How are campers assigned into groups?
In early June, campers will be assigned a group. We have 4 groups total and campers are divided according to age/grade. Group 1 will be about 5-6 years old, Group 2 will be about 7-8 years, Group 3 will be about 9-10 years and Group 4 will be about 11-12 years.
How many campers will be in my child’s group and how many counselors?
Each group can have up to 20-25 campers and there is a 1 counselor to 10 camper ratios per CT Department of Public Health Regulations. There will be at least 2, and sometimes 3 counselors assigned to each group.
What does my child need to bring to Summer Cub each day?
Campers should bring a water bottle and lunch each day (unless you have purchased lunch on one of our special days when lunch is offered), and a swimsuit, towel and water shoes on swim/sprinkler/waterslide or water game day. Please be sure to apply sunscreen at home each morning and make sure we have a labeled bottle of sunscreen kept at Y to be reapplied during the course of the day.
Can my camper wear sandals or flip flops to Summer Club?
We ask that campers do not wear flip-flops, but rather wear either sneakers or rubber soled, strapped sports sandals so they can participate in all activities safely.
Does your Staff have experience working with children?
Most of our staff are seasoned employees who work year round at our center. In addition to our year-round staff, we hire a few additional staff, usually college students pursuing their education degree. We also have college students who return each summer. All staff undergo rigorous training in the areas of Safety and Supervision, CPR, First Aid, Administration of Medication and Epi Pen training, Summer Programming, Mandated Reporting and Positive Discipline to name a few.
Can my child take medicine at Summer Club?
Yes, most of our staff is trained per State of CT Department of Public Health regulations to administer medication. In order for medication to be administered, an Authorization to Administer Medication form must be completed by a physician and the parent, whether it is prescription or over the counter medication. Medication, the Authorization form and a plan of care must be handed to staff to review and store, per state regulations. Campers may not hold their own medicine.
Does the Y provide a snack time each day?
A healthy snack and either milk or water is served each morning and afternoon.
What should I pack for lunch?
Lunchtime is an important part of a child’s day. It provides a great opportunity to teach and reinforce good nutritional habits. We ask that you pack a lunch with healthy choices and limited sweets with a non-sweetened beverage such as water, milk or 100% juice.
Can I celebrate my child’s birthday at Summer Club?
Children enjoy treating their friends to a special treat on their birthday but we ask that only healthy treats be shared. Examples include mini-muffins, fruit bars, whole fruit, fruit salad etc. All snacks brought from home for sharing must be either whole fruits or commercially prepared foods in factory-sealed containers with an ingredient label. Please discuss with your child’s counselor in advance any specific plans you may have.
Does Summer Club offer specialty lunch days or cookouts?
Grassy Plain offers lunch for purchase about twice a week and at least one cookout day free of charge. Please refer to the packet you receive when you register for more info.
Where do you hold your swim program?
We travel to our Greenknoll Branch outdoor pool in Brookfield for recreational swim via YMCA buses.
How do I pay my weekly tuition?
Tuition is due on Friday for the following week. We accept cash, checks or credit cards.
What fees are due to register?
There is a $280 deposit, which goes towards your last week and a $35 enrollment fee due upon registration.
Is there a discount if I have more than one child in the program?
There will be a 10% discount on the sibling’s tuition. Please note that Care For Kids and scholarship recipients do not receive the 10% discount.
Does the Y provide tuition assistance?
The Y provides tuition assistance to our year round families that qualify and some to our Summer Club only participants on a very limited basis based on availability. Families can inquire and request scholarship applications and they must be returned by April 15 in order to be considered for a scholarship. We also ask that families seeking tuition assistance apply to the state subsidy program, Care 4 Kids. We have applications here and can help you with the process.
Can my child bring electronic devices to camp?
iPods, Nintendo DS’s cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed at camp. If your child brings these items to camp they must remain in their backpack and not be used. The Y is not responsible for loss or theft or damage to any item brought from home.
Can I visit my child while they are at Summer Club?
We welcome any family involvement. Families are invited to come share mealtimes, a craft or cultural project, or if enrolling a camper for the first time to spend extra time until the camper is comfortable.
What if I want to check in during the day to see how my camper’s day is going or speak to my child’s counselor?
We encourage open communication! Each classroom has a phone and the Administrative Assistant will transfer the call to the appropriate extension. If the group is at an activity, outside or out of the building on a trip, you can leave a message and your call will be returned.
What if I need to send someone else to pick up my child?
As long as the alternate pick up person is listed on your registration form and has a photo ID for verification purposes we will be able to release your camper to that person. You may list 2 people on your registration form and there are forms in the office to add additional people. If you need to send someone who is not listed on the form, we would need written notification from the parent giving permission for the alternate person to pick up. Faxes are permissible.
