YAMPATika Camp Policies and Waiver

The policies follow the Rules Regulating School-Age Child Care Centers and General Rules for Child Care Facilities as provided by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services.

Yampatika purpose and philosophy on childcare (7.712.31 A1)

Yampatika aims to support ecological literacy through outdoor science-based education designed to inspire a child’s wondrous sense of connection with nature. Yampatika is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for children and offers engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming designed to be accessible by a variety of learning styles.

Ages of Children Accepted (7.712.31 A2) 

Yampatika serves children ages 5-11.

Children with Special Needs (7.712.31 A3)

Yampatika will work with families to accommodate children with special needs to the best of our ability. If a child requires any modifications or adaptations to programming, we like to know ahead of time, so we can plan ahead and prepare the best possible week for their needs. Because of the outdoor exploration aspect of our programs, it may be unsafe for children with extreme special needs to attend all programs. We will work with families to link children with the best program to suit their needs.

Hours/Dates of Operation (7.712.31 A4) 

During the summer, Yampatika offers programs Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Core hours for instruction will be from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Camp is offered from June 13th – August 19th, 2022. During the school year, Yampatika does not offer programming or childcare on a regular schedule— typically only during extended breaks. Please call 970-871-9151 to check on our availability during the school year. We are not open during most federal government holidays.

Severe Weather (7.712.31 A5)

During severe weather, Yampatika will utilize the ranch house at Legacy Ranch for programming. In addition, staff may utilize rain locations in the community including Bud Werner Library, Tread of Pioneer Museum Community Room, Carpenter Ranch, and other available indoor spaces. We will alert parents of our rain location if it impacts sign-in or sign-out location.

Admission/Registration of Students (7.712.31 A6)

Admission/registration of students is done through our website; yampatika.org. Pre-registration is required. Before attending camp, parents must have signed, completed, and submitted the following enrollment forms: 

• Registration Form (Through Sawyer.com)
• Policy Acknowledgement & Authorizations form
• Emergency Contact and Authorized Pick-Up Form
• Camper Medical Information Form
• Immunization Form
• Any necessary forms related to section

Fees (7.712.31 A7) 

Fees for our programs are paid on a weekly basis. Fees are required to be paid during registration and a list of all fees can be found at yampatika.org All fees must be paid by the first day of your child’s program. Yampatika is willing to work with families who need to set-up a payment plan to pay fees before the program begins.

Student Location Accountability (7.712.31 A8) 

Yampatika maintains a small student to Naturalist ratio of 6:1, which is an important strategy for tracking the location of all students. Camp naturalists will keep a physical attendance sheet for each group, and a master copy of all groups will be kept in the office at Legacy Ranch and our office at the USFS building. Camp naturalists are trained to keep count of students every three minutes, including when entering or exiting vehicles and other transitions. We use strategies such as “count-off,” hiking partners, and ensuring that the children stay together as a group with one naturalist leading the group and the other naturalist in the rear of the group during times that we are in the wilderness or on field trips. Students are required to gain permission before leaving the group to use the bathroom or change clothes. Students will be supervised by a staff member at all times.

Policy on Discipline, Behavior, and Guidance (7.712.31 A9)

Several methods will be utilized to develop positive experiences for families. Yampatika staff strive to create a sense of community by providing a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Yampatika offers a safe and respectful atmosphere for staff, children, and families through open and thoughtful communication and interaction. A variety of developmentally and age-appropriate positive methods of care and guidance will be utilized by staff, including communicating consistent and clear expectations, providing positive reinforcement and consequences, Positive Youth Development (PYD) strategies, redirection, conflict resolution, and encouragement. Our goal is to provide the support and space necessary for children to confidently grow and explore the world around them. Children will be encouraged to communicate their needs and feelings and to be respectful of themselves, other people, the environment we are in, and living things, and to learn to understand the results of their actions.

Yampatika staff will not use physical punishment of any kind. This includes spanking, shaking, pinching, biting, or rough handling. Yampatika staff will not humiliate or subject a child to derogatory remarks about her/himself, his/her ethnic group or his/her religion. Yampatika will not deprive any child of food as punishment. If behavioral challenges arise, camp naturalists will first speak with the child(ren) involved and encourage the child to express their feelings. After gaining an understanding of the situation, camp naturalists will determine how to best support a positive outcome. Naturalists will inform the Summer Camp Director and/or School Programs Manager of such interventions so staff can coordinate to provide consistency, work as a team, and notify parents, if necessary, to address any concerns.

Notification of Behavioral Issues to Families 

If necessary, Yampatika staff and parents will work together on persistent challenges to identify a plan of action to support the needs of the child as a team. In the event a mental health consultant or other specialist is needed, Yampatika will refer families to alternative services, when appropriate. Expenses and evaluations will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

On rare occasions, a child’s behavior may warrant the need to find a more suitable setting. For example, if a student behaves in a manner that severely disrupts programs or endangers the physical or emotional safety of others. Yampatika reserves the right to withdraw a student from camp for any reason. If, in the rare event that Yampatika staff determines that children need to be excluded from care, the parent/guardian will be notified by phone by the Summer Camp Director or Executive Director as soon as possible. Students that are dismissed from camp because of behavior problems are not eligible for a refund.

Cases of illness/accident/injury (7.712.31 A10) 

Yampatika will notify parents should their child become ill during the day by calling the phone number that the parent has designated. Children must be picked-up promptly, or arrangements made for an authorized person to pick up upon such notification. This may include driving to meet our group if the group is on an off-site field trip.

If a child is exposed to or contracts a contagious disease, parents must notify Yampatika. No refunds will be given for a child’s sick days. Children must be free of a fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea for a total of 24 hours before returning to Yampatika. If a child contracts lice, they must be treated and have no sign of lice to attend camp. Please review the following information from the Colorado Department of Public Health about when to keep a child home from camp: How Sick is Too Sick?

Yampatika will not administer any medication without written consent by physician and parent. If your child requires medication, whether prescription or over the counter (OTC) medications, you will need to submit the required authorization forms, signed, and completed by both you and the health care provider. All medications must be in the original container and given directly to Yampatika staff. Medication will be stored locked and inaccessible to children. Please see the section on medication if your child will need medication/inhaler/EpiPen during camp.

Yampatika staff will complete an incident report for any injury or accident that requires staff treatment. Small scratches or bruises are not uncommon events for most active children at some point. If a minor injury such as this occurs, you will be notified at pick-up. Please contact us if you prefer to be notified immediately. More serious injuries or reactions will be communicated to a child’s parent or guardian as soon as possible, and emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency Plans, Lost child, Natural and Non-Natural Disasters (7.712.31 A11)

Emergencies 

In the event of a medical emergency, all proper first aid will be administered; including calling 911 if necessary. Parents will be notified after the child’s immediate needs have been addressed appropriately. All emergencies will be taken to UC Health (Yampa Valley Medical Center). The address is 1024 Central Park Dr., Steamboat Springs, CO  80487. The phone number is 970-879-1322. Yampatika emergency procedures are on file at our office and can be provided upon request.

Yampatika Staff Responsibilities 

• Secure the safety of your group: the children in your care, other staff, and yourself.
• Call 911 or other authorities immediately if the situation warrants, then administer care as you are trained.
• Report the incident to the Executive Director as soon as possible. If the Executive Director is not available, notify the next available person on the Emergency Contact List or the most senior staff person on site.
• Fill out the proper incident report form.
• Participate in a debriefing if you are asked to do so.

In the event of an emergency (natural disaster, fire, illness, injury, lost child, accident etc.) 

1. State your name.
2. Indicate where the emergency is,
3. Legacy Ranch address: 35435 East Hwy 40, Steamboat Springs
4. Yampatika office/USFS office address: 925 Weiss Dr, Steamboat Springs
5. Give the best telephone number to reach you.
6. Give a brief description of the emergency including how many people need help and what help is currently being provided to support and care for the victim(s).

**Do not hang up the phone until the emergency dispatcher hangs up on you**

Call the Summer Camp Director, Reece Wells, then Executive Director, Joe Haines. If neither of these people are available, staff should call the office, and notify the next contact on the list below until someone is reached.

In the event of a serious illness or injury  

1. Call 911 and advise the operators about the situation. DO NOT HANG UP! Follow their instructions. Stay on the line with the 911 operators until they tell you it is ok to hang up or until emergency personnel arrive.
2. Respond to and administer first aid to the level of your certified training.
3. Always wear your personal protective equipment even when administering first aid even to children.
4. DO NOT try to diagnose any illnesses or injuries.
5. DO NOT dispense medication unless the medication is prescribed to that person. 6. Follow the order of the emergency contacts phone-list below. Once you make contact with somebody on the list allow that contact to continue the notification process.
6. Render only aid that is consistent with your level of training.
7. Submit an incident/accident report form and to your supervisor.

In the event of a necessary evacuation of the buildings  

In case of a fire, or other event requiring the immediate evacuation of the building, have all people walk in a safe direction at least 200 feet away from the building. Be sure that all people are accounted for and Call 911.

1. There are smoke detectors on the ceilings of the buildings that should sound if there is excessive smoke detected.
2. If they sound you should gather everyone and begin to evacuate the building.
3. Make sure all staff, volunteers and students are accounted for. using a face to name check with the attendance sheet and visitor log. If anybody is missing, immediately notify emergency services and they will determine whether it is safe to return to the building to check for stragglers. Do not re-enter the building!
4. Follow the order of the emergency contacts phone-list below.
5. Submit an incident/accident report form and to your supervisor.

In the event of an altercation or threat 

1. Maintain a calm and authoritative presence. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into a confrontation, either physical or verbal.
2. If the threat or altercation warrants intervention, call 911 and follow their instructions. When in doubt, call 911.
3. Keep camp/program participants safely away from the altercation.
4. Follow the order of the emergency contacts phone-list above.
5. Submit an incident/accident report form and to your supervisor.

In the event of an active shooter  

1. Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
2. Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit, or if you are outdoors look for hiding spots
3. If you are indoors, stay there and secure the door
4. If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door
5. As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down.
6. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her

First aid Equipment 

• Yampatika supplies first aid kit items. It is staff’s responsibility to refill items after each use or report to your supervisor any items that need to be replaced and purchased. FIRST AID KITS MUST BE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.
• There are two fire extinguishers at the Environmental Learning Center: They are located on the wall nearest the kitchen in both buildings. Please take time to locate each and read the “how-to” card on each extinguisher.
• There is a first aid kit located next to the sink in each of the buildings at the Environmental Learning Center.
• There are extra First Aid items located in the labeled cupboards on the wall above the mini refrigerator in the bunkhouse (resource room).

Natural and Non-Natural Disasters 

In the case of natural disasters, staff will follow protocols learned during staff training. These protocols include plans for flood, tornadoes, severe weather, and other natural disasters. Yampatika’s priority is to secure the safety of our students and will not travel into the outdoors if there is a threat of natural disaster. Camp may be canceled in the event of a natural disaster. In this case, no refunds will be given. In case of a non-natural disaster, staff will follow protocols learned during staff training. These protocols include evacuation, lock-down, and lock-out training. Children with disabilities will be evacuated using safe methods discussed and approved with families before camp begins.

Following a disaster, our reunification location for families will be at Legacy Ranch, 35435 Hwy 40, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. The alternative location will be the USFS Offices, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487.

Lost Child Policy 

Yampatika follows strict procedures to prevent the loss of a child during our care. Staff are trained in these procedures, authorities to help search for the child. Staff follow preventative measures such as keeping a count of students, count-off, low class size, and buddy systems, to help mitigate the possibility of losing a student. If a child is identified as separated from the grounds, we will follow our Lost Child Procedure, detailed below.

Lost Child Procedure 

Staff should know where the children in their group are at all times. A head count should be done frequently and when gathering together again after individual projects or throughout an activity. Children should be given definite boundaries as to how far they may go away from a given point and a common meeting place in case the child finds him/herself lost. If more appropriate, adult leaders should review the safety of the area (i.e., hiking) and review things kids can do if they find themselves lost (“Hug-a-Tree”). Consequences should be explained in the event that a child breaks the boundary rule.

In the event that a child is suspected to be lost or missing or separated from the group, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Gather all children in a designated area and conduct a head count and/or roll call.
2. Determine which child is missing if not already known.
3. Determine the last point at which the child was seen.
4. Before searching for the child:
   1. Establish and record what clothes the child was wearing.
   2. Consider medical history that might explain disappearance
   3. Ask fellow children if there were any plans the child was making to try to leave the group.

5. Use a competent staff member to check specific landmarks and sites but maintain necessary supervision over the other children. Keep them calm and engaged, offer them a task where they can feel helpful, like writing or drawing.
6. If there are adults in the area, ask for help in the initial search.
7. Do not alarm the other children. Be honest and direct but not dramatic.
8. If the child is not found within a short period of time (15 minutes), call 911 and ask for assistance, call the Summer Camp Director, Reece Wells, then the Executive Director, Joe Haines. If near water, call 911 after a maximum of 10 minutes of searching.
9. Continue to search for the child and wait for instructions from proper authorities.
10. When the child is found, if medical assistance or evacuation is needed, follow the Emergency Action Plan. The Sheriff’s Department should again be notified of the status of the search even if the camper is found okay.
11. Complete an incident report and submit to your supervisor to file.
12. Staff and leadership debrief incident as a group.

Emergency Action Plan 

The purpose of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is to outline actions that should be followed in the event of any emergency or serious incident concerning the health or injury of staff, volunteers, students, or the public involved in Yampatika Programs.

Local site/populated area: In the event of an emergency (natural disaster, fire, illness, injury, lost child, accident etc.), the staff member:

1. Keep participants calm and organized.
2. Establish that the participants are safe and secure (check the area for any dangers).
3. If medical attention is necessary, contact 911 and/or perform first aid (to your level of your certified training).
4. Staff should notify the Summer Camp Director, and then the Executive Director as soon as possible. If neither of these people are available, staff should call the office, and notify the next contact on the list below until someone is reached.
5. The office/contact will contact the participant’s emergency contact.
6. Staff will continue to keep track of and manage the needs of the group until children have been returned to their parents or guardians.
7. Complete an incident report and submit to your supervisor to file.
8. Debrief incident as a group.

If a car accident occurs while on a field trip: 

1. Take care of all injured parties as a priority and if necessary, call 911. 2. Follow the procedures outlined in the emergency procedure plan above (for local site/populated area).
2. Notify the Yampatika office/contact on the list below.
3. An office member/contact will assist the staff in organizing a tow truck to pick up the vehicle (if necessary) and the safe return of the children and adults. 5. Complete an incident report and submit to your supervisor to file.

Additional EAP for Youth Programs: Program staff should carry each participant’s medical release authorization and emergency form, should medical attention be necessary. Original admission records will STAY at the Yampatika office at all times. ** 

Transportation Policies (7.712.31 A12 and A14)

Yampatika Staff will transport children in safe, well-maintained vehicles with seat belts. All drivers will be pre-screened by Yampatika to ensure safe driving records and valid driver’s license. Yampatika holds vehicle insurance. Drivers will complete a vehicle training during staff training to learn how to safely drive our vehicles. Permission to transport children is given during registration. Policies concerning vehicles are on file at our office and can be provided upon request.

Field trips, Media viewing, Special activities (7.712.31 A13)

Broad authorization for field trips, media/video viewing, and special activities is granted by signing acknowledgement of these policies. Yampatika staff will communicate with parents during sign-in about the fieldtrip plans for the day. These plans are also on file at the Yampatika office (970-871-9151), and any changes in these plans are communicated directly to the Summer Camp Director and made available to office staff. Children will be supervised during field trips in accordance with camp policies. (7.712.31 A8)

We will also alert parents if we are showing a video clip for educational purposes (ex: a video of a black bear emerging from its den in a hollowed-out cottonwood tree) and will choose age-appropriate, pre-screened publications. If a parent objects to these authorizations, this must be presented to Yampatika in writing before the program starts.

Hiking & Camping Policy (7.719.71 K) 

Yampatika staff hold current First Aid/CPR certification as required by law and may have additional certifications. In addition, at least one staff member in every group will be medical administration training certified and a First Aid kit will be carried with every group. Staff are experienced in outdoor recreation and participate in training to ensure knowledge of the symptoms and correct treatment procedures for hypothermia and dehydration. Staff will continually monitor campers on the trail for early diagnosis and treatment of injury or illness. Groups will always be supervised by at least two camp naturalists. Occasionally, hiking groups may split as long as hikers are always with one staff member and staff members are always in visual, verbal, or electronic contact with each other. Hiking areas will be selected based on the group’s age, ability, experience, terrain, weather conditions, methods of evacuation and communication. Camping will be conducted in established campground areas.

Children will receive instruction based on safety & risk management protocol prior to venturing out, and staff will ensure that children are properly outfitted for the activity. Children will also receive guidance in “Leave No Trace” or low-impact principles while on the trail or in camp. An itinerary and attendance list will be kept at Legacy Ranch, and by the School Programs Manager. If a child becomes sick or is injured, staff will follow camp procedure as listed above (7.712.31 A10), and/or follow Yampatika’s Emergency Action Plan procedures (available on request and on file at Yampatika office).

Vehicle Safety Policy 

During transportation, children’s safety will be ensured in several ways. Two Yampatika staff will accompany each van, one staff person will solely focus on safe driving and navigation. The second staff person is responsible for supervising children during transportation, ensuring that children speak at a safe volume to allow the driver to concentrate, use appropriate language and topics of conversation, engage with and be attentive to the children overall. For children’s safety they will be expected to sit up and remain buckled in seats, and to follow the established expectations for conduct at camp. Eating is not allowed in the vans for safety reasons. Both staff are responsible ensuring that children are safely buckled and for taking attendance upon entering and exiting the van. Yampatika does not provide booster seats.

Emergency Procedures on the Road 

1. Take care of all injured parties as a priority.
2. Follow the procedures outlined in the emergency procedure plan above.
3. Notify the Summer Camp Director or Executive Director, down the call list if neither of these two people are available.
4. An office member/contact will assist the staff in organizing a tow truck to pick up the vehicle (if necessary) and the safe return of the children and adults.
5. Complete an incident report and submit to your supervisor to file.

Releasing Children to Authorized Persons (7.712.31 A15)

Children will only be released to the adults listed under “Authorized Pick-up Persons” on registration forms. Anyone not known to staff will be asked to provide ID. If parents need someone not listed as an authorized pick-up person or emergency contact to pick up their child, you must call our office in advance and give verbal authorization and provide the revisions in writing. Yampatika will never release a child to a person without prior authorization. Please notify your pick-up person that they will be required to show ID. If someone attempts to pick up your child and they are not authorized they will be asked to leave and 911 will be called. A parent has the right to pick up their child whether they are listed on the enrollment form or not unless court orders do not allow for this. You will need to provide Yampatika with a copy of any court orders.

Releasing Children to Authorized Persons (7.712.31 A15)

Children will only be released to the adults listed under “Authorized Pick-up Persons” on registration forms. Anyone not known to staff will be asked to provide ID. If parents need someone not listed as an authorized pick-up person or emergency contact to pick up their child, you must call our office in advance and give verbal authorization and provide the revisions in writing. Yampatika will never release a child to a person without prior authorization. Please notify your pick-up person that they will be required to show ID. If someone attempts to pick up your child and they are not authorized they will be asked to leave and 911 will be called. A parent has the right to pick up their child whether they are listed on the enrollment form or not unless court orders do not allow for this. You will need to provide Yampatika with a copy of any court orders.

Policy for Pick-up/Charges, and Procedure for Late Pick-Up (7.712.31 A16)

Summer Camp scheduled pick-up time is from 4 pm – 4:30pm at Legacy Ranch or at our office. Yampatika staff ensure that all children are picked-up at the end of the day by ensuring that an authorized adult signs for pick-up of each child, and staff match names to faces throughout the pick-up process on the attendance sheet. Staff are always aware of the number and names of children in their care. At the conclusion of camp, staff will go through all attendance lists and ensure that each child has been picked up.

Our staff works tirelessly during the day to create an unforgettable experience for your child. When you are late to retrieve your child, you are impacting our staff’s time to complete other work or personal needs. Please be on time to pick-up your child and show respect to our teachers.

Late Pick-Up 

If a child remains later than 4:30 for any reason and we have not heard from you, attempts will be made to contact parents/guardians, authorized pick-up persons, and emergency contacts listed on the registration form. Parents will be charged a late fee of $2 per every minute beyond pick up time, until the child is picked up. Parents will be invoiced for fees and must be paid before the child can return to Yampatika. If a child remains later than 4:30 pm for whatever reason, Yampatika will meet their dietary and activity needs until a parent or authorized adult retrieves the child. Parents who are continuously late for pick-up (2 or more times) may lose the ability to have their children attend future Yampatika programs, including remaining programs for the week.

Failure to Pick-up Child 

Yampatika will use all possible measures to locate a guardian. If the child remains with Yampatika after 4:30 pm, you will be charged $2/minute for care. If a guardian is not reached by 5:15pm, the child will be escorted to the police station and reported as abandoned.

Late Arrivals (7.712.31 A17)

Our drop-off period is from 8:30 am- 9 am, and the camp day begins at 9am with a circle and group activity. It is best if your child is present, as this is an important time for children and staff to become familiar with each other through ice-breaker activities, discuss expectations, and provide children with the plan for the day.

Our core activity blocks are from 9 am – 12 pm, and 1 pm – 3:30 pm. Groups often travel off-site for field explorations during this time. Trying to coordinate a pick-up or drop-off during this time affects the whole group. Unless it is an emergency, we discourage late drop-off or early pick-up during these times.

Late arrivals may contact our group via cell phone and meet us at our location, if possible. This can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature of the outing, arrangements may need to be made for drop-off once the group has arrived back at Legacy Ranch. Please communicate with staff in advance to make arrangements.

Medication Administration (7.712.31 A18) 

This label must list: 

• Child’s Name
• Prescribing practitioner’s name
• Pharmacy name and telephone number
• Date prescription was filled
• Expiration date of medication
• Name of medication
• Dosage
• How often to give medication
• Length of time the medication is to be given

Over-the-counter medication must be kept in the originally labeled container and be labeled with the child’s first and last name. The form for medication must be filled out and signed by a physician for over-the-counter medication. (Form can be found at yampatika.org)

Medications will be distributed in accordance with Medication Administration Training, as delegated by our Registered Nurse, Meg Murphy. Medications will be kept in a locked container and carried with staff at all times. The medication bag will also include a log of medication distributed. Children are not allowed to carry their own medication, with the exception of inhaler or EpiPen, which can be carried if written permission is provided by the physician that states the child can administer their own EpiPen or inhaler. Parents must request the return of medications on the last day of the program. Medication that is left-over at the end of the program and not retrieved will be properly disposed of.

Storing Medication: Medication will be stored locked and inaccessible to children. If required, medication will be kept in a cooler if off-site or in the refrigerator in the staff building if on-site. Medication will be returned to the parent after camp has concluded.

Immunizations Policy 

In accordance with state laws, all children must be immunized to participate in camp. A copy of immunization records must be presented by the first day of camp or the child will not be permitted to participate. All exceptions must be accompanied by a signed explanation from a doctor.

Immunization records must be submitted on a state-approved form, which is provided at yampatika.org. If an unauthorized form is submitted, parents must transfer information to the correct form.

Health Insurance 

In accordance with state laws, all children must have health insurance to participate in Yampatika. Yampatika will not reimburse health care costs due to lack of health insurance.

Personal Belongings/Money (7.712.31 A19) 

Students should not bring valuable items to camp. Please leave toys, phones, valuables, money, electronics, or any other extraneous “stuff,” at home. We have so many adventures; things that can get lost or broken tend to do so here. These items can be extremely distracting to the group and detrimental to learning. If this occurs, that personal belonging will be held and returned at the end of the day to a parent or guardian.

When items are found, they will be placed in the Lost and Found located at Legacy Ranch. These items will be at the registration table during drop-off. Should a child lose an item at camp, our staff will try to locate the item, though items are not always found. The best way to prevent the loss of an important item is to leave it at home. Personal belongings should always be labeled with the camper’s name. Yampatika is generally not responsible and cannot been hold accountable for lost items.

Students will not need money at camp. If money is brought to a program, Yampatika is not responsible for tracking its whereabouts or if it is lost. Parents should not send fees with their children to programs, all fees should be delivered by a parent.

Meals and Snacks (7.712.31 A20) 

Children attending Yampatika are required to pack their own lunch and two small, non-perishable snacks, one for the morning, and one for the afternoon. If the child’s lunch includes perishables, it must contain an ice pack that will keep lunch below 41 degrees for 4 hours. Lunch must be a balanced meal, including 1/3rd of daily nutrition for the child. Food should not require any type of special preparation, as children will not have access to a microwave. Adventuring outside all day requires lots of fuel! Please pack accordingly and provide more food for your child than you might for a typical school day. Please do NOT send sugary treats or candy, as this does not provide the nutrition children need to support this level of physical activity.

Yampatika camp is peanut-free. Other tree nuts are welcome. So please, no peanut butter, snacks with peanuts, granola bars with peanuts, peanut butter crackers, etc. Please adhere strictly to this policy, as a reaction to a peanut allergy could create a life-threatening response in an allergic child. If your child has a food allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know during registration and fill- out required allergy forms. Allergy forms can be found at yampatika.org.

Children must come to camp with a reusable, durable water bottle. Each child must bring AT LEAST ONE LITER (32 oz) of water to camp each day, preferably more. Children will be able to refill water bottles throughout the day.

Yampatika will provide nutritious meals during overnight trips and will make arrangements beforehand to ensure that we can provide for allergies and dietary restrictions. We will also provide snacks during the day (for overnight camps only).

Visitors (7.712.31 A21) 

Parents are not permitted at camp except during pick-up and drop-off, as all staff & volunteers must complete state-approved background check processes. Visitors at Yampatika are only permitted during special open houses or with approval from the director. Visitors may be asked to complete a background check. Visitors may not be alone with students. All visitors are required to sign the provided visitor log, which includes the inspection of a state-issued ID to verify identity. The visitor log includes the name, address, and purpose of the visit. Visitors are not permitted without following the Visitor Policy, regardless of their relationship to Yampatika.

Procedure for Filing a Complaint about Child Care (7.712.31 A22)

Complaints can be filed with Yampatika by contacting our executive director, Joseph Haines, at 970-871-9151 or in writing at joe@yampatika.org or 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. You may also contact our Colorado Licensing Specialist, Andria Hudspeth, at 303-866-5958 or 1-800-799-5876.

Reporting of Child Abuse (7.712.31 A23)

Yampatika staff members are required to read and sign a statement clearly defining child abuse and neglect pursuant to state law and outlining the staff member’s personal responsibility to report all incidents of child abuse or neglect according to state law.

Any caregiver or staff member in a child care facility who has reasonable cause to know  or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the  child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in  abuse or neglect must immediately report or cause a report to be made of such fact to  the county department of social services or local law enforcement agency.

If the suspected child abuse occurred at the childcare facility, the report of suspected child abuse must be made to the county department of social services, police department, or other law enforcement agency in the community or county in which the childcare facility is located. If the suspected child abuse did not occur at the childcare facility, the report of suspected child abuse must be made to the county department of social services in the county in which the child resides or to the local law enforcement agency in the community in which the incident is believed to have occurred.

Investigation of Abuse 

Staff members of the county department of social services or a law enforcement agency that investigates an allegation of child abuse must be given the right to interview staff and children in care and to obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of parents of children enrolled at the childcare facility.

Any report made to the law enforcement authorities or a county department of social  services of an allegation of abuse of any child at the child care facility will result in the  temporary suspension or reassignment of duties of the alleged perpetrator to remove  the risk of harm to the child/children if there is reasonable cause to believe that the life  or health of the victim or other children at the facility is in imminent danger due to

continued contact between the alleged perpetrator and the child/children at the facility. Such suspension or reassignment of duties will remain in effect pending the outcome of the investigation by the appropriate authorities.

Notification of closure (7.712.31 A24)

Yampatika will notify all parents by email and phone if the program cannot accommodate children for any reason.

Withdrawal from Program by Yampatika (7.712.31 A24/25) 

Yampatika reserves the right to withdraw a student from a class for any reason, including behavioral problems or failure to pay fees or complete required forms. If Yampatika staff determines that our program is not ideal for a child, Yampatika must notify the parent or guardian. Yampatika is not required to refund any withdrawals.

Withdrawal from Program by Parent 

Parents must provide written notice of withdrawal from a program. If this notification is not provided, parents must pay all tuition and fees, whether or not the child attends. Our complete refund policy is available on our website yampatika.org. When a child is withdrawn, s/he will only be eligible for re-admission based upon space availability and all other enrollment criteria. If there is an outstanding balance (including tuition or fees) when the child was withdrawn, parents will be required to bring their account current prior to completing a re-enrollment application. With signing this waiver, I understand all fees (Tuition, and Fees) are non-refundable in the event of withdrawal with less than one-weeks’ notice.

Withdrawal from Program due to behavioral Concerns 

If suspension or withdrawal from camp is being considered for a child by either Yampatika or at the request of a child’s parents/guardian due to behavioral concerns, Yampatika staff and parents will work together to identify a plan of action to support the needs of the child as a team. In the event a mental health consultant or other specialist is needed, Yampatika will refer families to alternative services, when appropriate. Expenses and evaluations will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

On rare occasions, a child’s behavior may warrant the need to find a more suitable setting. For example, if a student behaves in a manner that severely disrupts programs or endangers the physical or emotional safety of others. Yampatika reserves the right to withdraw a student from camp for any reason. If, in the rare event that Yampatika staff determines that children need to be excluded from care, the parent/guardian will be notified by phone by the Summer Camp Director or Executive Director as soon as possible. Students that are dismissed from camp because of behavioral issues are not eligible for a refund.

Yampatika staff will document all actions taken throughout the process of responding to the concerns. 

Cancellation Policy 

We begin preparations early in the year to accommodate our students. We use enrollment numbers to make hiring and purchasing decisions. A minimum enrollment of four campers is required to run a session of camp. If minimum enrollment is not met, camp for that week will be cancelled and fully refunded.

It is important to give us early notice if you need to cancel a registration.

• More than four weeks prior to the start of the camp week. FULL REFUND
• Two weeks prior to the start of the camp week. 75% REFUND
• One week prior to the start of the camp week. 50% REFUND
• Less than One week prior to the start of the camp week. NO REFUND

Participants may change the week they are attending for no additional fees (other than any difference in camp fees) based on availability.

Animal Policy 

Children may come into contact with 4-H animals (sheep and pigs) during camp. No dogs allowed! For the safety of our campers and 4-H animal projects, dogs are not allowed on our property, including drop-off or pick-up; leave dogs in your vehicle or at home. Signing this waiver, I agree that I will notify Yampatika if my child has any allergies to animals.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellant Policy 

In accordance with Yampatika’s camp policies, if your child does not have sunscreen, Yampatika staff may provide this for your child. We are only able to provide our sunscreen and/or insect repellant if you authorize by indicating your authorization on the signature page below. We use Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, Kids Broad Spectrum SPF 50. *

Please explain on the release form and let staff know if your child has a special bug spray or sunscreen that they will need due to allergies. You are required to pack this particular brand in their backpack. Please explain to your child that they should ask for permission to get their special sunscreen or insect repellent out of their backpack during application times. Make sure your child is wearing sunscreen and insect repellent before arriving at camp. Staff will help children to re-apply at lunch.

Dress Code/Being Prepared for Camp 

Children need to arrive prepared to be outside all day in our ever-changing mountain weather. Yampatika camps often take field trips off site and your camper might visit historical museums, farms, State Parks, or USFS land. Please ensure your camper has the following items for our day camps:  

1. 1. A daypack – It is very important to provide a pack that your child can comfortably carry-on hikes! While out & about, children bring their daypack with water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, and lunch/snack. You are welcome to send a larger bag for extra items that can be left on the van while we are out adventuring.
   2. Water bottle (already filled – we will make sure children refill throughout the day, but this way children are ready to adventure!)
   3. Healthy lunch – Children eat more than usual when they are playing outside all day and need good quality fuel!
   4. AM & PM snacks
   5. Lightweight long sleeve shirt
   6. Lightweight long pants (in case it is cold, buggy, or campers are hiking)
   7. Fleece shirt or warm top
   8. Rain jacket
   9. A sunhat/ball cap
   10. Solid Sneakers or hiking boots (NO open-toed shoes)

If your child is signed up for a camp with an overnight, please make sure that they bring these additional belongings with them on the day of the overnight:

1. 1. A Sleeping Bag Campers will be sleeping in rustic or wilderness conditions in either tents or other temporary structures. It is important that they bring a sleeping bag suitable to their size rated to a minimum of 30 degrees or colder depending on how warm they sleep.
   2. A Sleeping Pad Campers will be sleeping on the ground, and it is important that they have a sleeping pad specifically for outdoor camping that will help insulate them from the ground. This will help keep them warm and comfortable.
   3. A change of clothes Campers will be at camp for more than 24 hours and therefore should have an appropriate change of clothes in case of weather events, a new set for the following day, or sleeping purposes if they desire.
   4. Extra layers Camp personnel will pay attention to weather forecasts and conditions for where they are heading. If they deem necessary parents and campers will be notified of the need to bring extra or warmer layers depending on weather conditions at least one day before the overnight experience.

If there are any things that your child needs that you do not already have, please contact us. We have a limited gear lending library that is for the express purpose of outfitting our campers. Please let us know of any needs before camp starts so that we can make sure we have enough of whatever we need for each child.

For any other camp experiences not during the Summer, please check the information when you register for an appropriate list of what campers need to bring each day.

Photo Release 

Yampatika, its agents, affiliates, and licensees, may use photographs, reproductions, images, or sound recordings of children for advertising, publicity, or any other lawful purpose. Please notify us in writing if you do not consent to having your child photographed.

The above policies are not an all-inclusive list of policies, and children, family members, authorized agents and parents are bound by state regulations and all other company policies, which may be modified at any time, without notice. The regulations of the state in which children attend may prevail over these policies when the state regulation is stricter. Continued enrollment constitutes acknowledgement of, and agreement to abide by, all Policies and state regulations. To file a complaint against Yampatika please contact Denver Division of Childcare at 1575 Sherman Street, 1st floor, Denver CO  80203 or call 303.866.5948.

No terms of this Agreement may be altered, revised, modified, or deleted by any person except in cases of policy change or rate change to which the Director must initial. Any alterations, revisions, modifications, or deletions of any term of this Agreement are null and void.