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Summer Camp Parent Information

Please select from the drop-downs below to learn everything you need to know about YMCA Summer Camp.

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Day Camp Dates and Rates

Session Dates

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Session Rates

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BILLING & EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

REGISTRATION PROCESS

Every family registration begins as an enrollment request. Each enrollment request is reviewed and processed individually before registration is finalized. 

To begin the registration process, a request must be submitted directly through your camp site of choice.

PRICING & BILLING

As a cause-driven organization with a deep commitment to the community it serves, the Y strives to provide all kids with an opportunity to attend our camps. Sharing the common goal to make programs and services available to as many as possible while maximizing availability of assistance, we work closely with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist families with securing subsidy funding.  For those who do not qualify for funding through DHS, we offer our Experience Scholarship.

Once you complete your enrollment request, the final page will show standard pricing and deposit information.

Please note: Families requesting an Experience Scholarship or Subsidy Funding will receive an adjusted deposit amount once the enrollment request is reviewed.

At the time of registration there must be a payment card on file to complete the required deposit. The same card is also used for weekly Auto Draft payments.

Initial Deposit Fee: Deposits are charged at the time of registration

Standard Registration $20 per Camper
Subsidy Funding Recipients $1 per Session
Experience Scholarship Recipients $10 per Session, per Camper

A 10% sibling discount will be applied after one camper is registered at full price. The sibling discount cannot be applied with an Experience Scholarship.

Please note: YMCA Camp Glacier Lake and YMCA Camp Watson Woods do not accept DHS Subsidy funding due to different licensing agencies.

BILLING

Once your enrollment request has been fully reviewed and approved, the payment method included in your enrollment request is used to draft the required deposits. We require a card on file for all families.

  • Standard registration fee: $20 per camper
  • DHS recipients required deposit: $1 per session per family
  • Experience Scholarship recipients required deposit: $10 per session per camper
  • Standard required deposits: $25 per session per camper
    • Deposits are charged at the time of registration.

BILLING SCHEDULE

Auto Draft Dates are:

More Information Coming Soon!

 

CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Child Care Assistance Program offers subsidy payments to families with a total gross income not exceeding 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who shows a need for childcare. Families contribute to the cost of care based on a sliding scale (Parent Fee).

Check Your Eligibility Here

DHS Grid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the childcare assistance program, visit the Monroe County Child Care Assistance Program website to download the application. 

ENROLLING WITH SUBSIDY PAYMENTS 

An enrollment request must be submitted to the Camp of your choice. Within the enrollment form, you will be asked if you are receiving DHS funding, select yes. Each enrollment request with subsidy funding will be reviewed individually to determine if the family has an active open case with their county. Families with open and active childcare cases will be contacted to receive the documentation needed to transfer care to our camp. Families without an open childcare case are strongly encouraged to apply using the process outlined above.

For more assistance, please reach out to CommunityResource@RochesterYMCA.org.

Please note: YMCA Camp Glacier Lake does not accept DHS Subsidy funding due to different licensing agencies.

REGISTERING WITH EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

If you have already received an Experience Scholarship within the last 12 months, you do not need to re-apply. Please contact the branch associated with your camp for next steps.

Experience Scholarships are made available through generous donations to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. The amount of assistance granted is based on individual need and family circumstances. All camper financial assistance applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

Experience Scholarship paperwork is available after February 1 on your parent portal. Please note: Experience Scholarships are limited and available on a first come first serve basis.

  • An enrollment request can be completed prior to completing your Experience Scholarship application however your enrollment request can not be processed before the Experience Scholarship application is completed.
  • Once your Experience Scholarship application is completed and you have accepted your offer in writing via email your enrollment request will be processed.
  • If an enrollment request is received prior to February 1 your child will still qualify for your camps Camper Council.
  • When completing your application you must use your 2022 taxes.
  • Once you have submitted your completed Experience Scholarship application and enrollment requests please allow up to 30 days for your Experience Scholarship application to be processed. You will be contacted via email once it has been processed.

PLEASE NOTE:
When submitting your enrollment request please ensure you answer the Experience Scholarship request question accordingly.

The final screen will show full price for camp. Your camp’s Billing & Registration specialist will review your enrollment request and adjust accordingly based on your completed application.

REFUND POLICY

A $25 deposit per camper for sessions 1-10 and the $20 per camper registration fee (if registered after January 29), and that failure to pay balance due by the deadline may forfeit my child's registration. Deposits will be drafted at the time the registration request is processed. Please note we are unable to pro-rate weekly camp fees for any reason other than a legal holiday. We require written notice of session cancellation 14 days in advance of the session start date for refunds. You will be refunded the session tuition, less the initial deposit, and registration fee. Cancellations received fewer than 14 days in advance of a session beginning will result in no refunds or credits without a medical reason verified by your child’s pediatrician.

DAY CAMP PROCEDURES

CAMP DAY

Camp day runs from 9 am-4 pm. Campers will have an opportunity to swim every day (where permitted), weather permitting. The Y is committed to healthy living and modeling healthy eating. A healthy afternoon snack will be provided for all campers.
Please note: Parents are responsible for informing the camp office in writing of all changes to camper registration. Changes will not be accepted over the phone.

EXTENDED CAMPER CARE

Extended morning care begins at 7 am and afternoon extended care is available until 6 pm. Extended care is available at no extra charge or additional registration to campers.

DROP-OFF POLICY

Each unit has their own designated check in space. After check in, campers will join their unit.

For Camp Watson Woods: Parents have the opportunity to drop their children off at Camp Watson Woods or take advantage of transportation from the Corning Family Branch.

Parents and guardians are not permitted beyond the check in table.

PICK-UP POLICY

Anyone picking up a camper must be listed on the child’s Authorized Pick Up List and must have either:

  • A photo uploaded to campsite as an authorized pick up. Please note that you may still be asked for a valid photo ID even with a photo uploaded to campsite.
  • A valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include: Driver’s license or state non-driver ID, passport or military ID, or an employment identification card.

For Camp Watson Woods transportation from the Corning Family YMCA: A staff member will meet you at your vehicle to check your ID and get the name of the camper you are picking up. Then they will bring the camper to your vehicle.

If a child is not picked up, YMCA staff will notify authorized individuals for pick up. If they cannot be reached within 2 hours of scheduled pick up time, the Monroe, Ontario or Steuben County Protective Agency will be notified. There is a charge of $1.00 per minute for any child remaining after 6 pm. Please note that we are no longer using PINs for authorized pick-ups.

AUTHORIZED PICK-UPS

To change authorized pick-ups, please log into your Campsite Parent Dashboard. No notes or phone calls will be accepted to change authorized pickups (please note: Camp Watson Woods families do not have a Campsite Parent Dashboard and should use their CampBrain Parent Portal). If a last minute change or addition to your authorized pick-ups is necessary, please contact your camp and specify the change needed. In the event that an unauthorized individual attempts to gain access to a child, the parent/guardian or emergency contact will be notified. Law enforcement will be contacted if necessary. Please note that a parent, regardless of custodial arrangements, has the authority to obtain a child from camp at any time unless a copy of the Court Order is on file with the camp office.

Transportation for Camp Watson Woods:

Campers can be picked up from Camp Watson Woods or utilize the pick up option at the Corning Family YMCA.

LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY PICK UP

Please provide written notice if you need to pick up your child prior to 4 pm. Please be aware that due to the nature of the camp property, it’s likely your child’s group will not be in the immediate area of the camp office.

Unusual arrivals and departures close to regular arrival/departure time will result in delays.

Email daily changes directly to your camp.

ABSENCES

Please notify the camp if your child will be absent.

SICK CHILD POLICY

Please do not send your child to camp if they are sick and/or running a fever. If a child becomes ill at camp, a parent or person authorized to pick up will be contacted to pick up the child. Children must be symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to camp. A doctor’s note may be required. Medical reasons for your child to remain home include but are not limited to:

A temperature of 100.4 or more.

  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Heavy nasal or eye discharge.
  • Any questionable rash or skin condition: This can include chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, etc.
  • Any communicable diseases: This can include conjunctivitis, herpes virus which causes cold sores, lice,etc.

CAMPERS WALKING/BIKING TO CAMP

If you child will be walking or biking to and from camp, please send a signed note to the camp office with specific days and dates that this is permitted. Please remind your child to sign out with their counselors before departing each day. Please note: New York State law requires that children have proper safety equipment (i.e. helmet) to ride a bike.

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.

RAINY DAYS

Campers will take part in a fully scheduled program of activities regardless of weather. We are prepared with a rainy day schedule for each group which focus on crafts, group games, and special events. Be sure to dress campers appropriately for the weather.

LOST AND FOUND

YMCA of Greater Rochester is limiting items held in lost and found after each camp session ends. We want to be mindful of safe storage space and how to prevent exposure of staff and campers from items, week to week. As such, camp will only hold the following specific list of items:

  • Jackets/Sweatshirts
  • Water Bottles (with names on them)
  • Prescription glasses, durable medical equipment, prescription medication
  • Shoes (not water shoes or sandals)
  • Backpacks
  • Swimsuit/towel

Camp will keep these items for no longer than 1 week from the end of the session. After this time, these items will be donated or thrown away. Please note that these items will be held at the discretion of camp staff. Items that are soiled, damaged, or otherwise deemed not able to be safely stored will be disposed of.

The list of items camp will not hold on to includes but is not limited to: socks and underwear, hats, water bottles (without names), sunglasses, toys, arts and crafts projects including tie dye.

Campers will have unit and sub-unit spaces to help campers maintain their belongings and help staff identify misplaced items during the camp session. We highly encourage parents to label all items with their camper’s name to help our staff identify items during the camp session. Many items look similar and it can be confusing for both staff and campers.

Please do not send campers with stuffed animals, toys, blankets or other items from home. Items like jewelry can be easily lost or damaged. Electronics, including phones, are not permitted to be used at camp. Phones will be confiscated and returned to families at the end of the day if campers are using. Camp is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items—including confiscated phones.

After the camp session ends, if one of the listed items is missing, please contact a the camp to see if has been found and to arrange a pick up.

CAMP INSPECTION

YMCA Camps are permitted to operate by the New York State Department of Health. We are inspected twice annually. Reports are filed with the Monroe, Ontario and Steuben County Department of Health.

SWIMMING

Campers who wish to swim in designated deep-end water areas must pass the deep-end test. Campers that are unable to complete the deep-end test and do not meet the height requirements will be required to wear a life jacket and remain in the shallow end while swimming.

TAKING THE DEEP-END TEST

Deep End swimmers are required to take the Deep End Test every summer.

Do you offer Specialty Camps?

Yes! Specialty Camps can be found across YMCA Day Camps. 

More Information Coming Soon!

Pricing:

Coming Soon!

WHAT TO PACK

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.

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.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

MEDICATIONS

It is preferred that prescription medications be administered at home whenever possible.

All medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, dispensed at camp requires a Medication Consent Form/Special Health Care Plan to be completed by the parent/guardian and the child’s physician. This form can be found on our website or obtained by calling the main office number.

Camper medication may be dropped off the week prior to camp starting or given directly to the camp health designee or Morning Camper Care Coordinator during the camp season. All medication must be in its original container and clearly labeled with the campers first and last name. Medications will not be accepted if they do not meet those requirements.

Campers with special care needs, including severe allergic reactions, asthma, or physical limitations are required to submit a special health care plan which can be found on the Campsite (please note: Camp Watson Woods families do not utilize Campsite. Please contact camp directly to submit and share any special health care plans). We also encourage a one on one meeting prior to the campers start date with the camp health designee and/or Unit Head.

IMMUNIZATION HISTORY

New York State Department of Health requires each camp to keep a current copy of every camper’s immunization history on file in order to attend. Campsite keeps immunization forms on file for as long as you have an account (please note: Camp Watson families will not utilize Campsite). Upload all immunization forms once, then you only have to upload immunization forms when they have been updated. A complete copy of your child’s immunization history should be submitted to the YMCA by June 1, 2025. Campers without an immunization history on file will not be permitted to attend.

You can submit official immunization records the following ways:

  1. Upload a photo or scanned copy into the Forms section in the Parent Dashboard (except for Camp Watson families)
  2. Send a copy via email to your camps email listed below
  3. Fax a copy to the number below

EMERGENCIES

Our staff is trained in handling a variety of emergency situations. In the event of an emergency, we will make ever attempt to notify parents immediately. If necessary, emergency transportation will be handled by local emergency services.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS & POLICIES

BEHAVIOR POLICY

All YMCA Camp programs strive to use discipline in a fair, nurturing manner. Punitive methods are not acceptable. The YMCA takes great pride in guiding children to become successful and happy individuals who are learning to independently get along with others. This is achieved through the following:

  • Role Modeling: Effectively exemplifies good qualities needed for acceptance in a group.
  • Positive Reinforcement: To encourage repetition of good behavior.
  • Reinforcing Problem Solving Skills: These include settling disagreements with aggressiveness, predicting consequences, thinking of the feelings of others, etc.
  • Reason and Logic: Helping children to think through a problem and find the solution that works best for everyone concerned.

Any camper who commits an act of physical aggression or gross disobedience will complete a behavior incident report with camp staff. Reports will be shared with the child’s parents/guardians, and may result in any of the following actions as determined by the camp director or director designee:

  • First Offense: Parents will be contacted and the child will be suspended for the next day of camp.
  • Second Offense: Child will be suspended from camp for the remainder of the session.
  • Third Offense: Child will be expelled from camp for the remainder of the summer.

There will be no refund or fees or deposits for days a camper is suspended. Please go over these policies with your children. Expectations for behavior and consequences will be reviewed on an ongoing basis over the course of the summer, but your cooperation is needed to ensure that the right of each camper to have a safe and happy environment is attained.

PARENTAL CODE OF CONDUCT

We understand that when it comes to your children, an emotional response is sometimes hard to avoid. However, we ask you to understand that we are doing our best to ensure all children have a positive experience in a safe environment while at camp. We evaluate each situation or conflict as objectively as possible and assess the event of each incident, keeping in mind each child’s part in the issue. Our goal with any and every incident is to react as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure we are moving forward and learning from the incident. Both as an organization and for all parties involved, our goal is to improve and prevent further incidents.

There are very few one-sided incidents and to successfully address a situation, we must look at each child’s part and gather all the facts. When speaking with you, we exercise the confidentiality of everyone concerned and can only provide information pertinent to your child. Staff cannot provide any personal information of other children/parents involved in a situation. We ask that you work with us to reinforce concerns brought forward and help by offering positive solutions to your child to avoid conflict in the future.

Just as we expect your child to respect the facility, our mission, and our staff working within it, we ask you to do the same. Remember there are impressionable ears everywhere in our facilities and as an adult, you have a responsibility to express yourself accordingly. Bullying occurs at all ages an we will not respond to parents who attempt to intimidate our staff with threats of any kind.

Please speak appropriately and refrain from using threatening words, tone of voice, gestures, foul language, sexually inappropriate comments, and physical contact toward our staff. Please be aware that aggression of threatening behavior of any kind could affect your child’s eligibility to attend our program. Such behavior will not be tolerated and authorities will be contacted.

Goals and Outcomes

Quality youth development programming isn’t just the proper ratio of teachers to youth or a clean classroom; it is a commitment to meeting the social, emotional, and developmental needs of youth. Moreover, it’s staff who are dedicated to providing high quality services for all youth.

Our goals are as follows:

  • To welcome all youth and provide high-quality services regardless of socio/economic background.
  • To support the growth and development of all youth, focusing on: o Social and emotional skills.
    • Self-awareness, confidence, and feelings of self-worth.
    • Interpersonal relationships.
    • Academic achievement.
    • Physical skills.
    • Health and nutrition.
    • To deliver programs in a positive YMCA environment of enrichment, safety, and support, focusing on:
      • Broadening the community, national, and world understanding of youth and parents including experiences that foster exposure to ethnic and cultural diversity.
      • Conducting the program in accordance with core YMCA operating principles and philosophy. o Implementing and delivering Character Development programs.
      • Eradicating the Achievement Gap.
      • Ensuring safety for all.

The single most important factor in attaining these goals is the commitment of the staff and their dedication to providing high quality programs.

Progressive Programming and Eligibility

The camp programming is a progressive program model, age requirements are applied to different camp activities. Some camp activities do require testing such as the Deep end test. For specific information regarding your campers age and the activities they are eligible for please contact the camp office.