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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-18-03 , " ... J. t ,. *' cmr.n REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee PIS October 6, 2003 Resolution #: GPPr~;)o~05 Date: Report #: CSD-18-03 File #: By-law #: Subject: SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 2003 Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report No. CSD-18-03 be received for information. Reviewed bO ~~ Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/BT/SC/jm CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OFCLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905) 623-3379 F (905) 623-5506 1001 . .~ '", .- REPORT NO. CSD-18-03 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 For the past number of years, the Community Services Department has provided a Summer Day Camp program for our residents aged 4-12 years. Previously the program was offered at the Courtice Community Complex, Rickard Recreation Complex and at the Newcastle Arena. Last year the program was expanded to include a camp at the Orono Town Hall, a Mobile Day Camp which was scheduled at four locations, a Skateboard Camp at various locations and a one week Drama Camp at Rickard Recreation Complex. 1.2 In 2003 the following program was offered: Courtice Day Camp Rickard Day Camp Newcastle Day Camp Sports Camp (Hampton) Trip Camp Skateboard Camp Mobile Playground Drama Camp (Orono) Leadership Development 4-12 years 4-12 years 4-12 years 8-14 years 8-14 years 10-16 years open 8-14 years 13-15 years 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 3 weeks 1 week 1.3 The Summer Day Camp program is advertised in the Community Activity Guide and local newspapers. Flyers were distributed to all elementary aged students through the Public and Catholic School boards and to all of last year's registrants. Banners were erected at the Newcastle Pool, Darlington Arena, Newcastle Arena and Orono Pool. In addition, staff actively promoted the program at community events such as the Tyrone Spirit Day and local school Fun Fairs. Registration for the camps began upon receipt of the Community Activity Guide and continued throughout the spring and summer. 2.0 SUMMER DAY CAMP 2.1 Thirty-six students were employed in Day Camps this summer as Supervisors, Instructors and Counsellors. As well as providing leisure opportunities to the community, the Community Services Department plays a key role in developing future community leaders through our part time staff. Our staff are leaders both in our recreation programs and in their communities, through school, sports and other activities and we view the development of that leadership as important. Staff received 40 hours of pre-camp training in leadership development, team building, child abuse, program planning, behaviour management, conflict resolution and administrative responsibilities among other things. Staff meetings were also held weekly throughout the summer to review issues, update staff and to develop a strong Day Camp team. All staff was required to be certified in First Aid and CPR. The staff was very dedicated and committed to children and 1002 ...~.... -, . REPORT NO. CSD-1S-03 PAGE 3 brought a wide range of knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm to the program. To conclude, our staff training kicked off the summer with an appreciation barbecue for all our summer staff. This brought the staff team together for one last team building outing before they headed off to their camp locations. As the end of summer neared, a "Hawaiian Luau" was held to motivate and pump up the staff for the home stretch of the program. 2.2 At the end of the summer all staff was invited to a breakfast hosted and prepared by the camp supervisors. Staff enjoyed a wonderful meal followed by a summer wrap up meeting at whi~h they were encouraged to provide feedback, both positive and constructive, on their camp experience. These comments will be considered when planning the 2004 program. 2.3 The camp supervisors started work at the beginning of June. Their role was to develop all of the details of the camp program and special events, confirm the trips and transportation details and coordinate staff training. In addition the supervisors were active at community events and fun fairs, creating a department presence and promoting our summer programs. The earlier start for the supervisors also helps in the retention of senior staff. Most of these staff are college or university students who have been with us for several years. In the past we would often lose some these experienced staff to positions that could offer more than eight weeks of summer employment. 2.4 In order to accommodate working parents, our extended hours program was provided again this year. Early drop off started at 7:30 a.m. and pick up ran as late as 5:30 p.m. We had over 300 children in our extended care program throughout the summer. 2.5 The campers were divided into groups each week based on that week's registration. This allowed us to make better use of staff and to align the groups more appropriately based on the campers' age and maturity level. The weekly program revolved around a central theme with daily activities and special events catering to the theme. Themes included: Wild Wacky Sports Outdoor Extravaganza When I Grow Up Amazon Adventures Experiment in Fun Time Warp Lights, Camera, Action Friendship and Memories ,~ 2.6 Some of the more memorable special events included a Camp Carnival, and a Crazy Careers Day which involved representatives from the police, fire, paramedics, block parents, the health department and a Mini Olympics. 2.7 This summer, participants were offered several trips during the camp that were tied into the theme of the week for the program. A conscious effort was made to focus the trips on local attractions and minimize travel time. Trips included North 1003 . . REPORT NO. CSD-18-03 PAGE 4 End Bowl, Cullen Gardens, Bowmanville Zoo and the Pickering Museum as well as trips to the local pools, arenas and to the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station Information Centre. 2.8 The annual end of summer "Day Camp Reunion" was hosted for all campers and their families at Rickard Recreation Complex on the evening of August 21. Staff treated guests to a barbeque, games, skits and songs. Many children and their families enjoyed the numerous activities. Many thanks go to our community partners who contributed to the success of this event including Tim's Rentals, M&M Meats, McDonalds Restaurants, Durham Regional Police and the Clarington Emergency Services Department. 3.0 NEW INITIATIVES 3.1 The Mobile Playground program was offered this year as a less structured option to our day camps. This program allowed us to outreach to communities that could not sustain a full week program and to test the level of interest in newer communities. The Community Services Fun Mobile visited a different location each day and the staff delivered a program of games, activities and crafts appropriate to the participants who were there. No pre-registration was required and often parents/caregivers would come to the park and socialize as their children participated. The Mobile Playground rotated through five different parks throughout the summer: Tyrone Park, Orono Park, Guildwood Park (Bowmanville), Walbridge Park (Newcastle), and Penfound Park (Courtice). The program was well received at all locations with over 1,200 young people visiting the playground throughout the summer. 3.2 The Drama Club partnered with the Municipality again this summer to provide three weeks of Drama Camp at the Orono Town Hall. Participants could be dropped off in Orono or make use of our bussing service. Parents could drop their children off at Courtice Complex, Rickard Complex or Newcastle Arena for bus pick-up. Approximately 50% of the campers were bussed to the Orono location. Parents could also utilize the extended hours program at these three day camp locations either in the morning or afternoon. Campers received training in acting, voice projection, character development, singing and dancing. The highlight was the production staged at the end of the week in which the campers had the opportunity to showcase their newfound talents. 3.3 Due to the success of the March Break Trip Camp over the past few winters, we added a Trip Camp to our summer program. Parents had the option of dropping their children off at either the Rickard Complex or the Courtice Complex and could utilize the extended hours program offered at both locations. The Trip Camp was offered in a two week rotation. Trips for Package A included Black Creek Pioneer Village, Wheelies & North End Bowl, Toronto Zoo, Cedar Park and Laser Quest & Kids Zone. Package B trips included the Hockey Hall of Fame & CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Putting Edge & Movies, Pleasure 1004 ~..,.", .\. '. REPORT NO. CSD-1S-03 PAGE 5 Valley and the Science Centre. 3.4 Sports Camp was introduced this year at the Darlington Arena. Participants had the opportunity to develop their athletic skills in a variety of sports. Participants learned the fundamentals of various sports while developing sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork skills. Participants travelled once a week to the Rickard Complex to learn and practise their hockey/skating skills as well as travelling to Quarry Lakes Golf and Recreational Centre for 1 % hours of golf instruction at the driving range and a mini-golf tournament. The other sports included baseball, tennis, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee and badminton. Parents had the option of accessing a bussing service and extended hours at the Rickard Complex at an additional charge. 3.5 A Leadership Development Camp was added for one week this summer at the Rickard Complex. Participants were introduced to different leadership styles and worked to develop their communication skills. Focus was also given to discussions on team building, responsibility and commitment and self esteem. Participants were also able to test their new skills by assisting in the day camp setting. A total of 25 youth participated successfully in the program. Totals 2002 Week 1 107 Week 2 159 Week 3 173 Week 4 146 Week 5 139 Week 6 116 Week 7 196 Week 8 151 Week 9 50 1237 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 The Community Services Department is committed to providing the residents of the Municipality of Clarington a safe and innovative program during the summer. The new program initiatives were well received which may indicate the community is ready for more specialty programs to augment our traditional camp program. Staff is currently reviewing and evaluating the 2003 Summer Day Camp program and will strive to develop the appropriate program to meet the varied needs of our community in 2004. l005