Summer 2024 Camp Welcome Packet
Welcome to Good Pickin’ Farm Camp!
In this packet, you will find a camp checklist to help keep you on-track between now and the start of camp. Also included are the Good Pickin’ Farm Camp Policies and Procedures. We ask all camp families to read over the Policies and Procedures prior to the beginning of camp.
Camps must comply with the regulations of the MDPH & be licensed by the LBOH.
If you have any questions about the camp experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at goodpickinfarm@gmail.com
Administration/Registration Contact: Erin Chapman (425) 306-7203
Camps Director: Haley Flaherty-Dawson (978) 413-8812
Farm Camp Assistant Director: Lily Matz (978) 793-3125
Sprouts Camp Director: Jennifer Redford (508) 308-8239
Theater Camp Director: Tish Kilgore (978) 758-6557
Summer Trails Director: Haley Flaherty-Dawson (978) 413-8812
Pony Camp Director: Anna Manning (978) 793-6066
Healthcare Consultant & Health Supervisor: Renee Laurencelle, NP (978) 995-5089
Good Pickin’ Farm is following protocol from the local Board of Health as well as the State. Children and staff will wash their hands and/or use hand sanitizer after each activity. The staff follows etc cleaning practices throughout the day. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Camp Director.
Good Pickin’ Farm Camp 2024 Camp Checklist
Before Camp:
Register online
Complete all forms and be sure to inform us of any physical or behavioral health issues that will help us help your child have the best experience at camp
Send most recent copy of child(ren)’s physical and immunizations to hello@goodpickinfarm.com
Payment Plans from Early Bird Special must be paid by June 15
What to bring to camp:
Lunch, two snacks, and reusable water bottle with name on it
Please pack enough water to last for a thirsty day
Please be aware that lunches cannot be refrigerated or heated up
Backpack with camper’s name on it
Wear closed toe shoes – NO FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED!
Extra complete set of clothing
Medications that need to be taken/accessible during the camp day
This should also be included on the camper’s health form
Rain gear as needed (rain coat, rain pants, rain boots, etc.)
Sunscreen
Please apply sunscreen prior to drop-off as well
Insect repellent
Sunglasses and/or hat
Bathing suit and towel (optional)
PONY CAMP ONLY: Boots or shoes with a heal - no sneakers, rain or snow boots
What NOT to bring to Camp:
× Cellphones
× Electronics (digital cameras are allowed with parental permission)
× Money
× Knives or weapons of any kind
× Fidget spinners and toys
× Anything you wouldn’t want to get dirty or potentially harmed or lost
Good Pickin’ Farm Camp 2024 Information Sheet
CAMP HOURS
Farm Camp: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sprouts Full Day: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sprouts 1/2 Day: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Pony Camp: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Theater Camp: 9:00am - 3:00pm
ChildsARTPlay: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Spa Baa Black Sheep: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Forest Fairies & Gnome Homes: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Summer Trails: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Extended Day: 3:00-5:00pm
Early Arrival: 7:00-9:00am
MORNING DROP OFF
An adult must check in with camp staff prior to leaving so we can sign your child in. If you are running late or your child will be absent from camp, please call and leave a message for the Camp Director.
In an effort to expedite the Morning Drop-Off, parents will be required to stay inside their car, and camp staff will assist in getting your child(ren) out of the car. Please be sure to apply sunscreen and bug spray prior to drop-off.
Farm Camp, Sprouts Camps, Summer Trails Camp, Theater Camps & Farm Specialty Camps: Campers will be dropped off at the horseshoe driveway loop between 8:30-9:00am on all Mondays. Campers will be dropped off at the horseshoe driveway loop between 8:45-9:00am Tuesdays-Fridays.
Pony Camp: Campers will be dropped off at the big red barn on the left side of Gould Road between 8:45-9:00am.
AFTERNOON PICK UP
Farm Camp, Full Day Sprouts, Summer Trails & Farm Specialty Camps: Campers will be picked up at the horseshoe driveway loop between 2:45pm – 3pm.
1/2 Day Sprouts: Campers will be picked up at the horseshoe driveway loop between 11:45am – 12pm
Pony Camp: Campers will be picked up in front of the big red barn between 2:45-3:00pm.
Camp staff may only release your camper(s) to an adult who is listed on the release authorization section of their Camper Information form. Please bring a photo ID with you every day to pick-up. Per our state camp license, Good Pickin’ Farm will not release campers to anyone not authorized on the Camper Information form or who lacks a photo ID. It is your responsibility to inform the adults authorized to pick up that they will need to bring a photo ID with them in order to pick up your camper(s). After checking the photo ID, you must sign out your camper(s).
We cannot release campers into their own custody or allow them to walk home, by law. No exceptions.
Please see the Late Pickup Policy for details about late fees.
PM EXTENDED CARE (All Ages):
Extended Day will run from 3:00 - 5:00pm and is $150/week or $35/day.
EARLY PICK UPS & LATE ARRIVALS
If you are running late, or your child will be absent from camp, please call and leave a message for the Camp Director. If you know of absences ahead of time, the sooner the Camp Director knows, the better. If you need to pick up your camper(s) earlier than 3:00pm, please notify the Camp Director at least 24 hours in advance. This way we can ensure that your camper is packed up and ready to go when you arrive.
CAMP STAFF
Our staff to camper ratio is 1:8 for our 6-13 year old campers and 1:5 for our 3-5 year old campers. Most instructors are college-aged or adults, and some of our counselors are mature high school students. All camp staff participate in an intensive week-long training, and all of our lead camp staff are CPR and first aid certified. Each camper group has a minimum of two camp staff members.
LUNCHES & SNACKS
Campers must bring a bagged lunch to camp every day. Campers should also bring two snacks. Please plan for meals that do not need refrigeration or to be heated up in a microwave. There are no vending machines on site. Please do not send your child to camp with soda and/or candy. Campers are allowed to have peanut butter and nut products in their lunches and snacks; we can accommodate for any campers with allergies or other restrictions. All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before and after snack and lunch. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Camp Director.
MEDICATIONS
All medications must be given to the Camp Director in the medication’s original container. Written documentation of dosage and medication instructions must include a physician’s and parent’s signature and be submitted for each medication. Please see the health section of the Camper Information Form. Medication will be kept in a locked box and administered by the Camp Director. Per our State Licensing, our Camp Director has completed a certificate for Medication Administration in Early Education and Child Care, as well as Wilderness First Responder certification. Campers are not allowed to have any medications on them while at camp – this includes over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Claritin, Vitamins, and medicated topical creams like Hydrocortisone, After-Bite, and Calamine lotion. According to our State Licensing, we are not allowed to give any medications to your child without prior parental and physician’s permission. All medications will be collected by the Camp Director at check in on the first day of camp. We will hold onto medication in the lockbox for the entire week of camp. Medications will be returned to the parent/guardians at the end of the last day of camp. Your child will not be allowed to hold his or her own medication with the occasional exception of an inhaler (this is a case by case basis and needs to have prior approval from the Camp Director).
A camper who has a prescription for an inhaler for a pre-existing medical condition to self administer and possess an inhaler at all times for the purposes of self-administration if:
the camper is capable of self-administration.
the HCC and camper’s parent/guard have given written approval for the camper to self-administer.
FARM & SPROUTS CAMP GENERAL SCHEDULE:
Camper drop off
Opening Circle
Morning Snack
Group Farm Chores and Animal Cuddles
Lunch in the Shade
Independent Play: Sandbox, Woodlot, Field, Mud Kitchen
Afternoon Activity Block: Explorations, Activities, Games or Crafts or more Animal Cuddles
Closing Circle and Pick Up
Extended Day
PONY CAMP GENERAL SCHEDULE:
Camper drop off
Welcome Meeting, Groom & Tack
Group A: Riding, Group B: Games & Activities
Group B: Riding, Group A: Games & Activities
Lunch in the Shade
Group A: Riding or Horsemanship, Group B: Games & Activities
Group B: Riding or Horsemanship, Group A: Games & Activities
Groom, Sweep, Goodbye Meeting
Good Pickin’ Farm Camp 2024 Camp Policies & Procedures
REGISTRATION, PAYMENT & PAPERWORK
Pre-registration is required for all camp programs. Parents must FULLY complete a registration form and a Camper Information form (available on our website, or mailed by request).
ALL PAPERWORK AND FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE 7 days prior to each week of camp. In an effort to make the camp experience as positive as possible for your child, staff and other campers, please be as detailed and honest as possible in describing your child’s medical or behavioral issues. Per our MA State camp license requirements, you must also submit your child’s immunization records, doctor’s authorization and proof of a physical within the last 2 years (most doctors are familiar with this request and usually have a form they can easily produce for you!). We must receive these health records by NOON 7 DAYS BEFORE camp starts. All medical and other personal information is kept strictly confidential.
Payment can be made by check (payable to “Good Pickin’ Farm”), cash, and by credit card (we accept Visa, Master Card & Discover). Your child’s space may be jeopardized if we do not timely receive the necessary paperwork and payment by the deadline. It is very important that we have all of your information and payment in a timely fashion because without it our planning and preparations become extremely difficult—we need adequate time to hire appropriate numbers of staff, plan activities and review your child’s heath forms and camper profile before camp starts.
Early Bird Special Payment Plans: Final payments are due by June 15th. Your child’s spot in the program will remain, but the Early Bird Special discount will be removed and the full amount will be owed.
CANCELLATIONS
If you must cancel your child’s camp registration, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel more than 7 days prior to the start date, you will be credited the full amount you have paid or you can choose to have a refund minus a 50% administration fee. If cancellations are made less than 7 days prior to the start date, there are no refunds or credits. No refunds will be made in the case of “no shows,” late arrivals, early withdrawals, or camp dismissals due to misconduct (please see the behavior management policy for more details). In the event that Good Pickin’ Farm must cancel the program for whatever reason (bad weather, low enrollment, etc.), participants who have already paid will be offered the option of a credit toward a future program or a full refund.
TRANSFERS
If you must change your child’s camp registration dates, there is an additional fee:
$50/drop-in day change
$100/week change
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
Good Pickin’ Farm believes that every child deserves the chance to experience environmental education. Please contact us regarding our Scholarship program.
LATE PICK UP POLICY
Children who are still here by 3:05pm will join the Extended Day Program for a flat fee of $35.
Late pick-up fee for Extended Day is $5.00 per 5 minute increments. Example: Pick up time ends at 5:00 pm, if parent signs camper out at 5:05 pm, a $5.00 late fee will apply. If a parent signs their camper out at 5:28 pm, a $25.00 late fee will apply. Late fee payment is due immediately by cash or check.
All campers need to be picked up between 2:45 and 3:00pm unless enrolled in the Extended Day Program.
If a parent or authorized release contact person does not arrive or call within 5 minutes past the designated pick up time, staff will begin to call the authorized release contacts for the camper. If no authorized release contact can be reached within one hour past the designated pick up time, the Camp Director and Good Pickin’ Farm management may have to contact proper authorities.
STAFF BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks are performed by a CORI/SORI authorized senior staff member. Background checks are performed on all Leadership Staff, Counselors and Counselors in Training. Senior staff reviews CORI/SORI results and determines suitability according to prescribed guidelines. Parent/Guardian(s) have the right to ensure that a background check has occurred and all records are stored securely at all times. No person(s) shall be employed or allowed to volunteer until all background information has been reviewed.
BULLYING POLICY
Bullying is when one or more people exclude, tease, taunt, gossip, hit, kick, or put down another person with the intent to hurt another. Bullying happens when a person or group of people want to have power over another and use their power to get their way, at the expense of someone else. Bullying can also happen through cyberspace: through the use of emails, text messaging, instant messaging, and other less direct methods. This type of bullying can also lead to persons being hurt during or between the camp seasons and be especially hurtful when persons are targeted with meanness and exclusion.
At Good Pickin' Farm Summer Camp bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Our camp philosophy is based on our mission statement which ensures that every camper has the opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge, friendships, and life experiences. We work together as a team to ensure that campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories.
Unfortunately, persons who are bullied may not have the same potential to get the most out of their camp experience. Our leadership addresses all incidents of bullying seriously and trains staff to promote communication with their staff and their campers so both staff and campers will be comfortable alerting us to any problems during their camp experience and between camp seasons.
Every person has the right to expect to have the best possible experience at camp, and by working together as a team to identify and manage bullying, we can help ensure that all campers and staff have a great summer at Good Pickin' Farm Summer Camp.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
When dealing with a large number of youth from a variety of backgrounds and family patterns, there will be instances when some behaviors exhibited will be unacceptable and will require discipline. Such instances will be treated as they occur and a record kept of camper misbehavior noting date, time and the campers/staff involved in the incident. In addition, each incident will be reviewed with the Director who will make the determination of the appropriate or inappropriate behavior.
Behavior Guidelines:
All campers are expected to demonstrate a mutual respect for each other, staff, property and for the animals. In order to provide the safest environment possible, we require strict adherence to all camp rules and policies.
Discipline Process:
First Offense: The camper will receive a verbal warning. This occurs after a discussion about the inappropriateness of the behavior.
Second Offense: The camper will receive a Time of Reflection from an activity. The Time of Reflection will last for their age in minutes (i.e. 5 years old = 5 minutes).
Third Offense: The Director will notify the camper’s parents of the pattern of inappropriate behavior. The Camper will be sent home for the remainder of the camp day*.
Discipline measures should be used sparingly to be effective and never vindictively. Physical action toward the camper is unnecessary and must be avoided. Verbal abuse can be as destructive as physical force and is unacceptable. The Camp prohibits corporal punishment, denial of food or shelter, cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, verbal abuse or punishment for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet.
All disciplinary action will be consistent with the psychological, social, physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of each camper individually. Our goal is to maximize the growth and development of individuals while protecting the group and individuals at the Camp.
*Camp staff reserves the right to remove a child from the program indefinitely with no refund on the first offense if it is deemed severe enough.
Overall Camp Rules:
1. Be safe
a. Keep yourself safe
b. Be safe with others
c. Be safe with equipment and supplies
2. Be respectful
a. To all campers, staff, and junior counselors
b. To all public visitors
c. To Good Pickin’ Farm property and camp supplies
d. To the environment
3. Have fun!
GRIEVANCES
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may file a grievance with the camp leadership through the following method:
Raise the issue informally with a staff member.
Raise the issue formally through a grievance letter/email.
Staff evaluation of grievance.
Conduct a formal investigation of grievance.
Resolution of grievance.
Grievances will be responded to within 24 hours of receipt.
2024 Guidelines Regarding COVID-19
Good Pickin’ has followed and will continue to follow the recommendations provided by the American Camp Association (ACA), CDC, and Westford Board of Health.
