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www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CTNewtown Community CenterSummer Camps2024 Parent Handbook 203-270-4349Camp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!20248 Simpson St. | Newtown, CT 06470www.newtowncommunitycenter.orgRegistration begins:February 20th

www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CTSummer 2024Hello Parents and Campers, I would like to welcome you to the Newtown Community Center Summer Programs.Participants will enjoy outside activities on the campus, take part in arts and crafts,STEAM activities, special events, games, sports, swimming, and much more. Duringyour child’s stay at camp, different weekly activities will be planned, but may changedue to the forecast. The Newtown Community Center is looking forward to a fun and safe summer. Wewould appreciate reviewing the procedures and rules found in this handbook withyour child. An email will be sent prior to your child attending camp. If you have any questions or concerns about camp, please notify the director of thecamp your child attends. If you have additional questions, please contact us atmaria.neufeld@newtown-ct.org or 203-270-4349 or Community Center Director, MattAriniello at Matthew.Ariniello@newtown-ct.gov.Thank you for choosing to spend your summer with us at the Newtown CommunityCenter!Sincerely, Maria NeufeldProgram CoordinatorMatt ArinielloDirector Grades K-6* | 9:00AM - 4:00PM*Please register according to grade entering for school year 2024Each week at Summer Bash has an exciting theme, which many of our activities and special eventsare based on. These activities range from hours of outdoor playtime, swimming, and arts & crafts.Before and After care is available mornings from 7:30-9am and After Care is available from 4-6pm.Jump into SummerJune 17 - 21Week1We will celebrate America's birthday, compete for the craziest hair and enjoy makingsmores!Week2Week3Week4Week5Week6Week7Week8Week9Campers will get to meet new and old friends by playing games, makingfriendship bracelets & boogeying to our DJ dance party!Grossology June 24 - 28Let get creative with Mad Science, create your own slime, and even eat worms(gummy worms)!Party in the USAJuly 1 - 5 (no camp 7/4)Super Hero WeekJuly 8 - 12Come to camp wearing your favorite capes and crowns, dress like your favoritesuperhero or create your own. We will have a visit from our local heroes and anopportunity to visit the Game Truck.Water WarzJuly 15 - 19Let's cannonball into a week of water fun. There is no better way to spend a hotsummer day in the water. This week is packed with fun water activities and games!Shark Week July 22 - 26Olympics WeekJuly 29 - August 2Luau Week August 12 - 16NCC Talent Week August 5 - 9Dive into a week filled with the mysteries of the oceans and all things SHARK!Celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Campers will start with an openingceremony, tie-dye a t-shirt and compete in our very own Olympic Games! (Bring yourown white shirt)This week will be filled talented campers who will get a chance to perform as a groupfor our Talent Show! Campers will also enjoy a Magic Show from Mr. Abracadabra!Say goodbye to summer with a T-shirt signing party, so long Sno cones & a Day ofRock!Week10Final Frontier August 19 - 23Come and do the limbo with us, make leis, hula hoop competition and join us on theZip It inflatable. We will have a luau party at the end of the week!Weekly RatesMember: $200 per week (week of 7/3: $175)Non Member: $215 per week (week of 7/3: $175)Camp RatesBefore Care 7:30-9:00 am Member/Non-Member $25/week*$5.00 sibling discount available After Care4:00-6:00 pmMember/Non-Member $25/week

www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CTNewtown Community Center/Fairfield Hills Amenities Available for Camp Use PavilionRestroom Facility Playground/Basketball Court (at Reed School, a staff member will walk them over)TrailsOpen field spaceNEW! PlayscapeArrival & Dismissal Procedures Camp Hours are 9:00 am -4:00 pmArrival – 9:00 amBefore Care drop off 7:30 am – 8:45 am (additional cost $25 for the week for before care)Drop off will be a drive through system. Traffic will be one way in and one way out.We ask that families remain in their vehicle and follow the direction of staff when they arrive on site forDrop-off. Please see the attached map for drop off locations. Please drive SLOWLY while entering the backof the building.Campers that arrive after 9:30 am must be signed in at the front desk. Camp staff will then bring camperto their group once they are signed in.Pick Up – 4:00 pmAfter Care is 4:00 -6:00 pm (additional cost $25 for the week)Full Day & Half Day Programs will require inside pick-up. There will be tables set up for pick-up in thelobby of the Community Center waiting area.Staff will radio for your camper and then your camper will be brought to the waiting area of the Center.We are asking families to be patient, as this may take a few minutes depending on where the group islocated and how many children are being picked up at that time.ID is required at dismissal at all times. Staff may begin to recognize you over time and may not ask for ID.AttendanceIf you know in advance your child will not be attending camp on their certain day or they are sick, pleasenotify the Camp Director. There are no refunds for a missed day of camp. If you need to contact the CampDirector during the camp day, please call the Welcome Desk at (203) 270-4349 or emailNCCSummerCamp@gmail.com.Early Pick Up ProcedurePicking your camper up from camp early is very different than when you pick up from school because theyare not in one classroom all day. At different times throughout the day, the campers groups will be “intransition” from one activity area to another. In addition, they may be not easily accessible if they are hiking,swimming, etc. For this reason getting your camper to the office for pick up may take up to 15 minutes or more.What to Wear Play clothesClose-toed, comfortable shoesSunscreen/Sunglasses/HatSweatshirt/JacketDress appropriately for the weather and camp activities! Do not send your child in new clothes, sandals orflipflops.Be sure to label everything! June 24 - 28 9:00 – 12:00Super ScientistsJuly 8 - 12 9:00 – 12:00Diggin’ DinosaursJuly 22 - 259:00 – 12:00 Superhero AcademyJuly 29 - August 19:00 – 12:00 Lil AstronautsAugust 12 - 15 9:00 – 12:00Mini ChefsCamp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!DON'TFORGETTO PRE-REGISTER! ages 3-4 Please note: No before, after care or extended day availableOur tiny campers will participate in all of the typical camp activities geared towards thisyounger age group including: traditional camp games, music, arts and crafts, hiking, andstory time fun. Our caring and experienced staff will provide fun and stimulatingexperiences through themed hands-on activities. They will follow a simple daily rhythmthat builds a sense of trust and ease while making new friends and learning new skills.On the last day of each week Campers will enjoy a Water Day!Register at www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | or Call 203.270.4349Member: $150 per child/per weekNon-Member: $165 per child/per weekages 3-4 July 15 - 18 | 9am - 12pmPlease note: No before, after care or extended day available August 5 - 8 | 9am - 12pmConsistency and frequency are both crucial when learning to swim and our 4-day LilMinnows swim camp! Swim Camps are the perfect way to help refine your child'sswim skills and accelerate their learning. Our camps offer a more intensive learningprogram condensed into a one week period. Beginner swimmers will focus on water safety skills and foundation swim skills thatare key to progressing into safe, confident swimmers. Campers will receive 45minutes of swim instruction each camp day, along with 30 minutes of free swim andother preschool based activities. Member: $160 per child/per weekNon-Member: $175 per child/per weekLiL’minnowsswim campswim campswim campJust for TODDLERS!Extended DayCamp optionsavailable forfor K - 6!

www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CT What to Bring Each Day – please mark your child’s name on everything! Sack lunch and drink everyday (NUT FREE)Two snacks (Mon.-Fri.) *Snack will be available for purchase daily for $1.00 (cash only) Please be surethe food will not spoil easily in the heat. There is NO refrigerator available, so please pack luncheswith a cold pack if needed An inexpensive, filled water bottleSwimsuit/Towel (Please have your child come in their swimsuit to camp, they can change into theirregular clothes after their swimming time)Sunscreen/Insect repellent (Please apply this to your child before camp each day)Sweatshirt/JacketPersonal reading bookExtra change of clothesBackpack to keep belongings inAll other personal belongings should remain at home, unless specifically needed at camp. What NOT to Bring to Camp Please do not send the following items to camp with your children No electronic equipment (cell phones, mp3s, ipads, game devices, etc.)No personal possessions from home (toys, action figures, trading cards, etc.) No sports equipmentunless specified by camp staffAll belongings must go home with the camper each day. Items left behind will be located on a tablefor pick-up on the last day of each camp week. If not picked up all items will be donated.Newtown Community Center camps cannot and will not take responsibility for any personal belongings.Swimming Safety is our Priority. Non-swimmers, regardless of age, are required to wear a life vest during the swim period. At the discretion of theaquatic staff, life vest may also be required for campers based on their swimming ability, and/or height.All campers will be tested on the first day of camp for their swimming abilityPlease send your child with a swimsuit and towel to campSunscreen should be applied before your child comes to campNo swim instruction is provided, but the lifeguards and camp counselors will supervise the campers.If your child needs a life jacket, please let us know on information form Parents will be asked to identify their child’s swimming ability on their Participant InformationSheet. Due to the Special Event Days on Thursdays, swimming will not occur but students will have theopportunity to use our water slide. Camp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!Register at www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | or Call 203.270.4349ages 7-9 July 15 - 19 | 9am-1pmJoin the sanctuary and Newtown Community Center as we explorethe natural world using the tools and techniques of artists andscientists. With daily visits to the sanctuary, we’ll collect specimens,perform science experiments, create original drawings, paintings andsculptures. Together, we’ll discover the connections between art andscience and the plants, animals, and insects that make the sanctuarytheir home. Then, it’s back to NCC for some splash time in theswimming pool! Max 15 Member: $175 per child/per weekNon-Member: $195 per child/per weekages 5-10 "The Joy of Disney" with Joy Hoffman offers students K-5 anopportunity to enjoy a variety of Disney movie classics whilecombining arts and crafts, watercolors, acrylics and pastelsto create beautiful paintings around each movie theme daily.In addition, students will take photo walks using NCC's ipads.Classes conclude with a student art show party on the lastday.Member: $185 per child/per weekNon-Member: $210 per child/per weekages 8-12 June 24 - 28 | 9am-12pm Learn to create interactive games, stories and animations withScratch, a visual coding platform developed by the MIT Media Lab.Aspiring artists and programmers will discover the magic of codingusing this fun and easy to learn web-based application. No previouscoding experience required. Taught by Mike Stuttman and theSaugatuck Digital Arts workshop. Member: $315 per child/per weekNon-Member: $320 per child/per weekages 8-12 June 24 - 28 | 1-4pm Students will learn to create and animate 2D anime and cartooncharacters. They will design their characters using tablets,sketchbooks and computers then digitally render and prepare themfor animation. The class will work individually and in-teams to createa short film of their animated characters using Adobe CharacterAnimator. Ages 8+; for beginning and intermediate students. Taughtby Mike Stuttman and the Saugatuck Digital Arts workshop. Member: $345 per child/per weekNon-Member: $350 per child/per weekcrea t i vecrea t i vecrea t i vecodi n gcodi n gcodi n gAugust 5 -9 | 1-4pm July 8 - 12 | 9am-12pmJuly 22 - 26 | 9am-12pm Extended DayCamp optionsavailable for halfday camps!August 5 - 9 | 9am-12pm Disney editionDisney edition

www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CTLunch OfferingsOn Wednesdays, the Community Center can provide a hot dog, chips and fruit. If your childis interested in participating in this lunch option it will be a cost of $5.00.On Thursdays, Ice Cream will be provided for $1 for purchase.On Fridays, the Community Center can provide 2 slices of cheese pizza & fruit. If your childis interested in participating in this lunch option it will be a cost of $5.00 .If your child does not wish to participate in buying lunch Weds/Fri, then they may bring a lunchfrom home. You will have the opportunity to enroll in this lunch option electronically and lunchmust be pre-ordered.Staff to Participant Ratios Campers will be divided into groups for activities at the Community Center and on the FairfieldHills Campus. The ratio of staff to participants is 1:10 when on-site at camp. Illness & COVID-19 If any child becomes ill: The parent/guardian will be notified by phone at once to pick up the child. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency names listed will be contacted. The Town of Newtown guidelines related to COVID-19 can be accessed using the following link:https://www.newtown-ct.gov/newtown-health-district/pages/coronavirus-covid-19. If yourchild has contracted Covid-19, they will not be able to return until day 6 and or symptom free.We currently follow CDC policies and procedures. If you have a positive case, please contact the Community Center Director, Matt Ariniello atMatthew.Ariniello@newtown-ct.gov. Injuries While your child is at camp, the staff will administer first aid to any minor injury (bumps,bruises, cuts, scratches, etc.). The parent/guardian will be informed of the injury at the time ofpick-up. If a serious injury occurs that requires medical attention, the following steps will betaken: 911 will be called and the child will be taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital fortreatment. A staff member will accompany the child in the ambulance and to the hospital. Parent/guardian will be contacted by phone. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the emergency names listed will be contacted. Camp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!ages 3-5 July 15-19 | 9am-12pmOh, go ahead and make a mess! That’s what this camp is all about -messy art and creative imagination-expanding experiences!Everything we do is messy: sticky spaghetti designs, paint thatfizzes and POPS, messy portraits that match our own messy faces,squeeze art and African mud painting! We've expanded this campto include messy challenges for all the kids. And we will end ourweek with SLIME DAY! and spend the day experimenting andcreating art with SLIME! So come make a mess with Abrakadoodle! Member: $185 per child/per weekNon-Member: $200 per child/per weekRegister at www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | or Call 203.270.4349ages 6-12 June 24-28 | 9am-12pmGet your spoon, paintbrush and chocolate syrup ready – we’regoing to create Art! From cupcake design to mosaics with food tochocolate syrup painting - it’s all about the wonderful and wackyworld of food art! We’ll build spaghetti sculptures, learn about foodartists such as Vic Muniz, and play "foodie" games. We’ll even makeour own incredible edibles!! (No peanut or peanut oils will be used.)Member: $185 per child/per weekNon-Member: $200 per child/per weekExtended DayCamp optionsavailable forfor K - 6!S L I M ES L I M ES L I M EC A M PC A M PC A M Pnature campsNature Art CampAges 5-11 | August 19 - 23 |9 am- 1 pmChildren will use art as a medium to creativity by using items foundwithin the local ecosystem. They will have opportunities to create fromtheir imaginations as well as participate in organized art projects such asweaving natural materials into crowns, creating magic wands, journeysticks, picture frames, puppets, jewelry, building miniature village homesand farms, creating natural dyes, nature collages, shadow drawings,leaf/bark rubbings and many stick creations. Some art projects may betaken home and for those creations that must remain part of the forest,we will provide photographs of the work the children create.Woodlands Explorers CampAges 5-11 | August 26 - 30 |9 am- 1 pmThrough games, art projects and storytelling, children learn about soil,water, vegetation, fungi, mini beasts, woodland creatures, and even microorganisms! Through observations of the area, we will discuss whywetlands are often referred to as “Nature’s Sponges” and why trees are soimportant to our ecosystem.Member $155 per child/per weekNon-Member: $165 per child/per weekThese are full outdoor camps- please dress appropriatelyand bring sunscreen-tasticCarTooNs

Medication Medication will be administered by assigned staff and kept in the Community CenterDirector's Office and only under the following conditions: The medication must be in its original container. The label must show the child’s name, directions for administering themedication, dosage, and doctor’s name. Non-prescription medication may not be given unless accompanied by a doctor’snote. Inhalers should be kept with the child at all times and must be administered bythe child. Please make sure inhalers are properly labeled. Severe allergy medications, such as an EpiPen, will be kept with the child’s campcounselor while they are at camp. All other medication is kept with the Camp Director in a locked container. Dispensing of medication is subject to approval by the community center. For a medication administration form please contact Maria at Maria.Neufeld@newtown-ct.gov Food Allergies Given the rise in childhood food allergies in recent years, the Newtown CommunityCenter is dedicated and committed to providing a safe environment for all children.Please note any severe food allergies on the camper registration form. Please contactthe Camp Director to discuss your child’s personal needs. We will be happy to workwith you to provide reasonable accommodations that will make your child’s campexperience a safe one. WE ARE A NUT FREE CAMP! Camp Code of Conduct In keeping with our program goals, we encourage fun for all our participants. However, certain rules are necessary to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Participants are expected to: Show respect for all participants and staff. Follow program rules and takedirection from staff. Refrain from using abusive or foul language. Show respect for equipment, supplies, and facilities. Failure to follow the Community Center Code of Conduct may result in removal of theparticipant from camp. No physical aggression will be tolerated. e.g. hitting, kicking,pulling, fighting, etc.www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CT Register at www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | or Call 203.270.4349ages 6-11 Does your swimmer love mermaids? Make their dreams cometrue and learn how to swim as gracefully as a mermaid underthe sea! This four-day camp will include activities too! Takepart in treasure hunts in the pool and mermaid themed artsand crafts in our art studio! Tails provided for each day or youcan bring your own. Member: $175 per child/per weekNon-Member: $195 per child/per weekages 8-12 June 24 - 28 | 9am-12pmGet your kids into the kitchen this summer creating some funand healthy recipes while also exploring how to utilize foodas art. Each camper will go home with a recipe, a dish thatyour child has mastered, and a food related art project! Max10 campers Member: $215 per child/per weekNon-Member: $230 per child/per weekAugust 12 - 16 | 9am-1pm ages 6-12 June 23 - August 2 | 9am-12:30pm Race4Chase Kid’s Triathlon Program is aimed to provide children with a safe, healthy, non-competitive environment to discover the sport of triathlon. Designed as a six-week goal orientedsummer program, the program provides kids with expert instruction in swimming, cycling,running, strength training and flexibility, and also teaches them the fundamentals of goodnutrition under the supportive guidance of coaches, lifeguards and instructors. At the culminationof the training camp, all of the youth athletes come together to compete in a USAT-sanctionedtriathlon race. Application due no later than April 1st. Limited enrollment – applications will be evaluated andselected based on first time registration, a demonstration of need, and those indicating a sinceredesire to participate for the complete duration of the program. As part of the program, we ask eachparticipant to collect $200 in sponsorships. First Come First Serve. For more information visit our website and the race for chase tab! Monday-Friday Extended DayCamp optionsavailable forK-6!Camp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!*All participants must havethe swimming ability of alevel 4 swimmer.

Security All Community Center Staff are trained in our Emergency Action plan. Each group isequipped with Walkie Talkies to communicate with other camp staff and directors.Newtown Police will frequently visit the campus during camp hours. Special EventsThursday are special event days following the theme of the week. No swimming willtake place on Thursdays and children will be involved in other camp activities. Behavior Management & Positive Discipline The Newtown Community Center tries to meet the needs of each child enrolled in ourprogram. We will make every effort to communicate and work with parents if thereare concerns. However, the Community Center reserves the right to terminateenrollment of any child. The decision to terminate child’s enrollment may fall intodifferent categories: If it is decided that the placement of a child is inappropriate or not in the bestinterest of the child. The Newtown Community Center staff and the parent/guardian are not able tocome to a mutually acceptable course of action after identifying and processingconcern. A parent/guardian fails to meet their obligation. Any type of physical or verbal abuse of children, other parents, or staff by theparent/guardian. We hope that by our staff communicating with the parents, it will deter any behaviorthat may be inappropriate. Every child is entitled to a safe, fun, and pleasantenvironment at camp. We feel it is very important that parents take an active role inworking with the staff in making the summer enjoyable for all campers. www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | 8 Simpson St. Newtown, CT Camp OpenHouseApril 7 | 1-3pmCome learn aboutour camp offeringsand take a tour!Hot Dog,Fruit andChips $5.00lunch/snacks available throughtout camp!lunch/snacks available throughtout camp!medication administrationThe Community Center Director is certified in medicationadministration. Please notify the Community Center if yourchild needs medication, requires an epi pen or has anyallergies.Register at www.newtowncommunitycenter.org | or Call 203.270.4349what to bring to campLunch (for full day campers)SnackWater BottleBathing Suit and Towel (forcamps that are swimming)SunscreenAppropriate Camp attireLife vest if needed lunch & snacksIf you need to withdraw from a fullweek of camp session for any reason,you will receive a full credit applied toyour account for future use. In thecase of medical related withdrawal, adoctor's note is required to receive afull refund. Please note there are norefunds or credits for missedindividual days within the camp weekdue to vacation or illness or any otherreason.Extended Day Options?If your child attends a half daymorning camp, we have extendedday care available for $60member/non-member which isdismissal of program until 6:00pm.MUST PRE-REGISTER Grades K - 6 only - limited availabilityCancellation PolicyInclement Weather?Camp at the CommunityCenter is rain or shine! We cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated through thesummer months. Please provide your camper with plenty of liquids.The Community Center has bottle refill stations and water around thecampus. Please label your childs lunch box and or lunch and snacks.We ask that all lunch and or snacks be peanut free.Before and After care is availablemornings from 7:30-9:00am and AfterCare is available from 4:00-6:00 pm.$50 per week K - 6 onlyNeed Before and After Care?sunscreen policyWe ask that you apply sunscreen protection to your child/childrenbefore they head off to camp. Please include sunscreen protectionwith your camper(s) daily. We will remind all campers to reapplysunscreen . If your child needs assistance with application, pleasecomplete a waiver prior to camp starting.Ice Cream $1.002 slices ofpizza andfruit$5.00Variety ofsnacks$1.00DAILYDAILYEverything sent to camp MUST BELABELED with your childs nameGogglesClosed toe shoes (no flip flops- socksand sneakers please)Money for snacks. Cost is $1 for eachsnackNEW this year to Summer Camp, weare SO excited to announce we willhave a brand new playscape for ourcampers to enjoy!