Westport Parks & Recreation presents...
Intro Sports USA

 Parent Manual - Summer 2008

Welcome!

On behalf of the Westport Parks and Recreation Department and Intro Sports USA, we welcome you to our summer camps. The staff of Intro Sports USA plans to make this summer as enjoyable as possible for every camper.

Please make sure you read through this manual thoroughly.  There is vital information about the programs you need to know and the manual will answer many simple questions.  We ask that you share all the information with your child as well, so they are familiar with the camp and what is expected.

Our mission at Westport Parks and Recreation is to develop and maintain a sense of well being and self-satisfaction through activities and experiences that are conducted either for pleasure or for achievement of physical, social or emotional successes.  Programs are developed and planned by our professional and qualified staff to emphasize education and entertainment in a safe and positive leisure setting.  Our ultimate goal being, to have fun and create a feeling of well being through organized activities where health, education and social adjustment are the underlying foundation.  Intro Sports USA shares our mission and goals and looks to provide enjoyable group activity with the opportunity for competition under supervision.  The activities and games they conduct will help develop desired social traits such as self-control, friendliness, courtesy, obedience, positive self-esteem and habits of fair play.

The promotion of all-around development of boys and girls, and meeting their needs and desires is essential.  To accomplish this, we must instill a high level of motivation and personal satisfaction within staff members and the participants involved in our programs.  The idea of having fun through organized activity while putting emphasis on health, physical fitness and a feeling of well being is our ultimate goal.  We want every camper to gain something from his/her experience in our program that promotes a positive attitude, fosters self-confidence and contributes to their social and emotional needs.

Summer Sports Festival and Beach Camps

Summer Sports Festival camp is held at Kings Highway School gym and back field for weeks 1-7. Beach Camp, weeks 8 and 9 will be held at Compo Beach.

Hours and Drop Off for Our Campers
Half day morning campers         9:00 am – 1:00 pm        Drop Off between 8:45 - 9:00
Half day afternoon campers       11:00 am – 3:00 pm      Drop Off at 10:45
Full day campers                       9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Drop Off between 8:45 - 9:00

Pick-Up Times
Half day morning camper pick-up is between 12:45 and 1 pm.
Full day and half day afternoon camper pick up is between 2:45 and 3:00.
 

Each session runs Monday thru Friday from June 23 – August 22 (except there is no session on July 4th).

Camp Staff

The Summer Sports Festival Camp will be run by Jason Shaughnessy.  Jason is a Physical Education teacher at Fairfield-Warde High School as well as the school’s successful head varsity wrestling coach.   During the school year, Jason also serves as the Intro Sports USA staff and programming coordinator. Their supporting staff of head coaches is comprised of teachers and/or coaches from the surrounding area.

Daily Procedures

ARRIVAL

At Kings Highway Elementary School
Camp begins promptly at 9:00 am daily On the first day of camp, you may park your car in the side parking lot and walk your child to the entrance of the gymnasium.  Staff will be there to greet and direct you to the area where your child’s grade level is located.  From there, your child will be placed into their assigned group and meet their counselors.  Children will be assigned to their groups by age. After the first day, you may drop off your child between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. at the gym entrance in the turn around of the parking area of Kings Highway Elementary. If you arrive before 9:00 a.m., you should not have to get out of you car.  We will meet you as you pull up.  If you arrive before 8:45 a.m. there will be no supervision provided.  If you arrive after 9:00 a.m. you must park your car and bring your child into the gym entrance to have him/her formally checked in.  DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR CHILD WITHOUT SUPERVISION.  Campers who arrive consistently after camp begins each day are subject to suspensions and then dismissal from the program with no refund.  We can not stress enough the importance of arriving on time as late drop-offs upset everyone involved from directors to campers.

All half day afternoon campers must park and be brought in to the gymnasium for daily check in.

At Compo Beach
Camp begins promptly at 9:00 am dailyOn the first day of camp, you may park your car in the parking lot.  Then walk your child to the group. From there, your child will be placed into their assigned group and meet their counselors.  Children will be assigned to their groups by age. After the first day, you may drop off your child between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. near the shack on the marina side of Compo Beach.  If you arrive by 9:00 a.m., you should not have to get out of you car.  We will meet you as you pull up.  For the safety of your child, do not drop off your child near the guard shack, along the roadways or in the boat drystall areas of Compo Yacht Basin.  Do not park in any of these areas, as you will obstruct traffic.  If you arrive before 8:45 a.m. there will be no supervision provided.  If you arrive after 9:00 a.m. you must park your car and bring your child to the shack to have him/her formally checked in.  DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR CHILD WITHOUT SUPERVISION. You do not need a beach sticker to drop off your child.  The gate will let you in with an immediate exit after drop off.

All half day afternoon campers must park and be brought to the main camp building at the beach for daily check in.

DISMISSAL

Safety Procedures
For safety reasons, the Staff needs to check your child out at the conclusion of each day.  If someone other than the designated person will be picking up your child, you must inform the staff in writing prior to pickup.  Please alert the directors of car pools or others such as nannies, grandparents or neighbors who have your permission to take your child home each day.  Please include the names and phone numbers of these people on the back of your Emergency Card also.  If your child is sick or has other reasons for not attending camp on a particular day, please call the camp office to inform the staff of their absence.  The office number is 203-938-9592.

At Kings Highway Elementary School

Morning Half-Day Campers

The morning half day activities end at 12:45 p.m. At that time, campers return to their assigned area for check-out and dismissal. YOU MUST PARK YOUR CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE SCHOOL AND WALK IN TO GET YOUR CHILD. Campers will not be allowed to leave without a parent or guardian.  Your child’s group will be in the same location every day so you will know where to go after the first day.

All children must be picked up by 1:00 pm.

We ask that you DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 12:45 PM to retrieve your child as this creates additional safety and security risks for campers and counselors. Your child will only be released before these times when prior arrangements have been made in writing with the camp directors. Failure to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures and times will result in suspension of your child from camp.

Full Day and Afternoon Half Day Campers

The full-day and afternoon activities end at 2:45 p.m.  At that time, campers return to their assigned area for check-out and dismissal. YOU MUST PARK YOUR CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE SCHOOL AND WALK IN TO GET YOUR CHILD. Campers will not be allowed to leave without a parent or guardian.  Your child’s group will be in the same location every day so you will know where to go after the first day.

All children must be picked up by 3:00 pm

We ask that you DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 2:45 PM to retrieve your child as this creates additional safety and security risks for campers and counselors Your child will only be released before these times when prior arrangements have been made in writing with the camp directors. Failure to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures and times will result in suspension of your child from camp.

At Compo Beach

Morning Half-Day Campers
The morning half day activities end at 12:45 p.m. At that time, the campers will be taken to their assigned areas near the shed for check-out and dismissal. Please drive up to the circle and staff will greet you, request the name of your child, and then we will bring your child to you. If you need to get out of the car for any reason besides briefly putting your child in the car seat, please park your car (do not park in the circle by the shed at any time). DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN THE MARINA AREA. Campers will not be allowed to leave without a parent or guardian. 

All children must be picked up by 1:00 pm.

We ask that you DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 12:45 PM to retrieve your child as this creates additional safety and security risks for campers and counselors.Your child will only be released before to 12:45 pm when prior arrangements have been made with the camp director.  Failure to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures and times will result in suspension of your child from camp.

Full Day and Afternoon Half Day Campers

At 2:45 PM., the full day and afternoon half day campers will be taken to their assigned areas near the shed.  Please drive up to the circle and staff will greet you, request the name of your child, and then we will bring your child to you. If you need to get out of the car for any reason besides briefly putting your child in the car seat, please park your car (do not park in the circle by the shed at any time). DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN THE MARINA AREA. Campers will not be allowed to leave without a parent or guardian.  Your child's group will be in the same location every day so you will know where to go after the first time. 

All children must be picked up by 3:00 pm.  

We ask that you DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 2:45 PM to retrieve your child as this creates additional safety and security risks for campers and counselors.Your child will only be released before to 2:45 pm when prior arrangements have been made with the camp director.  Failure to comply with the pick-up and drop-off procedures and times will result in suspension of your child from camp.

** At the beginning of each camp week, campers will be provided with a flyer indicating any changes in policies and procedures specific for that week. 

Rain Days

At Kings Highway Elementary School

The Sports Festival Camp is an indoor and outdoor program when it is held at Kings Highway.  On days of inclement weather, the campers will remain inside utilizing the gymnasium and cafeteria for activities.

At Compo Beach

When the camp is held at Compo Beach, there are no indoor facilities and is therefore subject to cancellation due to rain or inclement weather. If there exists on any day the slightest possibility that rain may occur at Compo, it is up to you to listen to the radio and/or have someone available to collect your child immediately should camp have to be canceled during the day.  If it is raining sufficiently hard and campers can no longer participate in activities, it will be called off.  It is expected that each camper will be picked up within fifteen minutes of the radio announcement.  YOU MUST provide the Director, in writing, with information regarding pre-arranged Rainy Day Carpools.

The radio station to listen to in case of inclement weather is WICC-600 AM.  There is also a cancellation hot line you may call at any time.  The number is 341-5074.  Announcements for cancellations before camp begins will be made by 7:30 a.m. 

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE OR THE INTRO SPORTS USA OFFICES. 

What to Bring To Camp

  • Emergency Card - Your completed emergency card MUST be brought with your child on the first day of the session and given to the director or staff member at check-in. We must have a local emergency phone number OTHER THAN THE PARENT. A beeper or cell number, in addition to a home and work number for each child, is also recommended.THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR CHILD ON THE FIRST DAY OF EACH SESSION OR ELSE YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO STAY(EVEN IF FORGOTTEN).
  • Bike/Bus Permission - If your child will be riding a bicycle or bus to and from camp, you must send a written statement granting this permission and stating that you will not hold the Town of Westport, Intro Sports USA, its’ employees or agents responsible in case of accident or injury.  This must be given to the director on the first day of the session.
  • Clothing - Attire for the day should be a t-shirt, shorts/pants, and sneakers with socks.  Open toe shoes, jelly shoes, sandals, flip-flops, Tevas, etc. are not allowed and should not be worn as they pose a hazard.  Without sneakers, the child will be unable to participate in activities.   When camp is held at Compo Beach, children should bring water shoes to protect their feet at the beach. A change of clothes is recommended for water days and for emergencies.
  • Food - Snacks, lunch and plenty of drinks for the entire day. We highly suggest packing all food and drink items in a cooler that the child can place with his/her belongings at their base.
  • Sun Protection - A hat to protect child from the sun when outdoors.  This is very important.  We ask that you apply sun screen to your child before they head off to camp and then our staff will reapply the lotion throughout the day.  
  • If you have special concerns, please put them in writing and give them to the director. 

Medications and Allergies

For medication to be administered at camp, you must contact the Director.  Medication must be in its original container, with child’s name, dosage and time(s) to be administered clearly marked.  It is very important that the staff knows of any allergies your child might have and if they are allergic to any food, paint, animals, insects, etc.  Please put this information on your card. Any specific instructions must be put in writing and given to the director.

General Camp Rules and Regulations

  • Parents must stay out of the gym at all times for safety of the campers and parents. The gym area is for campers and coaches only.
  • Parents may meet and talk with a staff member after 12:45 PM or after 2:45 PM. Please do not approach the coaching staff during the drop off time. Counselors and Staff are responsible for watching the campers and it is impossible to do so, if they are engaged in conversation with parents. ALL comments or concerns MUST be put in writing and given to the director in the morning or at the end of the day.
  • ABSOLUTELY will no camper(s) engage in verbal or physical fighting.  This is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
  • Campers are to respect each other and all staff at all times.  Discipline problems with any camper will not be tolerated.  Parents will be contacted immediately and if the problem continues, the camper will be dismissed from camp WITH NO REFUND.
  •  At the end of each day, please be sure your child brings home ALL belongings.  Lost and found will be maintained at the facility until Friday afternoons each week.  Anything left will be discarded.  We suggest writing the child’s name on EVERYTHING.
  • Campers must remember they are in a public area.  They must stay with their assigned group at all times and respect other users of the school grounds. 
  • Campers are to refrain from bringing personal items and toys from home such as Game Boys, IPODS cell phones, etc.  These items have become disruptive to the camp and almost always get lost.   If they are brought, the child’s counselor will take them away and return them at the end of the day.  
  • When picking up or dropping campers off at Compo Beach, PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG IN THE VEHICLE.  Animals are prohibited within Compo Beach during the summer months.  Security at the main gate will stop you and prevent you from entering so do not be angered or surprised. 

What You Can Expect From Our Staff

  •  Quality programs and activities delivered with enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring an enjoyable time for each camper.
  •  Events, activities and performances which will challenge campers and give each camper an opportunity to do his/her personal best.
  •  An environment that promotes fairness, team work and personal achievement.
  •  Open communications.  We welcome parental, staff and camper input both formally and informally.  Whereas we provide an opportunity for all to evaluate our program at the end of each session, we also welcome comments at any time.  Please feel free to direct these to the Directors or other administrative staff of Westport Parks and Recreation or Intro Sports USA.
  •   Lots of T.L.C. for every child!

The Westport Parks and Recreation Department and Intro Sports USA want this to be an enjoyable and fun summer for both you and your child.  PARENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.  Consult your weekly newsletter for more information.  This manual has been created to help you and your child understand the rules, regulations and policies of our department.

Intro Sports USA | Director Larry Gillman | (203) 938- 9592 | director@introsportsusa.com