CAMP CHIEF HECTOR YMCA PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT 2018 - YMCA Calgary

CAMP CHIEF HECTOR YMCA

PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
2018

Camp Chief Hector

                    Bowfort Lodge

Bowfort Lodge   Hector Lodge

Progression

                                                                           Leaders-in-Training
                                    Kananaskins

                                                            Leadership
               Yamnuska
   Chiniquay

                          Mistaya

                                                  Pioneer
    7-9Y       10-13Y     10-11Y    12-13Y        14-15Y     16Y             17Y
   6-Day        6-Day     13-Day    13-Day        13-Day    27-Day       1-2 months

What to Expect

        Our youngest campers (everyone under 10)
        are located at the Bowfort end of camp.
           Tipi and Cabin Accommodations

        Day camps and 6-day overnight camps focus
        on having fun, developing teamwork and
        getting to know new friends.

        Groups travel and participate in activities
        together. Each Tipi group has 8 campers and 2
        staff.

Camp and Camper Commitment

I want to be a camper at Camp Chief Hector YMCA. I agree to
behave respectfully at camp. I will do my best to make this
summer a great experience for myself and my fellow campers. I
understand that failure to live up to my Commitment may mean
that I am sent home from camp. I also understand that by making
this Commitment, I can look forward to fair treatment and
friendship from my cabin or tipi mates, fellow campers, and staff.

Activities

Food

Tasty, balanced meals that   Plus lots of vegetables and
include camper favourites.   fruits available, including a
                             salad bar!

Living at Camp

GAME TIME!

Staff

                      Full time
                       team &
                      Program
                    Coordinators

         Section
        Directors

                            Counsellors

Safety and Risk Management

                 • Number 1 Priority

                 • In-depth Staff Training

                 • Campers are involved and
                   play an active role

Wildlife
Many animals share the site with us and we have a
comprehensive wildlife management plan that
includes:
 -   Simple strategies such as sticking together and making lots of noise are
     commonplace at camp but are effective at deterring animals
 -   Attractants such as food and “smellies” are not stored in or near
     accommodations

Family Zone

Create/update your Family Zone Information each year
 - Camper Information (medications, allergies, food restrictions)
 - Transportation Selections
 - Friend Requests
 You will receive an email to upload your Family Zone information mid-April,
 call the city office if you don’t receive by the end of April

Transportation
              Taking the Bus or Driving to Site

  •   1-2 counsellors will ride on the bus with the campers

  •   At the end of the session, Section Directors will check in with all
      campers to confirm how they are getting home

Common Challenges
Homesickness
   - Try to prepare before camp (Open House, build excitement, spend night at a friends
     house)
   - Once at camp, groups will immediately start teambuilding and making sure
     everyone feels comfortable and safe
Bed-wetting
   - Staff are ready to help by comforting camper, giving them time to shower, washing
     sleeping bag and clothes, plus we have extra sleeping bags available
Behaviour
   - Campers are held accountable for poor behaviour. Groups will work together to
     create a positive community, and staff will try to manage on their own or with help of
     Section Directors before contacting you

Counsellors, Section Directors, and your camper will first try to
overcome challenges together, if issues persist and more
information is needed or sharing is appropriate, they will contact
the full time team and/or parents.

Health Center

Responsible for dispensing medications
   -   During sign in, parents will speak with staff and provide details about
       medication(s)
   -   If your camper is going on an out-trip, their medication(s) will be
       organized and sent out with the group for counsellors to dispense
Organize visits to clinics or hospitals
   -   Parent communication
Camper care when feeling ill
   -   Extra beds in the health center, as well as showers and laundry
       services

YMCA Strong Kids

YMCA Strong Kids is an annual fundraising campaign to raise resources to support
proven YMCA programs that give kids the opportunities they need to reach their full
potential. Our goal is to help kids live healthier, happier lives today, and grow into
productive adults in the future.

  100% of donations raised goes directly to children and youth so they can
                      belong, grow, thrive, and lead.

Upcoming Events
Open House                           Family Camp Weekends
Come visit the site and get a        Another great way to get to know
sneak peek into summer camp!         camp:
Check out the tipis, clusters, and   May 11-13
join some fun activities!
                                     May 25-27
Sunday May 27       2-4 PM

                                                 MEC Night
                                        Visit us at our club night to help
                                     prepare for camp with a 10% discount
                                               Wednesday May 24
                                                    6:30-9 PM

Waiting Lists

Waiting lists can be long, especially with popular programs like Chiniquay and
Yamnuska.

Options:
- Check out Camp Riveredge! A day camp located right in the city at Sandy
  Beach Park
- All other YMCA branches also have day camps that run throughout the
  summer

Frequently Asked Questions

How are groups assigned?
    We take into consideration friend requests on Family Zone, but groups are otherwise quite random so your camper
    will walk away with new friends.
How do I contact my camper?
    Easy! On Family Zone, you can send your camper an E-note, which we print off daily and give to campers.
    They can not email you back, but they can write letters and we do allow phone calls home
    If you send your camper with a self-addressed and stamped envelopes, writing home is easy ☺
Is there financial assistance to send my camper(s) to camp?
    Yes – Calgary YMCA offers financial assistance, though YMCA Strong Kids (form is on our website).
What should my child bring to camp?
    Packing lists are available online for each section of camp – following the list will help ensure that your camper is
    prepared for camp!
What happens if my child losses something while at camp?
    Start before camp – make sure that your child is familiar with all the items they are bringing (you are more likely to
    remember your favourite sweater than the sweater that still has the tags on), and LABEL all the items in your child’s
    bag(s). We have a Lost and Found shelf where campers can look at throughout the session to find belongings. Any
    items left will be kept until the end of the next session, then will be donated.

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

Jared Baillie                   City Office
                                cchy@ymcacalgary.org
Summer Camp Director
Jared.baillie@calgary.ymca.ca
                                403-269-6156 | 1-866-430-9622

Anja Vreeker
Summer Assistant Director
Anja.vreeker@calgary.ymca.ca