Parent Handbook

Purpose & Philosophy

• Ensure the safety of all campers
• Facilitate the most fun and adventurous summer of campers’ lives
• Teach campers new skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime
• Promote interaction between positive role models and diverse group of campers
• Ensure no campers’ actions hinder the experience of others

Ages Accepted

Boys and Girls ages 8–13.

Services for Special Needs Children

We examine on a case-by-case basis.

Illness

If a child is too ill to participate in camp activities or if there is a risk that he/she might infect other children, he/she will be returned to the main house and will remain under the care of the director on duty at the office. If the illness requires departure from camp, the director will in turn contact the parent/legal guardians of the child requesting that the child be picked up. If the parent/legal guardians cannot be reached the emergency contact listed on the child’s health form will be called. If the contacts are unable to pick up the child, he/she will remain under the supervision of the director on duty at the base house until the normal pickup time. If the child requires immediate medical attention, the director will transport the child to the Aspen Hospital.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen used if child does not bring his/her own: Costco.

Injury

If a child is injured while at camp, the staff members supervising the child, trained in CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Aid, will do their best to stabilize the child. The staff members will contact the director who is assigned to the office that day. The director will advise on the situation and if the injury is serious ask the counselors to transport the injured camper to the base at the Aspen middle school. If the injured camper requires medical attention the director will immediately transport the child to the Aspen Hospital. If the camper requires emergency medical attention while away from the base camp, the appropriate authorities, such as the paramedics or Search and Rescue, will be contacted depending on the situation. The parent/legal guardians will be contacted immediately to alert them of the situation. If they cannot be contacted the emergency contact listed on the child’s health form will be contacted.

Medication Administration

During the staff-orientation, the Nurse Consultant will train select staff in medication administration. Only those staff members who have been trained will be allowed to administer medication, including in an emergency situation.

Lost Children

If a child is lost, the group in which the child was a part of will immediately be called together. The counselors will immediately call the director on duty at the office and do a brief search of the nearby area while all other campers participating in that activity remain in one designated space. The director will in turn contact all other available staff members and directors to alert them of the situation and ask if they have seen the child. All resources will be put into locating the lost child. The appropriate authorities will be contacted ranging from the municipal police to Search and Rescue. The parents/legal guardians will be contacted to alert them of the situation.

Natural Disasters

If a natural disaster occurs such as a fire, the staff will follow protocol for dealing with such emergencies. If there is a natural disaster while at base camp, all campers and staff will follow the direction of the director on duty and the natural disaster plan for that building. If the natural disaster occurs away from the base camp, all staff members will immediately keep the group together. They will make all efforts to return to base camp and contact the director on duty who will make the necessary phone calls to authorities and parents/legal guardians. The director will provide the necessary support to the group.

Fire Drills

Fire exit drills will be held often enough that all occupants are familiar with the drill procedure and their conduct during a drill is a matter of established routine. Drills will be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the conditions of an actual fire. Drills will emphasize orderly evacuation under proper discipline rather than speed. No running or horseplay should be permitted.

Evacuation Routes

Depending on the location of a natural disaster, the following evacuation routes will be used in order of preference:

• To Basalt via Fryingpan Road — gathering point is the Basalt Library
• To Eagle via Eagle-Thomasville Road — gathering point is the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink

Personal Belongings

Children will keep their personal belongings either with them or in their bunk. Children’s names will be on their gear. There is no reason for children to bring money to camp.

Meals & Snacks

Meals are provided by Ajax Sleepaway and will adhere to the nutritional considerations of the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services. Allergies will be considered and appropriate food will be served to children. Water will always be available to children.

Meals and nutritious snacks will be served at suitable intervals. Staff members will sit with the children and encourage them to try a variety of food served. During meals, children should be encouraged to engage in conversation and to express their independence.

Electronics & Devices

Ajax Sleepaway is a tech-free camp. Cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, and other electronics are not permitted. Devices brought to camp will be collected upon arrival and stored securely until the end of the session. This policy is strictly enforced — please prepare your camper in advance.

Care Packages

Mail and care packages are welcomed and encouraged! Please do not include food items in care packages without advance approval due to wildlife and allergy concerns.

Because it can sometimes take a long time for letters to reach camp, parents can also email us and we will print the letter and deliver it to your camper. Kids can write back and we will type it up and send it to you. Alternatively, parents are also welcome to hand letters or care packages directly to a counselor at pickup.