Large group of campers outdoors at Camp Piomingo

YMCA Camp Piomingo - FAQ

We would love to welcome you at YMCA Camp Piomingo this summer! Take a look below for answers to frequently asked questions about all stages of camp.

YMCA Camp Piomingo - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We would love to welcome you at YMCA Camp Piomingo this summer! Take a look below for answers to frequently asked questions about all stages of camp, from registration and preparation to check-in and what to expect during camp.

If you know what you're looking for, you can use the links below to skip to a specific section.

Registering for Camp

Frequently Asked Questions - Registering for Camp

Who is eligible to attend YMCA Camp Piomingo?

Who is eligible to attend YMCA Camp Piomingo?

Anyone ages 6 to 16 years of age may register for camp. We offer 7 different programs that are age based and a couple of specialty programs. Please visit the Summer Overnight Camp page for a more detailed description of each program.

A camper may enroll for one or more weeks/sessions, but registration is based on availability.


YMCA Camp Piomingo may not be able to serve children with physical or mental conditions. Please call 502-942-2616 to discuss the needs of your child prior to registering.

What do I need to submit to register my child for camp?

What do I need to submit to register my child for camp?

We need a completed registration form and the non-refundable deposit of $100 per camper/session. Registering online is the fastest, most efficient method, but you can also call the office and register over the phone.

Can you set up an auto draft to pay my fees?

Can you set up an auto draft to pay my fees?

Yes, if you would like us to charge your credit card monthly up to the due date for your session, we would be happy to set that up for you. Payments process on the first of each month and can be set up online during registration or by calling the office.

Do you offer scholarships?

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. Scholarships are available through YMCA Camp Piomingo’s Annual Campaign. Scholarship dollars are awarded on a first come first served basis. Visit the Financial Assistance page for more information and to download the forms needed to process the scholarship.

What if I need to change or cancel a session?

What if I need to change or cancel a session?

Cancellation for ANY session must be made at least two weeks before that session begins. All cancellations must be made in writing by emailing piomingo@ymcacamppiomingo.org. We are happy to move your child to any available session at no additional charge, as long as there is space available.

A $100 deposit per session is required with registration and is non-refundable. Cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the start of your respective session may result in other payments not being refunded.

Any camper leaving prior to the end of their session is not entitled to a refund except in case of illness or accident. Camp management reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any camper that is deemed unsafe for camp and our guests.

Does YMCA Camp Piomingo offer programs for children with special needs?

Does YMCA Camp Piomingo offer programs for children with special needs?

We will make every attempt to serve campers who have additional physical or emotional needs, however, our physical setting of gravel areas and uneven terrain makes it difficult to serve campers with certain physical limitations. Please call 502-942-2616 to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.

Can we tour camp prior to registering?

Can we tour camp prior to registering?

We would love to show you around camp. Call our office at 502-942-2616 to schedule a tour. We will also host Open Houses in the spring.

Preparing for Camp

Frequently Asked Questions - Preparing for Camp

How are cabin assignments made?

How are cabin assignments made?

Cabin assignments will be made on the basis of age, gender and program. One of the goals of camp is to encourage new friendships, therefore we recommend that close friends not always be placed in the same cabin. Please remember that even if two people are not in the same cabin, there are many opportunities to spend time together in camp. Campers are not able to request specific counselors.

Mutual cabin mate requests from campers are honored; however older campers will always be placed with the younger cabin. If your camper has a friend or group of campers they would like to bunk with, please make the request during registration or by giving us a call at the office. We can accommodate most cabin mate requests if the campers are within 18 months of age of each other. For any pair or group, please pick one camper’s name as “cabin mate” to use on all registrations (so even that camper will have their own name as “cabin mate.”).

Groups: We can honor cabin mate requests for groups of up to 4 campers. Any requests between 5-10 campers will be asked to be split into two groups.

Do I need to take my child to the doctor prior to camp?

Do I need to take my child to the doctor prior to camp?

Every camper is required to have a health form on file at camp. Health forms must be completed online prior to a camper’s arrival. No camper will be allowed to remain in camp without a completed health form. A physical is not required for participation and we do not require copies of vaccination records.

Where can I find the packing list for camp?

Where can I find the packing list for camp?

Visit the For Parents page for a PDF of the packing list and the Parent Handbook. It is also in the confirmation email you receive after you register. Please pay special attention to the list of items to leave at home. 

When is check-in and check-out for each session?

When is check-in and check-out for each session?

Check-in takes place on Sunday afternoon – times will be assigned the week before your arrival.

Check-out takes place on Saturday morning – times will be assigned the week before your arrival.

Check-in and check-out take place in the main parking lot.

What if my child needs to leave prior to Saturday?

What if my child needs to leave prior to Saturday?

Although we don’t recommend it, any special arrangements for check-out should be made in advance by calling the camp office. To limit the disruption to the program, special pick up or drop off must occur at the Main Office.

What do I need to complete before check-in?

Before check-in

Log in to your Camp Brain account using the email address on file and select "View" Registrations under the summer season. Make sure you complete the following items within Camp Brain.

  • Pay your camp balance by June 1. If you register after June 1, payment in full will be due at time of registration.
  • Complete the required forms including the t-shirt size form, camper information form, policy and procedure form, and medical form.

If you are unsure of your login, please contact the office at 502-942-2616 or at piomingo@ymcacamppiomingo.org and we will send you an activation link.

During Check-In

Frequently Asked Questions - During Check-In

Where do we go when we arrive at camp?

Where do we go when we arrive at camp?

Piomingo staff and signage will direct you during check-in. Once we have all the required paperwork, you will be directed to the nurse.

Once your camper is settled in the cabin with the counselors, you are free to leave. We ask that all parents depart camp before the end of their check-in time, as we need to welcome the next wave of campers.

What if my child takes medication or vitamins?

What if my child takes medication or vitamins?

All medication, including over the counter meds (i.e. vitamins, melatonin, etc.), a camper is taking must be turned in to the camp nurse during check-in. The medication must be in the original container. You will find a list of the over counter meds we have at camp in the Parent Handbook and encourage you to leave any unnecessary over the counter medication at home.

What do the campers do on the first day of camp?

What do the campers do on the first day of camp?

Once all the campers in a cabin are checked in, the cabin will be oriented to camp, take their swim quest, eat dinner, attend Opening Campfire and begin to get to know the counselors and other campers in their cabin.

During Camp

Frequently Asked Questions - During Camp

How can I stay in touch with my campers while they are at camp?

How can I stay in touch with my campers while they are at camp?

You are encouraged to drop any letter or care packages off during check-in. However, you can also mail letters to:


YMCA Camp Piomingo
c/o (Camper Name / Cabin #)
1950 Otter Creek Park Road
Brandenburg, KY 40108

If you wish to email your camper, please complete the one-way Contact Camper email form on our For Parents' page. Emails that arrive before 5:00 p.m. will be printed and handed to your camper. Campers will not, however, be able email you back.

Can we come visit our camper while they are at camp?

Can we come visit our camper while they are at camp?

Unfortunately we do not allow visitors onsite during the week. We want the camper to be immersed in their experience. We do have the campers write a postcard home and we do post photos every day of campers in order to help you feel connected.

How do you handle camper discipline?

How do you handle camper discipline?

Camp rules are designed to enhance the happiness and safety of all campers. Children who do not demonstrate appropriate behavior in the judgment of the directors will be sent home from camp. Early dismissal due to discipline will not warrant the refund of fees.

How is the food? My child is a picky eater?

How is the food? My child is a picky eater?

The menu includes a wide variety of food types, fit to please any child. Breakfasts include a cereal option and lunch and dinner have a salad and sandwich bar with a big selection to choose from. 

If your child has an allergy or restriction to a particular food or ingredient, please include this on the campers health form.

Does the camp offer laundry?

Does the camp offer laundry?

For those campers staying for 2 weeks, you can add a laundry fee on for $15. The laundry fee is included in the CIT fees. If a camper soils their bedding during the session, the nurses will wash it and return it to the cabin at no charge.

What if my child is homesick during their stay at camp?

What if my child is homesick during their stay at camp?

Staff make a concentrated effort to help campers overcome homesickness by helping them learn to accept the natural feeling of missing family and friends. We keep our campers busy and try to interest them in new and fun activities. The camp director will contact you if staff needs assistance in dealing with the most difficult cases.

Is their medical staff on site during the session?

Is their medical staff on site during the session?

Routine scrapes and cuts will be treated by our cabin staff using the standard first aid procedures they are certified in. Campers needing additional medical attention are taken to our camp nurses, who reside onsite for the duration of the week. In the event of an accident or illness needing more than routine first aid, we will notify the parent/guardian. 

What happens when it rains?

What happens when it rains?

If it is just raining we will continue with our program as normal. If there is thunder or lightning we will bring the campers into a secure building to play games until the storm has past. Rainy days usually involves wet or muddy clothes, so be sure to send old clothes.

What if my child loses something at camp?

Lost and Found

Lost something at camp? Contact the office at 502-942-2616 or at piomingo@ymcacamppiomingo.org and we'll do our best to get it back to you. If your item is found, we will follow up with you regarding how to return the item. All lost and found items are kept for two weeks and then donated. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Weekend Family Camp FAQs

Family Camp FAQs

We would like to stay in a cabin with another family. Is that allowed?

We would like to stay in a cabin with another family. Is that allowed?

Absolutely! In that case, we ask that you register together. If you need to add additional parties to your standing registration, please contact the Camp Office at 502-942-2616.

What if I have a dietary restriction (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free)? Do I need to bring my own food?

What if I have a dietary restriction (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free)? Do I need to bring my own food?

No need to bring your own meals. Our kitchen will make alternate dishes for those with dietary needs/restrictions. Please indicate your dietary needs/restrictions on your registration or call our Camp Office at 502-942-2616.

Do the cabins have air conditioning/heat?

Do the cabins have air conditioning/heat?

Our rustic cabins do not have air conditioning or heat, but they do have plenty of windows, a ceiling fan, and an exhaust fan. The windows are able to close to keep the cabin warm in the event of colder weather. If you wish to bring additional fans, you are more than welcome to. Keep in mind, there are a limited number of outlets in each cabin.

Is there Wi-Fi available at Camp?

Is there Wi-Fi available at Camp?

There is Wi-Fi available in the Dining Hall and surrounding areas. 

What do we do if it rains?

What do we do if it rains?

If it is just raining, we will continue with our program as normal. If there is thunder and/or lightning within a certain radius, we will pivot our programming to be under a roofed area for participant and staff safety.

How do the activity periods work?

How do the activity periods work?

Activities specified on the schedule will be open for an indicated activity period, and families are free to roam between those activities. Those activities may be subject to change depending on weather conditions. Select activities will require a sign-up at or before camp, such as our Zipline or horseback riding.

Can we start our own campfires in the evening?

Can we start our own campfires in the evening?

Yes, but campfires should only be built in existing firepits and an adult must be present at all campfires. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to the adult leaving the area.

How do we travel around camp?

How do we travel around camp?

Once you drop off your belongings, we ask that you park your cars in the Main Parking Lot and walk from location to location. Camp is full of trails that can get you from one location to another in a matter of minutes. If you have accessibility concerns, please reach out to the Camp Office prior to registration at 502-942-2616.

What do we need to bring?

What do we need to bring?

We recommend you bring the following items:

  • One sleeping bag or twin bedding per person
  • One pillow per person
  • Laundry bag for dirty clothes
  • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Flashlight
  • Sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Bug spray
  • Clothes that can get dirty (shirts, shorts, underwear, socks, etc.)
  • Hat
  • Rain jacket (just in case)
  • At least one pair of closed-toe shoes
  • Pajamas
  • Shower shoes
  • *Boots and pants if horseback riding*
  • Something to tie-dye

Additionally, please leave the following items at home:

  • Pets
  • Knives, guns, or other weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products