1:1 Aides at Camp

Information for Parents

Your child’s counselors lead the group, build community, and guide each day. A 1:1 provides extra support for your child, especially during transitions, unstructured play, and times when they need help re-engaging with the group. We aim to help your child participate as fully and independently as possible, with extra support available when needed.

Parent Responsibilities

To help Camp prepare for a successful summer, families are asked to:

• Provide complete and accurate information about your child’s strengths, needs, and any behavior or support plans
• Share strategies that work at home or at school, including communication systems and sensory or regulation tools
• Ensure the agency you work with provides a 1:1 that meets all Camp Kinneret requirements, including background checks, live scans, and onboarding paperwork
• Ensure that your agency provides us with the name and email of the 1:1 aide 6 weeks before the first day of camp
• Ensure that the 1:1 has completed all assigned paperwork 4 weeks before the first day of camp
• Work with your agency to identify a backup 1:1 who can meet all the above requirements in case of absence
• Ensure that your agency will require their 1:1 to attend Camp Kinneret’s mandatory virtual training the week before camp starts
• Understand that if 1:1 is not meeting expectations or creating a safe environment, Camp may require a replacement for your child to continue attending

Transportation Guidelines for Campers with 1:1s

• If a camper needs 1 on 1 support in the event of an emergency on the bus, their aide must ride the bus with them.
• If a camper does not need 1 on 1 emergency support, the aide may drive to camp and meet the camper as they exit the bus.
• If the family prefers the 1:1 to ride the bus even when it is not required, the family should contact the camp office to make sure there is space.
• If there is not space on that route, we can look for a spot on the next closest route, and the family may choose to drive their camper to that stop.

Note about payment

If you are using a third-party to pay for camp, please click here for more information!

Information for 1:1 Agencies

Agencies play a key role in setting up campers and 1:1s for success. Camp Kinneret is a fully outdoor, active day camp, and 1:1s must be prepared for that environment.

Agency Responsibilities

• Provide a trained and prepared 1:1 who is ready for a fully outdoor, active program
• Ensure Live Scan clearance with ongoing monitoring by the agency’s Custodian of Records
• Complete all Camp Kinneret onboarding and background check forms
• Coordinate a single consistent 1:1 when possible, or a clear and predictable rotation
• Communicate with Camp about staffing or clearance changes
• Reinforce camp expectations and policies with their staff

1:1 Consistency Matters

Single 1:1 for the full camp experience with backup on hand for absences (ideal)
Consistent, predictable schedule with a small team (acceptable)
Random or last-minute 1:1 filling in (not allowed)

Consistency helps campers feel safe, build trust, and get the most out of camp.

Matching 1:1s to Campers

Agencies should take into account the camper’s needs and the demands of our program. 1:1s should be comfortable:

• Working outdoors in warm weather and varied terrain
• Supporting multiple transitions throughout the day
• Helping with emotional regulation and behavior support
• Facilitating social interaction and group participation
• Swimming daily and being in the water with their camper

Orientation and Collaboration

1:1 aides are required to attend a virtual orientation on June 8th OR 9th that will cover policies, procedures, and expectations of their role at camp. Once the summer has begun, a designated Leadership Team member, assigned to the group, will work with the family, counselors, camper, and 1:1 to ensure the camper’s success throughout the summer. Agencies are encouraged to collaborate with camp leadership if questions or concerns arise about camper support.

Information for 1:1 Aides

Thank you for supporting a camper at Camp Kinneret this summer. You are an important part of helping your camper feel capable, safe, and connected. While you are employed by an outside agency and not by Camp Kinneret, you are part of our camp community and are expected to follow our policies.

Your Role at Camp

Your primary responsibility is to support your assigned camper. You will join their group for the entire camp day and step in when your camper needs help. You are not a counselor and are not responsible for leading activities or managing the group. The counselors will lead the program, and you will support your camper within that structure.

A helpful guideline is:

Do as little as possible, but as much as necessary.

The goal is to help the camper participate in camp and build independence, while knowing you are available when they need extra support.

Active Engagement Expectations

1:1s should:

• Stay near and attentive to their camper
• Join games, songs, and activities with the group
• Help their camper re-engage with the group when they are struggling
• Take breaks only after notifying a counselor
• Plan to swim each day with your camper
• Be tech-free (even for note-taking) through the entirety of the camp day

Daily Swim Expectations for 1:1s

All campers swim every day, and 1:1s are expected to:

• Enter the water with their camper
• Support safe and appropriate play in the pool
• Help their camper listen and respond when lifeguards blow whistles or give instructions
• Encourage participation and help their camper connect with other campers

1:1s are never expected to lifeguard or perform rescues. Your role is to stay near your camper and help them participate safely.

Camp is a Tech-Free Environment

1:1s need to be tech-free for the duration of the camp day. Should you need to log information, please do so on paper during the camp day and transfer the information later. Phones and other devices should not be used at camp for any reason.

If there is an extenuating circumstance, you can speak with the Leadership Team member who supports 1:1s. Your supervisor from the agency may also call and speak with that Leadership Team member to coordinate.

Appearance and Camp Clothing

• Wear clothing that is appropriate for an active day outdoors and for working with children of all ages.
• Closed-toed shoes are required for safety.
• Swimwear should allow for active play, not be overly revealing, and follow camp guidelines.
• If you would like to wear a Camp Kinneret camper shirt, they can be purchased at a special $10 price. The agency should let the Leadership Team member who supports 1:1s know so we can have shirts ready when you arrive.

A Shadow’s Day at Camp

Bus or Drop off → Morning assembly → Activities → Daily swim → Lunch → Afternoon activities → Afternoon assembly → Bus or Pick up

This rhythm repeats in a different order, with rotating activities each day, with plenty of time for transitions, play, and connection.

Transportation and Your Camper

• You may need to ride the bus with your camper if they require 1 on 1 support in the event of an emergency or during the ride.
• If your camper does not need this level of support, you may drive to camp and meet them as they exit the bus.
• If a family requests that you ride the bus even when it is not required, camp will check to see if there is space on that route. If not, we may look for space on a nearby route and the family may choose to use that stop.

Staying Within Your Role

1:1 are there for their camper and should only be assisting their camper. We hope that you will play the games, sing the songs, and be a part of the group, while keeping your primary focus on your camper. If you see other campers who need help, please get the attention of a counselor, CILT, or Leadership Team member so they can respond.

Orientation and Support

1:1 aides are required to attend a virtual orientation on June 8th OR 9th that will cover policies, procedures, and expectations of their role at camp. Once the summer has begun, a designated Leadership Team member, assigned to the group, will work with the family, counselors, camper, and 1:1 to ensure the camper’s success throughout the summer. 1:1s are encouraged to collaborate with camp leadership if questions or concerns arise about camper support.