OVERALL SAFETY

All Upper Staff are certified in first aid for professional rescuers, RTE, AED, and CPR, with many certified as lifeguards. First aid and lifeguarding staff will always be stationed with the groups. These emergency staff members and the group leaders will carry first aid kits on them at all times.

TRIPS: Walking & Bus Trips

All groups are equipped with walkie-talkies.

On the buses, campers are seat-belted adequately before 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 trip destination, a “safe zone” is designated (typically near a food court) where there are directional signs. A Counselor is stationed at the safety zone with a first aid kit, to be used in emergencies 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

By the end of the second week of camp, campers are tested by a certified water instructor before participating in recreational swimming, and their swimming level is assigned.

The pool is sectioned off in three parts horizontally. Each swim level is divided into a section. Within each area, 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 stay in place watching campers and the pool area. Each section will have a lifeguard and a swimming instructor to ensure 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., red, green, or blue).

Each camper is paired with a swim buddy within their swim level and camper group (we utilize the buddy check system).

For each swimming level, the staff is fully equipped with toys/supplies/equipment/safety belts, etc.

Around the outer area of the pool, a counselor will be stationed to record whenever a camper leaves or returns to the water.

For each day, there are themed games/activities designed to be fun and to further that day’s theme.

Campers registered for our Swim Camp will participate in up to 2 Activity periods daily of swim sessions multiple times a week. Beginner-level swimmers will participate in entry-level courses that help students learn basic skills and prepare them for the Intermediate level. Intermediate/advanced swimmers will work with assigned instructors to emphasize stroke and skill development. Students are introduced to the butterfly and breaststroke, as well as advanced swimming drills that enable them to become efficient swimmers. Swimmers will focus on flip-turns and distance swimming as the student advances and becomes an accomplished swimmer.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

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 7:00 a.m. 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.

All individuals picking up a camper must have a photo ID. 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.

Remember – If for some reason, you are late to pick up your child past 6:00 p.m. and you fail to notify the office staff, there is an additional fee of $1.00 for each extra minute. An invoice will be sent home, or an additional charge will be added to the camp tuition. To avoid additional charges, please notify the camp office if you will be late.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE CAMP

Our camp believes in the strength of communication, which has always been a critical point for our programs. Families will be sent up-to-date correspondences whenever a relevant piece of information, both camp and procedural becomes available. Our office staff will be available from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

CAMPER BEHAVIOR CODE

Our camp is designed to encourage success-building skills in children. All camp activities 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 employ positive reinforcement to the extent appropriate.

ZERO BULLYING AND VIOLENCE POLICY

Any act of bullying, violence, or extreme aggression towards participants, staff, or camp property will result in a child’s immediate dismissal from camp for the remainder of the day. Bullying, violence, and aggressive acts may also include forms of extreme emotional abuse. Repeated behaviors may result in the child’s expulsion from camp for the rest of the summer.

Please note: Any action that jeopardizes the safety of the camp or any participants will result in immediate dismissal.

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. There is no camper refund for any child sent home for disciplinary reasons. Any questions or concerns about your child’s behavior at camp should be directed to our Camp Director.