Sleepaway Camp Parent FAQ

At what age are most children ready for sleepaway camp?
Each child has a developmental pace that is right for him or her. There is no one age that a child is ready for camp. Many children are ready by age six, and almost all are ready at age 10. You will get a good idea by seeing how the child adjusts when staying away with friends and relatives. Attending Day Camp first might help a child become ready for sleepaway camp, although for some children it isn't necessary.

How do I know my child is ready for sleepaway camp?

• A successful experience away from home. It's best if your child has stayed overnight at least once, without parents, at a relative's or friend's house, and enjoyed it.
• Ability to accomplish the tasks of daily living with little assistance. Children can succeed at overnight camp if they need a reminder, or even a bit of help, in accomplishing the tasks of daily living. However, as much as camp is a place to learn skills, it is best if children know how to independently shower, brush their teeth and comb their hair.
• Ability to express needs. Your child needs to be able to say that she doesn't feel well, needs help learning a skill or doesn't know exactly what the directions were for the next activity.
• Respect for adults. Campers must be willing to follow directions and meet the camp's expectations, interact cordially with adults and value adults as teachers.
• Willingness to experience the outdoors. New campers who spend most of their lives inside are usally very happy at overnight camp. However, in order to be happy, campers must be willing to get a little dirty, to get a little wet and to cope with an occasional bug.

What is Weekend Camp?
Weekend Camp allows campers who are registered for multiple sessions to stay at camp between sessions. Campers will participate in in-camp relaxing activities. All meals, supervision and laundry are provided.

Weekend Camp is not a standalone program, it begins Friday when other girls depart and continues until Sunday's arrival time.

Which cabin will my child be staying in?
Cabin assignments are created before each session and may not be available until arrival. Upon arrival campers and parents will have a chance to move in, unpack and meet fellow campers and cabin counselors.

Can my child request to be in a cabin with their best-friend, relative, etc?
One of the advantages of camp is meeting and making new friends. However, you may request one cabin-mate on your application. Both campers must request each other. Requests are honored to the best of our ability.

How many campers and staff are there in the a cabin? Cabins have six campers and two staff member.

What can I send in a care package since junk food is not allowed?
Mail and packages are encouraged at least once during your camper's stay. Some ideas for your care package can include; magazines, mad libs (remember those?) which are great to have during rest-time after lunch. Please do not send food; it will often lead to arguments in the cabin.

Does my child need extra money while at camp?
All store fees are included in this year's fees. Your camper will receive a snack and beverage daily, t-shirt, souvenir and cabin photo. During arrival/departure days a camp store will be available for sales of sweatshirts and other goodies.

Does my child need a physical, even if she is healthy? Yes, a medical form will be mailed to you after registering your child. Medical forms must be returned to the office prior to your child's arrival. If you have any questions regarding medical conditions please contact our main office at camps@ymcanyc.org or 877-30-YCAMP

Do you have a scholarship program? Our policy is to turn no child away due to inability to pay our camp tuition. If you require more financial assistance then the below rates provide, please contact Jenny our Camp Registrar at camps@ymcanyc.org or 877-30-YCAMP

Can my child bring a cell phone and other electronic devices?
We strongly discourage campers from bringing cell phones and other electronic devices to camp. Camp is for making new friends, seeing old friends and building a strong community. It is also a time to escape from technology and TV and enjoy new challenges in a safe camp environment.

Mom, fear not! Camp has several ways you can share in your camper's experience.
• Letter and Care Packages - When writing to your child, please include the camp they are attending on the address. Care Packages are a great surprise in the middle of a session; please refer to a previous question on appropriate items to send.
• Emails - Camp has partnered with Bunk1 to offer one-way email service this summer. Bunk1's secure service allows parents to stay connected with their child while their child is at camp. After completing the application process, parents may create a personal secure log-in name and password to use Bunk1's one-way email service.