Each child will be assigned to a team leader who will be responsible for an age-grouped team of children for each week. The children will be under the direct supervision of their team leader, who will coordinate the team's daily activities and schedules.
It is the child's and the supervising staff's responsibility to make sure that each child is in direct supervision at all times. It is essential that each child be aware of his or her responsibility in this area. If a child does become separated from the group, he or she is to remain in the same area until rejoined with the group. If the team leader discovers that a child is missing, he or she will assign the other children in their group to another team leader while they locate the missing child. Campus Security and/or 911 will be called immediately.
In case of accident or illness, the parents/guardians and/or physician will be contacted. In cases of a serious nature, we will call 911 immediately and also the parents or designated "responsible adults" listed on the child's registration form. Campus Security will also be notified. Until the parent's arrival, the director or any other staff member of FunQuest will act as the parent's agent and will consent to any necessary treatment and hospital care ordered by a licensed physician. FunQuest will keep an Emergency Medical Consent Form signed by the parents of each child as authorization. The parent will assume responsibility for any medical expenses that are incurred for emergency treatment.
In cases of excessively hot weather, children will be kept inside, well hydrated, and provided with access to fluids. Be aware that with Colorado's ever-changing weather that some days might get rainy. We will be walking many places (e.g., the dining hall, the turf room, the pool, etc.) so on those days when the weather is in question, please provide the proper clothing/jackets for your children.
FunQuest is required by Colorado State Law to file a report with the El Paso County Protection Unit in all cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is defined as "non-accidental physical or mental injury caused by acts or omissions of the child's parents or caretakers." This includes any evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, burns, swelling, or bone fractures. The number for reporting is 444-5700. Parents also have the right to call the above number if child abuse is suspected by anyone at camp.
It is essential that you keep us informed about your child's health so that we can be aware of your child's special needs. Please inform us when your child develops a new health problem, communicable disease, is injured, or is on medication. We want to work with you to maintain your child's health and happiness.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF:
- He or she has a fever OR has had one during the previous 24-hour period.
- Has diarrhea and/or is vomiting as a result of the flu (not as a side effect of taking antibiotics).
- Has been on an antibiotic less than 24 hours (with the possible exceptions of ear or urinary tract infections - check with the director).
- Has a heavy nasal discharge or cloudy, green, or yellow mucous indicating an infection.
- Has an eye infection (red eyes and pus matter in the eyes).
- Has symptoms of a possible communicable disease (sniffles, red eyes, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, fever).
- Is overtired, cranky, and generally not himself or herself (sometimes rest at such times prevents development of a more serious illness).
If your child develops any of these symptoms while at FunQuest, he or she will be separated from the other children and we will call you to take him or her home as soon as possible. In addition, if your child is lethargic, extremely tired or cranky, generally not himself or herself, and requires exclusive one-on-one attention, we will call you. We may require a physician's release for your child to return to camp. We have a responsibility to safeguard healthy children as well as our staff.
YOUR CHILD MAY COME TO CAMP IF:
- His or her cold is over and there is only minor, clear nasal drip and/or an occasional cough.
- He or she has been exposed to a communicable disease; we will determine what dates "exposed" children should stay home in order to prevent spreading the infection.
- He or she is fever-free WITHOUT BEING MEDICATED for the last 24 hours.
Children with special needs are considered on an individual basis. Consultation among the Director, parents, leaders, and other professionals deemed necessary will be used to determine the options that best meet the needs of the individuals concerned.
If at all possible, it is best if the parent/guardian administers any and all medication to their child at home or during a lunch break.
If this isn't possible, under Colorado State Law, we cannot administer ANY medication, prescription or over-the-counter (e.g., Tylenol, cough medicine), without a completed Physician Authorization form and Parental Permission form. Medicines need to be sent in the original, labeled bottle including the child's name, name of medicine, date prescribed, correct dosage, time and route medication is to be given, duration of prescription, and name of person with prescriptive authority. ONLY AFTER this information is provided, each and every time a medicine is prescribed, are we authorized by Colorado State Law to give your child medication.
A current immunization record is required for enrollment in camp under Colorado State Law. If a parent or guardian of a child wishes an exemption from the requirement for a health statement or immunization due to religious or personal beliefs, a written statement signed by the child's parent or guardian (which states the reason for such an exemption and that the child is in good health) must be submitted with the registration forms. In addition, if immunizations are contraindicated because of a medical condition, a statement from the child's health care provider must be on file. FunQuest Summer Day Camp has the right to refuse to admit the child if a statement from an approved health care professional is not submitted.
Parents of other children in care will be notified if a child enters Camp without having received the appropriate immunizations. Children's confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with Colorado State Law.
It is our philosophy that if children understand what behavior is expected of them, and they trust the adults in charge to be fair and consistent in their expectations, they are better able to behave appropriately. True discipline that guides the child toward self-control is a system of expected behaviors, NOT punishment for incorrect actions. Occasionally, a child may continue to display inappropriate behavior. The child will be given a supervised "time-out," separated from the activity and other children for a period of time, to allow him or her to regain control of her or her behavior without being demeaned or belittled. At no time will FunQuest staff withhold food, drink, or toilet use for discipline measures. The following guidelines are guidelines we use to maintain each child's self-esteem within a realistic structure of age-appropriate expectations:
- Love and treat children with respect
- Encourage verbal expressions of their feelings
- Make rules and expectations that are clear, reasonable, and enforceable
- Be consistent and trustworthy when enforcing rules and expectations for behavior
- Create the appropriate environment suitable for the child's needs
- Give each child choices to make and hold him or her responsible for those choices
- Only offer a child choices if we are truly allowing him or her to make those decisions
- Maintain a calm demeanor when disciplining a child
- Correct a child's behavior without demeaning or shaming him or her
If a situation arises regarding a child with intense behavioral difficulties, the team leader will refer him or her to the Summer Camp Director and to the Children's Center Director. Action of how the situation will be handled will be discussed with the persons involved, their parents, and the staff. At some time, it may become necessary to restrict the child's participation at FunQuest.