Camp Turk Safety Regulations & Policies

The ultimate goal of Camp Turk is to provide a fun-filled and safe environment for our campers. We work closely with the state of New York’s health department to abide by the state’s safety regulations and policies. Both the state regulations as well as Camp Turk’s policies were developed with the health and safety of our campers in mind and must be reviewed during the registration process for all campers.

State Safety Regulations

The state code stipulates that the following information be shared with parents/guardians of our campers: (1) that such camp is required to be permitted to operate by the New York State Department of Health / Oneida County Health Department; (2) that such camp is required to be inspected twice yearly; and (3) the address where inspection reports concerning such camps are filed: Oneida County Health Department, Adirondack Bank Building, 185 Genesee Street – 4th Floor, Utica, NY 13501

Children’s Camps in New York State Brochure

https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3601.pdf

Camper Rules

Campers receive a complete orientation to all health & safety rules on the first day of camp. You should make sure they are familiar with some of the following rules before attending camp. The following are not allowed: smoking, drugs or alcohol, stealing, fighting, bullying, possession of weapons or dangerous objects, leaving the camp area without a counselor.

Camp Policies

Camper Participation in Activities

WHAT TO PACK

WHAT NOT TO PACK

Contraband: Any camper found in possession of/or to be using alcohol, tobacco products (including vapes), weapons and/or any illegal drugs including prescription and over the counter medications not turned in to the nurse upon arrival to camp, will immediately be sent home. Camp has the right to search campers’ belongings if they suspect any items not allowed at camp.

Appropriate Attire: We aim to keep our focus on the experience of summer camp and letting kids be kids. Please refrain from packing revealing or excessively tight clothing, or sagging, ripped clothing that shows undergarments as well as any clothing with an offensive slogan or profanity on it.

Phones: We firmly believe that camp is a time for our campers to “unplug” and make friends face to face. If a phone is found in a camper’s possession, he/she may be sent home and no refunds will be issued. This includes smart watches, ipads, or any other devices that can access the internet. Technology really can change the positive nature of the camp experience. We want to preserve the focus being on campers and staff interacting together and leave the social media to the outside world.

REMINDERS FROM THE NURSE

Forms: Our off-season nurse works hard to ensure all medical information is completed and up to date. Please ensure that you are completing all necessary information at registration time or before May 1st.

Meds: Be sure that your child’s medications, both prescription and over-the-counter are in pharmacy labeled bottles and/or original packaging or they will not be accepted. All medications need to be locked in the infirmary per the NY state health department. It is NY state law that NO medications are allowed in the camper cabins so please do not pack medications in your child’s luggage. Over the counter medications include any medical items such as tylenol, advil, ibuprofen, hydrocortisone cream, cough drops, vitamins, vicks, sore throat spray, melatonin, allergy medication, medicated acne creams etc.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE DAYS

Our check-in process is done as a drive-thru which is very convenient and comfortable for families. There will be multiple stops along the drive-thru route including a meeting with the directors, the nurses, dropping off luggage and of course saying goodbye to your camper! Your camper will be escorted to their cabin and their luggage will be delivered by our staff. Parents/guardians who wish to tour camp will have the option to park and join our guided tours starting around 3:00PM. It is important that your campers arrive at their session on time. We do not allow for late drop offs due to the camper orientation that takes place shortly after camper arrival and is required by NYS Dept. of Health. Detailed drop off instructions will be emailed to you prior to your camper’s time at camp.

Our check-out process is done as a drive-thru as well. The safety of our campers is very important to us. At check out, we compare a photo ID with the authorized pick up list names on each camper’s application (including parents). Campers cannot be released to anyone under the age of 18. Just as with check-in, there will be multiple stops along the drive-thru route to pick up medications, luggage, memory packets and of course your campers! Staff will be available to say their goodbyes as each camper is picked up. Our policy states that no member of our staff is permitted to accept tips. Working with your children is gift enough for us! Detailed pick up instructions will be emailed to you prior to pick up day.

INNAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT CAMP

We expect our campers and staff to enjoy their stay at Camp Turk while still following the camp rules.

We reserve the right to immediately send home any camper who engages in fighting, taunting, bullying or who is emotionally, verbally or physically threatening to another camper or staff member or themselves. Also, any camper with prior “legal issues” that sign up and do not inform the camp prior will be sent home.

Damage to camp property including graffiti may result in the camper being sent home and/or the parent/guardian being financially responsible for costs to repair/replace.

If a camper or staff is found to be stealing from camp or from other members of our camp community, they will be sent home.

INNAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE INTERNET

A camper that singles out another person or group in a negative way, either verbally or in writing (via email, instant messaging or online social networking sites) will not be allowed to attend camp. It is against camp policy for campers and staff to speak or write disparaging comments about other campers, staff, directors, programs or policies, either in paper or electronically, especially on any social networking sites. We encourage you to monitor your child’s social networking sites and help identify and remove inappropriate pictures, language and/or any hurtful comments. Furthermore, out of respect for the privacy of all members in our camp community, only authorized staff may take photos and videos for camp purposes.

REMINDER OF OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

Our staff remain committed to keeping our campers safe during their stay at Camp Turk. We are dedicated to making our camp as inclusive and welcoming as possible. Our campers and staff live in communal areas and it is important to us that everyone feels safe and comfortable. We have created our camp policies based on the NY health department mandates and parents/guardians and campers are expected to review and sign our code of conduct when registering.