Children should arrive at camp every day with the following items:
- A camp bag for all camp stuff
- A refillable water bottle
- Lunch (please note: Camp Watson Woods provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack.)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Plastic bag for wet clothes
- Extra set of clothing
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Sneakers (closed-toed shoes are required for many camp activities)
- Rain Gear (weather permitting)
- All belongings should be labeled with your child’s first and last name
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items will be confiscated by YMCA staff and held in the office for parents to retrieve at the end of the camp day.
- Tobacco, alcohol, drugs
- Trading/playing cards
- Valuables. The YMCA of Greater Rochester is not responsible for lost or stolen items
- Personal toys or games
- Weapons
- Candy, gum, or cough drops (due to food allergies, campers should not bring candy or snacks to share)
- Animals
- Lighters or matches
LUNCH
As the YMCA of Greater Rochester, we are committed to healthy living in all our programs. For this reason, we ask that you follow the below guidelines when packing your camper's lunch each day:
- We recommend including whole grains, healthy proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables in your camper's lunch.
- Be sure to pack an ice pack if your camper's lunch needs to be kept cool.
- Do not send items that require reheating or cooking.
- Do not send campers with soda or candy.
Campers will eat lunch at their designated unit area. They will wash their hands before entering the eating area.
Campers must bring their own lunch and will not be allowed to share food with their fellow campers.
Should a camper need help with their meal, ie: opening packages, staff will assist while wearing gloves.
AFTERNOON SNACK
We will provide your camper with a daily afternoon snack. Snacks will be single-serve items and handed out by gloved camp staff. Campers should bring their own personal, reusable water bottle. Camp staff will not eat with campers.
SUNSCREEN AND INSECT REPELLENT
All campers should apply sunscreen and insect repellent in the morning prior to arriving at camp. Staff will assist campers with reapplying their sunscreen and insect repellent after swim periods. To comply with child abuse protection guidelines, the application of sunscreen will take place in an open setting. We recommend that each camper keep their own bottle of sunscreen and insect repellent in their backpack labeled with their first and last name. Because campers spend a large part of the day outside, we recommend campers wear a hat to protect them from the sun and wear approved swim shirts while participating in swim periods.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Campers will take part in a fully scheduled program of activities regardless of weather. We are prepared for inclement weather for each group which focuses on crafts, group games, and special events. Be sure to dress campers appropriately for the weather.
CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONICS
Camp is a cell phone and electronics-free zone. If cell phones come to camp, they must remain safely in a backpack. The YMCA is not responsible for the loss or damage of any personal item. If a camper is continually reminded to put their cell phone away, staff may take the phone and lock it safely in the camp office.