YMCA CAMP POTAWOTAMI 2018 SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP EXPERIENCE SUMMER

YMCA CAMP POTAWOTAMI 2018 SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP EXPERIENCE SUMMER

We felt camp would be a great experience overall for our daughter as well as build her confidence and appreciation for nature, friends, being away from home and trying new things. It was a success and she is excited to go back! - Randall, Parent Experience ADVENTURE Greetings from Camp, YMCA Camp Potawotami has provided friendship, fun, challenges and characterbuilding in a beautiful natural environment for over 95 years. The 2018 summer camp season will be an experience in your child s life that will provide positive memories for a lifetime. YMCA Camp Potawotami is a place designed for kids. We believe that children need a place to explore new ideas and accomplish activities in a safe environment. Campers will learn new skills and develop self-confidence. A sense of belonging and character is developed through a group living cabin experience. Learning to make friends is a skill that will help campers throughout their lives. We are intentional when it comes to quality service and creating positive memories for your child. We hope you join us this summer and see the great things that can happen for kids when we work together. We look forward to sharing a safe, healthy and happy camp experience with your family. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Katie Taylor and Shelby Nichter, Camp Directors

Experience FRIENDSHIP At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we focus on what we call the A, B, C s of camping. We work to increase campers sense of accomplishment and belonging while they learn about positive character traits and values. Our tools are well-trained staff, carefully planned programs, and safe, clean facilities. A ACCOMPLISHMENT Campers gain a sense of accomplishment by trying new activities and developing skills. For many campers, being away from home for a week is an important accomplishment in itself. We hope these real world accomplishments will raise the self-confidence and selfesteem of each camper. B BELONGING Making new friends and being a good friend helps campers learn about a sense of belonging. Living in a cabin with other children and counselors gives each camper a lesson in friendship building and teamwork. At camp, each person has responsibilities and is a valued part of the YMCA Camp Potawotami community. C CHARACTER We discuss character traits and values in many ways during the week. YMCA Camp Potawotami places an emphasis on learning, growing and doing your best. Our core values are Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. Our unique Wampum Bead program also encourages campers to choose a character trait to work on during camp and throughout the entire year. We believe that a camp experience teaches our kids independence. We also believe that it is an overall benefit to their growth and development. William, Parent 260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

Experience ROLE MODELS OUR EXCEPTIONAL STAFF YMCA Camp Potawotami staff are committed to providing a positive experience for each camper. Our summer staff are carefully selected to ensure that we have a diverse group of skilled and responsible counselors who care about children. Our energetic, enthusiastic staff includes some international counselors our campers get the best in the world! Many counselors are college students in education or related social service fields. Before the campers arrive, the entire staff is trained in safety, counseling techniques, conflict resolution, child development, bullying prevention, and camp policies and procedures. Staff are also trained on instilling the values of YMCA Camp Potawotami in all aspects of camp. Our insistence on the highest standards ensures that we can keep our promise of a fun, safe, and high quality experience for our campers. Our staff undergoes extensive background and reference checks as well as a complete training on safety issues, First Aid and CPR. Our six-to-one camper-to-staff ratio makes sure everyone has the best camp experience possible.

Experience SOMETHING NEW MINI CAMP Ages 6-8 Mini Camp is the perfect experience for our younger campers; a two-night, threeday introduction to camp. Mini Camp staff provide a nurturing environment for campers to live and play. Our staff guides campers through the session with a caring approach and individual attention. Our counselors help younger campers learn new skills and build their self-confidence. Counselors ensure that their campers are taking care of their personal needs, such as brushing their teeth and making their beds, all while keeping the camper experience fun and exciting. Counselors will encourage campers to try new activities and learn new skills. This fun program, loaded with traditional camp activities, prepares your child for a full week of camp in the future. I went to Camp Potawotami as a kid and I always had a blast! I am so glad my child can experience what I did. Tim, Parent I trust the Y's training for the counselors and I feel confident my child will be safe and have a great time. Marilyn, Parent MINI CAMP PROGRAM ACTIVITIES Nature Walk Canoeing Arts and Crafts Swimming Campfire with S mores Camp Games Archery Pony Ride Mole Hole Slide Teambuilding Rock Climbing Evening Reflection Wampum Bead Program 260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

Experience SKILL-BUILDING YOUTH CAMP Ages 8-14 Our popular week-long camps focus on skill development and overall achievement. Campers have the opportunity to try a variety of camp activities and develop skills in classes of their own choosing. The cabin group is the heart of our camp, where our trained counselors help campers foster respect for themselves and others in their group. Each cabin is a part of a circle based on age; the circles make up the Council of the 3 Fires. PROGRAM AREAS & ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH CAMP Archery Arts and Crafts Basketball BB Guns Canoeing Hiking Horseback Riding* Kayaking Low Ropes Mountain Biking Nature Study Outdoor Cooking Outdoor Survival Skills Rock Climbing Sand Volleyball Slingshots Snorkeling* Soccer Swimming Teambuilding Camping in Tents Paddleboats FOR AGES 12-14 ONLY Giant Swing Riflery 22 s* High Ropes Scuba* Stand-Up Paddleboarding Zip Line This is such a great opportunity for our boys to learn new skills, interact with others, make new friends, have responsibility and make good decisions. Nick, Parent * These courses must be registered for in advance and require an additional fee.

YOUTH CAMP COUNCIL OF 3 FIRES NESHNABEK CIRCLE Ages 8-9 Neshnabek Circle campers will enjoy a thrilling week of fun and adventure. Each day has exciting games and activities specially designed for this age group. Counselors are trained to ensure a positive experience for these young campers, some of whom may be experiencing Camp for the first time! Neshnabeks will choose 3 skill classes to experience. Skill classes may include: canoeing, arts and crafts, climbing, and archery to name a few. Campers will cook dinner over a campfire one evening. Spending a week in the Neshnabek Circle builds friendships and independence. My children love Camp Potawotami. We love giving the opportunity to experience the outdoors and gain confidence by challenging themselves. Cheryl, Parent OTTAWA CIRCLE Ages 10-11 Ottawa Circle campers spend their days trying new activities and participating in skill classes. Besides their 3 chosen activities, Ottawa campers will take part in two cabin activities each day picked by the cabin group. The Ottawa Circle participates in all-camp campfires, along with an experience where they camp out with their cabin mates and prepare their own dinner over a campfire! Prepare to make new friends, learn new skills and create lifetime memories. CHIPPEWA CIRCLE Ages 12-14 The Chippewa Circle is designed for the teen who still wants the traditional camp experience, but is ready for new challenges. We combine all the fun and excitement of Ottawa Circle with bonus features reserved only for Chippewa Circle. The Chippewa Circle campers will choose 4 skills classes, have cabin activities, spend time at the waterfront, play all-camp games, and create traditions which will carry on for years to come. The Chippewa Circle is the only Youth Camp program to do the High Ropes course and Paddleboards. 260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

We have nothing but fantastic things to say about Camp Potawotami. She gained much needed self-confidence being around other kids who love the arts as much as she does. - Linda, Parent SPECIALTY CAMPS RANCH CAMP Ages 12-14 Love Horses? At our one-of-a-kind Ranch Camp, campers spend half of their day at our ranch where they learn about grooming, feeding, tacking and overall horse care. Every day, they will have a riding lesson or trail ride with a CHA-certified instructor. The Ranch Camp staff teaches campers how to care for the horses as if they were their own. Ranch Campers also share in the fun of various cabin group activities and all-camp evening programs. FAME ARTS CAMP Ages 8-16 FAME Camp s mission is to bring multi-cultural arts to all children. Master FAME teachers mentor campers to help them reach the peak of their creativity. We challenge the budding artist in every child through innovative activities that are both fun and exciting and in an atmosphere of nurturing acceptance. FAME Camp programs span the arts of music, drama, poetry, composition, art and dance. FAME Campers also get to experience many traditional camp activities with their cabin groups and end the week with a performance and exhibition for FAME Camp families. STAR WARS CAMP Ages 10-14 Are you prepared to embark on the greatest adventure ever seen in a galaxy long ago and far away? This week of Star Wars fun was created in conjunction with Lucasfilm, LTD. Star Wars Week at YMCA Camp Potawotami is a fully themed week where campers begin the week as Padawans who are preparing to begin their Jedi training. Throughout the week, these Padawans are challenged through daily Star Wars Camp activities.

Experience LEADERSHIP TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP Ages 14-16 Our Teen Adventure Camp (Voyagers) is packed with action and wonderful opportunities to make new friends and take on the world with a new adventure each day. All sessions will travel to Michigan Dunes for an overnight camping trip. Camping under the stars, campfires and group bonding are sure to make this summer one of the best experiences ever. TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP Entering Grade 11 This two-week Teen Leadership Camp (Clippers*) is designed for teens transitioning from camper to counselor. Your teen will learn how to become a camp leader while mentoring younger campers and being a positive role model. Clippers will go on an overnight trip, as well as participate in camp service projects and develop new skills, all while enjoying the excitement of summer camp. During their second week at camp, Clippers will be paired with a cabin to shadow a counselor and have hands-on experience as a leader. Being a Clipper is a pre-requisite for being a CIT. * All Clippers go home on Friday at regular camp checkout time and return on Sunday. COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING Entering Grade 12 The Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program is designed for teens who desire to be counselors at YMCA Camp Potawotami. The CIT program is an extensive, up-to- 3-week volunteer program that offers participants the opportunity to develop leadership and effective counseling skills. CITs will be provided with the opportunity to assist counselors in cabins with campers, as well as in program areas. All CIT applicants must apply to the Camp Program Director with a letter of interest and attend a pre-camp CIT interview and training day. The level of confidence my daughter came home from Camp with was noticeable immediately. Michael, Parent 260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

A place for EXPERIENCE SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE 7:50 am Flag Raising 8:00 am Breakfast 8:30 am Chapel 8:45 am Camp Clean Up 9:05 am Skill Class 1 10:10 am Skill Class 2 11:15 am Skill Class 3 12:30 pm Lunch 1:10 pm Siesta 2:00 pm Waterfront Free Choice Time 3:00 pm Snack 3:10 pm Cabin Activity 5:30 pm Dinner & Awards 6:15 pm Flag & Awards 6:20 pm Free Choice Time 7:20 pm Evening Program* 8:30 pm Cabin Game/Bonding Time 9:00 pm Showers/Evening Devotion 9:30 pm Lights Out for 9 years and younger 10:00 pm Lights Out for 10 years and older * Evening Programs include Campfires, All Camp Games, Cookout/Campout, and Wampum Bead Ceremony. FAMILY NIGHT/CLOSING CEREMONY Every session (except FAME**) ends with Family Night on Friday from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. Mini Camp will have a Family Night on the evening of their checkout from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm. Family Night is an opportunity to enjoy camp fun with the whole family. It s a time where your camper can share with you the exciting things and great people they ve experienced at YMCA Camp Potawotami. We will recognize campers achievements from during the week at the closing ceremony. A family picnic will be served. ** FAME Camp will have a Friday afternoon check-out at 2:30 pm with a closing performance at 3:00 pm.

Experience CAMP POTAWOTAMI LODGING Cabin life is a great way to get to know others and make lifelong friends. Each cabin comes with the essentials, including great counselors. Mini and Youth Camp campers live in lodges that are clean and well maintained with climate control, builtin bunks, electricity, and indoor bathrooms. Older Youth campers and Teen Program campers stay in seasonal cabins with amenities nearby in a central bathhouse. ARROWHEAD DINING HALL Enjoy family-style dining in our lakefront dining hall at Arrowhead Lodge. The food is great, and so is the company! MEDICAL CENTER Each week, we have a volunteer Registered Nurse who stays on-site and is available to provide excellent medical care and attention, first aid, CPR and supervision around the clock. CHAPEL At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we believe that the connection between spirit, mind and body is important. In our outdoor chapel, we explore character values in an atmosphere built on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. TOURS OF CAMP We would love to share camp with you. Please contact us at 260.351.2525 or at camp@fwymca.org if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour. ACCREDITATION YMCA Camp Potawotami is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the State of Indiana. Camp gives them the experience of meeting new friends and other people from different countries that come and make an effort to create a great experience for the children. Steve, Parent FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Y is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is available to individuals and families in need thanks to our generous supporters during our YMCA Annual Campaign. Please call for an application. I sent him to give him a different experience in life, a change to feel out some independence, make friends and get out of his shell of shyness by having him form relationships with others. Sheri, Parent 260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

YMCA Camp Potawotami P.O. Box 38 South Milford, IN 46786 P: 260.351.2525 F: 260.351.3915 fwycamp.org CAMP TO CHICAGO 20 6 80 90 9 X 700 S Sturgis 3 South Milford Kendallville MI IN Angola OH IN OH 9 8 8 Auburn 69 FORT WAYNE 30 3 469 69 27 33 TO INDIANAPOLIS This institution is an equal opportuntiy provider. OUR MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID FORT WAYNE, IN Permit #429