July 14-18: Nature Unleashed

*** Schedule is subject to change***

7:45-8:00 am: Drop Off

8:00-8:30: Morning Circle

8:40-9:20: Improv

9:30-10:10: Art

10:20-11:00: Lego

11:10-11:50: Music

12:00-12:45: Lunch/ Afternoon Gathering

1:00-2:30: Swimming

2:45-3:20: Afternoon Circle/ Snack

3:30-4:10: Daily Special Class (Yoga, Science, Sustainability, or P.E.)

4:30-5:00: Pick Up

Day Camp General Information

ARRIVAL

Drop off is between 7:45am and 8:00am at the Fine Arts Building, 649 Chestnut Street.

• Camp staff will meet each car at the circle drive.

• If parents would like to walk their child into the building, we ask that you not park in the circle drive.

• Camp staff will confirm all camper documents have been turned in on Monday morning.

• Parents/Guardians will let camp staff know daily, if there are any changes to camper pick up or early dismissal from camp is required that day.

• All parents/guardians must sign their child in daily.

• Camp staff will escort the campers to their classroom each morning.

• If you know you will be running late, please contact the office at 812-237-2528.

• If you arrive after 8:00am, please escort your child to the Community School of the Arts Office 119, located in the Fine Arts Building.

DISMISSAL

Dismissal from camp is between 4:30pm and 5:00pm at the Fine Arts Building, 649 Chestnut Street.

• Camp staff will meet each car at the circle drive and radio for the camper.

• Parents/Guardians must sign the camper out each day.

• Parents/Guardians must show a valid ID when picking up their child.

• If a parent/guardian is not on the pre-approved authorized pick up list, the child will not be released to that adult.

• If picking up prior to 4:30 pm, please come to the Community School of the Arts Office 119, located in the Fine Arts Building for pickup.

AUTHORIZED PICK UP

• No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child. We must have written or verbal authorization, and will expect you to contact us if any changes are to be made on your list of authorized persons.

• For your child’s protection, we will ask all adults to show us a photo identification.

CONTACT US

Parents/Guardians should always call the camp at 812-237-2528 if their child will not be attending camp that day or if you will be arriving late or leaving early.

WHAT TO BRING 

Please read carefully and make sure to have all the following items daily. We appreciate your attention to this list.

• Small drawstring bag (in which all the following items fit into)

• Water bottle with name on it

• Lunch (labeled) (don’t forget utensils if needed!)

• Afternoon Snack (labeled)

• Swimsuit & Towel (labeled if possible)

• Goggles (if needed)

• Comfortable shoes to be worn- gym shoe recommended

Also, please note–wear clothing that can & will get dirty. Make sure to have your camper’s name clearly written on all personal items. This is important to make sure all of your items return home, plus keeps our valued attention with your camper and not on their gear. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

WHAT NOT TO BRING 

Please do NOT send your camper with a cell phone, or other electronics. We will be outside most of the day and the chances of dropping it, breaking it, or losing it are quite high. In the instance that a camper would need to contact a parent or guardian, we will use the Community School of the Arts office phone. We are not responsible in the event that these items are lost, broken or stolen.

SWIMMING

We will go swimming every day at the Indiana State University Recreation Center.

• All camp staff on duty will ensure that only campers will be in the locker room when changing or using the restroom.

• All campers will complete a swim test on the first day of camp.

• If the lifeguard feels that the camper does not swim with ease, they will be required to wear a life jacket while at the pool.

• Campers may take the swim test every day if the lifeguards allow it.

RAINY DAYS

Camp will go on! If the weather is warm and the rain is light, we will be outside for at least a portion of the day. If we cannot be outdoors, activities will take place indoors. Please dress for for the weather as needed. With the potential of thunder, lightning, and tornado warnings, all safety policies and procedures (CSA Parent Guidebook) will be followed.

Camper Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Guidelines

The Community School of the Arts is committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning environment. Expectations for appropriate behavior are high and will be communicated to students during every Monday morning and reiterated during the week.

For the safety and well-being of all campers and staff, we need the cooperation of everyone to encourage positive behavior.

CAMPERS RIGHTS

As a camper, you have the right to:

• Be treated kindly and with respect by everyone.

• Feel safe and protected at camp.

• Ask for help from the grown-ups when you need it.

• Play and have fun without being hurt or scared.

• Get a fair turn in games and activities.

• Be treated nicely—no mean teasing or name-calling.

• Make mistakes and learn in a safe space.

• Know and understand the camp rules so you can have the best time!

CAMPERS RESPONSIBILITIES

As a camper, you are expected to:

• Include Everyone – Let others join games and activities.

• Be Honest – Tell the truth and be trustworthy.

• Stay Safe – Play and move carefully to keep yourself and others safe.

• Use Kind Words – Speak nicely and respectfully.

• Be Friendly & Helpful – Treat others with kindness and respect.

• Stay Peaceful – No fighting, hurting, or saying mean things.

• Share & Care – Take turns and use camp supplies properly.

• Respect Property – Take care of things, especially things that aren’t yours.

• Work as a Team – Listen to others and cooperate with other campers and camp mentors.

• Be a Good Sport – Win or lose, have fun and be positive!

• Try New Things – Be open to new camp activities and adventures.

• Speak Up – If you see someone being treated unfairly, tell a trusted adult.

• Leave Toys & Electronics at Home – Enjoy camp without distractions!

Always stay with your camp mentors or tell them where you are. If you feel unsafe or see someone breaking the rules, talk to an adult.

Most of all, have fun, stay positive, and make great memories!

As a Camper, I Will NOT:

• Be Mean or Exclude Others – I will not bully, tease, or make others feel bad. I will never hit, threaten, or touch someone without their clear permission.

• Damage or Take Things That Aren’t Mine – I will respect camp property and the belongings of other campers and staff.

• Break Important Rules – I will follow Indiana State University’s rules, which means no drugs, alcohol, smoking, vaping, weapons, personal vehicles (i.e., skateboards or bicycles), or animals to campus as these are not allowed at camp.

• Hurt Feelings on Purpose – I won’t play pranks or do things that could upset or embarrass others.

• Use Bad Words or Act Inappropriately – I will speak kindly and respectfully. I will not say mean, rude, or inappropriate things to anyone.

• Hurt Anyone (Including Myself!) – Fighting, hitting, kicking, or any kind of harm to myself or others is not okay and won’t be tolerated.

• Disappear or Hide from Camp Staff – I will always stay where my camp mentors know where I am and never run off without permission.

I understand that camp should be a safe, fun, and respectful place for everyone, and I promise to follow these rules!

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

Discipline policies in our program have been established to encourage and strengthen positive behavior through opportunities for the children to interact with people and materials. One of the primary goals of the program is to maximize the learning of appropriate social skills including safety and respect for one’s self and others.

Guidance is non-punitive. Positive techniques include redirection, anticipation and elimination of potential problems and encouragement, rather than competition, comparison or criticism. Limits are set for children, and the environment is arranged so that a minimum number of “no’s” are necessary. Clear consistent rules are explained to the children.

When children exhibit challenging behaviors (including bullying, physical or verbal aggression to staff or children, and disruptive behaviors) the following steps will be followed:

• The problematic behavior will be studied and documented.

• The classroom teacher will consult with the Director to discuss ways to work with the child and improve the problematic behaviors.

• Our staff will request a meeting with parents to discuss and consider solutions and establish a timeline for behavior remediation and/or removal.

NON-NEGOTIABLES

Campers who exhibit the following behaviors will be asked to leave camp if they:

• Consistent Disruption of Activities – Everyone deserves a fun and focused camp experience!

• Are Unkind to Others – Bullying or hurting someone’s feelings is not okay.

• Hurt Others Physically – Hitting, pushing, or any unsafe actions won’t be allowed.

• Break Important Rules – Indiana State University’s rules, which means no drugs, alcohol, smoking, vaping, weapons, personal vehicles (i.e., skateboards or bicycles), or animals to campus as these are not allowed at camp and may lead to a police investigation.

Our camp staff will handle each situation carefully to make sure camp stays a safe and happy place for everyone. If minor changes to the routine, environment, or behavior plan do not seem to be effective, the child may be removed from camp. Additionally, at any time in this process if the child’s aggression seems dangerous to themselves, other campers, or staff, the child will be removed from camp.

We are excited about our adventures for the summer. If at any time between now and the beginning of camp you have any questions, concerns, or want to discuss your child’s participation in camp, feel free to contact us at (812) 237-2528, or ISU-CSA@indstate.edu.

We look forward to seeing you soon, and let the summer of fun and memories begin!

Cynthia Phillips-Sabla

Director, Community School of the Arts 

Director, Youth Programs on Campus         

Emily Bennett

Program Coordinator, Community School of the Arts 

Overall Goals and Outcomes

Camp Sycamore, hosted by the Community School of the Arts at Indiana State University, is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration, and personal growth through STEAM-based learning with a fine arts focus. Our camp provides a safe, interactive, and supportive environment where campers can build meaningful friendships, and explore their creativity!

Our core goals include:

• Inspiring creativity through hands-on artistic and STEAM-based activities.

• Cultivating teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

• Encouraging problem-solving, curiosity, and innovation.

• Supporting social-emotional growth and empathy within a unique community.

• Providing a space where all campers feel welcomed, valued, and supported.

Measurable Outcomes Addressing Physical, Social, and Mental Well-Being

To ensure a well-rounded camp experience, we have established the following measurable outcomes:

• Personal Growth & Skill Development: Each camper will participate in activities that present a personal challenge, to encourage self-confidence and resilience.

• Social Connection & Teamwork: Campers will engage in small group projects, fostering teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while forming friendships.

• Creative & Cognitive Growth: Each camper will learn at least one new skill during camp, such as an artistic technique, ensuring continuous intellectual development.

• Self-Awareness & Self-Management: Through guided activities and group discussions, campers will develop greater self-awareness by learning to recognize and express their emotions, while also enhancing their self-management skills by practicing empathy and understanding towards others.

• Physical Engagement & Healthy Play: Campers will have opportunities for outdoor exploration, and hands-on engagement that promote physical health and activity.

Staff Training Strategies

To help campers achieve these outcomes, our staff will be trained in:

• Facilitating Engaging Activities: Implementing broad teaching strategies that accommodate different learning styles and abilities.

• Encouraging Resilience: Providing constructive feedback and reinforcing perseverance through creative challenges.

• Fostering Observational Learning: Utilizing team-building exercises and mentorship to promote empathy, collaboration, and positive social interactions.

• Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment: Training in conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, and teaching practices to create a welcoming space for all campers.

Informing Parents and Campers

To ensure that parents and campers understand and engage with our intended outcomes, we will:

• Provide a handbook outlining camp goals, daily schedule, expected camper outcomes and more.

• Share a weekly newsletter highlighting camper achievements, skill development, and community-building moments.

• Conduct weekly reflections, where campers identify their personal growth, goals, new skills, and memorable experiences. (Growing tree project)

• Maintain open communication with parents through progress reports and feedback opportunities when necessary.

CSA Parent Guidebook