Summer Day Camp

What sort of clothes should my camper bring?

All campers are required to wear their camp t-shirts on field trip days. Campers should also wear simple, non-restrictive clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, wet and possibly ruined. Shorts, jeans and tennis shoes are a good choice. You may want to send along an extra change of clothes just in case. Only swimwear is allowed in the pools. Street clothes may not be worn. 

May campers bring toys and similar items from home to camp?

Campers are not permitted to bring possessions from home (i.e. cell phones, iPods, toys, Gameboys, PSP, action figures, dolls, trading cards, etc.). The Y is not responsible for any item that is broken, lost or stolen during camp. 

Does my camper need to bring lunch/snacks to camp.

Each child needs to bring a peanut-free sack lunch. Lunches cannot be stored in a refrigerator or heated up in a microwave, so please pack food that will not spoil easily. Freezing juice boxes the night before and using ice packs for children’s lunch is suggested. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. 

Do I need to send sunscreen with my camper?

Campers must bring sunscreen every day! Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to camp each day. Throughout the day, your child will have frequent opportunities to reapply sunscreen.

Is the YMCA licensed?

Yes, our Summer Day Camps are licensed under the State of Michigan. This is our assurance that our day camps are committed to the highest standards established for the child care industry. 

What are the qualifications of your camp counselors?

Our counselors receive extensive training prior to the start of camp. Training includes:

• Child Protection & Abuse Prevention
• Behavior Management & Bully Prevention
• Field Trip & Off-Site Safety & Procedures
• General Risk Management & Prevention
• Pool Safety
• Project Based Learning
• Character Development
• Age Appropriate Activity
• Customer Service
• Curriculum Development & Design
• CPR/First Aid & AED
• STEAM/STEM Training

and our camp project based learning curriculum includes songs and games that incorporate the Y’s core values and education. 

What happens if my camper is sick or gets hurt?

Parents will be notified by camp personnel if their child has not been feeling well for a period of time and does not seem to be getting any better. Moderate injuries will also be communicated to the parent once proper first aid has taken place. Minor injuries will be communicated at Sign Out. In the case of a severe injury needing professional medical attention, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately. 

What is the procedure for bad weather?

At the first sign of inclement weather, campers will be brought indoors and into safety. Inclement weather includes lightening and extreme heat. 

What is the procedure for when my child needs to take prescribed medication while at camp?

Parents/Guardians must have a signed medication authorization form on file for day camp staff to administer medication. The Authorization to Administer Medication form can be obtained during registration or online. You can also ask any camp director for a copy during the summer. Medication MUST come in the original pharmacy container.  It must list clearly the camper’s name, the doctor’s name, the name of the medication, the correct daily dosage, and the correct time of the date the medication is to be administered. Please indicate whether the medication needs to be taken with our without food and/or water. 

What is the counselor to camper ratio?

The Child Licensing Guidelines for counselors to camper ratios are as follows: 1:10 

Does my camper need to know how to swim?

Campers are tested to determine swim ability and if they will be allowed to utilize the deep end of the pool. They can re-test another day. If they cannot swim, they are required to wear a life jacket that we provide. All lifeguards are certified.

What is the procedure for campers checking in and out for camp?

All campers must be signed in and out of camp daily. Parents/Guardians must have a valid ID every day at the time of pickup in order for us to release your child do you. Please see the parent handbook for more information. 

What should I do if my camper will be absent or late?

Please leave a message for the camp directors at the front desk. Make sure to leave your name and camp you are attending in the message. 

What is a typical day like at camp?

Every week has a weekly theme! Activities, trips and lesson plans are typically tied into that weekly theme. Throughout the day, campers will participate in songs, fellowship, arts and crafts, character development, team building, health and nutrition, sports, fine arts, reading, science and much more! Throughout the day there are breaks scheduled for snack time, bathroom time, and sunscreen time. 

Does the camp offer field trips as an activity?

We are doing field trips at participating locations. 

What if my camper loses an item while at camp?

To minimize the chance of misplaced clothing and other items, please label all clothing and other property clearly. We cannot be responsible for lost or missing items. There will be a lost and found located at every day camp location. 

Are parents allowed to visit our children while they are at camp?

The Y has an open door policy for the parents and guardians of all campers. Please first speak directly with a camp director to let them know you are visiting. Parents are invited and encouraged to visit the program sites at any time. 

What if I need to pick up my child earlier than planned from camp, what do I do? 

Please email the program director and communicate at drop off to camp staff if you plan to pick up your child early.

Is there any screen time at camp? 

No, we do not have any screen time planned during camp. Only during special situations/programs that may require screens are they used.