To Alvernia's Table of Contents
CAMP ALVERNIA
                    Centerport, New York
The Parent / Camper Handbook
Camp Alvernia
105 Prospect Road
PO Box 301
Centerport, NY 11721

631 261-5730
631 754-4204 fax

To Alvernia's Table of Contents
7/24/07



Camp Alvernia is a non-profit organization and our mission statement is:
          Camp Alvernia, as a recreational camp, seeks to help develop each individual's spiritual, moral and physical advancement.
          In addition, in keeping with our Franciscan tradition, we provide a hospitable environment with special attention toward serving our youth and promoting an environmental awareness.

In order for all campers to have a great camping experience, it is important that the following be understood by all.

FOR PARENTS:

1 Parents are welcome at all times. We do ask that you call to let us know you are coming to visit. You MUST first report and sign in. We will have a visitor badge ready for you. This will alert the staff that you have signed in at the office and that your presence on camp property is known. Otherwise, the staff has been trained to report an intruder on the property to the administration and our intruder drill will commence. This is for the protection of all. When parents visit, it is expected that the child and the child's group will not be interrupted. Parents should be in the background observing. The visit should be limited and NOT be all day, or even a half a day.

2 If you drop off your child after camp has commenced, the camper must report to the office and sign in. A staff person will then direct the camper to the activity that is taking place at the time the camper reported to camp. The camper's name will then be removed from the absentee list.

3 If you intent to pick up your child prior to the end of the camp day, we ask that you call and upon arriving at camp, report to the office and sign your child out of camp. If someone is picking up your child other than you or the person(s) you have designated eligible to pick your child up, they must report to the office and sign the camper out of camp. PLEASE NOTE: YOU OR YOUR DESIGNATED PERSON MUST SHOW DRIVER'S LICENSE AT THE TIME YOU SIGN THE CAMPER OUT. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE THE ELIGIBLE PERSON. THIS APPLIES TO PARENTS AND ELIGIBLE PERSONS. In this day and age, we must be sure that you are who you say you are. The persons in the office do not necessarily know if you are the parent or the eligible person.THIS IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE CAMPER!

4 If you need to speak to the Administration, Supervisor and/or Counselor or any other staff person, it is necessary for you to call the office so that we can make arrangements for the person(s) you wish to confer with to be available and freed up. Again, upon your arrival, report to the office and sign in.

5 If your child rides the bus and you wish to cancel the bus on a particular day, especially at the end of the camp day, it is important that we receive this request IN WRITING! This also holds true if you wish your child to ride home with another person, whether or not your child rides the bus. Requests for your child to ride home with another camper requires written notification. Requests to ride with another camper on a bus also requires written notification. However, this request can only be granted if there is room on the bus. WE CANNOT ACCEPT PHONE CALLS! THE REQUEST MUST BE IN WRITING AND DELIVERED TO THE OFFICE IN THE MORNING UPON THE CAMPER'S ARRIVAL. WE CANNOT ACCEPT AN ORAL REQUEST FROM THE CAMPER. IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE REQUEST IN WRITING, WE MUST SEND THE CAMPER HOME ACCORDING TO WHAT WE HAVE ON RECORD, EITHER BY BUS OR WITH THE PARENT OR ELIGIBLE PERSON. ANY CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE MUST BE IN WRITING FROM THE CUSTODIAL PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

FOR CAMPERS:

1 If the camper rides the bus, the only behavior that is allowed is one of civility and respect. Upon entering the bus, the camper must go to a seat and apply the safety seat belt properly. Campers are not allowed to stand up while the bus is in motion. They are not allowed to place their hands, arms or heads out the window. They are not to scream, yell, hit another, touch another improperly, call names or use improper or profane language. Any violation of these conduct regulations may result in being denied bus transportation. THESE ARE BASIC RULES OF CONDUCT AND ARE IN PLACE TO GUARD AND PROTECT ALL THE CAMPERS.

2 While at camp NO camper is allowed to use improper or profane language. Nor are they allowed to hit anyone or improperly touch another. ANY violation of these behavior regulations can result in immediate dismissal from the camp.

3 All campers are to follow the Alvernian Way: Respect yourself, respect others and respect the environment.

4 Taking property that belongs to others without their approval can result in immediate dismissal from the camp. Please note: APPROVAL CANNOT BE COERCED OR FORCED.

5 Fighting, calling others hurtful or disrespectful names; ridiculing others; forming cliques and not including others ARE NOT ALLOWED. This is to safeguard campers from emotional and psychological harm. This can be cause for immediate dismissal.

6 If disagreements with other campers occur, the camper(s) must inform the counselor, supervisor and/or administration so that intervention can take place and a peaceful settlement can be reached. This is to emphasize our mission and the Alvernian Way to all campers.

7 Objects may not be thrown at any time. Throwing stones, sticks and other objects are never allowed. This is to safeguard the campers from bodily harm.

8 If a camper has a complaint against any camper, that complaint is be brought immediately to the attention of the counselor. If a camper has a complaint against a counselor, that complaint is to be brought immediately to the attention of the supervisor or the administration.

CAMPERS RIGHTS
          1 To be respected by all.
                    2 To have a good time.
                              3 To make new friends.