McGuffey Centre
Together We Are Better Summer Day Camp
Family Handbook & Policy Manual
Welcome!
Welcome to the Together We Are Better Summer Day Camp at McGuffey Centre.
Our goal is to provide children with a safe, structured, positive, and engaging summer experience where they can learn, grow, build friendships, stay active, and feel supported by caring staff.
This handbook explains camp policies, safety expectations, family responsibilities, and daily procedures. These policies exist to help protect campers, families, staff, volunteers, and the organization while creating a successful camp experience for everyone.
Camp Philosophy
We believe:
- children deserve safety and structure
- families deserve communication and professionalism
- camp should be fun, organized, respectful, and supportive
- all children should feel included and encouraged
We are committed to creating an environment where children feel:
- safe
- respected
- supervised
- encouraged
- connected
Camp Dates & Hours
Camp Dates: June 15, 2026 to August 14, 2026
Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Drop-Off Time: 9:00 a.m.
Pick-Up Time: 3:00 p.m.
Late pickup may result in additional fees or removal from camp programming if repeated.
Camper Eligibility
Camp is open to children ages 5 to 12.
Campers must be able to safely participate in group activities with reasonable supervision and support.
Registration Requirements
All required forms must be completed before a child may attend camp. Incomplete registration packets will delay camp participation.
Required forms include:
- Registration Form
- Emergency Contact Form
- Medical/Allergy Information
- Authorized Pickup Form
- Liability Waiver
- Photo/Media Release
- Medication Authorization Form (if applicable)
Drop-Off Procedures
For camper safety:
- Families must sign campers in daily.
- Campers should not be dropped off before approved times.
- Staff must visually confirm camper arrival.
- Families should notify staff of important concerns at drop-off.
- Children should arrive prepared for the day with required supplies.
Pick-Up Procedures
For camper protection:
- Only approved individuals listed on the Authorized Pickup Form may pick up campers.
- Identification will be required until staff members become familiar with the authorized individual.
- Staff may refuse release if authorization cannot be verified.
- Families must sign campers out daily.
- Please notify camp leadership if someone new will be picking up your child.
Attendance & Absences
Please notify camp if your child will be absent.
Consistent attendance helps maintain:
- supervision
- activity planning
- staffing
- camper engagement
Daily Schedule
Camp operates on a structured daily schedule that may include:
- athletics/recreation
- educational activities
- arts and crafts
- leadership/team building
- reading/STEM activities
- group games
- outdoor activities
Schedules may change due to weather, staffing, field trips, or operational needs.
Camper Behavior Expectations
Campers are expected to:
- follow directions
- treat others respectfully
- participate safely
- use appropriate language
- respect property and equipment
- keep hands and feet to themselves
Unsafe, aggressive, threatening, bullying, or repeatedly disruptive behavior may result in:
- family contact
- removal from activities
- suspension
- dismissal from camp
- emergency services may be contacted if necessary
Physical violence, threats, harassment, or behavior creating safety risks will be taken seriously.
Bullying Policy
Bullying, teasing, intimidation, exclusion, threats, or harassment are not permitted.
Families should encourage children to:
- report concerns
- speak respectfully
- include others
- seek staff help early
Camp leadership will investigate concerns and respond appropriately.
Safety & Supervision
Camp staff are trained on:
- active supervision
- emergency procedures
- behavior management
- camper accountability
- mandated reporting requirements
- incident reporting
Campers are supervised throughout camp activities and transitions.
Emergency Procedures
Camp has procedures for:
- severe weather
- fire evacuation
- medical emergencies
- missing campers
- facility emergencies
Families will be contacted as quickly as possible during significant emergencies.
Illness & Injury
Families should keep children home if they are:
- sick
- contagious
- vomiting
- having diarrhea
- experiencing fever
- unable to safely participate
If a child becomes ill or injured during camp:
- families will be contacted
- emergency services may be contacted if necessary
- incidents will be documented
Medication Policy
Medication may only be administered according to camp procedures and completed authorization forms.
Medication must:
- be clearly labeled
- remain in original containers
- be turned in according to camp instructions
Camp staff may not administer unauthorized medication.
Allergies & Food Safety
Food allergies must be disclosed during registration.
Families are responsible for providing accurate medical and allergy information.
Camp will attempt to reduce exposure risks, but families should understand that shared environments cannot guarantee allergen-free conditions.
Food sharing between campers may be restricted for safety reasons.
Restroom Procedures
Camp staff supervise restroom usage while respecting camper privacy.
Campers are expected to:
- use restrooms appropriately
- follow directions
- avoid horseplay
- report concerns immediately
Staff are trained on child protection expectations regarding restroom supervision.
Phones, Electronics & Personal Property
Campers should not bring expensive personal items unless approved.
The camp is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
Phone usage by campers may be limited during activities.
Photos & Media
Camp may take photos or videos for:
- camp promotion
- social media
- marketing materials
- community outreach
Only children with signed media permission may appear in camp media.
Family Communication
Camp will communicate through:
- phone
- email
- texting app
- social media updates
- printed notices
Families should ensure contact information remains current.
Transportation & Field Trips
Field trips and transportation activities may require additional waivers or procedures.
Families will receive information regarding:
- trip dates
- departure/return times
- expectations
- safety rules
- if any fees are required
- volunteering to chaperone
Family Conduct Expectations
Families are expected to:
- communicate respectfully
- follow camp procedures
- support camp safety expectations
- avoid disruptive behavior during camp operations
Threatening, abusive, or unsafe conduct may result in removal from camp property or dismissal from programming.
Reporting Concerns
Families should report concerns to camp leadership as early as possible so issues can be addressed promptly and professionally.
Camp Rights & Policy Changes
Camp leadership reserves the right to:
- modify schedules
- adjust activities
- update procedures
- remove campers for safety or behavior concerns
- suspend campers due to attendance infractions
- suspend campers due to unpaid fees
- revise policies as needed
Policies exist to protect the safety of children and staff as well as ensure the safe operation of the camp program.
This handbook/policy manual is intended to provide general guidelines, expectations, procedures, and standards for participation and operations. It is not intended to address every possible situation, circumstance, or issue that may arise. The organization reserves the right to interpret, modify, update, suspend, or deviate from policies and procedures as needed to support the safety, wellbeing, operations, and best interests of the organization and its participants. Additional rules, expectations, or decisions may be communicated verbally or in writing as situations require.