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EXPLORER CAMP2024/2025HANDBOOKWASHINGTON TOWNSHIPPARKS & RECREATIONwashingtontwpparks.org/explorer-camp

TABLE OFCONTENTSOur MissionOur CampsSchedule & DetailsDrop-Off & Pick-UpWeekly ThemesMedical PolicyInclement WeatherBehavior ManagementCancellation PolicyOur CounselorsContact Us

In 2011 Avon Kids Camp now known as Explorer Camp was established as a nonprofit daycamp for kids in Washington Township and the surrounding community for children inpreschool to middle school. We believe that the camp experience is essential to every child’sgrowth with the positive impact of unstructured play, being physically active and in nature.We provide an inclusive space where campers can find their place in nature, explore, takerisks, embrace their unique selves, grow relationships with peers and staff, learn new skills,build resilience and be inspired at camp. OUR MISSIONOUR CAMPSFor over a decade, we have grown our camp services with a focus on camps at an affordablerate to families. As parents ourselves, we understand how hard it can be to find a programfor your kids that is trustworthy, affordable, and a place your kids will love to go. WashingtonTownship accomplishes all three with our camp programs.Our camps provide educational opportunities through hands-on exploration of our treasurednatural resources. Our camp offers flexible options for enrollment, affordable childcare, andan extensive array of activities each day. Weather permitting, summer camp operates 100%outdoors.This handbook was developed as a reference guide for our camp policies and procedures.Please note that additional policies and procedures may be added as needed. You will benotified via email of any updates or changes to our camp procedures.The Washington Township Parks Department offers several different camps throughout theyear. Below are our current camp options:

Little Explorers'Preschool Camp Jr. NaturalistCamp Murphy AquaticSwim CampExplorerSummer CampLittle Explorers Preschool CampThis camp is an all-outdoors camp for preschool kidsages 3-5 years old. Campers will participate in a varietyof fun activities including organized games, story time,art, and nature exploration. We will also continue tosupport developmentally appropriate skills for our pre-kcampers.Camp Location: Washington Township Park Blue JayShelterDates: June 3-August 1Hours: 9:00am-12:00pm (M/W or T/TH)Weekly Rate: $40.00Spots available for EACH weekly session: 18Indiana Junior Master Naturalist CampJoin us for an immersive experience where young minds,aged 9-13, connect with our Park Naturalist to deepentheir understanding of Indiana's plants, water, soils, andwildlife. The program is designed to foster a love fornature and encourage volunteer service in localcommunities. Campers only need to attend 1 week ofcamp and 1 volunteer day to complete the program. Camp Details: Dates:June 10th-14thJune 24th-28thJuly 9th & 11th (volunteer days for Master Jr.Naturalist Certification, price included in weeklycamp feeHours: 9:00am-3:00pm (Monday-Friday)Location: Pecar Nature Center 5203 CR 525 E AvonWeekly Rate: $200.00Spots available for EACH week: 20 Explorer Summer Campbased on 2024-2025 grade levelOur Explorer Summer Camp, offers two agegroup options: K-3rd and 4th-6th grade. Campfeatures 10 themed weeks packed with engagingactivities: water adventures and sports to healthand wellness, crafts, nature exploration, scienceexperiments, and large group activities.While we prioritize structure and planning, wealso celebrate the power of imagination. Ourcamp encourages kids to propose fun and safeactivities that, when approved by our counselors,become part of the adventure. Camp Details:Dates: May 28-August 2Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm (Monday-Friday)Location: Washington Township ParkK-3rd: Lower Park4th-6th: Upper ParkWeekly Rate: $190.00Spots available for EACH camp: 120Daily Rate: $50.00Spots available for EACH day: 30.Murphy Aquatic Swim CampCampers grades 2nd-6th can explore our newwater park. Children will be supervised by ourcounselors while having fun in the sun!Camp Details:Location: Murphy Aquatic Park (753 S 625E.Avon) Dates: June 3-July 25Hours: 1:00pm-4:00pm (M-TH)Daily Rate: $30.00Spots available for EACH day: 30

Explorer Camp Weekly ThemesGradesK-3Grades4-61May 28-31Dinosaur AdventuresReptiles2June 3-7Sports GaloreSports Galore3June 10-14Carnival FUNNature Exploration4June 17-21Safari AdventureWacky Water5June 24-28Wacky WaterGame Show6July 1-5Party in the USAParty in the USA7July 8-12Wild Wild WestCamp Throwdown8July 15-19Fun With ScienceFun With Science9July 22-26Nature ExplorationMinute to Win It10July 29-August 2Anything GoesAnything Goes

2 Week Break Camps & Day CampsSpring Break Camp 2025March 18-29Ages: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriWeekly Rate: $190Activities: Join us for 2 weeks of themedspring fun while we explore the park.Fall Break Camp 2024Oct. 14-25Ages: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriWeekly Rate: $190Activities: Join us for 2 weeks of fall themedactivities while we explore the park.Winter Break Camp 2024Dec.23, 26, 27, 30 & Jan.2, 3Ages: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm | Mon-FriDaily Rate: $38Activities: Join us by playing in the snow,sledding, hiking, playing classic board games,large group games and crafts.Day Camps 2024MLK DayJan. 20President’s DayFeb. 17Eclipse eLearningApril 8Parent Teacher ConferenceSept. 26 & 27Ages: K-6Where: Pavilion CenterWhen: 7:00am-6:00pm Daily Rate: $38Activities: outdoor fun, hiking,playground time, crafts, boardgames, large group games,science experiments andcooking to name a few.

Daily Activities:A weekly theme will be determined, and time blocks are prepared prior to camp outlininggames, crafts and activities that will take place daily. Every forty-five minutes to an hour ofthe day is identified with a specific activity geared to providing a positive camp experience.To ensure proper supervision and age-appropriate activities, campers will be divided intogroups by age.Special Events & Guests:Each week we will try to have special guests and events going on during the camp.Special activities will be identified in the newsletter. What to BringCampers should wear clothing that is durable and comfortable and appropriate for theweather.Gym shoes are recommendedNo open toed shoes T-shirt and shorts (camp shirt summer only)Jacket or sweatshirt (depending on weather)Lunch Campers should bring lunch in a marked bag or container. If items need to remain cold,place icepacks within the lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. Children with specialdiets can bring special foods as needed. If there is a food allergy, please tell a counselor atcheck in each day.Campers should bring a refillable water bottle. Water refills will be provided throughout theday. We have (2) water stations as well as the drinking fountains near the playground. Wedo not supply cups. If a camper comes to camp without a refillable water bottle, we willsupply them with one. The parent's account will be charged $2.00.Please label all items with your child’s name. In case an item gets lost we will be able toreturn it to the owner if a name is on the item.Campers get dirty and wet. Please send extra clothing/shoes and a plastic bag in caseyour child needs to change.For Summer ONLY:Swimsuit & towelWater shoes for creek, splash padand pool. No flip flops or slidesPlastic bag for wet clothesHat (highly recommended)Sunscreen

Lost and Found:All lost and found items that are not labeled with a camper’s name will be placed on the lostand found table, At the end of each day campers will check the table. Items will be held for2 weeks and then donated to a local charitable organization or thrown out. Pictures of lostand found items will be posted weekly by email. Items to Leave at HomeCell phones ( if a cell phone is brought, campers are required to keep in their backpack)Electronics or video gamesToys including trading cardsFor Summer Only:Optional Extras (Available during registration):Lunch - $4.00: Campers enjoy a variety of options, including various deli meats on awhite or Hawaiian roll, PB&J, fresh fruit, fruit cup, bag of chips, yogurt tube, carrotsticks, or other raw veggies, and a juice box. Extra Camp Shirt - $10.00: Each NEW camper receives 1 free shirt. Campers can alsowear any bright blue shirt of their own.Campers should wear their camp shirt each day. This helps us keep track of our campersfrom the general public. Each NEW camper receives (1) free shirt with registration. Lastyear’s camp shirt will also be accepted or any bright blue shirt. Extra T-shirts are availablefor an additional charge of $10.

Drop OffAll campers should be dropped off at the designated location. Follow the signs throughoutthe park. Camp staff members will greet you to sign in your camper on EZChildTrack byusing your 4 digit PIN that was made during registration. It is highly recommended that allcampers be signed in by 9:00am when camp activities begin. Staff will not be at the dropoff location after 9:10am. You will need to park your vehicle and find a staff member tocheck your camper in.Pick UpPick up will occur in the same location as drop off. Staff will have you check your camperout on EZChildTrack by using your PIN. Parents will remain in their vehicle while a campstaff member walks your camper to your car. Please make sure whoever is picking yourcamper/s up has the PIN. Camp staff will not be allowed to release a camper unless theyhave the authorized PIN. Early Dismissal:If a camper needs to be picked up before 4:00pm, please notify the camp staff atmorning drop-off. You may also call or text the camp phone.Please note, every effort will be made to have your child ready for pick up at thedesignated time, but please allow for extra time. Activities are spread out all over the parkand may take some time to get campers back to the drop off/pick up location.DROP OFFPICK UPPOLICY

COMMUNICATIONIn the summer, a weekly newsletter will be emailed through EZChildTrack each Friday.This newsletter will have details about the upcoming camp week, including any specialitems campers should bring on certain days. Every effort will be made to adhere to theactivities listed; however, occasional changes may be made to improve the quality of thecamp experience. .Equal Access:No eligible participant shall, on basis of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, nationalorigin or disability be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits orbe limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage or opportunity. Uponregistration or entry into the program, the parent/guardian will be solicited forinformation regarding special accommodation needed. Illness/Injury:Camp staff will care for minor bumps and bruises and parents will be notified by aninjury report emailed from EZChildTrack. If your camper becomes ill or sustains an injury that doesn’t allow them to participate incamp activities, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. Please do not bringyour child to camp if they feel ill or have had a fever, constant cough, vomiting ordiarrhea in the last 24 hours. If a camper has any of these symtoms while at camp, theparent/guardian will be required to pick up their sick camper immediately. Administration of Medication -If possible, avoid bringing medications to camp by arranging the time of dosage so thecamper receives medication at home. If campers do need to take medication, please givethe medication to a counselor at drop off and make sure medication is in the originalbottle with the camper’s name, dosage info, time to be given along with the MedicationConsent Form.Medicine may be left on Monday for the week but will need to be picked up onFriday. We will not be held responsible for medicine left over the weekend. MEDICAL POLICY

INCLEMENT WEATHERHeat Advisory: Frequent breaks will be taken to avoid any heat-related illnesses and waterwill be available to campers throughout the day. Campers will do water activities frequentlythroughout the day. Rainy DaysCamp is held rain or shine! Activities will be held under shelter. Campers may be allowed toplay in the rain if there is no lightning present. Please wear rain appropriate clothing as wellas extra clothing for your camper on these days.Camp Behavior Management PolicyOur camp staff is trained and expected to resolve behavior issues in a positive manner.Campers are entitled to an enjoyable experience at camp. Therefore, we cannot servecampers who display chronic, disruptive behavior.Such behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity which may include, but not limitedto, behavior that requires constant attention from our staff, inflicts physical or emotionalharm on other campers or staff and/or ignores or disobeys camper rules and cannotstay with their counselor. Safety of our campers is our #1 priority.Campers must agree to:arrive and remain at camp with a positive attitude, open to meeting new people andtrying new activities.work with their counselors and fellow campers towards creating an environment that issafe and welcoming for each of us.understand that doing intentional harm or bullying another camper, either physically oremotionally is grounds for dismissal.understand that although they may be able to solve some conflicts on my own, thecounselors are always ready to listen and assist if there is a problem. I understand that mycounselors and all of the camp staff need and want to help but can only do so if I amwilling to share any concerns that I have with them. remain with their counselor and partake in the activities of their session as required.use appropriate language and understand that the use of excessive, deliberate, profanelanguage will not be accepted.leave their cell phone and other electronic devices at home and understand that if there isan emergency the camp staff will be happy to allow them to use the phone and will passon any urgent messages from home.be respectful of the property and personal space of other campers and camp staff.not possess smoking materials, lighters, matches, illegal drugs, alcohol or weapons of anykind on Park property.

The Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department operates on a four-strikepolicy. The first infraction will result in a verbal warning.The second infraction will result in suspension from participating in the current activity. A third infraction will result in a conference between the camper(s,) the site supervisor andthe Youth Services Director (if needed) A behavior report will be filled out and emailed tocampers parent/guardian. A fourth infraction will result in the parents being called and the camper being removedfrom camp for a determined time. Refunds are not given for any camper who is sent home/removed from the program fordisciplinary reasons or being unable to follow our camper rules. A zero-tolerance policy is enforced in regard to Physical Aggression. Any camper whocommits an act of physical aggression against another camper, staff member, or anyoneelse will be removed from camp. As a parent, you will be responsible for picking up yourcamper within an hour of the decision to dismiss your child from camp. Depending on theact of aggression, your child may not be able to return to camp for the remainder of theprogram. The Washington Township Park Director reserves the right to remove any child fromcamp if he/she feels that they are a direct threat to any staff member or participant in theprogram.Any verbal or physical abuse of any staff member or camper by a camper orparent/guardian will result in immediate dismissal.

CANCELLATION POLICYPlease provide a minimum of 7 days notice prior to the start of any camp weekthat your child will not be able to attend for a full refund, minus the $25 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit. If you do not provide such notice, you will becharged the full weekly fee.Our weekly camp rates are structured as a flat fee, irrespective of the number ofdays attended within the designated week. Therefore, whether your camperparticipates for the full 5 days or a portion therof, the rate remains consistent. Please notify our administrative assistant by email at thensley@wtparks.orgIf it becomes apparent that tardiness is a reoccurring issue during pickup, the sitesupervisor will notify you to discuss late fee assessments.Parents will be charged $1 per minute should late pickups continue. In the event of3 or more late pickups the site supervisor will request camper to be removed fromcamp.LATE PICK-UP FEE

OUR COUNSELORSStaff TrainingRedwood Group’s online counselor training videos in association with the AmericanCamp AssociationBehavior ManagementPlayground Safety and Programming at CampBullying PreventionPeer to Peer Sexual Abuse PreventionCPR/First Aid certified through Washington Township Fire Department Positive Behavior Supports: Setting Kids up for Success Training by April Barnes -Director of Special Education for KIPP IndyIndiana Department of Child Services- Report Child Abuse and Neglect online trainingContinued education trainings are provided during employment each school yearthrough Indiana Youth Convention and American Camp Association Conferences.Staff Safety RequirementsEach staff member is required to pass a background check through E-Verify and acheck through the National Sex Offender registry. Each employee must pass a drugtest through Hendricks Regional Health.Staff RatiosCampers will be supervised by a counselor, student ratio of 1:10.

REGISTER NOWExplorer K-3 Site Supervisor: 317-502-0910Washington Township Park435 Whipple Lane Avon Lower ParkNear Explorer BuildingExplorer 4-6 Site Supervisor: 317-502-9661Washington Township Park435 Whipple Lane Avon Upper ParkChickadee Shelter Little Explorers Preschool CampSite Supervisor: 317-502-0910Washington Township Park435 Whipple Lane AvonBlue Jay Shelter Lower Park Near SplashpadOut of School Camps2 Week CampsFall BreakWinter BreakSpring BreakDay CampsE-Learning DaysMLK DayPresident’s DayWashington Township Park435 Whipple Lane Avon Lower ParkNear Explorer BuildingSite Supervisor 317-502-9661Indiana Junior Master Naturalist CampPecar Park5203 E CR 150 N AvonRenee Bentz, Park Naturalist317-670-0464Swim CampMurphy Aquatic Park753 S 625 E AvonSite Supervisor: 317-864-1599Registration/CancellationAdministrative Assistantthensley@wtparks.org317-745-0785Jessica MillerCamp Coordinatorjmiller@wtparks.org317-864-1599Melissa BrockYouth Services Directormbrock@wtparks.org317-745-0785 Camp Contact Information

5203 EAST CR 150 N.AVON, IN 46123Nature center, campgrounds,and Pock Woods-753 SOUTH CR 625 E.AVON, IN 46123Outdoor aquatic facility andinclusive focused playground-115 SOUTH CR 575 EASTAVON, IN 46123Trails, play features, splashpad, and event venues-Click to join our FacebookGroup for daily updatesCONTACT USYouth Services Director: Melissa Brockmbrock@wtparks.org317-745-0785 ext. 424Camp Coordinator: Jessica Millerjmiller@wtparks.org317-864-1599www.washingtontwpparks.org/explorer-campClick to subscribe to ourmonthly Park eNewsletterRegister for anupcoming camp