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SUMMER CAMP AT THE DUNELAND YMCA
At the YMCA, we challenge children to grow in imagination, creativity, confidence, self-directed initiative, and leadership. Get EXCITED—Summer Camp at the YMCA starts May 30, 2023!
SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE
Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination! At our YMCA 2023 Summer Camp your child will create lifelong memories while participating in enriching, age-appropriate, fun activities! Campers entering first grade (must be potty-trained) through 8th grade will experience a Summer of Swimming (and even Swim Lessons), educational STEAM and literacy activities, special events and presentations, arts & crafts, games, sports and so much more! Your child will make new friends, experience new things and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day!
Campers are separated into age-appropriate groups, giving us the ability to nurture every child’s full potential! Camp includes a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, giving all campers the opportunity to explore, grow and develop in a healthy and safe environment.
Y Summer Camp registration will open Monday, February 7, 2023! We’re excited to start planning for another action-packed summer, taking place at a Y near you. If you have any questions, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page, and our friendly Youth Program Director will be in touch with you.
YMCA summer camps offer an action-packed, adventure-filled experience where young people can make new friends while having a lot of fun! At Y camp, kids laugh, learn, explore and grow while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
The Y’s summer camp program creates opportunities for kids to learn new skills, be creative, build self-confidence, and gain independence in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. For these reasons and so many more, hundreds of area children attend summer day camp at the Y; to belong, achieve, and build relationships. Let the Y be your trusted partner in keeping your children happy, safe, and engaged this summer.
We can’t wait to see all our wonderful camp families this summer!
USEFUL INFO
An 11-week program that runs five days per week, May 30 – August 11, 2023, for rising 1st-8th grade.
How to Register
Please email our Youth Billing Manager at [email protected]. You will be sent the registration packet for you to fill out an return.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
1)Once you receive the packet, print the registration packet or use the fillable feature to fill it out on your computer.
2)Fill out one packet and, making sure not to leave any anwers blank (use a slash or “n/a” for anything that does not apply)
3) Scan your packet if printed OR save the filled out packet to your desktop and email the packet back to [email protected]. (Please do not send pictures of your packet. There are many great free scanning apps for your smartphone that will make this process a breeze! If you do not have access to a smartphone or scanning device, or the ability to fill out the form on your computer, please email [email protected])
What to Pack
Please mark all of your child’s belongings with their full name! Items for your child to bring to camp include:
- Camp shirt (on field trip days)
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Lunch and snacks
- Sneakers
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+, spray preferred)
- Swimsuit and towel (except for field trip days)
We also recommend packing sunglasses, a hat, and a book for your child. Do not send your child to camp with electronics, a phone, or other toys.
The YMCA will not be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken items.
Financial Assistance
Individuals and families may apply for financial assistance for membership or programs, such as Summer Day Camp. Assistance is based upon a number of factors, including total household income and number of dependents. The process is confidential. Application forms and information about the program are available online or at the Duneland Family YMCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child have to be to attend camp?
Camps are intended for children entering grades 1–8. Students must be currently attending or have completed their kindergarten year.
What are my payment options?
You can pay in full with a credit card or check, or pay on a weekly basis by keeping a credit card on file. Payments must be made the Friday prior to the start of the selected camp week.
What should campers wear to camp?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing that’s okay to get messy, and closed-toe shoes.
What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
The counselor to camper ratio is 1:18 or 1:20.
Does the Y offer financial assistance?
Yes! As a nonprofit organization, financial assistance is made possible through charitable donations to our Annual Support Campaign.
Does the Y offer any type of educational enrichment?
Yes! In addition to having fun at camp, your child will also learn valuable skills! The Y has a daily, designated quiet time to read in order to help prevent summer learning loss.
Daily Schedule
Regular camp hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Before camp care hours: 6:00 am – 9:00 am
After camp care hours: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
*Field trips (Fridays) depart and arrival times will be shared with guardians each week.
All field trip time, dates, and locations are subject to change.
Fees
| Camp Pricing | |
|---|---|
Weekly 4-5 Days | $165 per week per child |
Weekly 2-3 Days | $135 per week per child |
| Summer School Weekly M-F (for children attending DSC Summer School ONLY) | $135 per child |
Daily Rate (per day) | $45 per child |
Weekly Themes & Field Trips
Weekly themes & field trips add something special woven throughout the camp week. For 2023, campers can look forward to the following camp theme weeks & field trips at Camp Shorwau:
WELCOME TO CAMP
Week 1: May 29-June 2, 2023
Unplug and connect! Make new friends but keep the old, reconnect with old friends this week as well as make new ones. This week, we will be meeting our counselors and getting a taste of Camp Shorwau life! We’ll be pitching tents, eating s’mores, and more. It’s all about fun & friendship this week!
Field Trip: ValPLAYso
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Week 2: June 5 – June 9, 2023
What are the animals up to? Furry, feathered, and scaly friends! It’s fun with animals antics as we try to do what animals do! Would you like to roll in the mud like a pig or lounge like a cat?
Field Trip: Fair Oaks Farms
WORLD TRAVELER
Week 3: June 12-June 16, 2023
Have a blast participating in thrilling, adventurous, and outrageous activities that teach us about places all over the world! Play games, do crafts, and experiments inspired by what kids do in different countries!
Field Trip: Potawatomi Zoo
Y-LYMPICS
Week 4: June 19-June 23, 2023
Field Trip: Cinemark Theatre
MY CAMP'S GOT TALENT
Week 5: June 26-June 30, 202
Do you have a talent or no talent? Anything and everything are brought to the stage this week! Singing, dancing, or displaying how to sit in a chair! Nothing is not a talent this week.
Field Trip: Showtimes at Cinemark at Valparaiso
PARTY IN THE USA
Week 6: July 3-July 7, 2023
Field Trip: LaPark Playground and Splash Pad
SPIRIT WEEK
Week 7: July 11 – July 15
Field Trip: Zao Island
SILLY SCIENCE
Week 8: July 17-July 21, 2023
Field Trip: Deep River County Park
CARNIVAL CRAZE
Week 9: July 24-July 28, 2023
Field Trip: Porter County Fair
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Week 10: July 31-August 4, 2023
Come see why Camp Shorwau is out of this world! Learn about the planets and stars in our galaxy, make alien slime, and greet our friends from far-far-away!
Field Trip: Challenger
FINAL FAREWELL
Week 11: August 7-August 11, 2023
It’s the last days before school starts, join us for one last swim, one last friendship bracelet exchange, one last song, and T-shirt signing so our memories will last forever!
To request a Summer Camp Enrollment packet, please fill out the form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I register my child/children for summer camp?
Please email our Youth Billing Manager at [email protected]. She will send you the registration packet for you to fill out an return.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
1)Once you receive the packet, print the registration packet or use the fillable feature to fill it out on your computer.
2)Fill out one packet and, making sure not to leave any anwers blank (use a slash or “n/a” for anything that does not apply)
3) Scan your packet if printed OR save the filled out packet to your desktop and email the packet back to [email protected]. (Please do not send pictures of your packet. There are many great free scanning apps for your smartphone that will make this process a breeze! If you do not have access to a smartphone or scanning device, or the ability to fill out the form on your computer, please email [email protected])
Where is the camp located?
Camp is mainly located at Chesterton Middle School, there are a few days we will be at the Forchetti Center for Early Learning. These dates will be communicated closer to the start of camp.
When can I pick-up and drop off my camper?
We provide care from 6:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday. Our camp day runs from 9:00am-4:00pm. We ask that campers are not dropped off after 9:30am or picked up before 4:00pm, unless there are special circumstances that have been communicated with our director, due to the complex daily schedules and staffing.
Can somebody else pick up my child from camp?
Parents will be asked to list anyone eligible to pick up their child when they register for camp. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the YMCA informed and up-to-date with the appropriate information, such as who can pick up the child and emergency contact information. Photo identification will be required upon pick-up for the safety of all children and families.
What sould my child wear to camp?
Please bring your child to camp in clothes appropriate for getting dirty, playing games, and having fun. Also consider the weather conditions for the day when choosing attire. We recommend wearing shoes that won’t easily come off. No sandals, please. Remember to include a swimsuit and towel for your camper as well.
Are camp shirts required every day?
Camp shirts are only required on field trip days (Fridays). Camp shirts will be distributed to campers upon their first field trip
Do all campers take a swim test?
All children will be swim tested prior to swimming to be evaluated by our lifeguards. This ensure that all campers remain safe in the pool. Campers are able to swim test once a week, with the approval of a swim instructor.
Do I need to provide a lunch every day?
Yes, parents need to pack a lunch for their camper every day. Please don’t send food that spoils quickly in the heat. We unfortunately do not have the means to refrigerate lunches.
Are snacks provided?
We provide breakfast, a morning snack, and 2 afternoon snacks. Lunch is NOT provided. Campers must bring a nut-free sack lunch each day.
If there is a change to my campers schedule, who do I contact?
If there is ever a change to your campers schedule, we ask that you contact both our director and billing manager.
My family doesn’t need care every week. Can I register for only the weeks I need care?
Yes. You only register for the weeks of camp you need and you will only pay for the weeks your child attends. Additional camp
weeks may be added by emailing [email protected] after your original registration. You do not have to pay an additional registration fee.
What about sunscreen and bug spray?
We ask that you apply the first coat of sunscreen and bug spray at home each morning before coming to camp. Send a bottle of sunscreen and bug spray, labeled with your camper’s name, in your camper’s backpack so they can reapply throughout the day.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
We're here to help!
For information regarding Camp registration and payment, please email [email protected].
