YCAMP PARENT PACKET INFORMATION
(for Day Camp specific information please scroll to the bottom).
(for Day Camp specific information please scroll to the bottom).
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
- Program Goals and Objectives
- YCamp has five promises for every guest – 1) Y Camp will be a seed planting camp based on Proverbs 22:6 2) Y Camp will operate with responsive leadership 3) Y Camp will be intentional 4) Y Camp will be Relationship focused and 5) Character Driven. In meeting these promises Y Camp creates a safe, fun magical experience where campers will grow in self, friendships, and the character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibilities. Y Camp operates with a Character Value Guarantee which states that if a camper does not have better understanding of the character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility then Y Camp will reimburse the camp fee for that week. Must be reported within the first seven days after the camp session.
Financial Assistance Policy:
Through generous contributions from YMCA members and the United Way, no one is turned away from the YMCA due to verifiable inability to pay.
Y Camp Staff:
The staff at Y Camp are carefully screened and selected to ensure the safest environment and highest quality experience for your camper. Each staff member attends a weeklong training that teaches camper relations, safety awareness, and programming options plus much more to insure your campers an incredible experience. Y Camp staff is required to have current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED. The Y Camp camper/staff ratio is 6 to 1, well below American Camping Association standards.
Discipline:
The YMCA staff has been trained to deal with inappropriate behavior in a constructive, safe a non-degrading fashion. Campers will be held responsible for their actions in a positive manner. Y Camp reserves the right to send a camper home at the parent’s expense, if the camper’s behavior consistently takes away from the experience of others or endangers the safety of him/her or others. A camper will immediately be sent home for incidences concerning violence or threats of violence. Parents are responsible for transporting campers from camp, and are expected to respond in a timely fashion.
Bullying:
There has been a great deal of attention focused on the area of bullying. The Des Moines Y Camp places a high amount of training of summer staff in the areas of bully prevention. Any type of bullying that occurs at camp (relational, physical, verbal, or otherwise) is quickly addressed and based on the level and circumstances Y Camp reserves the right to send campers home immediately. Many times with a quick discussion we have found that bullying will stop, but if not more drastic measures (the sending home of campers) will occur. Please take the time to discuss bullying with your child prior to camp and ways to prevent it.
Zero Tolerance Policy :
If any camper chooses to tease or physically confront another camper with the intent to cause harm, the camper will be expelled from camp by discretion of the Summer Camp Director. Refunds will not be awarded to camp families for campers sent home for discipline reasons. Parents are responsible for transporting campers from camp, and are expected to respond in a timely fashion.
Illness or Injury:
In the event that a child may become ill or injured in a manner that would require a prolonged stay in the Good Health Center, or need further attention by the Health Care Provider the child’s parents will be contacted.
To prevent your camper from overheating during the week, water bottles are mandatory at Y Camp. All campers must have one. Campers are welcome to bring one from home. Or, campers may purchase one from the Y Camp store. Dehydration is a serious matter. Help us prevent heat related sickness.
Since the arrival of West Nile, we encourage bringing non-aerosol bug repellant. Counselors will remind campers to apply bug spray for evening programs to prevent bug bites.
If your child has special needs that require specific attention, please notify camp. We will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate those needs; however, our staff is not trained to handle all medical, psychological, or mental issues.
Medications:
All medications (including any over the counter medicines or medications of a “take as needed” basis) must be turned into the Y Camp Health Care Provider during check-in. Medications are only distributed during meal times (8:15, 12:30, and 6:00) and bedtimes (9:30). All medications must come in their original bottles or packages. Prescription medications must contain original prescription information. We encourage families to include only enough medications for the week.
Head Check:
During check-in, Y staff will perform a head lice check. This is necessary to ensure an out break will not happen at camp. If lice are found, the camper will be sent home for treatment. Campers are welcome to return to camp 24 hours later for another scalp check. Campers will not be admitted without a negative scalp examination (no lice or eggs found on the scalp).
Health Screening:
Upon arrival at camp, parents will be asked to fill out a short screening form about the general health of campers. Please be honest with all answers as the health and well-being of campers is first and foremost on list of priorities. Screening forms will be reviewed by Y Camps Health Care Provider. Anything abnormal will be addressed privately with camper family, and campers may be asked to attend alternate weeks.
Swim Tests:
All participants under 18 years of age must complete a swim test. Swim tests include the width of the pool, tread water for at least one minute, and complete a deep water plunge. To receive the deep end band (green) all three items must be passed. To receive a mid level band (yellow) campers must meet the height requirement (water below the arm pits) and pass two of the three tests. All participants that do not pass the competency test will receive a red band and if they do not meet the height requirement they must wear a pfd and stay in shallow end only
Whistle Stop Trading Post Account:
The Whistle Stop is open for campers’ everyday. Items in the Trading Post consist of snacks and camp merchandise. Personal items such as soap and toothpaste for campers needing them are available. During check-in campers will be able to pre-order photos (either all camp or cabin photos). At the end of the week Photo CD’s will be available with pictures of camp activities (typically there are over 150 photos per CD). When you check in your child, you may deposit money in their personal account. At the end of the week, all unspent money is returned to the camper prior to checking out. Your child will not be permitted to spend over their credit, so please leave enough money for all their needs. On average campers have between $30 and $50 in their account. Prices range from $1.00 for soda/candy to $15.00 for a t-shirt. The trading post will also be open during check-out to purchase any merchandise campers may not have been able to get during the week.
Lost and Found:
Y Camp will make every effort to make sure campers go home with all of their things. However, please understand that there are over 200 campers at a time and that they are all 7-17 years of age. Things occasionally get misplaced, lost, or put into the wrong camper’s luggage. Y Camp strongly suggests putting campers names on all items. Another suggestion that many of our parents have taken to is simply going to Goodwill a week before camp and for less then $15 can purchase a full camp wardrobe that can be lost, destroyed and tossed at the end of the camp session with little cost to the family. Lost and found items will be kept for two weeks. Call the camp office to inquire about missing items. When found Y Camp will call families to make arrangements for getting those items back. Please understand that any expense in doing so will be up to the family to cover. The YMCA Camp is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken items. Please do not bring any valuables to camp.
Mail:
Parents, friends and family are encouraged to write letters to their campers. It is a good idea to send letters in advance to camp so they are there on the first day. Campers are encouraged to send mail to their family and friends. Postcards and stamps are available for purchase at the Trading Post. A mailbox is available to drop off outgoing mail. Mail camper letters to:
Y Camp
Camper’s Name
Camper’s Cabin
1192 166th Drive
Boone, IA 50036
A couple things to keep in mind…
*Parents are often more homesick than the campers. Please make sure that you keep the letters upbeat, and positive. This will help your camper.
*Please refrain from telling your camper to call home if feeling homesick. This encourages homesickness and makes the problem worse. Y Camp discourages calls home.
Telephone Calls:
Telephone use by campers is restricted for two reasons. 1) Telephones are limited. 2) Homesickness often increases after speaking with a family member. Parents may call in the case of an emergency.
Cell Phones:
Please keep all cell phones at home. Y Camp holds no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged electronic items, and cell phones quickly fall into all three of those categories. Also cell phones take away from the camp experience from campers and can be a distraction. If Y Camp finds a camper with a cell phone, Y Camp will place it in our safe until check-out day.
Homesickness:
As much as we believe Y Camp is a perfect place, the truth is that some children simply do not take to the camp experience. Camp staff has extensive training in working with a homesick child. However, Y Camp is not able to support a one camper to one staff ration (as much as we would like to), therefore, Y Camp will have to make decisions based on the emotional safety of the camper and experience of the rest of the cabin group. If it appears that the campers is not doing well or an inordinate amount of time is needed with a single camper over the rest of the group, the Summer Camp Director may determine to have the camper sent home.
Check-in/Check-out Procedures:
*Only authorized people will be allowed to pick up a camper. A person is authorized if their name is listed on the Authorization Form. Please contact the YCamp office to update the form if needed.
*All persons authorized to pick up a camper must show photo ID at the time of pick up. Campers will not be released to anyone failing to show photo ID.
*All campers must be checked in and checked out. Please visit the camp office before dropping off or picking up your camper.
*Bus Transportation Safety Procedures for Pick –up and Drop-off:
• Please stay back a minimum of 15 feet from bus while bus is in motion.
• Please do not approach bus until it is at a complete stop and the doors of bus have opened.
• Do not enter or exit bus while it is in motion
Check-In Schedule:
Week-long Session: Sunday 3:00pm – 5:00pm (Parent Transportation)
Sunday 3:00pm – 3:30pm at the Riverfront YMCA, 101 Locust, Des Moines (Bus Transportation)
Mini Camp A: Sunday 3:00pm – 5:00pm (Parent Transportation)
Sunday 3:00pm – 3:30pm at the Riverfront YMCA, 101 Locust, Des Moines (Bus Transportation)
Mini Camp B: Wednesday 3:00pm – 5:00pm (Parent Transportation)
Bus is NOT available on Wednesdays.
Parents: Please check out your campers during the following times. Late Pick-ups tend to cause anxiety in campers. Photo ID is required to checkout your camper.
Check-Out Schedule:
Week-long Session: Saturday 9:00am – 10:00am (Parent Transportation)
Saturday 10:30am – 11:00am at the Riverfront YMCA, 101 Locust (Bus Transportation)
Mini Camp A: Wednesday 9:00am – 10:00am Bus is NOT available on Wednesdays.
Mini Camp B: Saturday 9:00am – 10:00am (Parent Transportation)
Saturday 10:30am – 11:00am at the Riverfront YMCA, 101 Locust, Des Moines (Bus Transportation)
Beginning at 9 AM Saturday morning Y Camp holds a closing program including songs, an explanation of the week, and an address from the Camp Executive.
Transportation:
Y Camp provides an optional transportation service to and from camp at the Riverfront YMCA. A fee of $15 one way or $25 round trip is in addition to the registration fee. Financial Assistance does NOT cover transportation fees. Please call the camp office for reservations.
Bus Transportation will only occur on the following sessions: 2, 5, 6, 7, 9
and only on Sunday and Saturday.
What NOT to Bring:
Some items found at camp may be taken and stored in the camp safe until check-out, while others will require a phone call to parents or result in the dismissal of camper from camp. Y Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- Candy/Food = mice = snakes
- Electronics (hand held games, IPODS, Cell Phones, etc…)
- Cash Knives or other weapons
- Fireworks Alcohol/Tobacco products/illegal substances
- Personal Sports Equipment
What to Bring (Resident Camp)
T-shirts (6)
Shorts (4) Swim Suit***
Sandals
Boots (for hiking)
Old running shoes
Flashlight
Sun Block (SPF 30+)
Sleeping bag/Bedding
Toiletries
Towels (2)
Pillow
Sweat shirt (1)
Jeans (2)
Non-aerosol bug repellent
Water Bottle (required or can be purchased in the Trading Post)
*** Please be conscientious of the swim suits that are brought to camp. We ask that females wear one piece suits or tankini’s and refrain from bringing two piece suits. For Males please refrain from Speedo type suits.
Program Inforamation:
The following is all Program information about the day and the programs that General Session Campers will participate.
Pathways: As part of a General Session camper’s experience, they will have the opportunity to choose three activities every morning. A choice of six activities is given for each of the three morning rotations. Campers choose their top three for each hour and camp will make every effort to give them their top choice from each area based on the number of participants. Of the nine total choices they will circle their absolute first choice and camp will ensure that their choice is given. Pathways are progressive areas that throughout the week (Tuesday through Friday) will build and the previous day’s skills to build skills in areas. Choices are made on Monday after they get to view each program areas “commercial” performed by staff. Please review if there are those activities that a camper would especially like to participate. Please note that this is a general list and up to change based on the skills of staff. Often there are new pathways that may be added.
Campers that have signed up for a specialty camp do not participate in Pathways. Instead they will spend their mornings in their specialty camp areas.
A time at the pool and the Whistle stop Trading Post will occur daily
Evening Activities:
Each evening has a special time for campers to come together for activities.
Sunday: Chapel and Embers: A service at Chapel Point, followed by songs, music, and dancing and a huge campfire.
Monday: Trail of Five Fires: Campers experience a walk through the forest while hearing stories of character and friendship.
Tuesday: N.U.T.S. (Night Under The Stars): Campers spend the evening as a cabin cooking, recreating, and growing friendships under the stars.
Wednesday: Inspirational Point: Yea-Bo News, crazy songs, and stories of the Spirit, Mind, Body and Inspiration
Thursday: Arty Show, Leader Show, & Aunt Fifi: Campers perform talents, followed by staff skits, then off to see Aunt Fifi for some crazy fun in the woods.
Friday: Friday Fun Night, Cabin Honor Point & Honor Point: A celebration of the week with games, dancing and music, then it is off to say goodbyes as a cabin, and then the chance to say goodbye as a camp.
Day Camp Specific Information
Drop off and Pick up Sites and Times:
Boone County Family Y, 608 Carroll Street, Boone
Fellows Elementary, 1400 McKinley Dr, Ames
Y Camp staff will be at all sites at 7:30 am. Busses will leave those sites between 8:05 a.m. (Ames) and 8:15 a.m. (Boone).
Busses will return approximately 4:30p.m. (Boone) and 5:00 p.m. (Ames). Y Camp asks that all campers be picked up by 5:30 p.m.
Photo ID is required by the person picking up camper.
In the event that the bus is running more then 30 minutes (for unforeseen events) Y Camp will be calling parent cell phones to inform parents of estimated times of arrival.
Basic Bus rules to discuss with your campers:
• Once Bus is moving please stay seated on your pockets (no standing)
• Please keep all limbs in the bus at all times.
• Please keep noise level to a level that the Bus Driver can operate the bus safely.
• Please act according to the four core character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Daily Schedule:
8:45 Arrival
9:00 – 9:45 Swim Lessons
10:00 – 10:50 Activity Period I
11:00 – 11:50 Activity Period II
11:50 – 12:20 Brunch Crunch
12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
1:15 – 1:50 Rotations (Horses, Archery, Arts & Crafts, Climbing Tower)
2:00 – 2:30 Themed Activity
2:30 – 3:30 Pool
3:30 – 4:00 Trading Post and Thought for the Day
What to Bring:
As you pack your camper’s belongings, make sure you bring the following daily:
• Backpack
• Swim Suit
• Towel
• Sandals
• Boots (for hiking)
and/or
• Old running shoes
• Sun Block (SPF 30+)
• Water Bottle (Required)
• Non-aerosol bug repellent
