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What is the philosophy of
Rob Andrews Baseball Camps? Is this program highly
competitive? Are girls welcome?
Our 'Regular' Camp differs from youth league play in that we are not
concerned with players 'skill levels'. Each camp is
completed in five days and is scheduled with learning stations, team
competitions, and opportunities for individual accomplishment. This does not
allow us the time, nor do we feel it necessary, to conduct 'tryouts' to
determine youngsters playing levels (however, age & skill level distinctions
will be made in the Advanced Training Camp (ATC) program). Our goal, and philosophy, is to
stress the importance of teamwork and
good sportsmanship, and to
give
all children the same opportunity, regardless of skill level or previous
experience. Emphasis is
placed on rewarding children for
great attitudes, rather than for physical
attributes. Therefore, we position campers on teams
by age, and with friends if possible (n/a ATC's). This ensures a 'social
compatibility' and the chance for youngsters to
relax, have fun, and to learn
good baseball fundamentals without the pressures which often accompany
competitive youth league play.
Girls are also welcome to
attend. (Parents should be aware that there is typically anywhere
from 0 to 5 girls at each camp. These girls typically are ages 8-10.)
Lastly, we also strive to develop our programs with the
appropriate
curriculum to match the levels of each age group. In
order to help us reach these stated goals we ask parents to review with their
child the camper's 'Behavior
Agreement'.
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What kind of awards, or other camper recognition, does the camp provide?
The camp feels that providing awards for 'attitude' and 'team
accomplishment' helps meet its stated philosophy and goals. There are no
'all-star' rewards or designations at the Camp. Examples of
'individual
awards' given in the 'Regular' camp are: the 'Humm Baby', which is given to one player
on each team at camp each day. This award is for hustle, encouraging
teammates, attentiveness at learning stations, etc.; 'Diamond Duckets'
are also randomly awarded to campers throughout each day for good attitude and
they provide campers a chance to win prizes in the big 'Diamond
Ducket Draw' on Friday;
'Baseball Cards' are handed out when youngsters answer questions
regarding baseball trivia or current baseball facts; 'Year Badges'
are presented to all campers upon their completion of each camp. Some of
the 'team awards' given at camp include: 'Team Spirit Box',
filled with packs of baseball cards for each camper on the team chosen at the
end of the week as having the best team spirit; 'Rock Ball Badges'
are presented to each teams Rock Ball champions; 'Baseball Olympic
Certificate' given to each member of the camp's Baseball Olympic winners.
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What measures are taken at camp to ensure
my child's safety?
Your child's safety is our number one concern at
the Camp. Overall,
the camp is tightly structured and organized to allow for maximum supervision of
campers. The camp maintains a 1 to 8 ratio of staff to
campers. Things that are done to ensure the campers well being are:
Standing
rule regarding 'bat safety'. This rule, which is enforced daily,
states that "no camper is to pick up a bat unless told to do so by the camp
staff". Two roll calls are conducted each day to make
sure that all campers are accounted. The first roll is taken each morning
to ensure they have arrived safely. Parents are called at home or work if their
child's absence has not been accounted for by a note to the camp director or a
call to the camp office. The second roll call is done at the conclusion of
lunch time. Bathroom procedures are also used that make sure
no camper goes to the restroom area unsupervised.
End of day
dismissal is done using three
different dismissal options. Parents select whether they want their child
to either: a) Leave on their own, b) wait with the camp staff at the parking lot
pick-up area, or c) wait with their coach for a pre-authorized adult to sign
them out.
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What skill level (or age) should my child
be at to attend this Camp?
How much experience is needed?
As discussed above under 'Camp Philosophy', skill level is not a priority at
the 'Regular' Camps (age & skill levels are considerations in
the Advanced Training Camp (ATC) program). Nor is previous playing experience. The
only
thing a child needs to attend is a desire to have fun and learn baseball.
Sometimes parents mistakenly place their children, who have no interest in
baseball, in the Camp. Though youngsters can learn to enjoy the game
while at camp, this is not an advisable thing to do.
This camp is a 'Specialty Sports Camp' and should not be use as day care!
The stated 'Regular' camp age range is 8-12 (ATC's is 11-12). We are often asked if
children younger than eight can attend the
'Regular' camp. The Camp will allow seven year olds to attend based on 'Parents
Discretion',
however children younger than seven are not allowed.
Parents
should consider the overall maturity (not just baseball skill level) of their child
before enrolling a seven
year old. Many seven year olds are better off waiting a year before
attending the Camp for the first time. Parents are encouraged to consider what
their child's school teachers say about their
attention span
and overall ability to stay focused
when needed throughout an entire day.
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Should my child attend a 'Regular Camp' or an 'Advanced Training Camp'
(ATC)?
This question is often asked by parents who are unsure whether their child
should participate in either the 'Regular' day camp, the ATC,
or both. To be eligible for the
ATC program your child must be 11-12 years old at the time of his/her camp,
and have completed a season of youth league play with 12 year old
competition, i.e. Little League 'Majors', etc.. The camp will on
occasion make an exception
for players 10 or 13 years of age (if your child meets the youth league play
requirement mentioned above call the camp office (925) 935-3505 to inquire about
an 'ATC Clearance').
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How is the teaming done at camp? Does the Advanced
Training Camps (ATC's) have teaming
also?
In the
Regular Camp program
teaming is done by date of birth.
The camp also endeavors, but is not obligated, to team campers with friends (see
below), as
requested on their application form. Teams typically are constructed
with approximately 18-20 each to allow for division into two smaller teams for
games, etc. These team groups stay together throughout the camp day,
except during lunch and other camp group activities, and ensures that campers
remain with their appropriate social groups.
In the Advanced Training Camp there is
no pre-arranged teaming.
This is necessary to allow the on-site camp director to accurately schedule
daily activities and arrange campers in appropriate groupings as needed.
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Can I team my child with a friend? If so, how do I do
that?
If your child is attending the
Regular Camp
you may indicate
one
other camper's name to be teamed with while at camp. Things parents should
consider when requesting teaming are: 1) the camp teams by date of birth
and will not team anyone who is more that 1 1/2 years apart in age;
2) you must request a teaming on your camp application and not upon arrival at
camp; 3) there are no guarantees the camp will be able to team your child
with his/her requested friend.
Remember, the camp experience is about making new friends and relationships.
Often, when parents team several friends together a 'cliquishness' develops and
these campers are less likely to extend themselves to their teammates, and other
campers, in friendship. Therefore they are deprived of the full camp
experience.
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Will the Camp conflict with my child's youth league participation, i.e.
all-stars, tournament play, etc.?
Due to the days and hours of the
Camp there is rarely any conflicts with youth league post-season games or
practices. Children often attend both the camp during the day and league
activities in the evening, and many have noted the improvement in their league play due
to their camp participation. However, parents are responsible to
inquire of leagues and plan accordingly if their child's coach plans mid-day
practices or games during your camp week. The camp does refund for
days lost due to league conflicts.
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Who are the coaches, and what is ratio of coaches to campers?
The coaching staff of the Rob
Andrews Baseball Camps is typically comprised of former major leaguers,
and college/high school coaches and players. A
ratio of 1 to 8, coaches
to campers, is maintain. This ratio does not include the visiting pros
or camp site director or medical staff. The staff is selected based on their
abilities to relate well with children and to teach baseball fundamentals.
Many of the staff at the Camp have come up through the program in past years.
Each year all available staff are
required to attend pre-camp training sessions
to review camp procedures and to teach skills and program curriculum.
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Will any current major
league players be at the camp?
The Rob Andrews Baseball Camp has always felt that campers should meet and be taught by pro
players. Over the years the camp has learned that retired players usually
have more time, and a better disposition, in relating with youngsters. At
the Camp the visiting pros come in uniform and
spend the entire
day with the campers. This differs substantially from having
active players attend who will not be in uniform, and who often will only attend
for a short period and sign autographs.
Click
here to see a list of pros
attending the camps.
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Can parents, or other adults, come to the camp to observe during the day?
At the Rob Andrews Baseball Camp we take great pride
in the program we've developed over the many years. We also love to have
parents, family members, friends come and observe. Often, parents
will come to camp and have lunch with their children. We encourage parents
who would like to video tape many of the learning stations for future reference,
especially in organizing their own youth league teams, to do so.
All the camp asks, if you plan to attend the during the day, is that
you not go on the fields, or interfere in any way with the activities being
conducted.
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Do I need to drop off at 9:00 a.m. and pickup at 3:00 p.m.? Is
there any before or after camp care?
It is absolutely essential that parents be prompt in dropping off and
picking up their children from camp each day. The camp hours are Monday
through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Campers should be
dropped off
each morning between 8:45 am and 9:00 am (except on Monday when they should
arrive by 8:30 am for check-in). The camp ends each day a 3:00 pm and
parents arriving early can attend the 'Post Game Show' at 2:30 pm. The
camp staff cannot be responsible to supervise children beyond the
3:15 pm
'grace period' allowed for late parents.
There
is no before or after camp care provided! IMPORTANT NOTE:
Parents arriving to pick up their children after 3:15 pm will be charged $0.50
per minute for staff supervision time. This fee must be paid in full
before dropping off your child the next day (except Friday when it will be due
that day).
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Does my child bring their lunch, and are drinks available?
Campers should bring their lunch each day,
with their name on it, in a bag or other container. There is no
refrigeration provided at the camp sites so parents should not send perishable
items. While water is available at all sites campers may also bring
their own drinks for lunch. The Camp provides a 'sports drink' (Gatorade) to campers
towards the end of each day.
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What clothing and equipment are needed?
The camp provides most of the necessary baseball equipment needed.
However, campers will need to make sure to bring with them the following
items. MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON EVERYTHING!
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Baseball glove |
Athletic supporter & cup
(see note
below) |
Pair baseball pants, sweatpants or jeans |
SUN BLOCK & LIP PROTECTION |
LUNCH |
|
Baseball hat |
Pair baseball, soccer, or tennis
shoes |
Windbreaker or light jacket |
Water bottle |
Carry bag |
Note from Rob Andrews regarding tips on 'Cups & Supporters':
Many parents ask me if these items are absolutely necessary. The
answer is 'absolutely YES'. The reason is that the combination of
youngsters, and bats & balls, creates a scenario whereupon injuries can
occur. Injuries to the groin area are preventable with proper safety
equipment, which includes the athletic supporter and cup. Along with
being required at camp, I strongly recommend that your child wear these
items each and every time they participate in activities utilizing bats,
balls, etc. Here are a few 'tips' on selecting and wearing the
'cup':
1) Always use an athletic supporter to hold the cup in place.
Briefs with a cup 'pocket' typically don't keep the cup in the optimal
position. Supporters are often indicated by 'waist size'.
2) 'Cup Size' generally is indicated as small, medium, large.
However, this may prove to be little help to the parent who has no frame of
reference in regard to cup sizing. The best advice I can give is ask a
sales person at your local sporting goods store for assistance. If
this help is unavailable, take the cup and supporter into the dressing room,
or home, and try it on. It should fit snug enough to hold its
position, but not constricting.
3) Wear the cup properly to avoid chaffing and discomfort.
Here's what I tell our campers how the 'Big Leaguer's' wear their cups:
Before putting anything on first liberally apply some baby powder, etc., to
the skin area around the groin where the cup's edges will rub. Then
put on some underwear that is longer than typical boys briefs, i.e., mid
thigh range, and fits snug. Lastly, put on the supporter and cup (the
cup should be secured inside the supporters pouch).
4) Practice wearing the supporter and cup for a few hours each
day before your first day of camp. Build up the number of hours to
finally equal a full day of camp (approximately 7-8 hours)
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How will my child be dismissed at the end of the day?
Great care is taken each day to
ensure the safety of the campers during dismissal. Parents are required to
indicate on their child's application which of three different dismissal options
they would like to use:
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LEAVE
ON OWN |
PARKING
LOT |
ADULT
SIGN OUT |
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This option allows the camper to leave the camp
site at dismissal on his/her own without adult supervision.
(It's often used with older campers who live near the camp site.) |
This option has children being dismissed with camp
staff to go to the parking lot area to await pickup, with no adult
sign-out required. (This is the option used by most parents .) |
Parents must park their car and find their child's
team at dismissal. The team coach will have a sign-out list which must
be signed by an adult listed on it. (If used, parents must
make sure their list is up to date as campers will not be released to
anyone not listed..) |
How can I pay for the camp? Can I hold a spot with a
deposit?
You may pay with either a
check, cash, or credit card
(VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVERCARD). You can enroll your child on-line, or with a
mail-in application via US Mail. If enrolling
on-line you can use either cash, check or charge.
There
are no deposits. Full payment must accompany your
application. If enrolling on-line and paying with a check or cash, your
spot in the Camp is not confirmed until your payment is received. The
camp usually allows 7 calendar days to receive your payment before your spot
is relinquished.
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What kind of discounts are given by
the Camp?
Are scholarships provided?
If your child has attended the RABC before, he
or she will also be eligible for the 'Returning Camper' Discount.
In addition, there is a 'Sibling' Discount for all
bothers & sisters attending. The camp
does provide scholarships to select charitable organizations throughout the Bay
Area.
No scholarships are provided to individuals
directly calling the camp
office. Check with your local charity to see if they have scholarships
available, and under what conditions they are provided.
(If you are a
member of a non-profit organization and would like to inquire about receiving
camperships for your group contact the camp office.)
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What is the refund policy?
If you notify the camp office,
on or before the Friday prior to your
program date, that your child has become severely ill or is injured, you
will be refunded your full tuition less a $10.00 administrative fee. Any
such illness or injury must be substantiated in writing by your child's
physician. All other refunds are calculated as follows
when
your notice of cancellation is
received within these
deadlines:
|
Registration thru APRIL 1st |
Full Refund (less $10.00 fee) |
|
APRIL 2nd thru
MAY 1st |
Full Refund (less $25.00 fee) |
|
MAY 2nd thru JUNE 1st |
Full Refund (less $50.00 fee) |
|
JUNE 2nd thru
the FRIDAY
preceding your program start date |
Full Refund (less $110.00 fee) |
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN as of
the SATURDAY preceding your program start date. This
includes: periodic illness; unexpected personal schedule conflicts (i.e., summer
school, vacation, youth league activities); program day(s) missed due to
inclement weather; dismissal due to misbehavior;
etc. (see 'Behavior
Agreement')
Additional Fees: $10.00 service
fees will be charged for: 1) Program changes after May 15th
2)
Checks returned by the bank as un-payable.
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Does my child need a medical exam to attend? Is Medical
Insurance required?
No doctor's medical exam is required to attend
the
Camp. However, you will be required to
indicate your child's
immunization status. If your child is currently enrolled in public
school in California then he/she is up-to-date on shots. If your child is not
current on his/her immunizations, you will
need to indicate this on your camp application.
All parents will be required to verify that their child
has current medical insurance coverage.
The camp does not provide medical insurance. If you do not provide this
coverage for your child you will need to sign a camp 'Medical Insurance Waiver'
before attending.
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