Camouflaged in FUN
Although Tate’s Day Camp has become famous for our wide variety of activities, weekly themes, and excellent staff (a.k.a. The Fun Professionals), we have intentionally created a specific camp environment and camouflaged a much greater mission into the program. We are leaders of child and youth development and partners with parents.
When you enroll at Tate’s Day Camp, you are signing your child up for an educational experience. This is accomplished by providing challenge, support, teamwork, supervision, choice, and extreme personal and social development. We teach children to communicate, problem solve, and practice social skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. We allow children to experience successes and to deal with failures.
Children need to learn to cope with failure, loss, and not always getting their way. Some parents in the past have been referred to as “helicopter parents,” which are essentially parents with good intentions, but by hovering so close to their children and solving all of their problems; fighting all of their fights; and keeping them so “protected” that these children don’t know how to cope with situations that don’t “go their way.” Then there’s also another term called “bull dozer parents,” which are those that that plow down any obstacles their children may face leaving the child paralyzed to make good choices and decisions on their own.
Thus, the question – how can we protect our children and still provide education, development, and experiences that they will need to succeed later in life? One of the many answers can be found in a single word . . . Camp.
Camp teaches children to “cope” with a variety of situations and to practice first hand the strategies to deal with these situations. We provide opportunities to try new activities, meet new friends, and develop individual expression. This is achieved by creating a camp environment that is positive, supportive, and designed specifically for children.
At Tate’s Day Camp we are very “intentional” about our mission, and we value the opportunity to partner with your family. Thank you for joining us.
Let the games begin,
Chris Strevel
Executive Director
On Your First Day
Every Monday marks the beginning of a new camp week, and we can’t wait for your arrival. The first thing you must do is arrive at the correct place. A detailed map and directions will be emailed to all parents prior to camp beginning. Your child’s age will determine which traffic pattern you should follow.
At each drop-off location, cars will be greeted by our morning team and we will show campers where their belongings should be placed. If you are new to camp or not attending consecutive weeks, then please check in with a greeter to be sure of your group assignment. Camp activities officially begin at 8:30 AM and all campers should arrive by this time.
Traffic is generally the heaviest between 8:15-8:30 AM. If you arrive during this time, please be patient as we work to show new campers where their belongings go.
Sometimes the first day causes a little anxiety in children, and we want you to feel comfortable leaving your child. If parting seems difficult, please don’t be alarmed or feel guilty – this is one of the great educational benefits of camp that helps children learn to effectively deal with transitions. Any tears or apprehensions are generally gone within ten minutes of the time that the parents leave, and we really want you to rest assured that your child is happy and having fun.
Traffic Rules
When driving on the Tate’s campus, please do not exceed 15 MPH, and always be on the lookout for playing children and friendly squirrels. It’s very helpful if parents stay in their cars when dropping off.
Morning Drop-Off
Camp families may drop off from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Camp activities officially begin at 8:30 AM, and we expect everyone to be at camp by that time. Each morning we will have a special kickoff that includes important group announcements, songs, skits, the pledge of allegiance, and the daily cheer.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Camp activities end at 4:00 PM and all campers should be picked up by 6:00 PM. Pick-up is the same location as drop-off.
Security At Pick-Up
On your child’s registration form there is a place to list the name(s) of anyone other than mother or father who is authorized to pick up your child. For the convenience of all parties involved, please be sure the proper names are listed for your camper. A car hang tag identifying your child will be issued on Mondays. We will be checking a photo ID for anyone we do not recognize, and Tate’s Day Camp will not release to anyone unless they are on the authorized pick-up list or have the proper hang tag. Parents may add names to this list at any time by calling the camp office. We will verify call-ins by asking you to confirm some of the confidential information listed on your registration form.
It is not uncommon for families to carpool or for campers to go home with friends at the end of the day. We must have your permission if your child is going to be picked up by another camp parent unless they are listed on your permanent pick-up form.
At Tate’s Day Camp the safety and welfare of our campers is our number one priority. In the unlikely event we have reason to believe that a parent or other authorized person on the pick-up list is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is impaired in any other way, we will not release the camper into that person’s custody. We will call a spouse, relative, or someone else on the child’s pick-up list to come and take the child home.
Personal Information
A Special Note to Parents Regarding Personal Information:
Having prior knowledge about a learning difficulty, ADHD, or a recent loss or major change in the family or child’s life makes a tremendous difference in helping us be sensitive to your child’s need for patience, understanding and reassurance – particularly in the first few days of camp.
This is especially true for children who have an attention problem or who are nervous about new situations. Many parents fear that a camp will not accept their child if they are completely forthcoming about these situations, yet children need us to be partners with the parents in planning for a safe and successful summer. Please be open with us, and let’s work together to create a positive camp experience for your child.
Medication From Home
If your child needs to take any medication while at camp, please follow these steps:
- Completely fill out a “Camp Medication” form (these are in the office or can be emailed). Write down when the medication is to be given and in what dosage. We strongly recommend sending only enough medication for one week.
- List any side-effects and who to call if we have any questions.
- Sign the form that asks us to give the medication.
- Send medication to camp in the original prescription bottle with the child’s name and doctor’s name. By law we may not administer any prescription medication unless it comes from the correct bottle with the child’s name on it.
- All medication (even aspirin and over-the-counter products) must be checked in at the camp office. No children are allowed to keep medication with them at camp. Please see someone in the office for special circumstances involving asthma inhalers or severe allergies to bee stings or certain foods.
Some of our campers take medication for ADHD. We realize that often it may seem like children don’t “need” this medication during the summer because it is a time to be free, have fun, and use energy without having to concentrate in the classroom. Although camp is not school, it is extremely important that children be able to concentrate. Many aspects of our camp program require concentration. When we are dealing with bows & arrows, fishhooks, bats, a zipline, a climbing tower and a low ropes course, it is important that all campers are able to act in a safe manner at all times. Please allow us to work with you and your child’s physician to help understand our camp atmosphere so that the correct decisions about medication can be made. If you have any questions, call the camp director.
Payment Schedule
Each weekly session in which your child is registered must be paid in full at least three weeks before the session begins. All families, at the time of registration, were set up on credit card payments that will automatically be processed on the due dates.
If you wish to mail your payment, we must receive it at least three weeks prior to the week that your child is enrolled.
No children may attend camp until tuition is paid in full. There are no refunds for canceling a week after the tuition due date of three weeks in advance. There are no refunds for sick days or other absences.
If a check is returned due to insufficient funds, there will be a $39.00 returned check fee, and all future payments will need to be made in either cash or by cashier’s check or credit card.
Change of Registration
Prior to the due date of three weeks in advance, there is a $50 per week per family drop fee for canceling a week after you submit your registration form. There are no refunds after the tuition due date. There is a $25 fee to change a session after you submit your form. You may add weeks at any time for no charge, provided space is available. If you need to drop or add a week, call the camp office at 690-9208. Drop fees must be paid immediately.
Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit camp at anytime. For security reasons we ask that all visitors check-in at the camp office or welcome center upon arrival. Visitors may also need to check with the child’s counselor in advance to find out where the group will be at the time they wish to visit. We ask that parents limit the time of the visit to a few minutes or to view a special show or project. Parents should not plan to hang out or participate with their child’s group . . . especially following drop-off and morning opening.
Discipline at Camp
Camp is the perfect environment to promote social skills and self-esteem in children. We encourage and work with campers to achieve these skills. The techniques we employ to accomplish this goal include both competitive and non-elimination games, group and camp cheers, age-specific groups and activities, low camper-staff ratios, positive reinforcement, and attention to the specific development of each child.
The staff is trained in preventive disciplinary techniques that are quite effective, but the need for further action is sometimes needed. In this case, the counselors are instructed to generally use one of the following techniques, depending on the situation.
The techniques include:
- Discussing with the child the problem and possible solutions.
- Sit out and watch for 30 seconds to 5 minutes.
- “Time-out” – a more formal form of sit and watch. Time out may include losing privileges or missing scheduled camp activities.
If a camper continues to break rules after discussion with the counselor, sit and watch, and/or time-out, then they are brought to a director along with a list of the problems and the measures taken thus far. The director will discuss the problem with the camper and in some instances call one of the child’s parents to notify him/her of the situation. Depending on the incident and the attitude of the camper, we may ask a parent to come and pick up their child or to schedule a conference.
If problems persist or if the behavior involves physical or emotional harm to a fellow camper or staff member, then the camper may be suspended or expelled from camp. There are no refunds if a camper is suspended or expelled from camp for disciplinary reasons.
We want everyone to have a safe and happy summer, and sometimes these measures are needed to insure a quality camp experience for all.
Our Program
The success of our campers is centered on age-specific groups, excellent staff, and a wide variety of activities. Hands-on activities and low counselor to camper ratios provide opportunities for individual growth and maturity.
Camp is a vital component of child and youth development, and campers attending consecutive weeks experience greater skill development, higher self-esteem and stronger group bonds. Although camp is all about FUN and exciting activities, it is also about community, teamwork, trying new things, experiencing successes as well as failures, making new friends, and feeling good about yourself.
Different weekly themes help to keep camp exciting and fresh for our campers that come all summer. For a closer look at a typical week, there are two sample group schedules in the back of this handbook. Please keep in mind – these are only samples and your child’s specific weekly schedule will vary. Because of the wide variety of activities we offer, there is not enough time for a camper to participate in all of them during a single week of camp!
All campers are divided into age-specific groups so they can interact with others who are on their physical and emotional levels. For reasons of safety, the age group of the child determines many camp activities. (i.e. only 2nd graders and up participate in archery.)
Due to the structure of our program, all campers must be completely potty trained. No diapers or pull-ups are allowed.
Our 54 acre campus includes multiple buildings, a boating pond, and three saltwater swimming pools. We have recreational fields, woods, archery and axe throwing ranges, climbing tower, zipline, group initiative course, a campfire area, outdoor amphitheater and natural areas for nature study and exploration.
Swimming
Due to popular demand by both campers and parents, swimming has become one of our most enjoyable camp activities. The popularity is so great that we feature three saltwater swimming pools. All Discovery campers (ages 3 through those entering first grade) and Explorer campers who are entering the second and third grades receive daily swim lessons. (Depending on the weekly theme or occasional guest speakers, a group may miss a lesson time in order to participate in a specialized program.)
Campers entering the fourth through eighth grades do not receive structured lessons, however, there are plenty of opportunities for them to participate in pool games, recreational swimming, and other aquatic activities.
Our Tate’s Day Camp aquatics staff are all certified by the American Red Cross or other certifying aquatics body and adhere to the highest of standards regarding pool supervision. Although we follow the American Red Cross swim level curriculum, our primary goal during lessons is to further the swimming abilities of each camper. Campers who attend multiple, consecutive weeks of camp will learn and show greater improvement than campers who only attend occasional weeks.
Restroom and Changing Room Policies
Only those members of the same sex shall be allowed in a multi-occupancy restroom or changing facility designated for the camper’s sex. Single occupancy restrooms shall be considered as unisex. Any camper may request to use a single-occupancy restroom or changing room if so desired.
Lunch
Lunch is included in the weekly camp tuition, and we are pleased to provide healthy, yummy, and nutritious camp lunches that are prepared fresh onsite daily in our athletic and dining hall.
Guidelines and procedures:
- We prepare our foods from whole fresh ingredients, limiting the use of processed foods and avoiding products containing artificial colors, flavorings, M.S.G., preservatives, and high levels of sodium.
- In our effort to become more socially responsible we use only biodegradable paper products when possible.
- We use cleaning compounds which are much less toxic to the environment than conventional chemicals and contain less packaging.
Menus are available on our website or in the camp office. Substitutions and changes may occur based on the availability of certain ingredients. Lunch is around noon each day.
Snacks
A morning and afternoon snack is provided for Discovery (ages 3 through 1st grade) campers only. For 2nd graders and older, a camp store is available for morning and afternoon snack purchases. Items are priced from .75 to $1.50. To avoid children carrying cash, Explorer/Adventure parents may deposit funds electronically into their child’s camp wallet. Children generally spend $3-$5 per day. The camp store will not be open during lunch time. Explorer and Adventure campers not using the camp store should bring a snack with them. Apples, bananas, fruit roll-ups, or granola bars are some of the items that could be brought from home.
We also recommend bringing a water bottle to camp. We take plenty of water breaks at our cooler stations located throughout the property, and campers are allowed to frequently fill their personal water bottles and carry them throughout the camp day.
What To Wear
(Please label everything with your child’s name.)
We would like to see all campers wear shorts, T-shirts, socks, and tennis shoes (or other appropriate outdoor footwear). For safety, all campers should wear closed-toe shoes that provide adequate support and stay on the foot while running. No flip-flops, sandals or opened-toe shoes will be allowed for camp activities and we strongly discourage Crocs as they are not acceptable for most activities. These shoes may be brought and worn to and from the swimming pool. Skirts and dresses are not appropriate for camp.
A sweatshirt or jacket is advised for cool mornings and ponchos or raincoats for wet days. On rainy days, the Explorer and Adventure campers will spend time outside, so being prepared is vital. Ponchos, as well as some extra socks are definitely needed on rainy days. Discovery campers will spend more time indoors on rainy days but should be prepared.
Swimsuits and a towel should be sent with the campers every day, as well as sunscreen. We ask that our middle school and older females wear only one piece swimsuits. In compliance with Health Department recommendations, all swim suits and towels must be taken home each day and not left at the camp.
T-Shirt Tuesdays
Tuesday is the day we show our camp spirit by wearing our camp T-shirts. Although not required, campers and staff are encouraged to wear their camp T-shirt every Tuesday.
Items From Home
Campers can bring water bottles, books, bandanas, sunscreen and clothing items. Please put your child’s name on all items from home. Younger campers may bring a blanket and stuffed friend for use at nap/rest time. We provide rest mats for our three and four year old campers and recommend that fives and sixes bring a small blanket or extra towel for rest and reading. We cannot guarantee the safekeeping of extra items and are not responsible for the loss or damage of the items. There are also items not allowed at Tate’s Day Camp. Campers should not bring pocketknives, weapons, trading cards, toys, chewing gum, candy, and electronics. Campers are not allowed to bring cell phones to camp.
Communication
We enjoy being able to see our camp parents every day. This is one of the great benefits of running a day camp. Besides speaking with you directly every day, we will also communicate through the use of emails. To promote a greener environment, we will not be sending home paper newsletters. We will strive to tell you the good and the not-so-good about each week and your feedback is always welcome. In addition to casual conversations, we will be issuing an electronic questionnaire or two during the summer, and we encourage your comments. Let us know what we are doing well and what you would like us to work on – please help us as we continually strive to be the BEST!
Because our counselors are assigned to work shifts and provide supervision to their campers, they are generally not available to come to the car when parents drop-off or pick-up. Please speak with one of our program directors in advance if you need to speak with your child’s counselor and they will schedule this for you.
In situations involving illness or injury at camp, we will try to contact parents if the child is uncomfortable or unable to continue the camp day. In the event of a sudden illness or serious accident at camp we will use our best judgment in securing immediate emergency treatment for the camper as outlined on the Parent Authorization form.
Your Child’s Group
Behind the camp scenes a lot of time is spent placing your child into his/her group. We take into consideration factors like the child’s age/grade, the boy to girl ratio, how many weeks the camper is coming, and other group dynamic variables.
Campers are placed into age-specific groups based on grade level. The program is structured so that as the campers get older and continue coming to Tate’s Day Camp over the years, they will continue to have new experiences and challenges. Because of this progression and the developmental stages of children, we do not move campers to groups outside their age/grade range.
Children not coming consecutive weeks may be placed in different groups.
Friend Request Policy
Camp is a great place to develop new friendships and our staff members are trained to assist campers in this goal by welcoming new campers each Monday and working to be sure everyone feels included.
Due to the way our program is structured with small group sizes and the flexibility of weekly enrollment, there are limitations in trying to honor friend requests. Please recognize these limitations and help us prepare for your child’s summer by following our friend request policy.
Friend Request Policy: Friends requesting to be together must be in the same grade/group level and the request must be reciprocal, meaning that both parties must request each other. Only one friend request is allowed and multiple requests will not be honored. Requests should be made by April 1.
Although we work to honor the reciprocal requests that we receive by April 1, FRIEND REQUESTS ARE NEVER GUARANTEED. As we work to try and honor the reciprocal friend requests, we also try to keep a fair boy/girl ratio and try and make sure that campers coming consecutive weeks can be kept with the same counselor.
Please understand that it is up to the parents to work with other parents and be sure the friend requests are reciprocal if they want us to try and place the children in the same group.
Drop Everything and Relax (DEAR)
In Discovery (1st graders) and all Explorer / Adventure Camps, campers will participate in DEAR for 15-20 minutes each day after lunch. This time may be spent reading a book, writing in a journal, or participating in another “low-active” and quiet activity. Our days are extremely active and all campers need this down time to pause, let lunch settle and prepare for afternoon activities. Please send an appropriate book from home with your camper each day or a journal and pencil/pen. Campers should not bring teen magazines to camp. Younger campers (ages 3-5) will have a defined nap or rest time each day after lunch.
Lost and Found
It is highly recommended that you label all items (clothing, towels, lunch boxes, water bottles, camp T-shirts, etc.) with your child’s name. We make every effort to keep all campers’ belongings in their backpack or on their person. Please make a quick check of your child’s backpack at the end of the camp day before leaving. Lost items are much easier to recover on the same day they are lost. Lost items are held in the camp office for one week, and then they are taken to a local charity.
Tate’s Specialty Camps
We are pleased to provide a board game camp this summer. Campers enrolling in the specialty camp will follow the same registration procedures as regular day campers; however, the specialty camp has a different cost. The camp also has an age/grade requirement. The hours and locations for drop-off and pick-up will be the same for specialty campers.
No Television or Video Games
Tate’s Day Camp is proud to take a stand by not allowing the use of television or video games as part of our regular camp program. To our dismay, a lot of childcare centers, as well as some camp programs, use television in place of a staff member. We feel children and adults in a camp setting have such wonderful opportunities to interact in games, sports, educational experiences, and plain old fun that TV has no place in camp. We of course realize the educational benefits television offers. Television may be used at camp in conjunction with a video-making club, specialty camp or to facilitate the presentation of a guest speaker or educational topic, but never to show rented movies or for pure entertainment value in place of a staff member. We are not referring to home viewing at all.
The Staff
Now that we are almost to the end of the Camper/Parent Handbook, let me share with you the true secret of Tate’s Day Camp — our staff. At the heart of our camp program are the individuals who have energy, enthusiasm, and the desire and ability to work with children in an outdoor environment. Each year we select only the most qualified and mature staff members to work with our campers. This dynamic group of individuals who will be responsible for your child’s safety as well as his/her fun in the sun are commonly referred to as “The Fun Professionals.”
For a person to become a member of the Tate’s Day Camp Fun Professionals they have to:
- Pass the initial screening of applications.
- Participate in a minimum of two interviews.
- Successfully complete our orientation and training program.
- Demonstrate a good attitude and strong work ethic.
- Pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Pass a background check.
- Never settle for less than excellence.
- Above all – have a genuine love for children!
Celebrating 40 Years
Founded in 1982 Tate’s Day Camp is proud to be celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2022.
Executive Director, Chris Strevel, is the past president of the American Camp Association, Heart of the South Section and has served on numerous committees and task forces with the national organization. He is also a former national board member of the Camp Owners and Directors Association. Chris has been with the Tate’s Organization since joining as a camp counselor in 1989 while in college.
Camperships and Financial Assistance
Tate’s Day Camp has two main campership funds, The Robert Dowbiggin Campership and the Holly Ann Clancy Memorial Campership.
Robert Dowbiggin was Director of Tate’s Day Camp from 1988 through 1992. His passion for excellence and high standards are unparalleled in the camping industry. Tate’s Camp honors Robert Dowbiggin for his achievements and wishes him much happiness and success in the future.
Holly Ann Clancy was a veteran camper and CIT at Tate’s Day Camp. She was killed in an automobile accident in the spring of 2005. A group of staff members initiated the campership fund in Holly’s memory. Contributions may be made to the Tate’s Foundation and are tax deductible as a charitable contribution. For more information about the Camperships, please call the camp office.
Backpack Checklist
Did you remember to send:
___ Closed-Toe Shoes for camp activities
___ Swim suit and towel
___ Sunscreen
___ Two snacks or wallet money (rising 2nd through 8th graders)
___ A jacket or sweatshirt for cool mornings
___ A book for DEAR (1st through 8th graders)
___ A poncho and extra socks on wet days
___ Old shoes are recommended for muddy days
___ And remember to label all items with your child’s name
Sample Schedules
A Note about the Sample Schedules: These samples show what a typical day at camp is like. These are just models and each group will have their own schedule that will vary from the samples illustrated.
Groups will have frequent bathroom, water and sunscreen breaks between activities. Schedules may also vary as we have special events throughout the summer.
Schedules will change as we add and modify the camp programming.
Discovery Camp Sample Schedule
(ages 3 through children entering 1st grade)
Explorer/Adventure Camp Sample Schedule
(2nd grade through 8th grade)
