What are the camp hours?
- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for traditional camp hours and all specialty camps
- 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (for those needing extended care before, after, or both). Before and after care campers will be assigned to groups with other before and after care campers.
- Specialty Campers can participate in before and after care
Is a bus option available for New Britain families?
A bus option is available for families who live in New Britain to bring your camper to/from Camp Thundermoon at McGee Middle School, 899 Norton Road, Berlin CT 06037. Visit our camp bus page for details.
What is the Traditional Camp daily schedule?
Morning Activities:
- Arrival and morning announcements
- We will follow the regular camp requirement for staff ratios which are 1-12 for ages 6 and up and 1-9 for younger campers.
- Sites will be equipped with necessary art and sports supplies and hand sanitizers.
- Campers must bring water bottles that will be filled by counselors, at one of the various water stations, throughout the day.
- Follow planned activities for the day scheduled by unit directors and counselors.
- Rotations to assigned areas and activities.
- All camp units will have assigned port-o-let or bathroom areas.
Lunch:
- Campers must bring their own lunch. Campers should bring a lunch with ice packs that can stay in the backpack or is packed in a cooler. No refrigeration will be provided. Nothing will be heated up.
- Please note: We have a lot of campers with food allergies and peanut allergies, so please be courteous when choosing foods to send for lunch.
- Also in situations where campers forget their lunch, or if camp staff feel an inadequate lunch has been provided for a camper, parents will be notified in the morning and will be expected to provide a lunch by lunch time.
Afternoon:
- Continue with scheduled activities
What happens on rainy days?
- At Camp Thundermoon we call rain liquid sunshine! We do have camp on rainy days and utilize our indoor spaces. When possible when the rain stops we will move camp outdoors.
- We will closely monitor the weather forecasts daily and announce any cancellation in advance.
- We will utilize all indoor space in sudden or threatening weather.
- If severe weather required us to close camp early (like when schools get closed early for a similar situation) we would call parents and guardians to pick up their camper.
- Rainy days are not prorated or refunded.
What should campers bring to camp?
- Bring a backpack. All items should be marked with the camper’s name.
- Campers must bring their own lunch. Campers should bring a lunch with ice packs that can stay in the backpack or is packed in a cooler. No refrigeration will be provided. Nothing will be heated up. Please note: We have a lot of campers with food allergies and peanut allergies, so please be courteous when choosing foods to send for lunch. Also in situations where campers forget their lunch, or if camp staff feel an inadequate lunch has been provided for a camper—parents will be notified in the morning and will be expected to provide a lunch by lunch time.
- A water bottle. There will be ample time for water breaks and a water fountain to refill when necessary.
- Sunscreen.
What should campers wear to camp?
- Campers should wear comfortable clothes for indoor and outdoor play.
- Sneakers or closed-toed shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals and open-toed shoes are prohibited during the camp day but may be worn for swimming or water games activities.
What do campers need to leave to leave at home?
- All Electronics - iPods, iPads, tablets, Gameboys, etc.
- Cell Phones - Campers do not need a cell phone at camp. If they need to contact a parent they can use the camp phone in the office. Campers that are caught with cell phones will be asked to leave them in the camp office until the end of the day.
- Trading Cards – Pokémon, Magic Cards, etc.
- Toys, jewelry, or anything of value. Please be advised that Camp Thundermoon is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Clothing with messages referring to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, sex or containing offensive or inappropriate words. Any camper wearing such clothing will be dismissed from camp for the day unless they can have a parent/guardian bring them in a change or clothes.
- Weapons - Knives, matches, guns, or anything that can be used as a weapon. Any camper who brings weapons to camp will be suspended immediately.
- Drugs, alcohol, tobacco. Camp Thundermoon is a drug, alcohol, and smoke free program. Any camper found with tobacco, drugs or alcohol will be immediately suspended from camp.
What guidelines is Camp Thundermoon Day Camp following?
Camp Thundermoon is following all guidelines and requirements from federal, state, and local governments as well as the YMCA including: the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, YUSA.
How many campers will be allowed at Camp Thundermoon?
- The State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood has licensed our camp for 200 campers.
- Our location has enough space and walking areas within the spaces we will be using to meet the CDC guidelines.
- Groups per Traditional Camp: The number of groups per unit will depend upon weekly registrations.
- Groups per Specialty Camp: The number of groups per camp will depend upon weekly registrations.
How many counselors will be with each group?
We will follow the regular camp requirement for staff ratios which is 1-12 for ages 6 and up and 1-9 for younger campers.
How will staff keep camp clean and sanitized?
- Camp cleanliness and sanitizing meeting the current CDC guidelines of promoting healthy hygiene practices and intensifying cleaning, disinfection and ventilation
- Cleaning equipment and portable foam hand sanitizing dispensers will be located throughout camp
- Jugs of sanitizer will be at each group space
- Visual signs everywhere at camp as a reminder to wash hands, keep each other safe from germs, and keep camp clean
- Equipment will be cleaned before, during and after use
- End of day cleaning of camp equipment and picnic tables. Indoor classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the janitorial staff of the school.
What if my child needs to take medicine?
Much like childcare settings that most of your children attend throughout the year, our staff will all be trained in administration of medication as well as First Aid/CPR. Rescue inhalers, epi pens and emergency medication will be kept in proper storage containers, labeled and with the child's counselor. First aid director and staff will log the administration of any medication throughout the camp day on the OEC's Medication Administration Record.
Where and when do we drop off medicine?
If your child needs to take medicine we will get you information on how you can drop off the required medication forms and medicine before camp starts.
What happens if someone gets injured or sick?
- Our First Aid Director, Health and Isolation Procedures meet the current CDC guidelines of monitoring and preparing.
- Counselors will evaluate the injury and contact the First Aid Director via walkie/phone for severity of request, injury, etc. and will be advised on course of action
- All staff have first aid and CPR training and will have First Aid Kits available to them.
- We have a First Aid Director on site throughout the camp day. The First Aid Director will advise on how to proceed.
- A specific indoor space will be designated as an isolation station should a camper show signs of a fever or COVID-19 related symptoms
- Childhood illnesses will still occur; children and staff who develop a fever will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, fever reducers). Should a child or staff member develop signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 and a fever will not be permitted to return to camp until fever free for 72 hours without the use of acetaminophen. We will adhere to strict illness policies for the safety of all children and staff at the Y and consult with local and state health departments when necessary and as questions arise.
What is the registration deadline?
The deadline for registration is midnight on the Tuesday before the camp session you want your camper to attend.
How do we register?
There are two registration options, online or paper. We encourage you to use online registration if you can to help us go green as much as possible.
Will there be financial assistance available?
Yes. The first step for assistance is to apply for the state-funded Care4Kids program. Additional assistance may be available after Care4Kids on a case-by-case basis.
Can we request that our camper be with a friend in the same group?
Yes, however they must be in the same unit/grade. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
How can I contact my child and/or camp staff during the camp day?
Once camp begins, the camp phone will be the main way to directly contact your camper or the camp staff. The camp phone number will be given out once camp has begun. You can also call the New Britain YMCA at (860) 229.3787 to speak to someone there who may be able to assist you.
If campers need to call a parent for something, they should be using the camp phone in the office. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp.
What if I need to cancel my camp registration?
- At least one week's notice is required for all cancellations.
- Upon cancellation, a system credit (minus the Camp Fun Fee) will be given for any camp fees paid. The credit can be used towards any future YMCA program.
- Full refunds (minus the Camp Fun Fee) are given for medical reasons (must provide a note form the child’s physician) and/ or emergency reasons only and are at the discretion of the Camp Director.
- Fees will not be refunded for absence, failure to attend during the term of enrollment, delayed attendance at camp or dismissal from camp.
Can my child arrive late to camp?
Campers that will be arriving late for camp MUST be signed in by a parent/guardian.
What if I need to pick my child up early from camp?
The camp office must be notified if a child will be picked up early from camp. Please call the camp office the morning of when your camper will be dismissed early. Please provide extra time when picking up your camper early from camp, as they may be involved with an activity at the time that you arrive. If the camper will be picked up by someone other than a parent/guardian, that person must be listed on the camper’s registration form and must present a photo I.D.
*Please note: Campers will not be released to anyone not on the Authorized Pick-up List or to persons on the list who do not present a valid I.D.
What is the Discipline Policy?
Behavior Policy Camp Thundermoon
Camp Thundermoon is determined to provide a safe and fun environment for all campers, free from bullying and other possible negative behaviors that disrupt a positive day camp experience. We feel that the best way to prevent any negative behaviors from occurring is to provide a quality day program with well trained staff. In the event that a camper exhibits any negative behavior(s), it may result in referral to the camp office, time out of an activity and/or dismissal from the program. By keeping activities moving and well organized, we believe that many potential problems can be avoided or prevented. Disrespect toward staff members or property, injuring other children or staff, disruptive behavior, stealing, leaving camp property, and profanity will not be tolerated. If such a problem occurs, behavior charts will be implemented, and the following steps will be taken:
1. First Offense: Verbal discussion with the child. The child will be removed from the group for a specified time frame or privileges will be taken away as well as a phone call home to the parents/guardians to inform them of the incident.
2. Second Offense: If a second discussion is needed with the child then a phone call will be made home to the parent/guardian and the child will be sent home for the day with an incident report filled out.
3. Three or more offenses: If the problem persists, or a serious infraction has been made, the camper will be put on suspension (via director’s discretion) or removed from the camp program for the remainder of the summer.
The following negative behaviors will be dealt with by the Camp Counselor. If the offense is repeated or the camper is continuously disrupting the group’s activities, the camper will miss time out of an activity and/or be sent to the Village Director. The Village Director will evaluate the negative behavior and may notify the parents (depending on severity/frequency), fill out a behavior log and put it in the camper’s file and require that the camper miss more time from an activity (depending on severity/frequency).
1. Minor hitting, shoving or pushing
2. Inappropriate language or subject matter
3. Not following directions
4. Straying from the group
5. Distracting counselor/group
6. Throwing of objects
The following negative behaviors will result in camper(s) being sent immediately to one of the Camp Directors. The Camp Director will work with the Village Director to evaluate the negative behavior. Parent(s) will be notified, behavior log will be filled out and put into the camper’s file and camper may be dismissed from camp (temporarily or permanently).
1. Aggressive physical contact (hitting, shoving, or pushing
2. Verbal threats to campers or staff
3. Destruction of camp property or property of others
4. Stealing
5. Possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, knives or other dangerous items 6. Emotional harassment of other campers or staff
6. Endangerment to self or others
Preventing and Managing Negative Behavior:
1. Create group rules/set expectations
2. Keep activities moving – no down time
3. Use positive reinforcement
4. Be tolerant to certain behaviors – being annoying is not negative
5. Redirect attention
Have consequences for unacceptable behavior & benefits of acceptable behavior
1. Use “time outs” – have them take a break
2. Use punishment as a last resort
3. Never use physical or emotional punishment
4. If necessary, seek assistance – Village Director, Camp Director.
All parties must be honest in communicating the concerns that they are having dealing with the child. It is important for the staff and parents to stay in constant communication. The concerns could be about anything dealing with: behavior, development, speech, a physical condition, etc. We do have outside consultants and agencies that can help. When we have come across a situation where every possibility has been exhausted, and the child is not benefiting from the programs the facility has to offer, or the behaviors have not changed, the parents will be asked to remove the child from camp. The Meriden YMCA staff will assist as much as possible. We will leave the door open for a child to return to this facility should the behaviors diminish or change to the point where our program would be more conducive to the child’s needs.
If you have a problem with your child or another child within this facility, you need to address the problem immediately with the director or assistant director. Please do not text any camp counselor directly, or take matters into your own hands.
· Under no circumstances will any child be frightened, humiliated, neglected, abused, corporal or restrained.
· Under no circumstance will food be taken away for a child misbehaving.
· Children are not bad, their behavior is unacceptable.
· All staff members are expected to act professionally when they are dealing with children. Appropriate language must always be used to emphasize the positive.
· Use supervisors and directors to try to solve problems. Try to work out problems with the parents we work as a team.
· Discipline is always under direct staff supervision.
What are the Emergency Safety Plans?
Emergency Safety Standards
Emergency Safety Plan for Injury or Acute Illness: In the event of an emergency involving an injury or acute illness, the Camp Director or assistant director must follow these risk reduction measures: Call 911 to summon emergency personnel and then call the Camp Office. Notify the parent or the parent emergency contact number. Isolate the scene to prevent further injury or illness. Have a staff person accompany the child to the hospital and stay until the parent arrives. Prepare a written report immediately but no later than 24 hours following the occurrence. In the case of an injury, correct the hazard immediately, if possible; study the occurrence to see if changes can be made to eliminate future injuries
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately
· Trouble breathing
· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
· New confusion
· Inability to wake or stay awake
· Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Campers or counselors showing symptoms will be sequestered in a cabin and the local health department will be contacted. Recommendations from local health officials will be followed.
Safety Plan for Emergency Evacuation
As a safety precaution, an emergency evacuation drill must be conducted as follows: Staff will escort the campers out of the building in an orderly fashion, and proceed to a safe area. We will evacuate to the field across the street from the school if necessary. All camp staff must remain with their camp group and take attendance. If all campers and staff are accounted for, the Camp Directors, assistant directors and village directors will maintain order and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If a camper or staff person is missing when the attendance is taken, the emergency personnel must be informed immediately, and staff must follow their instructions. When the emergency drill has been completed, the event must be recorded on the appropriate form, and a record of the dates of all emergency drills must be kept on location.
Fire or Other Hazard
If a fire or other hazard occurs, evacuate campers for their safety, following the Emergency Evacuation Safety Plan above. If you cannot stop the fire with a fire extinguisher or sand, call 911 for the Fire Department.
Natural Emergencies
When emergency weather bulletins are issued that warn of high winds, thunderstorms or flooding, the Camp Director will notify campus by the three whistles. The Camp Director, assistant directors and village directors will move campers to safety. Attendance must be taken to ensure that all campers have been accounted for. Those camps that are outside should immediately move to shelter.
Emergency Safety Plan for Major Emergencies
In the event of a major emergency or natural disaster that would be threatening to the wellbeing of the campers (e.g., fire, flood, terrorist act, etc.), the following procedures will be followed:
The YMCA will be contacted to send out emergency texts, one call now, remind, etc. to alert parents of the situation.
Transportation
Transportation to an alternate site may be arranged and coordinated at the discretion of the Director in consultation with the Supervisor.
Shelter-in-Place
If appropriate, camps will follow shelter-in-place procedures to ensure camper safety.
Communication
If appropriate, all camp personnel including Camp Directors, Recreation Specialist/Camp Supervisors will work together to notify parents of the whereabouts of campers.
Crisis Response Protocol
The Camp Director will be given the most up-to-date version of the Crisis Response Protocol to follow in the event implementation becomes necessary for the safety of campers, volunteers and staff.
Displaced Camper
Staff are responsible to know the whereabouts of campers at all times, both onsite and when on a field trip away from the campsite. Failure to do so could result in a camper wandering away, which is an extremely dangerous situation. If you are not able to account for a child for any reason, immediately implement the following procedures:
Missing for 0 to 5 Minutes: Alert the Camp Director immediately. Check the area where the camper was last seen. Conduct a thorough roll call and head count to ensure accurate accountability.
Missing for 5 to 10 Minutes: Expand the search area. Assign some staff to conduct the search. Assign other staff to continue supervising the rest of the campers and to continue conducting activities with minimal disruption. Simultaneously, conduct a “paper search” by checking attendance records, bus records or any other daily record that might shed light on the situation.
Missing for 10 to 15 Minutes: At 10 minutes, call the Camp Coordinator and the Camp Supervisor, and give a detailed description of the missing camper (i.e., physical appearance, clothing, etc.) and the time he/she was last seen. Follow their instructions. Conduct another roll call and headcount. Continue to expand the search area.
Missing Beyond 15 Minutes: At 15 minutes, the Camp Supervisor, or in his/her absence, the Camp Coordinator will call 911 to alert the police. Call the parents to alert them to the situation. Follow instructions from the Camp Office and the police. Continue to assign some staff to the search. Continue supervision of the other campers and continue activities. Complete an incident report when the camper has been found.
DCF MANDATED REPORTERS
The YMCA Staff are mandated reporters. In our professional capacity, we are required by law to report any suspicion or belief that any child under the age of eighteen might have been abused or neglected. This includes leaving a child unattended in a car.
For additional questions, please contact us at sfusco@nbbymca.org.