FAQ's
Leaders Right This Way
OVERNIGHT CAMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
We understand that choosing an overnight camp for your child can be overwhelming. For your convenience we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions that many parents have. If you still have questions and/or would like to speak with our camp enrollment coordinator or our camp director, please feel free to call or email.
This is my child’s first time away from home. What can I do to help them prepare for the separation?
Browse through our website and Official Facebook Page together so that they can view the pictures and see all of the exciting new activities that they will be able to participate in. Also, go over the packing list (located on our website or in the handbook) together. Talk about all of the fun things they will be doing and all of the new friends that they will meet. Don’t focus on how much you’ll miss them or discuss a trip that you may be on while they are away. Reassure them that things will be fine while they are at camp, and remind them that they are not the only one going away to camp for the first time. There will be a lot of other kids also attending camp for the first time and many that are the same age. First time campers are always welcome to visit Camp Foss before their scheduled sessions.
This is my child’s first time away from home. What can I do to help better prepare myself for the separation?
After deciding that Camp Foss is the best option for your child, the way to prepare yourself is to read through the parent handbook in its entirety, browse our website, and even join our Official Facebook Page. This is the best way to see first hand the memories that are made, friendships that are created, and the fun that your child will experience this summer. Rest assured, our staff are trained professionals, and many of them started out at Camp Foss as campers themselves and have returned year after year. They know what it’s like to be a first time camper, so they can easily relate to your child and make sure that they’re having an amazing experience. Our staff are dedicated professionals that return year after year to provide campers with the same amazing experience that they once had as campers themselves.
Will my child make new friends?
Camp is a great way to make new friends! In addition to just being exposed to many new people, your child will be surrounded by staff that are trained to work with youth and help them meet new people while making new friends. Staff are also trained in how to address any negative issues, should they arise, such as managing cliques and/or bullying.
What happens if my child’s medical forms are not completed upon arrival at camp?
State law mandates that we have a completed health history and physician-signed physical for all campers that is signed and dated within the last 24 months. Unfortunately, your child will not be allowed to stay at camp until a copy of their physical, immunizations, insurance card, and demographic information has been received and uploaded to their account.
My child has special accommodations, medical needs, and/or will need to take medication while at camp. What can I do to insure that their needs are met?
Please call or email our camp enrollment coordinator outlining your child’s condition and any special requirements. This will allow us to determine if we are able to adequately meet your child’s needs and provide a meaningful camp experience. Additionally, we encourage you to speak with the nurse during the health check-in and to your child’s cabin counselors.
If your camper has special accommodations and is also opting into transportation options, they will need to meet virtually with the nurse to review and discuss their needs at least 2 weeks prior to their scheduled session.
A signed note from a medical provider or signed medication order form for any medications or supplements (dated within the calendar year) is required in order to the nurse to administer medications while at camp.
Is my child able to bunk with one of their friends?
Campers can request cabin mates as long as it is a mutual request, they are entering the same grade in the fall, and are within 12 months of age of each other. Both campers requesting to be together must also be attending the same length session to be potentially placed in the same cabin. For example, both must be attending either one week or two weeks. When creating cabin lists, we will do our best to place them together in a cabin, based on these terms. We will not put anyone together in a cabin that are more than 12 months apart in age. Due to last minute enrollment changes, cabin assignments are done just before check-in day. If you call in advance to check on your child’s cabin, we may not be able to tell you. We also will not be able to guarantee that groups of 3 or larger will be able to be accommodated.
What happens if my child doesn’t get their cabin request?
Our camp staff does their best to accommodate all cabin requests. If campers aren’t in the same cabin together they will most likely be in the same village, but just in adjacent cabins. Campers will still be able to participate in activities together and will have the opportunity to make new friends.
Are laundry services available for my child?
Laundry services are only available for campers staying longer than a two week session.
Should I be worried if I don’t get any mail from my child?
No, it usually means they’re having a wonderful time and is busy in activities and making new friends. Tip: pack self-addressed, stamped postcards for them to send to you.
What should I do if I get a homesick letter from my child?
Don’t panic, it is very normal for the first letter. If you receive another, feel free to call camp and speak with a staff member. When you call the camp number, simply let the individual know the reason for your call, the name of your camper, and what cabin they’re in. The message will be delivered to your child’s cabin counselor and one of them will give you a call back during mealtime to discuss how they are adjusting at camp.
I will be out of town. Can I send someone else to pick up my camper?
During check-in, each family will fill out an authorized release form where you will list any person authorized to pick up your camper. Anyone picking up your child will need to have an ID available during check-out.
Everyone is welcome at YMCA Camp Foss and YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na
The Granite YMCA provides a community were all are welcome. Camp Mi-Te-Na and Camp Foss are binary gendered overnight camps. We ask that campers attend the camp that aligns closest with their sincere self-reported gender identity. We expect campers and staff to follow all conventional social norms concerning modesty, the right to privacy and respecting others.