CAMP CHIEF HECTOR YMCA PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT 2018
Camp Chief Hector Bowfort Lodge
Bowfort Lodge Hector Lodge
Chiniquay Yamnuska Mistaya Kananaskins Pioneer Leadership Leaders-in-Training Progression 7-9Y 6-Day 10-13Y 6-Day 10-11Y 13-Day 12-13Y 13-Day 14-15Y 13-Day 16Y 27-Day 17Y 1-2 months
What to Expect Our youngest campers (everyone under 10) are located at the Bowfort end of camp. Tipi and Cabin Accommodations Day camps and 6-day overnight camps focus on having fun, developing teamwork and getting to know new friends. Groups travel and participate in activities together. Each Tipi group has 8 campers and 2 staff.
Camp and Camper Commitment I want to be a camper at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. I agree to behave respectfully at camp. I will do my best to make this summer a great experience for myself and my fellow campers. I understand that failure to live up to my Commitment may mean that I am sent home from camp. I also understand that by making this Commitment, I can look forward to fair treatment and friendship from my cabin or tipi mates, fellow campers, and staff.
Activities
Food Tasty, balanced meals that include camper favourites. Plus lots of vegetables and fruits available, including a salad bar!
Living at Camp
GAME TIME!
Staff Full time team & Program Coordinators Section Directors Counsellors
Safety and Risk Management Number 1 Priority In-depth Staff Training Campers are involved and play an active role
Wildlife Many animals share the site with us and we have a comprehensive wildlife management plan that includes: - Simple strategies such as sticking together and making lots of noise are commonplace at camp but are effective at deterring animals - Attractants such as food and smellies are not stored in or near accommodations
Family Zone Create/update your Family Zone Information each year - Camper Information (medications, allergies, food restrictions) - Transportation Selections - Friend Requests You will receive an email to upload your Family Zone information mid-april, call the city office if you don t receive by the end of April
Transportation Taking the Bus or Driving to Site 1-2 counsellors will ride on the bus with the campers At the end of the session, Section Directors will check in with all campers to confirm how they are getting home
Common Challenges Homesickness - Try to prepare before camp (Open House, build excitement, spend night at a friends house) - Once at camp, groups will immediately start teambuilding and making sure everyone feels comfortable and safe Bed-wetting - Staff are ready to help by comforting camper, giving them time to shower, washing sleeping bag and clothes, plus we have extra sleeping bags available Behaviour - Campers are held accountable for poor behaviour. Groups will work together to create a positive community, and staff will try to manage on their own or with help of Section Directors before contacting you Counsellors, Section Directors, and your camper will first try to overcome challenges together, if issues persist and more information is needed or sharing is appropriate, they will contact the full time team and/or parents.
Health Center Responsible for dispensing medications - During sign in, parents will speak with staff and provide details about medication(s) - If your camper is going on an out-trip, their medication(s) will be organized and sent out with the group for counsellors to dispense Organize visits to clinics or hospitals - Parent communication Camper care when feeling ill - Extra beds in the health center, as well as showers and laundry services
YMCA Strong Kids YMCA Strong Kids is an annual fundraising campaign to raise resources to support proven YMCA programs that give kids the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Our goal is to help kids live healthier, happier lives today, and grow into productive adults in the future. 100% of donations raised goes directly to children and youth so they can belong, grow, thrive, and lead.
Upcoming Events Open House Come visit the site and get a sneak peek into summer camp! Check out the tipis, clusters, and join some fun activities! Sunday May 27 2-4 PM Family Camp Weekends Another great way to get to know camp: May 11-13 May 25-27 MEC Night Visit us at our club night to help prepare for camp with a 10% discount Wednesday May 24 6:30-9 PM
Waiting Lists Waiting lists can be long, especially with popular programs like Chiniquay and Yamnuska. Options: - Check out Camp Riveredge! A day camp located right in the city at Sandy Beach Park - All other YMCA branches also have day camps that run throughout the summer
Frequently Asked Questions How are groups assigned? We take into consideration friend requests on Family Zone, but groups are otherwise quite random so your camper will walk away with new friends. How do I contact my camper? Easy! On Family Zone, you can send your camper an E-note, which we print off daily and give to campers. They can not email you back, but they can write letters and we do allow phone calls home If you send your camper with a self-addressed and stamped envelopes, writing home is easy Is there financial assistance to send my camper(s) to camp? Yes Calgary YMCA offers financial assistance, though YMCA Strong Kids (form is on our website). What should my child bring to camp? Packing lists are available online for each section of camp following the list will help ensure that your camper is prepared for camp! What happens if my child losses something while at camp? Start before camp make sure that your child is familiar with all the items they are bringing (you are more likely to remember your favourite sweater than the sweater that still has the tags on), and LABEL all the items in your child s bag(s). We have a Lost and Found shelf where campers can look at throughout the session to find belongings. Any items left will be kept until the end of the next session, then will be donated.
THANK YOU FOR COMING! Jared Baillie Summer Camp Director Jared.baillie@calgary.ymca.ca City Office cchy@ymcacalgary.org 403-269-6156 1-866-430-9622 Anja Vreeker Summer Assistant Director Anja.vreeker@calgary.ymca.ca