CAMP RONALD McDONALD

SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

(Some information will be different from that of Camp Oakes)

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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PARENTS NIGHT

Q. What is Parents Night?  

A.  It is a time for all parents, especially those who have never sent their child away to camp to come hear what camp is like on a daily basis. and to learn about what their child will be doing the week they are gone.  We will discuss the do's and don'ts of camp and will address any and all your questions and/or concerns. Parents nights will start at 7:00PM at the:

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Date:  June 3, 2024

 

Women's Club

121 S. Center Street,

Orange, CA 92866

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EVERYONE IS WELCOME (but I would leave your children at home)

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DROP OFF AND PICK-UP POINT FOR YOUR CHILDREN

FOR CAMP RONALD McDONALD  

The drop off and pick up location for Camp Oakes is: Lake Center, 3730 Susan Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704

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Drop Off Procedure 

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The most important part of the drop off day procedure is to be sure you have all your camper(s) forms and payments submitted through the Active.com registration system by leaving for camp. 

 

Sending your child off to Camp is a chaotic experience at best.  In order to alleviate some of the chaos, we have created the following procedure to establish a sense of order on departure day.  Patience is vital to this process and you can expect the following:

 

1. Please arrive at 8:00-9:00 AM on the day of departure (No early arrivals, please).

2. Upon arrival please park in the designated area, keeping other areas open for buses, people and the check-in process.

3. Proceed to the check-in area with your child and all of their belongings including luggage, medications and their sack lunch.

4. Place all luggage in the designated luggage drop off area. Your child will need to keep their sack lunch with them on the bus.

5. Once it is your turn for check-in, the staff will confirm that all paperwork and payments have been completed.

6. Health Screening – Each camper will be given a verbal health screening where the staff will be asking questions and be checking for observable signs of illness and injury. Your child will also be checked for head lice. In the event that your child does have head lice, your child will not be able to attend camp until treated and cleared by a health care professional. Once treated and cleared you will be able to drop your child off at the camp and your child will be able to participate in the remaining camp program. All costs associated with treatment and transportation to camp are the responsibility of the camper’s family. You will be told which cabin group your child is in and where to find that group.

7. Next, turn in all medication and complete the medication form which must be done for all current medications.

8. Drop off your care package at the care package drop off table. (See the “MAIL” section of this guide).  Depending on size it will cost either $15 or $20.

9. Take your child to his/her cabin group where you will meet the counselor and other cabin mates.

10. Take this opportunity to discretely discuss any special care issues that you feel are important to your child’s experience and may help your child’s counselor.

11. Say your goodbyes and wish your camper well. This allows the counselor the chance to begin the first group-building exercises and allows all of the campers to start getting to know each other.

12. Now it is time for parents to leave and start your own week of events while your child is at camp having the best time EVER.

13. See you in a few days!

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Pick Up Procedure 

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Return-From-Camp-Day is as hectic as Departure-to-Camp-Day. 

 

The buses will depart from Camp somewhere between 10:30 and 11:00 PM.  This means that your child’s bus will most likely return from camp between 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (We cannot control traffic, so there may be delays) You will be sent an email when the last bus leaves camp with an estimated arrival time.  If you still are uncertain then we ask that you call Camp4Kids after 12:00 PM to get an estimated time of arrival. You may also want to check our Facebook page which will be updated with estimated arrival times.

 

Once the Directors arrive, an area will be cordoned off with cones. Please vacate this area so that the checkout process can go smoothly. 

 

It is imperative that you remain patient during the checkout process. Once the buses arrive, the luggage will be off-loaded.  At the same time, Cabin groups will be dismissed from the buses and will head to a designated area.  Once you see your child’s Leader, move to a position near him or her.  Before you take your child home you MUST FIRST check out your child with the counselor. The Counselor will ask you to sign for your child and may ask for picture identification before you take your child.  Once you have picked up your child’s belongings, luggage, medications and you have checked-out you may leave!

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Once again, you must:

1. Check your email and our Facebook page for details or call Camp4Kids to check on the anticipated return time after 12:00 PM.

2. When you do arrive, please do not block parking lot or bus parking area.

3. Look for your child’s counselor and check your camper out.

4. Collect all of your child’s belongings, luggage and medication.  Please make sure to double check that the property is yours.

5. Please take time to listen to your child, as they will want to talk with you about camp and all the fun they had.  Please hear them out.

6. See you Next Year!!!

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Transportation Info & Bus Safety

The camp day begins as soon as a camper gets on the bus in the morning. Bus spirit is promoted by the Counselors, who leads the group in making up songs, and skits they can perform for all our enjoyment at Campfire.   Each camper is picked up and dropped off at the address given on our website. 

We take the safe transportation of our campers very seriously.

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Importance of the Bus

If a camper come late to camp or is to be picked up early, we ask that parents set their schedules so that the camper's time at camp is disrupted as little as possible. We ask that parents bring a camper to camp during the first day (between 11:30-12:30pm) so he or she can easily join his or her camper group. We also ask parents whose campers must leave early to pick their camper (between 9:30-10:30pm at the latest).

 

General Bus Rules

1. Sit facing the front of the bus with your feet on the ground.

2. Wear a seat belt at all times if available.

3. Keep your hands to yourself and be respectful to others.

4. Use considerate language.

5. Be an enthusiastic and active participant.

6. Use low voices in the bus.

7. Follow the staff’s instructions.

8. No eating/drinking on the bus unless told otherwise.

9. Sharp objects, are not appropriate to have out on the bus.

10. Music devices are not allowed at camp nor on the bus.

11. Children will board the bus with their Counselor and CIT only!  Children will not to be left alone on the bus for any reason including with only 1 staff member. 

12. The camper to Counselor/CIT ratios is to be 1 staff member to every 5-7 children.  

13.  Leaders will put their children on the bus, loading from back to front. Leaders are to sit with their group. 

14. All passengers are to remain seated at all times.  Seats may be changed only when the bus is stopped and the bus brake is set.

15. No one is allowed to open a window and put any part of their body parts outside.  Hands, head, legs, etc.

16. If there is an emergency, all children and staff are to remain seated and calm, and wait for the bus driver to give directions.

17. If the bus driver is unable to give directions, the Directing Staff or lead counselor with take charge and will supervise the campers.

18. A Leader will sit near the emergency exits.  These will not to be used for daily loading and unloading of passengers.

19. While riding on the bus, the bus driver is in charge. Please follow all their instructions, rules, and procedures always. 

20. A member of Camp4Kids staff on the buses will transport all camper health histories, health exam forms, and permission-to-treat forms.  In case of a breakdown, or illness, the person in charge of the health histories, health exam forms, and permission-to-treat will take the necessary steps to insure the safety of the camper/staff member always comes first.  He/she will immediately contact the Camp or Program Director once the situation has been handled.  The well-being and safety of children is at all-time our first obligation.  The Camp Director (in case he is driving someone to the hospital) or the designated person in charge of the bus, will first make sure that injured person (s) has secured an area for care, and that the uninjured are being supervising at all times. 

21. Each vehicle transporting campers will have a staff member who is trained in CPR and First Aid, who is over the age of 21, and who can, in an emergency, provide care for the injured.   He /she will immediately contact the local authority by call 911, and will report any accident or emergency incurred.  The leader staff member on the bus will identify possible witnesses and will work to obtain the appropriate accident or emergency information if required.

22. No vehicle is to be loaded beyond the established guideline set forth by manufacturer.  

23. After loading buses at the pickup/drop of point on the first day of Camp, the Camp Director will go over the rules and regulations which will cover such topics like emergency evacuation procedures, remaining seated at all times, noise, clean-up procedures, luggage removal, etc.

24. Failure to follow the bus rules could result in the camper losing the privilege to ride the bus as determined by their Counselor.  Our staff are trained in dealing with managing behavior issues, but we also must think about the group as a whole.  If you child has some type of behavior issue we should know about, it MUST be told to us when you children is signed up, and ALSO in person before your child boards the bus.  If we determine that we are incapable of handling the given problem, we will tell you upfront and refund your money to you before camp starts. 

25. The bus will never be loaded in excess of its capacity.

26. Camp4Kids does not provide booster seats since none of its children are below the age of 8 years old.

27. Camp4Kids does not have the specialized staff nor are we set up to handle children's of special needs at this time for our summer camp program at either Camp Oakes or Camp Ronald McDonald.

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All campers should arrive at no later than 9:00 AM but no earlier than 8:00 AM. ​

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You also will receive an email from us when the last bus leaves Camp with an estimated time of arrival.

 

Authorized Release of a Camper

Camp4Kids will only release a camper to their parents/guardians or an emergency contact as listed on the Camper Application. Camp4Kids will only release a camper to an emergency contact if pre-approved by the parent or in an emergency where Camp4Kids is unable to get in contact will any of the parents/guardians.  Additional individuals (nannies, car pool parents, family members, etc.) can be given permission to pick up a camper from camp or the drop off point only by specifying written confirmation by the Parent given to the Camp or Program Director.
 

Missing the Morning Bus the Day of Camp

The Bus will not wait for your children after the official bus time to leave (10:00AM). If you miss the bus we will give you directions to Camp, but it is your responsibility to deliver your child to us if you fail for any reason to miss the Bus.

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Late Pickup

Parents who are unable to pick up their camper by the time the bus arrives (starting at 4:00PM to give you extra time) will be charged a late fee of $2.00/minute for every minute thereafter.  By sending your children to camp you agree to these terms and conditions and agree we may charge your Credit Card immediately thereafter for all cost incurred.  There is almost nothing worth than to have a child coming home all excited, waiting to tell you all about their week in camp, to find that they parents aren’t there to greet them. 

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Q.    What type of luggage should I send my child’s belongings in?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

A.     We suggest that you pack all of your child’s belongings in an army-type duffel bag or a suitcase with wheels (roller bag). No trash bags or trunks are allowed. Please be aware that luggage will get a fair amount of wear because of the conditions at camp. Please label all of your child’s belongings with his/her name on it; this will make things easier for your child and for us to identify their belongings. Remember, your child will be responsible for carrying their own luggage to and from their cabin on the days we arrive and depart. Our recommendation: keep it light!

 

​​Q.     How many pieces of luggage can my child bring?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.      Your child is permitted only two large bags of luggage. No trash bags or trunks, please!

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Q.    What are the ages of children that can attend camp?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.    Ages 9 through 17 if you are coming from CHOC.  We find that children normally below the age of 9 still are a little too young for the full day of programs we have.

 

Q.     My child lost an item. What can I do?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.      Camp4Kids holds medication and lost & found articles for 10 days from the date we return from camp at the Camp4Kids' main office located at 56 Tesla, Irvine, California 92618. Please call us at 714-474-9774 if/when you realize your child is missing something upon their return from camp. Neither the Camp Ronald McDonald staff, nor any member of Camp4Kids staff is to be held responsible for any item lost, left behind or stolen during the course of the week. By sending your children to camp you agree to fully indemnify Camp4Kids staff, directors, officers, and board members from any and all claims. After the ten days (10) as described above, all left over items unclaimed will be donated to Goodwill or a Shelter so they might be used to help someone else in need.  All medication is either taken to a hospital or destroyed by the Camp Director.

 

Q.    What is the weather like at camp?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.   According to Wanderlog (https://wanderlog.com/weather/70614/6/mountain-center-weather-in-june) the historical temperature average in June in Mountain Center, CA high is 92 high and 58 low with 14.4 hours of daylight with a 1% chance of rain.  However, in the past we have encountered the occasional thunderstorm , so please pack for potential quick climate changes. Mother Nature has a way of mixing it up sometimes, so everyone should be prepared. ​

 

Q.    What are the accommodations like at camp?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.     At Camp Ronald McDonald all children will sleep on a bunk bed with railing inside a model-style cabin. There is electricity in these cabins with private bathrooms and private showers for your child’s convenience.   Everyone will sleep in a cabin.

 

Q.    Can I visit my child at camp or call them?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.    The short answer is NO. Parents are strongly discouraged from visiting their children at Camp during the camp week. Please respect our policy and your child’s camp experience.  We find that when parents come to visit their children, children often get (90+% of the time) homesick, which normally ruins their week and hurts the experience of others.  In most cases the parent winds up taking the child home.  One of our goals at Camp is to help campers develop and experience a sense of independence. To this end, we discourage campers from calling home.  There are no pay phones available to campers at the site, and due to our mountain location, cell phone service is not readily available. Therefore, we would appreciate you speaking with your child before Camp, encouraging them to write letters home and to expect letters from you.  If there is an emergency and you should need to speak with the Camp4Kids Directors.  Please do not call because you are homesick for your child.  

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Q.    Is the Camp accredited?

A. Camp4Kids and Camp Ronald McDonald are all accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and recognized for meeting and/or exceeded over 300 camping industry standards in safety, staff screening & training, healthcare and operations.

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Q.   Who watches my kids in the pool?

A.   American Red Cross certified lifeguards watches over the campers while they swim.  In addition to the lifeguard, all of Camp4Kids cabin counselors are trained in how to assist the lifeguard in case of an emergency and Camp4Kids also has some certified lifeguards on our staff as well.

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Q.   Who provides the medical care at Camp?  

A.   We always have medical staff at camp with us, usually comprised of at least one or two doctors (Camp Ronald McDonald) and a registered nurse at all times.  This team supervises your child's health and administers medical care and daily medications.  They are available on-site 24 hours a day to attend to your child's medical needs. In case of emergency you will be called.

 

Q.   When should I mail my child a package or letter?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.    In order to ensure your mail arrives while your child is at camp, all mail and packages should be sent on the Wednesday or Thursday BEFORE YOUR CHILD LEAVES FOR CAMP. Mail sent after the Tuesday of camp will most likely arrive after your child returns home. Camp Ronald McDonald does NOT forward on mail.  Your child can also send mail back to you, so you may want to provide them with a couple of pre-addressed postcards with stamps already on them.  If you wish for us to take a care package up to camp for you, please bring it the day we leave for camp.  The cost (per package) for a small to medica (shoes box size) is $15, anything larger is $20 to cover our cost.  We do NOT bring care package back with us.  During the week your child will be able to enjoy the care package on free time and during rest period.  

 

Q.   What should we pack?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.    We have created a helpful packing list, which can be found on this website. Please be sure you do not send your camper with any of the prohibited such as: fireworks, matches, anything that could cause a fire, animals/pets, sports equipment, electronics of any nature including cell phones, illegal drugs, e-cigs, tobacco, alcohol, vape pens, weapons of any nature, or any device that could hurt someone. All bags will be checked to ensure we have a safe environment for everyone.  Any children found with materials on the prohibited list named above will be sent home and you will not be entitled to a refund.

 

Q.   Do you allow any electronic devices in camp?​​​​​​​​​​​

A.   NO, we believe it is best for children to have personal face to face interaction and to leave technology at home for a week.  This includes phones used for music or pictures only.  We love hearing them sing, so no need for recorded music.  If your child decides to bring up a cell phone, or any other type of electronic device, and we discover it, your child will be removed from camp and will not be allowed to attend the following year.   In the past, adults have asked that their child have a phone for emergencies, however Camp4Kids directors will be responsible for all communications, so no campers need to have phones.

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Q.   What is our policy on Right to Services?

A.    Camp4Kids reserves the right to decline service to your children should we feel, it may hinder our ability to serve the needs of the other children in camp, or if that child has broken our contraband, bullying or discipline policies and/or any of our rules.  Camp4Kids reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time.  Because Camp4Kids/Active online registration system accepts your sign-up, this does not mean that your child is necessarily qualified to attend camp.  We would love to help all children, but that is just not possible in all cases, as we do claim to have the proper training to help every child physical, metal, or social needs. 

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Q.   What is our Privacy Rights and Contraband Policy?

A.    No one in camp, which includes campers, staff are allowed to have alcohol, drugs, personal sports equipment, animals, weapons of any kind, electrical devices, motorized equipment, or fireworks.  Camp4Kids adheres to a strict search and seizure policy with respect to the above including all illegal substances and/or weapons.

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Camp 4 Kids respects the rights of each person’s privacy; however, we must also protect the rights of the group's safety and well-being.  All personal items should be clearly marked so there is not a misunderstanding of ownership.  Each camper will be responsible for maintaining his/her personal belongings.  Camp4Kids does not take responsibility for any loss (s), misplaced, or stolen item.​  Camp4Kids does not assume any liability or responsibility for sending a camper, CIT, or Counselor home who has broken the rules.  All liability rests with the parents and/or person, should they be 18 years or older.

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Q.   How do we try and deal with children's allergies?

A.    In recognition that many children have allergies to nuts or other such items, Camp4Kids, and Camp Ronald McDonald,  do not knowingly serve any foods that have peanuts or tree nuts, and we strive to maintain a camp environment free from products containing nuts.  If your child has an allergy, please note it on the medical form and notify your child’s counselor at drop off.  Camp4Kids cannot promise that Camp is nut free, since we cannot control what parents give or send their child.

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***Please make sure any food you send with your child or in care packages contain no peanuts or nuts, or traces of nuts, and are not manufactured in a facility or on equipment that processes peanuts or nuts***

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In the event that a shared snack or care package is sent to camp containing nuts, your child should be aware of the severity of their allergy and should immediately notify his CIT, Counselor and/or a Director.  The waiver signed as a condition of sending your child to camp specifically holds Camp4Kids, its Directors, Board Members, Staff and Volunteers harmless from any risks, injury or death resulting from participation, which includes any allergic reaction from exposure to peanuts or nuts.

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​Q.   Camp4Kids Policy on Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.

A.    Camp4Kids is committed to making camp safe for all campers, and staff members to be free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

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· Physically harms a camper or damages the camper’s property; or

· Has the effect of substantially interfering with a camper’s experience; or

· Is severe, persistent, or so pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening environment; or

· Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the camp, or in the Director's opinion disrupts camp in any way.

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Nothing in this policy requires the affected camper to possess a characteristic that is a perceived basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or other distinguishing characteristic.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendo’s, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

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This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the camp experience. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be prohibited by other Camp4Kids policies or rules. 

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Counseling, corrective discipline, removal from camp, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and re-mediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitutes violations of this policy.

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​Camp4Kids has a Zero Tolerance Policy.  We understand that removing a child from camp does not reduce bullying or just poor behavior. However, we have to think about the group as a whole. We have a zero-tolerance policy so we will remove the child, inform the parents, and possibly the police, and make sure the child does not return to our camp should they break any of the above rules or policies.  If at the discretion of the Camp Director the best action is to remove a child, then the parent will be informed and will become responsible for picking up that child.  If the parent decides to not pick-up the child, then CFS (Children Family Services) will be called, and other options will be pursued.  

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Q.  Is there a Parent's Guide telling me more about camp programs and important information?   Yes, just click on the button below and get our Camp4Kids Parents Guide.

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​You as the parent/guardian have read the above policy and agree to discuss and have your child adhere to this in its entirety.   You further agree to all of it terms and conditions and forever hold Camp4Kids, its directors, volunteers, board members, and all that are associated with its organization, free from any liabilities associated with these policies.

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If you have other questions, or you would like further explanations please contact us, so we might help you at:​

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