BEST SUMMER EVER! RARITAN VALLEY YMCA CAMP YOMECA

BEST SUMMER EVER! RARITAN VALLEY YMCA CAMP YOMECA

WELCOME TO THE BEST SUMMER EVER! Dear Camp Families, It has been my privilege to watch hundreds of children learn, grow, and thrive over the past 12 years as your camp leader at the Raritan Valley YMCA. I am so pleased to watch our campers become CIT s, then join our staff team, making a great impact on campers as their own counselors did where new skills are learned, lifelong friendships are formed, and character is developed. Contents About the YMCA..3 Registration & Important Dates...4 Camp Activities & Daily Schedule..5 Traditional Camp..7 Counselor-in-training Camp 9 Specialty Camp..10 I am also pleased to share that we are interviewing and hiring many wonderful camp staff to ensure your child has the Best Summer Ever! Becoming a camp counselor at one of our camps is truly an honor and not an easy process. We are able to select the best staff through our dynamic and engaging interview process with more applicants than positions each year. I know I speak for all when I say we are looking forward to a summer making memories that will last a lifetime. Also, we have planned monthly family events and camper reunions this year to help your child stay connected to camp, while helping families connect with each other. I look forward to seeing my former campers and meeting new ones throughout the year. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or suggestions. We can t wait until summer! Yours in Camping, Brenda Dempsey, Camp YOMECA Director BDempsey@RaritanValleyYMCA.org At the Y, you are a part of a diverse organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As the nation s leading nonprofit, we believe that lasting personal and social change can only happen when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when neighbors come together for the common good. Everything the Y does is in service of making us, as individuals and as a community, stronger! 2

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE Y IS A CHARITY The Y is a cause driven charitable organization that believes everyone's life, regardless of age, income or background, should be enriched. Financial aid recipients in our service area shared nearly $183,000 in 2016 for membership, programming, wellness initiatives, childcare and education. A HUB FOR VOLUNTEERISM The Raritan Valley YMCA hosts more than 300 volunteers yearly through partnerships with community organizations, businesses, universities and local school districts. Please consider sharing your time and talents with our community. There are three main areas of service at the YMCA. Each role is unique and important in its own way. Youth Development: everything we do is designed to nurture the potential of children and teens. Healthy Living: improve health and well-being. Social Responsibility: motivate people to support their neighbors and the larger community. Opportunities include: Youth Sports Assistants Child Care/ School Age Child Care Assistants Sports Coaches Special Events Support Nutritional Learning Supporting community events like Healthy Kids Day Welcoming and serving Y members Board Member on the Board of Managers Program Committee Member Story teller and Fundraiser for the Annual Support Campaign Clerical Assistant Maintenance Support ACCREDITED AND LICENSED Raritan Valley YMCA Camps are licensed by the State of NJ Department of Children and Families. In addition to required state licensing, our camps are also voluntarily accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This accreditation process requires camp to comply with the highest set of standards in the nation in the areas of: health and wellness, safety, staff selection, screening and training, transportation, program quality, impact on our environment, and inclusive and progressive experiences for all. Accreditation is proof of our credibility, accountability, and commitment to great experiences. It demonstrates that we have gone to great lengths, have been evaluated, and have passed the test! ABOUT THE CAMP STAFF Staff are selected after review of application, lengthy interview process where experience, passion and engagement is assessed, a rigid screening process, and participation in a minimum of 24 hours of precamp training. Mature staff include local teachers, retired professionals, school aides, college students, and year-round YMCA staff who work in other seasonal youth development departments. Many younger staff are former campers who desire to give an enriching experience to the next generation. 3

REGISTRATION & KEY DATES CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION Open registration for all campers begins Sunday, January 15, 2017 Early Bird Rates are valid until February 18, 2017. Register early and save! Your child must have a current facility or Raritan Valley YMCA program membership to be able to register and attend camp. Please note, registrations will be accepted until spaces are filled or by Wednesday before the following week, pending availability, and including AM/PM care. CAMP OPEN HOUSE DATES SAT, JAN 7 11AM-3PM CAMPER REUNION SAT, FEB 18 10AM-12PM SAT, MAR 18 10AM-12PM SAT, APR 15 10AM-12PM SAT, APR 29 10AM-2PM SAT, MAY 13 10AM-12PM THUR, JUN 1 6-8PM SAT, JUN 10 10AM-12PM WINTER WONDERLAND SUPER FRIENDS EVENT FAIRY TALES TEA PARTY HEALTHY KIDS DAY SHOW YOUR TALENT CAMPER REUNION TOUR OUTDOOR FACILITY COME MEET OTHER FAMILIES AT OUR EVENTS! In two months our son grew so much at camp! He became so responsible, learned how to show he cared for others, found his place and voice in larger groups settings, and had so much fun along the way. The counselors, specials events and aftercare were amazing. Mature and professional for their age and we felt he was in the best hands. THANK YOU! Camp encourages trying new activities without the fear of judgment. My daughter left camp with a new self-confidence that is now showing in her school work. I can t say enough about the great counselors and the fun and welcoming atmosphere. That combined with the safe and structured environment makes me a very happy camp parent! Thank you!! PARENT ORIENTATION DATES MEET STAFF AND TOUR CAMP! WED, JUN 14 TH 6:30-8:00 THU, JUN 15 TH 6:30-8:00 4

CAMP ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT The YMCA focuses on teaching four core values in all youth development programs. These values guide lesson plans, conversations, and behavior redirection in a positive manner. YMCA core values include: Caring Honesty Respect Responsibility At camp, children can pursue their potential and explore new interests in a safe, nurturing environment. Your child will make lasting friendships and have fun discovering who they are and what they can do. Campers will experience a variety of progressive activities in a challenging and engaging environment. Activities are designed and implemented for age groups with skill development as a primary focus. Most activities are tailored to all ages but some, such as Archery, are designed for older campers due to maturity requirements. SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE 7:00-9:00 AM Care Games and Random Parent/Guardian Curbside Drop-Off 9:00-9:05 Opening Ceremony and Final Curbside Drop-Off (for non-am Care) 9:05-9:15 Group Attendance & Transition to Trip/Pool Site/Activities 9:15-10:30 Swim Lessons (at various pool locations and times) 10:40-11:25 Mad Science 11:35-12:20 Arts & Crafts 12:30-1:15 LUNCH BREAK 1:25-1:50 Gaga Court Play 2:00-2:45 Healthy Chefs 2:50-3:35 Nature Quest 3:45-4:30 Closing Ceremony 4:30-6:30 Parent/Guardian Curbside Pick-Up before Extended PM Care 4:30-5:15 1 ST PM Activity Choice and Random PM Care Parent/Guardian Pick-Up 5:15-6:00 2 nd PM Activity Choice and Random PM Care Parent/Guardian Pick-Up 6:00-6:30 Gym Games and Final Pick-Up ALL-INCLUSIVE CAMP! (Full of Heart) (True Blue) (Golden Rule) (Mother Earth) Our camps provide everything except your child s daily lunch, sunscreen, change of clothes for swimming, and a required camp T-shirt for trips. All camp activities are part of your child s registration including: Daily Swim Lessons, Trips and Special Events, Progressive Activities, and Activity Supplies. 5

CAMP ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULE WEEKLY SAMPLE ACTIVITIES Each week, campers follow a fun-packed structured and themed schedule. Campers experience a variety of activities in a progressive experience. Some activities are designed and implemented for groups by grade with skill development as a primary focus. Most activities are tailored to all ages but some, such as Archery, are designed for older campers due to maturity requirements. Activities include: Energy Boost!, Quiet Games, Mad Scientists, Playground Games, Math Blast, Story Time, WinIt! Games, Tennis Aces, Musical Tales, Soccer Skills, Nature Quest, Global Arts, Basketball Drills, Brain Games, Park Play, Debate Team, Healthy Chefs, Imagination Station, Learning Lab, Reading Room, Baseball Leaguers, Archery and More! WEEKLY SAMPLE THEMES AND SPECIAL EVENTS Weekly Sample Themes Include: Under the Sea, Retro World, Halloween in July, Super Summer, Splish Splash, Animal Kingdom, Globe Trotters, African Safari, Pay it Forward, Galaxy Quest, Got Talent?, Color War, Anything Goes, and More! Weekly Sample Special Events: Special Guests, Color Wars, Fun Runs, Talent Show, Dinosaurs Rock!, Super Hero Day, Wacky Wednesdays, Survivor Day, Hoop Contests, Ice Cream Social, Mud Runs, Water Games, Science Fairs, and More! DAILY SWIM LESSONS (on non-special event days) Campers will engage in national YMCA Progressive skill-based lessons and water safety education with YMCA trained staff under supervision of YMCA lifeguards. Campers will be grouped by level in their age category, encouraging a progressive, challenging environment for swim skill development. CAMP TRIPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Field trips are included as part of camp registration fees. All campers must wear a camp T-shirt ($12 each) and attend scheduled trips with their group. Children not attending trips should be kept home for the day as no alternative care will be provided by the camp. Parent chaperones are encouraged for camp trips. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Camp Director early as all volunteers must agree to complete a background check and volunteer application at least two (2) weeks prior to attending a trip. Sample trips may include: Jumping Jungle, Butterfly Park, Crayola Factory, Monmouth Gymnastics, iplay America, Cheesequake Park, Statue of Liberty, Beach and Lake Excursions, Funplex, and many more! 6

TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS EXPLORERS Ages: 3-4 or 4-5, depending on maturity Camper-to-Staff Ratio: 6:1 Weekly Session Dates: June 19-September 1 Cost: $275/week Location: YMCA Early Childhood Center Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but campers must be pre-registered. : Our youngest campers will spend their days exploring the world around them while learning through play to develop cognitive thinking. Activities will focus on learning how to build new friendships, try new experiences, while learning the importance of sharing and working together. Fun-filled days will include ageappropriate activities and trips at both indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure a well-rounded experience. ACHIEVERS Grades: K-1, 1-3, or 3-5, depending on maturity Camper to Staff Ratio: 8:1 Weekly Session Dates: June 19-September 1 Cost: $310/week Location: YMCA Indoor/Outdoor Campgrounds Swimming Location: Pending registrations and maintaining aquatic ratios, these campers may swim at either YMCA Teaching Pool typically for grades K-3 and Crystal Springs and Milltown Community Pool (weeks 2-10) for Grades 3-5 Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. : Campers will be grouped by grades, depending on maturity, and sibling/friend requests. Active trips, tremendous guests, and engaging activities will expose campers to a variety of activities that are both fun and educational. Campers are also given the chance to explore the possibilities of developing interests in specific areas of sports, arts, and education, providing an exceptional and gratifying experience for all. We bring our Achievers an excellent, age-relevant, and progressive camp experience where social-emotional skills are developed. As campers age, they have options to move to the next level of the camp experience Adventurers! 7

ADVENTURERS Grades: 5-6 or 6-7, depending on maturity Camper-to-Staff Ratio: 10:1 Weekly Session Dates: June 19-September 1 Cost: $310/week Location: YMCA Indoor/Outdoor Campgrounds Swimming Location: Crystal Springs and Milltown Community Pool (weeks 2-10) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. : Campers will experience an adventurous variety of activities and expeditions for campers, consisting of progressive summer experiences. These experiences include organizing camp-wide events, experiencing advanced camp activities such as Archery, and more free choice of activities. We encourage skill-development and trying new activities while expanding on friendship-making and social skills. Adventurers will have the opportunity to express their individuality through hands on experiences with team building activities, short skits, role-playing, meeting new friends and will gain positive self-image. More importantly they will have a chance to experience the joy of summer. Campers in grades 6-7 also have the option to enroll in our next level of the camp experience Voyagers! VOYAGERS Grades: 6-8 Camper-to-Staff Ratio: 10:1 Weekly Session Dates: June 19-September 1 Cost: $330/week Location: YMCA Indoor/Outdoor Campgrounds Swimming Location: Crystal Springs and Milltown Community Pool (weeks 2-10) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. : If you are looking for an advanced summer experience to enrich your middle schooler, look no further. Designed for both teens and preteens who are looking to have an unforgettable experience, Voyagers will build tremendous memories and an everlasting bond with friendships they make along the way, providing teens with personal development, the ability to build self-confidence and techniques for creating strong leadership skills. We have a committed staff that is dedicated to providing summer experiences for campers with special moments that they will hold dear forever, mingling with friends from past, present and future. Voyagers also experience field trips at least twice a week with our fun staff chosen and trained to work specifically with these grades. Our staff members are not only facilitating a secure and progressive environment for campers, but they are also positive mentors for youth. 8

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING CAMP COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) Grades 9-10 Session Dates: Session One (June 26-July 21) and/or Session Two (July 31- August 25) Cost: $600 (no July 4 th ) / $630 Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. At the YMCA, we take the Counselor in Training Program very seriously. We are looking for youth that embody our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 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 have the opportunity to make new friends, build teamwork skills and have a great time being a part of the YMCA summer camp leadership team. How to Become a CIT: All new CITs may not register until they have been through the interview process and accepted into the program. CIT Candidates must either download or request a CIT application. After it is complete it must be sent into the Y for review and acceptance. Interviews are scheduled first, based on the quality of your application, and secondly, when we receive it pending space availability. Applications can be mailed or dropped off to the attention of the Camp Director. Please do not fax or email. Second Year CITs - may register at any point once registration is open. There is no need to reapply once you have been through the interview process and participated as a CIT. CIT s enrolled by May 15 th will be offered the opportunity to join staff at some pre-camp training events, pending transportation availability and mature subjects, held on Saturdays in June. Please note that being part of the CIT program does not guarantee future employment. The CIT program has been developed to pay special attention to developing the leadership skills of participants, learning about the developmental stages of children, exploring the benefits of volunteer experience and philanthropic opportunities. CITs spend a large portion of their day interacting with age-appropriate groups (campers 4 to 10 years old). They will review skills learned, along with taking part in new activities that enhance leadership skills. 9

SPECIALTY DAY CAMPS Trail Mix Grades: 2-6 Session Dates: Week 2 (June 26-30) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. Campers will develop their outdoor living skills in this exciting, hands-on specialty camp! Campers will have an amazing adventure learning about the great outdoors, hiking galore, nature sightings and more. Join us for an outdoor adventure. Campers will gain a love of the outdoors and walking through nature. Tennis Aces Grades: 2-8 Session Dates: Week 3 (July 3-17 no camp 7/4) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. This camp is perfect for children who want to learn the basics of tennis or improve their game. Join us for a week full of skills, drills, fundamentals and fitness in daily games-it s a fun way to learn the game of tennis! Campers will participate in a variety of creative activities to develop their tennis skills. Beginners to intermediate levels are welcome. Designed to build tennis confidence. Global Arts Grades 1-7 Session Dates: Week 4 (July 10-14) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. Campers will explore the sights, sounds and textures of countries around the globe. We inspire curiosity, hone social skills and build confidence by examining the world through cooking, painting, special events and field trips. This indoor camp sparkles with cultural dances and games that will inspire children to learn more about the world around them. Wonders of Duct Tape Grades: K-5 Session Dates: Week 5 (July 17-21) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. Roll out the fun with colorful duct tape to make creative handbags, wallets, accessories and more. Children will design, create, and display their creativity in this popular art form, encouraging a sense of individualism and pride in work. 10

Healthy Chefs Grades: 2-8 Session Dates: Week 6 (July 24-28) Location: Raritan Valley YMCA, 144 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. Campers participate in a weeklong exploration of culinary delights. These chefs will receive lessons in cooking safety, cooking techniques, healthy eating, menu planning, shopping tips, a trip to the supermarket and the essentials for making healthy meals and snacks. Campers will develop their pallets to enjoy trying new foods. Green Thumbs Grades: K-5 Session Dates: Week 8 (Aug 7-11) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. Campers will learn about the life cycle of living organisms by learning about plants, seeds and soil. They will plant a garden with favorite flowers or vegetables. This camp is designed to help children also learn about how the environment can affect our food supply. Big, Bang, Boom Science Grades K-5 Session Dates: Week 9 (August 14-18) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. If your child is curious about how things work and likes to try new experiments, then he/she will love this specialty camp. Campers will make simple experiments using household items, while having lots of fun and developing their curiosity about the world around them. Embrace Your Athletic Side Grades 3-8 Session Dates: Week 10 (August 21-25) Hours of Camp 9:00am-4:30pm. AM/PM Care available 7:00-9:00am and/ or 4:30-6:30pm at no additional cost but camper must be pre-registered. This camp offers a week of sports and teambuilding fun. Campers will learn skills in the following sports: basketball, volleyball, Frisbee and other games. Campers will gain a greater understanding of working with others, build leadership skills, and build their self-esteem. 11

USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP YEAR- ROUND! Youth Sports Tennis, Basketball, Karate, Soccer, Hockey, T-Ball, and More! Swim Lessons Year-Round Progressive Lessons at Rutgers Campus After School Enrichment Program Picking up in EB, SR, Milltown Early Childhood Learning Center Year-Round learning with Creative Curriculum RARITAN VALLEY YMCA 144 Tices Lane P 732-257-4114 F 732-257-5762 W RaritanValleyYMCA.org