What should my child to bring to day camp?

Campers should bring the following in a backpack:

• Allergen aware (nut-free please) nutritious lunch, 2 snacks and plenty of cool beverages (Note: Microwaves are not available to heat up lunches)
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and water bottle
• Swimsuit and towel (This does not apply to ½ day morning Tenderfoot campers at Eau Claire and South YMCAs, or any camps at YMCA Bishop McNally.)
• Weather-appropriate clothes (be prepared for unexpected weather changes), indoor and outdoor shoes 
• Medication (if needed) Please notify your counselor if your child is taking medications
• Children registered in climbing camps must wear running shoes and pants or shorts only (No skirts allowed)

Remember:

• Campers’ belonging should be labeled. YMCA Calgary will not be responsible for any lost or stolen articles
• YMCA Summer Day Camps are outdoor-based programs. To ensure every child can fully participate in all outdoor and indoor activities, campers must bring suitable clothing and shoes for all types of weather. Sunscreen, a hat and water bottle are also necessary.
• Due to the nature of sunscreen allergies, YMCA staff will not provide or apply sunscreen. It is important that campers understand the importance of sunscreen and know how to apply it before coming to camp.

• Campers should be able to carry their backpack comfortably all day.

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Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, drama, singing, storytelling and outdoor activities. Outtrips, special guests, swimming, gym time, and special theme days may also be part of the camp experience. Specific activities will vary, but below is an example of what a typical day at day camp might look like.

7:30 – 8:30am	Pre Care	Come early and have some extra play time!
8:30 – 9:45am	Sign-in & Morning Games	Start your morning right! Begin with some ice breaker activities to get ready for today’s adventure.
9:45am – 12:00pm	Camp Fun	Participate in your camp-specific activities. (These will vary by camp program.)
12:00 – 12:30pm	Lunch	Take a break for lunch. Note: Microwaves are not available to heat up lunches.
12:30 – 2:30pm	Camp Fun	More camp-specific activities.  (These will vary by camp program.)
2:30 – 3:30pm	Camp Fun or Swimming	Each camp has an assigned swim time. Ask your counselor to find out when your camp swims.
3:30 – 4:30pm	Camp Fire and Sign Out	End your day with camp songs and fun activities that the counselors have put together.
4:30 – 5:30pm	Post Care	Wind down with your fellow campers doing some crafts or playing games.

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We also offer pre- and post-camp care for an additional fee:
Pre-Camp Care        7:30am-8:30am
Post-Camp Care       4:30pm-5:30pm

$3/camper/component
Note: a late fee of $1/minute will be charged for late pick-ups

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Will my child be outside?
YMCA Summer Day Camps are outdoor-based programs.  To ensure every child can fully participate in all outdoor and indoor activities, campers must bring suitable clothing for all types of weather.  Suncreen, a hat and water bottle are also necessary.  Due to the nature of sunscreen allergies, YMCA staff will not provide or apply sunscreen.  It is important that campers understand the need for sunscreen and know how to apply it before coming to camp.   

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What kind of training does your staff have?
We select our Day Camp counselors for their maturity, skills and experience with children. These staff receive training in leadership and safety and emergency procedures, and are certified in both first-aid and CPR. All staff are required to pass a security clearance prior to the start of camp, and complete specific day camp training prior to the start of camp.

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Day Camp and influenza

In order to provide a positive, healthy experience for our campers, here are a few reminders about influenza:

• Please do not send your child to camp if he/she is sick.
• If your child has been sick recently:
  • please consult a physician to ensure that he or she is fit to come to day camp.
  • when dropping off your camper, please inform Day Camp staff that he/she has been sick so that we can be certain he/she is fit to attend day camp.
• Counselors will be encouraging frequent, thorough hand washing and use of hand sanitizer.

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Parent Handbook and Forms

We require a fully completed medical form (front and back) and a current photo of your child prior to the first day of camp. Campers registered in the Climbing Option at the Shawnessy YMCA must have a completed climbing wall waiver returned to the YMCA prior to the first day of camp.

Parent Information Letter 1 | 2
Medical Information Form: To submit the medical form online, complete all fields, save the form and email back to Daycamp Registrationas an attachment.
Climbing Waiver (Shawnessy YMCA Climbing Option campers only)

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