Camp FAQs

Yes. We can’t wait to see you at camp!

You have a few options to return your completed registration form.  You can:

• Email completed forms to your Camp Director
• Deliver completed forms to your YMCA in-person
• Mail completed forms to your YMCA Mailing Address

In addition to the Parent Handbook, a pre-camp email is our courtesy communication tool to inform you of the week’s schedule of activities as well as answer any questions you may have. If you sign up for a camp Friday-Sunday the week before camp, you will not get a pre-camp email. If you do not receive a pre-camp email, please confirm your email address with your Welcome Center.

The following items should come to camp every-day, labeled with your camper’s name:

• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Closed toe shoes
• Swimsuit, towel, and bag for wet items
• Sunscreen and bug repellant
• Hats are optional but recommended
• Complete change of clothes for younger campers
• A good book

No. In an increasingly digital age, we believe in the potential for camps to be a place where children learn more than just sports or swim strokes, but where children can truly interact with their peers and form natural, real relationships with one another. For this reason, we ask ALL campers to leave all non-emergency electronics at home. Additionally, the YMCA assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged electronics. 

No problem! There is no fee required to change your camper’s registration; deposits may be transferred for the same participant from one week to another. Transfer requests must be done in writing through your Camp Director. Camp transfers from one session to another or from one program to another will only be made if space is available. If there is a fee difference between the two camps, camper families are responsible for payment of the difference before the start of the camp.

All withdrawals from a camp session and/or refund requests must be done in writing through your Camp Director. Refunds will be issued as follows:

• A full refund (less the non-refundable deposit and registration fee) will be issued if a written cancellation is received at least 15 days prior to the start of the camp session.
• Cancellations less than 15 days in advance will be charged a 20% processing fee in addition to the assessment of the non-refundable deposit and registration fee.
• Cancellations received after the start of a camp are not eligible for refund.

Yes, the YMCA of Southwest Florida implements a series of healthy eating and physical activity standards in our programming. The YMCA will provide a nutritious lunch and afternoon snack each day (including field trip days) at no charge. We are committed to serving healthy lunches and snacks, with water being the primary beverage during snack time.

Please inform the camp at the time of registration of any dietary restrictions. Please send additional food options if your child is a choosy eater or requires extra snacks throughout the day. Campers who prefer to bring their own lunch and beverage should be mindful of the following:

• Due to an active schedule, these lunches must be healthy and nutritious (sodas and candy are not permitted).
• Lunches are not refrigerated or microwaved, any food items sent from home should be pre-made and non-perishable.
• Please include a drink and eating utensils  (plastic ware preferred)

Each staff member goes through an extensive hiring process including a criminal history background check, reference checks, and an interview. Staff are selected that demonstrate commitment to being positive role models for campers and then receive over 40 hours of training including training in camp program areas, relating to children, licensing policies, and health and safety skills. There are always staff on site that are First Aid and CPR certified.

Camp is held rain or shine and many fun-filled activities are planned for rainy/heat advisory days! Activities are modified outside to fit rainy days but some of the best fun is had on rainy days so campers should dress accordingly for the weather with appropriate rain gear. NOTE: your child may return home wet and muddy.

To keep campers safe during heat advisories, certain activities may be cancelled if they cannot be moved indoors. Campers are consistently encouraged to drink lots of water.