stem academy

Campers are expected to attend all scheduled camp days unless prior arrangements have been made. If a camper has conflicting schedule commitments, parents/guardians are expected to communicate this prior to the start of camp. If it is determined that a camper will not be able to fully participate in the camp, that camper’s reserved spot may be re-opened for another child who is on the waiting list and can commit to full participation.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for filling out the required camper forms prior to the start of camp:

• Camper Health, Info & Policy Agreement Form (this form includes pickup authorization, sunscreen authorization, photo release, and acknowledgement of risk, and liability release.

• Camper Medication Administration Authorization Forms. (Only If Required Per Form 1).

The above referenced forms are in accordance with Maryland state regulations and camper participation is contingent upon the receipt of such forms.

Participation in steam activities inherently involves risks, including but not limited to:

• Physical injuries: These could include, but are not limited to, scrapes, bruises, sprains, broken bones, and other physical injuries.

• Illness or disease: Participants may be exposed to various illnesses or diseases at camp, including but not limited to, common colds, flu, and more serious illnesses.

• Accidents: Accidents can occur at any time and can involve a variety of factors beyond the control of Computer Island Technology Services LLC.

• Property damage: Participants are responsible for their belongings and Computer Island LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage.

By signing the acknowledgement of risk and release of liability clause in the "Camper Health, Info, & Policy Agreement Form" you agree to release Computer Island Technology Services LLC, its staff, volunteers, partner and sponsors from any and all liability arising from:

• Injuries, illnesses, or accidents sustained by the participant while participating in camp activities.

• Loss or damage to the participant's personal belongings.

• Any other claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of the participant's participation in the camp program.

We understand the importance of a smooth and efficient drop-off and pick-up experience for both campers and parents. Here's a breakdown of our procedures to ensure a safe and organized process:

Drop-Off:

• Arrival Time: Campers should arrive between 8:50am and 9:00am each day. Arriving within this designated window allows us to begin camp activities promptly.

• Drop-Off Location: Please proceed to the main entrance of the building upon arrival. Look for signage or staff members to guide you.

• Camp Staff Sign-In: A camp staff member will greet you and your child. Please take a moment to sign your child in on the attendance sheet and communicate any relevant information.

• Saying Goodbye: We understand goodbyes can be tough! Briefly say goodbye to your child, and a camp staff member will ensure they are comfortable and ready to start their day's adventures.

Pick-Up:

• Pick-Up Time: Camp dismissal is at 3:00pm. Please arrive promptly for pick.

• Pick-Up Process: For security purposes, only authorized individuals listed on the emergency contact form will be able to pick up your child. A staff member will verify your identity and check your child out before releasing them.

• Late Pick-Up: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you are running late, please call the camp office at 443.249.8030 or the camp coordinator at 443.477.7756 as soon as possible.

Protecting campers from harmful UV rays is a top priority. Sunscreen is an essential part of our outdoor activities, this ensures all campers are properly protected throughout the day. If you wish for your child to apply sunscreen while at camp the sunscreen must be labeled with camper’s name and be in the original container. Please note that CITS STEM CAMP does not provide sunscreen.

There are three options in regards to sunscreen for you child:

1. No Sunscreen

2. Self-Application

If your child is comfortable and capable of applying sunscreen independently, this is the method we encourage.

3. Camp Staff Assistance With Application

If your child needs help applying sunscreen send in "spray-on" sunscreen. Camp Staff will spray on the sunscreen and camper will then be responsible for rubbing in the sunscreen.

Please make your selection when filling out the "Camper Health, Info, and Agreement Form".

In addition, below find below an informational sunscreen memo from the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene...

Photo Release:

By checking the photo release box and signing the agreement on the camper info and policy agreement form, the parent/guardian grants Computer Island Technology Services LLC the irrevocable and unrestricted right to capture and use photographs and video recordings of the camper ("Images") for online and offline promotional purposes and releases Computer Island Technology Services LLC, its staff, volunteers, partner and sponsors from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to the use of the Images, including any claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or publicity rights.

Photo Release Opt-Out Option:

If you do not wish for your child's image to be used for the purposes mentioned above, you may opt-out by checking the opt-out box on the camper info & policy agreement form or by submitting a request via email to Computer Island Technology Services LLC at stem@computerislandllc.com before the start of the program.

Campers are expected to follow the behavior guidelines outlined below:

• Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness, including fellow campers, staff, and the camp facilities.

• Be Responsible: Follow directions from camp staff, listen attentively, and take care of your belongings.

• Be Safe: Always stay with your assigned group leader and follow safety rules during activities.

• Be Kind: Use positive language and avoid bullying or disrespectful behavior.

Consequences for not following these guidelines may include warnings, loss of privileges, or even dismissal from camp in severe cases.

The CITS STEM Camp Staff consists of:

• Directors (21+)

• A Camp Coordinator (21+)

• An Activity Coordinator (21+)

• Educators (21+)

• Activity Assistants (16+)

• Group Leaders (21+)

• Food Service Assistants (21+)

Minimum Staff:Camper ratios are followed according to State of Maryland regulations. Groupings are as follows:

(1) Group Leaders to (5) Campers

Adult staff are required to have background & fingerprint clearance as well as pre-camp training.

Food From Home:

We ask that campers do not bring any peanut or nut products to camp due to the general prevalence of this allergy among children. If food is brought from home, please inform camp staff at drop off if it needs to be refrigerated.

Personal Items From Home:

Campers are allowed to bring their own laptops, tablets, or smartphones to the camp, but we ask that they are used responsibly and in accordance with our tech guidelines. Any personal belongings brought to the camp should be labeled with the camper's name to avoid confusion. Additionally, campers are responsible for their own personal items, and we recommend leaving any valuable or sentimental items at home.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for addressing any pre-existing medical conditions with the camp staff and filing out the required camper health forms if applicable.

Per State of Maryland regulations, a licensed health supervisor will be on call for advisement if needed while camp is in session.

Health & Medication Procedures are on file and camp staff are trained for directives related to:

• Camper Medication Administration

• Emergencies & Accidents

• Infectious Disease Prevention

Emergency Procedures are on file and camp staff are trained for directives related to:

• Missing Camper

• Communication Protocol

• Drills

• Severe Weather

• Threats of Violence

• Power Outages

• Fire

• Shelter in Place

• Emergency Transportation

Child Abuse Prevention & Reporting Procedures are on file and camp staff are trained for directives related to:

• Understanding Child Abuse

• The Types Of Child Abuse

• Signs That Indicate Possible Child Abuse

• Child Abuse Prevention While At Camp

• Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Communicating With The Parent/Guardian