What is your ratio of staff to children?
Approximately 8:1 for our 4-5 year olds, 10:1 for older children.
My child has little or no experience with (one or more of the following): baseball, soccer, team sports, sports camps, competition, etc. How will he/she do in your program?
All El Cerrito Sports Camp activities are non-competitive and co-ed. There is no emphasis on winning, and therefore no pressure on performance.
What we require from all participants is good sportsmanship and safe play. The staff helps to create a nurturing environment. Our priorities are (1) Safety, (2) Fun, and (3) Learning.
I am not sure if my child will want to attend a full session. Are "tryouts" allowed for the Sunday Soccer & Baseball program?
Essentially, no. However, our withdrawal/refund policy is fairly reasonable. If, after attending once, but not attending a second time, you decide to withdraw for any reason, you will be refunded the amount of your registration fee less $15.00 and the cost of the pro-rated day of attendance.
Should you wish to withdraw in the middle of a session, some credit will be given, but no refund.
It is advisable, in some cases, to take a day for observation before signing up.
What is the daily activity schedule of Summer Camp?
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Will my child have a choice regarding scheduled activities?
During the Morning Sports Camp (9:00 am - 1:00 pm), groups will be formed for two or more activity choices with consideration given to age appropriateness and the preferences of the children.
The 4-5 year old group will usually be formed before choices are made by the older children. We try to keep the same staff with the youngest children throughout the week in order to foster good chemistry.
Generally speaking, the children will create their own activity schedule. There are always limits as to how many things can be done at one time, but we are always flexible when it comes to providing preferred choices.
For example, after "orientation" on Monday morning, choices may include a kickball game, soccer, and baseball. Later on, a game of "capture the flag" may be chosen by some children, while others may choose to toss Frisbees, play with hula hoops, or have some down time under the canopy playing board games or getting some cartooning instruction from Joel.
Snack breaks are announced periodically, but childen are always able to get a snack or water when needed.
The morning "Lunch time" will probably be from 11:00 - 11:30.
The Afternoon Sports Camp (1:00 - 6:00 pm), will be conducted similarly. The main difference is that Swimming will be offered as an option on Tuesday and Thursday.
Note: All children may go to the pool ($3.00 additional fee required), but 4-5 year olds will not have the option of going to the gym.
The afternoon "Lunch time" will probably be from 3:00 - 3:30.
What to bring?
For Sunday Soccer / Soccer Camp: Soccer shoes are highly recommended, but sneakers will do for the Sunday program. Shin guards are optional for the younger children, recommended but not mandatory for ages 6 and up. Comfortable clothing should be worn.
For Sunday Baseball / Baseball Camp: Children need to have their own glove. Having one's own bat is a good idea as well, but we will always have a variety on hand. Baseball cap and comfortable clothing should be worn.
Summer Sports Camp: We recommend sending your child to camp with a day pack. Suggestions: lunch, snacks, water bottle, bathing suit and towel on swimming days (if your child will visit the pool), a baseball cap or other sun protection and sun screen. A light jacket or sweater and perhaps a change of footwear (wet sponge toss on hot days!) might be a good idea.
Some important Summer Camp notes:
- We will provide sun screen if someone is caught short.
- Apples and oranges will be available if a child runs out of food and needs a snack.
- Because some children have serious allergies to peanuts and foods containing nut oils, we highly recommend that children do not share food.
