General Day Camp Information

Camp is open to children ages 5-15. The 14 and 15 year-old campers have the option to become Counselors in Training (CIT).

This is a three (3) week camp held Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Camp takes place at the East Greenbush Town Park, located on Elliott Road. Transportation is provided. There are two sessions available, each with a maximum limit of 200 campers, each registered on a first come first serve basis.

Campers are divided into six (6) groups according to age and are supervised by the following personnel; Youth Program Directors, the Day Camp Director, Assistant Director, Medical Director, Aquatics Director, Red Cross certified lifeguard staff, a team of 3 counselors, and C.I.T.’s.

Campers will rotate through a schedule of daily activities, which they will receive on the first day of camp. Some activities the campers rotated through in 2007 were; arts & crafts, games, swimming, and a Water Fun Day. The campers also enjoyed attending activities and field trips to Jiminy Peak, Bounce N Party,, FunPlex, Lickety Split, Bowling Green, The East Greenbush Library, and Guptils roller arena.. Each year’s activities vary slightly according to staff talents and the activities popularity. We encourage parents to give feedback about the program to let us know what the campers liked and disliked.

As in the past, campers 14-15 years-old may be C.I.T.’s (counselors in training). This heightens their experience, fosters a sense of responsibility, and helps develop career skills (indicate C.I.T. on summer program registration form and receive a free T-shirt).

For Your Information:

The East Greenbush Day Camp is required to have a permit to operate by the New York State Health Department, and is required to be inspected twice yearly. The Rensselaer County Unified Family Service-Department for Youth also monitors the East Greenbush Day Camp. Reports are kept on file at the Rensselaer County Office Building 1600 7th Avenue, Troy, N.Y. 12180.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Current immunizations must be on file for all campers & C.I.T.’s.
2. If your child is required to take medication during Day Camp, then an authorization form will be sent home with their confirmation notice. The form must be filled out by a physician and returned prior to the start of camp.
3. Campers and C.I.T.’s cannot arrive to the park prior to 8:50 a.m. Supervision is not available.
4. Campers/C.I.T.’s must bring lunches and two (2) snacks unless otherwise directed.
5. Please do not send glass containers to the Town Park.
6. Send campers/C.I.T’s with an empty labeled water bottle to be filled at the Town Park and kept with them
7. Campers/C.I.T.’s must have a pre-signed note for; changes in dismissal, (including when and with whom the camper is to be picked-up or dropped-off), and activity restrictions.
8. If a camper/C.I.T. is going home with another camper/ C.I.T., both parties must bring in a letter.
9. The camp is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We urge you not to let camper’s/ C.I.T.’s bring in items that are expensive and/or sentimental.
10. Schedules of daily activities will be sent home the first day of camp. These schedules will inform parents of off-site days, activities, when to wear their T-shirt, and what to bring on certain days.
11. Camper’s/C.I.T.’s will be expected to participate in all camp activities, unless a parent/guardian note is submitted
12. All equipment provided should be handled with respect. Any equipment damaged due to improper use will be replaced by the person(s) responsible.
13. Roller-skates/blades will be allowed at camp only on designated Guptils days.
14. Program dismissal will always be from the Town Park.
15. Violence of any form, even violent language, will not be tolerated at camp. Our staff will attempt to deal with disruptive camper’s/C.I.T.’s and/or resolve conflicts that may arise. With continuous behavioral problems and/or any threats or acts of violence, an appropriate level of action will be taken including parents/guardians being notified; the camper/C.I.T may be removed from the program. Please communicate with your child what is appropriate behavior for camp and monitor what your child brings to camp.
16. Apply sunscreen and bug repellent prior to arrival.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Day Camp Swim: All camper’s/C.I.T’s are required to take a swim test within the first 48 hours of camp to assess their swim abilities. Those who do not wish to swim and do not partake in the swim tests will be prohibited from using the beach during camp hours. Campers are required to wear swim bracelets for the duration of camp to alert staff of each campers swim abilities.
2. Red Cross swim instruction is offered on site. It is strongly recommended, not required.
3. A schedule of upcoming events will be handed out on the first day of camp to notify parents/guardians of when, where, and what to bring on certain days.
4. Campers will be transported to Spare Time once per session for part of the camp day.
5. Visit’s to the E.G. Community Library will take place twice each session. Camper’s/C.I.T.’s will need a library card to take books out (video’s are not allowed). Library cards are available at the E.G. Community Library there is no in initial fee, but there is a $1.00 replacement card fee. Children under 14 years-old will need a parent/guardian’s signature.
6. Visits to Guptils will happen once during the three week period. A game room, snack room, and a disco are available for non-skaters. ‘Fun money’ is recommended for this trip (not responsible if lost/stolen). Camper’s/C.I.T.’s will arrive at the park at the regular scheduled time. They will arrive at the park, get off of the busses for attendance, the campers/C.I.T’s and counselors will then depart for Guptils. This is a full day trip.
7. The rainy day site is to be determined, but in 2007 the campers, C.I.T.’s, counselors, and directors were transported to St. Mary’s School. The decision to travel must be made by 1:30 p.m. otherwise, staff and participants will weather the showers under the parks two pavilions.
8. Camp may also include; a trip to Jiminy Peak, a pizza party, a Water Fun Day, as well as short field trips to Funplex, Oasis and the Children’s Museum. There may also be long field trips where the campers will be picked up early or may go home late. Parents/guardians will be notified if such a field trip may take place.
9. T-Shirts are available and recommended. They can be purchased for $7.00 at the East Greenbush Department for Youth Services and Recreation. They allow staff and bus drivers to identify campers.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR DAY CAMP:

1. Freeze juice box, yogurt, pudding cup, applesauce cup, etc. These items will act as an ice pack.
2. Pack an extra water bottle/freeze one (do not fill to top).
3. Do not send a good towel.
4. Send bathing suit in a plastic bag so wet suit can be stored in it after swimming.
5. Label, label, label everything!