This virtual handbook covers parent, camper, and staff responsibilities at Adventure Day Camp (ADC).
Parent Pick-Up Procedure
If a camper is to be released from camp and will not be taking the camp bus, the camper is only to be released directly to the camper’s parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian wishes to designate another guardian to pick up the child, we must have written permission in advance. The camper can only be released from the camp office with the previous knowledge and approval of the Camp Director.
Absences
Please call the camp each day your child is going to be absent. If you know in advance that your child is going to be absent, please notify the Camp Director.
Concerns
Parents should report concerns or grievances to the Camp Director so that appropriate measures can be taken. If a parent feels that their concerns are not being met by the Camp Director, the parent should contact the Executive Director of Cambridge Camping at 978-944-2876.
Food at Camp
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided by the camp each day. For safety reasons, peanut butter, nut products, candy, and gum are not allowed.
What to Wear and Bring to Camp
Please wear comfortable play clothes, socks, and sneakers (no “jellies” or sandals). Please dress children appropriately for changing temperature and weather conditions (for example, raincoats for rainy days). Please label your child’s clothing, bags, and belongings in pen or with name tags. Child’s backpack should include:
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Reusable water bottle
- Change of clothes
Do NOT Bring Valuables to Camp. At no time should campers have valuables. Unfortunately, we do have incidents during the summer where these types of items disappear. We remind campers not to bring these items, but they tend to show up in spite of our warnings. Campers should not be using phones or electronics on the bus or at any time at camp. Please note that CADC and Cambridge Camping are not responsible for such items should they be lost or stolen.
Camp Behavior and Discipline
Expected Behavior
Campers are expected to follow directions, cooperate, and participate respectfully in all camp activities. Physical violence is not tolerated. The CADC administration will handle inappropriate behavior and discipline issues at their discretion, with consequences including time-outs, field trip suspensions, and dismissals.
Bus Rules
While on the bus, campers are expected to display appropriate behavior. Standing up, hanging body parts out of windows, and playing are not allowed on the buses. The CADC Director, camp staff, and bus drivers enforce appropriate behavior and discipline regarding bus rides.
Suspension or Dismissal
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all campers and staff, the CADC Director reserves the right to suspend and ultimately dismiss any camper. Suspended campers will not be allowed to return to camp prior to a conference between the CADC Director and parents/guardians.
Illness and Medical Emergency Policy
If a camper becomes ill at camp and the illness is deemed by the Camp Director too serious to allow the camper to stay at camp, the parents will be contacted and asked to pick up the child. If the parents and emergency contacts cannot be reached, the child will be kept at camp in the sick bay until the end of the day. The camper will be transported home by camp bus or by a member of the camp staff. The method of transportation will be at the discretion of the Camp Director. Serious illness will be treated as Medical Emergencies following the Emergency Medical Care procedures.
Swine Flu
As required by the Massachusetts Department of Health, our policy is: Early identification of flu symptoms. Remain home for 7 days if you catch the flu. Remain fever free for 24 hours before returning to camp. Follow health hand hygiene procedures. Follow appropriate sneezing and coughing etiquette.
COVID-19 Policy and Control
Cambridge Camping has produced a thorough COVID-19 Safety Policy included with this Handbook. The organization and every organizational program will meet the minimum required safety practices provided by local, state, and federal public health agencies. At our discretion, our programs may choose to require higher standards of safety practices. Please see the related COVID-10 Safety Policy for full details.
General Health and Safety Policies
If your camper has a fever, is vomiting, or displaying symptoms of illness, please keep your child home. We encourage children to use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available. Washing hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Minor injuries (small cuts, scrapes, etc.): The camper will be brought to the Camp Office and the injury will be treated with proper First Aid. Staff will use plastic gloves when coming into contact with blood. Parents will be notified by phone and/or email before the end of the day.
Serious injuries (head, neck, back, severe burns, heavy bleeding, unconsciousness): In the event of serious injury, the following Emergency Medical Care procedures will be followed: Children in need of emergency medical care will be transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance. In life threatening situations or situations where moving the child is a concern, transportation will be by ambulance. In other cases, transportation may be by car, camp bus, or taxi if necessary and under the supervision of the Camp Director. Parents are to be notified immediately after an ambulance has been called, or in non-life-threatening situations, prior to transportation of the child. Parents will be notified by phone as soon as possible regarding the emergency situation or condition requiring immediate or on-going attention. If parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called.
If the campers are off site and this site has first aid facilities, specialists should notify them of emergency or borderline situations and to use their facilities professional personnel. Staff ensure that all other campers are safe and engaged with activities while an injured camper is being cared for.
All campers are covered by accident insurance for accidents that occur while at camp.
Camp Staff and Supervision
All staff are interviewed and screened before hire and have an extensive criminal background and sex-offender check. • All camp staff are required to participate in a comprehensive training program prior to the camp's opening. • All camp staff are closely supervised by an administration of knowledgeable and dedicated educators and other professionals.
Abuse and Neglect Reporting Policy
Camp staff are required to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the Camp Director who will report to Cambridge Camping administration and Department of Children and Families in accordance with mandated state reporting laws. Staff are trained in recognizing signs of possible abuse during pre-camp training and in-service sessions.
Parents/guardians may request copies of background check, health care, and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.
This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.