Butler Camp Handbook & Download Forms

WELCOME TO BUTLER CAMP 2012!

Please Note: An updated 2012 version will be available in late May).

This booklet will give you the information you need to be an informed camp family. Our goal is for each and every camper to have a wonderful summer at Butler Camp. The entire staff is here to provide a fun-filled summer where your camper will grow through a variety of great summer adventures and new friendships.

CAMP HOURS
9:00 – 3:15 Regular Camp Day
7:45 – 8:45 Before Camp Extended Hours
3:30 – 5:30 After Camp Extended Hours

Camp Sessions 2012:
Session 1: June 18 – June 29
Session 2: July 2-13 (including July 4th!)
Session 3: July 16-27
Session 4: July 30-August 10
Session 5: August 13-17 (Please note: one week session)

CLOTHING
Campers should wear causal, comfortable clothes that can tolerate dirt, stains and are suitable for the weather conditions. Butler Camp cannot be responsible for damaged or lost clothing, or other items. Please keep all valuable and “special” personal items, jewelry, personal accessories, etc. at home.

The Extreme Adventures and Outdoor Adventures campers are advised to avoid wearing clothing that is made of lycra or is restrictive, such as jeans.

NOTE: We will keep any the “Lost & Found” items for two weeks after each ses­sion. Anything remaining after two weeks will be donated to charity.

BACKPACKS
Each camper needs a backpack to hold daily essentials: food, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, creeking shoes and for the younger campers (Backyard Explor­ers and Young Adventures) an extra set of clothes. Campers will need both sunscreen lotion and bug repellent. See the “Health Information” section for important information regarding the use of these products.

IMPORTANT: The following items should remain at home and not brought to camp: toys, “water wings” or other inflatable swim items, electronic games and devices, cell phones, pocketknives, and trading cards. Trading of any popular or collectible items is prohibited at camp.

FOOD
Backyard Explorers & Young Adventures
Since these groups are based in an air-conditioned classroom, a cooler is not necessary. Campers can use a lunch bag (brown paper, reusable vinyl, etc.). If you prefer, a small “cooler” may be used but make sure that it is a manageable size for your child to carry. Both a morning snack and lunch, including a lunch drink, will be needed each day. A healthy snack, kept in a small, separate con­tainer or a plastic bag marked “snack”, and a balanced, nutritious lunch will help maintain your camper’s energy. Avoid sugary foods that tend to dehy­drate children, especially on hot days, and do not “refuel” children well for their active day. These young camp­ers are asked to avoid red and purple colored drinks and glass items!

Outdoor Adventures, Extreme Adventures, Equestrians, Vaulters & Young Olympians
Campers in these programs are out­side all day so food should be carefully packed with regards to the heat. Small “coolers” and ice packs are helpful for keeping a camper’s morning snack, lunch and lunch drink sufficiently cool and safe. Healthy, nutritious food will help your camper with the necessary energy they need as they go through their active day; avoid sugary foods and drinks which tend to increase de­hydration on hot days.

PIZZA
Every Friday we offer each camper two pieces of plain cheese pizza for lunch. If two pieces will not be enough for your camper, please pack supplemental food.

WATER BOTTLES
ALL campers need to bring a water bottle EVERYDAY. This year, our gift to each camper is yellow Butler Camp water bottle which will be given out on a camper’s first day of camp. Wa­ter bottles will be refilled as needed throughout the camp day. The bottles will go home each day to be cleaned for use the next day.

SHOES
A sturdy but comfortable pair of shoes that are suitable for running, and other outdoor activities, and that completely enclose your child’s foot is required. NO SANDALS!

CREEKING SHOES
All campers need to bring an pair of “creeking” shoes ( a second pair of shoes) on the first day of a session.
These creeking shoes can be an old pair of shoes, or if necessary, purchase an inexpensive canvas “sneaker” with a sturdy sole, that can tolerate long hikes and rough terrain. The shoes must completely enclose the foot.

BEWARE: Creek shoes may be in rough condition at the end of your child’s camp session(s) and ready for the trash bin! These shoes will be kept at camp during the session and returned on the last day.

RIDING APPAREL FOR EQUESTRIAN AND YOUNG OLYMPIANS
Riders must wear hard-soled shoes with a heel (zippers on outside only), and long pants (either riding pants or leggings). A riding helmet that is certified as meeting the A.H.S.A. standards is required. These helmets may be purchased at various tack shops in the area, including: The Surrey in Darnestown 301-519-7315 or Stablemates in Mt. Airy 301-829- 0333. You may also order online from www.statelinetack.com or www. doversaddlery.com.

APPAREL FOR VAULTERS
Vaulters should wear stretchy long pants, leggings or capris, as well as a soft-heeled shoes such as ballet slippers or water shoes. These campers will also need to bring athletic shoes (for soccer and other games) and their creeking shoes. Long hair should be tied up and please, no jewelry. Helmets are not required.

HATS
Every camper needs a hat to wear for sun protection which is marked with the child’s name.

FISHING GEAR FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ONLY
We encourage campers to bring their own fishing rods and tackle boxes. We will have equipment available for those who need it. Please make sure that the fishing equipment is clearly marked with the camper’s name. Butler Camp cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items.

POOL TIME
It is assumed that individual campers cannot swim until they demonstrate otherwise. This is especially true with the younger campers. To swim in the 4 to 5 foot “deep” end of the pool, a camper must first pass a swim test. Great attention is given to watching the campers while in the pool, even in the shallow end which is only 2-3 feet deep. Two lifeguards are always “on duty” in addition to at least one counselor poolside who is watching the children in the pool.

To help children learn how to swim, as well as appreciate the safety required in water, “water wings”, life vests and other inflat­able devices are not permitted at the pool.

OVERNIGHTS
EXTREME ADVENTURES
The Extreme Adventurers will enjoy an Overnight with their staff on the second Wednesday of each session (June 27, July 11, 25 and August 8 ). Please be advised that should weather cause a cancellation, campers will need to be picked up at the regular dismissal time and the Overnight will be rescheduled for the next day (Thursday). Campers will need a sleeping bag. A list of other items recommended for the Overnight will be given out to the campers at the beginning of the session.

COOKOUTS
Equestrian, Outdoor Adventures and Vaulting on Horseback

The Butler Camp Cookouts for these three programs are scheduled on the second Wednesday of each session (June 27, July 11, 25 and August and extends the camp day until 7:30 PM on those dates. Details for the Cookouts will be handed out during each session. Please be advised that should weather cause a cancellation, campers will need to be picked up at the regular dismissal time and the Cookout will be rescheduled for the next day (Thursday).

BACKYARD EXPLORERS
In the morning, our youngest campers will be outside playing and swimming, so please apply sunscreen at home. See “Health Information” for important information regarding the use of sunscreen and bug repellent products.

These littlest “explorers” must be self-sufficient and comfortable using the toilet. Children who have more than a couple of “accidents”, especially involving bowel movements, may be asked to withdraw from camp. Hikes, soccer, art, singing, reading, nature explorations and a daily swim are just part of the fun our youngest campers will enjoy!

YOUNG ADVENTURES
Soccer clinics, art, games, talent shows and daily swimming, are regular activi­ties for these campers. Nature explo­rations, hikes, singing, and story telling are all part of camp life for these Young Adventurers. Please apply sun screen/bug repellent at home! See “Health Information” for important information regarding the use of sunscreen and bug repellent products.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
These campers will spend half their day doing a land or water activity, and the other half participating in art, hikes, soccer and popular games, such as Capture the Flag and Man-Hunt. Their various adventures include canoeing, tubing, fishing, creeking, archery, ropes course games and high elements. Children enrolled in these activities will travel to Riley’s Lock, Black Hill Regional Park, Seneca Creek State Park and other local recreational areas to make use of this area’s won­derful natural resources. A daily swim in the Butler pool is always cool fun!

EXTREME ADVENTURES
These older campers will travel by bus most days to do their various adven­ture activities such as rock climbing, tubing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, caving, bowling, etc. (not all these activities will done every session). These campers MUST BE AT CAMP ON TIME (by 9:00) or risk being left behind. Counselors will advise the campers when particular clothing is required.

EQUESTRIAN & VAULTING ON HORSEBACK
Our Equestrian and Vaulting on Horse­back campers spend half a day in the horse world of Butler Stables. For the balance of the day they enjoy activities such as swimming, soccer, games and art. These equestrians will learn about stable management and care of the horses in addition to riding lessons and trail rides. Vaulters will only have vaulting lessons (no riding).

YOUNG OLYMPIANS
Our most advanced Equestrians will spend the day focused on horse-relat­ed activities. Their time “in the sad­dle” will include flatwork and jumping, both in the arenas and on trails. In the pursuit of in-depth horse knowledge, Young Olympians will enjoy un-mounted lessons and occasional field trips off campus. Topics, which will vary, may include first aid, dental care, hoof treatment and grooming for shows.

INFORMATION ABOUT CARPOOL, BUS TRANSPORTATION & EXTENDED CARE
EARLY AM CARE 7:45-8:45
If your child is enrolled in this early morning program, please park your car in the designated area on the circular driveway and walk in the door at the lower end of the building. For safety reasons, parents should always escort their children into “Classroom 1”, where a counselor will greet them, and parents sign in their camper. (For information about how to use Drop-In Care, please see the section under “Communications”.)

MORNING CARPOOL 8:45-9:00
To help us start off the day smoothly, please follow the appropriate carpool directions below. A counselor will come to your car, greet you and assist the children out of the car (and car seats). It is important in helping the carpool line move smoothly that parents remain in their cars.

DISMISSAL
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL 3:15-3:30
Because our Summer Primary Montessori Class will be dismissed between 3:00-3:10 please plan to arrive for afternoon pickup after 3:10.

At dismissal, please follow the same procedure as you did for “drop off”. It is very important that drivers remain in their cars; counselors will assist any child who needs to be secured in a car seat, or will direct you to pull over if they need your assistance with safely securing your child in the car seat.

EXTENDED PM CARE 3:30-5:30
If your child is enrolled in Extended or Drop-In Care, parents should park their cars in the designated area on the circular driveway and walk in the main entrance. A staff member will greet you and invite you to wait in the foyer area until your child is ready. A Late Fee Policy memo will be given to you the first day, which will explain the fees assessed if you arrive after 5:30. Please note: weather conditions, unexpected traffic delays and any other unexpected circumstances will not excuse late fee payments.

BUS TRANSPORTATION
Butler Camp has two bus routes this summer with the following cluster stops and times:

Route 1

• Potomac Village at Potomac Place Shopping Center (near Safeway): 8:00 AM/4:15 PM
• Jones Lane Elementary School: 8:25 AM/3:30 PM
• Lakelands Middle School: 8:40 AM/3:45 PM

Route 2:

• Clarksburg Square & Clark’s Crossing: 8:00 AM/4:15 PM
• Clarksburg Village North Local Park: 8:10 AM/4:05 PM
• Clarksburg High School: 8:20 AM/4:3:50PM
• Ronald McNair Elementary School: 8:40 AM/3:30 PM
• Matsunaga Elementary School: 8:50/3:20 PM

Parents will be contacted a few days before the start of a session to confirm bus transportation details. In the morning, please walk your child to the bus where the driver or counselor will greet them and assist them to their seats. Parents are not allowed on the bus!

To help the children and the camp staff, please be punctual; the bus will only wait a few minutes before departing for the next stop. If you have any difficulties meeting the bus at the designated time, please call the camp office immediately (301-977-6600) to make alternative arrangements as needed for your camper.

CARPOOL LINES (for Arrivals & Dismissal on campus)
Carpool 1:
Backyard Explorers and Young Adventures: Parents will follow the driveway to the Main Building and use Carpool 1. Please pull all the way up to the sign marked “Carpool 1”. Campers will be greeted by counselors and walked to their class­rooms until they are comfortable walk­ing to the rooms on their own.
Carpool 2:
Outdoor Adventures, Equestrian, Vaulters and Extreme Adventures who are older siblings of either Backyard Explorers or Young Adventures: Parents will use Carpool 2. After dropping off your younger child at Carpool 1, drive up to the sign marked “Carpool 2” which will be near the end of the tennis court.
Carpool 3:
Equestrian, Vaulters, Extreme Adventures and Outdoor Adventures:
Turn left at “Penny Lane” and follow the driveway to the right as it circles in front of the Park House building. Those camp­ers, who do not have younger siblings in Backyard Explorers or Young Adventures, will be dropped off at this Park House carpool area.

If your morning is such that a timely arrival is not pos­sible, parents should park in the designated areas and es­cort their camper to the Camp Office and sign in. A staff member will escort the camper to their group.

If you need to pick up your child before the end of the camp day, please inform the counselor of your plans with a written note, or call the office well beforehand. Please do not communicate important information verbally with staff, as it may be conveyed inaccurately. Parents should park their cars and walk to the Camp Office to meet their child, and sign out.

HEALTH INFORMATION
MEDICATIONS (Prescriptions and Non-prescriptions)
NO medication, prescription or non-prescription, may ever be in the posses­sion of a camper! Parents need to bring medication(s) along with the required “Parent’s Request to Administer Medication at School/Camp” form. This form is available on our website under the camp link.

The office with be accepting medications from 8:15-9:00 AM on the first Monday of each session. Please bring all prescription and non-prescription medications that your camper(s) will need for the entire session(s) while at camp. Our Supervisory Nurse, Rachel Dietrich, will be at the front desk area of the Main Building to receive and check medications, and answer questions.

• All medications must be in their original container.
• Prescription medications must have a pharmacy label.
• All non-prescription medications must be clearly marked with the camper’s name.
• A signed medication authorization form from the camper’s doctor for EACH medication (prescription and non-prescription) is required These forms are available on the camp web site or by contacting Amy D’Elia.
• Medications need to be picked up by a parent on the camper’s last day.
• Counselors will be responsible for carrying any and all medications needed for emergency care for a camper when the group is away from the main build­ing.
• When emergency care is administered, i.e., use of an Epi Pen, the camper will be brought to the camp office for evaluation and monitoring by the Medica­tion Technician, who will determine if further medical attention is needed.

DEER TICKS PREVENTION
Campers enjoy our beautiful 22 acre campus that adjoins Seneca Creek State Park. These and all the other lo­cal wooded areas that the campers visit are the habitat for wildlife. To help your camper enjoy both a fun experience at camp and good health, we advise the following:

• Minimize exposed skin
• Use bug repellent wipes or spray with at least 20-30% Deet solution, as recom­mended by the Academy of Pediatrics
• Keep extra bug wipes or lotion in a bag marked with camper’s name and a signed note directing “staff to ap­ply bug repellent as needed”
• Do nightly tick checks (deer ticks are very small, pin head size)
• If a tick is found on a child at camp, the parent will be called to discuss steps to be taken.

Please note: no method is “fool proof” so “checks” are important. Additionally, a tick needs to be present more than 24 hours before transmitting anything.

SUNSCREEN PROTECTION
Sunburn Protection and Sunscreen Use
To help our camp staff protect your camper from sunburn while at camp, please do the following essential steps:

• Always apply sunscreen on your camper at home
• Use a lotion that has at least 30-50% UVA/UVB protection
• Send a second sunscreen lotion bottle to camp marked with camper’s name
• Outdoor Adventures, Extreme Adventures, Equestrian and Vaulting on Horseback campers are expected to apply lotion themselves.
• For Backyard Explorers and Young Adventures campers:
• no spray sunscreen bottles
• Enclosed lotion in a plastic bag that includes a note, with parent’s signature, requesting “The Butler Staff to apply sunscreen as needed”. This may even be written on the lotion bottle.

HEAT – CODE ORANGE & RED DAYS
When we experience extreme conditions, the camp schedule is modified to significantly reduce activity in the sun and heat, and campers are watched carefully to ensure that they are properly hydrated and not showing any signs of being affected by the heat. The Outdoor Adventures, Equestrian, Vaulting and Young Olympian campers are given “cool down” time in air con­ditioned rooms in the afternoon, and other times as needed; Backyard Explorers and Young Adventures campers will enjoy more time in their air-conditioned classrooms. Outdoor activities are mostly scheduled in the earlier, cooler part of the day, or in the shaded, cooler environment of the woods

COMMUNICATIONS
When there is a concern, question or comment regarding your child’s experience at camp, parents are asked to first confer with the camp director, Diane Long by visiting or calling the camp office. It is important that parents do not disturb counselors when they are with their groups, so as not to interfere with the supervision of the campers or cause a distraction. E-mail communication is also welcomed and should be sent to Diane Long at diane@butlerschool.org.

For accounting or payment inquiries, please contact our business manager, Scott Chidakel at 301-977-6600×16 or by e-mail at scott@butlerschool.org

Questions regarding health issues, medication or Drop-In Care should be directed to Amy D’Elia, our business office coordinator and certified medical technician at 301-977-6600×14 or by e-mail at amy@butlerschool.org

TO SCHEDULE A VISIT
To schedule a visit with your child’s group, or with any member of our staff, please call the camp office manager, Laura Normoyle, at 301-977-6600×19. She will review your child’s camp schedule and arrange a time during an activity that you wish to view. Generally, visits are about 30-40 minutes long. If you wish to meet with a counselor or other staff member, she will be happy to work out a time that is convenient to everyone.

DROP-IN CARE PROCEDURES
Fees & Times: Fees are per child, per day, for any amount of time during the hours of Drop-In Care.
AM – $15 – 7:45-8:45 AM
PM – $25 – Close of carpool until 5:30 PM (Extended-Day late fee policy fees will be incurred after 5:30)

To request Drop-In Care for either Early Morning or Extended PM, please call Amy D’Elia at the main office (301-977- 6600). At that time, you will need to provide a credit card for payment of Drop-In charges.

Any camper who has not been picked up at the close of carpool (3:30) will be sent to Drop-In Care and you will be charged.

Carpool Form

Parent’s Request to Administer Medication

Butler Camp Handbook 2012 - will be updated in May. You can currently only see the Handbook for Summer 2010.