Smiling girl and boy sitting outdoors

Summer Day Camp FAQs

YMCA Summer Day Camps offer one of the most powerful learning environments and can be a place where a child's social education and independence takes place.

Summer Day Camp FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We're excited you're interested in finding out more about YMCA Summer Day Camps! Take a look below for answers to frequently asked questions about policies and procedures, planning for day camp, and how to become more involved with the Y.

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

Branch-Specific FAQ Documents

Branch FAQ Documents

Branch-specific summer camp FAQ documents will be available to download here closer to the start of camp. These documents contain much of the same information available on this page and also include more specific details such as rates, orientation details, and drop-off and pick-up times and locations.

Policies and Procedures

Things to know before camp

How much does camp cost?

How much does camp cost?

Summer day camp costs vary depending on the camp. Each rate is per child per week. A one-time registration fee per camper will be applied, and some camps may require a weekly deposit. YMCA facility members receive reduced day camp rates.

Need-based scholarships are available to help cover the cost of summer camps. Ask your camp director for more information.

What are your payment procedures?

Payment Procedures

All fees must be paid by automatic draft. Debit and credit card drafting will occur on the Wednesday or Friday of the week prior to camp. For the security of your payment and the safety of our staff, cash or check payments are not accepted at any camp locations.

The Y will mail out tax statements each January for the previous year. Please keep copies of cancelled checks and receipts for IRS reporting requirements. The YMCA’s tax ID number is 61-0444843.

What is your returned draft policy?

Returned Drafts

Payments are due the Wednesday or Friday prior to camp (money orders are not accepted). The child will not be allowed to attend until paid in full.

Should you have a financial problem, contact your local branch.

Can I be refunded if my child doesn't attend?

Can I be refunded if my child doesn't attend?

Summer camp registrations may be cancelled up to 7 days prior to the Monday of camp starting, with a full refund or credit.

In order to allow the YMCA to meet the high demand for summer camp programming in our community, we cannot issue any refunds or credits for camps cancelled less than 7 days prior to the Monday of camp starting. This allows us to serve as many children as possible in our summer camps.

The YMCA will continue to offer refunds and credits for any camps that may be cancelled by the YMCA.

What are your policies around enrollment and custody?

Enrollment and Custody

At the time of enrollment, parents are to provide all court-ordered paperwork if any parties are not to have contact with a child enrolled in the YMCA Summer Camps program. Paperwork must be court-ordered and indicate who is the primary residential parent or if both parents have shared parental custody. Please notify the Camp Director of any unusual circumstances.

In order to provide the safest care for your child, the above must be followed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

What is the YMCA summer camp wait-list policy?

What is the YMCA summer camp wait-list policy?

In order to best serve our campers, we have a set number of spaces available for summer camps. If the program is full and you are placed on a waiting list, the YMCA will contact you if a space becomes available. After the YMCA receives your consent, we will formally add you to our camps and process the payments. We ask that parents update us if they register for another camp program or their plans change.

Can I meet my camper's counselors before camp starts?

Can I meet my camper's counselors before camp starts?

All of our locations will offer a parent orientation and camp kickoff session in May. Dates and times vary by location. We will be there to answer questions you might have, hand out camp bags, t-shirts, car-rider tags, and overview map of pick-up and drop-off. You’ll also meet your counselors and have a chance to win a free week of camp!

FAQs

Things to know during camp

What do I need to send with my camper?

What do I need to send with my camper?

Clothing: All campers should come in comfortable clothes that can get dirty and tennis/gym shoes. On swim days, campers will need bathing suit and towel (swim shoes/flip flops optional).

Food: All campers need to come to camp with a balanced, non-refrigerated lunch and water bottle. We provide a healthy afternoon snack for all camps. On field trip days, please send lunches in a 100% disposable bag, instead of a lunch box or cooler.

Other: All campers need to come to camp with spray-on sunscreen already applied and more sunscreen in their bags. We will take breaks during the day to re-apply sunscreen at camp. It is best if you send your camper with “spray-on” sunblock of at least SPF 30. Hats/sunglasses, etc. are optional.

Please label all belongings with first and last name.

Can my kid be in a group with their friends?

Can my kid be in a group with their friends?

We strongly encourage all campers to make new friends; however, we understand many kids simply are not comfortable in a new setting and would prefer to be with a friend. Usually, we can accommodate as long as you tell your camp director by Tuesday of the week before they attend camp.

How do I drop-off/pick-up my camper?

Drop-off/Pick-up

You will receive a car rider tag that needs to be shown to a Y staff member during drop off and pick up. Please do not exit the vehicle as your child will be brought to your car.

Your child will only be released to the person with the appropriate car rider tag as we want to ensure that every precaution is taken when releasing your child to an adult. You may give your car rider tag to another parent or guardian that is at least 18 years of age.

For your child’s safety, should any person who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol arrive to pick up your child, our staff will be required to contact another person on your child’s registration form. If no one is available, we are required to call law enforcement. This policy is in place for the safety of your child; the YMCA will not make exceptions. YOU WILL BE CALLED IF YOUR CHILD DOES NOT HAVE AN APPROPRIATE ADULT WITH A CAR RIDER TAG DURING PICK UP.

Reminder: children cannot be picked up from off-site locations such as field trips.

What happens if I will be late picking up my camper?

Late pickup

The YMCA Day Camp programs close at 6 pm. To avoid having to pay a late charge, we strongly urge you to have additional emergency numbers and people available to pick up your child. These people and their numbers must be written on our list of who can pick up your child.

Late charges are $1 per child per minute late. These fees are due at the time of pick-up. Every attempt will be made to call the parent(s) and all emergency numbers listed on the child’s registration form.

How will I know what my child is doing each week?

How will I know what my child is doing each week?

The Friday before each new week begins, an E-NEWSLETTER will be sent with that week’s activities and theme! Be sure to check your email every Friday for that information. Activities are subject to change based upon weather.

What are your field trip policies?

What are your field trip policies?

If your child's camp is able to provide field trips, the Y will provide transportation. The cost for all field trips is included in our weekly fee. Transportation to and from the camp location is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. It is also your responsibility to arrive promptly at the camp site on field trip days in order for field trips to remain on schedule.

Please note that for safety reasons campers cannot be dropped off or picked up from field trip locations. If you are not able to drop your child off prior to the field trip departure you will need to wait until we return to the camp location. If you need to pick your child up early on a field trip day you will need to pick them up at the camp location before we depart on the field trip or wait until the field trip returns.

What is your screen time policy?

Screen time

We believe that there are many other enriching activities in which your child can participate at our summer program other than watching a movie or playing a video game. We will only show a movie or offer video games if it enhances our weekly theme and allows our staff and children to interact and engage in a meaningful experience.

What is your cell phone policy?

Cell phone

Please refrain from bringing any cell phones into any Y programs. Children carrying cell phones will be asked to turn them off during program hours. The Y cannot be responsible for lost or stolen phones brought to camp.

What happens if my child has medication?

What happens if my child has medication?

In order for the Y to dispense medication for your child the following is required:

  1. A medication form must be filled out daily in order to dispense (your Camp Director has this form).
  2. Medication must be in the original bottle for the person it was prescribed, with the dosage for the day only.
  3. The parent or guardian must bring in the medication and give it to the Camp Director.

Over the counter medication will only be dispensed with a note from a physician on letterhead. Please give this note to the Camp Director along with your daily permission to administer.

What happens if my child is sick?

What happens if my child is sick?

To ensure the health and well being of all children in our program, if a child has a contagious illness, infection or fever of 100.3 degrees, parents must make arrangements for their child to be picked up from the program immediately.

This includes head lice. If your child has a confirmed case of lice we will require a doctor's statement that your child is nit-free before they can return.

What happens if my child is injured?

What happens if my child is injured?

If your child is injured, the Camp Director or acting Camp Director will take whatever steps necessary to obtain emergency medical care. These steps may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Attempts to contact a parent or guardian.
  2. Attempts to contact persons listed on the emergency information if parent or guardian cannot be reached.
  3. If we cannot contact you, we will call an ambulance or paramedic.
  4. Have the child taken to an emergency hospital in the company of a staff member.

Sickness and accident insurance is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

What are your behavior management policies and procedures?

What are your behavior management policies and procedures?

Our staff wishes to work with you and your child to have the best experience possible. Occasionally, there will be behavior problems. In most instances, we will try to redirect behavior or remove the child from the conflict.

In some cases, if the problem persists or is severe, our staff will speak to you explaining the incident. If the problem has not been resolved, you will be asked to meet with the Camp Director, staff and your child to come up with a way to resolve the conflict.

In extreme cases, your child may be suspended or dismissed from the program (i.e. repeated bullying, physical threatening, a violent act against another child or staff member.) These two alternatives are a last resort, knowing this would be an inconvenience to you.

Please help us to resolve any behavior problems so that we may offer a safe and happy environment for all children.

Who will be watching my kids?

Who will be watching my kids?

An integral component of the YMCA’s quality camp program is staffing. Our staff consists of mature and enthusiastic individuals who help us provide a quality, safe, and FUN program. We feel confident that we have the best staff around!

They are carefully selected and well-trained groups of young men and women. Reference checks are conducted, documented and filed on all employees working with children. A criminal history background check is also required.

Professional Y Camp Directors and Y Program Directors provide the primary leadership for our camps. They are available to answer parent questions and to assist with any personal needs that you or your child may have.

Most importantly, our staff members are people who love children. They want to spend their summer playing, teaching and working with children. They are good people with good hearts who are silly enough to sing camp songs at the top of their lungs!

What training does camp staff receive?

Staff training

All staff members receive 40 hours of intense YMCA in-house training that covers a great deal. The staff members learn about the policies and procedures of Summer Camp. They learn how important it is to apply sunscreen throughout the day. They learn how to do face counts and how to check in and out children. They learn the proper procedures for the daily drop off and
pick up of campers.

All of our staff our trained in the warning signs of sexual abuse and learn to:

  • KNOW – The warning signs of child sexual abuse
  • SEE – The warning signs based on the actions of others
  • RESPOND – To warning signs of child sexual abuse accordingly

In addition to learning all the policies and procedures of the YMCA Summer Day Camps program, they learn techniques of how to better interact with children. They learn how to use positive discipline as well as how to detect and report child abuse. They learn songs, games, and arts & crafts projects. Staff members are also certified in CPR and First Aid.

Can staff babysit?

Can staff babysit?

Staff members are not allowed to be alone with children they meet in Y programs, outside the Y program setting. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, and inviting staff members to children's homes.

Branch Contact Numbers

Contact Numbers

Bullitt County Family YMCA: 502-955-6433

Chestnut Street Family YMCA: 502-587-7405

Clark County Family YMCA: 812-283-9622

Floyd County Family YMCA: 812-206-0688

Northeast Family YMCA: 502-425-1271

Oldham County Family YMCA: 502-222-9358

Republic Bank Foundation YMCA: 502-935-9622

Southeast Family YMCA: 502-491-9622

Southwest Family YMCA: 502-933-9622

YMCA at Norton Commons: 502-882-9622

YMCA Childcare Enrichment Program (CEP): 502-637-1575

Work at a YMCA Camp

Work at a camp

How do I work at a YMCA summer camp?

How do I work at a YMCA summer camp?

We have a number of positions available at our camps, ranging from group leaders to camp directors.

Apply to work at a YMCA camp or YMCA Camp Piomingo online today!

How old do I have to be to work at a YMCA summer camp?

How old do I have to be to work at a YMCA summer camp?

The minimum age is 17 years for day camp group leaders, and the preferred age is 21 years or older for day camp directors and assistant directors.

The minimum age to work at YMCA Camp Piomingo overnight camp is 18 years.

Why should I work at a YMCA summer day camp?

Why should I work at a YMCA summer day camp?

Get paid to have fun! Do you have what it takes to help create the best summer ever for a group of awesome kids? Here are just a few reasons to become a summer day camp counselor:

  • Experience the excitement of camp while you’re leading fun activities, supervising field trips, and serving as a role model of the Y values.
  • It’s close to home with many locations to choose from throughout Kentuckiana!
  • Enjoy a flexible schedule up to 40 hours per weeks with no late nights or weekends. Plus paid training!
  • You will develop resume-worthy skills like, leadership, problem solving and creative thinking.
  • And, of course, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
  • No nights or weekend shifts and flexible scheduling available.

About the Y

About The Y

YMCA Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life. With our four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility as our guide, we work with your children every day to help them have fun while realizing their potential. At YMCA summer camps, kids learn to share, make new friends, learn new skills and most importantly learn how to be themselves. That makes for more confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

Healthy Living: Improving the nation's health and well-being. We strive to give kids an opportunity to exert energy, discover who they are and what they can achieve, and be accepted among each other. At summer camp we provide opportunities for children to make healthy choices. Water is our drink of choice to provide proper hydration. Our snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables and are monitored for sugar, fat grams and calories from fat. Camp activities include games, sports, swimming and plenty of outdoor physical activity designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors. We believe all children should feel welcome at YMCA summer camp and have the opportunity to make new friends and celebrate diversity. We provide opportunities for community service; learn about caring for the environment and encourage children to work together and support each other.

Become Part of the Y

Become Part of the Y

Now that you have chosen our summer camps for you child, consider how you might become even more connected with our Y family. We bring families closer together, encourage health and well-being and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.

A YMCA community-wide family membership has the following additional benefits:

  • You could save an additional $10 - $25 per week on summer camp fees, which may cover your monthly Y cost (weekly rates vary by camp)
  • You could receive special rates on before/after school child care, youth sports, swim lessons and other programs.
  • Your entire family could spend time together at any of our wonderful facilities throughout the Greater Louisville area including Calypso Cove Waterpark, Oldham County and Southern Indiana.
  • Our Kids' Club is a fun, safe environment for kids to play under adult supervision while you're working out.
  • At the Y, we make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We have affordable membership and program rates for everyone.

If you are not already a facility member, stop by for a tour and receive a guest pass for your family to try the Y.

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