NATURE CAMPS AND NATURE TRIPSPARENT GUIDE

2019

Mayor Kevin Hartke and the Chandler City Council

Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park

chandleraz.gov/eec • EEC@chandleraz.gov • 480-782-2890

NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019 2

LOCATION & SITE MAPVeterans

Oasis Park / EEC

4050 E. CHANDLER HEIGHTS RD.

CHANDLER HEIGHTS ROAD

LIN

DSA

Y RO

AD

Environmental Education Center

ENTRANCE

Police Substation

Bus Drop Off Area

3

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the City of Chandler Environmental Education Center (EEC) Nature Camps & Nature Trips! We have worked very hard to create educational, enjoyable and memorable programs while your kids are out of school. To ensure the success of these programs and the safety of our campers, we ask that all parents and campers read through the information provided in this guide.

Though each week of camps and the individual nature trips are unique unto themselves, our overriding policies and guidelines are not. In this parent guide you will find a list of Policies and Guidelines that we ask all parents, campers and staff to follow. Please take a few moments to read it over and then sign the Policy Acknowledgement and Emergency Forms in this guide.

If you have any questions please contact Dexter Belling at 480-782-2895 or by email, dexter.belling@chandleraz.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to another fun session of Nature Camps & Nature Trips!

Sincerely,

The Environmental Education Center Staff

FREQUENTLY CALLED PHONE NUMBERS:EEC Front Desk 480-782-2890

Program Coordinator Dexter Belling, 480-782-2895

EEC Fax Number 480-782-2888

ADDRESS:Environmental Education Center 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85249

MAILING ADDRESS:Mail Stop 420, P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008

2019

NATURE CAMPS | 2019

4 NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019

NATURE CAMPSNature Camps are designed and offered as one-week (M-F), all-day sessions to showcase a particular nature theme. Some traditional learning takes place but the majority of camp is comprised of hands-on activities such as games, crafts, hikes, and experiments.Nature camp is designed to give participants a safe place to discover, imagine, and grow during the weeks that the Chandler School District is not in session.

CAMP DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30-8:30 a.m. Drop-off and Free Play

8:30–9 a.m. Daily Introduction

9–10:30 a.m. Structured Activities

10:30–10:45 a.m. Snack Break

10:45 a.m.–noon Structured Activities

Noon–1 p.m. Lunch and Movie

1–3 p.m. Structured Activities

3–3:15 p.m. Snack Break

3:15–4:30 p.m. Structured Activities

4:30–5:30 p.m. Pick-up and Free Play

NATURE TRIPSNature Trips are designed as single day offerings to get out and explore nature, science, and outdoor activities in a new place. These trips utilize 14 passenger mini busses to transport participants on an exciting field trip. Nature trips are scheduled during Teacher Inservice/Workdays to provide fun opportunities on these individual days when school is out. The program runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide supervision for working families.

TRIPS DAILY SCHEDULE

8-9 a.m. Drop-off and Free Play

9-10 a.m. Pre-trip Activity and Departure

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gone on the trip

3-4 p.m. Return and Post-trip Activity

4-5 p.m. Pick-up and Free Play

*Field trips and other opportunities may occasionally change the schedule. These exceptions will be noted during registration or communicated to parents in advance.

Example: During Summer session campers will swim at the pool from 1–4 p.m. each Tuesday.

5 NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019

PARENT/PARTICIPANT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES **The recreation program is a drop-in program and participants may come and go at their own volition during the session

for which they are registered.**

REFUNDS• If the Recreation Division cancels a session, a full refund

or transfer will be issued.• Program fees paid by credit card, check or cash will be

refunded within two to four full business weeks after approval by the Program Coordinator.

• Refunds will be made only to the original payee or credit card holder.

• Refunds will be processed upon notification to the Program Coordinator, Dexter Belling at 480-782-2895.

• 100% refunds will only be granted if requested 48 hours, or more, in advance.

• This policy is enforced so that we can plan supplies and activities properly.

ABSENCESRefunds are not available for vacations, special events, short-term illnesses of four days or less, or other personal commitments that prevent attendance.

EXTENDED ILLNESSES • A refund may be available for an extended illness of five

or more consecutive program days. • A doctor’s note and written note from the parent or

guardian explaining the situation must be received within eight working days from the first day of absence. Upon review, participants may receive a prorated refund for the unused days.

INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATIONThe Department welcomes the participation of children and adults, including those with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation should be requested two (2) weeks in advance. Contact Collette Prather at 480-782-2709 or AZ Relay at 711. Staff is not able to provide services of a personal nature, such as assistance in eating, toileting or dressing. Participants are welcome to bring a caregiver or aide, if they need assistance with these activities.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND SAFETYThe City of Chandler Community Services Department strives to maintain an atmosphere of camaraderie, courtesy, and respect. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone in our recreational facilities, classes, programs, and activities, participants are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, at all times.Appropriate behavior includes the ability and willingness to follow instructions and to interact positively with other individuals. Staff will discuss behaviors of concern with a participant and his/her family, when necessary. Unsafe or unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated from anyone visiting a facility or participating in any City of Chandler class, program, or activity. Any person acting inappropriately may be subject to Progressive Discipline Action Steps, which may include revocation of the privilege of using department facilities or participating in departmental activities, classes, or programs for a period of time (including a permanent ban), as determined by staff, based on the circumstances of a specific incident.Please inquire at the front desk to view the Code of Conduct and Safety in its entirety.

6 NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019

BEHAVIOR POLICY• Our purpose is to provide recreation for youth ages 6-12.

Since we’re here to have fun, we take problems seriously.• After each incident that warrants parent/guardian

contact, we will consider it a “strike.” After three strikes, participants will be asked to leave the program and will not be given a refund. Participants who are asked to leave are not permitted to enroll in future sessions.

• We log all behavior incidents, and if incidents are serious and/or frequent, we will talk to the parent/guardian, either on the phone or in person.

• Incident Report of Child Abuse-Arizona State Law/Code Section 13-3620, 8-201 states mandatory reporting required by a physician, resident, dentist, chiropractor, medical examiner, nurse, psychologist, social worker, school personnel, peace officer, parent, counselor, clergy/priest. The Recreation Division will notify the Chandler Police Department Victim Services Unit at 480-782-4535 of all issues relating to the Arizona State Law of Child Abuse.

• This policy is set in place in order to ensure safety and to prevent behavior problems for all participants and staff members. If you have any questions, please feel free to inform a Recreation Leader II or contact Dexter Belling at 480-782-2895.

SAFETY CONCERNS • Parents/Guardians are responsible for the welfare of

their child(ren) prior to and after the program in which the child is enrolled.

• Participants should not be dropped off before the program start time nor should the parent/guardian leave the participant past the end of the program hours.

PHOTOGRAPHING • Photographs and videotaping of youth participating in

the program is discouraged by parents/guardians, and/or visitors due to the confidentiality of the child(ren) present.

• Photographs and video footage taken of your child(ren) as a result of participation in activities of the program may be used in promotional materials. Please inform program staff before your child attends, if you do not want your child’s photo or video to be taken.

MEDICATION DISBURSEMENT • Recreation staff and representatives are not trained

or permitted to provide medication administration services to program participants.

• If you require assistance with medication administration during participation in one of our programs, you will need to make arrangements to have a caregiver provide such services for you.

• Participants’ self-administration of medications will be permitted only in accordance with an approved in advance Request for Reasonable Accommodation.

• Medications covered by this policy include, but are not limited to, all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens).

Any questions regarding the administration of medications should be directed to Dexter Belling.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and found is located at the Guest Services Counter. Two weeks after the program ends, unclaimed lost and found items will be given to charity. The program is not responsible for any items lost during the program.NO TOYS OR ELECTRONICS PERMITTED IN CAMP!Toys, electronic games and cell phones are distracting to the program. If they need a cell phone, it should remain in a backpack and no one should know they have it.

LUNCH/SNACK • Please make sure your child(ren) eat a well-balanced

meal. The program does not provide breakfast, lunch or snack.

• Participants must provide their own non-perishable lunch and snack. Lunchtime is scheduled from 12-1 p.m. Snack times are scheduled once during the morning and afternoon sessions.

• Refrigeration is NOT available for individual lunches.

WATER BOTTLE • There will be a large cooler of ice water that campers can

refill their water bottles at. Staff will frequently remind campers to drink water.

• Every child must have a full water bottle on the hike.

7 NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019

SWIMMING (SUMMER SESSION ONLY)• Open-swim is scheduled for Tuesday of each week from

12:30-4 p.m. during the summer session. Participants should be dropped off no later than Noon to prepare for pool day.

• Participants must bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.• All participants will be required to complete a swim test

provided by the aquatic staff prior to swimming at the pool. Participants who do not pass will be restricted to swim in the zero depth area.

• Masks, snorkels, fins, water wings, vests and swim toys are not allowed. Goggles are not required but encouraged.

• Participants have the opportunity to change into their swimsuits prior to swimming. If your child wears their swimsuit to the program, please have them bring their undergarments to change into after swimming. Wet swimsuits are not advisable for participants to stay in all day due to health concerns.

SUNSCREEN • Please send your child to the program with waterproof

sunscreen (25 SPF or higher), with their name clearly marked on it.

• Helpful suggestion: Try applying all day waterproof sunscreen on your child(ren) before they leave for the program.

• Our counselors will help participants that cannot apply sunscreen by themselves with a signed approval form.

PROGRAM DRESS CODE • Shoes must be closed toed – NO sandals, flip flops or

Crocs.• We play active games and take hikes. Your child will get

dirty, wet, painted, and/or messy in ways we can only imagine. Do not send them in their fashionable outfits.

• To reduce the amount of lost and found, please have your child(ren)’s clothing marked with their name on it.

TRANSPORTATION• On Nature Trips and on Pool Day, 14 passenger buses are

used to transport participants to the trip location. • All drivers have completed defensive driver training with

the City of Chandler.• The buses have lap seat-belts that must be worn by all

passengers.• These buses do not require booster seats for children who

would typically require one in a smaller vehicle.• Wheelchair transportation can be provided with two

weeks or more notice.

TRIP DELAYS• We plan in extra time for traffic delays, but if participants

are expected to return after 4 p.m. we will do our very best to inform parents in a timely manner.

• You can call the EEC front desk for travel updates at (480)782-2890.

ALTERNATE PICK-UP LOCATIONSIf you wish to pick up a participant at a location other than the EEC please contact Dexter Belling at least three (3) business days in advance with your request. We may not be able to accommodate your request due to travel itineraries but we will do our best.

8 NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019

PARTICIPANT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP • Parents are to walk their children in and out of the building

during drop-off and pick-up. • The EEC will allow parents to utilize the bus drop off

location, just south of the main facility entrance for drop-off and pick-up only. For an accurate depiction of this location, please see the map on page two of this guide.

• Staff will have a table with sign in/out forms inside of the camp classroom. Please sign each child in and out properly.

• If you will be dropping your camper off after 9 a.m. or picking up before 4 p.m. be aware that the campers and staff may be out in the park on a hike. You will be asked to remain with your child until the group returns or arrangements can be made to meet up with the group.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMESNature Camp Nature Trips

Doors Open 7:30 a.m. 8 a.m.

Activities Start 8:30 a.m. 9 a.m.

Activities End 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m.

Latest Pick-Up 5:30 p.m. 5 p.m.

LATE PICK-UP • Participants must not be dropped off earlier than

7:30 a.m., and must be picked up no later than 5:30 p.m. • We will enforce this policy by charging fees in order to

cover the additional supervision time. • Participants dropped off earlier or picked up later than the

above stated times will be charged a flat $5 fee for the first 15-minutes and $5 for every five minutes thereafter.

• After three incidents of early drop-offs or late pick-ups, your child will be removed from the program with no refund.

LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DEPARTURES• Participants can be dropped off late or picked up early,

however you may need to wait for some program activities to conclude. For example; hikes in the park can last up to 30 minutes and you may need to wait until the group returns.

• On Nature Trips and Pool Days participants must be on time and can’t be picked-up until participants return to the EEC.

ALTERNATE PICK-UPS• If someone will be picking up your participant who is not

a parent or legal guardian, we ask that you list that person as an “alternate pick-up” on the Emergency contact form.

• All employees reserve the right to ask for identification and refuse a pick-up to unauthorized individuals.

SELECT THE SEASON: Summer Fall Winter Spring

NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019 9

EMERGENCY CONTACTI, _____________________________________________ , the parent/legal guardian of the participant(s) listed below:

Child’s Name

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________________________________________

give permission for emergency medical service to be administered to my child/participant listed above. I understand that the City of Chandler does not carry accident insurance for these programs. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Chandler from all losses or injuries sustained during my child’s/youth’s participation. I also give permission for any photo/video taken of my child/participant to be used by the City of Chandler.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Parent/Guardian email address: ____________________________________________________________________________

In case of emergency, please contact: (Please print)PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT SECONDARY CONTACT

Name: ____________________________________________ Name:____________________________________________

Cell Number: _______________________________________ Cell Number: ______________________________________

Home Number: _____________________________________ Home Number: ____________________________________

Relationship: _______________________________________ Relationship: ______________________________________

In case of emergency, please list child’s address: ___________________________________________________________

The City of Chandler intends to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Collette Prather at (480) 782-2709 at least two weeks in advance.

List any physical disabilities/conditions or allergies to food or medications known: _____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Doctor’s Name: ________________________________________Phone Number: ________________________________

Staff cannot administer any medication. The City of Chandler will not store medication and is not responsible or liable for any medication your child requires.

Alternate Pick-ups: (Please list the names and contact information for people permitted to pick-up your child.)If someone other then myself will be picking my child up from class I will notify staff in writing and that person will be required to show photo ID before my child will be released. Name Relation to Child Phone Number

1. ________________________________________ __________________ ______________________________________

2. ________________________________________ __________________ ______________________________________

3. ________________________________________ __________________ ______________________________________

NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019 10

SELECT THE SEASON: Summer Fall Winter Spring

PARENTS: Please read the attached information regarding our program policies. When you have read them, please sign this acknowledgement sheet.

I, ________________________________________________________ , the parent/legal guardian of the participant(s) listed below:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

have read and understand the policies/guidelines as explained in this parent guide. My child(ren) and I will adhere to these policies/guidelines for the duration of the program. I attest to the fact that my child is of the appropriate age to attend this camp: between the ages of 6 and 12.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________Date: __________________________

POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

NATURE CAMPS/TRIPS | 2019 11

SWIMMING/SUNSCREEN PERMISSION SLIPSWIMMING PERMISSION (SUMMER SESSION ONLY)

I, ________________________________________________________ , the parent/legal guardian of the participant(s) listed below:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

give permission for my child/participant to go swimming with the program. I understand that the City of Chandler does not carry accident insurance for these programs. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Chandler from all losses or injuries sustained during my child’s/youth’s participation.

I understand staff will not be left behind at the facility in order to ensure that the staff-to-participant ratio is met. All participants in attendance will attend the swim trip.

I also give permission for any photo/video taken of my child/participants to be used by the City of Chandler.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________

SUNSCREEN PERMISSION

I, ________________________________________________________ , the parent/legal guardian of the participant(s) listed above give permission for a program leader of the same sex as my child to apply sunscreen to my child in the presence of another program leader.

The purpose of sunscreen is for the safety of the participants and encouragement of proper protection from the sun before open swimming and/or any outdoor activity.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________