Author: megans

Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Newtown Township Parks & Recreation Department would like to welcome your family to Camp Newtown! We are excited to bring a safe and fun camp experience to your camper this season. Below you will find important information about camp. Please read through this information thoroughly. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Your cooperation is essential to help the camp run successfully. Thank you for your support and have a great, safe and fun summer!
DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURES
Camp begins at 9:00 am. Campers cannot be dropped off any earlier than 8:45 am.
Drop off and Pick up for camp will be curbside. The Camp Director will be outside during drop off and pick up to facilitate the process. A map showing the traffic pattern is included at the end of this packet.
A car line will start 15 minutes prior to camp so you can drive up and drop off to the Camp Director. They will be ready to greet your child and escort campers into the school. Please have your child ready to exit the car on the curb side. Our littlest campers should practice buckling and unbuckling to ensure a swift drop off and pick up. Campers are expected to be on time and ready to participate at the beginning of camp.
Each family will receive four name placards for pick up. Distribute these placards to anyone authorized to pick up your camper. Placards will need to be displayed on the dash. If you do not have a placard in your vehicle, you will be asked for a Photo ID and MUST be listed as an authorized pick up person. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Placards will be available for pick up in the Parks & Recreation office M-F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm starting on June 2nd.
Campers must be picked up promptly. There will be a late fee assessed of $5 for every five minutes you are late picking up your child, after an initial ten minutes. (i.e. car line has ended) This late fee is per camper.
Late drop offs and early pickups are discouraged. If it is necessary, please notify the director ahead of time (if possible) and call the cell phone number of the camp director when you arrive. The Camp Director will escort your child in or bring them out. The main office staff at the schools have asked that you refrain from ringing the door bell.
After 2:00 pm, no early pickup is permitted. Campers must wait to be picked up during regular dismissal.
Please be aware of the safety of others when dropping off or picking up your child. Be considerate and patient, and watch your speed when pulling in and out of the parking lot.
Camp Newtown After Care
If your child is registered for after care, they are permitted to stay until 5:30 pm. For after care, parents will need to park in Newtown Elementary School’s back parking lot (next to the shed/playground) and walk into the cafeteria. There will be a table there, please do not go past the table – we will call your child and bring them to you. You must have your ID or car placard when picking up your camper. NO EXCEPTIONS
RELEASE OF CAMPER(S)
We will release your child ONLY to the adults listed as authorized for pick up. If there are any special arrangements or legal restrictions that impact the drop off and pick up of a child, please submit that paperwork for our records by June 1st.
TRANSPORTATION
Camp Staff is not permitted to transport campers under any circumstances.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS & DRESS REQUIREMENTS
What to Wear
Sneakers (Flip flops and open toed shoes will be allowed only during water activities.)
Comfortable athletic attire, sweatshirt (if needed) as the school is air conditioned.
Sunscreen/Bug Spray
Campers should come to camp wearing sunscreen daily. Camp staff is NOT allowed to apply sunscreen on your camper. Please teach your child how to apply their own prior to the first day of camp. If your child is susceptible to burns on the scalp or hair part, be sure to send in a hat labeled with their name inside.
Label all items your child wears and brings to camp.
Extra Set of Clothing - If you feel it might be necessary, you can bring an extra set of clothing for your child to keep at camp. Please put it in a clearly labeled ziploc bag and give it to the camp director. This will be returned at the end of camp.
What to Leave Home
Valuable items
Money
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices
Cell phones are NOT permitted at camp. Camp Directors have phones available to use in case of emergencies. A list of directors phone numbers will be in the folder your camper receives the first day of camp.
Electronics are not permitted at camp (i.e. nooks, ipads, handheld gaming systems, etc.).
We are not responsible for the safety of digital technology brought from home.
Campers are responsible for whatever they bring to camp, if it is valuable please leave it at home.
LUNCH AND SNACKS
Campers should bring a lunch, drink(s), and snack each day. Monday is Pizza day. Two slices will be provided.
If your child does not like pizza and/or would still like to bring a lunch, please do so. Dietary restrictions will not be able to be accommodated for pizza.
Staff will be making sure all campers drink plenty of water as we will be keeping them active and outdoors. Campers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to camp daily. There are bottle filling fountains available for children to refill their water bottles. Please make sure all bottles are labeled CLEARLY and check periodically in case the name has rubbed off.
We make every effort possible to ensure your child’s safety. Any food allergies your child has should be documented on the Camp Newtown Information Form. We do promote a nut free camp but cannot guarantee it.

Camp Newtown Hours & Location
9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Newtown Elementary School, 1 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA 18940

SPECIAL EVENTS/THEME DAYS
A general activities calendar will be sent home with your camper on the first day of camp. We recommend you keep this calendar handy so your child can be prepared to participate in special events and themes days. The camp director or counselors will notify you of any changes to the schedule or calendar as early as possible. Weekly calendars will also be sent out via email.
SWIMMING
Campers go swimming at the Northampton Swim Club on Wednesdays for approximately 2.5 hours in the afternoon.
The pool has a roped area that is 3 feet deep. In order to swim outside the roped area, you have to successfully complete the Deep Water Swim Test. The swim club has 4 lifeguards on duty at all times and our counselors are also stationed around the pool. The Camp Director or Assistant Director also goes to the pool to supervise. (Pictures of the pool and the requirements for the Deep Water Swim Test are attached at the end of this packet.) Use of jackets, bubble flotation devices including water wings, noodles, or other paraphernalia are prohibited. The use of US Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permitted as long as a counselor is in the pool with the camper and is within arms reach.
Northampton Swim Club requires parents to sign a waiver. The Northampton Swim Club Waiver can be found at this link:
Northampton Swim Waiver
Camp Newtown has a designated area at the pool with several picnic tables and canopies. There is also a snack stand for the campers to purchase treats. We will send out more information about what items are available and how much they cost.
If your child is not going swimming, they must be picked up by 11:00 am.
DISCIPLINE
All township programs follow a strict discipline policy. Fighting, profane or abusive language will not be tolerated. If your child’s behavior is disruptive and their conduct is inappropriate you will be notified. Each child will be dealt with on an individual basis. The Camp Director or the Parks & Recreation Department will conference with the parent by telephone or in person. Please review the discipline policy with your child.
https://newtownpa.myrec.com/documents/discipline_policy_2025.pdf
MEDICAL HISTORY/MEDICATION/SPECIAL NEEDS
Any special needs your child might have (i.e. diet, allergies, asthma, delays, services, etc.) should be documented on the Camper Information Form. If your child receives services (from the Intermediate Unit, Early Intervention, or Private Therapy) for any special needs, developmental delays, or otherwise, it is advantageous to provide the Parks and Recreation Department with a copy of the Individualized Service Plan (or similar). Our staff will use this information to help your child have a successful camp experience. All information will be handled with discretion, maintaining confidentiality.
If your camper requires special needs or accommodations, you will be contacted by the Parks and Recreation staff to determine if our camp staff has the necessary expertise and capabilities. We are unable to provide individualized services to campers (1:1). If it is not possible to accommodate the child due to the nature of their special needs requiring specialized staff and/or other accommodations you will receive a full refund.
If you are sending medication to camp for your camper (including epi-pens & inhalers), please complete the Camper Medication Form. Email or return this form to the Parks and Recreation office by May 23rd. Medication must be packaged in the properly labeled pharmacy container, in a plastic bag with the child’s name. These will be given to the Camp Director the first day of Camp. This form is also located on the camp registration page.

CAMP STAFF
Camp Newtown staff consists of a Camp Director, an Assistant Camp Director, Senior Counselors, Counselors and Counselors in Training.
Our staff will be fully trained, and there will be comprehensive background checks conducted for anyone who will be in contact with your child. The safety of your child is our top priority, and we believe it is essential to creating a healthy camp environment.
Additional information concerning camp contact numbers will be included in the folders handed out on the first day of camp.
REFUND POLICY
Credits, pro-rated fees, and/or refunds will NOT be granted for absence or dismissal from camp.
For questions about Camp Newtown, please email Gerri Lumpkin at gerril@newtownpa.gov

Newtown Elementary School
1 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Camp Newtown will use the side entrance of the gymnasium for drop-off/pick-up
*Aftercare will use the cafeteria doors in the back of the school

DEEP WATER SWIM TEST
Who needs to take the deep water swim test? Anyone under the age of 16 who wish to swim independently outside roped 3ft area of pool. How often is the test administered? Once daily per camp group visitation period, minimally every 2 hours club is open. How often can the test be taken? Participants can make only one attempt per day to successfully complete the deep water test. What are the requirements to pass the test? 1. Must jump from the side of the pool into 5.5 or 9 foot section of the pool.
Participants may not slide in from the side. The requirement to jump is to ensure that if they should fall into deep water they will be able to get themselves back to the surface of the water without assistance. 2. Tread water for 30 seconds. (Lifeguard or Manager will alert participant when time is up). 3. Swim approximately 25 yards (72 feet) across the width of the pool. Participants may use any stroke or combination of strokes (including doggie paddle) Must keep swimming, cannot stop Cannot touch pool wall or bottom or hold onto lifeguard or lifeguard rescue tube 4. Exit the pool using either the ladder or pulling themselves up by climbing side of pool.
Lifeguards will remain in the water within arm's reach of each participant throughout test! Successful completion of the Deep Water Swim Test is determined by the Swim Club Managers! Participants who successfully complete the requirements will be issued a silicone swim band. Names and dates are recorded in Swim Test Log maintained at the Front Desk. Band must be worn on left wrist or upper arm, not ankle, every time entering the pool First band issued at no cost, replacement bands are $1.00 If band is lost or forgotten, swimmers will not be permitted outside the 3 foot section of the pool unless they purchase a replacement band