best. summer. ever. - The Greater Scranton YMCA

BEST
TIME
EVER!
BEST. SUMMER. EVER.
Day Camp
GREATER SCRANTON YMCA
#BestSummerEver
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I register for the 2016 Day Camp and Teen Adventure Camp Programs?
To register for our 2016 Day Camp and Teen Adventure Camp Programs, please visit our website at
www.greaterscrantonymca.org or stop by the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Welcome Center to pick up a Summer Camp
Registration form.
What are the dates and fees for the 2016 Day Camp Programs
Dates: Weekly Sessions starting June 13, 2016 and ending on August 19, 2016
Traditional Day Camp Fees: Greater Scranton YMCA Members: $125/week | Non Members: $160/week
Sunrise Camp Fees: Greater Scranton Y Members $155 (Full Week) $125 (1/2 Week) | Non Members $157 (Full
Week) $127 (1/2 Week)
Why are there two different rates for each Summer Camp Program?
The YMCA has two pricing options based on your membership with the organization.
Non Members who have not taken advantage of our membership opportunities are always welcome in our programs.
These participants will be charged the standard rate for all camp programs.
YMCA Members receive 22% off of the standard rate, as well as priority registration. This rate is available for all
Greater Scranton YMCA members.
I work. Is care available before and after the
camp day?
YES! We recognize that families have busy lives and we want to
make day camp fit into your schedule.
The camp day runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm, but we provide
supervision and activities for kids to be dropped off as early as
7:00am and picked up until 6:00pm. We do this at no charge, but
do require you to check your kids in and to sign them out (with a
picture ID) every day.
What is Financial Assistance?
Financial assistance offers you and your family the ability to participate in our YMCA’s programs at a reduced
rate.
Our Day Camp program is a licensed program, therefore, we ask everyone to apply for CCIS (title XX) first. Parent/
guardian needs to be working or going to school and working 20 hours /week. If you have a special circumstance
which would make you ineligible for CCIS (title XX), you can apply for our YMCA scholarship. Forms are on our
website for download or available at the Welcome Center desk.
How do I qualify?
Submit the completed financial assistance application (available online or at the Y) as well as the requested
support documents to the YMCA. As part of the YMCA’s mission, financial scholarships are available based on the
need and availability of funds. A sliding fee scale shall be used to determine the level of assistance for each
applicant. Scholarships are based upon the gross income and family size. All information is confidential.
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Dear Families,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Summer Day Camp at the Greater Scranton
YMCA! Whether you are one of our many returning
camp families or new to the program, we would like to
welcome you to another fun-filled, action-packed
summer with old friends and new.
GENERAL DAY CAMP INFORMATION
FAQS
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A Place to Belong
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Camp Experience
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With a focus on helping campers develop character and
self-confidence while having fun, Summer Day Camp
activities revolve around our four core values: Caring,
Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Campers are able
to explore, be creative, learn teamwork and develop
leadership in a wide range of physically active programs
that influence life long health. Campers will also have
an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, where they
develop an appreciation of nature and an interest in
community with experiences in local and global cultures.
2016 Program Information
What’s New
More Camp Fun
2016 Theme Weeks
2016 Program Calendar
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Teen Adventure Camp
FAQS
A Place to Belong
Camp Experience
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Daily Activities include: Swimming, Team Building,
Sports, Experiential Education, Arts & Crafts, Field Trips
and so much more!
Great Staff have a huge impact on the camp experience!
We review thousands of applications and select only the
best young men and women to be role models for our
campers. We check their backgrounds, their references
and put them through an extensive training program to
prepare them for the best summer ever with your
children.
Important Camp Dates
Registration is now open!
GSY Healthy Kids Day
April 30, 2016
10:00am-2:00 pm
Campfire Meet-n-Greet with Camp
Leadership Team
May 16, 2016
5:00-7:00 pm
Thank you for considering the Greater Scranton YMCA’s
Summer Day Camp. If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to call us at (570) 342-8115.
Day Camp Open House May 25, 2016
5:00-7:00 pm
Sincerely,
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mike “Mack” McElhinney
Director of Camping Services
Greater Scranton YMCA/Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA
YMCA Camp Kresge
Greater Scranton YMCA
(570) 342-8115
www.greaterscrantonymca.org
Mike McElhinney
Director of Camping Services
570-443-CAMP (2267)
mmcelhinney@greaterscrantonymca.org
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A PLACE TO BELONG...
Sunrise Campers (ages 3-entering Kindergarten)
Our youngest campers are eager for adventure and with
all the fun happenings going on at the Greater Scranton
YMCA’s Day Camp, who can blame them. Younger
Campers partake in all the same activities as day camp
but with a lower camper to counselor ratio.
Discovery (Coed, entering Grades 1 & 2)
Discoverers are active, adventurous, energetic and
always up for a journey. This group of campers
participates in all the daily activities with a little extra
help from their counselors.
Pioneer (Coed, entering Grades 3 & 4)
Pioneers are excited, curious and always up for
activities. This group will engage in fun and exciting
projects that will let their imaginations become reality.
Explorer (Coed, entering Grades 5 & 6)
Explorers are energetic and full of enthusiasm for new
adventures. They are in the middle stage of our little
campers and our younger teen leaders, transitioning
from curiosity and imagination to challenges and
responsibility.
Voyager (Coed, entering Grades 7 & 8)
Voyagers are developing young teen leaders who like a
challenge. This group will be come role models for our
younger campers. They will participate in daily activities
and learn responsibility, work and effort with help from
their counselors.
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YOUR CHILD’S CAMP EXPERIENCE
BEST SUMMER EVER
Friendship, Accomplishment, Belonging
At Y day camp, we are here to make your kids feel
welcome; to help them quickly realize this is a place
where they belong and can be themselves. We encourage campers to try new things, make new friends
and be a part of something great.
We are here to help your kids grow in every way. We
meet them where they are, then give them
opportunities to reach levels they never imagined.
New skills. New experiences. New parts of
themselves.
We’re here to surround every child with support,
guidance and fantastic chances to discover and
learn. A chance to try until they succeed. A chance to
explore new talents and interests.
We are here to foster their curiosity. To encourage
them to expand their comfort zones in what they do,
who they know and what they believe. And discover
what they are passionate about.
We’re here to show kids all they can accomplish
when they believe in themselves. They thrive,
knowing they can relax in a safe, nurturing and
inclusive environment.
We are here to create experiences that immerse
them in an atmosphere that inspires, guiding them to
live healthy, help others and work together, making
strong friendships that often last a lifetime.
The Y is here to help them flourish socially,
emotionally, cognitively and physically. Rooted in
caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, our
holistic approach works wonders, preparing kids for
life, one fantastic summer at a time.
The Y.™ For a better us.™
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2016 WEEKLY THEMES & CAMP CALENDAR
Greater Scranton YMCA
Day Camp
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Swim Lessons Gold Rush
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Campfire
Swim Lessons Time Traveler
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Parent Night Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Jumanji
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Trouble on
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
the High Seas
Parent Night Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons The Festival
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Star Wars
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Parent Night Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Carnival
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Color Wars
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Parent Night Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons The great
superhero
caper
Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Campfire
Introductions
Swim Lessons Amazing Race Swim Lessons Wibits
Closing
Parent Night Campfire
Week 1
Introductions
Western Week
Rec Swim
6/13-17/2016
Week 2
Introductions
Back to the Future
Rec Swim
6/20-24/2016
Week 3
Safari Week
6/27-7/1/2016
Week 4
Pirate Week
7/4-8/2016
Week 5
Medieval Week
7/11-15/2016
Week 6
Space Week
7/18-22/2016
Week 7
Carnival Week
7/25-29/2016
Week 8
Color Wars
8/1-5/2016
Week 9
Superhero Week
8/8-12/2016
Week 10
Amazing Race
8/15-19/2016
Schedule is subject to change
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Opening
Ceremony
Opening
Ceremony
Opening
Ceremony
Opening
Ceremony
Opening
Ceremony
Orientation
Variety Activities
1&2
Group Huddle
Variety Activities
1&2
Group Huddle
Variety Activities
1&2
Group Huddle
Variety Activities
1&2
Group Huddle
Variety Activities
1&2
Skill Based Activity Skill Based Activity Skill Based Activity Skill Based Activity Skill Based Activity
Lunch
Lunch
Skill Based Activity Skill Based Activity
Free Play
Free Play
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Theme Day
Skill Based Activity
Responsibilities
Free Play
Free Play
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Schedule is subject to change
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Camp Fun: New and Traditional
New for Summer 2016
CampDoc—All of your camper’s paperwork is now available to be
completed online using CampDoc’s secure server.
Gaga Ball—We are building a new GaGa Ball pit, like the one seen
to the right in the photo. It is a great game of open-handed
dodgeball from the waist down. It is addictive and you’re going to
love it.
Outdoor Cooking—Have you ever wanted to learn to cook in the
outdoors? New this year will be our fire pit, and we will be teaching
the Explorers and Voyagers how to cook over a campfire.
Team Building—working together to solve a problem takes
leadership and cooperation. Our day camp team building program
incorporates communication and problem solving skills to reach a
goal as a trail group.
Field Trips to YMCA Camp Kresge—Boating, Aqua Park, Climbing
Tower and Hiking
Parent Nights—Every other Thursday starting with week 2, the
Greater Scranton YMCA will host a parent night/open house at the
YMCA. This will give you an opportunity to meet with your
camper’s counselor as well as a chance to experience some of our
great Day Camp Programs. BBQ dinner included.
Closing Campfire—Songs, Skits and Genuine Camp Fun
Theme Weeks—We have new themes this year, and a couple of
your old favorites. Every Wednesday you will participate in theme
based all-camp activities.
All your favorite traditional camp activities:
Archery, Swimming, Sports & Games, Wibit Inflatables in the pool,
swim lessons and so much more!
Grab your passports, we’re going on a Quest!
This summer, campers will have a passport that will take them through a variety of
experiential activities that will enhance there knowledge about the world around them.
Passports are the guide to a quest for knowledge. The Greater Scranton YMCA is
offering this great opportunity to continue the foundational development of your
camper through fun and engaging programming led by our highly-training facilitators.
Programming includes Orienteering, Animal Adaptations, Mystery Detectives, Alternative
Energy, Waste Not, Spanish, and so much more! Join us for the journey by filling your
passport and fulfilling your quest at the Greater Scranton YMCA today!
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Earth Camp
In a yearly partnership with the Abington Area Joint Recreation board, the Greater Scranton YMCA is pleased
to offer Earth Camp again this year for children entering grades 5-7. At Earth Camp, it is our goal to supplement and
enhance the educational environment and programs within the Abington Heights School District.
Earth Camp is designed to enhance the foundations that these students have in science and the environment, art, and
health and fitness.
Science
Campers have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the sciences by learning about fishing, canoeing, water
testing, seine netting, orienteering, planting and maintaining Earthbox gardens, bottle rocket construction and
launching, as well as exploring the park on nature walks.
Art
Students participate in many creative art projects geared toward the environment that involve sculpting pottery,
painting, creating solar prints and natural seed paper, and designing mosaic tiles.
Health and Fitness
In order to teach the campers the importance of personal health and fitness, daily physical activities are incorporated
into the schedule. Campers will participate in team building, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, kickball, obstacle courses, as well
as lessons about healthy eating and nutrition.
Earth Camp is a quality program in an outdoor setting that is an extremely valuable experience for the local students in
the Abington community.
Dates: (Monday-Thursday) July - August ,2016
Times: 9:00 AM –2:00 PM
Location: Hillside Park, an Abington area regional park in Lackawanna County, PA.
Fee: $250.00
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TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP
Ages 13-16
Are you a teen who has been
attending day camp at the Greater
Scranton YMCA?
Are you looking for an adventure
this summer?
Look no further, the Greater
Scranton YMCA’s Teen Adventure
Camp (TAC) is here!
This summer, teens will have a
chance to travel and take part in
exciting activities in and outside
of the Greater Scranton YMCA.
Under the mentoring guidance of
our trained staff, our teens will
take weekly adventure trips,
participate in leadership training
exercises and engage in service
learning opportunities throughout
the Greater Scranton YMCA service area.
The Teen Adventure Camp experience will give teens an opportunity to learn new skills in leadership,
communication, planning and service.
Start your adventure off right with teambuilding activities, then plan your overnight trip, participate in some fun
traditional camp programs, coordinate and execute your service trip, close out the week with the leadership recap.
Teen Adventure Campers will travel with highly trained and energetic staff to various outdoor adventure
destinations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. For this trip, campers will create their menu, plan activities
and learn about outdoor principals such as leave no trace and general outdoor stewardship.
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TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP CALENDAR
Greater Scranton YMCA
Day Camp
Monday
Week 1
Introductions
6/13-17/2016
Group Huddle
Week 2
Introductions
6/20-24/2016
Group Huddle
Week 3
Introductions
6/27-7/1/2016
Group Huddle
Week 4
Introductions
7/4-8/2016
Group Huddle
Week 5
Introductions
7/11-15/2016
Group Huddle
Week 6
Introductions
7/18-22/2016
Group Huddle
Week 7
Introductions
7/25-29/2016
Group Huddle
Week 8
Introductions
8/1-5/2016
Group Huddle
Week 9
Introductions
8/8-12/2016
Group Huddle
Week 10
Introductions
8/15-19/2016
Group Huddle
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Overnight Trip Big Deck of
Cards
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Catapult
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip The Beast
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Bullseye
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Helium Stick
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Great Escape
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Mortal Noodle Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Magic Carpet
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Tank
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Overnight Trip Big Deck of
Cards
Service Trip
Huddle for
Next Week
Schedule is subject to change
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www.greaterscrantonymca.org
111204 01/12
GREATER SCRANTON YMCA
706 N. Blakely Street
Dunmore, PA 18512
P (570) 342-8115