Consent Form – Waiver
How do I submit my waiver in advance?
These may be sent by email or delivered in person. Any questions you may have about enrollment should be directed to the camp facilitator Hannah Toms at htoms@saltspringlibrary.com, or by telephone on Monday, 9:30AM-4:00PM, or Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 3:20PM and 4:00PM.
Does my child require a Library membership for summer camps?
Yes. Please ensure your child has their own Library membership, as they will need to use it over the course of the camp, and for BC Summer Reading Club statistical coordination.
Health & Safety
What certifications and training do Library Summer Day Camp staff possess?
At least one person in our Library Summer Day Camp staff is certified in First Aid. Staff are additionally trained in child protection, safety, leadership, and reporting protocols.
Staff training topics include youth developmental stages and age-appropriate programming, conflict resolution skills, group management skills, day camp policy, autism awareness training, camp engagement practises and more. Staff are hired for their ability to responsibly care for campers, in addition to their past experiences working with children and youth. Qualities we look for in our staff include maturity, organization, positivity, adaptability, and relatable and approachable personalities.
What is your policy on sunscreen use?
Sun safety is important! We ask that all campers apply sunscreen before coming to camp, and pack extra for re-application throughout the day in their backpack. Salt Spring Library has emergency sunscreen on hand for campers who need it, but will not apply sunscreen without prior parent permission for health and safety reasons.
What is Library Summer Day Camps procedure when there is an air quality advisory?
When Air Quality Rating is ‘High’ (7-10) or ‘Very High’ (above 10): we do our best to move programming indoors, although capacity is a limiting factor.
When Air Quality Rating is ‘Moderate’ (4-6) or greater: outdoor activity will be reduced or rescheduled and fewer high-exertion activities will be played, with frequent and longer-lasting rests and water breaks. Campers with respiratory health conditions – this information should be shared with camp supervisors in the provided space on the waiver form – will be closely monitored on these days, and the days mentioned above.
My child has an allergy or medical condition that requires them to carry or take medication. Are staff able to assist my child should they require assistance?
Only medication that is prescribed by a physician or is necessary to support an exceptionality is allowed at camp. All medication must be securely stored with Library Summer Day Camps staff, and not in a child’s backpack (with the exception of EpiPens and inhalers). A parent/guardian must submit a completed Medical Form prior to the first day of camp if bringing medication to camp.
Camps staff are not medical professionals and are not authorized to administer medication. Campers are required to self-administer medication, with staff supervision and support. Medication may need to be given to Library Summer Day Camp staff in pre-measured, labeled dosages. If your camper is not able to self-administer medication, please contact the library to discuss alternative options.
Do I need to submit a medical form for my child?
A medical form is only required if your child will be brining medication with them or has allergies or other physical conditions requiring special accommodation that you should detail for us. The MEDICAL FORM is here, please submit in advance of your child attending camp by at least one week. Email htoms@saltspringlibrary.com with your completed form.
What is your policy regarding peanuts/nuts at camp?
Library Summer Day Camp cannot guarantee a nut-free environment. We actively encourage hand washing and an “eat, wash hands, then play” policy when nut products are brought to camp. If the guardian of a registered child alerts our camp of a severe nut allergy, the Library will alert of registrants of that week to refrain from bringing products containing nuts. The Library will also refrain from providing nut-containing snacks to others in that period. If no such advance notice is given, the environment will not be nut-free.
My child has a physical or cognitive exceptionality and requires 1 on 1 support. Can they attend camp?
Yes! Although, Library Summer Day Camp is not able to provide 1-on-1 support for campers at this time, support workers are more than welcome to attend with a camper who has an exceptionality! In all cases, advance notice is required.
We encourage parents/guardians to inform us ahead of time of camper exceptionalities and support worker attendance. Information provided will allow us to educate our instructors, who can in turn modify programming to help ensure all campers are included.
What happens if my child needs to go to the washroom?
For safety reasons, campers are always escorted to the washroom by a staff member and one other person (camper or staff); referred to as the “buddy system”. If your older child would prefer to go alone and you would allow this, please indicate this on your form. As a default, accompanying instructors will either escort campers into a multi-stall washroom facility, or ensure there are no other adults in a single-stall enclosed washroom space before campers enter.
What happens if my child had a toilet accident?
Library Summer Day Camp staff will not assist youth in using the restroom, but in the event of an emergency or “accident”, one staff member will aid if necessary while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the youth (a second staff member will be present).
My child is x years old, can they sign themselves out?
No camper is allowed to sign themselves out of camp or leave unattended.
All exceptions are at the discretion of Library Summer Day Camps management and require advance arrangement and communication by guardians. This can occur verbally, in-person, on the morning on the day of a pick-up change. A phone message over the course of the day is not an adequate form of notice. Anyone picking up a camper – including authorized older siblings – must be 15 years of age or older, and all pick-up people should be pre-authorized and verified by the child at time of pickup.
Day to Day
What will my child need to bring with them to camp?
Things your child will need for an optimal camp experience will vary depending on their registered program. A list of recommended items is included in your pre-camp email, sent the Thursday or Friday before camp begins. While every day camp is different, we encourage all campers to bring to camp:
- Water Bottle
- Snacks (typically one morning and one afternoon snack)
- Packed Lunch (non-microwavable). NOTE: Due to the amount of physical activity, campers may eat more food during camp than they normally do throughout the school year. We recommend that you send lunches in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep them cool during the day.
- Athletic Shoes
- Sweater or jacket
- Comfortable, breathable clothing that is easy to move in
- Sunscreen
- Hat
My child misplaced an item while at camp. Is there a lost and found where I can retrieve the item?
The library has a lost & found location. Any food or perishable items are disposed of immediately. Please do not bring electronics or other valuable items to camp! Children are not to bring cell phones to camp. Those who do may be required to surrender them at the beginning of the day, to be returned only at the end of the day. Library Summer Day Camp is not responsible for anything that is lost or stolen.
Am I able to give an instructor a thank you gift?
We kindly ask parents or campers not to give individual thank-you gifts to specific instructors. If you wish to bring a small thank-you gift for the team of instructors who supported your child, this is very thoughtful; please be mindful of food products containing nuts or items requiring refrigeration.
Are instructors able to use their cell phones during camp?
While instructors are not permitted to use their cell phone for personal reasons during worktime, instructors are asked to regularly use their cell phones for important messages and notifications pertaining to day camp operations. If you have any concerns about cell phone use, camp administration welcomes feedback and inquires on this matter.
What happens if my child’s first language is not English?
For safety reasons, campers must be able to speak and understand key English vocabulary, especially pertaining to instruction and direction.