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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-07-06 Cffllpn REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: April 10, 2006 Resolution #: SPA -I? f () 6 Report #: CSD-07 -06 File #: By-law #: Subject: 2006 MARCH BREAK EXTRAVAGANZA Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-07-06 be received for information. Reviewed l~J~~ Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/SM CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 REPORT NO.: CSD-07-06 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 2006 marked the twenty-third year the Municipality of Clarington has offered a March Break program to its residents. This year's version of the March Break Extravaganza included Day Camps at Rickard Recreation Complex and Courtice Community Complex for 4 -12 year olds; a Trip Camp for 8 -14 year olds which picked up participants at both locations, and, for the second straight year, we offered a Sports Camp for 8-14 year olds at South Courtice Arena. 1.2 March Break camp participants had the chance to develop their own customized camp experience through the convenience of registering for an entire week or by the day. This allowed parents the opportunity to choose between Day Camp, Sports Camp and Trip Camp each day of the week. 1.3 Program promotional flyers were distributed in the winter and spring editions of the Community Guide and 8,000 flyers were distributed through the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. In addition, a letter was sent to all Summer Day Camp participants at the end of August 2005 promoting upcoming programs including the March Break Extravaganza. Program advertisements were placed on Page 2 in the Canadian Statesman. As well, several banners were placed throughout the community centres promoting the camps. 1.4 Extended hours service was once again provided by the Department to allow working parents to drop their children off at each complex as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick them up as late as 5:30 p.m. each day. Program staff was scheduled to provide on-site supervision of children accessing this service. Parents and caregivers found this service extremely helpful during the week as it was accessed on 165 occasions. 1.5 By offering the two Day Camps, Sports Camps and the Trip Camps, a total of 21 job opportunities were created for youth, all of whom are candidates for future employment in our Summer Day Camp Program. The March Break Camp had a total of 17 returning staff and four new staff. Applicants who demonstrated qualities of leadership, and were certified in Standard First Aid and CPR and provided a current satisfactory CPIC were interviewed for March Break employment. The quality of the applicants was exceptional this year, creating a pleasant dilemma in regards to hiring. 1.6 Successful staff were required to attend a training session on March 5 at the Rickard Complex. Staff were given details on how our camps have worked in the past, our philosophy and the expectations the Department has of them as Camp Counsellors. The training focused on many topics including: leadership, communication, customer service and bullying. The camp staff team proved to be of a good mix of experienced and new staff with everyone bringing their own skills and expertise to the program. With the experience the staff gained during March Break Camp, combined with a fair number of returning staff, the department has a strong foundation for an excellent team for the summer camp program. REPORT NO.: CSD-07 -06 PAGE 3 2.0 DAY CAMP 2.1 The March Break Day Camp operated at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, and the Courtice Community Complex. Each day participants took part in a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games and special events planned around the theme, as well as, swimming and skating. The feedback from our parent and participant surveys confirmed that the program was well organized and full of activities to keep everyone busy. 2.2 A comparison of 2005 and 2006 Day Camp participation is recorded on the table below. Registration at the Courtice Day Camp experienced slight growth over last year, while the Rickard Day Camp registration was down slightly. Courtice Total Courtice Rickard Total Com lex Com lex Com lex 40 83 48 43 91 44 87 48 42 90 46 92 48 45 93 50 95 49 45 94 52 97 52 43 95 TOTAL 232 222 454 245 218 463 3.0 DAY TRIPS 3.1 As with the Day Camp and Sports Camp Program, parents could chose to enroll their children in these activities for either the full week or on a daily basis. Trip destinations that were chosen provided a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for all of the participants. Monday Ontario Science Centre Tuesday CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame Wednesday - Air Zone and Roller Gardens Thursday Tubing at Lakeridge Ski Resort Friday Putting Edge and Cineplex Odeon Theatres Once again, the trip to Lakeridge Ski Resort was a favorite of the campers. The weather was great, the staff at the resort was friendly and the campers were able to get in many runs down the hill. 3.2 Participants had the option of choosing Courtice Community Complex or Rickard Recreation Centre as their pick up and drop off location. Parents were also able to access the extended hours services at either location, if required. REPORT NO.: CSD-07-06 PAGE 4 3.3 The registered participation in the trip camp program is recorded on the table below. To ensure the safety of each child, the maximum number of campers is capped at 40 to ensure an 8: 1 camper-counsellor trip ratio and to ensure that everyone had a seat on the bus. Courtice Rickard Total Courtice Rickard Total Complex Complex Complex Complex 21 19 40 23 17 40 21 19 40 23 17 40 21 19 40 22 18 40 22 18 40 23 17 40 22 18 40 24 16 40 TOTAL 107 93 200 115 85 200 SPORTS CAMP 4.0 4.1 For the second year in a row, the Municipality offered a Sports Camp for 8-14 year olds at South Courtice Arena. As with the other camps, participants had the option of registering for individual days or for the entire week. Each day had a sports-related theme and participants took part in a variety of activities including a hockey tournament, dry land swim meet, skating and a trip to The Putting Edge, Mini Putt Centre. The feedback from parents and participants confirmed that the program was well organized and fun for all participants involved. 4.2 Below is a table detailing the registration numbers for the week at Sports Camp. The maximum number of campers for this location was 30, which we reached everyday of camp. With Sports Camp quickly gaining in popularity, it may be time to move March Break Sports Camp to the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer Centre so we may accommodate a larger number of campers. Sports Camp Sports Camp 22 30 23 30 20 30 20 30 19 30 TOTAL 104 150 REPORT NO.: CSD-07-06 PAGE 5 5.0 COMMENTS 5.1 A review of the March Break Camp Programs was held on March 21. Each camp supervisor and the counsellors were asked to provide their evaluation of their March Break experience. Topics ranged from staff selection, training, the facilities, uniforms, teamwork and special events. Great interactive discussions took place and many new and unique ideas were tabled in hopes of improving our future camp programs. 5.2 The Community Services Department was able to offer a variety of safe and exciting programs for our residents. With each passing year, the March Break Camp numbers are growing with the community. The 2006 March Break staff team were extraordinary. They were well organized everyday, and very passionate and enthusiastic throughout the week. Their ability to provide excellent customer service tended to alleviate any potential incidents and issues. 5.3 The program will continue to accommodate as many individuals in the Municipality of Clarington as possible. The Department continues to revise and improve the program each year, achieving the underlying goal of providing a quality program at a reasonable fee.