Parent Handbook | Our Kids Day Camp

FAMILY HANDBOOK

2026 SEASON

Camp Memories Never Fade

Welcome to our 30th Season!
Thank you for entrusting your children to Our Kids Day Camp. Whether you are a returning family or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you.

Please read this handbook carefully before your child's first day. It contains the rules, tips, and safety protocols we need to ensure every camper has a safe, memorable summer.

SECTION 1: THE BASICS

OFFICE HOURS: Mon – Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CAMP HOURS: Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM
2025 SEASON: June 30th – August 22nd (Closed Friday, July 4th)

📞 Phone: (845) 434-3788
📱 TEXT ONLY: (845) 417-5290 (Best for lost items or quick updates)
📠 Fax: (845) 209-2587
📧 Email: helen@okdc2.com

THE FIRST DAY
Inside this packet is a White Label with your camper’s name and group assignment. Please have them wear this label on their shirt on the very first day so we can guide them quickly to their friends!

SECTION 2: PACKING LIST (WHAT TO BRING)

A well-packed backpack makes for a happy camper! Please Label EVERYTHING with a permanent marker.

✅ WHAT TO WEAR & BRING

Active Wear: T-shirt, shorts, and SNEAKERS.
Safety Note: NO SANDALS, CROCS, or Open-Toe shoes allowed.
Swim Ready: Wear bathing suit UNDER clothes to maximize pool time (Tankinis/One-pieces preferred; shorts optional).

✅Backpack Essentials:

Refillable Water Bottle.
Sunblock & Bug Spray (Applied before arrival; we will help reapply).
Sweatshirt/Pants (For chilly mornings).
Rain Gear (Jacket/Poncho) – NO Umbrellas.
Tot Program Only: A shoe box or labeled bag with a full change of clothes (just in case of accidents).

❌ WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Electronics/Screens: No Cell Phones, iPads, or handheld games.
- Our Policy: If a child brings a phone, we are not responsible for loss/damage. Camp is a "Screen-Free Zone" focused on face-to-face fun.
Valuables: Anything you would be sad to lose (jewelry, expensive watches).
Dangerous Items: No pocketknives, weapons, drugs, alcohol, or glass bottles.
Gum: No gum allowed at camp.

⚠️ LOST & FOUND POLICY
We try our best, but Our Kids Day Camp is NOT responsible for lost/stolen items.

Lost something? Text us at (845) 417-5290 describing the item.
Note: Counselors cannot search for items after camp closes for the day. We will look the following morning.

SECTION 3: ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Safety is our #1 priority. Speed Limit is 5 MPH at all times.

CAR TAG SYSTEM
You will receive 2 Car Window Tags. Please display your tag on the Passenger Side Window at pick-up.

🔵 Blue: Early Drop-off Only (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)
🟢 Green: Late Pick-up Only (5:00 PM-5:45 PM)
🟡 Yellow: BOTH Early Drop/Late Pick
🟣 Purple: Regular Hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

🚗 DROPPING OFF (MORNING)

Early Drop-off (8:00am - 9:00am): Proceed to the Senior Pavilion (Door 1). Stay in your car; we will grab your camper!
Regular Drop-off (9:00am - 9:30am):
- Tots/Juniors: Turn Right at the "Welcome Gnome/Train" to the Purple Bathrooms.
- Seniors/Teens: Follow the road around to the Senior/Teen Pavilion.
- Late Arrivals: If arriving after 9:30 AM, bring your child to the Camp Office to sign in.

🚗 PICKING UP (AFTERNOON)

Gate Opens: 4:40 PM. Please wait in line until the gate opens.
Procedure: A staff member will check your Window Tag.
- Tots/Juniors: Turn Right.
- Seniors: Drive straight to the Pavilion.
- Relax! Stay in your car. Our staff will load your tired, happy campers and buckle them in for you.

NEED TO PICK UP EARLY?

Deadline: Early pick-up ends strictly at 3:45 PM.
Protocol: DO NOT CALL. Please TEXT (845) 417-5290 ahead of time.
Parking: Park before the white fence on the right. Come to the office with Photo ID to sign out.

SECTION 4: FOOD & SNACKS

🥪 LUNCH

Option 1 (Pack): Send lunch in a brown bag or soft cooler marked with a name. (Refrigeration provided; NO heating available).
Option 2 (Buy - Lunch Program): Fresh lunches made daily!
- Cost: 35/week or $250 for full 8 weeks).
- The Menu:
  - Mon & Fri: BBQ (Burger, Hot Dog, or Knish + sides)
  - Tue & Thu: Sandwiches/Wraps (Turkey, Ham, Salami, Tuna, PB&J + sides)
  - Wed: Pizza Day (1 Slice + sides)

🥨 SNACKS

One daily snack is included free for everyone.
Additional snacks/drinks available for purchase. You may send money to keep on "account" for your child (Limit 1 extra snack/day).

SECTION 5: HEALTH & MEDICAL

MANDATORY FORMS:
NO camper may attend without a Current Medical Form and Immunization Record on file. No exceptions.

MEDICATION:

Prescription meds must be in the Original Container and dropped off at the Office.
We cannot dispense over-the-counter meds (Advil/Tylenol) unless prescribed by a doctor.
Campers may not carry medication in their pockets.

ILLNESS:
If your child has a fever or contagious illness, please keep them home. If a child becomes ill at camp, parents will be notified to pick them up immediately.

THE SWIM TEST:
Deep-end privileges are earned!

Test: 4 laps continuous swim + 1-2 min Tread Water + Float + 360-degree rotation.
Testing Times: Conducted during the first week of attendance.

SECTION 6: CONDUCT & POLICIES

We expect our campers to be Kind, Clean, and Safe.

ZERO TOLERANCE BEHAVIOR:
To keep camp safe for everyone, we cannot tolerate:

Bullying, Fighting, Hitting, or Theft.

Vandalism or intentional destruction of camp property (Parents will be liable for damages).

Weapons of any kind.

Result: Physical fighting or dangerous behavior results in Immediate Dismissal without refund.

DISCIPLINE STEPS (Minor Issues):

Verbal warning / Timeout to cool down.

Parent contact to problem-solve together.

Continued disruption may result in suspension or dismissal.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS:

Pre-Season: If you cancel before Day 1, the deposit is Non-Refundable.

During Season: Withdrawal fee is $250/week used; remaining balance refunded.

After July 15th: NO REFUNDS given for any reason.

Dismissal: NO REFUNDS if a camper is dismissed for behavior.

INCLUSIVITY & PRIVACY POLICY

Our Commitment to Every Camper
At Our Kids Day Camp, we strive to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment where every child feels they belong. We celebrate the diverse personalities and backgrounds that make our camp "family" unique, and we do not tolerate bullying or discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, or ability.

Restroom & Changing Facilities
We believe in being transparent about our facilities so families can plan accordingly. Currently, our main campground operates with shared, gender-segregated restrooms and group changing areas for each division. We do not currently have dedicated single-use restrooms attached to every group bunk or activity area.

Privacy Accommodations
We understand that changing in a group setting can be uncomfortable for some children for a variety of reasons—whether due to modesty, gender identity, medical needs, or simple personal preference.

We are fully committed to ensuring comfort for every camper.

Access to Private Spaces: Any camper who wishes to change in private may request access to a designated single-use area (such as the Nurse’s Office or specific Staff facilities). This option is available to any camper who requests it.
Modesty & Comfort: Counselors are trained to respect camper privacy and ensure a judgment-free environment during changing times.
Open Communication: We strongly encourage parents to contact the Camp Directors (Mike or Helen) prior to the start of camp if your child requires specific accommodations regarding restrooms or changing. By having this conversation early, we can quietly and seamlessly plan a routine that allows your child to participate fully without stress or drawing attention to themselves.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment
Our priority is to provide a "Safe and Fun" environment. Harassment or teasing of any camper regarding their appearance, need for privacy, or identity will be handled immediately according to our Behavioral Policy.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
At Our Kids Day Camp, we specialize in good old-fashioned fun. Your child will likely come home dirty, tired, and full of stories. That means they had a great day!

Questions? Text or Call us. We’ll see you on June 30th!