Student materials and supplies

We supply everything!  This includes any materials necessary for the specific activities for each class as well as pencils/pens, loose-leaf paper and a Challenge Summer Institute binder.  Each student will receive binder tabs for each class he or she is taking.  Instructors typically use their section of the binders to provide students with handouts and worksheets that support the classroom objectives, and a place where students can make sketches or take notes as necessary.  

Binder communication

Checking the binder each night is a great way for you to keep track of your child’s activities and progress, and also see if the instructors have any news or information for you!  News from them or from the camp will be in the front flap.

Raffles

Each day after lunch, the instructors place the names of their most cooperative campers  into the daily raffle.  (That usually includes every camper, every day).  Raffle winners get cool prizes like monkey plush toys that can be launched like slingshots.  

Pick Up/Drop Off Procedure

The pick up and drop off area for CSI will be at the top lot. 

Drop off:

Parents may drop off students any time after 8:15 each day.  Students may congregate near the front steps, where they will be supervised by camp aides.

At 8:40 we will meet in the Auditorium for morning announcements, and then go to first period.  Students who arrive after 8:45 should report directly to their first period class.

Pick up:

When you fill out your online registration form,  you will be asked who may pick up your child, and/or if they have permission to walk home alone. Students will only be released to an adult authorized to pick them up, and will only be allowed to walk home if you let us know it's ok.

When picking up your child, you must come into the front yard so you can be seen by the staff member escorting your child.  

Attendance

If possible, please email Mrs. Massaro (mmassaro@tufsd.org) if your child is going to be absent from camp.  We take attendance period 1 each morning, and reach out to families of absent students between 9 and 10 am each morning, so we know your child is accounted for.  

Play Dates

Students may go home with a friend if the students provide a note from a parent of each child on the day of the play date, to make sure that the parents of both children are aware of the plan.

Late pick up fees

Challenge Summer Institute ends each day at 2:30, and unfortunately, we’re not really equipped to provide supervision beyond that time.  In order to cover the additional staff supervision costs, students who are not picked up at dismissal will be charged as follows:

• Between 2:45 and 3:45 $25

• Between 3:45 and 4:45 $50 

Lunch and snack procedures

Students bring their own lunches and snacks, which they may keep in their backpacks along with their binders.  The different classes for each age group meet together in one of the assigned classrooms, and eat their snack or lunch together.  After finishing lunch, students may choose to stay inside to play games, or go outside to play.  Games will be coordinated by the teacher aides and the high school volunteer counselors.  

Code of Conduct

Misbehavior is typically not an issue at Challenge Summer Institute.  If campers  do misbehave, it’s typically because they get too enthusiastic and make mistakes in judgment.  Because of the advanced level of our course content, the materials and activities of many of our courses require greater levels of responsibility and cooperation than may typically be required during the school year.  Materials need to be handled with care to keep them in working order and for the safety, comfort and optimal learning of all campers. Beyond that, campers are simply expected to adhere to the same code of conduct they are expected to follow during the school year.  The code of conduct handbook can be found on the TUFSD website under the Board of Education tab.  

Camper Dress Code:

The clothing worn by the students at CSI should be comfortable and appropriate for movement and activity.  Flip flops are not recommended.   For safety, please have your child apply sunscreen before coming to camp each day.

Safety and Emergencies

Please be sure when you register that the emergency names and numbers you provide are accurate.  Also, please be sure to include any health issues we should be aware of.  This information will be communicated to the staff who deal directly with your child.

Injuries or illnesses during camp are typically limited to scrapes, bruises or stomach aches.  Even so, several of the staff are trained or certified in emergency procedures, including first aid, CPR, and AED procedures.  The camp also has access to a registered nurse.  In the event of an emergency, the staff will contact emergency personnel and the emergency contact for your child while providing any necessary first aid.