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1998 ~~ / T OWJrl of Wappinger Recreation Annual Report 1998 Town of Wappinger Recreation Commission Chairman Ralph J. Holt Members James Chappas Joseph Ennesser Ronald Friedman Ellen Korz Stephen Miller Joanne Vasquez Director Steve Lowery Senior Citizen Director Kathi DeLisa Secretary Peggy Roe Maintenance Director Steve Tompkins Town of Wappinger Town Board Supervisor Constance O. Smith Members Vincent Bettina Joseph Paolini Joseph Ruggiero Robert Valdati Town Clerk Elaine H. Snowden 1998 Annual Program Report Programs: Boys/Girls Basketball (Summer and Winter) Boys/Girls Gymnastics (Winter) Adult Volleyball (FalllWinter) Summer Adult Volleyball (Summer) Outdoor Tennis (Summer) Men's Basketball (FalllWinter) Schlathaus Race (Fall) Summer Concert Series (Summer) Christmas Tree Lighting (Winter) Aerobics (Fall-Spring) Halloween Party (Fall) Summer Playground/Swim Program (Summer) Senior Citizens Program (On-going) The Programs: Boys and Girls Basketball-Winter Age Range-7-12 year Olds Director (s): Marty CohenlR. David Duke Location: Sheafe Road Elementary School Description: The program ran Saturday mornings from Early January to the End of March from lOam to 12pm. The program contained 25 youngsters on the average. A $15.00 fee was charged for each participant. Recommendations for 1999: Although the directors were adequate for the program, we should seek a more children orientated group of people to run the program. I feel the children will relate better to a younger adult role model rather than a "parent" . Boys and Girls Gymnastics-Winter Age Range-7-12 year Olds Director (s)-Art GoldnerlBrenda Peura. Location: Myers Comers Road Elementary School Description: Program ran from Early January to May of 1998 on Saturday Mornings from lOam to 12pm. Many experienced gymnastics instructors aided the directors. The very popular program found us turning away people in March (enrollment was close to 100). We were also able to buy a new balance beam for the program. Myers Comers Road Elementary School was very cooperative with our program. The custodian was always visible and even helped with the set up on numerous occaSIOns. Recommendations for 1999: Nothing of significance should be changed to this program. We might want to consider running 2 sessions due to the demands of the program. Programs continued: Boys and Girls Basketball Program-Summer Age Range-7-l2 years old Director (s}-Alan Fairey, Chris Smith, Kevin Prunty (RCK varsity Basketball Players) Location: Fishkill Plains Elementary School Description: The one week summer basketball camp was held at Fishkill Plains Elementary School from July 20-25 at Fishkill Plains Elementary School. The program was run by 3 of Roy C. Ketcham High School's varsity players. Program hours were from lOam to l2pm. 42 children signed-up for the program which focused on drills, fundamentals, scrimmage games, and instructional techniques for playing basketball. Program cost was $15.00 Recommendations for 1999: The Wappingers Central School District (Joe Corrigan's office) mis communicated with us! They changed our original date, and school location (Wappingers Junior High) without telling the school they switched us to (Fishkill Plains Elementary). The custodians and staff at Fishkill Plains were extremely rude to myself and the parents of the children. In addition, the custodians waxed the gymnasium floor and would not allow us access to the second gymnasium. Also, many parents were impressed with the program with one common complaint: It was too short, they would like to see it continue for a second week which I agree with. Adult Volleyball Program Director-Walter Leczinski Location-Myers Corners Road Elementary School Description: The program completed in April 1998 and restarted on October 6, 1998 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Myers Corners Road Elementary School gymnasium. Walter sets up 2 nets and rotates the 60 plus participants who signed up for the program. Program fee was $15.00 Recommendations for 1 999-We have an outstanding director in \\Talter! He does a tremendous job with the amount of participants he gets each week. We should look into buying him new equipment (Volleyballs) Programs continued: Summer Adult Volleyball-Summer Director-Walter Leczinski Location-Sand Courts Pye Lane and Monfort Road Description: The popular activity ran from June until August on Tuesday evenings. Walter Leczinski directed the program which received a good response. The program will continue in the Summer of 1999. Recommendations for 1999: I would suggest we run a youth summer volleyball league targeted for teenagers. The request has also been mentioned that portable lights be placed on the courts for early evening games. Men's Basketball-FalllWinter Director- Location-Wappingers Junior High School Description: The program finished in February 1998 with no director. Several members of the Recreation Staff (Families too) and myself served as the director. This year we started in October. We had 3 people up until Early December. The program consists of open basketball, and pick up games each Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9:30pm. We have charged the participants a $15.00 fee. The program will conclude in late February of 1999. Recommendations for 1999: I feel the program should be reduced to a winter only session. October 6-December 2 saw 3-5 participants. In October, people are enjoying the last of the good weather and World Series Baseball. In November, we only had 1 date due to School Holidaysffhanksgiving etc. December will see us losing dates due to School recess. I feel we should run the program from] anuary to February to maximize the program and costs. Programs continued: Schlathaus Race-October Director-Linda Stowe, Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club Location-Starting point/Registration is at ScWathaus Park Description: This was the 19th annual Race sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club. The race was in 2 parts: 5K run for adults, and a 1 mile "Pumpkin run" for the children. This year, the race was attended by 61 adults. Winners in the adult race received either a trophy or a medal which was purchased by us from Diane Majcher who has been doing the awards for several years. Each child that raced received a pumpkin courtesy of Meadowbrook Farms. The race director, Linda Stowe, interfaced with the Town to coordinate the event. Recommendations for 1999: The race is a key for local runners. This is a tune up for the later fall races. I feel we should continue to support the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club. Spring Concert-April Location-Roy C. Ketcham High School Description: We had approximately 350 people attend the performance of the West Point Concert Band in April. Concert lasted 2 hours. The West Point Band members along with Town Board and Recreation Commission members were treated to a buffet after the show. Recommendations for 1999: I feel this is an event that can not be done each year. I feel it is more of a 2 year concert in order for us to draw a sizeable crowd. I feel the concert would have more meaning if it was every other year. Programs continued: Summer Concert Series Director-Steve Lowery Location-Schlathaus Park Dates-June 24-August 13 Description: The summer concert series began on June 24 at 7pm. Performing this past summer were: Hearts Desire, Final Touch, The Creations, Switch in Time, Sonny Carroll Orchestra, The Phantoms, Steve Max/Ned Gelfars family comedy show, and the West Point Jazz Knights. Attendance was high during the West Point Concert, Steve Max/Ned Gelfars comedy show, and Final Touch. Attendance was disappointing for Hearts Desire, The Creations, and Sonny Carroll Orchestra. Recommendations for 1999: I recommend we have back Final Touch, Steve Max/Ned Gelfars, and the West Point Jazz Band. Christmas Tree Lighting-December Location-Schlathaus Park Description: This year's tree lighting was held in summer like conditions. We had close to 200 people attend the event. Entertainment was provided by the Roy C. Ketcham High School Chamber Choir. The New Hackensak Fire Company delivered Santa Claus in one of their fire trucks. Town supplied cookie cutters, and apples while the Wappingers Soccer Club and Little League supplied candy for the children. We had many volunteers who served donuts, cider, and hot chocolate to the people. Connie Smith lit the tree at 5 :45pm. Recommendations for 1999: I recommend we re-hire the RCK chorus again with more money and microphones set up for them. Programs continued: Aerobics-F all-S pring Director-DJ Reese Location: Wappingers Junior High School Description: Program continued until May of 1998 and re-started in October 1998. Program was held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm. $15.00 fee was charged for each participant. Recommendations for 1999: No recommendation, the program is very successful under Mrs. Reese. We could try to pay her more money to make it equal to what Aerobic instructors make in Gyms. Halloween Party-October Location: Schlathaus Park Description: 11 th Annual Halloween party was held in another "Summer like" day on October 25. We had a total of 143 children attend the party. Prizes were awarded in various categories and judged by Connie Smith, Elaine Snowden, and Slyvia Holt. Refreshments included: Cider, Donuts, and Candy supplied by the Town of Wappinger Soccer Club. Prizes were donated by: Wendy's, Hudson Valley Renegades, Ben and Jerry's, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Fun Central, Party city, and Subway. We had "Beetlejuice" of Let us Entertain you perform for the children. Ellen Korz did a wonderful job in coordinating the event. This year marked the absence of the Haunted House. Recommendations for 1999: I think we should keep the program as is. We should focus more on advertising the event to gain more people Programs continued: Bus Trips-Seasonal Director-Steve Lowery Description: This year the Town of Wappinger Recreation explored Bus Trips. This year we attended the following: Saratoga Raceway, Yankee Stadium, Mohegan Sun Casino, and Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas spectacular. Each trip was filled at 40 people. Trips were arranged through Aristocrat Tours. They offered us great packages at low prices. Recommendations for 1999: I feel we should add more trips. They are very well received. We should add trips to Broadway shows, events at West Point, and other unique events. I feel the Town of Wappinger Recreation department is on their way to bigger and better things. I have learned a tremendous amount my first year on the job. I feel that the theme for 1999 for the Town of Wappinger Recreation should be as follows: "Recreation Leaders for the New Millennium." Respectfully Submitted, Steve Lowery Tmvn of Wappinger Recreation Director General Recommendations for Next Year 1. More advertising of our programs. We should use different mediums to get our message out. We also should have a professional looking Recreation Guide that explains all of our programs. 2. Explore the possibilities for Rollerblading/Roller Hockey etc. 3. Bring together our Summer Camps for more interactive games. 4. Expand our Bus trips to accommodate more residents and hit a variety of activities. 5. Expansion of more Youth Programs (Golf, Volleyball, Baseball camp) 6. Look at the possibility of hosting an Easter program (Easter Egg hunt) TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM 1998 REPORT Maureen D. Irvin Summer Program Director SUMMER PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Maureen D. Irvin CASTLE POINT - (HOSTED AT JAMES EVANS) Director: Sean Cahill Counselors: Jason Birchard, Katie Espinosa, Carolyn Hemingway, Courtney McDonnell HUGHSONVILLE Director Keith Byrnes Counselors: Meridith Cullen, Jen Drexler, David Kedzielawa, Nicole Kokiasmenos, Meghan Lalor, Doug Salvati MARTZ FIELD Director: Katie Cwiakala Asst. Director: Jami Clausson Counselors: Kim Allen, M. Frank Bailey Jr., Heather Crawford, Erin Fitzgerald, Christine Higgins, Kim Holly, Brian Horan, Jason Jutt, Michael Jutt, Michael Paino, Victoria Paul dine, Claire Rottkamp, Vanessa Stawaris QUIET ACRES Director: Keri Speary Counselors: Eric Kedzielawa, Rob Allen, Kim Allen, Sarah Woogen, Hope Donohue, Lois Ray Lauren Smith ROBINSON LANE Director: Jenny Verb Counselors: Steve Brooks, Andrea Mazzeo, Rob Marano, Jessica Saz SPOOK HILL Director: Lisa DeFelice Counselors: Lisa Birchard, Nora Bitting, Kevin Horan, Chris Miller, Rachelle Polidore, Kristen Smith, Erica Wolfe SWIM PROGRAM WSI: Heather Williams Instructor: Shannon Bray Lifeguards: Gregory A. Miller, Kristen Pedicone TOWN OF WAPPINGER SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM The 1998 summer day camp program ran for seven weeks, beginning on Monday, June 29th and ending on Friday, August 14th. The six camps, Evans (Castle Point), Hughsonville, Martz Field, Quiet Acres, Robinson Lane and Spook Hill were open daily from 9:00 am until 3 :00 pm. The total number of children registered was 837. The average daily attendance was 368. Participants were charged for the camp program only. The charge was $15.00 for the first child and $10.00 for each additional child in the family. Each child also received a free t-shirt. TOWN OF WAPPINGER SWIM CAMP PROGRAM The swim program was held at Deer Hill Conference Center and ran for seven weeks. Each of the six camps received its own five days of lessons. The swim program was made available to all town residents. The camp staff met the swimmers at Wappingers Junior High School and then accompanied them to the pool. The camp staff provided supervision and activities for those children not in the pool. The camps were closed while the lessons were in session. PLANNED EVENTSflRlPS Each camp attended the following trips for the summer of 1998: *two to four trips to Splashdown *Movies *Fun Central 370 children attended the end of the year picnic at Schlathaus Park. Activities that were held at the individual camps are discussed in more detail in each camp's summary. Steve Max performed for five out of the six camps. He was well liked by all. The only problem was getting the town hall to pay him in a reasonable amount of time. I would definitely recommend we schedule him again for next year, however timely payment would have to be discussed. Four out of the six camps visited the Town of East Fishkill Summer Program for roller hockey. Mixed reviews were received from this trip. Apparently East Fishkill's schedule did not coincide with our schedule and so some felt like they were unable to participate enough. . PLANNED EVENTSnRIPS (CONT'D) There was and improvement in scheduling this year. Wappingers Central School District's Department of Transportation once again was not very reliable, however many problems were quickly resolved thanks to the use of our cellular phones. Due to this advantage of increased communication, they seemed to make more of an effort to correct their mistakes. Directors and counselors were happier with trips this year as well as children and parents. Five out of the six camps attended Splashdown each time it was scheduled this year. This was beneficial in many ways. It enabled the summer and recreation directors to meet with the directors all at once. Many ideas were shared and the networking was quite helpful. Splashdown was still overbooked and required our counselors to pay. I would recommend that we pay for at least half the staff next year to be in the water with the children. Camps would like to spend the whole day next year. I'm not sure if that is possible due to the bus transportation. Fun Central was enjoyed by most this year. The main complaint was that the tickets and tokens were distributed to each camper in a cup. It was difficult for many of the campers, especially the younger ones to keep track of their cups. This resulted in many lost cups, as well as many tears. Although alternative methods were discussed, we were unable to come up with a solution. This year, sign-up and money for trips was done in advance. Although the idea was a good one, I don't think it was carried through uniformly by each director, which resulted in some confusion. Some camps, such as Martz Field, benefited greatly from this new system. Much time was saved on the day of the trip and campers were able to enjoy their outing for longer amounts of time than in the past. Some parents were disappointed because we could not allow them to pay by check or sign up for all the trip at the beginning of the summer. Hugbsonvillie ran into trouble because they would sign up too many campers and not have enough room on the bus. Somecamp directors were unhappy with the new system because they felt they spent too much time collecting money everyday for one trip and/or another. They were told to delegate jobs to different counselors but they didn't feel they really trusted any of the counselors with the money or responsibility. All in all, I believe collecting for the trips in advance was very helpful in many ways: we spent more time at our destination, Splashdown preferred being paid all at once by either myself of Steve Lowery, and when the directors followed the procedure correctly, there was minimal confusion. This topic needs to be addressed with much input from the staff at the training sessions prior to camp starting. Some agreement needs to be reached among all six camps. New Activities that the camps would like to see added next year include: roller-skating, bowling, Ultra Zone, ice skating, more entertainment at Schlathaus, visiting other camps, and trips to a state park. Although some of these suggestions may not be within our means, others are definitely worth considering. GAMES/SUPPLIESIEQUIPMENT The directors' recommendations for additions to our inventory of games include more assorted board games (i.e. scrabble, outburst, pictionary, rummicube). Equipment recommendations included large parachutes, and a basketball hoop for Robinson Lane. Spookhill requested a baseball diamond. Art supplies are always in big demand. This year we kept a surplus of checkers, lanyard, embroidery string (for friendship bracelets) and beads on hand. It was very beneficial and I would recommend the same be done for next year. It's important for the summer program director to keep an assorted stock of cleaning supplies, first-aid supplies, art supplies, and a gallon of water on hand in hislher car. This way, reapeated trips to the same camp in one day can be avoided. Cellular phones were provided for the recreation and summer directors this year. I know it was an added expense but the benefits were outstanding. The improvement in communication lifted extra work from the secretary, and kept us in touch with each camp as well as parent. I know the recreation director used maintenance's phone this summer. I would recommend that another phone be provided so that it is easier to keep in contract with the maintenance crew as well. SAFETY In 1997 and 1998, the opportunity was provided for several staff members to become certified in CPR and First Aid, free of charge to them, in order to enable us to meet the requirements set by the board of health and to assure proper safety for coverage at each location. Sloper Willen was more than helpful in holding these classes for us in their building. I believe this was a great improvement over the classes held by the Red Cross last year. WATER The Hughsonville and Castle Point (Evans) playground were supplied with bottled water, as there was not available source of running water at either locations. Castle Point will have running water available for the summer of 1999 since all renovations should be completed by then. As in the past, Hughsonville needs to have plenty of water available for drinking and cleaning. Robinson Lane also had a temporary water problem this year so water was provided for them as well. Although we brought water to each camp on a regular basis, some camps would wait to the last minute to tell us they had used up more water than usual and needed more right away. CLEANLINESS With the exception of Robinson Lane (a cleaning person is hired to specifically clean the bathrooms) the responsibility of cleaning the bathrooms falls on the camp staff I suggested to each director that a list be posted assigning two counselors to clean the bathrooms at the end of each day as well as check them periodically throughout the day. This was enforced better this year than last by the directors. This routine check seemed to alleviate many of the problems we had last year with the bathrooms that required a call to maintenance. I would recommend that it continue to be a requirement for all directors to post a list assigning counselors to the responsibility of checking and cleaning the bathrooms each day. This is something that needs to be reinforced and checked by the summer and recreation directors on a regular basis. END OF THE YEAR PICNIC The end of the year picnic I believe showed great improvement this year. It requires a certain amount of time and preparation to bring together six camps for an enjoyable day. Shop Rite, once again, was a tremendous help this year, I recommend that we work with John, from maintenance, again next year. The Recreation staff and council members were terrific with the food preparation etc. The Lip Sync Contest was run on a very strict schedule this year with the help of Kristen Smith and Kim Allen. Kristen and Kim spoke with directors at Splashdown outings to work out many of the "kinks" in years past. They also visited with each camp prior to the picnic to speak with the contestants that were chosen by each individual camp director. Two to three groups were allowed from each camp. Kristen and Kim kept the contest to a very tight schedule and it was a great success. I recommend that the procedure of utilizing two counselors to coordinate the contest be utilized again for next year. It is important that the counselors be very familiar with the lip sync contests of the past. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS General staff attendance this year was good, even the picnic was better attended than usual. I recommend that we continue to try and make attendance mandatory for the end of the year picnic. Although more in-depth training sessions were held for all staff members prior to the start of camp, the problem arises when many counselors/directors are not home or available to attend these sessions. Separate training sessions were held for all camp directors apart from staff members. I recommend that this be repeated, but without close to one hundred percent attendance, much information is lost among the group and messages to members who did not attend are misconstrued. Rain days were utilized this year for all counselors/directors to come to Schlathaus (when it was available) to hold staff meetings. They normally would only last a couple hours but they were helpful in ironing out some problems and getting fresh ideas and solutions to other concerns. Attendance should always be taken by name, in addition to total number of children, twice daily. In 1997, as in the past, each staff member was responsible for a specific group of campers whose attendance records he/she was responsible for keeping. Although this method worked for those campers who reported when camp opened, it didn't work for those who came late or left early. In 1998, we tried to implement the plan that a counselor be on "attendance duty" throughout the day so parents know where to go during the day. Some directors followed this new procedure and others chose to stick to the "old way". Martz Field carried out the new method and it worked great. There was always someone on duty at the desk that I or a parent could go to. This person on duty was always able to tell me where I could find Katie (the director). A lot of time and energy was saved due to this new process. I recommend that this be enforced in all camps next year. Sign-in stations at each camp, run by two or three staff members was also suggested this year. This way the other staff members would be available to occupy the campers who have already checked in. Although it was utilized in the beginning, again not all camps followed through for the summer. Some parents still complained about supervision for their children during the usual check-in time. Communication is a necessity with such a large program. The cell phones that were made available for the Director of Recreation and the Summer Program Director were a much needed addition and proved to be very beneficial. Much time was saved and less work was put on Peggy Roe (Recreation Secretary) thanks to the improved communication. I recommend that maintenance have a cell phone as well for 1999. I also recommend that quarters be supplied for the directors of those camps with only pay phones. The colored t-shirts were a great asset this year. I recommend that we coninue to provide t-shirts to each registered camper and that it be mandatory that they be worn for each trip. CASTLE POINT (hosted at J. Evans School) STAFF: Sean Cahill Director Jason Birchard Katie Espinosa Carolyn Hemingway Courtney McDonnell 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Total Registration 85 Average Daily Attendance 45 Swim Program Attendance 45 52 36 29 91 39 21 61 31 27 57 30 27 Special Events included Tree Planting, Water World Day, Scavenger Hunt, Easter Egg Hunt, and a candy hunt. Recommendations: Due to construction at Castle Point, the camp was housed at James Evans School for the summer of 1997 and 1998. There was no running water, so regular delivery of water was a top priority. A cellular phone was rented since there was no reliable use of a phone at this location. Since the camp will be held at the newly renovated Castle Point Park, I believe these problems will be taken care of. The staff of five was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in attendance daily. I believe attendance was down due to the change in location and that it will increase in 1999 once Castle Point is open. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. HUGHSONVILLE STAFF: Keith Byrnes Director Meridith Cullen len Drexler David Kedzielawa Nicole Kokiasmenos Meghan Lalor Doug Salvati 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Total Registration 127 Average Daily Attendance 58 Swim Program Attendance 24 130 58 28 87 46 21 103 43 33 91 42 52 Special Events included Olympics and Tie-Dye Day. Recommendations: There is currently no available source of running water at this location, so the regular delivery of bottled water should remain a top priority for 1999. A cellular phone has been rented for use since 1996 to alleviate the problems caused by our using the phone in the firehouse. I recommend that we rent the phone again. Problems with the firehouse were minimal this year. Items left behind by campers need to be stored in the truck bed and not left out on the tables. The pavilion and tables need to be cleaned at the close of camp each day. I understand that HughsonviIIe's location will be moved to Evans school for 1999. I believe this will be a great improvement. We had some problems this past year with 16 and 17 year olds hanging out with the campers. Parents voiced concern and the director was not helpful in keeping the children occupied and away from the teenagers. The staff of seven was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. STAFF MARTZ FIELD Catherine (Katie) Cwiakala Jami Clausson Kim Allen M. Frank Bailey, Jr. Heather Crawford Erin Fitzgerald Christine Higgins Kim Holley Brian Horan Michael Jutt Jason Jutt Michael Paino Victoria Paul dine Clare Rottkamp Vanessa Stawaris 1998 Total Registration 231 Average Daily Attendance 93 Swim Program Attendance 35 Director Assistant Director 1997 1996 1995 1994 201 75 49 184 82 46 203 72 53 202 79 Special Events included Dessert Day, Tie-Dye Day, World Cup Soccer Day, Baked clay Day, carnival Day, face Painting Day, watermelon Day, McDonald's Day, and Pizza Day. Recommendations: Martz Field needs to continue to be patrolled after hours. Although there were no incidents this year, in years past campers have found drug paraphernalia which were left behind after camp hours. A vast improvement was seen at Martz Field this year. Katie Cwiakala rose to the occasion of director and handled it with ease. She earned great respect from the counselors and did a fantastic job. Each recommendation was taken seriously and implemented without hesitation. Although we had Jami Clausson as an assistant director there this past year, I feel it was unnecessary. She served more as a counselor and Katie felt that other counselors were more willing to assist her. I recommend that the position of an assistant director be eliminated for next year. The staff of fifteen was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain the same number of employees at this location. QUIET ACRES STAFF: Keri Speary Director Sarah W oogen Hope Donohue Eric Kedzielawa Rob Allen Lois Ray Lauren Smith 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Total Registration 135 Average Daily Attendance 61 Swim Program Attendance 36 122 53 40 118 49 35 99 45 38 73 47 53 Special Events included Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Sundae Party, and Halloween in August, Carnival Day, Peanut Hunt, tye-Dye Day, and Water World Day. Recommendations: I recommend that this location continue to be patrolled after hours since this is a rather remote area. Graffiti and broken glass were found last year. Keri Speary, the director, did a terrific job this year. This camp received the most parental praise. We did have problems, however, with some parents not picking their children up on time. This caused many problems for the counselors/director. Many of them have second jobs to get to and can't wait around for children's rides to come. Keri approached Mr. Lowery and myself at the beginning of the summer with a proposal for parents who repeatedly did not pick-up their children. Steve and I approved her proposal and promised to back her up with parental phone calls, etc. Most parents were very cooperative and accepted the repercussions if they were late in picking-up their children. There was one parent, however, that took great advantage ofKeri and argued with Steve and I when we were asked to intercede in the matter. When the parent was dissatisfied with our answers, she went to the commission. Decisions were made by the commission without Steve, Ken, or I being consulted. This was very disillusioning, especially for the director. It seemed to give the parent the message that she should be the exception to the rule and this was reinforced by the commission. I recommend that the commission and the directors decide who will have the role of dealing with parents and that that person have the support of all other people involved. The staff of eight was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain only seven employees at this location for 1999. ROBINSON LANE STAFF: Jenny Verb Director Steven Brooks Rob Marano Andrea Mazzeo Jessica Saz 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Total Registration 87 Average Daily Attendance 39 Swim Program Attendance 20 100 50 23 73 30 25 74 31 33 82 24 25 Special Events included Coloring Contests, Tie-Dye Day, Water Day, Halloween, Fiesta Day, Happy Meal Day, and Dessert Day. Recommendations: The staff once again requested that a basketball hoop be added to the camp for next year. We had some problems this year with the director delegating responsibility. The counselors did not seem to hold much respect for her and therefor were not always helpful. I believe with was the fault of both parties. I recommend that a person with more experience with camps be a director for Robinson Lane next year. The staff of five was more than adequate for covering the number of campers who were in attendance daily. SPOOK HILL STAFF: Lisa DeFelice Director Kristen Smith Nora Bitting Lisa Birchard Kevin Horan Christopher Miller Rachelle Polidore Erica Wolfe 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Total Registration 174 Average Daily Attendance 72 Swim Program Attendance 30 144 58 33 98 54 29 84 40 26 104 49 45 Special Events included Tie-Dye Day, Camp Olympics, Ice Cream Sundae Day, Face-Painting Day, Halloween Day, Fiesta Day, and Pizza Day. Recommendations: There were no vandalism problems this year, however the location needs to be patrolled after hours. This was the only camp that had problems with certain counselors playing cards. They seemed to have an attitude with all directors and became a problem. Lisa spoke to them several times, but did not take the initiative to move counselors to other activities. I recommend that the director for next year be notified of the types of problems that arose at Spook Hill next year so that this problem can be dealt with quickly and effiCiently if it should arise again. The staff of eight was quite adequate for covering the number of campers who were in daily attendance. I recommend that we maintain seven or eight employees at this location for 1999. SWIM PROGRAM STAFF: Heather Williams Shannon Bray Gregory Miller Kristin Pedicone WSI Instructor Lifeguard Lifeguard Recommendations: The pool was in excellent shape this year. The swim program seemed to run well this year with one exception. Staff and campers complained that they would be waiting at Deer Hill for the swimming staff to start lessons. Campers were not always welcomed into the pool area for anywhere from ten to thirty minutes. Since the swim program is going to be completely separate from the camps next year I recommend that the swim staff and the counselor/director staff meet prior to the beginning of the program so that everyone understands the time schedule. This way the swim program will be utilized to its capacity. Problems may arise next year in hiring staff for supervising the children while they are not swimming since the hours will be limited. Non-swimming staff needs to be reminded that they are to be supervisingfmteracting with the children who are not in the pool at any given time, not playing cards among each other. The director will need to reinforce this matter. The ratio of non-swimmers to instructor has to be 4: 1. While this did not create a problem this year, it has in the past, and needs to be checked for periodically. The children had to wear a color coded wristband according to their swimming ability. Everything seemed to run smoothly.