general camp information
attendance
In order to ensure the safety of our campers, we ask that you let us know if you child will be leaving early or missing camp. If you have prior knowledge of an absence, please put it in writing and give it to your counselor or the Camp Director. If you do not have advanced notice (illness, etc) please email the Camp Director by 8:50am to report the absence or special pick up request. This is extremely important everyday, especially on field trip days since we are often on a fixed schedule and would prefer not to leave someone behind.
attire
Campers should wear comfortable clothing that is alright to get messy. We will be playing outside and getting dirty. Please do not send children to camp in nice clothing, it will more than likely become ruined. Gym shoes should be worn each day, flip flops are NOT acceptable for camp. Sandals are acceptable ONLY on beach days.
camp groups
You will be contacted the weekend before the first day of camp by your child's Head Counselor. If, for some reason, you were unable to communicate with your counselor, please direct your concerns the Camp Director on the first day of camp. The Director has access to all of the group information and will be able to lead you to your child's group.
If you have a concern about your child's group placing, please see the Camp Director. Although, it is strongly discouraged, we realize that outstanding circumstances exist. While we strive to honor all of the requests received prior to June 1st, there are times when something may have gone awry. Please speak with the Camp Director to make any formal group change requests. They will do what they can to accommodate the situation. After the 3rd day of camp, absolutely NO CHANGES will be made.
If you have a concern about your child's group placing, please see the Camp Director. Although, it is strongly discouraged, we realize that outstanding circumstances exist. While we strive to honor all of the requests received prior to June 1st, there are times when something may have gone awry. Please speak with the Camp Director to make any formal group change requests. They will do what they can to accommodate the situation. After the 3rd day of camp, absolutely NO CHANGES will be made.
discipline
Staff will go over the rules with campers on the first day (as well as periodically review these rules) to make sure everyone understands the types of behavior that will be expected while at camp. If inappropriate behavior occurs, a prompt resolution will be sought specific to each individual situation. Counselor and the director will determine the severity of the action required, but it will typically begin with a verbal warning. Any repeated warnings or more severe punishment (i.e. timeouts) will be reported to the camp director and parents that day. Further observation and discussions will occur depending on the severity and frequency of the behavioral issuer. The Winnetka Park District reserves the right to dismiss a participant who's behavior endangers his or her own safety or the safety of others. Please see the discharge policy below.
discharge policy
Children may be discharged rom the Park District camp if they cause a problem that poses immediate danger to the welfare of the participants and/or are detrimental to the quality of camp operations. It is the Park District's policy that discharge is the last resort, but will be implemented if the Park District feels this is in the best interest of the District and its camp participants.
Discharge will occur after the parents(s)/guardian(s) of the child in question have met with the Recreation Supervisor and any other necessary staff to review the issues that have resulted in the discharge. As a follow up to the meeting, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive a letter confirming the Park District's discharge decision.
Discharge will occur after the parents(s)/guardian(s) of the child in question have met with the Recreation Supervisor and any other necessary staff to review the issues that have resulted in the discharge. As a follow up to the meeting, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive a letter confirming the Park District's discharge decision.
lost and found
If your child loses any item while at camp, please contact your child's counselor. There will be a designated box in your child's classroom and in the Directors Office for any lost items. The Park District strongly encourages you to label everything you send to camp. Any items not retrieved by the last day of camp will be taken to the Park District Office at 540 Hibbard Rd. Anything not picked up 30 days after the last day of camp will be donated or thrown away.
Winnetka Park District will not be liable for any lost items while your child attends camp.
Winnetka Park District will not be liable for any lost items while your child attends camp.
participant ratios
Camper to Counselor ratios for Happiness Is 2 is no greater than 10:1.
snacks
Please send your child to camp with a snack and drink daily. There will be no access to a refrigerator, so please pack snacks accordingly.
Although not required, it is recommended to send water instead of juice. Water keeps our kids hydrated. During the hot weather of the summer, and the many activities our campers are involved in, we do not want to become dehydrated.
Due to the ever increasing rash of food allergies in our society, we do ask that you make every attempt to be as considerate as possible and make efforts to avoid sending your children with foods typically associated with dangerous reactions (i.e. peanuts). Although our camp is not a peanut free zone, please consider the possible allergies of other campers. We will do our best as a staff to keep allergic campers safe.
Although not required, it is recommended to send water instead of juice. Water keeps our kids hydrated. During the hot weather of the summer, and the many activities our campers are involved in, we do not want to become dehydrated.
Due to the ever increasing rash of food allergies in our society, we do ask that you make every attempt to be as considerate as possible and make efforts to avoid sending your children with foods typically associated with dangerous reactions (i.e. peanuts). Although our camp is not a peanut free zone, please consider the possible allergies of other campers. We will do our best as a staff to keep allergic campers safe.
visiting camp
Due to the safety of the campers, any and all visitors to camp must enter through either the main entrance of the School or along the east side of the building. All doors to the school will be locked at all times, but an attendant may reside at the main entrance should you need to come to camp for any reason. Upon arrival, you will be required show photo identification, sign in, and wear a visitor name badge. If a visitor is unable to produce a valid form of ID, they will be asked to leave the grounds and instructed to return to camp either at pick up or with a valid form of ID. If there is no attendant on duty, please contact the Camp Director.
The only reason to visit camp outside of drop off or pick up would be to deliver something left behind or to pick up a child early.
The only reason to visit camp outside of drop off or pick up would be to deliver something left behind or to pick up a child early.
weather considerations
We respect your judgment for what is best for your child. If you wish to keep your child at home due to weather conditions, please inform the Camp Director by 8:50am on the day of camp. If you wish to send your child to camp, the following are the weather policies for HI2HW.
RAINY DAY PROCEDURES
Camp meets rain or shine. I fit is raining, we will remain indoors and amend our schedule appropriately. We will also make every attempt to email you any changes to the schedule 30 minutes prior to the start of camp.
EXTREME HEAT
In case of extreme heat, the staff will provide frequent water breaks, keep campers indoors or in the shade, and plan relatively low key activities. If the heat becomes so extreme that it is a danger for campers, we may, as a camp, watch a movie. This will only be done in extreme heat situations, where it is unsafe to be up and running around. If campers can participate in normal activities, they will.
WEATHER LINE
Winnetka Park District weather line: 847 446-0080.
This is strictly a rainout number in the event of poor weather conditions. Please make every effort to utilize the weather line on these days. If the recording does not accurately reflect the appropriate day/ time, please wait a few moments to fall back. It will be updated 30 minutes prior to camp.
RAINY DAY PROCEDURES
Camp meets rain or shine. I fit is raining, we will remain indoors and amend our schedule appropriately. We will also make every attempt to email you any changes to the schedule 30 minutes prior to the start of camp.
EXTREME HEAT
In case of extreme heat, the staff will provide frequent water breaks, keep campers indoors or in the shade, and plan relatively low key activities. If the heat becomes so extreme that it is a danger for campers, we may, as a camp, watch a movie. This will only be done in extreme heat situations, where it is unsafe to be up and running around. If campers can participate in normal activities, they will.
WEATHER LINE
Winnetka Park District weather line: 847 446-0080.
This is strictly a rainout number in the event of poor weather conditions. Please make every effort to utilize the weather line on these days. If the recording does not accurately reflect the appropriate day/ time, please wait a few moments to fall back. It will be updated 30 minutes prior to camp.