Until the First Day of Day Camp

Camp Jorn YMCA CJ Sprouts Reg Opens 12/2/24

During the summer, Camp Jorn offers an 8-week program specifically designed for children aged 5 to 6 years old. Please note that we are unable to accommodate children younger than 5. All campers must meet this age requirement by the time they begin attending camp. For children 7-12 please check out our traditional and specialty day camp offerings.

At CJ Sprouts, we strive to ensure that every child feels included. Each week features activities themed around different topics, allowing campers to engage in options such as arts and crafts, swimming, environmental education, and outdoor adventures. With a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:6, our well-trained counselors are able to provide your children with the right amount of attention and enjoyment.

Camp Jorn YMCA’s goals are:

  1. Campers will develop personal growth and higher sense of self while engaging in challenging activities that promote positive risk taking, independence, and opportunity for success
  2. Campers will learn to make & maintain positive relationships with their peers and friends while building a sense of community
  3. Campers will learn the YMCA core values to help them become positive well-rounded individuals:

Honesty: Campers will be taught the value of honesty while at camp, to speak and act with sincerity, truthfulness, fairness and integrity.
Respect: Campers will be taught the meaning of respect, to show consideration for self, others and the environment
Caring: Campers will be shown how to care for themselves and others, to provide compassion and understanding and to recognize the goodness in others
Responsibility: Campers will experience responsibility for themselves, their actions, their belongings, and camp property. They will be taught to do what is right, to be accountable for your behavior and obligations, to persevere to completion
Personal Growth: Campers will learn to develop in the four personal competencies - compassion, contribution, commitment and character – in order to discover and to be our best selves

Camp Jorn staff work with parents and campers to determine readiness and eligibility for specific programs. We recognize that children develop at different rates, and some may need more support than others. Our goal is to work in partnership with parents to ensure physical, emotional, and cognitive development match the ongoing skills progression required for safe participation. Camp will provide safety equipment like lifejackets and program equipment like archery bows that are the appropriate size for each.

Note:

If your child has a history of anaphylaxis, severe asthma, seizures or has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes or other exceptional health conditions, please contact the CEO at Camp Jorn as soon as possible to discuss your camper's health history/treatment and to determine if Camp Jorn can meet your camper's needs and safety.

CJ Sprouts Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

CJ Sprouts Session Dates

Session 1: June 16-20
Session 2: June 23-27
Session 3: June 30-July 2 **Fees to be adjusted
Session 4: July 7-11
Session 5: July 14-18
Session 6: July 21-25
Session 7: July 28-August 1
Session 8: August 4-8

Weekly Price: $300

**Sign up for one week, or the whole summer! Due to the comprehensive scheduling of staff, activities, and materials, fees will not be adjusted or refunded for any reason.

CJ Sprouts Activities

At Camp Jorn, we provide an exciting day camp experience for children aged 5 to 6. Guided by our counselors, campers will embark on adventures to various camp activities that are age appropriate. Each day, they will have the chance to engage in a mix of both land and water activities! Every camper will depart from camp with a treasure trove of memories and experiences!

  • Swimming- Swimming is one of the most favored activities of the day and is supervised by certified lifeguards! On their first day here, campers will have the opportunity to participate in a swim assessment to determine their swimming ability; If campers know they can’t swim well, they are asked to jump in the shallow section and blow bubbles. Our staff is very well trained to help children who are uncomfortable or afraid in the water, and we have excess lifeguards on duty for evaluations. We will not force anyone to take the swim evaluation. Campers are designated as non-swimmer, beginner, intermediate, or advanced swimmers, and are restricted to how deep they may swim based on that level. We have a shallow swim section where most campers can touch, and life-jackets available at the swim docks, so all levels can enjoy the water. Shallow swimmers are allowed to go down our slide in the middle section if they wear a personal flotation device. CJ Sprouts will often swim at our shallow, zero entry beach front. Please be aware that campers may need to wear a life jacket based on their swimming skills. Throughout the summer, campers will have the chance to retest their abilities.
  • Arts & Crafts- We promote creativity & fine motor development with fun projects such as tie dye, sculpture, bracelet making, painting, weaving and more using nature & camp themes for inspiration.
  • Group Sports & Games- Campers will get active playing sports and games like basketball, soccer, field hockey, four square, relay races, frisbees, parachute games, scooters and more on our Rec Square, playground, and huge field!
  • Misc. Activities- We round out all the action with spirited activities like singing songs, performing skits, talent shows, fort building, gnome homes, and scavenger hunts.
  • Additional Water Activities- In addition to our beautiful lakefront, campers cool off with water games like Drip drop, slip n' slide, sprinkler games, water balloon toss, and more!
  • Nature & Ecology- Campers will explore the natural environment right here on camp, by taking nature walks through our trail system, planting, harvesting and tending our new garden, searching for and identifying plants & bugs, and learning about local wildlife!

Please read our immunization policy.

CJ Sprouts Registration Opens 12/2/24

  • All campers must apply for enrollment into our summer 2025-CJ Sprouts program online. After your application has been reviewed (within 3 working days) you will receive an email notification that your application has been approved/denied and will receive a copy of the day camp handbook and a packet containing your required forms.
  • The entire online registration form, health form, enrollment form, and immunization record must be completed when registering for Summer Camp.
  • Updating all information, including additional immunizations, changes in address, telephone numbers, pick up authorizations or family situation is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver.
  • Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  •  A $30 non-refundable deposit per week is due upon registration to guarantee your child’s enrollment and will be credited towards your balance.
  • Deposits are nonrefundable, but may be transferred to another week of camp based on availability!
  • Applications are limited and based on availability; please apply early. Most camp sessions are full by March! 

CJ Sprouts Required Forms

Please be aware that all forms must be submitted by May 16th, 2025. If you fail to complete the necessary forms by this deadline, your registration may be forfeited. Registration will only be deemed complete once all required forms have been received. **Attention returning campers: In accordance with DCF state regulations, we are required to update camper information on record annually. Even if there are no changes, it is essential to review and sign the existing forms we have on file.

  • Health History & Emergency Care Plan
    **Note: if your child has a history of anaphylaxis, severe asthma, seizures or has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes or other exceptional health conditions, please contact the CEO at Camp Jorn as soon as possible to discuss your camper's health history/treatment and to determine if Camp Jorn can meet your camper's needs and safety.
  • Childcare Enrollment Form
  • Childcare Immunization Record: Your child’s pediatrician can fax an updated copy of their immunization records to 608-901-0593.
  • Transportation Permission for Child Care Centers: This state form must be completed for your child to use the AVW shuttle service.
  • Summer 2025 Transportation Registration Form: Register for transportation on the online application!
  • Bullying Contract: Camp Jorn enforces a strict no-bullying policy; please review this policy with your child.
  • Authorization to Administer Medication for Childcare Centers: Please inform staff of any medical conditions or allergies, along with any necessary accommodations (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler) during drop-off. We will only administer life-saving medications (e.g., EpiPens and inhalers). All medications must be in their original containers and labeled with your child’s name and dosage. An Authorization to Administer Medication form must be completed.
  • Download our CJ Sprouts 2025 Parent Handbook

CJ Sprouts Payment Options

Deposit Deposits are required to be paid via credit card at time of registration. A $30 non-refundable deposit per week is due upon registration to guarantee your child’s enrollment and will be credited towards your balance.

  • Pay As You Go: Feel free to pay at your leisure. We will automatically charge the card on file if an outstanding balance remains after 5 PM on May 30th. Your camper will not be able to join us until your balance has been cleared. DO NOT CHOOSE THIS OPTION AFTER May 30th. Your card will automatically be charged in full.
  • Installment Plan by Credit Card: I authorize my credit card to be automatically charged equal installments on the dates listed below. Installment amounts are based on date of enrollment.
    • Installment plan #1 due 1/31/25
    • Installment plan #2 due 2/28/25
    • Installment plan #3 due 3/28/25
    • Installment plan #4 due 4/25/25
    • Final Payment due 5/30/25
  • Custom Payment Plan: Parents may request a custom payment plan for campers attending 4 or more weeks of day camp. If your camper receives County Funding you should choose this option and contact our Registrar. Please note that if your campers’ last day of camp is scheduled before the payment plan ends- your final payment will be due the Friday before their last scheduled week.
    • INSTALLMENT 1 DUE 6/2/25
    • INSTALLMENT 2 DUE 6/16/25
    • INSTALLMENT 3 DUE 6/30/25
    • INSTALLMENT 4 DUE 7/14/25
    • INSTALLMENT 5 DUE 7/28/25

Scholarships

Camp Jorn Scholarships: We give scholarships to families of all shapes, sizes and income levels- so if you need assistance with the fee- please apply! We'll work with you to determine the scholarship amount that is right for your situation. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you must first fill out an online camper application and return your Scholarship Application with a $50 refundable deposit per camper (Please note that this is not an extra fee. This amount is applied towards your overall camper balance). Once both forms have been received, we will call or email within 2 weeks to discuss your application. We offer scholarships up to 30% of the base rate. We do not have full scholarships. Fill out an online scholarship application here! 

Wisconsin Child Care Subsidy Program

Wisconsin’s Child Care Subsidy program, Wisconsin Shares, helps families pay for childcare. If the parent is eligible, childcare can be subsidized for children under the age of 13. Click here for more information! ** Please be aware that CJ Sprouts qualifies for the Wisconsin Child Care Subsidy Program, while Traditional and Specialty Programs do not.

Discounts

Multi session discount- If your camper is attending 4 full weeks or more of camp you will receive a $15 discount per session!

Pro Parent Tips

  • Please apply sunscreen and bug spray before your child comes to camp.
  • Don’t be alarmed if you get a call from camp. We like to get parent input on even minor health, homesickness, and behavioral issues.
  • Dress your child for a day of outdoor fun. Please do not send your child’s best clothing/shoes, as camp activities are outside and rugged. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s full name. This will assist us with claiming lost and found
  • If your child is especially prone to mosquito bites, be sure to send long layers (long sleeve shirts/ pants) to help prevent future discomfort.

Unacceptable Camper Behaviors

  • Fighting & Bullying
  • Refusing to follow behavior guidelines & rules
  • Use of profanity, vulgarity or obscenity
  • Stealing or damaging personal or camp property
  • Refusal to participate in activities or cooperate with staff
  • Leaving the program area, without permission

We reserve the right to send a camper home, without a refund, if consistent misbehavior affects the experience of other campers and/or camp programming.

Online Trading Post

We've teamed up with Liquid Screen Designs to offer you brand new CJ Swag! Orders will have a 3-5 week delivery time, so make sure to place your orders early!

CJ Sprouts Sample Schedule

7:30 – 8:30 am- Check in + free time with Sprouts groups

7:30 am- Bus departs AVW

8:00 am- Bus arrives at CJ 

8:30 – 9:00- Light Breakfast Snack

9:00 - 10:00 am - Opening Ceremony & Playground/Freetime

10:10-11:10 am- Activity 1

11:30-12:10 pm- Lunch

12:15-12:40 pm- R&R (reading & relaxation)

12:40- 12:55 pm - Change for swim

1:00-1:50 pm- Activity 2/Swim time & Water Activities

2:00- 3:00 pm- Activity 3

3:05 -3:30 pm- Healthy snack

3:30-4:00 pm- Group game

4:00 pm- Closing ceremony

4:15 pm- AVW Bus Departs CJ

4:30-5:30 pm- Check Out at Camp Jorn

4:45-5:30 pm Check Out at AVW

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AVW Shuttle Service

Bus service is available from Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary School (AV-W). Please use the transportation form during the registration process to select this option for your camper. There is a fee of $40 per child/per week. Campers will be supervised by camp staff during their travel to and from camp.

Pick up/drop off location: Back parking lot at AV-W, 11065 Old 51 N, Woodruff, WI 54568 • The shuttle starts loading at 7:10am and leaves AV-W at 7:30 am • Shuttle leaves Camp Jorn at 4:45 pm and arrives back at AV-W at 5:15 pm.

Friend Requests

Please note that due to large enrollment numbers and limited availability we are unable to honor day camp friend requests. Camp is a great opportunity to make new friends. Our camp groups are designed for the safety of all children, and are based on camper-to-staff supervision ratios.  Thank you for your understanding.'

CJ Sprouts Groups

Campers are grouped into two smaller cohorts, each consisting of at least 2 staff members and 10-12 campers of similar ages.

Counselor-to-Child Ratio for Day Camp Children - Age Group and Minimum Counselor Requirements

  • For 5 and 6-year-old campers: 2 staff members for every 12 campers

CJ Sprouts Accessibility

At the Y, we firmly believe that every family and child deserve access to camp. Our aim is to foster a camp community that is safe, inclusive, welcoming, and reflects the Y's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Equity. We understand that campers arrive with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and histories, which may influence their mental or behavioral health during camp. Our goal is to work together with families as we engage with children at camp. To assist in this collaboration, we have implemented an Individual Camper Care Plan that will help us prepare our staff. We encourage families to complete this form only if there are specific concerns or situations, we should be aware of. The more detailed information and helpful tips you provide, the better equipped we will be to support your child. You can find the Individual Camper Care Plan here.

Our aim is for Camp staff to ensure that all campers have a safe and positive experience. We believe our success is rooted in a safety-first approach. While CJ Sprouts Camp is designed to be a fun and incredible outdoor adventure for kids, we recognize that not all activities may suit every camper. To enhance safety and enjoyment, we view Social Emotional Learning as a strategy for systemic improvement, empowering adults to strengthen their practices that promote equity.

Social Emotional Learning is the process through which young people and adults gain and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, reach personal and collective goals, empathize with others, build and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. We believe that our campers can grow and find support within the five pillars of Social Emotional Learning: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.

In pursuit of our goals for a safe and positive camp experience, we may implement Action Plans tailored to the specific needs of children. We collaborate with campers, families, and camp staff to identify the right action plans. When creating these plans, we strive to partner with families and support campers at their developmental level while prioritizing safety. Our camp counselors are trained and empowered to assist with the individual needs of campers through the implementation of these action plans.

These plans focus on personal support to help campers succeed while ensuring we meet them where they are. If a situation becomes detrimental to an individual or the group, or if it cannot be resolved, we will involve additional support from the Camp Leadership team. This could include scenarios like a camper straying from their group or engaging in bullying behavior.

While our staff possess a wealth of compassion and expertise, we are not mental health professionals, social workers, or 1:1 camper-to-staff support. We will do our utmost to ensure your child's camp experience is as successful as possible. If appropriate changes have not been made after a thorough action plan, or if a camper requires support beyond what we can safely provide, we may determine that a child needs to be removed from the program for a specified time, including the remainder of the summer season.

This overview illustrates how our camps work to ensure the success and safety of all campers. If you have any questions about our procedures or concerns regarding your camper's needs, please reach out to the Camp Director.

Questions & Who to Contact?

Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!

If your child won’t be attending camp on a day, they are scheduled to please contact us no later than 7 am. Email Jenn Davis at jenn@campjornymca.org to report absences.

For questions about our day camp program, registration, or payment questions, please contact Jenn Davis, Office Manager/Registrar at 715-543-8808 or email jenn@campjornymca.org.

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Fundraising Opportunities!

Did you know that our day camp shuttle has an average daily cost of $500? For many families, managing these additional transportation expenses can be a significant financial burden. That's why your support is essential. The Camp Jorn Day Camp Transportation Fund was established in 2024 to help alleviate the increasing costs of transporting children from AVW school to our 8 week day camp program in Manitowish Waters, WI, without raising fees for families. Help us fundraise today by participating in one of our fundraisers below!