Summer Camp

We know that the health and safety of our campers, families, and staff is of the utmost priority this summer as we emerge from the COVID19 pandemic. Please read our letter to know what we are doing to keep everyone happy and healthy. 

Field trips are on Monday and Wednesdays. Please have your camper wear their camp shirts on field trip days. Buses for field trips depart at 9 a.m. 
*We reserve the right to charge campers for a new shirt if not worn on field trip days.

Field trips are on Tuesday and Thursdays. Please have your camper wear their camp shirts on field trip days. Buses for field trips depart at 9 a.m.
*We reserve the right to charge campers for a new shirt if not worn on field trip days.

Wednesday, May 26 
5-6:30 pm at the YMCA Pavilion

Come meet the staff and fellow campers at our annual Camp Meet and Greet. It is a great time to see where camp is held, have any camp questions answered, and make sure you are ready to start camp off on the right foot!

• REGISTER FOR THE WHOLE SUMMER AND RECEIVE A FREE WEEK OF CAMP! Must PREPAY for the entire summer to receive free week of camp.
• REGISTER EACH WEEK FOR CAMP! Register by 6:00 pm the WEDNESDAY PRIOR to the week you wish to attend camp. In order to provide adequate staffing, supplies, buses and to plan for field trips, all children attending camp MUST be signed up no later than the Wednesday before the week of camp.
• ​10% off a Summer Y Family Membership: 

  NOT A MEMBER? JOIN TODAY AND SAVE ON A MEMBERSHIP THIS SUMMER. We offer a huge variety of programs and offerings that will not only keep your children active and inspired - they’ll keep your whole family moving forward this summer: program discounts on swim lessons, youth sports, 160+ free group exercise classes, priority registration and free child watch services. BECOMING A MEMBER IS JOINING OUR FAMILY! LEARN MORE!

WEEKLY AUTO PAYMENTS
Payments are made each Monday of the current week of care with our convenient electronic draft system. Payments of credit card, debit card, or check accepted.

​CANCELLATIONS
Any cancellations must be received in writing no later than the Wednesday prior to the week registered for to avoid being charged for the week.

REGISTRATION AND CAMP BUS FEE
Camp bus fee and registration will come out the first draft your child attends camp. All campers will be charged a yearly camp bus fee. A one time registration fee is only due for new campers.

CAMP FORMS
Fill out the enrollment packet, handbook, and prepay forms and drop off completed forms to the Child Care Office or email forms to Katie Ridinger, School Age Coordinator | kridinger@valpoymca.org. Returning campers only need to fill out the prepay form. 

CAMP FORMS
All paperwork must be completed and turned in the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment. Enrollment packet, parent handbook and prepay forms are available to download. Return completed forms to the Child Care Office. Due to limited bus seats, we can not guarantee a spot for your camper if paperwork is not turned in on time. One registration packet per child is sufficient for ALL Y Child Care programs.

 • BRAND NEW FAMILY: If you are registering for the first time with us, turn in the enrollment packet, parent handbook, and pre pay forms to the Child Care office by the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment. 
• RETURNING CAMPERS: Fill out the prepay form and turn into the Child Care office the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment.

CANCELLATION POLICY
​Any cancellations must be received no later than the Wednesday prior to the week registered for to avoid being charged for the week.

LUNCH POLICY
Campers need a packed lunch every day (no heat-ups). Peanut free table will be designated. If a child does not come with lunch, $5 will be charged to your account for providing a lunch.

CAMP COUNSELORS
Professionally trained and enthusiastic staff are the key ingredient to a positive camping experience at the Valparaiso Family YMCA. Each counselor is selected based on their skills, maturity, creativity and sensitivity to the needs of our camp participants. Staff are certified in CPR, AED and First Aid.

EXTENDED CARE | WRAP AROUND EXTENDED CAMP CARE
Before and after care hours to accommodate various schedules. We offer extended care Monday through Friday 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM.

INCLUSION
The Valparaiso Family YMCA invites persons with disabilities to enjoy Y programs and facilities. If your child requires a reasonable modification due to a disability to enjoy any of our programs, please answer the requested question on the registration form. A member of our team will contact you. Any questions that you may have can also be sent to: cgutzwiller@valpoymca.org.

FIELD TRIP POLICY
Children must wear YMCA camp shirts on field trip days. We reserve the right to charge campers for a new shirt if not worn on field trip days.

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

• ​Children need a labeled reusable water bottle everyday
• Backpack
• Tennis shoes (no flip-flops)
• Change of clothes
• Suncsreen and Towel
• Swim Suit on water field trip days 
• Bug Spray
• INDOOR SWIM DAYS: Swim suit, towel, flip flops, goggles, swim cap, etc. | Bears & Bandicoots swim on Tuesday & Thursday | Adventure & Explorer Days swim on Monday & Wednesday
• Weather appropriate apparel (ex. jackets for cooler days)

​STAY CONNECTED WITH THE REMIND APP: We use this app to communicate with our parents and share important information about the camp! Download the Remind App and type in camp code:@valpoycamp

All paperwork must be completed and turned in the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment. Enrollment packet, parent handbook and prepay forms are available to download. Return completed forms to the Child Care Office. Due to limited bus seats, we can not guarantee a spot for your camper if paperwork is not turned in on time. One registration packet per child is sufficient for ALL Y Child Care programs.

• BRAND NEW FAMILY: If you are registering for the first time with us, turn in the enrollment packet, parent handbook, and pre pay forms to the Child Care office by the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment. 
• RETURNING CAMPERS: Fill out the prepay form and turn into the Child Care office the Wednesday prior to your camper’s enrollment.

Questions, contact Chuck Gutzwiller, Senior Director of Programs & Facilities | 219.462.4185 ext 230 | cgutzwiller@valpoymca.org

THE Y CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.
We believe every child deserves a camp experience. Funds raised through our annual campaign allow us to assist families address the challenge of financing the expense of camp. We accept CCDF vouchers (Parents must contact Head Start to receive state funding). Click here for more information and to apply.