Summer Camp FAQs
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about summer day camp.
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General Information Health & Safety |
Preparing for Camp At Camp |
General Information
Location - Where is the camp located?
Camp is located at: Indian Boundary YMCA, 711 59th Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516.
Hours of Camp - What time does camp start and end each day?
Regular Camp drop off begins at 6:30 am and ends promptly at 9:00 am. Regular camp pick up begins at 4:30 pm every day, unless noted on the weekly newsletter.
Newsletter - How can I stay updated about upcoming camp activities at the YMCA?
Every Monday a newsletter/schedule for the week will be handed out at pick up and emailed for Teen Escape. Activities may vary day to day including, but not limited to: sports, character development, arts and crafts, games, skits, songs, sports, swimming, rock climbing, and much more. Please keep in mind that these times are subject to change.
Registration - How do I register for day camp?
All campers must be pre-registered for summer camp. Forms are available at the Member Service Desk, online, or in the Camp Brochure. All information on the registration form must be completed before you will be allowed to register your child. Incomplete forms will not be accepted under any circumstances. There may also be additional forms that need to be completed including the immunization form. This form must also be complete before your child’s first day of camp or turned in at Parent Night.
Refunds - If I cancel a registered week of camp, will I be refunded?
All cancellations and week changes must be made at least 7 days prior. No refunds will be given without a week’s notice. Camp weeks cancelled by the registrant will be issued a credit voucher for the amount paid which is good towards any YMCA programs.
Health & Safety
Accreditation - Is YMCA camp accredited?
Yes, our camp is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA). This is your assurance that our summer camps are committed to the highest standards established for the camping industry. Accredited camps have their operations scrutinized and reviewed by camping professionals who know and value quality camping.
Camp Counselors - What are the qualifications of your camp counselors?
Our counselors are trained in CPR, First Aid, child abuse prevention, emergency procedures, water safety, and our camp curriculum including songs and games that incorporate values and education. All counselors are over the age of 18 years and have completed at least one year of college.
Illness/Injury - 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. In the case of a severe injury needing professional medical attention, the parent or guardian will be contacted immediately.
Inclement Weather - What is the procedure for bad weather?
At the first sign of inclement weather, campers will be brought indoors and into safety. Rainy day field trip ideas will be considered for those camp days with a scheduled outdoor field trip.
Medication Administration - 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 and a copy is placed in the parent packet you receive upon registration. 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 day the medication is to be administered. Please indicate whether the medication needs to be taken with or without food and/or water.
Ratios - What is the counselor to camper ratio?
The ACA guidelines for counselors to camper ratios are as follows: 1:8 (6 to 8 years of age), 1:10 (9 to 14 years of age)
Water Safety - Does my camper need to know how to swim?
Swim Lessons are are included in the cirriculum for K-6th Grade camps. All other camps will have open swim included in the cirrculum. Campers are tested to determine swim ability and if they will be allowed to utilize the deep end of the pool. All lifeguards, both at the pool and at all water parks are certified through YMCA Lifeguarding Certification Course.
Preparing for Camp
Clothing - What sort of clothes should my camper bring?
All campers are required to wear their camp on field trips 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. Also, flip flops may be worn on the YMCA’s pool deck and at water parks.
Items From Home - May campers bring toys and similar items from home to camp?
Children are not allowed to bring possessions from home (i.e. cell phones, iPods, toys, Gameboys, PSP, action figures, dolls, trading cards, etc). The YMCA is not responsible for any item that is broken, lost, or stolen during camp.
Lunch/Snacks - Does my camper need to bring lunch/snacks to camp?
Each child needs to bring a lunch and a beverage every day. Lunches cannot be stored in a refrigerator, 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. Please pack a water bottle every day. 2 healthy snacks will served daily to all campers.
Orientation - Is there an orientation?
Parent Night is an informational meeting in regards to the summer camp program, activities, policies, and procedures. Parents and their children will get a chance to meet their counselors ahead of time, as well as ask questions. We hope to see you there!
June 5:
6:00pm-7:00pm Teen Escape (Milnes Room)
6:30-7:30pm Navigator, Explorer, Kamp Kindergarten (YMCA Pavilion)
Sunscreen & Insect Repellant - What additional items should my camper bring each day?
Campers should keep insect repellant and sunscreen for everyday use. For insect repellant, we suggest a lotion or roll-on brand. Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to camp each day. Throughout the day, your child will have frequent opportunities to reapply sunscreen. Please look at www.solumbra.com for SPF enhanced clothing for those who may be prone to sunburn. Also, campers should bring a bag lunch, swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and extra change of clothing.
At Camp
Absences - What should I do if my camper will be absent or late?
Please leave a message with your camp director.
Daily Activities - What is a typical day like at camp?
There is no such thing as a typical day or week at camp. All camps go on a field trip at least once a week. Teen Escape goes on 3 field trips per week. Please reference our field trip list which is available at our member service desk. When the camp is not on a field trip, campers will participate in various large and small group activities such as arts & crafts, songs, games, sport lessons, and swimming lessons. Most of the day your child will be doing these activities with his/her assigned group. Sometimes groups may team up and do activities together.
Field Trips - Does the camp offer field trips as an activity?
Campers will experience a variety of field trips throughout the summer. These field trips vary from museums, forest preserves, and nature education classes to arcades, mini golf, and water parks. All Field Trips are included in camp rates. Teen Escape has 3 overnights per summer, which has an additional cost.
Groups - Will my camper be placed in a group with other campers of the same age?
Due to the number of camper's attending camp each week, we CANNOT guarantee friends, siblings, or relatives of different ages being placed in the same group;however, we will make every effort to acommodate the best that we can.
Lost & Found - 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 ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR MISSING ITEMS. There will be a lost and found container in the garage. There is also a lost and found at the YMCA’s front desk.
Sign In/Sign Out - What is the procedure for campers checking in and out of camp?
All campers must be checked in and out daily. Also, please have your photo ID ready to show staff. There is a space on the registration form to list additional adults authorized to pick up your child. Anytime someone other than those designated will be picking up your campers(s), you must add those extra persons to your camper’s registration form.
