Camp registration ends today
By Sandy Morris
Today is the last day to register for Day Camp 2021 sponsored by ResourceCare.
Parents may sign up their children from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Albany Youth Center.
ResourceCare programs assistant Ragan Riley said all campers must be registered by Thursday, as there will be no late registrations.
“The annual program will be held Monday through Friday, July 12 to July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Albany Youth Center,” said Riley. “It is important to have all required paperwork completed before attending Day Camp. Forms include permission and allergy forms, as well as prescriptions release forms for campers who will need medication during camp hours.”
Campers
Day Camp is free to registered children who are at least three years of age and potty trained through those going into sixth grade.
The staff will provide free food for the children while they are at camp. However, no outside food or beverages are allowed due to the Summer Food Program grant covering the meals.
Campers may be dropped off at the Youth Center no earlier than 8:30 a.m. with no late drop offs allowed.
All children must be picked up at either the Youth Center or the city park, depending on age, by 3:00 p.m.
Parents/guardians do not need to get out of their vehicle to drop off or pick up children. Workers will be outside with the children in the morning and the afternoon. Parents will need to sign out children during afternoon pick-up.
Staff and Volunteers
Summer Day Camp is run by paid staff and volunteers.
To be considered for paid staff, applicants need to be an entering freshman in high school through seniors, including some graduates.
Volunteer positions are for applicants entering seventh and eighth grades.
Incoming seventh graders can apply for a volunteer position through today, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which is the same time children can enroll in camp.
Funding
Camp is usually made possible by the United Way of Abilene, Albany Chest, local contributions, and fundraising events including CareFest in the fall, bake sales throughout the year, and work at the Fandangle grounds.
People can always make monetary donations to the program or drop off needed supplies, such as sun screen, at ResourceCare during normal business hours or at the Youth Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or be picked up by request.
Contributions can be mailed to ResourceCare, ATTN: Day Camp, PO Box 2435, Albany, TX 76430.
Safety
As always, safety and sanitation are a priority for campers and staff.
Any child with a temperature or runny nose will not be allowed at camp.
Parents are asked to keep children home until they are fever-free for 24 hours.
Only workers and registered children are allowed in the Youth Center and children may only leave with people listed on their pick-up list.
Children in the pre-k and kindergarten group will be paired with a buddy who will be either a high school student worker or a junior high volunteer. Adults will be present with children at all times.
Children will be taught about the “Buddy System” and the importance of staying with their partners.
The buddy system is used in the pool and children will be tested on their swimming skills on the first day of camp.
Children with no swimming ability are required to wear an approved life jacket or floaties before entering the pool area.
Precautions will be practiced all day regarding sanitizing surfaces and using hand sanitizer.
