Support Staff Role at Camp
What is your role at Day Camp?
To provide adapted and modified support to our individuals as directed by the Community Partners program camp leaders
To assure individuals are fully included within the day camps activities
What are 2 things you learnt from the presentation today so far?
Answers will vary!
What should you wear to camp?
-City of Surrey shirt or YMCA shirt (Based on camp you are assigned to)
-Close-toed shoes
-No Denim
Name 3 things you would want to know about your camper before the first day?
-likes/dislikes and fears/sensitivities
-communication preferences
-schedule preferences
-transition support
-washroom/changing support
-any lifts/transfers?
True or False: Support Staff are responsible for the care of the child they are supporting, even if it is after the end time for camp.
Please explain your answer
False: Support staff are responsible for the hours the camp is running. Time before and after the camp times, the Camp Leaders are responsible
In the event of an emergency or if an accident happens, what are you supposed to do?
Follow the guidance of the Camp Leaders, then inform SACL Manager or Coordinator immediately after the incident/emergency
True or False: The child you are supporting is playing the gym game fine on their own, so you can watch them from the sidelines.
False, you are participating in all games and activities with the camp!
What should you wear to camp on a waterpark day from head to toe?
-Closed-toe shoes that can get wet! (running shoes or water shoes) No flip flops or sandals
-Change of clothes including City of Surrey or YMCA Staff shirt
It's time to put on sunscreen before heading outside. The child you work with does not want to put on sunscreen. What are 2 strategies you can try?
-Social story
-First/Then Board
-Ask them to put it on you first
-Get peers involved and make it a game to get sunscreen on the fastest!
-Use a paint brush to brush it on
True or False: Support staff gives their participant medication as required
Please explain your answer
False: Support staff provides Camp leaders with the medication in the morning and reminders when it is time for the participant to take their medication but does not give the medication to the participant
True or False: You can use your phone to listen to music or play games during the children's lunch time.
Please explain your answer
False! Cellphone use if only permitted in the case of emergencies or program purposes as deemed appropriate (calling a late family or calling SACL Manager or Program Coordinator)
If you need to use your phone to contact SACL, please make sure you let the Camp leaders know before hand.
Name 5 camp games you can play while waiting for the next activity to be set up? (no or minimal equipment games)
-rock paper scissors
-I spy
-Simon Says
-Red Light, Green Light
-Telephone
-Two truths and a Lie
When you first arrive at camp on Monday, what are 3 of your responsibilities?
-Get a schedule
-Gathering needed supplies for the day including back of tricks, pic symbols and schedule
-Introduce yourself to the City Staff/Day camp leaders (when applicable)
-Be ready at 9am to meet the child and parent/guardian at the door!
If you need to complete an incident report, who needs this information?
The City of Surrey will get the original and SACL should be informed by phone, then given a copy of the report
Prior to filling out the form, contact SACL supervisor for support
You arrive at camp, get set up for the day then realize at 9:15 that your individual still hasn't arrived. What are you going to do?
Call the family to check in
If the child is not coming in or if you are unable to reach the family, call and update your supervisor
Unstructured playtime can be challenging for some children, what are some ideas for when there is free play time during camp?
-offer 2-3 choices
-Create a visual choice board
-Find a peer and play all together
-Bring your bag of tricks
-Use a schedule to build structure/ Break free play into smaller chunks
-Rotate between activities
-Model playing with them!
What are some things you can do for yourself at camp and before/after camp to prevent burnout?
-Bring lunch, snacks, water
-Get enough sleep & eat breakfast
-Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc.
By taking care and showing up for yourself, you are best prepared for a busy day at camp!
During camp, the child you are supporting is very energetic and wants to go to the park before lunch. The camp leaders provide you with a walkie talkie and tells you that you can take your participant to the park for the hour, and the camp will meet you there later. Is this okay to do? Explain
No, the Camp leaders are responsible for every participant attending the camp. The maximum about of time support staff and participant should be away from their group is 5 minutes, but it is important to stay with the group as much as possible.
True or False?
Oh no! You forgot your lunch today, It should be fine to just walk over to the McDonalds to get a lunch during camp.
False, Bring a packed lunch, or pick up your lunch before camp hours.
You are still working and supporting your child during lunch time!
Give 3 reasons for why visual schedules are helpful
-Promotes independence!
-Helps prepare for transitions
-Helps reduce anxiety/frustration around transitions
-Visual reminder of what's next