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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-15-04 , CI~-mgron REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: The General Purpose and Administration Committee ( ,71 Lff/-ctf November 1, 2004 Resolution #: 2",; Date: Report #: cSD-15-04 File#: By-law #: Subject: SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM - 2004 Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-15-04 be received for information. Reviewed by:'~ .C('4.~"'-- ( ------- (Jk aruana Franklin Wu r of Community Services Chief Administrative Officer JPC/BT/SC/jm CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1 C 3A6 T (905) 623-3379 F (905) 623-5506 luu'/ REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 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. The program has grown from two general eight week camps at Courtice Community Complex and Rickard Recreation Complex serving 4 - 12 year olds to the following variety of general and specialty programs offered in 2004 to a wider range of youth across the entire municipality. Early Bird Camp (Rickard RC) Courtice Day Camp Rickard Day Camp Newcastle Day Camp Sports Camp (South Courtice Arena) Trip Camp Skateboard Camp Mobile Playground (two funmobiles) Drama Camp (Rickard RC) Leadership Camp 4-12 years 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 3 days 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 2 weeks 2 weeks 1.2 The Summer Day Camp program is advertised in the Community Guide and local newspapers. In addition, over 10,000 flyers were distributed to all elementary students through the Public and Catholic School boards. 1.3 Staff contacted local schools to offer our support and expertise at local fun fairs. Twelve schools accepted our offer and staff handed out flyers, answered questions from the public and ran fun, interactive activity stations promoting our summer programs. Banners and signage were erected at all facilities including the Newcastle Arena and the Newcastle Lions Pool. Registration for the camps began upon receipt of the Community Guide and continued throughout the spring and summer. 2.0 STAFF TRAINING 2.1 A total of 39 students were employed in day camps this summer as supervisors, instructors and counsellors. As well as providing leisure opportunities to the community youth, 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, recognizing child abuse, program planning, behaviour management, conflict resolution and administrative responsibilities among other things. Staff meetings were also held weekly 10U8 REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 3 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 and to supply current criminal reference checks. The staff was very dedicated and committed to the program and to the participants and brought a wide range of knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm to the program. To conclude our training and to kick off the summer, our staff was treated to a "Customer Service Appreciation Barbecue" hosted by the Municipality's Customer Service Implementation Team. This brought the staff team together for one last team building outing before they headed off to their camp locations. 2.2 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. All of these staff are college or university students who have been with us for several years. In the past we would often lose some of these experienced staff to positions that could offer more than eight weeks of summer employment. 2.3 This year the camp supervisors were also involved in a Region-wide training session in June with 65 other senior day camp staff from Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Uxbridge. The evening included presentations by Durham Lives regarding new program ideas and a session by the YMCA on keeping your staff motivated throughout the summer. This evening was well received by staff and provided them with the opportunity to network and share program ideas with their counterparts from across the Region. 2.4 The supervisors also participated in a team building exercise at Lakeridge Experiential Education Facility. Activities included climbing, orienteering, high ropes and co-operative activities which challenged their strength, emotional boundaries and problem solving skills while building on their self esteem, self confidence and communication skills. Staff learned to depend on each other to achieve the team's goals. 2.5 At the end of the summer all staff attended a pot luck summer wrap up dinner. Staff enjoyed a wonderful meal followed by a summer evaluation discussion at which they were encouraged to provide feedback, both positive and constructive, on their camp experience. These comments will be considered when planning the 2005 program. 1uu9 . REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 4 3.0 SUMMER DAY CAMP 3.1 In order to accommodate working parents, our extended hours service 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. This service was available at Newcastle Day Camp, Rickard Day Camp for Day camp and Drama Camp, Courtice Day Camp and South Courtice Sports Camp. 386 campers took advantage of this service throughout the summer. (See Attachment # 1) 3.2 Also, a special daily registration camp was offered June 28th, 29th and 30th prior to the start of the regular eight week camp program. This program was offered at one location only as a service to working parents and was incorporated into our staff training. Previous experience had shown that families do not attend full program day camps the first week surrounding the July 1 holiday, thus the short week is not financially viable to offer at all camp locations. 3.3 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 Under the Big Top Wild Things Slime, Grime, Gunk and Goo Winter Wonderland Creepy Creatures Ocean Odyssey Friendship and Memories 3.4 Some of the more memorable special events this summer included a Camper Carnival where campers participated in a carnival of activities and were entertained by "Snapping Toes", a children's entertainer, a North Pole Carnival complete with real snow and a visit by Jungle Jack and his Creepy Creature Bug Collection. The Barnyard Bash at Watson's Farm provided campers with a hands on farming experience and concluded with a treat of fresh picked strawberries. Campers also had the opportunity to visit Upstairs at Loblaws where they learned how to create and enjoy delicious treats. Newcastle Day Camp visited Cal's Grill for hot lunches and Rickard Day Camp had Pizza Pizza Fridays. This was an excellent partnership that allowed our camps to make contacts and enhance our exposure in the community and it also provided campers with a hot lunch at a reasonable cost. 3.5 This summer, day camp participants were offered several trips 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 to minimize travel time. Trips included North End Bowl, Cullen Gardens, Bowmanville Zoo and Cedar Park. lUlU REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 5 We also continued our excellent partnership with Ontario Power Generation who hosted campers each week at their information centre. This program was enhanced by expanding the partnership to include Friends of the Second Marsh and Nature Trails Unlimited. Campers experienced a full and exciting day of conservation and environmental awareness through wilderness walks and presentations in the theatre. 3.6 Sports Camp was relocated to the new South Courtice Arena. Participants learned the fundamentals of various sports while developing sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork skills. Each Wednesday, campers were treated to a golf lesson and a mini putt tournament at Quarry Lakes Golf Centre. Other sports included baseball, soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse and swimming. This program proved to be so successful that it outgrew the indoor facilities at South Courtice Arena. Staff will investigate other alternatives for the program prior to next summer. The extended care program was also available for parents at this location. 3.7 Trip Camp was set up on a three week rotation this year, in order to provide a variety of trip options to return campers. Trips for Package A included Science Centre, Cedar Park, Pickering Museum, Cullen Gardens, Chuck E Cheese and Skating. Package B trips included Lakeridge Extreme Sports, Cobourg Beach, Putting Edge and Cineplex Odeon Theatres, Metro Toronto Zoo, Upstairs at Loblaws and Bowling. Package C included Hockey Hall of Fame and CN Tower, Kids Zone and Swimming, Rock Climbing and Wheelies, Laser Quest, Jungle Cat World and Ontario Power Generation Visitor's Centre. Parents had the option of dropping their children off at either the Rickard Complex or the Courtice Complex and could utilize the extended care program offered at both locations. 3.8 The Drama Club partnered with the Municipality once again this summer to provide two weeks of Drama Camp at the Rickard Recreation Complex. Parents could utilize the extended care at Rickard Recreation Complex Day Camp location 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 each week in which the campers had the opportunity to showcase their newfound talents before a full house of family and friends. 3.9 Skateboard Camp continued to be a popular program for young boarders. Participants were taught the basic skills of skateboarding and also learned how to maintain their boards and do minor repairs. In an effort to enhance the image of skateboarding, emphasis was also placed on "respect". Participants were encouraged to skate respectfully, to treat public property and each other respectfully and they could anticipate respect in return. The camp was offered from 9:00am -12:00 noon Monday to Friday at locations throughout the municipality. 1ln! REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 6 3.10 Leadership Development Camp was expanded from one week to two weeks this summer at the Rickard Complex. This camp operated at an advanced level of instruction for the camp participants. Registrants were introduced to a wide range of topics such as leadership styles, team building, responsibility, commitment, conflict resolution, problem solving and were encouraged to develop their communication skills and self-esteem. Participants were also able to test their new skills by assisting in the day camp setting. Upon successful completion of the Leadership Development Camp, participants received a Certificate of Completion and Certification in First Aid and CPR. 4.0 MOBILE PROGRAMS 4.1 The analysis of last year's Mobile Playground Program lead us to the conclusion that there was a need for expertise programming in the infant to toddler age categories. To meet that need we invited the YMCA Early Years staff to partner with us in delivering a comprehensive Mobile Playground program to ten communities a week over the summer. YMCA Early Years and Community Services each committed one van and two staff. Each 'Funmobile' team consisted of a "Y" staffer specialized in programming the infant to toddlers age group and one Community Services Day Camp staff experienced in programming the older children. 4.2 This team approach allowed us to double our program opportunities and outreach to communities that could not sustain a full week program and to test the level of interest in newer communities, all at no extra cost to the municipality. This drop-in style program offered a less structured option to our day camps for participants and caregivers. The two Fun Mobiles each visited a different location everyday and delivered a program of games, activities and crafts appropriate to the participants. 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 ten different parks daily, throughout the summer which included: Tyrone Park, Orono Park, Guildwood Park (Bowmanville), Walbridge Park (Newcastle), Penfound Park (Courtice), Kendal Park, lna Brown Park (Newtonville), Elliot Park (Hampton), Avondale Park (Courtice), and Haydon Hall. The program numbers were outstanding and were extremely well received at all locations with over 3,700 young people visiting the playground throughout the summer. (See Attachment #2) 4.3 Participation in the Mobile Skateboard Drop in Program declined this summer to the point that many locations averaged less than 5 skaters per day. Courtice Community Centre, which was traditionally a strong location also experienced disappointing numbers. Many regular users are now taking advantage of the new permanent skateboard facility at Donevan CC in Oshawa. Staff will review the viability of this program and possible program alternatives. (See attachment #3) ltil2 . REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 7 5.0 SPECIAL EVENTS 5.1 Again this year the camp staff was actively involved in the Racing Against Drugs Program. Staff developed and ran a "Pit Stop" for three days, for 1,500 Grade Five students, to promote awareness and safety issues relating to drug, alcohol and tobacco use. Staff was also involved with community events, such as Hampton Fun Day, Kendal Day, Tyrone Spirit Day and Clarington Family Safety Day, providing games and activities in support of the local community. 5.2 For the third consecutive year, camp staff organized the Clarington Family Fun Day. This event is an opportunity for residents to celebrate their community and reacquaint themselves with friends and neighbours through a day of family fun. Fun Day took place on July 24, 2004 from 11 :OOa.m. - 3:00p.m at the Courtice Community Complex and attracted over 500 participants. This year's event consisted of 32 attractions including a jumping castle, dunk tank, hay rides and barbecue. A free swim was offered with a donation to the Clarington Food Bank. Several boxes of food were collected. Durham Regional Police were unable to field a Tug of War team this year so the Clarington Cup, emblematic of tug of war supremacy, remains with the Emergency Services team for another year. Many community groups and agencies contributed to the success of this day and staff acknowledges the following partners: Ontario Power Generation Clarington Animal Services Clarington Emergency Services Durham Regional Police Durham Lives Mosport Le Mans Series Race Car Chubby Soft Drink Company YMCA Ontario Early Years Upstairs at Loblaws, Bowmanville Friends of the Second Marsh 5.3 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 26. Rain forced staff to amend the program "on the fly" as the entire event was moved indoors, however many campers and their families were treated to a wonderful evening of games, skits, songs and barbecue. Many thanks go to our community partners who contributed to the success of this event including, M&M Meats, Clarington Emergency Services Department, The Firehouse Youth Centre, YMCA Ontario Early Years, and Friends of the Second Marsh. 1lH3 . REPORT NO. cSD-15-04 PAGE 8 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 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 and partnerships were well received with overall attendance up over last year. Staff will continue to review and evaluate the 2004 Summer Day Camp program and will strive to develop the appropriate program to meet the varied needs of our community in 2005. Attachment #1 - Summary - Summer Day Camp 2003/2004 Registrations Attachment #2 - Summary - Mobile Playground - 2004 Registrations Attachment #3 - Summary - Mobile Skate Board - 2004 Participation 1tH4 ~ =II: - c: Q) E .c: '-' t1l ~ -.;t a , l!) ~ , 0 en u t:: 0 "l:t 0- Q) 0 ~ 0 ~ M 0 0 N Q. E C'a () ~ C'a C I.. CI> E E ::J (J) .., a (0 N N C') I'- OJ OJ 0:> 0 0:> a .., C') .., N C') a I'- 0 ~ N N N ~ N N N (0 '" N ~ .. ~ - .., OJ OJ (0 C') a OJ N co 0 I- 0 l!) I'- I'- N I'- N N OJ l!) 0 ~ ~ N ~ ~ N ~ C') N ~ .., C') .., --;::::- 0 .., C') I'- III 0 E N III .., co OJ '"""'LO ~ c 0 ~ N .., 0 N .., - .S- ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ .s::; 0 '" N ~ ~ Gl .., l!) 'C III 0 N N Gl 0 ..J N 'E .., .., l!) OJ C') .., .., 0:> I'- ~ 0 ~ ~ N N ~ ~ N III 0 ~ 0 N .Q Gl .., l!) l!) -.;t l!) .., l!) l!) l!) 0:> - III 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ OJ -" 0 Ul N .., l!) a a a (0 l!) I'- ~ ~ 0 N C') -.;t N N .., N .., l!) 0 N c. N 't: .., l!) a 0:> co I- a OJ OJ l!) a 0 ~ C') N C') ~ -.;t N OJ 0 ~ N .., l!) (0 a a l!) 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Report CSD-15-04 - Attachment #2 Mobile Playground Summer 2004 MOBILE 1 Location Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Location Totals Tvrone Park 8 19 29 26 Holidav 7 10 11 110 Orono 55+ 60 87 o Rain o Rain 13 80 68 363 Park Guildwood N/A 45 348 28 o Rain 65 170 120 776 Park Bowmanville Walbridge 85 o Rain 82 90 138 63 80 55 593 Park Newcastle Penfound 50 52 132 45 78 47 85 40 529 Park Courtice Totals I 198+ 176 I 678 I 189 I 216 I 195 I 425 I 294 I 2371 MOBILE 2 Location Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Location Totals Kendal Park 14 20 15 32 Holiday 30 21 40 172 Ina Brown 16 18 15 o Rain 9 40 18 40 156 Park Newtonville Elliot N/A 5 15 o Rain o Rain 17 18 18 73 Park Hamoton Avondale 100 50 150+ 180 200 70 75+ 78 903 Park Courtice Haydon Hall 12 7 8 8 6 8 11 11 71 Totals I 142 1 100 203+ I 220 I 215 I 165 I 143 I 187 1375 lUll) Report CSD-15-04 - Attachment.;fl3 I Mobile Skateboard Drop In Summer 2004 "'"'" Sundays Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays Saturdays e 1 :00 - 4:00 5:00 - 8:00 5:00 - 8:00 5:00 - 8:00 5:00 - 8:00 5:00 - 8:00 5:00 - 8:00 1 :00 - 4:00 5:00 - 8:00 1-'. Central P.S. Centre Street Enniskillen Newcastle Tyrone New10nville Darlington Bowmanville Courtice -..J Bowmanville Orono P.S. P.S. Community Centre P.S. Sports Centre Senior P.S. Community Complex IMay 23- May 29 N/A N/A N/A 1 0 5 8 1 5 IMay 30 - June 5 3 2 0 0 1 5 13 5 1 IJune 0 - June 12 9 2 0 3 0 12 15 2 0 June 13- June 19 2 0 0 4 1 Training 13 5 1 June 20 - June 26 0 10 0 1 1 4 19 5 2 June 27 - July 3 4 6 0 7 0 Holiday 11 1 4 uly4- July 10 2 14 0 6 2 0 15 1 Community Event uly 11- Community July 17 5 Event 0 N/A 0 0 8 3 2 uly 18- <.;ommunity July 24 8 4 1 6 3 5 10 Event Community Event July 25 . July 31 1 6 0 3 1 0 7 0 6 Aug 1- Community AU97 3 7 Holiday 0 0 2 Event 0 1 Aug 8- Aug 14 0 9 0 0 0 0 6 0 4 IAug lb- Aug 21 0 6 Construction 4 0 4 9 3 2 IAuga- Aug 28 4 N/A Construction 2 0 3 10 10 1 IAug Z~ - Sept 4 N/A N/A Construction N/A 0 2 4 6 N/A I::;eplb- """"" Sept 11 0 5 Construction 1 0 4 Operations Event Community Event ISept 12- f\rena ,-,ommunl'y Sept 18 N/A N/A Construction 0 0 0 Operations Event Community Event ISept 19- l,,;ommunllY f\rena 1,,;0mmunllY Sept 25 5 0 Construction 2 Staff Training Event Operations Event Community Event Total 46 71 1 40 9 46 148 42 29 Average 3 5 0 3 0.5 3 11 3 2