Cancellation and Transfer Policies for Camps
JC Parks Cell Phones & Electronic Devices Policy
- Personal/portable electronic devices are not permitted at camp. If a parent believes that their child needs to carry a cell phone for safety reasons as they travel to and from camp, the child may bring the cell phone to camp. However, once they are on camp property, the cell phone must be turned off, put away (not on the camper) and not used during camp hours. If emergencies arise during the camp day, the camp staff will contact the parent. If a child feels that they need to contact their parent during camp hours, they must request permission from the camp leader to do so and use a camp phone to make the call. Likewise, if the parent needs to contact the camp or speak with their child in the event of an emergency during camp hours, they will need to call the Department’s main line at 573-634-6482 or contact the camp staff using WhatsApp.
- Any violation of this policy will result in the confiscation of the device. The device will be returned to the parent/guardian when they pick up their camper at the end of the day. The department, the camps and their staff shall not assume responsibility for devices that are damaged, lost, or stolen when brought to camp or after being confiscated for violation of this policy.
JCPR Day Camp Bullying Policy
- Bullying – In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable camper to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any camper without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the camp. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.
- Campers who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the day camp discipline code. Such discipline may include expulsion, removal from participation in activities, parental meeting/conference, and other consequences deemed appropriate by the camp leader.
JC PARKS CAMP RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
The expectations are to promote successful participation and well-being of all campers. We ask parents to discuss the following 8 expectations with their camper prior to them attending:
- Safety First!
- Keep hands, feet, and body parts to yourself
- Respect Everyone at Camp
- Always listen to your Counselors
- Pick Up all Trash (even if it’s not yours)
- Stay with your counselor at all times
- Camp is a Bully Free Zone
- Have Fun and Be Safe!
Behavior Support & Expectations
At camp, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive. We focus on teaching and reinforcing positive behavior expectations through clear communication, consistency, and care.
If a camper has difficulty meeting expectations, we use supportive strategies to help them re-engage and make positive choices. Families will be informed when needed, especially if patterns persist or additional collaboration is helpful.
The following steps may be taken to guide behavior and ensure a positive camp experience for all:
- Kind Reminder or Re-Direction
- Break or Quiet Spot to Regroup
- Check-In with a Camp Leader
- Conversation with Parent/Caregiver
- Written Reflection or Behavior Summary (if helpful)
In rare cases where safety or well-being is significantly impacted, a camper may be asked to take a break from camp while we work together on a support plan.
If a camper is having ongoing difficulty meeting expectations, a Camper Support Summary may be completed. This summary will outline the situation, the support strategies used, and next steps to help the camper succeed. The summary will be shared with the parent or guardian at pick-up and can be signed to confirm it was reviewed together.
If a camper receives multiple support summaries and challenges continue, we will schedule a conversation with the family to explore additional strategies. In rare cases, if the camper’s needs cannot be safely supported within the program, a break from camp may be necessary while we work on a plan that ensures success.
Camper Expectations and Supportive Practices
Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where every camper can thrive. While most challenges can be addressed with proactive support and collaboration, there may be times when a camper’s behavior impacts safety or the camp experience for others.
If a camper is not able to safely participate in camp despite our support strategies, a refund for future weeks of registration may be provided. However, refunds for the current week are not available.
Camp staff may temporarily redirect a camper from an activity if it is determined that the camper needs additional time or support before safely rejoining. We work to ensure this is done thoughtfully, with a focus on helping the camper succeed. Activities such as swimming and field trips are exciting parts of camp and we strive to make them accessible to all campers who are able to participate safely and respectfully.
Some serious behaviors—such as physical aggression, unsafe departure from the group, or use of harmful language—may lead to mediate support planning with families, and in some cases, removal from the program if safety cannot be maintained.
Safety and belonging are our top priorities. We’re committed to working together with families to ensure each camper has the best chance to succeed.
Supporting Positive Camp Behavior
At camp, we aim to build a fun, respectful, and safe environment where all campers can enjoy themselves and feel like they belong. Sometimes, campers may need reminders or guidance to help them meet those expectations.
Here’s how we support campers when challenges arise:
- Reminder – Campers will receive a kind and clear reminder of expectations.
- Second Reminder – If behavior continues, staff will offer another reminder and may give the camper a short break or check-in to help reset.
- Take-a-Break – If the camper needs more support, they may be guided to a calm space (on-site or at the pool) to regroup.
- Family Check-In – If the behavior continues or presents safety concerns, the camper’s grown-up may be called to help make a plan for success. At that time, we’ll work together to decide the best next steps.
Camp is meant to be a place of fun, friendship, and growth! When we all work together and follow our shared expectations, everyone has a better experience.
PROCEDURES
LOST & FOUND
- MAKE SURE YOUR CAMPER IS AWARE OF WHAT THEY BRING TO CAMP WITH THEM EACH DAY. THIS WILL HELP IN THE PREVENTION OF LOST AND FOUND ITEMS AT THE CAMP, POOL, ETC.
- No toys, electronics, ball gloves, trading cards, video games, etc. shall be brought to camp. We cannot assume responsibility for these items.
- Report lost items to the Camp Leader. Lost and found items will be held for one week only. Jefferson City Parks and Recreation will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please check the lost and found area daily for your camper’s belongings. Lost and found items will be sent out by the camp leader in WhatsApp weekly.
- If you are interested in purchasing camp labels for your child’s clothing and personal items, please contact Angie Toebben
Health & Safety at Camps
- SICK CHILD
- Do not send your child with a fever or an illness.
- If your child exhibits symptoms of illness or fever, you will be called to pick up your
- We ask that you make every effort to pick up the child as quickly as If the primary guardian cannot be reached the secondary guardian will be contacted.
- Campers who are ill with a contagious illness or fever may not attend camp. If your camper is sent home with a fever he/she must be free of symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to the program. If a camper’s fever is over 100 degrees the guardian is required to pick them up immediately.
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WHAT IF MY CAMPER IS INJURED WHILE AT CAMP?
- In a non-emergency situation, the camper will remain at camp. If first aid is issued to the camper, it will be recorded on an “Ouch Report.” The “Ouch Report” will be located in the sign in and out binder with the campers name highlighted for the parent’s information.
- In an emergency situation, every effort will be made to notify the guardian immediately. If the situation warrants EMS will be contacted immediately. The Camp Leader will remain with the camper at all times. In the event the guardian cannot be contacted or arrive at Camp soon enough, the camper will be transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
- All Camp Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.
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ALLERGIES
- JC Parks camps are not an allergy free environment but works with guardians to provide awareness and instruction to reduce the chance of exposure. Camper Allergies must be documented on the campers ePACT form. If additional communication regarding the allergy needs to occur contact the Camp Leader.
- Campers are strongly discouraged from sharing items with each other to reduce the chance of exposure.
- If you would like to bring items in to be shared please discuss with the Camp Leader.
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MEDICATION
- It is the camper’s responsibility to take medication when needed. Campers should keep medication in their lunch coolers or backpacks. Please keep backpacks or coolers containing medication separate and inaccessible by the campers. Camp staff CANNOT dispense medication, they are only able to set an alarm for the camper and watch them administer their medicine to themselves.
- Camp staff can help and have been trained with Emergency Medicine (ie. Epi Pen or Asthma Inhaler).
- MANDATED REPORTING
- JC Parks camp staff are all Mandated Reporters who are required to make a report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, when they have a reasonable cause to believe a child, known to them, in their professional or official capacity, may be an abused or neglected child. If a Mandated Reporter has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances, which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, the person, shall immediately report that information to the Children’s Division.
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Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH)
- Mental, emotional, and social health refers to how we think, act, and handle stress (mental health), our ability to accept and and manage feelings (emotional health), and our ability to interact and form meaningful relationships (social health). JC Parks Day Camp Staff takes the MESH concerns of our campers and volunteers very seriously and we try to capture as much information about a camper and their mental health needs after reviewing the ePACT on-line medical form that parents fill out on-line ahead of camp. Parents/Guardians can also load a behavioral health plan on ePACT to help camp staff.