During the Camp
What happens at the start and the end of the day?
• On the first day we advise you to arrive 15 minutes early so that if you have any questions and/or your child is apprehensive about camp we can deal with it while there are fewer people.
• When you first arrive at the camp we will ask you to sign your children in. This comprises of you writing their name, your name etc on the register.
• At the end of the day you will be asked for your security number or password that you wrote at the start of the day. If a different family member or friend is picking up your child then they must give the correct security number or password.
• Children must always be signed in and out by an authorised adult.
• Please ensure you always record the time of departure so that we are aware that the child has left and who they have gone with.
• If your children are allowed to travel to and from camp by themselves they will require written authorisation on the Attendance Form.
• Please respect our course times and deliver and collect your children promptly.
Security
During the registration process, the parent/carer must give a password or security number for each child. The piece of security information is recorded on the register and is kept by us as proof of identity. Collecting adults must know their password or security number. If another adult is collecting then please let them know your security information. Children must be signed out by their collecting adult, recording the time of departure so that we are aware that the child has left and who they have gone with. If your child is allowed to travel to and from O'Tooles by themselves they will require written authorisation on the Attendance Form.
Accident reporting
We always ask that an accident report form is signed by the collecting parent or carer so they are fully aware of anything that may have occurred to their child that day. If a serious accident occurs it is dealt with differently. Parents or carers will be contacted during the day.
Contacting parents or carers
Parents will be contacted under the following circumstances:
• Serious injury such as a broken or suspicion of broken bone.
• If the child is unable to participate due to serious illness or a toilet accident.
• If a child is seriously upset about being on camp.
• Bang to head that may result in concussion.
• Any situation resulting in a hospital visit.
• Serious behaviour problem.
• If the child is found not to have brought food/ drink.
Weather conditions
When the weather is particularly warm the following precautions must be taken:
• If there is any possibility of sunburn or sunstroke please ensure that the children wear adequate protection i.e. hat and sun cream of the correct factor. We would ask that you apply the sun cream before the day starts as it becomes very time consuming applying it to every child. It would be advisable that you still pack the sun cream so we can reapply after a swim in the pool.
• It is vital that your child has enough to drink for the whole day, they become dehydrated very quickly because they are participating in sporting activities. Drinking water will be available all day via a water fountain and your child can always have a drinks bottle refilled.
When the weather is particularly cold or wet children will remain in the indoor areas.
Mobile phones
We do understand that parents may want to be able to contact their children during the Activity Camp programme but we will not allow your children to bring a mobile phone onto site. We can not be held accountable if it becomes lost, stolen or damaged. Parents may contact the camp by telephoning our Head Office on 01344 898330 and we will contact the manager of the camp on your behalf.
Behaviour
When a child enrols on our activity program we expect them to show respect for all children and adults at the camp, treating them as they would wish to be treated themselves. If there is an issue with behaviour on camp we will always try and deal with it there and then.
• If unsuccessful, the O'Tooles Duty Manager or a head member of staff will try to deal with the situation, removing the child from the group and depending on the severity of the situation possibly just giving them a time out. There is also a possibility that the child will not be able to partake in a particularly fun activity such as swimming.
• If this is then unsuccessful we will contact the parent/carer.
• If the unsatisfactory behaviour continues them there is a possibility that your child will be suspended from camp. This will only happen after consultation with Head Office.
Bullying
If a child feels that they are being bullied then we do ask that they tell there instructor at the time because it becomes much easier to deal with. Once a member of staff has been informed by a parent or child they will always report the incident to the Manager. They will then discuss the matter with the child and with their coach. If the Manager feels that there is a legitimate complaint they then need to discuss the matter with the person being accused of bullying. It is worth bearing in mind that the bully may have problems of their own which are resulting in this behaviour and need to be dealt with sensitively and fairly. There may be reasons for their bullying but there are no excuses for such behaviour. If we are convinced that bullying has taken place then we will decide what action is appropriate. In a serious case we may need to consider the removal of the bully from the camp.
Uncollected
There are a number of reasons why a child may remain uncollected at the end of the day, perhaps if a parent is delayed or confused about who is collecting or about the time of collection. Should this occur then the following action will be taken:
• We will attempt to contact you using the child details information.
• At least two adults will remain with the child until collected.
• We will not allow the child to return home alone or with an unauthorised adult unless we have your permission.
• Upon collection we will politely ensure that the parent understands the procedures.
• If this occurs more than once for the same child Head Office will be informed.
• If after two hours no one arrives to collect the child and we have been unable to contact anyone by telephone, we will call the local social services department who will make arrangements for a social worker to collect the child.
Lost property
Due to the nature of the activities, we recommend that your children do not wear their best or most expensive clothing for camp. We cannot guarantee the return of lost property, but we endeavour to return items that are clearly labelled with your child's full name. If your child has lost an item then please speck to the person on the front desk at collection or drop off and we will try our best to hunt down the lost item
