty!

• Sleeping bag OR twin-size sheets and blanket

• Pillow• Pajamas (sleeping clothes)• 2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair

gets muddy)• Pants, shirts, jacket, hat• Rain coat or poncho• Toothbrush, toothpaste,

shampoo, soap, towel, sunscreen, chapstick

What to Bring

(You will receive a packing list from your teachers)

• Sack lunch for Arrival Day ONLY• WATERBOTTLE!!!• Day pack to carry water bottle,

sunscreen, warm layer on lesson• Don’t bring anything new and do

n’t buy anything special for camp! You will get dirty!

• Sleeping bag OR twin-size sheets and blanket

• Pillow• Pajamas (sleeping clothes)• 2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair

gets muddy)• Pants, shirts, jacket, hat• Rain coat or poncho• Toothbrush, toothpaste,

shampoo, soap, towel, sunscreen, chapstick

What NOT to Bring

• Sandals—students must wear close-toed shoes outside of cabins (flip-flops for the shower are okay)

• Gum, candy, food—it will attract critters

• Electronics, like iPods or Gameboys

• Swiss Army knives• Money—there is nothing

to buy at Camp Arroyo• Cell phones—there are

phones at camp for emergencies

We look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information about our program, please visit our website at

www.camparroyo.org

Fundraising

• Fundraising goal is $4680

• Cost per student is $312

• Fundraising Option: Pizza Lunches every Friday from October-February

• Families have the option of a payment plan if not interested in fundraising

• Payment plan is $52 a month for 6 months (October 1st-March 1st)