Parent/Guardian Handbook
Arrival and Departure Procedures
For safety reasons, children will only be released to individuals authorized by the custodial parent or guardian in writing and listed on file. Anyone picking up children will be asked to present identification. Even during multi-day camps, please be prepared to show ID at pick-up, as staff may vary each day. We will strictly follow the details provided during registration. Any alternative dismissal arrangements must be submitted in writing.
Late Pick-Up Fees
Starting at closing time, a late pick-up fee of $10.00 per child will be charged for every 15 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time.
Program Activities & Dress Code
Our camps are all about fun, creativity, and hands-on activities! Children will be involved in farming, cooking, and art projects—things that can get messy. Please ensure your child is dressed for active, and potentially messy, play. Tennis shoes and a change of clothes are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
Absence Notification
If your child will be absent, please notify us via email at kids@workingfood.org at least 24 hours in advance. For last-minute notifications (less than 24 hours), please call the on-call number at 352-260-4458.
Full refunds are only available if requested 30 days in advance of the workshop or camp.
Our Staff
All Working Food staff members have completed state and local background checks and are certified in CPR and First Aid. Each camp session is capped at 12 participants and maintains a minimum staff-to-child ratio of 1:6, although it’s often closer to 1:3 due to the complexity of our activities.
Snacks and Lunch
Parents must inform the staff of any food allergies in the Registration Packet.
For full-day camps, Working Food will provide a morning and afternoon snack. Children should bring their own lunch from home. Prior to the start of camp, we will notify families about any participant allergies (such as peanuts) that may affect what can be packed for lunch.
We do not provide a snack for after school workshops.
Personal Belongings
Please leave personal items and toys at home.
Emergency and Illness Procedures
In case of a medical emergency, we will make every effort to contact parents or guardians for specific instructions. If we cannot reach you within a reasonable time, the staff will make decisions in the child’s best interest. Please note that Working Food and its staff are not financially responsible for medical treatments. We do not provide accident insurance for participants.
If a child becomes ill while attending camp, parents will be contacted to pick up the child promptly. Failure to do so may result in the child’s dismissal from the camp and future programs.
Medication Policy
Working Food staff are not authorized to store or administer prescription medication. Parents or guardians should administer necessary medication outside of camp hours. If a child needs medication during camp, a parent or guardian must visit to administer it.
Parent Communication
A private Google Photo Album will be shared with program participants, with updates provided at the end of the camp. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to us at kids@workingfood.org or call 352-260-4458.
Participant Expectations
Children must be able to follow the camp rules. Working Food reserves the right to dismiss any child for disruptive behavior. Attending our camps is a privilege!
We follow the Mayan principle of In’Lakech, as captured by poet Luis Valdez: “You are my other me. If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you, I love and respect myself.”
Working Food Youth Camp Rules
- Treat others with kindness and respect—“you are my other me”
- Be respectful of the people, plants, land, and materials we are working with
- Listen when someone is speaking
- Follow staff instructions during activities
- No fighting or rough play
- Walk when indoors
- Stay with the group at all times
- Practice fair play in all activities
Grounds for Refusal of Service
We reserve the right to refuse service for the following reasons:
- Physical or verbal abuse directed at staff by parents or children
- Failure to follow camp policies, procedures, or rules
- Inability of participant to use bathroom facilities independently
- Failure to provide up-to-date information or records
