PICK-UP and DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
All campers must be signed in and out of camp.
Monday Check-In at Camp: When you arrive at camp on Check-In Day you will be directed to a parking spot in the STEM Center lot. From there, you will be guided to the pond pavilion* to begin check in. Check in will not start until 8:30 a.m. Campers will get their lice check first and then proceed to check-in with the Day Camp Staff. After you have checked your child in with their unit leader, you are free to go. Please ensure that you have any medications that you need to check-in with you at that time. Non-Volunteer adults will not be permitted beyond the check in area on check-in day so that campers can get started with their daily activities.
Please expect that Monday morning check-in may last until 9:15 a.m. to ensure safe travel time to your next engagement.
*In the event of inclement weather, check-in will take place inside the STEM center
Tuesday- Friday Drop off: Drop off is between 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. at the circle. Once you enter camp, please drive slowly down the drive, turn right into the STEM Center parking lot and follow the lane behind the STEM building and a staff member will direct you to the unloading zone. You must stay in your car and a volunteer will assist with the unloading of your camper(s). Please do not exit your car for any reason. You will need to sign in your camper(s) during this time.
Pick-up instructions: Plan for pick-up to begin around 3:40 p.m. unless your camp director indicates otherwise. Once you have entered camp, please drive slowly down the drive, following all directional signs. A staff member will direct you to the loading area marked with cones. From 3:15 p.m.- 4:00 p.m., you must follow the flow of traffic around the STEM building and towards the traffic circle and wait in the pick-up line. If you need to leave expeditiously for any reason (work, ball games, appointments, etc.) you MUST get prior approval from the Day Camp Director and arrange for an early pick-up (prior to 3:15 p.m.). Volunteers will assist so please do not exit your vehicle once you have entered the line. Please place a piece of paper on your dash (passenger side) indicating the name(s) and unit(s) of those you are picking up. You will need to sign out your campers and show photo I.D.
SWIM CHECKS AND POOL INFORMATION
All of our lifeguards are full-time, paid staff members at Camp K-J who have been certified through the American Red Cross. On the Monday of each session, campers will have the opportunity to participate in our Swim Check. This check is not meant to be a “pass/fail” test model. It provides the guards with an opportunity to assess the skill level of each camper. The swim check is designed to ensure that each camper has successful and safe swim sessions for the entire week. Should a camper feel that they do not want to try the swim check, they are never required to participate. Campers who opt out of the swim check will automatically be given access to the shallowest end of our pool (3 feet at it’s deepest).
The Swim Check itself is comprised of two parts. The first phase requires the camper to swim one lap, on their belly, without touching the ground or stopping. Every camper who adequately swims their lap will earn the capability of swimming in the middle depth (5 feet). Further, campers who complete phase one will have the opportunity to attempt phase two. In phase two, the campers will enter the deep end (12 feet) and tread water for one minute without stopping, bobbing, or grabbing the side of the pool. Campers who successfully complete the 1-minute tread will be allowed access to the deep end.
Please understand that every evaluation made during the swim check is made completely at the discretion of the highly trained lifeguard assigned to perform the assessment. Due to the high number of swim checks required on Monday, the swim check may only be attempted once and the assignment given that day will be final. However, we understand that the first day of camp can be overwhelming and some campers will not feel comfortable or perform their best at that time. We also realize that many parents will be present and familiar with their child’s swim capability. To this end, we allow every camper to have the opportunity to re-try the swim check at the start of the next day’s swim session. We encourage our campers to grow, learn persistence, and to pursue personal goals at the pool.
Our primary concern at the pool is your camper’s safety, but we also want them to have fun and grow! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to our the Emily Bargiel, Camp Ken-Jockety Senior Manager who oversees the training and hiring of the lifeguards, at ebargiel@gsoh.org.
