Ryder Camp

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This parent guide has been designed to give you general information regarding your child’s summer camp programs at Ryder Camp (Grades 2-5).

Camp Season

Camps runs Camps runs Monday, June 29th and through  Friday, August 7th.

  • There is no camp on Friday, July 3.
  • Children cannot be dropped off earlier than 8:55am.
  • Pick up is no later than 3:00pm for Ryder Camp.
  • These times apply on all camp days.

If your child will be missing camp, for vacation or otherwise, please let the Director know as soon as possible. This is extremely helpful in planning activities.

***OPTIONAL SUMMER TRIP FOR RYDER CAMP**

There are two optional trips being offered this summer. There is a regular camp day provided for those not going on the trip.

Wednesday, July 16: Thrillz and Jumpz Adventure Park, Danbury, CT
$60 per camper includes transportation and admission to the park. Campers bring lunch.
Bus will leave and return to Ryder within regular camp hours. The Camp Director will provide the required waivers to be signed and returned before the trip.

Thursday, July 31: QUASSY Amusement Park Middlebury, CT
$80 per camper includes transportation, lunch and admission to the park.
There are water rides as well as amusement rides. Bus will depart Quassy at 4:00pm and should arrive back to Ryder by 5:15.

Immunization Records

Your child’s registration will not be complete until his/her immunization records are on file at the recreation office. This includes registrations done on-line.

Medications If your child needs to take medications during camp hours, a Medical Authorization Form (Available through your physician's office) must be completed and signed by the child’s physician and be on file with the Camp Director prior to the first day of camp. All medication must be kept with the Camp Nurse and include the prescription and proper packaging.

Sunscreen/Insect Repellent Form

Please complete, sign and return the form if you would like your child to use, carry and/or would like assistance applying sunscreen and/or insect repellent during camp. (Spray sunscreen/spray insect repellent only)

Clothing

Campers should come to camp dressed as comfortably as possible. Shorts, tee shirts, etc. are recommended; along with a pair of sneakers and socks (sandals or flip flops should not be worn). Please label all children’s clothing with some form of identification. It is recommended to spray your child’s shoes with insect repellent before they depart for camp.  Camp tees will be given out and campers must wear them for easy identification at all camp special events and on swim days.

Swim Days for Ryder Camp

Drop off and pickup is at the Community Center on weekly scheduled swim days. Please use the lower level entrance only.

Ryder: TBD at the Rec

All campers should bring a labeled bathing suit and a towel on the days they go to the pool and spray deck. There are no floatation devices permitted. Campers will be swim tested on the first day at the pool.

Camp directors will inform you of water play days at the site.

Lunch/Snacks

Campers must bring a non-perishable lunch and drink daily. Please use a soft-sided insulated bag or cooler with the child’s name written on it.

There is no refrigeration available. Water bottles should be labeled and taken home every day. There is at least one snack time every day.

This snack must be brought from home.

Rainy Days

Camp will be open on rainy days, unless weather conditions are extreme.

On questionable days, please arrange to be available to pick your child up at their campsite if necessary. Please make sure our contact info on file is the most up-to-date. (Both phone number and email address)

If you have any questions, call the Recreation Department @ 941-3189

Illness

In case your child becomes ill during camp hours, the parent/guardian or the emergency contact person listed on the Registration Form will be notified. Please make sure all names and numbers are up to date.

If your child is not feeling well before camp please keep them home. 

Please report any communicable illness (strep throat, stomach bug, head lice, etc.) ASAP

Camper Code of Conduct

We will be emailing a Code of Conduct for you and your child to review, sign and return on the first day of camp. Hard copies will also be available.

If your child is having difficulty with something or someone, please feel free to contact the Camp Director. We will make every attempt to assist your child in making a successful adjustment to camp life. All information is strictly confidential.

Reminder for Ryder Camp

Campers should bring a labeled back pack for their belongings. Please send an extra set of labeled clothing in that bag so it is there if needed.

All campers must be potty trained and use the bathroom independently.

Reminder for all campers Please do not send toys/electronic devices to camp with your child unless specifically requested. Things can get lost or broken which can be quite upsetting. The Rec Department is not responsible for personal items-including electronic devices, cell phones, etc. that are brought to camp.

Camp Groups

Campers will remain in pods they registered for throughout the season. The pods will consist of 30 campers.

COVID restrictions are eased at this time, so we are following this procedure in an abundance of caution. Each pod will have a specific group of leaders/counselors to whom they will report each morning.

Daily sign-in and sign-out by you or your designee is required by your child’s counselor. Please be sure the counselor has the proper contact information for you.

Dismissal

Campers will be released into custody of the parent/guardian listed on the Registration Form. If you wish your child to go home at the end of the day with another person, YOU must send a note with your signature giving permission for your child to do so and the person designated to pickup your child must show a picture I.D.; no camper will be released to anyone other then those designated by the parents. You may leave a blanket note listing all those approved for pick-up.

After Camp

We do offer a six week After Camp program. Spaces are extremely limited, register early.

Campers will be bused from their camp site to the Rec Center in our bus.

Pick up by 6:00pm

Camp Activities

Each group will have a daily schedule to follow which includes a variety of activities. Camper participation is required!

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Field Games
  • Basketball
  • Entertainment
  • Drama Activities
  • Movies
  • Races/Games
  • Soccer
  • Kick Ball
  • Theme Days
  • Water Days
  • Spray Deck

Special Events

The following is a list of special events which may be planned during the six-week season:

  • Magic Acts
  • Olympics
  • Field Games
  • Music Shows
  • Water Games
  • Playground Activities
  • Swimming Pool
  • Sprinklers
  • Nature Shows

Emergency Procedure

Our camp is staffed with several certified First Aid/ CPR personnel. In the case of a serious accident, 911 will be called to respond with trained professional personnel along with Ossining OVAC. An accident report will be filed in the Parks and Recreations Department office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Camp Director, or Camp Coordinator, at 941-3189. Camp phone numbers will be emailed prior to camp starting.

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!