Summer Camp Guide - Rogue Valley Family YMCA

Dear Parents,
The greatest thing about summer camp is simply the time we spend outside having fun.
There is something about the outdoors that brings out the best in people. I believe kids
thrive at Day Camp because nature provides so many opportunities for growth. If you want
to relax and watch the clouds or swim in a mountain lake you can do that at Y camp this
summer. Camp is an especially exciting time of the year for me, because I love watching
kids make new friends and take on new challenges every day.
Camp gets kids away from video games and cell phones, and teaches them to interact with
each other. Camp is the place where kids can try new things, be themselves and really grow
as a person.
The experiences and values that children get from a YMCA summer camp experience are
things that will stay with them forever. I spend my entire year preparing for summer camp
and I would love to talk with you and answer any questions. I look forward to meeting your
child at camp.
With Excitement,
Gary ”Flame” Taylor
Camp & Sports Director
Phone: 541-772-6295 ext. 107
Email: gtaylor@rvymca.org
THE RIGHT
STAFF FOR
THE JOB
Many scholarships are available for all
YMCA camp programs. Again this year
thanks to the generous support of
Lithia Motors, we have an even greater
level of scholarships available for
those in need. If you could use a little
assistance this year please just ask.
With the YMCA you simply get the best. The YMCA camp staff
are typically college students interested in a future of working
with youth. Our staff are good role models, listeners, friends
and confident young adults that can be there for each camper.
The YMCA’s summer camp programs are directed by a full-time
YMCA professional director and staffed with dedicated and
dynamic leaders, selected for their maturity, understanding,
patience and interest in working with youth. The selection
process includes an interview, reference checks and criminal
background check prior to employment. Summer camp staff
complete an extensive staff training that includes: risk
management, child discipline, child abuse prevention, emergency
procedures, friendship building and how to lead activities all
before campers arrive. Most of our staff are certified in first aid
and CPR plus certified lifeguards supervise all swimming
activities. At the YMCA we provide a healthy environment and
do all we can to help build caring, honest, responsible and
respectful youth.
CAMPING, HERE
WE COME…
LIL’ ADVENTURES (ages 3-6)
The perfect adventure for our new lil’ campers, this half-week, half-day camp experience is the perfect
chance to experience the magic of camping and explore the fun and excitement found here in the Rogue
Valley. Campers will get a chance to sing songs, go hiking, play games, and do arts & crafts during the week.
Each day begins at the YMCA with snack before loading the bus to head off for the day’s adventure. Field
trips and activities will be based on the weekly theme and final schedules will be distributed on the Friday
before each week. Campers will have a chance to enjoy the day’s field trip and then eat their sack lunch
before returning to the YMCA by 1:00pm.
Who: Ages 3-6 (must be potty trained)
When: T, W and Th, 8:30am-1:00pm
Where: YMCA
Fee: $100/week, many scholarships
available.
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:10
How We Go – We will be exploring all the different ways we
get from one place to another. Hulls, wheels, and wings, all
take us on an amazing adventure this week.
Week 3, June 23-25.
Summer Safari – Bring along your favorite stuffed animal to
join you for this safari. We will be getting up close with a few
animals as we explore some of the wild animals in our own
backyard. Week 5, July 7-9.
Up, Up and Away! – We will explore all things that go up! If
your camper has ever wondered what it would be like to be a
pilot, this is your camp. Week 7, July 21-23.
The Wetter the Better – This week's adventure will take us
to our local water parks in Medford, Ashland and Central
Point. This week is sure to be a wet ‘n wild adventure.
Week 10, August 11-13.
TRYING SOMETHING
NEW EVERYDAY…
DAY CAMP
(entering grades 1-6)
YMCA Day Camp offers children positive developmental experiences and
encourages them to forge bonds with each other and with staff, building confidence through skill-building
activities suited to their age. Children experience a sense of achievement through opportunities in the outdoors
and are welcomed to a physically and emotionally safe and stimulating environment. Day campers are able to
explore teamwork and leadership in a wide range of physically active programs that influence lifelong healthy
living. They have the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor environment where they develop an appreciation of
nature.
Weekly field trips will get us into nature with a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Each day, campers will be
assigned a “cabin” with their own counselor to guide them through the day. Our unique program allows
campers to take part in daily themed activities as well as working with their peers to design part of the day.
Campers go on weekly field trips, enjoy Friday swim days at the YMCA, eat two snacks per day, create arts &
crafts, sing camp songs, explore science, appreciate nature, learn outdoor living skills, play group games and
perform skits. A detailed weekly schedule is
distributed on the Friday before each week.
The Ospreys (entering 1st – 3rd grade) - Osprey
To make sure that your camper is properly prepared
campers will participate in a Wednesday field trip
for each day they should come dressed for the
and Friday swim day. Staff are selected for their
weather and ready to get dirty with a backpack filled
skills in meeting the needs of this age group.
with the required five: lunch, water bottle, sunscreen,
Staffing ratio is 1 adult to every 10 campers.
swimsuit and towel. We work with Sodexo and the
USDA Summer Foods Program to provide free sack
The Eagles (entering 4th – 6th grade) - Eagle
lunches as an option for families (available for any
campers will participate in two weekly field trips
income level).
(on Tuesday and Thursday) and Friday swim day
plus will enjoy camp activities and experiences
Our camp experience is tailored to the needs of each
appropriate for this age group. Staffing ratio is 1
camper by dividing into two smaller camps (see left)
adult to every 15 campers.
which are then divided into mock cabins (a counselor
and 10 or 15 campers) based on each camper’s grade
and gender.
“My daughter never
wanted to miss a day.”
“My son always has a great
story to tell at the
end of the day.”
Day Camp Fast Facts
Daily M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm
Fee: $25/day
Scholarships: Many scholarships are available so
please just ask.
Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarships:
$15/day
Dress for the weather and pack the required 5: lunch,
water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit and towel!
Contact Us
We want your camper’s summer camp experience to be
the best it can be and we will work with you to make
sure your child will have a great time. For more
information please contact Gary Taylor at
gtaylor@rvymca.org or 541-772-6295 ext. 107.
Weekly Themes
Week 1 (June 8-12) Under the Big Top – This week you will get to try your hand at juggling, clowning, and learn the secret
to ring toss. Life’s a circus and let us teach you the ropes. Location: Central High School
Week 2 (June 15-19) Summer-saurs – Walk like a T-rex back to the time of the dinosaurs. As we discover the Jurassic
period we will find ourselves wishing they weren’t extinct. Location: Central High School
Week 3 (June 22-26) Ooey Gooey – Mix it, stir it and even blend it. A little dirt won’t hurt as we create things that are
slimy, oozing, and downright gross. Location: Central High School
Week 4 (June 29-July 3) Party in the USA – Join us for some good ol’ fashion American fun such as sack races, slip
-n-slides and pie eating contest. Come celebrate with us! Location: Central High School
Week 5 (July 6-10) Once Upon a Time… – Fair maidens, mischievous villains and unexpected heros. Not sure what
will happen this week, but we’ll search for our happily ever after. Location: Central High School
Week 6 (July 13-17) Super Sleuth – We will learn the techniques needed to be a detective like fingerprinting, crime scene
photos and substance analysis to help us get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late.
Location: Central High School
Week 7 (July 20-24) Y Camp’s Got Talent – Come show case your talents in front of audiences of all ages. Do you have
what it takes to entertain and dazzle? Location: Central High School
Week 8 (July 27-31) Splish, Splash – This week is all about the joy of staying soaked. Lets get wet, it’s summer! Location:
Central High School
Week 9 (August 3-7) The League of Extraordinary Campers – Develop your superpowers and design your super costume.
You’ll get a secret identity and discover why this stealth way of life is essential to any Superhero.
Location: Central High School
Week 10 (August 10-14) Flying Pie – Pizza isn’t just something we eat it is also a lot of fun. From throwing dough, to
topping it up, and even grilling it on a BBQ, come find out why pizza is Americas most sought after food and past time.
Location: Washington Elementary School
Week 11 (August 17-21) Oregon Unplugged – We will see where the last great train robbery took place, fill our watter
bottles at the same places Applegate Trail pioneers did, and try panning for gold. Come and explore what makes Oregon
such a colorful place to live.
Location: Washington Elementary School
Week 12 (August 24-29) Howdy Y’all – Come with us as we explore life out in the West. Enjoy a hoe down, campfires,
wagon races and horse shoes. This is sure to be the wildest week in the wilderness.
Location: Washington Elementary School
Week 13 (August 31-September 4) Ahoy There Matey – This week will let you scallywags test your sea legs through
various watery tests. Will we find buried treasure? What does scallywag mean anyway?
Location: Washington Elementary School
YMCA SUMMER FUN
IN THE UPPER ROGUE…
DAY CAMP IN EAGLE POINT
(entering grades 1-6)
Again this summer in partnership with the City of Eagle Point, the Rogue Valley
Family YMCA will be offering a week of day camp in Eagle Point. Each week will
be based on a theme and include many activities to keep campers engaged from
the time they arrive until they leave. It is important to remember to pack a lunch,
swimsuit (for water play, not swimming), towel, athletic shoes and water bottle
so that your camper can enjoy all of the activities.
Party in the USA
Join us for some good
ol’ fashion American fun
such as sack races, slipn-slides and pie eating
contest. Come celebrate
with us!
To register and pay, visit:
CITY OF EAGLE POINT
17 Buchanan Avenue South
Eagle Point, OR 97524
541-826-4212
www.cityofeaglepoint.org
Who: Youth entering 1st - 6th grade
When: Week 4 (June 29-July 3) M-F, 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: Outback Gym, across the street from 185 East Main Street,
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Fee: $50/week, some scholarships available
Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarships: $30/week
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:15
FRIENDS, LAUGHTER
& A MORE RESPONSIBLE ME…
TEEN ADVENTURES (entering grades 7-9)
Teen Adventures program introduces teens to adventures and opportunities for growth. The Y’s program
invites teens to try something new, make friends and take on the role of a leader. Our summer is filled
with experiences ranging from enrichment and community service projects to sports, field trips, and art
projects. Teen Adventures inspires positive self-esteem through respect of self and others.
Our teen campers work with their counselors to lead themselves in a wide variety of activities each day,
including games, cooking, sports, community service, swimming and off-site field trips. At the beginning
of each session, the teens are given the chance to work with their counselors to plan out their
expereince. This program is perfect for teens that are motivated, responsible, ready to work hard, and
willing to accept the leadership challenge. To continue involvement throughout the summer, teens must
be actively engaged in all aspects of the program.
The reason we are able to offer this camp at a lower fee than Day Camp is because we realize the benefit
teens offer to the program and the younger campers.
Who: Teens entering 7th -9th grade
When: M-F, two weeks 7:30am-6:00pm
Sessions: A (June 15-26), B (June 29-July 10), C (July 13-24),
D (August 3-14), & E (August 17-28)
Where: Same location as Day Camp
Fee: $160/for 2 weeks, many scholarships available.
Pre-Qualified Free Lunch Letter Scholarships: $90
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:15
SUMMER MEMORIES
WILL LAST A LIFETIME…
RESIDENT CAMP (entering grades 2-12)
Things are a little different this year at YMCA Resident Camp as we will be transitioning to using a new
YMCA Resident Camp that is being developed on Lake of the Woods for the summer of 2016. With this
great opportunity comes a transitional program for the summer of 2015. Our Resident Camp program will
be offered this summer at Lake of the Woods Resort, Aspen Point Campground. We want the resident
camping experience to thrive well into the future and this is a wonderful opportunity.
Although we are in a temporary home this
summer, resident camp is still filled with
swimming, hiking, archery, arts & crafts,
cookouts, skits, songs, team building,
outdoor living skills and all of the time
honored traditions campers have come to
love. We also offer a free choice time during
the week where campers can sign up to
spend a little more time doing the things
they really enjoy like archery, floating on the
lake and commando hikes. There is
something about spending a week away from home with the same bunch of kids that helps youth learn
independence and the ability to rely on others. Camp is an experience that you never forget.
Each evening at camp is concluded with an unforgettable campfire experience where campers and
counselors sing songs and perform skits. The final day of camp is special because campers and counselors
dress in their camp finest to attend a formal closing banquet and campfire.
Campers will live in tents with their fellow campers and counselor with flushing bathroom facilities nearby.
Campers are asked to eat a complete breakfast before being dropped off at camp on the first day.
Who: Youth entering 2nd – 9th grade
Where: Lake of the Woods Resort
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8
When: Week 8, July 27–31
Drop-off: Monday July 27 at the YMCA, 8:00am
Pick-up: Friday July 31 at the YMCA, 12:00noon
Fee: $285, some scholarships available
To learn more about the new camp coming
for the summer of 2016 on Lake of the
Woods contact Gary Taylor
Spoons (high school campers)
Spoon campers are given the opportunity to attend camp for less
than the regular fee, because they help wash dishes after some
of the meals and teaches them work ethinc and resposibility.
Spoons still enjoy all of the regular camp activities plus the
freedom to develop a few of their own.
Who: Youth entering 10th – 12th grade
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:12
When: Week 8, July 27–31
Drop-off: Monday July 27 at the YMCA, 8:00am
Pick-up: Friday July 31 at the YMCA, 12:00noon
Fee: $150, some scholarships available
SAND CASTLES,
TIDEPOOLS & FRIENDS...
COASTAL CAMP (entering grades 4-8)
We will be camping at Sunset Bay state park and will have the chance
to walk and explore the tide pools, try our hand at some crabbing,
build sand castles, and play in the surf. The Oregon coast has a lot to
offer and this week of camp will allow your camper the chance to enjoy
it all.
We will conclude each evening with a campfire and group activities. All YMCA camp programs focus on
living together as a small group and this week will be no different as campers will be asked to help setup
camp, prepare meals and clean. Group camping gear and food will be provided by the YMCA except a sack
lunch on the first day. All swimming and water activities will be over seen by YMCA lifeguards. Join us as
we go coastal this summer.
Who: For youth entering 6th-8th grade,
Week 9 August 4-7
For youth entering 4th-6th grade,
Week 12 August 25-28
When: See above,
Drop-off 8:00am, Pick-up 5:00pm
Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA
Fee: $150, some scholarships available
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8
A SUMMER
WITHOUT
Y-CAMP...
FEELS LIKE THIS
SIGN-UP
TODAY!
BIGGER THAN LIFE…
PAGE TO STAGE
THEATER CAMP
(entering grades 1-6)
Back by popular demand the YMCA is taking our great summer camp
experience and combining it with the Randall Theatre’s mission of
bringing the community back to theater.
This performing arts camp will include instruction by professional
theater artists and blend it with traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, rock climbing, team
building games, and camp songs. Your camper is sure to find the perfect opportunity to explore their creative
instincts in drama camp this summer.
This year we will write and perform a fun
Melodrama, where the characters are bigger than
life. From the Hero and the Damsel in Distress, to
the Dastardly Villain and lots of Sidekicks, we all
have a role in this silly adventure that the campers
create. This two week day camp will explore the
entire stage production process. Y-camp
counselors and professional theater artists will
help your camper realize their potential as we
write, cast, rehearse, create costumes, design the
set, and stage the final production for friends and family on Thursday, July 16th at 7:00pm. Whether your
camper is interested in acting or helping behind the scenes, this camp will allow every camper to be invlovled in
as much of the process as they choose.
Who: Entering grades 1-6
When: July 6–17, M-F, 7:30am-6:00pm.
Where4: Randall Theater – 10 East 3rd Street,
Medford, OR 97501
Fee: $300 for two weeks, some scholarships available.
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:10
Learn more about the
Randall Theatre at
randalltheatre.com
CLIMBING, BOULDERING,
BELAYING, RAPELLING...
ROCK CLIMBING CAMP
(entering grades 6-9)
This week we will climb as high as 60 feet, learn to boulder, learn to rapel,
and even try walking across a slack line. Rock climbing is a growing sport
and the YMCA is no stranger to teaching kids to climb. YMCA Climbing Gym staff will be on hand this week to
help work with each camper to ensure safety and a fun experience. Campers will come home with a basic
understanding of bouldering, belaying, climbing safety and how to ascend a climbing route.
We will stay at Emigrant Lake Oak Slope Campground and climb each day at the rock formations near the
Emigrant Lake dam. All climbing gear, group camping equipment and all food except a lunch on the first day
will be provided by the YMCA.
Who: Youth entering 6th -9th grade
When: June 30-July2, Drop-off 8:00am, pick-up 5:00pm
Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA
Fee: $150, some scholarships available
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8
HAVING FUN WHILE,
SEARCHING FOR CACHES…
CACHE CAMP
(entering grades 5-8)
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by
adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. We know you’ll want to join us for
an exciting camp experience where we will find “treasure” as we travel towards
Bend and back again. Campers will gain an understanding of basic map
navigation and how to use a GPS receiver to find a location.
Participants will need to provide personal camping gear (sleeping bag, clothes,
etc.), group camping gear will be provided by the YMCA. Campers will be asked to
have eaten a complete breakfast and bring a sack lunch with them on the first
day, all other food will be provided by the YMCA.
Who: Youth entering 5th -8th grade
When: July 8-10, Drop-off 8:00am, pick-up 5:00pm
Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA
Fee: $150, some scholarships available
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8
STAYING COOL
ON THE RIVER...
RAFTING CAMP
(entering grades 5-10)
When you live in the Rogue Valley you
should get the opportunity to really
experience the Rogue River. Join us for a white water rafting experience this summer on the famous Rogue
River. Whether you join us for the one day adventure or try the full 3 day experience you will get a chance
to enjoy rafting at its best. Getting soaked going through a rapid, getting squirted by another boat, and
catching a glimpse of a bald eagle or osprey are just a few of the things that will make these trips truly
memorable. All campers and staff will be required to wear a life jacket at all times while in and on the
water.
Intro to Rafting
This one day trip will take you from Cole River Fish Hatchery to Shady Cove park to give you just the
perfect introductory experience that will leave you feeling ready to join us again next year for the 3 day
rafting adventure. All you need to bring is sunscreen, a lunch, water bottle, swimsuit, towel for this splash
filled day. Transportation will be provide by the YMCA.
When: June 18, meet at the YMCA at 8:00am and returning at 5:00pm
Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA
Fee: $45, some scholarships available
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:6
3-Day Adventure
Dropping in at Cole River Fish Hatchery and floating
for 3 days down to TouVelle State Park. We will stop
the first night at Rogue Elk Park and the second night
just below Dodge Bridge. Each night will add to this
memorable experience as we setup our camp site,
cook our meals as a group, and finish the evening
with a campfire along the river. All campers will come
away with a basic understanding of raft navigation
and camp cooking. All group camping equipment
provided by the YMCA, you just need to pack your personal gear (a packing list provided one week before
the camp), eat a complete breakfast before arriving and bring a lunch for the first day. All other food will
be provided by the YMCA.
When: June 23, meet at the YMCA at 8:00am and returning on June 25 to the YMCA at 5:00pm
Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA
Fee: $150, some scholarships available
Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:6
ROGUE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
522 West Sixth Street, Medford, Oregon 97501
541-772-6295
www.rvymca.org