Parent Information Handbook

Table of Contents

Welcome To CAMP DISCOVERY

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan’s Camp Discovery. Your camper is about to embark on a fun-filled week of new friends, challenges, rewards, and the experience of living as a community. The three goals of Camp Discovery are 1) To increase self-esteem, 2) To increase social skills, and 3) To increase knowledge of seizure control methods. Our carefully selected counselors and Medical Staff will guide your camper through a week of adventures and help to build memories that last a lifetime.

This handbook is designed to answer you and your camper’s questions about Camp Discovery. Please read the information and share it with your camper. Please note:

1. Camp Check-In: Sunday – 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
2. Camp Check-Out: Thursday – 3:00 p.m.
3. Homesickness an issue? The American Camp Association has a great DVD available through their website, acacamps.org, click on “Bookstore”, then click on “search for specific topics” and enter the word “homesickness” in the search box. The DVD is by Chris Thurber and is $9.95.
4. Transportation an issue? Contact me and I can discuss options with you.

We are very excited to have your camper attend Camp Discovery. If you have any questions, please call or email me at (800) 377-6226 option 1, ext. 231 or sdarroch@epilepsymichigan.org.

Sincerely,

Sheryl Darroch, MSW

Camp Director

Camp Location

Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center

6225 39th Street

Augusta, Michigan 49012

Approximately 20 minutes from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek

Directions to Camp

From Kalamazoo and Richland: Go east on M-43. At stoplight, continue straight through the light on M-89 to 38th Street. Turn Right (south) on 38th Street. 38th Street becomes 39th Street. The camp entrance is about 1.5 miles south of M-89 on 39th Street.

From Battle Creek: Go west on M-89 to 38th Street. Turn left (south) on 38th Street. 38th Street becomes 39th Street. The camp entrance is about 1.5 miles south of M-89 on 39th Street.

From Detroit: Go west on I-94 to Exit 85 (35th Street). The 35th St. bridge is closed so there is a detour. Turn right (towards Galesburg) on 35th Street to Miller Dr. Turn right on Miller Dr. to 38th Street. Turn left on 38th Street to Fort Custer Dr. Turn Right on Fort Custer Dr. to Michigan Ave. Turn Left on Michigan Ave. to McCollum. Turn Right on McCollum to M-96. Turn Right on M-96 to G Ave. Turn Left on G Ave. to 39th Street. Turn Right on 39th Street. The camp entrance is about .5 mile north of G Avenue on 39th Street.

From Grand Rapids (via US-131): Go south on US-131 to exit 49A (Plainwell)(M-89), east on M-89 to junction M-89/M-43 (12 Miles). Right on M-89/M-43 to Richland (1 mile). At traffic light, turn left (east) on M-89 to 38th Street. Turn right (south) on 38th street. 38th Street becomes 39th Street. The camp entrance is about 1.5 miles south of M-89 on 39th Street.

From Grand Rapids (via M-37): Go south on M-37 to M-89 (West Michigan Avenue). Turn right (west) on M-89 (West Michigan Avenue) to 38th Street. Turn left (south) on 38th Street. 38th Street becomes 39th Street. The camp entrance is about 1.5 miles south of M-89 on 39th Street.

From Lansing (via I-69): Go south on I-69 to I-94. Go west on I-94 to Exit 85 (35th Street). The 35th St. bridge is closed so there is a detour. Turn right (towards Galesburg) on 35th Street to Miller Dr. Turn right on Miller Dr. to 38th Street. Turn left on 38th Street to Fort Custer Dr. Turn Right on Fort Custer Dr. to Michigan Ave. Turn Left on Michigan Ave. to McCollum. Turn Right on McCollum to M-96. Turn Right on M-96 to G Ave. Turn Left on G Ave. to 39th Street. Turn Right on 39th Street. The camp entrance is about .5 mile north of G Avenue on 39th Street

Directions From Camp

To Kalamazoo and Richland: Turn left on 39th Street. 39th Street becomes 38th Street. Turn Left (west) on M-89. At stoplight, continue straight through the light on M-43 (west).

To Battle Creek: Turn left on 39th Street. 39th Street becomes 38th Street. Turn Right (east) on M-89.

To Detroit: Turn Right on 39th Street to G Ave. Turn Left on G Ave to M-96. Turn Right on M-96 to McCollum. Turn Left on McCollum to Michigan Ave. Turn Left on Michigan Ave to Fort Custer Dr. Turn Left on Fort Custer Dr. to 38th Street. Turn Left on 38th Street to Miller Dr. Turn Right on Miller Dr. to 35th Street. Turn Left on 35th Street to I-94 East.

To Grand Rapids (via US-131): Turn left on 39th Street. 39th Street becomes 38th Street. Turn Left on M-89 to M-89/M-43 junction. Turn Right on M-89/M-43 (1 mile). Turn Left on M-89 (west) to 131. Go North on 131.

To Grand Rapids (via M-37): Turn Left on 39th Street. 39th Street becomes 38th Street. Turn Right on M-89 to M-37. Go North (left) on M-37.

To Lansing (via 1-69): Turn Right on 39th Street to G Ave. Turn Left on G Ave to M-96. Turn Right on M-96 to McCollum. Turn Left on McCollum to Michigan Ave. Turn Left on Michigan Ave to Fort Custer Dr. Turn Left on Fort Custer Dr. to 38th Street. Turn Left on 38th Street to Miller Dr. Turn Right on Miller Dr. to 35th Street. Turn Left on 35th Street to I-94 East. Take I-94 to I-69 North.

Transportation

Campers are to be dropped off and picked up at camp by their parents or guardians. This is a great time for parents/guardians to meet their camper’s counselor and to walk around and see the wonderful facilities. For campers in the Detroit area, we do provide a charter bus with a camp nurse to transport campers to and from camp. The drop off and pick up location for this service is our Southfield office. Please note: If your camper is a first time camper, we advise that you drop them off at camp and help them get settled in, then use the transportation service on Thursday afternoon to get your camper back to Southfield.

Check-In Procedures

Parents are expected to drop their campers off at camp beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending NO LATER THAN 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. During this time, parents will be able to meet with their camper’s nurse, drop off medication, meet with counselors, and help get their camper settled in the cabin. Campers will be examined for head lice during this time. Unfortunately, if a camper has lice, they must be sent home to protect the rest of the campground from an outbreak. Campers’ bags will also be searched for restricted items prior to admittance. Please help your camper pack so you are certain there are no restricted items in their bags. Parents MUST LEAVE the campground promptly at 10:30 a.m., which is when all the campers will begin their camp experience.

Check-Out Procedures

Parents are expected to pick up their campers promptly at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Campers will not be ready for release until that time. Campers will be permitted to leave only with parents or persons designated by the parents. This individual will be required to show proper picture ID and sign the camper release form before leaving with your camper. Under no circumstances will camp release a camper to someone not authorized on the camper release form. All medication must be picked up from the Medical Staff Coordinator. The Medical Staff will be available to speak to parents if needed. We thank you for your patience and support in assuring the safety of all campers.

Staffing

Each cabin will have 2-3 Counselors with a maximum of nine (9) campers. Supervision during the daytime is even more intensive. The on-site Medical Staff includes Pediatric Neurologists, MDs, and Registered Nurses specializing in epilepsy. The Camp Director position is held by an employee of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, and assisting the Camp Director is a Camp Coordinator and two Behavior Specialists. As a precaution, to ensure the safety of all campers, criminal background checks are done on all camp staff every year.

Medication

All medications must be in their original bottle, labeled with camper name and correct dosage. Please put all medication bottles, vitamins and directions in a zip loc bag and label appropriately. Please pack non prescription medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl with your camper’s name as well. These medicines will not be provided by Camp Discovery, but will be dispensed as needed to your camper if you pack them. Do not pack medications in your camper’s luggage.

All medications are to be turned in to a Medical Staff Member at check-in. All medications are kept locked and dispensed only by Medical Staff Members. Medications will be given at breakfast, lunch, and shower/cleanup period before bedtime. If necessary, medications will be given at other designated times as determined by the camper’s family and physician. Medications that are needed for possible life-threatening emergencies will be kept by the counselor or other adult in charge of the camper (such as asthma medication, epi-pens, or bee sting kits).

Health Services

Each camper will be screened for lice during the first morning of camp.

A 9-1-1 call is how Camp Discovery administrators and the Medical Staff Coordinator request emergency health care services and emergency transportation. The 9-1-1 call goes to a central dispatch center. Campers and staff will generally be transported to the emergency center at Bronson Methodist Hospital. They are the closest facility, a Level One Trauma Center, as well as being recognized as a leading children's hospital. When possible, the Medical Staff Coordinator will read the injured person’s medical treatment consent form and health history form for documented preferences on treatment centers, hospitals, or doctors the injured person has requested we contact or seek out for treatment.

There is an infirmary located in each village. This is where the majority of first aid and health care supplies are kept. Each cabin will also have a first aid kit, which they may carry with them to all activities.

Campers' physical and emotional states will be observed daily. All staff have a responsibility to make sure campers are well and, if anything is questioned, the camper will be evaluated by the Medical Staff Coordinator and, if necessary, the Pediatric Neurologist. If serious health or wellness issues are observed, the Medical Staff Coordinator is contacted and the situation will be dealt with in the proper manner. When campers need to go to the doctor or emergency room, the camper's parents or legal guardian will be contacted by either the Camp Director or the Medical Staff Coordinator as soon as the situation allows. If the parent cannot be contacted, the emergency contact will be notified. If s/he cannot be contacted, we will keep trying to contact the parent/legal guardian and/or the emergency notification number until someone is reached and notified of the situation.

Seizure Response

All staff members are trained in how to identify seizures and the proper seizure first aid and aftercare. In addition, at least one member of the Medical Staff is assigned to and stays with each activity group throughout the day. For evening emergencies, there are at least two Medical Staff Members on call every evening.

When We Call 911

911 may be called if any of the following situations occur:

• a seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes
• a seizure stops and is followed by another seizure without the person fully regaining consciousness
• the seizure takes place in water and the camper’s head or face was under or in the water at any point during the seizure
• the person is seriously injured during the seizure
• normal breathing or complexion does not return after the seizure has stopped

Please Note: The Medical Staff Coordinator has the final say as to whether or not 911 will be called. There may be occasion when the Medical Staff Coordinator deems it necessary to call 911 even after Diastast has been administered.

Diastat Protocol

For campers who do not have a prescription for Diastat but whose parents have given permission to use it, Diastat will be administered by a Medical Staff Member under the following circumstances:

• a seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes
• a seizure stops and is followed by another seizure without the person fully regaining consciousness

For campers who have a prescription, Diastat will be administered by a Medical Staff Member according to the directions given by the camper’s physician.

If Diastat has been administered, the camper will be monitored by Medical Staff until the seizure ends, respiratory function has been deemed normal, and the camper is fully recovered. Because of the on-site presence of medical personnel, calling 911 as a preventive measure is unnecessary. Please Note: The Medical Staff Coordinator has the final say as to whether or not 911 will be called. There may be occasion when the Medical Staff Coordinator deems it necessary to call 911 even after Diastast has been administered.

At the discretion of the Medical Staff Coordinator, non-Medical Staff who have been properly trained in the use of Diastat may be allowed to administer it in certain circumstances.

VNS Magnet Protocol

Camp Counselors who have a camper with a VNS in their group will be given a VNS magnet (to keep with them at all times) and trained in its use. The Medical Staff Coordinator will provide the training and the specific protocol for each camper who has a VNS. This protocol will be established through discussion with the camper’s parents and, if necessary, physician.

Behavior Management

In addition to obtaining extensive medical, psychological and behavioral histories on our campers, we also obtain copies of campers’ IEP, 504 and/or Positive Behavior Support Plans. All of this information, along with the following behavior management policies, is utilized to provide a positive and safe environment for all campers.

Camp Discovery’s code of conduct for campers is called The Five Finger Contract. This contract sets the campers and staff up for a successful week at camp by clearly communicating expected behaviors.

It is called the Five Finger Contract because each finger represents one of the five codes of conduct.

1. Encourage (this is represented by the thumb) – Notice the little accomplishments and praise others around you for their efforts.
2. Don’t Blame (this is represented by the index finger) –
1. Respect others feelings and belongings.
2. Communicate your feelings with “I” statements (“I feel . . . . because. . . .”)
3. Be Kind (this is represented by the middle finger) –
1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. No put downs
4. Be Committed (this is represented by the ring finger) –
1. To forming friendships
2. Participating in all activities
5. Safety (this is represented by the pinkie finger) – think safety at all times
1. Stay with your assigned group at all times
2. Follow directions of staff
3. Keep your cabin clean and neat
1. Keep beds made and neat
2. Wet towels and clothing should be hung on a hook
3. Keep the floor free of debris
4. Closed toe shoes MUST be worn at all times outside of cabins

To help manage behavior beyond this Five Finger Contract, the Three Strike Policy should be implemented.

This policy is for campers who have exhibited a negative behavior that affects the contentment of themselves and/or others. The camper will be given three changes to improve negative behavior. After the third strike, the Behavior Specialist will be called to meet with the camper to discuss their behavior and possible solutions.

Camp Discovery DOES NOT approve of corporal punishment as a means to discipline campers!

This policy is for campers who have exhibited a behavior that poses an imminent risk to the safety of themselves or others. In this case, a Behavior Code 1 should be called. The Camp Director and/or the Camp Coordinator will respond immediately to assess the situation and the needs of the camper. In the most severe cases, after all other support techniques have been exhausted, emergency restraint may be necessary. Emergency restraint is to be implemented by the Support Team ONLY. The Support Team has been trained by certified trainers in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, which includes preventative techniques and therapeutic physical intervention. When emergency restraint is necessary, the following procedure will be followed:

1. Emergency restraint shall be performed in a manner that is:
1. safe;
2. appropriate;
3. proportionate to and sensitive to the camper’s:
1. severity of behavior
2. chronological and developmental age
3. physical size
4. gender
5. physical condition
6. medical condition
7. psychiatric condition
8. personal history, including any history of physical or sexual abuse
2. Emergency restraint should not be used :
1. any longer than necessary to allow campers to regain control of their behavior; and
2. generally no longer than ten minutes.

If an emergency restraint lasts longer than ten minutes, the following are required:

• additional support (e.g., change in staff, introducing medical staff, obtaining additional expertise); and
• documentation to explain the extension beyond the time limit.

Emergency restraint involves direct physical contact that prevents or significantly restricts a camper’s movement. Restraint is a last resort emergency safety intervention. Restraint is an opportunity for the camper to regain self-control. Emergency restraint will NOT, at any time, include:

• mechanical restraint;
• chemical restraint;
• corporal punishment;
• the deprivation of basic needs;
• anything constituting child abuse;
• prone restraint; or
• the intentional application of any noxious substance(s) or stimuli which results in physical pain or extreme discomfort.

It is essential to this policy that restraint be used only in response to an emergency, and not as a planned response for the convenience of staff, discipline or punishment, or as a substitute for a less restrictive alternative.

In the event that emergency restraint is necessary, the camper's parents or legal guardian will be contacted by the Camp Director as soon as the situation allows. If the parent cannot be contacted, the emergency contact will be notified. If s/he cannot be contacted, we will keep trying to contact the parent/legal guardian and/or the emergency notification number until someone is reached and notified of the situation.

If at any time during emergency restraint it becomes apparent that the camper is not or will not be able to regain self-control, 911 will be call at the discretion of the Camp Director.

Housing

Campers sleep in cabins. Each cabin has six double deck bunks and mattresses. There will be a maximum of 9 campers and 2-3 Counselors in each cabin. During the day, two cabins are combined to form an activity group for most activities.

Meals

Camp Discovery Dietary Specialists will be assigned to campers on a special diet (Ketogenic, Atkins, etc.), with food restrictions or food allergies. These specialists will be responsible for preparing meals and supervising intake for these campers. If your camper is on the Ketogenic, Atkins or a modified version of either, a Dietary Specialist will be in contact with you prior to camp to discuss your camper’s menu.

Camp T-Shirts

Each camper will be given two t-shirts. These t-shirts MUST be worn during ALL camp activities except swimming. T-shirts will be washed every other day, so campers will always have a clean t-shirt to wear. Each cabin will be assigned a different color. This is an additional safety measure that helps the Counselors keep track of their campers.

Dress Code

Personal appearance and clothing should be in good taste and appropriate for the various activities. Please use the following as a guideline:

Appropriate for camp Shorts Sweatshirts Modest one-piece swimwear Modest tankini that covers midriff Closed -toe shoes when not in cabins

Inappropriate for camp Very short shorts or skirts Sweatshirts depicting adult subject matter, profanity or alcohol Transparent clothing Bikinis or Thong swimwear

Sample Daily Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m 2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Breakfast Get ready for days activities Activities 1 & 2 Lunch Rest Time in Cabins Activities 3 & 4 Dinner Prepare for evening activities Evening Activity Showers, cabin clean up & Meds Lights Out!

Communication With Your Camper

Mail is very important to campers – even just postcards. Parents are encouraged to drop off pre-written letters for each day of camp. These can be left with one of your camper’s Counselors at check-in. Keep your letters cheery and upbeat without implying that you can’t get along without them. Also, try not to mention things that they might be missing. During camp, communication with your camper MUST BE LIMITED TO letters sent directly to:

Phone calls and visits with your camper while at camp can be extremely disruptive and emotional for your camper, and for the other campers. They are therefore not allowed per camp policy. Our professional staff will contact you if your camper is having an especially tough time with homesickness.

Homesickness

Occasionally campers will become homesick – usually between the first and second night of camp. Staff are trained to identify this early and to take actions such as pairing the camper with a friend in the cabin and taking extra measures to prevent down-time. Rarely do campers become so homesick that these measures won’t work. It is important that you refrain from talking about homesickness prior to camp or in your letters. It is more common for parents to be “campersick” than for campers to be “homesick”. Please do not present “going home early” or “calling home” as an option, as it only encourages homesickness. Homesickness can be overcome and will allow your camper to take another giant step toward growing up. In the event that staff efforts to get a homesick camper involved do not work, the Camp Director will work with the parents to achieve a positive end result.

Easy Way for Campers to Exchange Contact Information

Make “business cards” for your camper with his/her name, address, phone number and e-mail address. This is a great way for campers to exchange information with the friends they make at camp without having to worry about finding paper, remembering and writing the information, etc.

Packing List

The following is a list of clothing and equipment your camper will need to bring to camp. Be sure your camper’s full name is on everything they bring to camp, including luggage and laundry bags. Please DO NOT send cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, video games, or computers.

• Sleeping bag or twin sheets set (Campground bunk-beds are mattress only.)
• Small pillow and pillow case
• Your camper’s personal lifejacket – Optional (For free swim activities, Campground lifejackets are available, but not required. Campground lifejackets are provided and required for all boating activities.) If your camper has his/her own lifejacket, it is recommended that you send it with them.
• Sunglasses if your camper is photosensitive.
• Items your camper uses regularly for safety — inhalers, epi-pens, medical I.D. bracelets, helmets, etc.
• Sunscreen, with a recommended minimum SPF of 30
• Rain Protection (i.e. raincoat, boots, poncho)
• Non–aerosol insect repellent (i.e. Lotion ONLY). Campers will be advised to apply the repellant whenever they leave their cabins.
• Underwear (daily change)
• Socks (at least 2 pair per day)
• Shorts
• Sweatshirt
• Jeans/ Sweatpants (2 pair)
• Long sleeve shirt
• Light Jacket/ Coat
• Raincoat
• Pajamas/ sleepwear
• Swimsuit (one piece suits only: tankinis are allowed as long as they cover the belly)
• Tennis Shoes/ Hiking Boots (no sandals or open-toed shoes allowed outside of cabins)
• Shower Footwear (sandals/tevas/flip flops/other shoes that can get wet – to prevent potential slipping and spread of athlete’s foot, etc.)
• Hat/ Baseball Cap
• Shampoo & Soap
• Toothpaste & Toothbrush
• 2 Towels
• Washcloths
• Laundry Bag
• Water bottle
• Flashlight

Items that ARE NOT ALLOWED:

• Electronic Games
• iPod/MP3 Player/CD Player/Walkman
• Food/Candy
• Cell Phones/Pagers (including camera phones)
• Knives/Weapons/Fireworks
• Tobacco/Drugs/Alcohol
• Laser Pointers

Instructions for Marking and Packing Clothes and Equipment

We urge campers to dress for comfort at camp, in the type of clothes they would wear for play at home. Campers play hard and are more comfortable in clothing that can get dirty or wet. Many activities are “rain or shine”. EXPECT CLOTHES TO COME HOME DIRTY! So please, send old clothes to camp and avoid purchasing new clothes for camp, since campers may be unfamiliar with those new articles of clothing. Please also be sure that your camper has “broken in” the shoes, boots, and/or sandals they bring to camp. They will be doing lots of running and walking at camp, and a painful blister will not be a positive memory. Please review the suggested packing list to guide you as you prepare for camp. Have your camper live out of a suitcase for a few days before camp so that they can learn to keep personal belongings somewhat organized when they arrive at camp.

1. Pack everything WITH your camper, not FOR him or her. Your camper needs to know where everything is, and how to pack again at the end of the session.
2. LABEL EVERYTHING! This includes each article of clothing, even those worn to camp, baggage, laundry bag, sleeping bag/sheets and pillow. Clothing and bedding that is soiled will be washed on site with items from other campers. Please use first and last names, many campers have similar possessions and this can help stop many problems in advance.
3. Make a list of every item taken to camp. Tape this list in the suitcase or duffel bag for camper’s use when re-packing at the end of camp.
4. Tag or mark baggage clearly with camper’s name.
5. Your camper’s counselor will assist in the proper care of belongings as much as possible, although campers have the primary responsibility for care of items.
6. The camp will not be responsible for lost or damaged articles. Campers are encouraged not to bring valuable items to camp. No cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, laptop computers, or video games.

Lost and Found

The general rule of camp is, “If you want it to return home, then you better put your name on it.” Regardless of how careful we are it is inevitable that some clothing and articles will be misplaced. Proper identification will greatly assist us in returning these articles to their proper owners. Mark each article that your camper brings to camp. The best method is to use a permanent marker to mark items with your camper’s FULL NAME. DO NOT USE INITIALS! Lost and found will be displayed throughout camp on a table in the dining hall and on Thursday for parents to look through, prior to departing with their camper. All items left at camp will be held for two weeks. Any unclaimed items will be donated or disposed of.

Communication with Camp Director

Should you absolutely need to speak with the Camp Director during camp, please call (800) 377-6226 option 1, ext. 231. Leave a message. Messages will be checked several times daily. The Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center number is (269) 731-3021.

Communication with Medical Staff

During camp, the Medical Staff will contact you if any seizure activity or other health concerns take place that are unusual in type, severity or frequency when compared with the health histories you submitted. Should anything change with your camper’s medications, behaviors, seizure activity, restrictions, etc. prior to camp, please notify Sheryl Darroch immediately at (800) 377-6226 option 1, ext. 231, and the information will be passed along to the Medical Staff and Counselors.

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