PARENT GUIDE 2014

All parents should read this entire packet carefully, especially parents new to YMCA Camp Duncan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Arts and Crafts………………………....7 / Health Care…………………………..8
Bedwetting……………………………..15-16 / Horseback Riding…………………….7
Behavior Management Policy…...…13-14 / Forms to Bring to Camp…………….17
Birthdays at Camp Duncan…………….8 / Missing Home (Homesickness)……..16
Cabin Assignments………….……...…..6 / Pets…………………………………..11
Camp Refund Policy……………………6 / Preparing for Camp…………………15
Camper Store Account………………….7 / Recreational Programs………………13
Camp’s Mission ………………………..4 / Clothing Checklist…………………..19
Check-in Day Procedures……………….4 / Swim Checks………………………..13
Check-out Day Procedures……………...5 / Transportation………………………...6
Clothing/Lost & Found………………..12 / Value-Based Program……………….13
Communicating With Your Camper…9-10 / Visitors………………………………12
Daily Schedule………………………18 / What NOT to Bring to Camp………11
Food at Camp…………………………11

Dear Parents and Campers:

Welcome to YMCA Camp Duncan! Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life this summer. Camp is a special place that provides positive growth experiences and teaches campers to live by the values of Caring, Honesty, Respectand Responsibility.

YMCA Camp Duncan has a well trained and educated staff, accustomed to making campers feel welcome. The information in this Parent Guide is very important! It is our hope that this information will help you and your child prepare for an amazing experience.

Please complete all forms enclosed. Bring all forms to camp on check-in day. Campers will not be admitted without completed paperwork.

Thank you for your attention to these IMPORTANT details.If you have any questions, call the camp office at 847.546.8086. We look forward to serving you and your camper!

Rona Roffey

Camp Director

YMCA CAMP DUNCAN

32405 N. Hwy. 12, Ingleside, Illinois 60041

Ph: 847.546.8086 Fax: 847.546.3550

Email:

ymcacampduncan.org

YMCA Camp Duncan

2014 PARENT GUIDE

CAMPS MISSION AND VALUES

At YMCA Camp Duncan, we seek to provide safe, fun, creative and challenging camping opportunities that foster individual and family growth in areas of self-worth, responsibility, self-expression, independence, leadership, environmental awareness and values. Our mission and the YMCA’s four core values are the foundation for all that we do here at Camp Duncan. Both govern our day to day life and are the basis for all rules and requirements established at camp. It is important that all campers and staff strive to teach, practice, and model the values Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilityeach day.

CHECK-IN DAY PROCEDURES

Where to check-in:

All sessions check-in on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. at YMCA Camp Duncan. If you arrive before the scheduled check-in time, the camp staff are in a meeting preparing for camp and are not available to greet you. Camp activities begin at 4 p.m., so please try to arrive with enough time for your camper to settle in to their cabin.

Before leaving home check list:

  • Be certain to bring all forms, including your camper’s physical-signed by a doctor.
  • Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and vitamins must be in their original containers.
  • Camper’s gear, including sleeping bag or bedding and pillow.
  • Directions to camp.

Checking in at camp:

  • When you arrive at camp, please wait patiently in your car. There will be a staff person to greet you and hand you a check-in sheet.
  • PLEASE bring ALL forms in this packet with you on the check-in day of your camper’s session.
  • After getting the check-in sheet, proceed forward to another staff person who will check your camper in while you wait in your car.
  • After checking in, you will be given your cabin assignment and a map of how to get to your cabin.
  • Drive to your cabin and park in the designated parking area by your camper’s cabin.
  • Unload your luggage and walk to your camper’s cabin to meet your camper’s Counselor. Be prepared to walk about 100-300 yards to the cabin with your camper and their luggage.
  • Help your camper unpack, make their bed and get settled.
  • If your camper has medication, go to the Health Center to review health information with the Health Officer and turn in all medication and camper health form.
  • Once you get your camper settled, it is time to say good-bye.
  • Parents are urged to leave camp shortly after getting their camper settled, so that campers can become actively involved with their cabin mates right away. If you suspect that your camper is homesick don’t delay your departure from camp. Your camper is in good hands and the counselors will take over right away.
  • As you sprint away to have a week (or two!) of bliss without kids, remember to hug your camper.

PLEASE NOTE: PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE CAMP PROPERTY.

Please don’t bring your pets to check-in or check-out days. SPEED LIMIT is 15 MPH while on the property!

CHECK-OUT DAY PROCEDURES

The staff understands that you will be anxious to see your camper. Please follow the check list below before picking up your camper.

Checking-out at camp:

  • Check-out time is between 9:30am and 10:30a.m. on the last day of your camper’s session.
  • Park at the base of the main lodge hill where a staff person is located to help you.
  • You will meet a staff person at the top of the lodge hill to sign the Camper Release form before finding your camper.
  • Please bring your driver’s license or picture identification. Under no circumstances will camp release a child to someone not authorized on the Camper Release form.
  • If someone other than a custodial parent or guardian is picking up your camper, Camp Duncan MUST have written parental consent by listing persons on the release form.
  • Camper medication is placed in your camper’s luggage.
  • Pick up your camper and your camper’s luggage at the picnic table circle. Make certain that you have everything that your camper came to camp with!!
  • Please check the fence railing for any lost and found items that might belong to your camper.

SESSION CHECK-OUT DAY & TIME

Session 1 Friday, July 4th @ 9:30 a.m.

Session 2 Saturday, June 27th @ 9:30 a.m.

Session 3 Friday, July 4th @ 9:30 a.m.

Mini Session Wednesday, July 2nd @9:30 a.m.

Session 4 Friday, July 18th@ 9:30 a.m.

Session 5 Saturday, July 11th @ 9:30 a.m.

Session 6 Friday, July 18th @ 9:30 a.m.

Mini Session Wednesday, July 16th@ 9:30 a.m.

LIT Friday, July 4th @ 9:30 a.m.

CIT Friday, July 18th @ 9:30 a.m.

CAMP REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY

  • The $150 reservation deposit is non-refundable.
  • It is the policy of YMCA Camp Duncan not to refund program fees. We understand that extenuating circumstances occasionally arise and make it impossible for a camper to attend camp. In these cases, every effort is made to reschedule the camper for another week if space is available.
  • There are no refunds for cancellations. Balance of fees is refundable for a bona fide medical reason only and is issued upon receipt of a doctor’s authorized medical statement.
  • If a camper is unable to complete the program due to medical reasons, upon approval by the Executive Director, a prorated refund would be initiated. Refunds to program fees paid by check will take minimally 7-8 weeks. Program fees paid by credit card can be refunded within 1-2 business days.
  • There are no refunds for children sent home for behavioral reasons.

TRANSPORTATION

All campers must provide their own transportation to and from Camp. Driving directions are enclosed or can be found on the camp’s Web site at ymcacampduncan.org.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS

Camp Duncan welcomes campers who wish to come to camp with a friend. We make every effort to place campers with requested cabin-mates. Campers may request campers within a year of camper’s age, on their registration form. Both campers must list the other as their cabin mate on the registration form to insure the pairing is made. Make sure the campers are coming the same week and are within one year of each other. If you have a special situation which you feel should be considered differently, please contact the Camp Director. Please understand that due to enrollments, it may not be possible to fulfill ALL requests. Also remember that even if two campers are not in the same cabin, there are many opportunities to spend time together in camp.

CAMPER STORE ACCOUNT

The camp store is where campers can purchase snacks and souvenirs to take home! The camp store is open every day and campers have the opportunity to go to the store each day with their cabin group.

  • Spending money is deposited into camper’s account by completing the enclosed Store Account form.
  • Each day campers go through the camp store and their account is tallied. At the end of their camp session is when the credit card is charged only for the money used without going over parent set limit.
  • Credit card is preferred! We charge only what is used. We do accept money orders, check or credit card for camper store accounts.
  • If check or money orders are used, unused funds arenot refundable.
  • Leftover spending money is donated to the 2014 Annual Scholarship program.

PLEASE bring your camper’s spending money and Store Account form with you on check-in day. DO NOT SEND MONEY to camp ahead of time.

Store Items

  • Snacks are available for $1.00-$2.00.
  • Candy, chips, ice cream, juice and other snacks are available.
  • T-shirts ($10 - $15), sweatshirts ($25-$35), jewelry ($2-$10), toys, stuffed animals ($4-$10), etc. are also available at the camp store.
  • The average camper spends $35-$40 during a one-week session.
  • Camp fees and store money MUST be separate checks.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

  • Most arts and craft projects are included in the camp fee.
  • Campers can choose from 2-3 crafts per day.
  • Examples of crafts are: leather crafts, paper mache, seed beads, bead making, and sand art.
  • Tie-dye is a poplar craft offered. Campers need to bring their own shirt. Shirts for tie-dye are not sold at camp.
  • If bigger more advanced crafts are offered, they can cost extra money.

Ex: blanket making, candle making, wood crafts. These fees are deducted from camper's store account.

HORSEBACK RIDING

  • Campers have the opportunity to go horseback riding at Chain O’Lakes Riding Stable located off site about 20 minutes North of Camp Duncan, at least one time during the camp session.
  • On the first day of camp, campers sign up if they would like to go horseback riding.
  • The riding session includes a 15-20 minute instruction period and an hour trail ride.
  • The fee is $65.00 and is deducted from the camper’s store account.
  • Campers are required to wear riding helmets (provided by the camp), long pants, and hard sole shoes (not tennis shoes).
  • Horseback riding form for the camp store & Chain O’Lakes Riding waiver must be completed both included in this packet.

HAVING A BIRTHDAY AT YMCA CAMP DUNCAN

Many campers celebrate their birthday while at YMCA Camp Duncan. On the camper’s birthday, they are recognized at the flag pole by the raising of a birthday flag under the American flag and then the entire camp community sings the YMCA birthday song to the camper. If parents would like to bring a cake or cupcakes for their camper on their birthday, please contact the Camp Director in advance to arrange drop off of birthday items.

HEALTH CARE

  • All campers must have a completed Health History form (Form 1) and a Camper Healthcare Recommendations Form (Form 2) signed by a physician in order to attend camp. (Forms are enclosed)
  • Incomplete health forms are returned to the parent for completion. Campers are not permitted to stay in camp until forms are completed.
  • Bring completed health history form to camp on check– in day.
  • A qualified Health Officer lives at Camp Duncan and is on the property during the camp sessions. The Health Officer is on call 24 hours a day in case of minor illness.
  • All prescription medications and/or hospital care during camp are billed to the parent/guardian at the close of the camp session.
  • IMPORTANT: Camp Duncan reserves the right to send a camper home if our Health Officer or camp physician so advises. If you plan to be away for any length of time during your camper’s time at camp, please arrange for a relative or friend to be able to pick up your camper should he/she become ill. This should be your emergency contact person on the health form.
  • If your camper has any physical or special medical conditions, please disclose condition in detail on their health form. Please notify the Camp Director prior to camp starting in regards to your child’s special needs. This is important in order for our staff to be successful in helping your camper have a positive camp experience.

MEDICATIONS

  • All medication (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, cough drops, etc.) must be given to the Health Officer and must be noted on the health form. No medications are allowed in cabins. (With the exception of inhalers for some asthmatics and epi-pens.)
  • All medications must be sent in original container, with the doctor’s instructions and with the name of the drug, the purpose, the dosage, and the frequency on the medication container. Medication brought to camp not in its original container cannot be distributed by our Health Officer.
  • Medications are normally distributed at the meal times and before lights out. Aspirin, Tylenol and over the counter cold and allergy medicines are available from the Health Officer, if needed at no charge.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

  • In the health form please include any dietary restrictions your camper may have. It is important for us to have this information so that we may inform the kitchen of any special needs. If your camper has special dietary needs please inform the Camp Director prior to camp. You can work with the camp’s Food Service Manager to make sure your camper has what they need for meals while at camp.
  • Please let us know if your child is vegetarian. Usually at each meal there is a vegetarian option. Campers and staff who are vegetarian will need to go into the kitchen for vegetarian options. It will also be helpful to remind your camper’s counselor on check-in day.Unfortunately, we are unable to cook for vegan style meals.

ACCIDENTS

If your camper should become ill during his/her stay, our Health Officer will administer first aid as directed by our Camp Physician’s Standing Orders. In the event of an accident or illness needing more than routine first aid, the Health Officer or Camp Director will attempt to notify parents/guardians or emergency contact person. In the event you cannot be reached, your signed authorization on the Health Form allows us to secure proper treatment. Payment for outside medical services is the parent/guardian’s responsibility.

YMCA CAMP DUNCAN DOES NOT CARRY HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE ON CAMPERS.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD

Campers love to receive letters and packages from home during their week at camp. Camp Duncan has a scheduled “mail call” each day after lunch once the campers are in their cabins. The counselors pass out the mail and packages. To help your camper make a smooth transition to camp, try to write him/her regularly. You can start the letters before departure so there are letters waiting for the first night of camp. Ask questions about camp, and try to avoid telling your child how much you miss him/her. Short declarations of love such as, “We’re proud of you”, or “We love you”, or “See you soon” are just what children want to hear. Campers are encouraged to write 1 or 2 letters home per session. Camper’s outgoing mail leaves the camp every morning at 9 a.m.

Do not be surprised if these letters are short and rushed. Occasionally the first letter received may imply homesickness. If you are concerned, PLEASE contact the Camp Director who will check on your camper. Usually by the time the parent receives the letter, the camper has forgotten he/she was homesick. If you don’t hear from your camper, don’t worry! He/she is probably having fun, and letter writing sometimes feels like a chore or school work to campers.

You may communicate with your camper using any of the following methods:

REGULAR MAIL

Camper’s Name

Cabin Name

YMCA Camp Duncan

32405 N. Hwy. 12

Ingleside, IL. 60041

FAXING (Parents only)

  • Faxing is a great way to communicate with your camper.
  • Our fax number is 847.546.3550
  • Be sure to include the camper’s name and cabin on the fax.

E-MAILING (Parents only)

  • The e-mail address at camp is
  • Please be sure to put your camper’s name and cabin name in the subject area of the e-mail.
  • Please do not send attachments as they will not be opened.

*Campers do not have access to computers or fax machines and can only respond using traditional mail service. For young or first-time campers it might be helpful to send self-addressed, stamped envelopes for them to send letters home.