EXPLORE YOUR FUN SIDE

Transcription

1 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Des Moines YMCA Camp th Drive, Boone, Iowa Boone, IA Permit #2 Change Service Requested Years Years of of Tradition Tradition Scan here for more info This is not a school publication, nor is it in any way endorsed or sponsored by any school district. This publication is being provided only to inform you of other available community activities and opportunities. on Summer Camp at Des Moines Y Camp REGISTER ONLINE Check us out on YouTube! Find us on Facebook! EXPLORE YOUR FUN SIDE 2013 Residential Summer Camp Y Camp in Boone YMCA of Greater Des Moines th Drive, Boone, Iowa (515)

2 NEW Reasons to Come to Y Camp Dear Families, Thanks for looking at our brochure. Y Camp is a special place that has Transformed Lives of thousands of kids, parents and families around Iowa, the US and the World for close to 100 years. The tradition of our families first attitude has centered the YMCA of Greater Des Moines Goals of Strengthening Families, Nurturing the Potential of Every Child and Adult, Improving the Communities Health and Quality of Life and Building Caring Communities. Y Camp is operated by families, for families and their kids. We get it, and we make sure our summer staff get it too. It s about more than just having fun. We have fun while building relationships, learning and developing character and creating memories to draw from for life. We want your kids and families to have the same experience we would want for our own kids, our kids go to Y Camp as well. Below are some of the comments shared by families that joined us at Y Camp last summer. Our 11 year old twins have been attending Y Camp since they were 7. They look forward to Y Camp every year it is their favorite week of the summer! They love all of the activities with their friends, especially archery and horseback riding, and singing all of the funny camp songs with the leaders. As parents, we love that our children are spending their time outside and learning important lessons about nature, AND that they are electronic free for an entire week. It makes us feel great to see their enthusiasm and excitement about going to Y Camp. I wish I were a kid again, I d go with them! ~ Wendy and Matt Marsh Y Camp is continuing to grow The Des Moines Y Camp was filled to capacity during the summer of 2012! All but one session had waiting lists. For this reason alone, it is important to register your child as early as possible! We continue to provide intentional programming that focuses on relationship building, which we are all about. Through staff, programs and facilities, we work to create a safe, fun, and magical environment where campers will grow in self, friendships, and the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. New at Camp this Summer The Preserve Additions On the north end of camp sits the Preserve a thirty acre piece of property that has a prairie used for teaching, a number of campsites for NUTS night, and Pugh Pond (used for fishing and canoeing). New for this summer is the outdoor chapel overlooking Pugh Pond perfect for any occasion, but especially as a place of reflection. A new cabin has been built for canoe equipment and fishing storage. Built in the spirit of an older time, this cabin adds a bit of nostalgia to the Preserve. Boone Y Summer Camp has been a tremendous experience for our boys. They ve developed close friendships, gained a sense of greater independence, loved horseback riding, hanging out around the campfire and more. They enjoy it so much that during the ride home they re already planning for next year s camp. ~ Catherine Staub and Jim Stepp Y Camp is amazing. I have three kids that make it a yearly tradition. They are making friends to last a lifetime. ~ Stacey Fox Y-Camp is truly the closest place to Heaven on earth. The values that are absorbed by our children during their time at camp are powerful. A connection to wilderness, pillars of respect, responsibility, and honesty are important to our family. We care deeply about our family history and passing our Y-Camp legacy on to the next generation -Spencer Cox Come and join us at Y Camp, let us partner with you this summer. Enjoy the tradition, enjoy watching your kids have fun and enjoy knowing they are getting more out of it than smiles alone, they are making friends and developing as a person. I hope you find a program that works for you and your family in this brochure. If you have any questions, or need any assistance of any kind, just give us a call. We will be happy to do all we can to have you join us in the valley this summer. Happy Adventures, David Wooly Bear Sherry Executive Director ACA Accreditation means that the camp you are considering for your child cares enough to undergo a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and the ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

3 VALUE-BASED PROGRAMMING Character Value Guarantee Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility: four words that represent the YMCA core character values, and four values that will grow in your child at Y Camp. Building character is essential to the YMCA cause of strengthening our community, and Y Camp promises to teach and demonstrate these values in all our programs in a safe, positive environment. If your camper does not have a better understanding of the character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility from their camp experience, Y Camp will refund their camp fee Guaranteed! WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO? Mornings begin with chapel, breakfast, and then it is off to programs throughout the day. Campers participate in programs such as archery, climbing, athletics, horseback riding and more. Campers will have the chance to build relationships with other campers and staff as they participate in all of the activities. Daily swim times, trips to the Trading Post for snacks and merchandise and a rest period are all a part of the day. After a hearty dinner, campers experience Y Camp s evening programs for fun and character development. SAFE AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT All aspects of camp are focused on providing your child with an environment where they are free to grow, learn and laugh. All activities follow strict guidelines that promote camper safety and Y Camp Leaders are trained to ensure that the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each camper is looked after. AMAZING STAFF All children need great role models. At Y Camp that is exactly what they will get. Our Leaders are there to guide your child through an incredible experience of growth, character, adventure and fun. Providing your child with the highest quality of staff is our top priority. Therefore all staff are carefully interviewed and screened (including background checks) before they are ever hired. Once on the Y Camp team, Leaders participate in an intense two week training emphasizing camper care, quality programming, and building relationships to ensure that your camper has top-notch role models. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Thanks to many generous community supporters, the YMCA strives to not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance will be granted to anyone who can demonstrate a verifiable need through recognized proof of income. Please call the camp office to request a financial assistance application at (515) Responsibility Campers will learn new skills, build independence, and develop confidence, while creating friendships that will last a lifetime. General sessions give campers a taste of all Y Camp has to offer. Campers are able to choose their own adventure through pathways and then spend afternoons with their cabin swimming, hanging out, and rotating through program areas giving them a taste of Y Camp programs. Evening programs (such as the Trail of Five Fires, Embers, and the Arty Show) built around fun and character development, bring campers together as friends. s are the ultimate camping experience. Ages 9-16 One Week Sessions Week 2 June Week 5 July 7-13 Week 6 July Week 7 July Week 8 July 28 - Aug 3 $466 Member / $515 Program Participant Two Week Sessions Weeks 5 & 6 July 7-July 20 Weeks 6 & 7 July 14-July 27 Weeks 7 & 8 July 21 - August 3 $962 Member / $1,057 Program Participant Mini Camp Young campers will gain confidence and independence in this great starter program. For those starting the camping tradition for the first time, campers get the thrill of fun and friendships in a four day, three night stay. With more individual attention, campers begin the building blocks of making Y Camp their own. Ages 7-8 Week 2A June Week 5A July 7-10 Week 6A July Week 7A July Week 8A July Week 2B June Week 5B July Week 6B July Week 7B July Week 8B July $235 Member / $259 Program Participant Aug 3 I thought the programs were great, really well run and lots of variety. I went to a lot of summer camps during my childhood as well as having seen a few with my own girls. I was very impressed with the entire set up! Honesty

4 Ranch Camp Campers will grow in character and leave ranch camp with a better understanding and appreciation of horses, their care, and riding. This specialty camp is for campers that want a more involved horseback riding experience. Ranch camp offers the chance to spend the mornings with horses in riding lessons and having fun. During the rest of the day, campers get the opportunity to participate in other things camp has to offer with their cabin, while having fun and building friendships. Pony Express Ages 9-11 For the beginning rider with little or no experience, or those with experience who want to learn more. Campers participate in learning basic horse care, equipment use and simple riding skills. Bronco Busters Ages For new riders or campers who have had some horseback riding experience. While focusing on basic skills and fundamentals of horse care, wranglers will begin challenging campers skills with higher-level techniques. I sent a very nervous little girl off to Y Camp who is really hesitant about jumping in and doing new things. Her leaders did a great job encouraging her and getting her involved. She came home thrilled with all the new stuff she d done! Caring Ranch and Rodeo Ages For campers looking for more extensive horseback experience. Prior riding experience is recommended, but not required. Campers enjoy advanced lessons and techniques as wranglers test their skills. This program is perfect for campers wanting to become Y Camp wranglers. Week 2 Pony Express June Week 5 Bronco Busters July 7-13 Week 6 Pony Express July Week 7 Ranch and Rodeo July Week 8 Bronco Busters July 28-Aug 3 $627 Member / $674 Program Participant Great environment to enjoy the outdoors and terrific programming that builds community and leadership skills. This is our son s 7th year at Y Camp and every year builds something new in him. We make room in our budget to send the kids every year because we believe in what you do! Respect

5 Specialty Camps Each session of specialty camp is tailored to develop a particular skill in campers or give a particular set of experiences that campers can take with them far beyond the Y Camp valley. Camper vs. Wild Ages 9-13 The explorers at heart will get a new appreciation of the outdoors and confidence in outdoor living skills. Campers will; cook their own meals, sleep under the stars (no cabins), build their own survival shelters, and have a true wilderness adventure. They will learn survival skills and put them to use under the watchful and instructional care of Y Camp Leaders. Campers will take their skills against the wild for this awesome week long experience. Week 7 July If your leaders weren t i the energetic, responsible, young people they are, camp would not be the same. Kind, warm, energetic, patient, tolerant, responsible. Art-Rageous Ages 9-16 Budding artists will express themselves artistically and learn new forms of art and an appreciation of new artistic mediums. Campers will receive professional instruction from teachers and artists during their week of camp. Week 5 July 7-13 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Ages Girls will have fun just being girls! Girls will gain confidence who they are as young women and get to express this. Girls will do things girls love to do, as well as build fantastic friendships and discover activities they may have never tried before. Give each other facials, visit a mall in Des Moines, design their own Y Camp T-shirt, hold late-night cabin dance parties and have all kinds of girlish fun, plus great Y Camp programs. Week 5 July 7-13 My daughter had a wonderful camp experience...she said she would go back which is the ultimate testimony to her positive experience! Young Naturalist Workshop Ages Gain hands on experience to help satisfy and spark curiosity about the environment. In spending time with professional naturalists, campers will become naturalists themselves. For 5th and 6th graders who want to learn more about nature and to spark all their senses in the out of doors. Week 2 June Boys Will Be Boys Ages 9-12 Boys will be free to live in the full spirit of being a boy. Playing in the mud, climbing rocks and trees, skipping stones, going fishing, and exploring in the woods to help boys connect with their own boyhood are just some of the cool things a camper will experience. Week 5 July 7-13 (Ages 9-10) Week 6 July (Ages 11-12) Responsibility We love it all! Specifically: the camp itself, nature - friends - activities - bird walks - staff - leaders - value for money.

6 Specialty Camps Camp Dismantled Ages Not your typical week of camp! Watch a movie, go night zipping, go rock climbing by headlamp, sleep-in a couple of days, have breakfast in bed, and play some awesome non-traditional camp games. Campers will experience camp program areas as well as having a blast with new experiences. Week 6 July Guitar Idol Ages Helping children build confidence and feel the joy of accomplishing a new skill. Campers learn basic guitar skills; giving them an appreciation of guitar and the foundation of an instrument that they can play for the rest of their lives. They can bring their own guitar, or play one of Y Camp s. By the end of the week they ll know basic chords and be playing a camp song. Week 7 July Rope and Rock Camp Ages Campers will become proficient in the extreme sport of climbing. They experience every aspect of Y Camp s 35 climbing wall, including climbing, high ropes, bouldering and a zip line. Campers will learn the ins and outs of ropes, knots, belaying and the rules of safety. Week 2 June Week 5 July 7-13 Nature Camp Ages 9-11 Campers who love nature will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment. Loving the outdoors is just the beginning as campers explore creeks, learn about raptors by observing the camp s red-tailed hawk and barred owl, study geology, and much more all while spending time with a professional naturalist. Week 8 July 28-Aug 3 Big Kick Soccer Camp Ages NEW! Campers will learn not just the ins and outs of soccer, but about team play, sportsmanship and fun. Mornings are spent with Leaders who have years of coaching and playing experience. They will be leading campers in developing skills and having tons of fun. The rest of campers time will be in great Y Camp programs. Week 7 July My daughter loves her leaders. They were fun, supportive, kind. My daughter felt secure and safe with them as this was her first camp experience. The kids ripped and ran from one thing to the next. We work hard to and get the kids unplugged during the summer, it s hard...especially when it s 100 degrees everyday! They had such a blast they literally didn t miss their screens ONCE. Amazing! Honesty

7 TEEN Camps Teen Camp Ages Teens want a different week than our younger campers. So, we give it to them. Teen campers will get time to be a teen with other teens as they hang out and build the blocks of friendships that will stay with them forever. Plus, they will experience camp programming while getting time to just hang out with friends, old and new. Week 7 July Week 8 July 28-Aug 3 $466 Member / $515 Program Participant CIT s (Counselors in Training)** Ages This three-week training is an extensive program aimed at teaching teens how to become exceptional Y Camp Leaders. Skill development in leadership, safety, relationship building, character development and program facilitation are all part of their experience. Through observation, discussion and hands-on experience, CIT s expand their knowledge of great Y Camp leadership. As part of the program, CIT s can choose to take a Y Lifeguard course that, upon completion, will deem them certified lifeguards. If you want to become a Y Camp Leader or work with children, this program is for you. Weeks 6, 7, and 8 July 14-Aug 3* *CIT s do not stay over the weekends, unless addition of $25 fee/weekend $533 Program Participant Our wonderful Y Camp Leaders act as positive role models in reaching these goals for every camper... Safety in Spirit, Mind, and Body The opportunity to make great new friends Learn awesome new skills Have tons of fun Develop the character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in every camper VIP s (Volunteers In Progress)* Ages As a VIP, campers take the first step in becoming Y Camp Leaders. This two-week program teaches campers about service to others. Your primary function will be working in Cownie Dining Hall; doing dishes and cleaning the dining hall. Opportunities to help in other program departments is available as time allows. To participate, VIP s must apply (call or Y Camp to receive an application), and go through the interview process (typically done in May). Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 No charge^ *To participate in the VIP 1 (age 14) program, campers must submit an application, and three letters of recommendation from the following list: teacher, Pastor/ Clergy/Congregational Leader, Y Camp Leader, Y Camp Board or Committee Member. For the VIP 2 (age 15-17) program, campers must submit an application, and two letters of recommendation from the previous list. Upon receipt candidates will be contacted for an interview. To receive an application, please call the Y Camp office at (515) from Des Moines or (515) LA s (Leader Assistant)** Ages My kids worked as VIPs for 2 weeks for the first time. It enhanced their appreciation of camp. They gained something from the experience that is hard to articulate. They would be at camp all summer, if they could. All 3 mentioned the friendships and the depth of friendships they made. LA is a step between VIP and CIT. These campers will help the VIP s much of the time, but will have specific times during the day set aside for leadership training, and to participate in Tracks to receive training in specific camp areas (i.e. archery, ranch, climbing tower, building and grounds, and nature). LA s will choose their Track for the week during which they practice fundamentals of programming specific areas. This is great for campers wanting to learn more about becoming a staff member, but not eligible for the CIT Program. Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 $186/week (minimum of a two week commitment)^ **To participate in either the CIT or LA program, campers must submit an application, and two letters of recommendation from the following list; teacher, Pastor/Clergy/Congregational Leader, Y Camp Leader, Y Camp Board or Committee Member. Upon receipt candidates will be contacted for an interview (typically done in May). To receive an application, please call the Y Camp office at (515) from Des Moines or (515) ^VIPS and LA s do not stay over on weekends. If they choose to stay during two week sessions (5&6, 6&7, or 7&8) there is a $25 fee/weekend

8 Other Camps Scenic Valley Respect Ages 6-12 Day campers will learn to swim, gain self confidence, as well as great new friends and role models. This perfect solution to summer child care allows children to grow in character and have a blast experiencing great Y Camp programs and still sleep in their own beds at night. Day camp serves the communities of Boone and Ames daily throughout the summer. For more information, or to request a Brochure with more details and descriptions of specialty day camps, please call the Y Camp office at (515) OFFERED ALL 10 WEEKS OF SUMMER $130 Member / $150 Program Participant If participating in two or more weeks, deduct $5 from each session. Family Camp Adventures on the High Seas Family bonds will be strengthened through this week away from the distractions of busy family lives. A full week surrounded by family and friends, this relaxing week is perfect for all busy families to connect and enjoy time as a family. Join us for Family Camp 2013 Adventures on the High Seas! Week 9 August 4-10 Affiliate Camps Camp Hertko Hollow Operated by Camp Hertko Hollow, Inc., this camp is designed for children with diabetes. For more details, call or visit Week 3 June Grades 6-12 Week 4 June 30 - July 6 Grades K-6 The Heart Connection: Oncology Camp The Heart Connection Children s Program is for children diagnosed and/or being treated for cancer in Iowa. For more information, call The Heart Connection at Week 1 June 9-15 The Heart Connection: Sibling Camp Children s Cancer Programs Sibling camp is siblings of children diagnosed and/or being treated for cancer in Iowa. For more information, call The Heart Connection at Week 10 August Sheriffs & Deputies Camp The Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association sponsors one child from each county. For more information, contact your local Sheriff s Department. Week 2 June Y-Camp is all he talks about for months, and sings camp fire songs for a long time after camp. T.T.T. Society T.T.T. is a national organization of women who donate their time, talent and treasures to send girls who have finished the fourth grade to camp - and more! For more information about how to get involved with T.T.T. or to find local chapters call

9 As always...a great time at Y Camp...My husband and I both commented on the way home after our son had shared with us the values taught at camp and God first... It is great for our kids to hear these things from as many different people as possible. We may preach this at home, but they look to others for guidance as well. I am so pleased that I can send them to a place where others are reinforcing and modeling the behaviors and expectations we have for our children. Thank you Y Camp for taking care of my children this week. Caring Summer Programs Available. Contact your local branch today! Ankeny Family YMCA (515) Boone County Family YMCA (515) John R. Grubb YMCA (515) Riverfront YMCA (515) South Suburban YMCA (515) Walnut Creek Family YMCA (515) Waukee Family YMCA (515) Register Today Be sure to have your child join us this summer to create new adventures, life-long memories, new skills and character development with our amazing staff! Register early to secure their spot. We ll see you and your friends this summer at Y Camp! Deposit A $50 deposit is required with the registration form. The deposit is deducted from the total camp fee and is nonrefundable. Price Member Price: Is for those individuals who are members of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Cabin Mate Request Y Camp will make every effort to meet cabin mate requests, but we cannot guarantee more than one request per camper. To guarantee your request, campers must request each other, be within one year of age, the same gender and enrolled in the same program and session. Parent Packet After your registration has been confirmed, you will receive a Parent Packet, which includes pick-up/drop-off schedule, health forms, packing inventory, map and general Y Camp information. If you have not received this packet two weeks prior to camp, please call the camp office at (515) in Des Moines or (515) Medical Forms Campers are required to have a recent physical (no more than two years old) prior to coming to camp. The camp requires copies of this form each year. All forms must be completed and returned to camp one week prior to check-in.

10 Y CAMP REGISTRATION FORM SUMMER 2013 To register for any session of camp, excluding day camp, please fill out this registration form and return it to Y Camp, th Drive, Boone, IA Yes, I would like to receive my parent packet via . REGISTER ONLINE Last Name First Name Date of Birth Boy OR Girl E-Z Registration. If you are a previous camper with no new information, check this box and we ll do the rest. Address City/State Zip County Parent Name Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone Parent Name Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone Cabin Mate Request Circle the camp you want to attend. One camp per week. You will be notified if session(s) are full. Total Payment $ Payment Type Check # MASTERCARD VISA DISCOVER CC # 3 Digit Code Exp. Date Signature June 9-15 Week 1 June Week 2 June Week 3 Jun 30 - Jul 6 Week 4 July 7-13 Week 5 July Week 6 July Week 7 July 28- Aug 3 Week 8 Aug 4-10 Week 9 Aug Week 10 Heart Connection Oncology Camp Contact Heart Connection (877) www. childrenscancer connection. org Pony Express $627M/$674PP Young Naturalist Workshop $502/$547PP Rope and Rock $502/$547PP Mini 2A June Mini 2B June $235M/$259PP Sheriffs & Deputies M = YMCA of Greater Des Moines Member PP = Program Participant Transportation (please check one) $15 - Riverfront YMCA to Y Camp $15 - Y Camp to Riverfront YMCA $25 - Round Trip Hertko Hollow Grades 6-12 Contact Hertko Hollow (888) www. camphertkohollow. com Hertko Hollow Grades K-6 Contact Hertko Hollow (888) www. camphertkohollow. com Bronco Busters $627M/$674PP Art-Rageous Girls Fun Rope and Rock Boys Will Be Boys Mini 5A July 7-10 Mini 5B July $235M/$259PP Pony Express $627M/$674PP Boys Will Be Boys Camp Dismantled Mini 6A July Mini 6B July $235M/$259PP VIP,LA Ranch and Rodeo $627M/$674PP Guitar Idol Big Kick Soccer Camper vs. Wild Teen Camp Mini 7A July Mini 7B July $235M/$259PP Bronco Busters $627M/$674PP Nature Camp Rope and Rock Teen Camp Mini 8A July Mini 8B July31-Aug 3 $235M/$259PP 2 WEEK GENERAL SESSIONS Weeks 5/6, 6/7 or 7/8 $962M/1057PP Counselor In Training $533 Weeks 6, 7, 8 Family Camp The High Seas Heart Connection Sibling Camp Contact Heart Connection (877) www. childrenscancer connection. org I give permission for my child to participate in all camp activities. In the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the camp director to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for and to order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for my child named above. The Y Camp has my permission to use photography, which may include my child(ren), to help promote the camp through advertising, marketing, campaigning, or any promotional collateral, print or web-based. Parent/Guardian Signature At Y Camp you don t have to make friends, they are given to you!