2025 Blues Camp Handbook: Protocol and Etiquette

COMPLETING THE ONLINE FORM

All * boxes have to be completed before the form can be submitted to us. Therefore, if there's an area that you don't need to complete just write "No" in the box. If an email address is needed then put the same email address that you're already using.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or concerns after reading the handbook feel free to call us at (779)BluesMe or email us at Info@BluesKids.com

PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE

This is the 34th Anniversary Season of Blues Kids brand and the 14th Anniversary Season for Blues Camp founded by Fernando Jones. Our team is fully aware that you could have sent your child to a music camp or arts camp, but you chose ours. Though free, the evaluation for each student attending is $1,500.

We promise a priceless experience through the lens of a rigorous, world-class schedule with days filled with live public performances and youth friendly activities.

The Team: Blues Camp is staffed with highly qualified, professional music instructors that are world traveled. Our team also included parents and guardians of current and former Blues Kids from across the country.

Supervision: All Blues Kids will be under the direct supervision of team members and instructors counselors at all times. No persons under 18 years of age shall be responsible for any group of children. No child will be left unattended indoors or outdoors at any time. Only a parent/guardian or an individual who is on the pickup permission slip may check out campers. Picture identification is required at the time of pick up.

Hygiene: Proper hygiene and grooming habits are essential. We will be in closed performance spaces for up to 2 hours at a time.

Absences: If your Blues Kid is going to be absent call us smmediately at (779)BluesMe, or bring a note the day before. You may also email info@BluesKids.com

Sick or Disinterested: Keep 'em at home. Just call and let us know.

Drop-Off and Pick-up: Parents/Guardians and livery drivers are to drop students off at 1014 S Michigan Avenue between 7:30A and 8:30A. The expectation is for students to check-in at 8A. Blues Camp starts, officially at 8A.

Staff members will be onsite and outside to greet the Blues Kids and parents between 7:30A and 8:15A.

Lunch and Snacks: Blues Kids will receive fruit, breakfast bars, juice, etc. Lunch snacks may include but not be limited to pizza, veggie dishes, Subway sandwiches and the likes thereof. You can send water and juice with your Blues Kid. Breakfast and lunch for your Blues Kid that don't need to be refrigerated or kept on ice.

Late Pick Up Policy: All Blues Kids should be picked up at the pick-up time and destination according to the official schedule sent. Parents/Guardians, who are late due to unforeseen circumstances (please call). We will call you if you are late. If 15 to 45 minutes late, you will be expected to make a $75 donation to Blues Kids Foundation for the inconveinience -- to be paid by credit or debit card upon arrival. If later . . . and a Blues kid is neglected and we have not heard from a parent/guardian, or if a parent/guardian cannot be reached and no one is available to pick up your Blues Kid, we drop your child off at the nearest police station for safety.

Please have a backup plan that would allow your Blues Kid (with prior approval) to go home with a neighboring parent/guardian or a relative listed as authorized to pick up your child from our day's end site.

Medication: Any medication to be administered must be in a prescription-labeled bottle and have a physician signed note stating the type of medication, frequency of dosage and amount to be given. A medication form must be on file. No exceptions will be made to this rule. It is in the best interest of your child to have any medications properly administered.

When Greeting Adults and guests: Be mannerable while addressing adults as Mr., Ms., Sir, Ma'am, etcetera.

Blues Kids Greeting Blues Kids: Present yourself friendly and welcoming. For one week this’ll be the Bluesiest Place on Earth.

What to Bring to Blues Camp: Once on campus, we will have everything they need to succeed for the day. However, if your Blues Kid plays handheld instruments such as but not limited to horns, harmonicas, basses, guitars, and things like that please bring them. Also bring their own guitar chords, stings, straps, and picks, too. We will have amplifiers.

Safety: Blues Camp is a No Cell Phone Zone. For safety and security purposes cell phones are to be turned off at all time, unless told differently by the instructor. We are encouraging the art of human interaction and a de-brief from handheld electronic devices through this socially interactive experience.

Dress Code: Blues Camp t-shirts must we worn every day in class and at off campus events unless otherwise stated. Additional t-shirts and Blues Camp branded merchandise may be purchased and worn. No shorts of any kind, trench coats, coats or ball caps (unless a Blues Camp branded).

Hoodie’s and long sleeved shirts may be worn as long as the Blues Camp t-shirt can be worn over it.

Consider bringing a combination of two to three pair of long athletic pants, blue jeans, and/or long khaki pants (absolutely no saggin’) with a belt; one pair of closed toe athletic shoes and 5 pairs of socks; one pair of dress shoes or dress boots; one cardigan sweater or light jacket, with no branding on the front or back, in case they get cold in their ensemble rooms – may be worn. One dark suit (sport coat and dark dress pants), one white dress shirt and tie (boys); one dressy outfit for girls with accessories; one “concert black” outfit for boys and girls Google Concert Black Clothing for Concerts); one white outfit for boys and girls for the White Party on Thursday. (Google Dressing for a White Party). Blues Kids will be given a commemorative white Blues Camp t-shirt for the Thursday concert at Navy Pier to wear during the show.

School Supplies: Bring three #2 leaded pencils, three black ink pens, two yellow highlighter markers, one folder with loose-leaf paper and one three-ring binder. Blues Kids may bring your iPad/tablet or laptop to read charts or pull up songs for reference during class. Don't leave valuables overnight in your ensemble rooms. We will not be responsible for theft or loss.

Gear to Bring: Each ensemble room will have backline instruments/gear for a basic Blues combo: piano and/or an electric keyboard, one drum kit with hardware and cymbals, conga drums, three Cube guitar amps, one bass amp, a PA system with two to four microphones and stands.

Depending on the final ensemble configurations be prepared to have your Blues Kid bring their instrument(s) of choice; reeds, etc.; cable/cord(s) are a must; drum sticks; snare drum; drum key and a great, unselfish attitude. We will supply guitar and bass strings. Don’t bring guitar pedal boards.

Homework: The expectation is that each Blues Kid will be prepared each day of class by knowing their parts. Why? Because each band member is depending on each other.

Attendance: Mandatory! It’s just 5 days out of The 93 Days of Summer. We are counting on parents/guardians to enforce and support this philosophy. They will get plenty of rest on Saturday, July 15th. They will be busy all week and better players for it.

Promo Pictures: We will take at least one group photo. One photo per Blues Kid will be available Friday, July 14th for free. We will also take photos and make mini thank you videos for our strategic and community partners and donors.

Bring a Friend to School Day: This has been a wonderful thing at Blues Camp. It allows some of our Blues Kids to invite some of their family and friends out to camp to observe what’s what. Remember to factor in how they will get to and from Navy Pier that day. See schedule. For security and safety purposes their parents/guardians will have an online form to fill out before they can come on campus. That form will be available at BluesKids.com/Chicago

Song Selections: All songs will be age appropriate and chosen for the ensembles by Mr. Jones. songs will be challenging and appropriate for the skill set of the ensemble as a whole. That’s why the audition process is so important, it helps us give proper assessment of their abilities; and this helps us place your Blues Kid in the right ensemble.

Some players might play in more than one ensemble . . . just because. For example, the horn section may be an ensemble onto itself and support other ensembles by playing on some of their and enhancing them. Sometimes an advanced player or two may even volunteer to support the entry level younger Blues Kids. It’s one big happy family.

Blues Mamas & Daddies: This is a concept based on including the entire family and led by Ms. Lawnicki. The week will be a nonstop party so why can’t the adults have a piece of the pie, too? If any parent/guardian, volunteer, etc. wants to be in the Blues Mamas & Daddies email us at Info@BluesKids.com.

Parking Tips: There is metered parking around the school, but public transportation is encouraged.

Lodging: We have special Blues Camp rates right across the street from Blues Camp at the Best Western Grant Park Hotel, 1100 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago Il, 60605. Call (312) 294-2405 and mention “Blues Camp.”

BLUES CAMP RULES
- We treat others as we would like to be treated.
- We communicate with words and do not hit each other.
- We only use appropriate language. Profanity will not be allowed.
- We eat morning snacks and lunch at their times.
- We clean up after ourselves.
- We take turns.
- We respect and listen to our staff members and other adults.
- We put things back where we found them.
- When indoors, we walk only. No running in the building.
- We take the stairs, not the elevator to our rooms.
- We keep each other’s safety in mind at all times.
- Blues Camp provides T-shirts. Additional T-shirts may be purchased for $15.
Discipline problems will not be tolerated. We strive to provide an atmosphere which is conducive to safety and appropriate behavior while attending Blues Camp. Maintaining proper conduct while in the program is the joint responsibility of the Blues Kids, children, parents/guardians and the Blues Kids Foundation team. Offenses may result in dismissal depending on the severity of the infraction.

BLUES CAMP

PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION FORM:

The parent must obtain a letter from the child’s physician or health provider indicating the need to administer the prescribed medication to the Blues Kid during Blues Camp.

ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER AND CURRENT.

The Blues Camp director must have each parent complete and sign the Authorization for Medication form prior to administration of any medication to a child.

Responsibilities of the Physician/Health Care Provider:

The physician or health care provider must indicate the following in writing:
- Name of the medication, dosage, frequency and method of administration.
- Description of anticipated adverse reactions of the child to the medications.
- Physicians/Health Care Provider signature.
- Parent’s signature approving the administration of the medication (noted on the Authorization of Medication Form).
STORAGE OF MEDICATIONS:

All medications will be stored and secured.

The camp director and authorized staff will be the only individuals with access to the medications that are stored.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS:

The Blues Camp Director or authorized staff will administer all prescribed medication to those children whose parent(s) have signed the Authorization for Medication Form, according to the physician’s orders.

AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION

ONLY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN

No medication shall be given by the staff except in special circumstances arranged by the Blues Kids Foundation team member, at which time a signed note from the parent/guardian giving permission must be on file with the us.
CHILD'S NAME*

First NameLast Name
MEDICATION AND PRESCRIPTION NUMBER*
NOTE: MEDICATION MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER
TIME MEDICATION IS TO BE GIVEN*
AMOUNT OF MEDICATION TO BE GIVEN *
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE *

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date

FOR STAFF USE ONLY:

DATE / TIME MEDICATION GIVEN	ADMINISTERED BY
____________________________________	_____________________
____________________________________	_____________________
____________________________________	_____________________

COMMENTS:

_______________________________________________________________

BLUES KID PROFILE
Blues Kid's Name*

Last NameFirst Name
Blues Kid's Name

Last NameFirst Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
County*
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Age*
Sex*
School*
Grade*
Blues Kid Lives With:*
Email
example@example.com
Parent's/Guardian's Name*

First NameLast Name
Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Phone Number(Home)

Area CodePhone Number
Phone Number(Work)

Area CodePhone Number
#2 Parent's/Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number (C)

Area CodePhone Number
Phone Number(H)

Area CodePhone Number
Phone Number(W)

Area CodePhone Number
PERSONS TO CONACT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WHEN A PARENT CAN'T BE REACHED
Name*

First NameLast Name
Relationship*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
#2 Name

First NameLast Name
Relationship
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Family Doctor
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Does your child need any reasonable modification, because of a disability, to enjoy this program?*
Will your child be taking medication during the program hours?*
A special medication form must be completed prior to giving a child any medication.
Do you give recreation staff and the camp director permission to give your child children’s Tylenol if his/her physical condition necessitates it? *
Does your child have any incontinence problems that we need to be aware of? *
Are there any custody issues we need to be aware of to ensure your child’s safety? if yes, explain. *
I have read and understand the discipline policy as set forth in the Parent Handbook. I understand that East Point Parks and Recreation has the right to remove my child for disciplinary reasons.
Parent Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

BLUES CAMP RELEASE FORM

I give permission for my child/children, to attend Blues Camp Field Trips.

To whom it may concern:

My child has my permission to participate in all activities, events and travel sponsored by the Blues Kids Foundation and Knotty Luxe Arts Foundation. I approve of the leaders who will be in charge, realizing that the leaders are serving to the best of their ability, and in consideration of the benefits to be derived by the participants concerned. I hereby voluntarily waive any claim against the leaders and sponsoring institutions for any and all claims which may arise in connection with this program. I certify that the participant has full medical coverage with the company listed below. I also certify that to the best of my knowledge, the participant named herein is physically fit to engage in the activities of the program.
Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Relationship to child*
To the Blues Camp Team,

If during the course of my child’s activities, should he/she become ill or sustain an injury, I hereby authorize you to obtain medical and dental attention.
Signature*

Clear
Insurance Information
Name of Insured:
Insurance Company:
Insurance Company Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Should be Empty: