THE RIGHT STAFF FOR THE JOB. Dear Parents,

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2 Dear Parents, Although it s been many years, I can still hear my mother s voice when she said, Try it, you ll like it, after plopping some stringy green asparagus stalks onto my plate. Even though I sat there thinking Mom had no idea what she was talking about, I realize today that she was indeed right. I now love asparagus and it is one of my favorite foods to prepare on the barbeque. We often don t realize it when we re young, but our parents really do know what they re talking about. You have to actually try something to learn what you like and don t like. I think the reason I love being a camp director so much is that I am continually exposing campers to activities they have likely never tried before. There are many great reasons to send your child to summer camp. Camp provides excellent chances to make friends, it supports a you can attitude for kids, and harnesses a growing awareness between the connection of us as humans and our natural world. Campers learn to rely on their peers, they get outside and away from electronics, they escape from overly scheduled routines, and most of all they are encouraged to try new things. At camp we get to do many different things. Campers will get to be outside, explore the Rogue Valley through field trips and travel camps, go swimming, perform skits, sing songs, complete craft projects, learn new games, be a leader of their peers, and just have fun. I encourage you to send your child to camp this summer so they can be pushed a little beyond what they know and have the chance for a camp staff to say, Try it, you ll like it! No matter which camp program you choose, I can promise you that we will keep your child safe, active, engaged, and give them a chance to try something new. See you outside this summer! Sincerely, Gary Flame Taylor Camp & Sports Director THE RIGHT STAFF FOR THE JOB Phone: ext gtaylor@rvymca.org Preparing the YMCA Camp Staff to work with your child begins long before summer arrives. All staff go through a one-on-one interview and a background check before they are invited to be a part of the summer camp team. The YMCA provides an in-depth camp training which includes the following components: recognizing and dealing with developmental stages, positive approaches to youth discipline, the logical consequences model, group supervision guidelines, planning age appropriate activities, youth group management and leading youth for success. All swimming activities are supervised by certified lifeguards and all campers must pass a swim test or wear a personal flotation device while in the water. During all camp programs there is always a staff member available who is first aid and CPR trained.

3 CAMPING, HERE WE COME LIL ADVENTURES (ages 3-6) Lil Adventures is the first little taste of something new. This preschool aged camp is a half-day, half-week adventure that will expose your little camper to the great world of camp. Each day we will load a bus for a new and exciting field trip. In addition to enjoying the day s field trip, your Lil Adventurer will enjoy singing songs, playing games, creating crafts, hiking, and laughing along the way. Each day begins at the YMCA with a light snack before loading the bus to head out on the daily adventure. Campers will enjoy the day s field trip and eat their sack lunch (brought from home) before returning to the YMCA by 1:00pm. Who: Ages 3-6 (Must be potty trained) When: T, W and Th, 8:30am-1:00pm Where: YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $100/week, many scholarships available Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:10 Campin' Along - This week your camper will enjoy all the favorites of camping: roasting s'mores, hiking, and singing songs around the camp fire. Week 3, June Down on the Farm - Join us as we explore the farms of the Rogue Valley. Your camper will become just a little closer to becoming a Lil' Farmer in the Dell. Week 5, July 9-11 Up, Up, and Away! - We will explore many things that go up! If your camper has ever wondered what it would be like to be a pilot, float away on a balloon, or fly a kite then this is their camp. Week 8, July 30-August 1 Water-licious - This week's adventure will take us to our local water parks in Medford, Ashland and Central Point. This week is sure to be a wet-n-wild adventure. Week 10, August 13-15

4 TRYING SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY DAY CAMP (entering grades 1-6) WE KNOW KIDS. At the YMCA we create a camp that is fun, educational, and adventurous for campers! Campers will spend time outdoors, try new things, and practice social and decision-making skills under the guidance of Y camp counselors. Our camps are safe and our value-based programming sets us apart. We focus on caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. There are many things to try at Day Camp! Campers go on weekly field trips, create art projects, sing camp songs, perform science experiments, swim, appreciate nature, learn outdoor living skills, play group games, perform skits and gain a better understanding of the many cultures that make up the camp community. Each week of Day Camp includes field trips, Friday swim day at the YMCA, varied daily activities, and two healthy snacks. We work with the USDA Summer Foods Program to provide free sack lunches whenever possible. We spend our time primarily outdoors, so campers should come dressed for the weather and be ready to get dirty. Daily activities are based on a weekly theme and the detailed weekly schedule is distributed on the Friday before each session. Our camp experience is tailored to the needs of each The Ospreys (entering 1 st to 3 rd grade) - Osprey campers will participate in a Wednesday field trip and Friday swim day. Staff are selected for their skills in meeting the needs of this age group. Staffing ratio is 1 adult to every 10 campers. The Eagles (entering 4 th to 6 th grade) - Eagle campers will participate in two weekly field trips (on Tuesday and Thursday) and Friday swim day plus enjoy camp activities and experiences appropriate for this age group. Staffing ratio is 1 adult to every 15 campers. camper by dividing into two smaller camps (see box), that are then divided into mock cabins (a counselor and 10 or 15 campers) based on each camper s grade and gender. Whether you come to camp for a day or a week, camp teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership. See you at camp this summer. Who: Youth entering 1 st 6 th grade When: M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm Where: Medford Education Center Athletic Complex 815 South Oakdale, Medford, OR Fee: $25/day, many scholarships available Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarship: $15/day My daughter never wanted to miss a day. Many scholarships are available for all YMCA camp programs. Again this year, thanks to the generous support of Lithia Motors, we have an even greater level of scholarships available for those in need.

5 Day Camp Fast Facts Daily Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm Scholarships: Many scholarships are available so please just ask. Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarship: $75/week Pack the Required 5: Lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel! Contact Us: We want your camper s summer camp experience to be the best it can be and we will work with you to make sure your child will have a great time. For more information or questions, please contact Gary Taylor at gtaylor@rvymca.org or ext Weekly Themes Week 1 (June 10-14) Hawaiian Hullabaloo Enjoy the best of what Hawaii has to offer in this fun filled week. We will experience a variety of activities including: hula dancing, lei making, limbo, and a luau. Week 2 (June 17-21) Castles, Parapets, Turrets, and Keeps - Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses travel with us to the days of castle life. Can you really build a complete castle at Day Camp? Week 3 (June 24-28) Construction Ahead Caution, campers at work! Bridge building, cardboard forts, and rubber band toys are just a few things we will try to construct this week. Week 4 (July 1-5, no program on the 4 th ) Sports Remixed Ever wondered if you could shoot a basket with a football? We will be enjoying classic sports with a few re-mixed rules and equipment. We are sure to have a good time and we may even find the next American pastime. Week 5 (July 8-12) Everyday Heroes - We will explore all of the services that are here to protect and serve every citizen. Enjoy visits and tours from the police, fire, EMS and Search and Rescue professionals. Week 6 (July 15-19) Artful Antics - How many different ways can we paint without using a paintbrush? We will tap into the artist within all of us as we work with paint, clay, recycled materials and the natural world. Week 7 (July 22-26) Christmas in July - You better be good, you better not pout because Santa Claus is coming to camp. Trees, carols, hot cocoa, presents, snow, sledding, and the guy in the big red suit. Week 8 (July 29-August 2) Once upon a time This will be an adventure as we see how many different fairy tales we can visit. Is there a sleeping beauty at camp? Do you have a fairy godmother? Come enjoy a sampling of fun as we learn to live happily ever after. Week 9 (August 5-9) Around the World in 5 Days - Touring the world in 5 days will only leave time for the best of each place. Come with us as we explore different nations and cultures. Week 10 (August 12-16) Crazy Critters Raccoons, cougars, and bears oh my! We will be exploring the animals of the Rogue Valley as we learn about the wildlife around us. Week 11 (August 19-23) Summer Bar-b-que We will hoot and holler about the good times at camp this week. We will be enjoying the games of a good old-fashioned American Bar-b-que: watermelon seed spitting contests, three-legged races, and even a pie eating contest. Week 12 (August 26-30) Ship to Shore - Ahoy Ther' Maties! This week will let you Scallywags test your sea legs through various watery tests. Will we find buried treasure? What does Scallywag mean anyway?

6 YMCA SUMMER FUN IN THE UPPER ROGUE DAY CAMP IN EAGLE POINT (entering grades 1-6) Again this summer in partnership with the City of Eagle Point, the Rogue Valley Family YMCA will be offering 2 weeks of day camp in Eagle Point. Each week will be based on a theme and include many activities to keep campers engaged from the time they arrive until they leave. It is important to remember to pack a lunch, swimsuit (for water play, not swimming), towel, running shoes and water bottle so that your camper can enjoy all of the activities. To Register and Pay, Visit: CITY OF EAGLE POINT 17 Buchanan Avenue South Eagle Point, OR It s Your Birthday Every kid has dreamed of having two birthdays a year, but why not a whole week of birthday fun? Join us for the party of the summer. We will pin the tail on the donkey, crack the piñata, blow out the candles and sing happy birthday. July 8-12, 2013 Artful Antics - How many different ways can we paint without using a paintbrush? We will bring art to life! Working with paint, clay, found and recycled materials, and the natural world, we will tap into the artist within all of us. July 15-19, 2013 Who: Youth entering 1 st - 6 th grade When: M-F, 9:00am-3:00pm Weeks 5 & 6 Where: Outback Gym, across the street from 185 East Main Street, Eagle Point, OR Fee: $50/week, many scholarships available Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarships: $30/week Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:15 My son always has a great story to tell at the end of the day.

7 NOT JUST HAVING FUN BUT GROWING MYSELF TEEN ADVENTURES (entering grades 7-9) The Teen Adventures program provides teens entering grades 7 to 9 with a week of fun and adventure that promotes a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Experienced staff help these teen campers lead themselves in a wide variety of activities each day, including arts & crafts, games, cooking, sports, community service, swimming, and off-site field trips. Each Monday the group is given a chance to work with their counselors to decide what activities they will enjoy and which of the field trips they will attend with the Day Camp (up to 3 per week). Their week can include field trips, service learning projects, fitness activities, fundraising, volunteerism and team building. This program is not just a Day Camp for teens but a place to become more responsible, while encouraging them to support and teach each other. This program is perfect for teens who are motivated, responsible, ready to work hard, and willing to accept the leadership challenge. To continue involvement through the summer, teens must be actively engaged in all aspects of the program. We look forward to meeting and working with this year s teens. Teen campers benefit us by helping to lead and shape the summer for other campers, which is why we are able to offer this camp at a lower fee than Day Camp. Who: Teens entering 7 th - 9 th grade When: M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm Weeks 2, 3, 4 (no program on the 4 th ), 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 Where: Medford Education Center Athletic Complex, 815 South Oakdale, Medford, OR 97501, same location as Day Camp Fee: $75/week, many scholarships available. Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarships: $45/week Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:15

8 SUMMER MEMORIES WILL LAST A LIFETIME RESIDENT CAMP (entering grades 1-12) Adventure awaits you at resident camp this summer, whether you are shooting a bow and arrow for the first time or swimming around a waterfall. There are plenty of new things for you to do at camp. Campers live in cabins with youth of the same gender and age group along with a cabin counselor. Our camp offers age-appropriate camp activities that include swimming, cookouts, hiking, archery, creek hikes, nature games, arts & crafts, and campfire songs & skits. Each cabin group is also responsible for planning specific cabin activities for their week, making it a truly youth driven experience. Campers are also offered a Choose and Do time during the week where campers can sign up to spend a little more time doing the things they really love like archery, waterfall trips and commando hikes. There is always something to look forward to each summer as you get older. This is why we have so many returning campers. Each evening at camp is concluded with an unforgettable campfire experience where campers and counselors sing songs and perform skits. Campers and counselors dress up to attend a formal closing banquet and campfire, making their final day of camp very special. We are able to offer this camp in partnership with Camp Latgawa which is located 35 miles east of Medford in the beautiful wooded area of the Rogue National Forest near gently flowing streams, giant firs, and madrone trees. Who: Youth entering 2 nd 9 th grade When: Week 6, July Drop-off: Sunday July 14 at the YMCA, 3:00pm Pick-up: Saturday July 20 at the YMCA, 12:00noon Where: Camp Latgawa Fees: $435 / $385 / $335 (tiered pricing, pick one*) Registration: On-line at Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8 Register On-line at:

9 Mini Camp Mini camp sessions are geared at providing your camper with a brief introduction to overnight camping. Mini campers will spend two days and one night at Camp Latgawa enjoying arts & crafts, skits, songs, hiking, an overnight, and s mores around the campfire! Who: Youth entering 1 st grade When: Session 1: July Session 2: July Drop-off: On the first day of each session at the YMCA, 8:00am Pick-up: Last day of the session at the YMCA, 12:00noon Where: Camp Latgawa Fee: $110 / $100 / $90 (tiered pricing, pick one*) Registration: On-line at Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8 Spoons Teen spoon campers are given the opportunity to attend camp for half of the regular fee, because they help wash dishes after some of the meals. Spoons still enjoy all of the regular camp activities plus the freedom to develop a few of their own. Who: Youth entering 10 th 12 th grade When: Week 6, July Drop-off: Sunday July 14 at the YMCA, 3:00pm Pick-up: Saturday July 20 at the YMCA, 12:00noon Where: Camp Latgawa Fees: $220 / $195 / $170 (tiered pricing, pick one*) Registration: On-line at HANDS ON EXPLORATION ART & SCIENCE CAMP (entering grades 3-9) The YMCA, Central Point Parks & Recreation, and Camp Latgawa have teamed up to provide a great experience that blends the summer camp experience, art exploration and discovery of the *Tiered Pricing On each resident camp description you will find three different camp prices. You get to choose the one that best fits your family's ability to pay. Rate A: The highest price is closest to the true price of an individual's participation at camp. This includes things like insurance, utilities, replacement of equipment, and facility upgrades. Rate B: The middle price is the amount we spend during the week of camp for your camper to participate. These costs include the food, the people cooking the food and keeping the camp ready for campers, the program supplies, the training and food and lodging for the volunteer leaders. Rate C: The lowest price is a subsidized rate (this rate is not available after May 5th). natural world together into one unforgettable week. Campers will learn about their environment, investigate life cycles of animals and insects living at camp, and the impact the nearby streams play on things. This camp will provide a neutral ground for campers to open up new opportunities that build confidence in themselves while fostering an appreciation for their natural environment and art. Who: Youth entering 3 rd 9 th grade When: August 12-16, drop-off and pick-up are at Camp Latgawa, times to be confirmed upon registration Where: Camp Latgawa Fee: $430 / $380 / $330 (tiered pricing, pick one*) Register with: The City of Central Point ext. 232

10 LIGHTS, CURTAIN, ACTION THEATER CAMPS (entering grades 1-6) New! The YMCA is taking our great summer camp experience and combining it with the Randall Theatre s mission of bringing the community back to theater. Each performing arts camp will include instruction by professional theater artists and blend it with traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, rock climbing, team building games, and camp songs. No matter which camp you choose, your camper is sure to find the perfect opportunity for self expression. Rehearse This! - This fun-filled week of theater arts will include acting, improvisation, stage movement, stage presence, and showmanship. Campers will explore the theater arts through a variety of games that will allow them to take creative risks and build confidence. Camp will culminate with a performance for parents and the regular YMCA Day Camp campers on Friday June 28th, at 4:30pm. If your camper is interested in testing the waters of live performance then this is the camp for them. Who: Youth entering 1 st 6 th grade When: June 24-28, M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm Where: McLoughlin Middle School 320 West 2 nd Street, Medford, OR Fee: $150/week Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarship: $90/week Page to Stage this two week, full day camp will be a whirlwind tour through the entire stage production process. Y-camp counselors and professional theater artists will help your camper realize their dream as we write, cast, rehearse, create costumes, design the set, and stage the final production for parents and family on Thursday evening (August 1 at 7:00pm) of the final week. Whether your camper is interested in acting in front of the audience or helping to create the sets, this camp will allow every camper the chance to shine. Who: Youth entering 1 st 6 th grade When: July 22 August 2, M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm Where: Randall Theatre 10 East 3 rd Street, Medford, OR Fee: $300 for both weeks Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarship: $180 for both weeks

11 There is no greater way to find out who you really are than finding yourself in the middle of the natural world with just your thoughts and your pack. Our staff will assist your camper in making this a trip they will truly remember. The first day begins at the YMCA with a short session on packing lightweight packs and then we will depart to the trailhead to begin our adventure. We will be hiking through Crater Lake National Park and have a chance to see a part of the park most people drive right past. Each evening we will be setting up a camp and cooking over pack stoves before enjoying a relaxing evening in camp with peace and quiet all around. This camp is sure to be the perfect challenge for your camper this summer. As each camper will be carrying all of their own gear, food, water and some group equipment, we remind you that your camper should be able to walk 8-10 miles a day without a pack, which is a good sign they are ready for the 6-7 miles we will travel each day. All group camping equipment and food (except a sack lunch on the first day) will be provided by the YMCA. Who: Youth entering 6 th - 9 th grade When: July 9 12, drop-off at the YMCA at 8:00am, pick-up at 5:00pm Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $150, scholarships available Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8 SEARCHING FOR CACHES FOUND FUN CACHE CAMP (entering grades 5-8) Everybody loves finding treasure and this camp will take you around the state as we look for some great geocaches along the way. Geocaching combines the great outdoors and technology into a fun world-wide treasure hunt. Armed with a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) unit and map we will be taking your camper through Southern Oregon as we see just how many caches we can find. Campers will come home with a basic understanding of how to use a GPS to locate geocaches on their own. We will be traveling toward Bend, Oregon before heading back toward Klamath Falls and finally making our way back to the Rogue Valley on Highway 66. GPS units, group camping equipment, and all food (except a lunch on the first day) will be provided by the YMCA. Who: Youth entering 5 th - 8 th grade When: July 1-3, M-W, Drop-off 8:00am, pick-up 5:00pm Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $150, scholarships available Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8

12 THE BEACH & FRIENDS COASTAL CAMP (entering grades 4-7) We will be surrounded by the stunning coastal landscape as we enjoy the waves, flying kites, exploring tide pools, catching crabs and building sand castles. We will be camping at Sunset Bay State Park. The Oregon coast has a lot to offer and this week of camp will allow your camper the chance to enjoy it all. We will conclude each evening with a campfire and group activities. All YMCA camp programs focus on living together as a small group and this week will be no different as campers will be asked to help set up camp, prepare meals and clean up. Group camping gear and food will be provided by the YMCA. All swimming and water activities will be supervised by certified lifeguards. Join us as we go coastal this summer. When: June 25 28, Drop-off 8:00am, pick-up 5:00pm Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $150, scholarships available Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8 UNDER THE SUN, SUNSCREEN, & TOTALLY WET... RAFTING CAMP Bring your sense of adventure and you will be sure to have a great time on the famous Rogue River. As we float down the river we will get soaked going through rapids, enjoy splash wars with other boats, catch a glimpse of local wildlife, and spend time together with your new friends under the Rogue Valley sun. Whether you join us for the one-day adventure or decide to extend it to the full 3-day experience, you will get a chance to enjoy rafting at its best. All campers and staff will be required to wear a life jacket at all times while in and on the water. Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:6 Intro to Rafting (entering grades 5-9) This one day trip will take you from Cole River Fish Hatchery to Shady Cove Park to give you just the perfect introductory experience that will leave you feeling ready to join us again next year for the 3-day rafting adventure. All you need to bring is sunscreen, a lunch, water bottle, swimsuit, and towel for this splash filled day. Transportation will be provided by the YMCA. When: June 21, meet at the YMCA at 8:00am and return at 5:00pm Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $45, scholarships available 3-Day Adventure (entering grades 6-10) Dropping in at Cole River Fish Hatchery and floating for 3 days down to Tou Velle State Park. We will stop the first night at Rogue Elk Park and the second night just below Dodge Bridge. All group camping equipment is provided by the YMCA so you just need to pack your personal gear (a packing list provided one week before the camp), eat a complete breakfast before arriving and bring a lunch for the first day. All other food will be provided by the YMCA. Each night will add to this memorable experience as we set up our camp site, cook our meals as a group, and finish the evening with a campfire along the river. All campers will come away with a basic understanding of raft navigation and camp cooking. When: July 23, meet at the YMCA at 8:00am and return on July 25 to the YMCA at 5:00pm Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA, 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR Fee: $150, scholarships available ROGUE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, Oregon