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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-07-03 , , CJ!llpn REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee April 7, 2002 Resolution #:6IJl- /b Y-c;'3 File #: /00" CSD-07 -03 By-law #: Date: Report #: Subject: 2003 MARCH BREAK EXTRAVAGANZA Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-07-03 be received for information: Submitted by: J seph P. Caruana irector of Community Services Reviewed bP Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/BT/SC/ta 1004 REPORT NO.: CSD-07-03 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 For the 20th consecutive year the Municipality of Clarington offered a March Break program to 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 an Aquatic Adventure Camp at Courtice Community Complex for 9 - 16 year olds. 1.2 Interested participants had the convenience of registering for an entire week or by the day which allowed parents to mix and match between day camp and trip camp and develop their own customized camp experience. The Aquatic Adventure Camp required a full week commitment as participants received their certification in the Canada Coast Guard's B.O.A.T. (Boat Operator Accredited Training) Program. 1.3 Program information flyers and registration forms were distributed in the Winter and the Spring Editions of the Community Guide. In addition a letter was sent to all Summer Day Camp participants out at the end of August 2002 promoting upcoming programs including the March Break Extravaganza. As well, extensive use was made of Page 2 in the Canadian Statesman. 1.4 Although the core hours of the program were from 8:30 - 4:30 an extended hours service was 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. 1.5 By offering day camps at these locations, a total of eighteen (18) job opportunities were created for youth, most of whom are candidates for future employment in our Summer Day Camp Program. The March Break Camp had a total of eight (8) returning staff and ten (10) new staff. To assist in the hiring process this year we held a Pre-Selection Night for new potential staff. Applicants who demonstrated leadership and were certified in Standard First Aid and CPR were invited to an evening in which they were briefed on the camp program, philosophy and the expectations the department would have of them as counsellors. In addition each applicant was required to come prepared to teach a game or song to the rest of the group. This process allowed staff to assess the interpersonal, communication and leadership skills and abilities of potential staff. Applicants who displayed the appropriate skills were then invited back for an interview. This process proved to be beneficial to the hiring process. 1.6 Successful staff attended two training sessions prior to camp. The 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 leadership experience the new staff gained during March Break Camp and the large number of returning staff we have a strong foundation for an excellent team for the summer camp program. In addition, the community has benefited through the development of some excellent positive young role models. 1005 REPORT NO.: CSD-07-03 PAGE 3 2.0 REGISTRATION 2.1 We experienced an increase in registration for Day Camp at both the Rickard Recreation Complex and the Courtice Community Complex. Trip Camp registration sold out this year after two years of a slight decline in registration. The Trip Camp was reassessed at the end of the 2002 program and new trip locations were added. In addition staffing costs were lowered by offering one Trip Camp with two pick up locations as opposed to offering two complete camps. 2.2 Trip camp age range was increased from 4 - 12 year olds to 8 - 14 year olds this year. This age group is better suited to the Trip Program and allowed the department to address a need for program opportunities for the 12 -14 age group. 2.3 This was the first March Break with online registration. A total of 14 participants made use of this new service. 3.0 DAY CAMP 3.1 The March Break Day Camp operated at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, and the Courtice Community Complex. Each day had a theme and participants took part in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, games and special events around the theme as well as swimming and skating. Several parents and participants indicated that the program was well organized and full of activities to keep everyone busy. In addition, staff participated in a program evaluation following the camps and also provided positive feedback. 3.2 A comparison for 2002 and 2003 participation in the program is recorded on the table below. 2002 2003 Courtice Rickard Total Courtice Rickard Total Complex Complex Complex Complex MONDAY 47 45 92 40 49 89 TUESDAY 48 49 97 48 51 99 WEDNESDAY 44 48 92 48 50 98 THURSDAY 43 47 90 46 50 96 FRIDAY 42 44 86 48 49 97 224 233 457 230 249 479 TOTAL 4.0 DAY TRIPS 4.1 As with the Day Camp Program, interested participants could chose to participate in these activities for either the full week or on a daily basis. Staff chose destinations, which provided a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for all of the participants, as well as a mix of local and non-local attractions: Monday: Ontario Science Centre Tuesday: Royal Ontario Museum Wednesday: Putting Edge and Cineplex Odeon Theatres Thursday: North End Bowl and Swimming Friday: Hockey Hall of Fame and CN Tower 1006 . . REPORT NO.: CSD-07-03 PAGE 4 All of the Day Trips started and ended at each Complex and parents were also able to access the extended hours services if required. 4.3 The registered participation in the trip camp program is recorded on the table below. 2002 ..... 2003 Courtice Rickard Total Courtice Rickard Total Complex Complex Complex Comolex MONDAY 23 16 39 23 20 43 TUESDAY 23 16 39 22 19 41 WEDNESDAY 23 16 39 24 21 45 THURSDAY 23 16 39 24 21 45 FRIDAY 23 16 39 24 21 45 115 80 195 117 102 219 TOTAL 5.0 AQUATIC ADVENTURES CAMP 5.1 This was the third year that Community Services Department offered the Aquatic Adventures Camp. 5.2 The specialty camp was operated out of the Courtice Community Complex and parents had access to extended care services if needed. Participants were required to attend for the full week in order to receive their certificates and awards. 5.3 Aquatic Adventures was offered to participants with an aquatic background, ages nine and up. Activities included snorkelling, waterpolo, swimming, and certification in the Canada Coast Guard's B.O.AT. course (Boat Operator Accredited Training). To receive certification, all participants were required to write the exam at the end of the course and receive a grading no less than 75%. 5.4 The total number of participants for the Aquatic Adventures Camp was ten (10) with everyone meeting all requirements of the program including B.O.AT certification. 6.0 COMMENTS 6.1 The Community Services Department was able to offer a varied, safe and exciting program for our local residents. The Department continues to revise and improve the program each year, achieving the underlying goal of providing a quality program at a reasonable fee. 6.2 The program will continue to accommodate as many individuals in the Municipality of Clarington as possible. Staff has already begun to investigate new and unique opportunities to improve upon our program for the year 2004. CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 '007