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How does the Sunday Program work?

We try to find the appropriate group for each child.  The emphasis is on participation; a little learning mixed with the enjoyment of playing.  There are no trophies or achievement awards, no real competition, and no pressure.

We consider our programs to be a springboard to what competitive leagues provide, or simply an alternative for individuals seeking to enjoy Soccer and Baseball.

Children sometimes move from one group to another during a session, as we make adjustments to suit the needs of the individual child.

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What is the Child/Staff ratio?

For Soccer and Baseball on Sunday we expect a ratio of about 8:1 for our 4-5 year-olds.  For children in the older age groups, where behavior and attention spans tend to be less of an issue, 10:1 or 12:1 generally works well. 

In the Summer Camp we prefer a ratio of approximately 10:1, with supervision weighted towards the 4-5 year-olds in camp.

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How many children do you expect to have in Summer Camp each week?

We expect a range of between 30 and 45.

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Are there many girls in the program?

Over the years we have averaged about 33% girls in the Summer Camp.  For the Sunday Program 35-40% girls is the norm for Soccer; less than 25% for Baseball

(Regarding Sunday Soccer & Baseball) My son/daughter is unused to competition.

   Is this likely to be a problem?

Not at all!  Albany Sports Camp activities are conducted with the emphasis on having a good time.  It is our philosophy that participation weighs more than winning, and that the essential enjoyment of sports comes more from the process and less from the result. 

Children play sports for reasons other than winning, which is generally half way down their top ten lists of reasons why they play sports.  Competition is fine, however, and there are many programs wherein a motivated child can find fulfillment in this area, but the Albany Sports Camp is designed specifically as a vehicle for participation and enjoyment above all else. 

Literally thousands of children have had their first tastes of Soccer and/or Baseball with us before moving on to playing on a school team or in a league.
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I have a 4 year old. How will my child fit into a Summer Camp program with much older children?

Our youngest campers may be considered to be enrolled in a ‘camp within a camp.’  For the sake of chemistry and comfort, our smallest children are generally with the same counselors throughout the day and throughout the week. 

The primary consideration in creating groups for play is the safety of the children. Sometimes a four year old will be sitting next to an 11 year old during a craft's project, while playing a game of Connect four, or having lunch, but the same two children will be far apart when the older of the two is playing basketball or baseball. We use a common sense approach in structuring the camp and conducting activities.
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How is the Summer Camp day structured?

What takes place during each of the weekly sessions and the days within each week will vary somewhat in accordance with the specific wants of the children. Our objective is to be both organized and democratic in the conduct of the program. 

9:00 - 11:00    ...   Early drop off time

As children arrive, popular activity choices include Board Games (Connect Four and Chess are most favored), Drawing, and ‘Free Play’ in small groups. 

By 10:00 am we expect that a sufficient number of children will have arrived at the camp, thus enabling our councellors to form organized activities. Whiffle ball and soccer are fairly popular in the morning.

11:30 - 1:00

Attendance is taken. Groups will be made for the morning activities.  As energy level are highest at this time of the day, we usually form two or three groups for active sports such as baseball, soccer, and capture the flag.

Orientation is added on Mondays. 

1:00 - 1:30

Lunch break.  Although we usually try to bring everybody together at this time, the children are allowed to get to their lunches and/or snacks whenever the need arises.  The fresh fruit that we provide for the children is always available.

1:30 - 3:45

As in the morning, several groups will be made for any of the team-oriented games. Children may also choose to play in a smaller group.  Activities such as Bocce Ball, Giant Ring Toss, just having a catch or kicking a ball around, are possibilities. Hula Hoops, Jump Ropes, Frisbees, and other fun things are always available for individual or small-group play.

3:45 - 4:00

Time to gather belongings and clean up. We make every effort to encourage the children to keep the park clean for ourselves and for others.  It is a good lesson in civic responsibility and helps to establish a positive group dynamic.

4:00 - 6:00  ...   Late pick Up time

Board Games and Cartooning (We provide some good how-to books!) are popular choices.  Kids with energy to burn may choose to have a catch, kick a ball around, or play with any of the sports equipment that we have at camp.

Some notes...

Time out for a rest in the shade, water, snacks & rest room breaks are taken as needed. 

Although the children will be able to have a fresh fruit snack whenever they want during the day, you may wish to pack two or three snackables in your child's day pack in addition to their lunch.

On hot days we often have a session of Wet Sponge Toss. 

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What do you do if it rains?  Is there a place to seek shade?

Regarding the Summer Sports Camp, since 1988, when I first got involved in youth activities in the East bay, I have seldom experienced anything more than a brief, light sprinkle. In case of rain we will seek shelter under our camp canopy or go to the Community Center. 

The summer in the Bay Area is nearly always a dry one, so we do not anticipate anything more than a momentary inconvenience, if that.

The camp canopy will provide shade when the kids come in for lunch, have a snack, take a rest break, or participate in one of the many 'down time' options that we offer, such as cartooning, chess, connect-four, and many other board and table games.  

If a Sunday program is cancelled due to poor field conditions or rain, we will either give a make up day or a credit towards any future program.
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How can I reach the Sports Camp during program hours?

During the Summer Camp, a cell phone is maintained on-site so you can reach us in case of an emergency.  (This phone number will be made available to you on the 'Orientation Sheet' when you come to camp for the first time.) 

For general information and non-emergency matters, please call the Albany Sports Camp office (510) 559-8208

or the El Cerrito Community Center (510) 559-7000.
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How does it work if I don’t need ‘Extended Care’ every day? 

Extended Care is available on a per diem basis.  The cost is $12.00 for each two hour segment needed.  For your convenience, you may make this payment on site.

You may decide to do this at any time.  It is your option whether or not it is better to pay for Early and/or Late Extended Care per diem or by the week ($40.00 for either am or pm.; $80 for both). 

Please note that the El Cerrito Community Center will provide extra child care for those who need to drop off their children prior to 9:00 am.  The cost is only $20.00 for an entire week of early care from 7:00 - 9:00 am.

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What is your Summer Camp drop-in policy?

We offer a daily rate for either 5, 7, or 9 hours. Suppose your schedule is such that you would like your child to attend the Sports Camp for less than the full week. All you need do is pay the Drop-in rate for each of the days your child attends.  Advance notice is not required.

Another great feature of this option is that a visiting friend or relative may join the camp with your child for just a day or two by paying the per diem rate.  Please remember to bring a completed registration form and waiver for 'visitors'.
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What is your cancellation/refund policy? 

For Sunday Soccer & Baseball, please refer to the Albany Sports Camp Registration Form.

The City of El Cerrito refund policy will apply to the 2008 El Cerrito Sports Camp.

For 'changes' see the next entry below.
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Questions ~ Suggestions ~ Feedback...

Please feel free to call or Email ASC Director Norm Friedman

         (510) 559-8208       albanysportscamp@yahoo.com

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