WELCOME HOME. Camp Al-Gon-Quian ANN ARBOR YMCA

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1 WELCOME HOME Camp Al-Gon-Quian ANN ARBOR YMCA

2 Dear Campers and Parents, Every summer, more than one thousand campers come to Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian and return home with thousands of stories. From the adventures of an overnight campout to writing a front-page article for the camp newspaper, performing a silly skit in the talent show or learning how to sail, every day at AGQ is different and every camper s experience unique. At Al-Gon-Quian, our campers choose their own activity areas, bond with their cabin group and counselors, partake in camp traditions and make friendships that can be life-long. Safety is the priority for every child who comes to AGQ, and our staff members make sure they always put the kids first. Whether it is for our four-day Mini Camp or for multiple weeks, we hope your camper returns home with some of the best memories possible, increased confidence and self-esteem, an appreciation for the out-of-doors and a summer experience unlike any other. If you have any questions about our camp, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting your camper on the shores of Burt Lake! Sincerely, Sarah Kurtz Director, Camp Al-Gon-Quian Ann Arbor YMCA (734) The YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian Goal The goal of YMCA resident camping is to help participants grow physically, mentally and spiritually. Through the use of an outdoor camp setting and both individual and group activities, we work to nurture the spirit, educate the mind and promote a healthy lifestyle. Our programs and activities are sensitive and open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures. The camp experience is based on the YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring. YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian gives children a positive experience that lasts a lifetime. PAGE 2 CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN ANN ARBOR YMCA

3 A Rich History and Tradition Ann Arborite Herb Twining founded Camp Al-Gon-Quian in 1925 as a private residential camp for boys. Herb had early aspirations to be a doctor, but an injury to his eye prevented him from following that pursuit. Herb decided to focus his efforts on starting a camp an occupation he found that could have a just as positive of an effect on peoples lives. Along with establishing Al-Gon-Quian as a premier residential camp, Twining was at the forefront of the camping movement: He was the first president of the American Camping Association. The Twinings ran camp until 1968, when it was sold to the Ann Arbor YMCA. Girls were welcomed to Al-Gon-Quian for the first time in The name comes from Algonquian, a predominant Native American language. Literally translated, it means Bow of a Canoe. Along with the name of camp, Twining borrowed several tribe names for camper groups. Today, our five tribes are divided by age and grade and are named Miami, Cree, Ojibwa, Nipissing and Mississauga. One common element that joins these native tribes together is that all of them were a part of the Algonquian linguistic family and spoke Algonquian when together. Al-Gon-Quian is still the universal language for the children who spend their summers with us. Al-Gon-Quian Facilities Our beautiful 150-acre camp sits on the southwest shore of Burt Lake, one of the largest inland lakes in Michigan. The main site offers a combination of lakeshore, rolling hills, fields, woods and natural springs. The lake provides the ideal location for aquatic activities during the day and is a canvas for the moon, stars and the Northern Lights at night. Other facilities include a basketball court, playing fields for land sports and games, a barn and horse pasture, climbing wall and zip line and miles of walking trails. Our multipurpose building, Rowe Hall, houses the drama program, the camp store and indoor evening activities. The girls cabins are located on the north end of camp, while the boys live in cabins on the southern end. Exciting Programs Each camper experiences an individual journey while at Al-Gon-Quian, choosing activities of interest, developing independence, and exploring the world. On their first full day at camp, campers have the opportunity to set their own schedule for the week, choosing two activities to do each morning and two to do each afternoon. CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN 2011 ANN ARBOR YMCA PAGE 3

4 Al-Gon-Quian has a variety of activity areas, so every camper is bound to find something he or she enjoys. Popular choices include archery, swimming, sailing, riflery, woodshop, canoeing, drama, nature, basketball, volleyball, soccer, arts and crafts, newspaper publication, dance, creative writing and poetry. Campers are also given free time during the day to go swimming, hang out with friends or play group games while being supervised by our staff, and have a rest hour after lunch in order to take a break. Each evening, campers participate in all-camp activities, such as capture the flag, campfires, dances, talent shows, award shows and much more! The evening is capped off by Al-Gon-Quian s long-held tradition of joining hands and singing Green Trees and Taps together. The campers then enjoy cabin devotions, which is a time for cabin chats, reflections and evening adventures, such as stargazing. During their stay at AGQ, all campers go on an overnight campout and have the opportunity to climb our 50-foot climbing tower and try our zip line. Who comes to Camp Al-Gon-Quian? During our regular summer camping season, our campers are boys and girls ages 8 through 16. Mini Camp, offered at the end of the summer, is for campers ages 6 to 10. Many of our campers are from the Ann Arbor area, but we also have many campers each summer from around the country and around the world. About 40 percent of our campers are members of the Ann Arbor YMCA. Where will I eat? What will I eat? Campers and counselors share meals together family-style in our dining hall overlooking Burt Lake. Our kitchen staff members work hard to make sure our food is kid-friendly and nutritious. Sandwiches are always an option and there is always a vegetarian choice and protein substitute for our campers and staff members who do not eat meat. Breakfast: Cereal, oatmeal, juice, fresh fruit, rice and milk are served at every breakfast. Hot dish options on a rotating basis include French toast sticks, homemade pancakes and oatmeal scones, scrambled eggs, biscuits and hash browns. Lunch: A salad bar, fresh fruit and our sandwich table are offered at every lunch. Some common main courses include: grilled cheese with tomato soup and salad; Cincinnati Chili with pasta; turkey submarine sandwiches; dino nuggets and tater tots; or BBQ beef sandwiches. Dinner: Just like lunch, we always offer our salad bar, fresh fruit and sandwich table. Some common main courses for dinner are: spaghetti and garlic bread; vegetarian and meat lasagna; fiesta night (tacos); tofu or chicken stirfry; turkey with au gratin potatoes and veggies; and hamburgers and hotdogs. PAGE 4 CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN ANN ARBOR YMCA

5 Sessions I and II are peanut-free. If your child has a food allergy, please inform the camp office at least 1 month before his or her arrival. Where will I sleep? Our rustic cabins typically house eight campers and two counselors. Each camper is provided with a wooden bunk and shelving or under-the-bed storage space to keep personal items. Living together in a rustic setting, campers share unique adventures and have many opportunities to grow. Campers have access to modern, convenient bathroom facilities, complete with hot water and showers with private changing stalls. Who are the counselors? Our counselors are usually college-aged students from around the country and sometimes around the world. Many of our counselors were once campers at AGQ themselves, and all of them have gone through a rigorous application and interview process. Our counselors are selected for their maturity, abilities with children, decision-making skills, and their ability to be role models of our four pillars: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring. Many of our staff members have worked at AGQ for many years. At camp, the counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:5. In 2009, 87 percent of our staff members were Al-Gon-Quian campers themselves and 85 percent were returning staff members! How are the counselors trained and certified? Our counselors are trained in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid, and all of our waterfront staff members are American Red Cross-certified lifeguards. Other staff members have appropriate trainings and/or experience in the area in which they work (horseback riding, archery, climbing wall, woodshop, etc.). Before the summer season begins, all of our counselors attend one to two weeks of training at camp with their fellow staff members. This training includes topics like safety, camp and counseling procedures and supervision. All staff members also go through an extensive reference, criminal, driving and background checks before they are hired. CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN 2011 ANN ARBOR YMCA PAGE 5

6 What is the overnight camp-out? Each cabin group at AGQ gets the opportunity to spend a night under the stars, sleeping at one of the campsites on our 150-acre campus. Campers learn skills such as fire-building, the principles of Leave No Trace, and gain a greater appreciation for nature. Campers spend the entire night with their counselors, from evening flag until the next morning. They cook dinner together over the fire and play games and have great conversations until it is time for bed. The camp-out is one of the best bonding times for our cabin groups and an experience that always brings many adventures. What is the Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program? The LIT program is a camper program for our campers entering the 10th or 11th grades. This two-week program allows campers to build their leadership skills and build friendships within their peer group. LITs have the opportunity to work with younger campers with counselor supervision, plan an all-camp dance, participate in leadership workshops and go on a special out-of-camp trip with their LIT leaders. In the morning, LITs sign up for regular camp activities with the rest of the campers, but spend the afternoon and devotion time with their LIT group. The LIT program is values-based, giving campers role models and helping them to develop the pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring in their lives. It is offered during Sessions 2, 3 and 4, and campers may only sign up for one session of the LIT program. What is the Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program? Camp Al-Gon-Quian s volunteer CIT program is for students entering the 11th and 12th grades who are interested in working with younger children. The program prepares them to work with youth in a resident camp setting. Participants spend two to three weeks in training, programming and service, while learning to work together and gain a basic understanding of summer camp operations. All CITs have training workshops, where topics include youth development, activities and games, leadership skills and much more. This program gives participants the opportunity to place the needs of others ahead of their own, share what they have learned and be a role model for younger campers. CITs will assist staff with cabins, activity areas, evening activities and in the kitchen. This practical leadership experience is a great step for anyone interested in working with children in the future. The hiring process for CITs is competitive, and candidates prepare an application with references and are interviewed before being accepted into the program. Applications can be found online and at the front desk at the YMCA. They are due February 15. PAGE 6 CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN ANN ARBOR YMCA

7 What is the Junior Staff Program? The J-Staff Program is for teens who have finished at least one year of the CIT program. This four or five-week volunteer experience is for some of our most talented CITs. These teens work as an apprentice to a specific activity area, work with a variety of campers and staff members, and have an intensive learning experience that should give them a strong foundation for any work with children in the future. J-Staff applications are available online and at the Ann Arbor YMCA front desk. They are due February 1. Concentration Programs Concentrations take place during two of the four activity hours each day and allow campers to pre-select an area of interest. To check on program pricing and availability, or to register for a concentration program, call the camp office at (734) Horseback Riding Concentration Campers will receive half-day instruction from our certified ranch staff. Campers will learn basic horsemanship skills such as proper horse safety, full grooming, hoof picking, bridling and saddling. They will receive proper western riding instruction, including reining, walking, trotting, proper spacing, corral work and more. Sailing Concentration Campers will spend half of the day on the serene waters of Burt Lake, learning basic to advanced techniques of sailing, depending on experience. This two-hour block allows campers to sail further into unfamiliar parts of Burt Lake and experience special trips via sailboat. Waterskiing This program is offered a minimum of three times per week and is taught by staff members who will emphasize basic skills and safety. Learn to ski for the first time or try your skills at slalom skiing! Burt Lake s waters provide the perfect setting for skiers of every level. CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN 2011 ANN ARBOR YMCA PAGE 7

8 Frodo Journeys (Ages 12 16) Campers who participate in the Frodo Journeys will have the experience of a lifetime! During the middle weekend of their two-week sessions, Frodo adventurers will go with our experienced trip staff will take a four-day, three-night trip to destinations such as Pictured Rocks, the Dead River, Canjan Falls, the Porcupine Mountains, the Nordhouse Dunes or South Manitou Island. Campers will cook over an open fire, sleep out under the stars, see breathtaking sights and have an unparalleled adventure! Since the program is during the middle weekend, it doesn t interfere with activity hours. Trail Rides (All Ages) Trail rides are one-time horseback riding experience offered to our campers who are not enrolled in the concentration courses. On the first full day of camp, participants interested in trail rides can sign up with our horseback riding staff to go on a trail ride during a rest hour or free time. Campers get to try out horseback riding, enjoy the wooded horse trails on camp and see Al-Gon-Quian from a new level! The $12 fee for the trail ride is deducted from the camper s store account. ecamp Through this service, parents can have a unique view of what s going on at camp! We will post pictures on this password-protected site throughout the camper s session, which parents can view from home free of charge. Parents can also purchase one-way credits through ecamp in order to send messages to their campers. Information will be sent to parents about how to access the site before the camper s session. PAGE 8 CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN ANN ARBOR YMCA

9 Mini Camp (Ages 6 10) Mini Camp is a great introduction to camping for our youngest adventurers. This program gives younger children the opportunity to experience a taste of organized summer resident camping with the positive encouragement of our watchful staff. During the four-day and three-night program, campers will participate in many of the activities offered in our regular summer camp sessions but on a level that is better suited to their age. Your camper will go on a treasure hunt, create cool art projects and have a chance to experience many camp activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, archery, nature, sports, horseback riding, canoeing and more! Campers will make great friends while they are here, but are welcome to bring a friend as it s a great way to share the fun and excitement of camp. Campers stay in a cabin with two to three counselors and five to six other campers in their age group. Campers are never without supervision and guidance while at Mini Camp. With our staff-to-camper ratio and our positive nurturing environment, first time campers will feel safe and at home. If this is your child s first overnight camping experience, you can be confident that this will be a summer like no other and the first in a long line of great summers at Camp Al-Gon-Quian. Health & Safety At Camp Al-Gon-Quian, your child s safety is our top priority, and all precautions are taken to ensure it. Staff members are American Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid, and all waterfront staff members are certified lifeguards. All boaters must wear life preservers regardless of swimming ability. Swimming buddies, buddy tags and buddy checks all provide an additional measure of safety in the water. Visitors are required to check in at the camp office and wear visitors tags. All horseback riders wear helmets and a certified health officer lives on-site. At Camp Al-Gon-Quian, we are committed to providing the best care possible in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. International Dimension and Diversity The diversity of our campers and staff enhance everyone s experience at camp. Campers from around the country and around the world are welcome at Al-Gon-Quian. Campers come to respect and appreciate differences, as well as similarities, by living together in ways that are cooperative and supportive of each other. There is no better place for such an experience than a summer camp! CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN 2011 ANN ARBOR YMCA PAGE 9

10 Camp Al-Gon- Quian is an Accredited Camp! Along with being licensed by the State of Michigan, Camp Al-Gon-Quian has earned the distinction of being American Camp Association accredited. The ACA is a nationally-recognized independent accrediting organization that focuses primarily on program quality and health and safety aspects of the camp s operation. This voluntary accreditation assures families that Camp Al-Gon-Quian has made a commitment to be a safe, nurturing environment for your children and that our practices have been measured against national standards and go beyond state licensing requirements. For parents, the ACA accreditation sign symbolizes our accountability and ongoing commitment to the children we serve. For staff at Camp Al-Gon-Quian, it is a regular, independent health and safety audit of camp operations and a behind the scenes riskmanagement process that ensures that we are prepared for uncertainties, allowing us to concentrate on campers. Camp Al-Gon-Quian is for Everyone! Through the Ann Arbor YMCA s Strong Kids Campaign, we will be providing a limited number of scholarships for Camp Al-Gon-Quian. Please contact the camp office at (734) to obtain a confidential scholarship application. Scholarships are based on family income. The deadline for submission of applications for scholarships is March 15. To secure your child s spot prior to March 15, call the camp office. You may reserve a spot over the phone without paying the initial deposit. Priority will be given to families who turn in their completed applications before the deadline. Late applications will be kept on file in case additional funds become available. Transportation Transportation is available to and from Camp Al-Gon-Quian by chartered coach for an extra fee. Drop-off and pick-up will be from a school in Ann Arbor. Each coach is complete with a rest room and air conditioning, and YMCA staff members accompany each bus. All drop-off and pick-up times and locations are provided in the parent handbook that you will receive shortly after registration. Registration is required for bus transportation and all cancellation policies apply. For availability and pricing, call the camp office at (734) PAGE 10 CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN ANN ARBOR YMCA

11 How To Register Online registration is available at You can also register by calling the camp office at (734) After registration, a complete parent handbook will follow with information to prepare your child for camp. More than 10 percent of our campers come to Al-Gon-Quian with the help of a scholarship from our Ann Arbor YMCA s Strong Kids Campaign. We rely completely on donations from community members and businesses to fund over $65,000 in AGQ scholarships annually. Please consider donating what you can whether that s $1 or $1,000 to the Strong Kids Campaign. An experience at Camp Al-Gon-Quian lasts a lifetime for a child, and it s up to us to make sure that every child has that opportunity. You can make a donation upon registration or, if you would like more information, please call the camp office at (734) CAMP AL-GON-QUIAN 2011 ANN ARBOR YMCA PAGE 11

12 Camp is something that I wish every child could experience. It is unlike anything else in their lives, especially in today s society. To be removed from their fast-paced, technology-filled lives and experience living close to nature, in one of the most beautiful settings, for one or two weeks, is an invaluable experience. They are able to explore freedom and independence without their parents in a safely controlled setting. They are able to step out of their comfort zone, whether at the climbing wall, on horseback, or in a discussion in their cabin. They are able to observe adult role models who show them that it is OK to be silly, serious, loud, quiet; it is OK to be exactly who you are. Being a part of this unique experience is both exciting and fulfilling for me. Also, on a more personal note, camp made me who I am today. Giving back what little I can to Al-Gon-Quian, in thanks for the huge impact it has had on my life, is the least I can do. Erica Heisel, Camp Al-Gon-Quian counselor and former camper ANN ARBOR YMCA 400 West Washington Street ANN ARBOR YMCA Ann Arbor, Michigan West Washington (734) Ann Arbor, Michigan (734)