Camp Orinda Welcome Letter - YWCA Bergen County New Jersey

Summer 2013 

Dear Parents and Children, 

Welcome and thank you for choosing Camp Orinda for your child’s summer camp experience. 

We are looking forward to another terrific summer with lots of fun and exciting activities and special events. 

Preparing for camp is very important which is why we try to make it easier for you. Below you will find all of the 

information you will need to prepare for camp. 

Camp Director: 

Address: 

Akil Davis 

Tel: 201-384-6357 

Email: [email protected] 

Camp Orinda 

Honiss School 

31 Depew Street 

Dumont, NJ 07628 

Things you should know: 

Camp Philosophy – in keeping with the sprit of the YWCA we strive to create an environment of acceptance 

and friendship. We will not tolerate physical or verbal bullying, acts of hatred or intolerance or anything that 

harms another child. No weapons, drugs or alcohol are permitted on camp transportation or camp property 

Absence/ Illness- If your child is ill or has been ill during the night please keep them home. If your child is ill 

(fever, vomiting, diarrhea) or has symptoms of a communicable disease (pink eye, lice, strep) we will contact 

you to pick them up. A child must be free of all above symptoms for 24 before re-admission to camp. If a child 

sees a doctor for an infection/illness they must bring a note from that doctor stating they may return to camp. 

Morning Drop off – will be on Depew Street in front of the school. Always escort your child/children to and 

from Camp. A staff member will assist you and your child to locate his/her group. 

Afternoon Pickup - will be on Depew Street in front of the school. Groups will be waiting in number order and 

you can sign your child out. Be prepared to show your ID until your child’s counselors are familiar with you. 

Anti-Bullying Policy- In keeping with our mission to promote acceptance and tolerance for all people and in 

order to keep all the children in our programs safe, the YWCA OF BERGEN COUNTY in accordance with its 

discipline policy, cannot allow any child in our program to hurt or be hurt by others. This can include physical, 

emotional, or verbal actions. The YWCA has instituted the following policy: 

• Any incidents of the above behaviors will be brought to the attention of the Director of School Age 

Programs. Each incident will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All discipline actions will be in 

accordance with the YWCA Discipline Policy in an age appropriate fashion.

The local police department and the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) will be notified if any child 

is found to be in possession of a weapon or anything identified as or used as a weapon. Further action will be 

under the advisement of the above agencies and the YWCA OF BERGEN COUNTY administration 

Discipline Policy and Removal from Program Policies– It is the YWCA’s goal to educate the student and 

instill in them the ability to self-discipline. Misbehavior is seen as a chance to educate a student about 

appropriate behavior. It is understood that all children require firm and consistent limits and that no child will be 

permitted to endanger himself, others, or to damage property. It is the policy of the YWCA to use appropriate 

physical restraint only when absolutely necessary for the welfare of the child or the protection of life and 

property. Clear and consistent guidelines are presented to children so that they are aware of their 

responsibilities and can be held accountable for their behavior. Children whose needs, abilities and values vary 

are treated in such a way that recognizes these differences. Occasionally there may be times and reasons we 

must expel/ suspend a child from our program. Before we would reach such a situation we will do everything 

possible to work with the family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. Some 

examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to: 

Physical aggression on the part of a child or parent 

Disrespectful / Intolerant words or actions 

Consistently ignoring program rules 

Failure to complete required forms 

Bringing a gun, knife etc. to the program 

Use of foul language by child or parents 

Disrespect to staff or other children (child or parent) 

Leaving program area without permission 

Habitual tardiness when picking up child. 

Failure to pay tuition, and/or late pick up fees 

Parent or Child exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children. Discipline will be administered as 

soon as possible and will be consistent with the severity of the problem. Should there be an infraction of the 

rules, the following consequences will occur: 

1. Verbal Warning -We remind children of appropriate behavior. 

2. Five Minute Time Out- This gives a child a break to cool off. 

3. Ten Minutes Time Out- Again a cooling off period and chance for re-direction. Staff will inform parents 

at pickup. 

4. Written Note - Student writes a note to parent explaining behavior. This allows the student a chance to 

separate from the problem and cool down. It also forces the child to review the situation from start to 

end. Child will give the written note to the parent in the presence of staff. 

5. Removal - Parents are called and asked to pick up the child immediately. This happens in rare cases 

where a child's actions are detracting from the safety of the group. If this removal is permanent the 

parents will have the opportunity to meet with the director of SAP to discuss. 

A child will not be expelled if the parent/guardian: 

1) Made a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding the program’s alleged violations of the licensing 

requirement. 

2) Reported abuse or neglect occurring at the school. 

3) Questioned the program director regarding policies and procedure. 

Fighting or intentional physical aggression for any reason results in immediate jump to #5. In order to return to 

the program, the parent and child must meet with the program director. 

The YWCA program will not tolerate any parent reprimanding, punishing or verbally threatening any child on 

our premises. If there is a problem, you will be asked to leave immediately. The safety of all the children in our 

care is our first priority. 

What to Bring – 

1 bathing suit (1 piece only for girls) and towel in a bag. 

Good sneakers, we ask that children do not come to camp in their flip flops. 

A refillable water bottle. 

LOTION sunscreen. 

Lunch in an insulated bag, refrigerators are not available.

Be sure to label all belongings with your child’s name and group number which will be assigned the first day. 

Swim- Campers will be transported from Camp Orinda to the Tryon Pool located in Englewood, NJ for 

American Red Cross Swim lessons. Campers will be instructed by YWCA Lifeguards/Instructors in a 

chlorinated pool which is closed to the public. Please send your child to camp in their bathing and apply their 

sunscreen prior to arriving. 

Lunch/Snacks- Campers bring their own lunch from home and the YWCA will provide and afternoon snack. 

Medications- As stated on the application all medications must be dispensed by the Camp Medical Director. 

Parents should give any medication/ epi-pen/ inhalers along with the prescription and written instructions to the 

EMT. 

Phone Calls – campers are not allowed to make phone calls. You will be called if a problem should arise. In 

case of emergency, parents should contact the Camp Director 201-384-6357. 

Cell Phone Policy - Parents are highly encouraged not to let their children bring a cell phone to camp. Please 

understand the camp staff will call you if there is ever need to do so with any serious situation relating to your 

child’s health or well being. However, if you insist your child possess a cell phone, please be advised the 

phone will be turned off and placed in the possession of the camp director. The camper may only use the cell 

phone for emergency purposes. To ensure the camp is a safe and controlled environment, phones will not be 

allowed for social contact reasons or to take/send pictures. 

Camp Shirts - Camp shirts should be worn for all special events/trips and on each Monday. Of course, your 

child may wear the shirt everyday. 

SPECIAL NOTES 

1. Camp Orinda will not be responsible for items such as cell phones, iPods, iPads, and 

other personal electronic devices. We strongly recommend that these items be left at 

home and we thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

2. Camp is closed Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in celebration of the holiday. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 201-384-6357 during camp hours. We look forward to 

seeing you on the first day of camp! 

Sincerely, 

Akil Davis 

Director Camp Orinda

Camp Orinda Welcome Letter - YWCA Bergen County New Jersey

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