spilled milk social club
Operational Policies - Summer Camp *Updated in February 2025
Our mission & vision..
spilled milk social club seeks to facilitate creative play in unique, engaging and flexible learning environments in order to promote the development of problem solving and communication skills, calculated risk taking, and resilience. We envision a world where unstructured playtime is given back to children such that they are able to develop strong social-emotional skills such as problem solving, communication, resilience, and respect and responsibility to the community.
Our values…
Our child guidance philosophy…
In our interactions with the children enrolled in the program, smsc commits to treating each child with respect while keeping in mind our goal of guiding them to be the best version of themselves. We wish to instill in the youth a sense of independence and self-empowerment so that our community, young and old, is one that is welcoming, friendly, safe and exciting.
Our actions and words reflect a language, tone and intention that is sincere, genuine and constructive. We avoid communicating and acting out of frustration in hopes of modeling the most respectful and effective means of interaction for the children. In short, we (smsc staff and collaborators,) carry ourselves in the same manner that we expect from the children under our care.
Our methodology…
spilled milk social club uses play as its central methodology for promoting healthy child development and learning. Our emergent curriculum is representative of this methodology. Substantiated by extensive research, play is a vital catalyst for critical thinking, cooperation, communication, and executive functioning skills.
General Information
What are the hours of operation during the summer?
We are open Monday through Friday.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8a - 5:30p; Friday 8a - 4p
What is the fee for late pick-up?
Regular care ends at 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday; on Fridays, we close at 4p. If you arrive between 1 and 10 minutes late, a $5 late fee will apply. An additional $1 per minute fee will apply for each minute after the “ten minutes late” mark. For example, if you arrive at 5:14p on a Tuesday, you will be charged $5 for the first 10 minutes, and 4 additional dollars for the 4 minutes past 5:10 for a total of $9.
Do I need to notify the directors if my child will be absent?
During summer programming, we ask families to notify us via text or email if their child will be absent on any day. This will help our staff in advance of any preparations for projects and/or field trips.
When is spilled milk social club closed?
We publish our summer calendar in January, before families sign up. The dates we are open and closed are listed on our website: nousecrying.com. Any last-minute closures due to weather or other emergencies will be communicated to families via phone or email.
What services does spilled milk social club offer during summer months?
We offer day camp for 5-13 year old children. We plan field trips and onsite events throughout each camp session. Parents are provided with a weekly schedule of activities.
How are the children divided age-wise?
Kids are placed in groups of approximately 30-35, with each group having at least two primary caregivers. Extra staff act as “floaters” between groups, to support whenever needed, like during special projects, field trips, etc. Campers are grouped according to age/grade level: CUPS (rising Kinder/1st grade) PINTS (rising 2nd and 3rd grade) QUARTS (rising 3rd and 4th grade) and GALLONS (rising 5th and 6th grade).
My child is 5 years old but hasn’t been to kindergarten yet. Can they still attend?
We do accept enrollment for children who are 5 but haven’t yet been to kindergarten. Because summer camp can be very fast-paced and intensive, we limit enrollment for rising kindergarteners to four weeks of camp (total-- 2 two-week sessions would count as 4 weeks). This is both in the interest of the children (for whom the transition can be a challenge) and the classroom staff.
Are the children given choices or directed towards certain activities?
Our mission is to instill in all of our campers a sense of confidence and creativity, and part of that means making choices to suit one’s individuality. Throughout each week at camp, several different projects and guided activities are offered, from which campers are able to choose how they participate. While these activities are guided/facilitated by staff, our goal is that the kiddos are designing, planning, and executing the activities and we (the grown-ups) are merely the tools with which they can accomplish their goals.
We also believe that youngsters should have a choice in how they spend their time. When they are not actively engaged in a project, field trip, group activity, etc, campers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of adult monitored centers, facilities, and activities. These include a craft/art area, dramatic play, Legos, outdoor games and free play.
What is spilled milk social club’s discipline/guidance policy?
We understand that it is a child’s job to experiment and explore as they learn to navigate the world around them. We believe our task is to assist children to become independent, responsible, respectful individuals.
We believe discipline must be:
We use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include the following:
We believe there must be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child.
What is spilled milk social club’s suspension/expulsion policy?
To the greatest extent possible, we will work with each family to ensure that our program serves the unique needs of each child. In rare instances when a child requires more attention or skills/resources than we are able to provide, we may ask a family to seek a different child care option. In these cases, we will do our best to work with the family of that child to allow for a smooth and healthy transition out of our program and into another.
What are the expectations for parents of enrolled children?
-Be aware of all policies, hours and deadlines
-Read all signs, postings and emails thoroughly
-Know (and greet) the directors and staff who look after your child daily
-Ask questions and give feedback!
-Know and trust that your child’s best interest is our priority. If you have an issue or concern, please approach the staff and directors with kindness so that we can maintain a positive working relationship.
What if I have questions/concerns and need to talk with someone?
We encourage an open and ongoing dialogue with parents and staff at spilled milk social club. Feel free to call, text or email us, and if needed, we can arrange an in-person meeting. Our job is to ensure that every child in our care is safe and happy. We appreciate parental input about an individual child’s needs.
What if I want to visit the facility?
Enrolled families are welcome to visit our facility anytime during our operating hours. Prospective families should email us to set up a tour, which will be guided by one of our supervising staff or directors.
How are parents notified of non-emergency information?
We frequently send out emails with important info and upcoming dates; during the summer, a schedule for each session is emailed to enrolled families a week in advance of camp. We expect all families to pay attention to emails in order to stay abreast of any news or info they may need.
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due at the beginning of the month, according to the dates listed in your “summer camp confirmation” email. You have until the 5th of the month to make a tuition payment, unless you reach out to us about paying on a different schedule. We cannot issue refunds for absence or withdrawal past the deadline for schedule changes, unless a family on our wait-list can fill that spot. Instructions for how to make tuition payments are included in the email that accompanies your first tuition statement.
Does spilled milk social club accommodate part time enrollment?
Due to the nature of our camp and in order to financially sustain our program, we do not offer part-time enrollment during summer camp. Our activities throughout the week will frequently be ongoing and connected with one another. We hate for kids to feel that they are missing out on a project or activity that they have taken some part in creating/imagining/designing. That said, if a child misses some portion of any camp session, we will always do our best to give them the full camp experience, along with all other campers.
Will I get credits for absences or the days spilled milk social club is closed?
For summer camp, children are enrolled for predetermined sessions as requested by parents and approved by smsc’s directors. While smsc is committed to being flexible for families whose schedules may change, we can’t guarantee that changes in enrollment, (specifically, changing from one session to another,) will be subject to a transfer of tuition payments, as sessions fill ahead of schedule, etc. Tuition won’t be reduced/refunded for families whose children arrive late/get picked up early, as our expenses regarding staffing/budget don’t change.
What is spilled milk social club’s bad weather policy?
During summer, we follow the National Weather Advisory. In the event of inclement weather, we will contact families by phone and/or email.
What information is needed from me to enroll in summer camp and what is the enrollment process?
Completed information on our enrollment forms is required prior to a child’s enrollment, including a confirmation that the child is physically able to take part in our program. Also, parents must complete new enrollment forms each year, in order to finalize their child’s enrollment. Once a family completes an online application for a given program, directors will contact them to offer a spot contingent upon availability.
What are the immunization, TB test, and vision and hearing document requirements?
During each enrollment period, a parent signature is required (on the enrollment forms) stating that the child’s immunization record and health screening/test results are current and on file at the elementary school the child attends. Parents must also provide the name, address, and telephone number of the elementary school on the enrollment forms.
Does smsc provide meals or snacks?
During summer we ask that families send enough lunch and snacks for their child for the entire day. We do not serve meals or snacks during summer camp months. Additionally, we ask families to avoid sending lunches that require refrigeration or microwaving. While we can facilitate this occasionally, it slows down our day significantly if we must provide this service for all children. Parents must also send a labeled water bottle for their child each day, though we do have the capacity to refill water bottles onsite. *As of May 2021: We are NOT a nut-free facility. We will notify all families in writing if/when this policy changes.
How much notice must I give to withdraw my child from the program?
For summer camp, any cancellations to your child’s schedule must be made according to the deadlines outlined in your “summer camp confirmation” email. Any withdrawal after a session’s deadline will be subject to the family’s full tuition agreement.
What is spilled milk’s policy on electronics and technological devices?
At spilled milk, we operate with a “no electronics or devices” policy for kids. Since the inception of our program, we have sought to create an experience similar to those of our own childhoods, where creative play reigns supreme. While on our campus and in our care, kids have access to a multitude of resources with which to play and occupy their time, as well as fun, creative adults to help them generate ideas and guide their explorations.
This policy is similar for our staff as well. The use of electronic devices while children are in care is limited to Slack (our communication platform), cueing music, and the occasional search for “pictures of red-tailed hawks” or “how to fold an origami bullfrog” or “when is the next solar eclipse.”
We understand that an increasing number of children have devices (phones, watches, tablets, etc.) that allow them to contact and communicate with their parents. We ask that these devices be left at home or (if worn on their person) be set to “school mode” or an equivalent mode that does not allow calls, texts, social media or games while present at our facility. We will always assist a child in communicating with parents if the necessity arises, but we strongly prefer to do so through our own systems. Communication, independence, and an ability to advocate for oneself are all values that are embedded into our policies and procedures at spilled milk, and we have found that constant and immediate contact with parents can undermine our ability to support the development of those skills.
If it is crucial to your family that your child have a device with which to communicate with parents while at our facility, this must be brought to the attention of and discussed with the directors prior to your child attending spilled milk.
Daily
Routines
What is the drop off/pick up procedure?
Morning Arrival: Families are invited to drop campers off between 8 and 9/9:30a every morning, though you can drop off later than that window of time as long as your child doesn't have a morning field trip that requires leaving at a specific time- check your weekly schedule! If you need to drop off after 9/9:30a, please text us to let us know: 512.317.6408
Drop-Off Procedure:
Afternoon Pick-Up Times and Procedures:
You have until 5:30p to pick up your child Monday-Thursday, and until 4p on Fridays.
Parents will be expected to come pick up their child from their designated classrooms. Parents may park in our parking lot and enter the building from the lower gate, or use street parking on Cherrywood or 38th ½ St and enter the facility from the Cherrywood entrance. Both entrances have codes, which will be communicated to parents in multiple emails prior to the start of your child’s session. For the safety of all enrolled children and staff, please do not share the code with anyone who does not absolutely need it.
Who is allowed to pick up your child?
We will release your child to a primary parent/guardian OR an individual you've listed under the "Release of Child" section on your form. Even for these authorized people, we'll check the ID of anyone we've yet to meet, FYI. If anyone NOT LISTED on your child's form will be picking them up on any particular day, we ask that you notify us ahead of pick-up time, via text or email. We'll check that person's ID and make note of their license plate number when they arrive. We won't allow your child to leave with anyone who isn't listed on their form unless we hear from you.
What is the field trip/outing procedure?
During summer camp, a weekly schedule will be issued to each family, outlining any and all activities that will take place outside of the camp’s facility. Permission to transport the children while being supervised by smsc staff via smsc-provided vehicles or on foot, is given on each child’s enrollment forms signed by parents.
Field Trip Practices:
-All children wear identical wristbands (to be worn on their wrists or ankles) inscribed with “spilled milk social club 512-317-6408.” They are instructed to wear them at all times while off campus in our care.
-Staff have an updated list of children in attendance, as well as all enrollment information for each child in case of emergency. Staff continually monitor the area and supervise children for safety and each staff member carries a cell phone in order to contact the director or parents in case of emergency.
-For the summer of 2025, each group goes on two or three field trips per week, for the most part. Parents are given a schedule for all field trips at least 48 hours in advance, though typically on the Wednesday prior to the week in question.
What types of water activities does smsc provide?
Along with visiting area splash pads and occasional water play at our facility (inflatable pools, water squirters, etc.) each group will go on at least one swim field trip each week. We take swim field trips very seriously, have high behavioral expectations, set firm physical boundaries, and are actively counting children and monitoring the pool while campers are swimming.
During the summer, field trips to city-run pools and splash pads are included in each weekly camp session. smsc follows the procedures outlined by the City of Austin Aquatics Department, and as such, we have strict guidelines regarding children to staff ratios, our reservation and scheduling of time spent at city pools, and the requirements of staff taking children to pools, which includes CPR/First Aid, and Basic Water Safety training. Upon request, details of the followed procedures can be provided to parents.
Summer 2025 swim protocol and procedures:
Effective September 1, 2023, Texas passed House Bill 59, also known as Cati’s Act. This bill seeks to address the issue of ensuring camper safety in “by requiring certain organizations that authorize a child to engage in an organized water activity to affirm with the child's parent or legal guardian in writing as to whether the child is able to swim or is at risk of injury or death when swimming or otherwise accessing a body of water and to provide each such child with the appropriate personal flotation device.” You can find the full description of H.B. 59 HERE.
What does that mean for our camp experience at spilled milk?
Put simply, we will change the language in our water activities waiver to align with the language set forth in Cati’s Act. Parents who do not affirm their child’s ability to swim competently (as defined by the American Red Cross) will be required to provide a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PDF) in order for their children to participate in swim activities.
How does the American Red Cross define water competency?
The American Red Cross defines the skills of water competency as the ability to complete all of the following:
What do spilled milk swim activities look like?
We take the responsibility of going swimming with your kids very seriously. All swim field trips take place at City of Austin pools with trained lifeguards present. Our pool protocol include keeping low ratios, designated groups, vigilant counting, a buddy system, and regular buddy checks. We set clear and firm physical boundaries at the pool, and maintain a stricter set of behavior expectations while in the pool. All staff are trained in Basic Water Safety and First Aid/CPR and will be stationed in and around the pool, actively watching all swimmers while our swim session takes place.
For all groups, we generally take in 15-17 campers at a time with two to three staff members. We will have one or two staff members out of the water (1 for Gallons, 2 for Cups, Pints and Quarts), actively monitoring our group in the pool, and one staff person in the water to monitor and assist swimmers. Each group spends one hour at the pool and one hour at the park, switching at the hour.
Please read over the “Swim Policies” page for more detailed information about our swim field trips.
What is your transportation policy?
We provide transportation for field trips during our summer program in one of our three buses, driven by staff members with commercial driver licenses. All children to be transported by one of our vehicles must have a signed transportation consent on their enrollment form. All staff members are required to complete a child transportation safety training course on an annual basis.
What can I do to help my child have a successful camp experience?
-Read your schedule carefully each week. Additionally, READ AND HEED all emails from smsc, along with all posted signs/sign up sheets, etc. STAY INFORMED!
-Refer to your copy of the field trip schedule daily, in order to arrive on time and prepared… (For example: Make sure your child’s lunch is picnic-ready! Wear suitable shoes for hiking! Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled field trip!)
-LABEL EVERYTHING with your child’s name or initials… towels, clothing tags, water bottles, lunchboxes, etc.
-Bring your child’s gear in a backpack or bag, to keep everything together.
-Send a labeled water bottle… EVERY DAY!
-Make smsc staff aware of any changes/special instructions for your child’s drop off/pick up. If anything out of the ordinary occurs/needs to occur, call us. DON’T depend on your child to relay messages to us, please!
-Support the smsc staff and your child by staying involved; ask about daily activities, communicate with the adults in charge, and encourage your child to have a blast!
Health
& Safety
What are the illness/exclusion criteria?
For the protection of all children and staff, a child should stay at home under the following circumstances: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms or any contagious diseases or symptoms.
If your child has a fever, they must stay home from camp AND be fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning.
How are medications handled?
Under no circumstances may children be allowed to carry or administer their own medicine, whether prescription or over-the-counter. These must be given to smsc directors, who will have a parent fill out and sign a “Medication and Dosage” form. The smsc directors will be in charge of following the directions outlined by parents for administering any medicine. *We are not allowed to keep any medication for children at our facility unless it is given to us by a parent or guardian (including Advil, Benadryl, etc.) Please bring whatever medications you anticipate your child needing to the directors.
What if my child has a medical emergency?
If critical illness or injury requires immediate attention of a physician, a designated smsc representative will contact the child’s parent. If necessary, emergency medical services will be contacted and utilized, and/or a child will be taken to the nearest emergency room in order to get professional treatment.
Whether severe or not, parents will be notified of any incidents/injuries. If deemed severe by smsc supervisors, (ie. requiring medical attention or exclusion from activities, or placing a child at serious risk,) a parent will be notified by phone immediately; in that case, we will provide written documentation of the incident to the parent as well. If the incident is less serious, a parent will be notified via text/email or upon arrival to pick up his/her child of the less serious injuries that might have occurred.
What are the procedures for emergencies?
Our emergency action plan is as follows:
Medical Emergencies:
Severe Weather – Tornadoes, Flood, Hurricanes:
- Telephone, cell phone
- Sign in/out clipboard
- Enrollment book and
- Flash lights
Fire, Explosion, Toxins or Chemical Spills:
Emergency Evacuation Procedures:
Human Caused Events – Intruders or Violent Persons:
In the event that the facility and property become unsafe, all groups shall relocate to the covered basketball court located at Maplewood Elementary, 3808 Maplewood Ave, Austin, 78722.
Does smsc provide sunscreen and insect repellent?
During summer camp, families sign an agreement to allow smsc to provide and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and insect repellent to their children. If the family wishes to use a specific brand or type, the family must provide this to the directors or staff. If the smsc-authorized version isn’t approved by a family, specific requests/directions are to be provided in writing to the directors of smsc before the start of the child’s first session.
Typically, our staff apply sunscreen to all campers before swim and other outdoor activities. That said, on your child’s enrollment form, you can let us know that your child is allowed to apply their own sunscreen (though we ask that this only be considered for campers who are old enough to apply sunscreen thoroughly).
Do the children come into contact with animals?
Any time animals are brought or introduced to children within smsc’s program, parents will be notified through weekly schedules and/or posted signs.
Minimum Standards and Licensing Report:
Parents may at any time request to view a copy of the Minimum Standards as issued by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TxDFPS). Our Licensing Report, as well as all other required postings, are available for review at any time and can be found in the Required Postings binder.
Parents may contact DFPS at any time:
Child Care Licensing, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 1400 Summit Drive, Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78728; (512) 834-3426
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect:
Texas law requires caregivers to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a crime. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against caregivers who make reports in good faith.
Confidential reports can be made at:
1-800-252-5400 (TxDFPS)
Gang-Free Zone:
We are required by law to inform all parents and guardians that we are a gang-free zone.
A gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific location where prohibited gang related activity is subject to increased penalty under Texas law. The gang-free zone is within 1,000 feet of our center.
ENGAGING IN GANG-RELATED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF SPILLED MILK SOCIAL CLUB IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW AND SUBJECT TO INCREASED PENALTY UNDER SECTIONS 71.028 AND 71.029 UNDER THE TEXAS PENAL CODE.
For questions or further information, please email us at info@spilledmilksocialclub.com or visit our website www.nousecrying.com!