Important News – Summer Camp 2020 Registration Forms – Due by June 11

We are so excited to blast off into Summer with “To Mars and Beyond!”

Summer Camp starts June 15th! As many of you are aware, the Governor has allowed our state to enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 reopening process. All centers are still restricted with capacity allowances, limitations on summer camp programing as well as enforcing social distancing and good hand washing/hygiene practices in the classroom environment.

With that said, spaces in the Summer Camp programs will be limited. If your child’s center is full then we will try to assist families with openings at other Apple Tree locations nearby. Remember we have 4 locations in Chesapeake and 2 in Suffolk.

As of right now, we are not permitted to schedule field trips since there is no way to provide social distancing on the vans. Therefore, we have been working diligently with our vendors to provide the children the same field trip experience here at each center. Camp Calendars will be sent out on a monthly basis so that we can adjust the events for possible future fields trips as the Governor continues to make changes to the restrictions with each phase of reopening.

Attached you will find the forms that need to be printed, completed and returned to the center director by Thursday, June 11th. We are sending the forms out electronically to decrease the amount of contact as possible. The forms include:

1- In-House event permission slip
2- Sunscreen Authorization Form
3- June Activity Calendar (This is for you to keep)

All students ages 6 months old to 12 years MUST have completed forms on file in order to have sunscreen and participate in the events. Please make sure you return the forms by June 11th.

If you are unable to print these forms, please speak with a director for assistance.

Additional Phase 2 restrictions that we need to make you aware of:
1- Children 4-12 years old are allowed in group sizes of 20 with 2 teachers.
2- Children 3 years and younger are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals per group to include children and teachers.
3- Children and staff in childcare are not required to wear masks.
4- Parents who enter the building for any reason MUST wear a mask. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to wash your hands. If you are sick or show any symptoms of illness you will not be permitted to enter the building.
5- Curbside drop off and pick up procedures will remain in place.
6- Water play is limited to sensory tables. No pools or water features.
7- Outdoor play times are required to be increased throughout the day to allow for the children more exposure to fresh air.

We will continue to keep everyone posted as updates become available.

Thank you for your assistance and support during the pandemic. We appreciate all of our families and hope that everyone is continuing to stay well.

Sincerely,
Apple Tree Kids

Summer is here…. it’s time to celebrate!

 

Summer is here, and while the summer of 2020 will be unlike any we’ve experienced before, you can still find ways to celebrate the season. Take advantage of the warm weather and let the summer sun brighten your days.

Feast on a summer dish. Enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season, like juicy strawberries, sweet cherries and perfectly buttered corn on the cob. Make good use of your grill with classic barbeque foods and eat outside as much as possible. Don’t forget dessert—nothing says summer like a big ice cream cone.

Select the perfect summer tunes. Certain songs just take you back. Create a playlist of songs that remind you of summers past or select an already created playlist from a music service. Search for top “songs of the summer” or turn on some reggae to go straight to the islands!

Get wet. The hot summer days almost beg for the cool relief of water. You don’t have to go for a swim to get wet, though. Have a water balloon fight with your kids, wade through a creek or head out on your boat. Research shows being near water really does make you happy, so go out and find some this summer.

Soak up the sun. We all know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, but spending time out in the sun can also be good for you. Your skin produces vitamin D, which keeps bones healthy, fights diseases and reduces depression, in response to sunlight. Get out for a walk, read a book outside or have a chat with your neighbors and you’ll reap the benefits of the sun.

Relive your childhood. In a time when your previously planned summer activities may not happen, take time to enjoy the summer as you did as a child. Catch fireflies, drink lemonade, play card games, run through the sprinkler and roast marshmallows. Be thankful for the little joys in life that continue throughout time.