Prepare For Your Day Camper's Time at Camp Jorn

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 Day 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 Day 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.

We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation feels welcomed, affirmed, supported and has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity and respect.

View our Camp Jorn Gender Inclusion Policy and Resources

Camp Jorn YMCA Statement Of Purpose For Diversity and Inclusion

Program Definitions

Diversity: The presence of differences that make each person unique and that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. 

Inclusion: The full engagement and development of all Y stakeholders (campers, staff, participants, members, policy volunteers, program volunteers, partners, communities, vendors, etc.).

Equity: Equity is the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented full participation of some groups; it acknowledges historically underserved and underrepresented populations, and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups.

Camp Jorn Diversity & Inclusion Statement  ​

Camp Jorn YMCA is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life living, working, and playing side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live and experience life to its fullest in a safe environment. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—everything we do stems from these Core Values.

Busing

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 camper/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. Check in and check out will be done at the bus stop with Camp Jorn staff. Buses will always have staff on board to supervise campers. Supervisors go through orientation during staff training regarding bus transportation and assisting parents and campers at stops. Bus staff will assist campers during the bus ride (getting seated, roll call, answer questions, help with any needs, etc.) Let your camper know staff is there to help!

Busing from AVW

Check in: As a reminder when checking in for the AVW bus parents should park in the designated check in spot, behind the bus/along the side walk and campers should remain in their cars until a staff member comes over and checks you in. Parent's and camper's should not line up for the bus before getting checked in.  Camper's will be checked in, in the order in which they arrived. We aren't requiring masks on the day camp bus but are still trying to mitigate any risks with simple check in questions. 

Check out: Upon arrival parents/guardians should remain in their vehicle. Please have your ID ready. Staff members will check identifications at the bus stop and dismiss campers in the order in which parent's arrive. You will check your camper out at the same location you do check in

We request that all children be picked up from the shuttle drop off by 5:30 pm. If there should be changes that would affect a campers’ pick-up or drop off time (emergencies, weather, etc.) camp will email all parents, and use Facebook to notify parents. If a child is not picked up by 5:30 PM, and no contact can be made with authorized persons, the camper will return to Camp Jorn with their counselor and can be picked up there.

All campers utilizing the shuttle must be pre-registered for the bus. The “State of Wisconsin Transportation Permission-Child Care Centers” form must also be filled out and signed by a parent/guardian.

When you are dropping off or picking up your camper parents/guardians must sign their camper in and out. Please have a photo ID ready at pick up as our counselors need to verify everyone as an authorized person. We will not release campers to any unauthorized person. All authorized persons should be listed on the Enrollment Form. If your authorized persons change, please notify us in writing to either the Office Manager or Program Director. Pick up and drop off is located at the Day Camp Pavilion.

• Drop off time at camp: 7:30-8:30am
• Pick up time at camp: 4:30-5:30pm
• Parents/guardians arriving after 5:30pm will be charged $1.00 per minute for every minute
• If you are dropping off your camper late or picking up early, please notify the office by calling 715-543-8808 or email jenn@campjornymca.org

We suggest that you put first and last name on all items that your camper brings.

• Backpack to hold personal items
• Water bottle with name on it
• Closed toed shoes
• Long pants when cool
• Extra clothing
• Swimsuit & towel (each day)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Raincoat
• Sweater, Sweatshirt, or Light Jacket when cool

Items to NOT bring: (Camp Jorn is not responsible for lost or stolen property)

If your campers bring these to camp, we will keep them in the office for the day.

• Electronics: tablets, phones, music devices,
• Valuables, toys, Pokémon cards
• Animals/Pets
• Candy/Soft Drinks/food
• Nut-products of any kind
• Vehicles
• Alcohol/Drugs
• Weapons/Camping knives

Please check your child’s backpack to ensure these items are kept at home. Thank you!

View weekly photo galleries and videos from camp!

Each day we take several hundred photos of camp in action. We then post some to our social media accounts (check us out on facebook & instagram) as well as use Smug Mug, where we post the bulk of the photos. We will post to Smug Mug every other day throughout the session. Please note that we take many photos each day and while we try our best to get a variety of shots not every camper will necessarily be in a photo each day.

Session changes, cancellations or questions email Jenn@campjornymca.org or call 715-543-8808

We have worked with a variety of campers to accommodate their dietary needs or food allergies. Camp Jorn YMCA is nut free and our kitchen has worked with lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan campers, as well as a variety of food allergies. 

If your child has food allergies or other health-related issues, it’s important to let us know on your camper's health history form. 

Medical/emergency procedure: If a minor injury occurs at camp, the camp staff follows standard first aid procedures. Any injury that may result in a scar, an injury to the head, face, or mouth, camp staff will call parents as soon as possible. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the camp staff will notify the parents/guardians immediately to secure permission for appropriate medical attention or need to pick up the child. If the injury requires immediate medical treatment, the camp staff will call 911 and then notify the parents/guardians. The designated hospital for treatment of any serious injury is Howard Young Medical Center – Emergency Room, Woodruff, 715-356-8005.

Health concerns: Any health concerns listed on your camper’s health form (non-food allergies, ADHD, etc.) will be addressed by the health Officer. Staff working directly with your camper will be aware of any additional needs your camper may have while in our care.

Ill child procedure: When a child with an illness or condition, such as vomiting or diarrhea, having the potential to affect the health of other persons is observed at camp, the child shall be isolated in the Health Center Room. Our isolation rooms have a bed and are monitored by our health care staff. Isolation shall be used until the child can be picked up from camp. The child’s parent, or emergency contact will be contacted as soon as possible after the illness is discovered and your camper will need to be picked up as soon as possible.

Our goal is to make each family (both parents and child) comfortable throughout the camp experience. Camp Jorn YMCA actively posts pictures throughout the session for family and friends to see what is happening at camp. We encourage families to call 715-543-8808 or email jenn@campjornymca.org throughout the session if you have a question or concern about your child.

When someone has a birthday at Camp we will celebrate on that day at lunch. One of our traditions is to have the entire camp sing happy birthday to them!

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.

Campers are placed into smaller cohorts with 1-2 staff members and 10-12 camper's their own age. Please note that some age groups require more than one cohort to better serve the needs of our camp community.

Counselor to Child Ratio for Children in Day Camp- Age of Children Minimum Number of Counselors to Children:

• 5 Years and 6 Years 1:12
• 7 Years and Over 1:18

If your camper needs to leave early, please call the office 715-543-8808 or email jenn@campjornymca.org and give the office the time and day that you need to pick them up. That way your camper will be ready when you arrive. You can also let us know when you check your campers in. All campers must sign out in the office if leaving at any time other than the scheduled end of session departure.

Yes! We would love to give you a tour. Feel free to call 715-543-8808 and schedule a tour during a time that works for you.

Camp Jorn will provide a light morning breakfast (8:45-9:15 am), lunch (11:30-12:10 pm) and a light afternoon snack (3:00-3:30 pm), as well as milk and water for meal and snack times. If your camper is participating in an overnight, dinner and breakfast will be provided as well. In the case of any dietary restrictions please make sure to provide all information on the Health Form.

Stressing the importance of offering FREE nutritious meals to children during the summer months, Camp Jorn YMCA is participating in the Summer Food Service Program.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides FREE nutritious meals to children during the summer when free and reduced-price school meals are typically unavailable. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Breakfast and lunch are available to all youth age 18 and under.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1.mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2.fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3.email:
program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

Camp is a place to connect with people in real and meaningful ways and to enjoy nature’s beauty and unique sounds. We do not allow cell phones, computers, iPods or other electronic devices. 

Camp is held rain or shine. Campers should dress appropriately for any weather; we suggest packing a spare set of dry clothing and raincoat for rainy days. In the event of severe weather such as extreme heat or rain, campers will be moved inside the YMCA to a safe area where their camp activities will continue.

• All campers will swim.
• Counselors are required to be engaged with the campers when their group is swimming.
• Children will never be forced to swim if they don’t want to.
• Campers are required to take a swim test to ensure their safety.
• Campers may be required to wear a lifejacket depending on swim ability.

• Each staff member goes through an extensive hiring process including a criminal history background check, reference checks and an interview.
• Staff receives extensive training in camp program areas, relating to children, licensing policies, health and safety skills and are First Aid and CPR certified.
• Staff members are committed to being positive role models for campers.

For the health & safety of all campers, please do not send your child to camp if they are ill. If your child is ill and must miss camp, please notify camp by phone or email. Camps only provide a refund for sick days, with a doctor’s note. If your camper contracts a communicable disease, parents must notify the Camp Director as soon as possible. The camp director will inform other participants in writing about the communicable disease. Please follow the guidelines below before sending your camper back to camp:

• Fever over 100F: please keep your camper home until he/ she is fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours
• Influenza like illness: Keep your camper home until they are fever free for 24 hours, without medication.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: please keep camper home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
• Bacterial Pinkeye/Conjunctivitis: please keep camper home until he/she has been on antibiotics for 24 hours or until doctor has determined they are no longer contagious. This includes no more mattering or drainage from the eyes.
• Strep Throat: please keep the camper home until he/she has been on antibiotics for 24 hours and is feeling well.
• Possible Impetigo/Other Rash: keep camper home until doctor determines whether the rash is contagious. If treatment is started, students should be on medication 24 hours before returning.
• Head Lice: Keep camper home until the first completed treatment and no lice and/or nits are visible.

Any conditions requiring special care (e.g. diabetes, gastrointestinal, motor disorder, seizure disorder, ADHD, autism, cognitive disorder, asthma, etc) should be reported to the registrar at the time of the registration. Any health concerns listed on your camper’s health form (non-food allergies, ADHD, etc.) will be addressed by the health Officer. Staff working directly with your camper will be aware of any additional needs your camper may have while in our care.

Please mark all personal items clearly with the camper’s full name. If your camper loses a personal item at camp, please contact our camp office as soon as you notice. If the item has been found, we will work with you to get it returned to you.

Unclaimed items are stored for two weeks. Due to the high volume of lost and found items, Camp will not send communication of lost and found items. Claiming items is the responsibility of the Camper or family.

Campers are well looked after. All camp staff are First Aid & CPR certified. We will treat bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Any injury that may result in a scar, an injury to the head, face, or mouth, camp staff will result in a phone call to the campers’ parents as soon as possible. For an injury that requires more attention than our staff are trained to do, Y Staff will:

• Call 911, perform immediate first aid and contact you or emergency contacts, if you cannot be reached.
• If emergency transport is required, a staff member will accompany the child to the hospital and remain until the parent/guardian arrives.
• The designated hospital for treatment of any serious injury is Howard Young Medical Center – Emergency Room, Woodruff, 715-356-8005.

In the case of illness, parents or emergency contacts are called to make arrangements for treatment or pick-up. If your child is ill and must miss camp, please notify camp by phone or email.

• 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

Please note that 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.

• Parent Termination: A two-week notice in writing is required if a parent decides to withdraw their child from the program. The YMCA will return all but the deposit. After two weeks, refunds will not be available, and parents will be held responsible for payment.
• Mutual Termination: When parents and staff agree that placement of a child into the program has been inappropriate and is not in the child’s best interest, the child may be withdrawn with loss of deposit.
• Camp Termination: A parent may be asked to withdraw their child when:
  • It is evident that the child cannot adjust to the program’s environment.
  • A child’s behavior becomes detrimental to the other children or staff.
  • A parent/guardian fails to complete and submit required forms.
  • A parent/guardian fails to pay the fees.
  • A parent/guardian fails to observe the program’s regulations including but not limited to arrival and departure rules.
• Camp termination must be approved by the Camp Director. Withdrawal will be made without the current week’s refund and all deposits.