“Why I love Camp Horizons: Everything about it is what makes summer, summer!”
A.F.
Kindergarten-1st Grade FAQ’s
Who is the director of the Kindergarten and First Grade program?
Holly Newler, the head of this program, worked at Brooklake Day Camp for 4 years as the Head of Kiddie Camp and 9 years as Director of Brooklake when it was located on Passaic Avenue in Livingston. Since 2000, Holly has directed the Kindergarten/First Grade program at Camp Horizons.
Holly and your child's group counselor will call you before camp starts to introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have at that time. During the summer, Holly and the counselor will check in with you periodically, providing you with updates about your child. Of course, you are welcome to call or visit the camp at any time. Please, if you are going to stop by, be sure to call and tell us you are coming. Communication is as important to us as it is to you!
Is Camp Horizons Accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA)?
Yes! Camp Horizons has been ACA accredited since its inception in 1984. We are strongly committed to providing a safe, camping environment and to uphold the high standards of the American Camping Association.
What are the counselors' qualifications?
Our counselors are teachers and or college age. All have had years of camp experience and return year after year.
How many groups are in Kindergarten & 1st Grade?
There are 6 groups in our program: girls entering Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and a Transitional Group; and boys entering Kindergarten, 1st Grade and a Transitional Group. A Transitional group is comprised of children entering 2nd grade who want to stay in a small group setting for part of the summer, or the entire summer.
How many campers are in each group?
We limit group size to a maximum of 15 campers to ensure each child receives a great deal of time and attention from their counselors.
How many staff members are with each group?
We have a counselor and an assistant counselor assigned to each group. Campers meet with specialists most periods, and their counselors stay to assist.
Is there a full time certified nurse on staff?
Yes! Camp Horizons has a certified nurse at camp at all times. Our nurse handles the everyday occurrences and the dispensing of medication. A medical history and a medicine release form allowing our nurses to dispense medication are included in the information packet you will receive in the spring, after you register for camp. The release form will be completed by your doctor, if needed.
In the event of a medical emergency, what is your procedure?
In case of a medical emergency, our nurse contacts the Livingston Police and Rescue Squad and you. A staff member will accompany your child to one of 3 local hospitals of your choice, and stay with your child until you arrive.
Must my child wear the Camp Horizons t-shirt and sneakers everyday?
Yes! Your child will be provided with 5 camp t-shirts (with a space for your child's name). This allows everyone in camp to address your child by name. Campers must also wear sneakers everyday (no Heelies).
What should I pack in my child's backpack?
Each day, please pack two towels, one bathing suit, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a plastic bag for wet items. Please label all items. We recommend that children are sent to camp in a bathing suit, as they swim either period 1 or period 2 each morning.
What activities will be offered to my child?
Your child will enjoy instructional and recreational swim daily, rain or shine. There is also skill work and games in Soccer, T-Ball, Pilo Polo, Kickball and Fun Games. Arts and Crafts, Drama, Music, Acting Games, Cooking, Dance, Movement, Tumbling and Karate round out the regularly scheduled activities. You will be receiving a camp calendar which lists our special events and shows
Will my child choose activities as the older campers do?
Yes! During weeks 5, 6, and 7, your child will have two choice periods each day. A sample of activities offered are: Rocketry, Photography, Tennis, Ceramics, Fuse Beads, Plastic Model Making, and Computers. Campers are taught by specialists and are supervised by their K/1 counselors.
Can my child choose the same choice activity two weeks in a row?
Of course! Our camp philosophy is to offer choices to children. Our goal is your child's happiness.
Do the Kindergarten and 1st Graders do activities together?
Yes! Several times a week our groups are scheduled together to do a sport, music, or drama activity. All groups eat snack and lunch together daily.
Where does my child change for swim?
We have 2 locker rooms at the pool with bathrooms. Group counselors will help the campers change. If you would like sunscreen applied after swim, please send the sunscreen and a note.
Is your pool indoors or outdoors? Is the pool heated?
We have a beautiful 25 yard, 6-lane, heated, indoor pool which guarantees your child will swim every day. You will never hear, “Mom, the pool is too cold.”
What are the qualifications for your pool staff?
Our swim staff are all American Red Cross Certified Life Guards or Water Safety Instructors. Many return year after year.
Do you offer swim instruction?
Instructional swim is taught on a daily basis. Campers are tested and assigned to a group based on their skill level. As their skills improve, campers are moved up to the next level.
How many periods a day will my child have swim?
Your child will have instructional swim in the morning and recreational swim in the afternoon.
If lunch is sent from home, will it be refrigerated?
Yes! All lunches are refrigerated upon arrival at camp. Please send your child's lunch in a disposable bag. Also, please write your child’s name and group on the bag.
Does Camp Horizons offer a lunch program?
Yes! Camp Horizons has an optional lunch program that can be purchased on a seasonal basis. If your child doesn't like the sandwich offering on a specific day, peanut butter and jelly can be substituted. Daily lunches are Monday — Tuna Fish, Tuesday - Roast Beef, Thursday - Bologna, and Friday - Turkey. A fruit, milk or bottled water and dessert are included in the lunch program.
When is pizza lunch served and what is included?
A complimentary Pizza Lunch is served to ALL campers every Wednesday at Camp Horizons. In addition to pizza, we supply juice, soda, milk or bottled water and big delicious chocolate chip cookies. Campers love it!!
Do you provide a snack during the day?
Yes! We provide a morning snack which may consist of crackers, pretzels, etc. In the afternoon, our campers are offered ice cream or ice pops.
Are the children provided with water during the day?
Yes! Your child will be provided with water in disposable cups throughout the day.
Do you have any special events?
Special events are planned exclusively for the K/1 campers. These events include magic shows, singers, a moon walk, an obstacle course, story tellers and other age appropriate events. In addition, each Friday the entire camp participates in exciting, fun-filled entertainment including the Harlem Wizards, game shows, hypnotists, and a professional rock 'n' roll band.
Will you take my child off premises?
Because of our unique extensive outdoor and indoor air-conditioned facility, all activities are held at camp — rain or shine. During the last week of camp, we treat our K/1 campers to a fabulous, fun-filled lunch party at Chuck E Cheese. Campers and counselors have a ball!
Is mini-bus transportation available?
Yes! Camp Horizons has door-to-door, mini-bus pick-up and drop-off available within our geographic locations. We offer mini-bus transportation from Western Essex County, Northern Union County, and Eastern Morris County. All of our mini-buses are air-conditioned and the mini-bus camp counselor assists each camper to ensure seat belts are secured properly.
How short is the mini-bus ride?
Our mini-buses usually pick up our campers between 8:15 and 9:00 and drop them off between 4:00 and 4:45.
Will we have the opportunity to meet the mini-bus driver and counselor prior to the beginning of camp?
Both the mini-bus driver and counselor will meet with you in your home a few days before your child begins camp. You will be given both the approximate pick up and drop off times and contact telephone numbers. Any questions or concerns about transportation can be addressed at that time.
What are the qualifications of the mini-bus drivers?
All of our drivers are over 21 years old and have met all the requirements of the NJ State Commercial Driver's License procedures. They are all CDL licensed. Most drivers and all bus counselors are part of our Camp Horizons staff.
Can I do my own driving to and from camp if I would prefer?
Absolutely! Many of our campers are driven to and from camp by parents each day. There is a $400 discount for driving for 8 weeks.
What if I need to pick up my child early?
The early pick-up procedure is quite simple. In the morning if your child is on a mini-bus, please give the mini-bus counselor a note with your child's name and time of pick-up. This can be no later than 3:15 p.m. If you do your own driving, please have a note ready to give to the counselor who greets you in the lot. If you are sending someone to pick up your child, please provide the name of that person in your note. Please also tell the person to bring identification with them. We will have your child in the office (Room 53) at the desired time. Your child must be met and signed out in the office. Safety, as always, is our main concern.
What if my child won’t be coming to camp or will be coming late?
If your child takes the mini-bus, please either call the bus counselor or driver the night before or in the morning by 7:30 (before they start the route). If you do your own driving and your child will not be in camp, you do not need to notify camp. In either case, if your child is coming to camp late, please park in the lot on the left side of the school and come to the camp office to sign in. Your child will be brought to the scheduled activity from the office.
Will my child be happy, safe and involved at camp?
Absolutely! Your child will LOVE CAMP HORIZONS!
