Beginning June 9th, the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA day camp program will treat your son or daughter to a great camping experience – while letting them return home each day! Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp, held at Riverview Park in St. Joseph, offers a wide variety of activities that allow children to discover new skills, make new friends, develop respect for the outdoors, and most of all, have FUN!

The YMCA is committed to the development and growth of all people. Our camp program reinforces four important principles that help a person be successful in all they seek to accomplish: caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect. Through trained leadership and a commitment to these principles, your child’s self-esteem and confidence will grow!

Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp is an adventure in outdoor living. Children will experience quality camping that includes hiking, outdoor education, archery, nature, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, games, character development, songs, skits, and more!

The first day of camp, campers will be divided into groups of boys and girls with similar ages; these groups will then participate in age-appropriate camp activities. There will also be group activities performed by the entire camp, including field trips to exciting and educational destinations. Field trips are included in the camp fee – there are no additional charges.

Camp begins at 9:00 a.m. each day at the Lion's Shelter in Riverview Park; please bring your campers to Lion's Shelter no earlier than 8:45 a.m. All camp activities will be held at the park until 2:15 p.m., when campers will be transported to the YMCA for swimming.

After swimming, there will be a designated snack time from 3:45–4:15. Please pack a snack for your child: campers will not be allowed to use the vending machines during this time.

Campers are to be picked up at the YMCA Kid's Gym by 4:30 p.m. every day. If your child needs to be dismissed early, you must provide written notification to the camp supervisor in advance. Please note that a $10.00 late fee will be charged every 15 minutes your child remains at camp after 4:30 pm; however, extended camp hours are available to accommodate working parents (see below).

For the safety of your child, campers WILL NOT be released to anyone whose name is not listed on the Health/Emergency Form. If someone not listed on the form is going to pick up your child, you MUST notify the YMCA. For safety reasons, a photo I.D. will be required when picking your child up from camp.

·  Sack lunch (see below) – the camp will supply beverages
·  After swimming snack (see below)
·  Swimsuit & towel
·  Insect repellent
·  Sunscreen is a MUST - please teach your child how to use it safely
·  Comfortable shoes - NO sandals or bare feet are allowed
·  Additional shoes for water activities
·  Appropriate clothing in case of cool weather
·  Rain gear (just in case)
·  Light jacket - mornings are often cool
·  Water bottles are suggested, but not required

Please mark ALL of your child's belongings and remember: this is camp and everyday there is a possibility for getting dirty and wet, so an extra pair of clothes is highly recommended!

Sack Lunch: For the camper's lunch, please pack perishable items in an insulated lunch bag, cooler, or with a cold pack, as there are no refrigerators at the park. Water is available throughout the day. The camper's name should be written on their lunch bag. Please note that snack vending machines are not available during camp time.

After Swim Snack: There will be a designated snack time from 3:45–4:15 after swimming. The snack will need to be provided by the parents. Children WILL NOT be allowed to use the vending machines during this time.

Personal Belongings: Please DO NOT bring anything valuable to camp that could be lost or taken! Please leave electronic games and music players at home. Do not bring money – campers will not be allowed to use vending machines or purchase items during field trips. All belongings are the responsibility of the camper and should be kept in a tote bag or backpack. Lost items will be displayed in the Kid's Gym at pick-up time. Please mark ALL of your child's belongings.

All camp activities, except swimming, are held at Riverview Park. In case of rain, camp will be held under the shelters. If there is lightning or severe weather, campers will be transported to the YMCA to continue their day. Call the YMCA Member Service Desk for camp information on severe weather days. Please dress campers appropriately for the weather. Mornings are often cool, so we advise a light jacket.

We recognize the tremendous effect a good camping experience has on a young child, and carefully select each staff member for their interest in children and their experience in camping. Our team cares about youth and camp life, and knows the importance of a safe environment which ensures the right combination of fun and challenge. All staff are supervised by the Y Camp Supervisor.

Safety is a priority at Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp. Children are taught respect for nature, for others, and for the proper use and care of equipment. Camp staff is trained in first aid and emergency procedures, and have appropriate access to medical and emergency resources at all times. Swimming activities are supervised by certified lifeguards.

When a camper is not behaving appropriately, the counselor will try to redirect the camper with positive encouragement. If positive encouragement does not redirect the camper, the camper will be given time out from the activity. A discussion with the Director will take place if inappropriate behavior continues. Physical punishment is not permitted. If a time out and counselor/camper discussions do not end the poor behavior, parents will be contacted by the Director.

Extended hours are an option for families who need care for their children before and after the camp day. Extended hours provide a supervised activity time for children of working parents. Children may be signed in at the YMCA between 7:00 - 8:45 a.m. (pre-care) and signed out at the YMCA between 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. (post-care). Pre-registration is required.

Please note that a $10.00 late fee will be charged every 15 minutes your child remains at camp after 6:00 p.m.

Weekly sessions of Gla-Da-Wen-Ta Day Camp begin June 9th. To register your child, complete the Registration along with the Health/Emergency form. These forms must be accompanied by payment before your first week of camp.

To reserve your child's place, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required for each week of camp. Deposits will be applied to the the weekly cost. Full payment for any week must be received by Monday, one week prior to the beginning of your child's session, or a $10.00 late fee will be assessed. Refunds or credits cannot be given for campers unable to attend the full week. Any week-to-week transfers are contingent on availability and must be approved by the Camp Supervisor.

You can pick up Registration & Health/Emergency forms at the YMCA Member Service Desk, or you can download the forms in pdf format* by clicking on the following links:

*Requires a PDF format reader - click here for free pdf reader software. Only 2.5 MB download.

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA programs are driven by community need, guided by volunteers, and open to all ethnic groups and religions.

The YMCA provides financial assistance for campers based on need and the availability of funds. The YMCA is a nonprofit, charitable organization affiliated with the United Way of Southwest Michigan. Financial Assistance applications are available at the YMCA Member Service Desk.

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