 Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in Time
Please note that check-in involves important preparation to ensure your child’s stay at camp is successful! Our goal is to move you through the process as quickly as possible, in under an hour. However, it can take up to two hours, depending on how many campers are arriving on a given day. Steps include checking in at the cabin, depositing funds in your child’s store account, head/foot checks, and visiting with the nurse to discuss any medications, and meeting staff. Each child’s health and time at camp is important to us, so please allow for adequate time to ensure your child is all set! Check-in time is from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Please call camp if you will be arriving late. Check-out time is from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Please honor this schedule by adhering to these arrival and departure times.
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How do you select your staff?
Some staff members are former campers and have gone through our Counselor-In-Training program. Others are selected for their expertise and desire to work with children in a camping environment. Some staff members are selected from international placement agencies that draw from highly qualified applicants from all over the world. We hire all staff for their maturity, for their personal warmth and for their leadership skills. We always run reference and criminal background checks on all staff.
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What happens if my daughter forgets to bring her completed health form?
State law mandates we have a completed health history and physician-signed physical for all campers. Unfortunately, she must return home to obtain her health form before we can permit her to stay at camp.
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What is the likelihood of my daughter not getting her cabin request?
As long as it is a mutual request and the girls are the same age, the likelihood is very good they will be
together. If the girls are not the same age, but are within 12 months of age, they will be placed to the best of our ability, in a cabin that is age-appropriate for the younger camper. We will not put girls 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. Therefore, if you call in advance to check on your daughter’s cabin, we may not be able to tell you. Please understand it is not beneficial to have 4–6 girls from the same town in the same cabin. It discourages meeting new friends, and promotes the developement of “cliques”.
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How often will my daughter get to shower?
Showers are scheduled on an every-third-day basis.
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I will be out of town; can I send someone else to pick up my camper?
Yes, as long as we receive a signed and dated letter from a parent or legal guardian. We request you call camp to confirm we have received this letter.
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What are the staff to campers ratio?
For campers ages 7 to 9, the ratio is 1 to 4. For campers ages 10-15, the ratio is 1 to 6.
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What kind of training does the staff have?
All staff undergo an intensive week-long training. We cover topics such as homesickness, team building, age-specific behaviors, character development, conflict resolution, emergency procedures, child abuse awareness, CPR, first aid, daily schedules, activity planning. In addition, many staff attend trainings on their own throughout the year.
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What happens if my child gets sick at camp?
Infirmary is well equipped and staffed to handle day-to-day medical concerns. Should campers need to be seen by a doctor, a parent or guardian will be notified. Parents will also be notified of any campers staying in the infirmary for more than 24 hours. Any over-the counter medications such as vitamins, Sudafed, or pain reliever brought by the camper will be stored at the infirmary and cannot be administered by camp staff without a doctor’s note.
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What size luggage does my child need?
We recommend standard trunks and suitcases. The newer large size plastic storage containers do not fit under the bunks.
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This is my daughter’s first time away from home. What can I do to help her prepare for the separation?
Go over the packing list in the handbook together. Talk about all the fun things she will be doing. Don’t talk about how much you will miss her or a trip you may be on while she is away. Reassure her things will be fine while she is at camp.
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Does everyone get to white-water raft that wants to?
We have 165 campers each session and 12 spots for white-water rafting. When you get your daughter’s confirmation letter, read it carefully to see if her request has been confirmed. If your confirmation letter does not list white-water rafting, she has been put on a waiting list (as indicated by a red stamp at the bottom).
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What should I do if I get a homesick letter from my daughter?
Don’t panic, it’s normal for the first letter! Our counselors are specially trained to help kids work through their homesickness. If you receive another, feel free to call camp and speak with her cabin counselor during meals.
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Should I be worried if I don’t get any mail from my daughter?
No. It usually means she is having a wonderful time and busy in activities and making new friends. Tip: Pack self-addressed, stamped postcards for her to send to you.
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Are there specific benefits to a 2-week session, over a 1-week?
It usually takes about a week for a child to feel comfortable in their new environment. A 2 week camp session is ideal because it gives your a child the time they need to get used to their new surroundings, and by the second week will be comfortable enough to start making friends and getting into swing of the camp experience.
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Does my child need any money at camp?
Camp has a store that works on a debit basis. During the check-in process, you can go to the camp store to make a deposit into your child’s account. We recommend about $25 per week. The store carries camp apparel, snacks, drinks, toiletries, and miscellaneous goods. Campers can also use this fund for out-of-camp trips. All campers have the opportunity to visit the store at least twice a week. Any money left in the account at the end of the session is refunded at the camp store upon camper check-out.
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What forms are required in order for my child to attend camp?
There are 4 medical health forms and a release waiver required by Camp Foss. All forms are available online under Registration - Required Forms.
- Health History: A four page form to be filled out each year by the parent
- Camper Healthcare Recommendation: To be completed by a physician (or attach documentation from a physical your child had within the last 24 months)
- Epi Pen: To be completed by a physician for campers who need to carry an epi pen or inhaler during their stay at camp. A back-up Epi Pen or inhaler is required to keep in the camp infirmary while during your child’s stay at camp.
- Over The Counter Medication Form (OTC): A one page form allows the camp infirmary to treat your child with medications for minor ailments such as a headaches, insect bites or poison ivy. If you would prefer your child to receive medications other than those listed on this form, you will need to provide them to the camp infirmary with a prescription.
- Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement: This form is a general liability waiver to be signed by the parent.
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Do you have financial assistance?
Yes. Thanks to generous donations from YMCA families, camp alumni and friends, funds are available for families who may not be able to afford a camping experience for their child. Limited funds are applied toward camp fees (usually not more than 50%). Confidential applications are available upon request, and must be submitted by May 1. For information, call Deb Farmer at 232-8642.
Financial Aid Form (PDF)
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