Parent Information - Policies and General Info.

Permanent Staff Members

Executive Director, Program Director, Waterfront Director, Head Counselor, Health Officer, Lifeguards, and instructional staff. All staff are certified according to current standards. The finest camp cooks in the area and his/her helpers. A doctor or emergency services are available on call. Our Cabin Counselors are older youth who have been trained through during “Leadership Workshop.”

Refund Policy

If you wish to request a refund, please do so at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled week so we may notify other applicants waiting for that date. Later notifications mean loss of the deposit.

Visiting

To prevent homesickness, parents should not visit or telephone their children during the week. We encourage parents to write letters instead.

Roommate Requests

In the spirit of discovery, cultural interaction and the development of self-confidence, we recommend NOT making roommate requests. We appreciate that you are looking out for the best interest of your child, but please remember your child is only one of eight children in the cabin. Homesickness is more common when best friends bunk together. We have also witnessed that it can cause loneliness and jealousy when that best friend creates new friendships.

Please Label All Possessions

As much as we attempt to ensure the safety of all belongings, there are occasions when objects are misplaced, lost or possibly stolen. We will do all that is possible to avoid such circumstances but we cannot be directly responsible for the lost or missing possessions. Campers should NOT carry cash, all spending money should be deposited for use in camp store. (see below)

Camp Store

Parents may deposit spending money in their child’s store account which the camper can “charge” purchases to throughout the week. Unspent money will be refunded at the end of the week. The store sells sweatshirts, T-shirts, film, batteries, bug spray, pens, postcards, stationery, candy, pop, stuffed animals, etc.

Mail

Mail is sent and delivered daily. Mail from home should be sent no later than Wednesday to ensure delivery. Address envelopes and packages using the following:
Van Buren Youth Camp, C/O Camper’s Name, 12370 45th Street, Bloomingdale MI, 49026.

Health Care

A full time health officer, nurse, or doctor lives at camp. We do not require a physical to attend camp, however, we do require a copy of immunization records and an update of all emergency contact information and health records each summer. A health screening is completed upon arrival at VBYC. At this time, your child’s health history will be reviewed and a visual observation will be completed. All medication must be in its original container with child’s name, dosage and frequency clearly marked. The health officer will be responsible for keeping all medications under locked storage and administration of all medication. Parents will be notified in a timely manner when the director and health officer determine any incident at camp is beyond remedy and/or detrimental to the health of any camper or when the following health issues occur:

• Before transport to medical center, if possible.
• Immediately after admission to the hospital.
• The day following an overnight stay in the infirmary.
• As directed, in writing, by the camper’s parent or guardian.
• Immediately in event of death.

Camper Behavior Management and Discipline

Our methods for fostering good behavior are:

• Cleary explaining rules to campers.
• Our counselors and staff model and reward positive behavior.
• Counselor talks with camper if rules are broken.
• If rule is continually broken, staff member or director talks to camper, and possibly has them temporarily sit out of activities.

If your child should become or create a behavior problem, the Executive Director will make a decision about whether he/she should remain at camp. If this situation occurs, you will receive a phone call from the Director explaining what has occurred. The following procedure will be followed:

• Arrangements with parent or guardian to pick up the camper immediately.
• Dismissal from camp for the balance of the year.
• No refund will be allowed for the balance of camp time.
• A letter confirming the action of the camp will be forwarded to the adult responsible for the camper.
• Campers may return the following year provided they demonstrate understanding of this policy.

At no time will a camper be subject to the following:

• Deprivation of sleep.
• Deprivation of food.
• Isolation without staff supervision, observation and interaction.
• Ridicule, threat, corporal punishment or excessive physical exercise.

Weapons, Smoking, Drinking, and Drugs

The possession of weapons, and/or the use of controlled substances such as cigarettes, alcohol or drugs, except as prescribed by a physician, are prohibited while attending camp regardless of age.

Procedures for violation of this policy will be as follows:

• Confiscation of the weapon or substances, if possible.
• Dismissal from camp for the balance of the year.
• Violators will report their suspension from camp to parents or guardians immediately to provide for transportation home.
• There will be no investigation or reports to legal authorities unless requested by parents or guardians.
• No refund will be allowed for the balance of camp time.
• A letter confirming the action of the camp will be forwarded to the adult responsible for the camper.
• Campers may return the following year provided they demonstrate understand of this policy.
• A second violation of this policy will result in an individual no being permitted to use camp facilities again.