We understand that things change in your life. Any changes that need to be made to your camp schedule
need to be made in writing to our camp office. We will try to accommodate these changes based on
availability.

• The $150 deposit is non-refundable.
• The balance is refundable if cancelled at least 4 weeks before your camper’s session start
  date, exceptions may be made for medical reasons
• In the event of cancellation due to misconduct or homesickness, Camp Jorn YMCA will retain
  100% of the session fee.

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.

Camp Packing List

Please label all items with your camper's firs and last name (Use a name tag, laundry pen, or permanent marker)

Please make sure you pack enough clothing for your camper. Only our CIT camper’s will have the opportunity to do laundry during their stay.

Clothing

• Raincoat or poncho
• 2-Swimsuit
• 3 per week- Pajamas
• Light Jacket
• T-shirts (one for each day)
• 3-4 per week-Shorts
• Underwear (one for each day)
• Socks (one for each day)
• 3 per week-Long sleeved shirts/sweatshirts
• 1-Tennis shoes/Closed toed shoes
• 1-Sandals
• 2 per week-Jeans or other long pants

Equipment

• Warm Sleeping bag with stuff sack
• Fitted sheet and flat sheet (twin)
• Pillow & pillowcase
• Laundry bag
• Water bottle
• Flashlight w/ extra batteries

Personal Items

• 2 Bath towels
• 2 Wash clothes
• 1 Swim towel
• Soap/body wash
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen & sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Comb/brush
• Feminine hygiene products
• Tissues
• Lip balm
• Other personal toiletries
• Hair ties

Optional Items

• White clothing for tie-dyeing
• Stationary, postcards, stamps, address book
• Quiet games or books
• Notebook, journal, pens, pencils
• Disposable camera
• Hat or bandana
• Shower shoes or sandals
• Favorite stuffed animal
• Pictures from home
• Friendship bracelet string, hair tinsel, beads, etc. (we have plenty of supplies in our craft barn, but many campers like their own supply for cabin downtime!)

Do not bring

• Electronic devices-cell phones, tablets, smart watches, games, etc.
• Food containing nut products
• Expensive clothing & jewelry
• Pets & vehicles
• At no time are alcohol, vapes, cigarettes, illegal drugs, or weapons (including pocket and hunting knives) allowed on camp by campers or our staff. Violations will result in immediate dismissal
• Clothing with alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sexual content, or inappropriate language will not be permitted.

Packing for Water-skiers

• Extra swimsuit
• Rash guard shirt
• Extra beach towel

Teva, LIT, CIT Camper’s Trip Specific

• Sleeping bag with stuff sack
• Rain gear- pants & jackets (no ponchos)
• Sleeping pad
• Pack towel (quick dry microfiber towel)
• Light hiking boots with good ankle protection and support and a durable sole. These may get wet.
• 3- Socks (wool or polypro, no cotton)

1. Campers will pack their luggage under the bus in the luggage compartment. Labeling the outside of their luggage will help them identify it more easily.
2. One small backpack or bag is allowed on the bus. This should have the camper’s lunch, a full water bottle and snacks for the day.
3. Do not pack ANY medications in luggage. Medications should be in the original container with a current prescription on it. Turn in medications at bus check in. Put it in a zip lock bag with your camper’s name on it and give it to staff at our check-in area. Note** Campers with Asthma: Have one prescribed inhaler with your camper on the bus, turn in an extra inhaler at bus check in.
4. ELECTRONICS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE BUS OR AT CAMP. Please leave them at home. If campers are found with electronics at camp or on the bus, they will be confiscated and held in the office until the end of the session. 
5. Luggage to Camp Should:
   • Be a large duffel bag or other type of soft-sided luggage. No trunks, please.
   • Be identifiable with a luggage tag or full name written on the exterior.
   • Fit under the bunk which is 16” high.

**All personal gear is brought at your own risk. Camp Jorn YMCA is not responsible for lost or broken items. Please do not send them with new, expensive items or items that are irreplaceable!

Information about what to expect for drop-off, pick-up, and all the fun in between.

Please enroll your camper for the bus at least one month prior to the start of their camp session.

Arrival/Departure from Camp

Opening Day if arriving by car:

• Campers may arrive between 1:30-2:30 pm on the opening day of the Please do not arrive before 1:30 pm as staff are still preparing for your arrival.
• Please have your camper eat lunch before arriving– as dinner is not until 5:30pm. On arrival day you will be greeted by staff and directed through the check-in

If arriving by bus:

• Pack a lunch and a full water bottle for your camper’s trip up to Please note that camp is a peanut/tree nut aware facility where we restrict tree nuts/peanuts and that includes the bus.
• Turn in any medications to the staff member or volunteer at your bus

Closing Day

If picking up your camper at camp:

• Campers may be picked up between 9:30 am and 10:30am.
• You will check out with our camp staff at the dining
• Please be prepared to show a photo ID and to sign out your

If camper is departing camp by bus: Camp Jorn YMCA provides lunch for all campers returning home by bus. Please see bus schedule for more details on times.

Bus Information

Bus service is available from 4 locations between Illinois and Wisconsin. Please use the transportation form during the registration process to select the best location for you and your family. There is a fee of

$95 one way per camper. Campers will be supervised by camp staff during their travel to and from camp.

Check-in at the Bus:

All Camp Jorn YMCA staff will be wearing a staff shirt to help you identify them.

• At check-in, campers will load their luggage onto the Please clearly label all luggage with their first and last name on the outside of the luggage. Please do not pack any medication in luggage.
• Once luggage has been loaded, campers may be checked-in and board the
• A PG rated movie may be shown on the

Check-out:

All campers must be signed out by an authorized parent/guardian/adult and be released by the Camp Jorn staff at the proper location. Campers being picked up by an adult other than parent/guardian, must have submitted the authorized person in writing to the camp office prior to check out day.

Bus Delays

Camp will use email to inform parents regarding any changes that would affect camp pick up or drop off time or location. Significant changes or emergencies will also be communicated via phone calls.

Luggage Tips

1. Campers will pack their luggage under the bus in the luggage Labeling the outside of their luggage will help them identify it more easily.
2. One small backpack or bag is allowed on the This should have the camper’s lunch, a full water bottle and snacks for the day.
3. Do not pack ANY medications in luggage. Medications should be in the original container with a current prescription on it. Turn in medications at bus check in. Put it in a zip lock bag with your camper’s name on it and give it to staff at our check in area. **Campers with Asthma: Have one prescribed inhaler with your camper on the bus, turn in an extra inhaler at bus check in.

4. ELECTRONICS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE BUS OR AT Please leave them at home.

If your child has allergies or other health-related issues, it’s important to let us know. This information may be updated in your camper’s Health History Form, which can be found in your Camp In Touch account.

We have volunteer nurses and doctors at Camp Jorn the majority of the summer and a Camp Director with advanced first aid on site all summer. They oversee our healthcare operations on camp including general care and medications. Our goal is to keep your camper healthy and experiencing all camp has to offer them. If your camper becomes ill or injured, our health care staff will evaluate and treat your child within our treatment procedures. Our health care team will contact a parent if your camper experiences any of the following:

· Remains in the health center for 6 hours or longer or overnight
· Needs to be evaluated by a physician, dentist or outside health professional
· Is going to the emergency room (Campers will always be escorted by Camp Jorn staff even when transported by ambulance)
· Obtains an injury to the head, back, eye, mouth, or cut that may leave a scar
· Has a temperature greater than 100 (degrees Fahrenheit)

**Please note that if your child has a history of Anaphylaxis, Asthma, History of Seizures or has been diagnosed with Diabetes, or other concerning conditions you must contact Camp as soon as possible to discuss your camper’s history and treatment.

Medical Forms
All campers are required to have a current completed health history form on file.

Insurance

Health and accident insurance coverage for each camper is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. You will be billed by the medical facility or camp for any medical/prescription charges incurred on your camper’s behalf for reimbursement to camp. This information may also be entered directly into your health form.

Medications:
Please send only the necessary medications with camper. Your campers medications will be kept locked in our health center and administered by one of our wonderful camp nurses. If your child is taking the bus, their medications should be handed to the counselor with the medication box. The medication box will be locked until the Nurse receives it on camp or you have come to pick up your child.

1. Prescriptions: Only those prescription medications prescribed by a physician will be administered. All medications must be in the original pharmacy container.
2. The correct name, date, and instructions must be on the bottle.
3. We will NOT administer medication that is improperly labeled or not prescribed by a physician.
4. We have over-the-counter medications which will be provided to campers and staff as needed under our procedures for health care provided by our consulting physician.
5. All medications will be turned in at check in and will remain in the nurses in our health center and will be administered by one of our wonderful camp nurses.

***NOTE: Any unused prescriptions will be returned to the camper's authorized pick up person on the morning of closing day.

Immunizations:

Each year, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society publishes a “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.” Practicing pediatricians across North America recognize these schedules as the standard of care regarding childhood & adolescent vaccinations. Concurrently, the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) annually publish vaccine standards for adults.

Among our 3 pillars of the YMCA values is the imperative healthy living and social responsibility. We embrace this value specifically by taking preventive measures to protect the public health of our camp community as a whole. Therefore, Camp Jorn YMCA is requiring that all campers and staff attending camp be immunized as outlined below.

While parents may choose to defer the vaccination of their children, for Camp Jorn YMCA this is not an issue of individual rights and choice, but an issue of public health and policy. The routine vaccination of all campers and staff is an important public health matter especially in the confined environment of a residential summer camp with round-the-clock communal living where illnesses spread much more easily.

Policy: All those who are attending Camp Jorn YMCA programs are required to have age appropriate vaccines as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), with the exceptions noted.

• DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap (Diphtheria,Tetanus and Pertussis)
• Tdap vaccine is now required for children over age 11, booster every 10 years
• IPV (Poliovirus)
• HIB (Haemophilus influenza type b bacteria)
• PCV 13 (Pneumococcal) vaccine
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or serologic evidence of immunity. Adults born
before 1957 are assumed to be immune to measles
• Varicella vaccine (Varivax – for Chicken Pox), or serologic or historical evidence of
immunity
• Menactra (Meningococcal disease / Meningitis) – required for those age 11 and
older

Policy Exceptions: We recognize that individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to a particular vaccine may not be able to complete the immunization schedule outlined above. Additionally, individuals with medical conditions such as congenital immunodeficiency or HIV, cancer and who are receiving chemotherapy, transplant patients, and persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs and chronic steroids also may not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these extremely rare circumstances, current documentation from a Physician (MD or DO), or a Pediatric/Family Practice Advanced Practice Nurse (ARNP or PNP), describing the reason for exemption from immunization must be furnished to Camp Jorn YMCA. We are happy to discuss case by case management of the extremely rare circumstance of medical contraindication to
partial or complete vaccination.

This policy will be enforced in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. In no way should this policy be interpreted to violate the laws of the State of Wisconsin or regulations affecting licensed Residential/Day Camps within the state.

During their time at camp, your camper will be able to visit the Trading Post, our camp store. Trading post has many items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, stickers, hats, mugs, flashlights, and more.  Please note that a set limit is made on how many snacks can be purchased daily. A store deposit of $40-$60 is recommended for every week your camper is here. Refunds are issued to campers with $10.00 or more remaining in their account and are made in the fall. Please let your camper know how much you have put in their account and discuss with your camper how to “make it last” for the whole week. You can log into your camp in touch account and add funds throughout their stay at camp if you would like. Campers should not have cash with them.

To deposit $ into the store account log on to your: CampIn Touch account.

• Scroll down to the section titled Your Family.
• Click View Camp Store
• To the far right of each camper's name click the button labeled ‘fund’
• This will prompt you to enter the desired amount and then you’ll click ‘fund account’ which appears on the bottom right of the new window.
• **If you have more than one camper and enter the same amount in each account within a few minutes you may get a "declined" transaction because your credit card company thinks it is a duplicate transaction.  Try entering a different amount for example, if you entered $20 on Julias enter $20.50 in on Saras!

 Camper Mail:

If you would like to send your campers letters or packages, we encourage you to! It is okay to send packages to your camper. We do highly recommend though that if you send a treat for your campers to include enough for the whole cabin. It is very exciting for them to be able to share with their cabin mates. Please do not send products containing nuts.

In recent years (particularly with the increased popularity of services like Amazon), the number of packages sent to camp has increased, and it can often be overwhelming for campers to receive so many packages. Please try and refrain from sending more than 1 package per week/per camper.

Encourage your child to write letters home from camp by including a self-addressed stamped envelope in their luggage. Receiving positive and encouraging notes from you from home helps campers feel secure during their stay with us. You may leave letters at camp during check in for us to distribute throughout the week.

You can mail letters and or packages to camp:

CAMP JORN YMCA

ATTN: (CAMPERS NAME & SESSION) 13591 ZENNER LANE MANITOWISH WATERS WI 54545

Emailing letters to campers: CampStamps

CampStamps are credits that allow you to send a one-way email to your camper using your CampInTouch account. To use the CampStamp system, you will need to purchase “CampStamps” from your CampInTouch account. Please note that the CampStamp system is administered through CampInTouch, and the associated fees are generated by and paid directly to CampInTouch, not Camp Jorn. If we could make it free - we would, but CampMinder charges for the system! You can always write to your child at camp the old-fashioned way for just the cost of a stamp. To contact Campminder regarding this service please call 303-444-2267.

If you are interested in emailing your child via CampStamps

• Log into your CampInTouch account.
• Register your credit cardat the bottom of your CampInTouch account screen, in the section called “Credit Card for Email & Photos.”  Please note: If you are currently using a credit card to pay your tuition bill, the card you have on file under “Financial Management” is not automatically applied to the “Credit Card for Email & Photos” section. You will need to re-enter your card info (or use another card, if you prefer).  
• Scroll down to “Your Account - Camp Stamps.”If the number of stamps is listed as “0,” click on “Buy More.” If you receive a message saying, “You do not have a credit card on file,” continue to Step 4. Otherwise, proceed to Step 6.
• Close the alert window and scrollto the bottom of the menu page. 
• Click on “Credit Card for Email & Photos.”Enter credit card info. 
• Click the “Camp Stamps” link on the menu page to purchase Camp Stamps. CampStamps are available in packages of 10, 15, 20, or 30. One stamp is required per letter. Camp stamps carry over from season to season, and can be shared with friends and family.
• Once stamps are purchased, return to menu and select “Email.” At this point, you will have the option to type a one-page message to your camper. (If you have multiple campers, you will need to submit individual letters for each.) 
• Submit your message.Once your message is submitted, our office staff will be alerted, and your message will be printed, folded (not placed in an envelope), and delivered with our daily mail distribution.  If you wish to submit a sealed letter, you should do so via regular mail.  

Please Note: Our cut-off time for same-day letter delivery will be 10 am, so that emailed letters may be distributed along with our daily “snail mail.”  Any email letters received after 10 am will be printed and delivered the following day.

• Please note that this service is only available one way. Campers will not be able to respond to your e-letters.
• Note: while we do not refund parents for unused CampStamps, they carry over between seasons, so any unused stamps will be available for future use.

Helpful Communication Tips:

• Remember that one of the reasons your camper is at Camp Jorn YMCA is to build independence and confidence.
• Mail will be held while campers are on trip and will be distributed upon return from their trip.
• Letters
  • Be positive and encouraging.
  • Ask a specific question about their experience- maybe they will write you back!
    • What has been your favorite activity so far?
    • Tell me about your counselor.
    • What’s your favorite camp meal?
  • Help alleviate homesickness by focusing on what they are doing here at camp, not dwelling on how much you miss them. It is much more important for them to know how proud you are of them coming to camp.
  • Include a picture
  • Share something you learned while your camper was away
  • Camper’s will not have access to a phone or computer while at camp, so encourage them to write letters home or to journal while they are here.
  • Include stationery, writing utensils, addressed envelopes, and stamps to help ensure your camper writes home
  • Please note that we do not forward or return any mail that arrives after your camper leaves. There is no mail delivery on weekends or closing day.
  • We recommend sending it at least a week early to ensure it has plenty of time to arrive
• Care Packages
  • Care packages are a great opportunity to send activities and games the cabin can do together (card games, board games, books, stickers, tattoos, and puzzles all make great care package additions).
  • Please do not send any food that contains nut products.
  • There is a maximum number of 10 campers and 2 counselors per cabin.
  • Please keep care packages to 1 package per child/per week. Please note that we do not forward or return any mail that arrives after your camper leaves. There is no mail delivery on weekends or closing day.
  • We recommend sending it at least a week early to ensure it has plenty of time to arrive
• There are many ways to communicate with your camper, but if you have any questions for us while your camper is here, please remember that families are welcome to call the office. Our Camp Registrar, Jenn Davis, is happy to have a conversation with you about your camper’s experience and check in on your camper at any time.
• Before They Go
  • Talk with them beforehand about how much or little they'd like to communicate with those at home while they're at camp. If they'd like to write you letters, help them stamp and address envelopes they can bring. Whether you choose to write a handwritten letter, send an email, or wait until after camp to reconnect with your camper, your camper will surely have lots to tell you about their time at Camp Jorn!

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. This information may be updated in your camper’s Health History Form, which can be found in your Camp In Touch account.
*Health and Dietary needs

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.

Everyone loves to get mail! We strongly recommend writing letters because opening an envelope is much more exciting than reading an email. Write as often as you like. We encourage families to mail a letter or two before your camper leaves home, so mail is waiting for them at Camp Jorn. We also offer a one-way email program where you can email your camper. Emails are printed daily (except for weekends) and distributed with the rest of the mail.

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

It is perfectly normal for a camper to get homesick at Camp. It is a new environment with new people. Our staff (some of whom were once homesick themselves), are trained on how to handle homesickness and taught techniques on how to help a camper.

Homesickness is a perfectly normal and understandable feeling for campers to have while they are at camp. It is a normal reaction for any of us to feel as a result of being separated from our normal comforts of home and family. Homesickness varies in intensity for all of our campers and even our staff. Many campers feel the symptoms of homesickness for the first day or two of being here at resident camp. For most these feelings subside with only a few campers experiencing prolonged, more intense feelings of missing home.

Homesickness usually presents itself as sadness, crying, and mild anxiety about being away from family members. Our staff are well trained to help your camper through homesickness and quickly recognize the symptoms and implement strategies to alleviate these negative feelings. Campers may express their homesickness to you in a letter early in the session as they transition to their new experience. This is nothing to be overly concerned about. If we continue to notice your camper struggling through homesickness, we will call immediately to have you assist us in resolving the issue for your camper.

The last element of homesickness is your own response as a parent to your camper coming to camp. We know you will miss them as much as they will be missing you. It’s important to recognize your own feelings and ensure you do not pass on your own anxieties to your camper when they come to camp. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to miss you so much” say, “I can’t wait for you to get home and tell me all the awesome things you do at camp this week.”

Making new friends is an essential goal of the camp experience and cabin assignments are carefully put together to create a positive camping environment for all. You may request one cabin mate for your camper through your registration form. The request must be mutual from both families, and campers must be within 1 year of age/grade and have the same or compatible gender identity. No requests are guaranteed. Please submit your request in writing at time of registration. Campers must be in the same program and session to be housed together.

Campers are assigned to cabin groups of 8-10 campers with two staff members serving as their counselors. Campers are grouped by age, gender identity, and the program they are registered for. We have a variety of lodging used by our campers that includes, cabins, yurts, and platform tents. Camper groups are assigned to them based on program, session length, and age of campers. All campers have their own bunk and storage area to call their own while at camp.

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.

Family visits at Camp Jorn are always appreciated; however, they are not allowed during your camper's session. To arrange a tour before your camper's session begins, please contact our registrar, Jenn Davis, at 715-543-8808 or via email at jenn@campjornymca.org.

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. 

If your camper periodically experiences bedwetting, please tell us about it in the Letter to the Counselor so we can discuss it with the bunk counselors ahead of time. We can accommodate children that wet the bed on occasion. Your child should provide their own pull-ups, and they can change into that at night however they are comfortable. Some children keep them in their suitcases and change into them in the bathroom when brushing their teeth. Other children can keep their pull-ups in the health lodge and change into their pull-ups in their private bathroom. We often urge children to wake up a staff member and a buddy in case of a late-night bathroom visit. If they have an accident, our staff follow a specific protocol for the child’s privacy and wash their bedding in the health lodge. You can assure your camper that their counselors will be supportive, understanding and kind around these situations, and it is something we deal with all the time! There’s nothing to be embarrassed about — the more open you are with your counselor, the more they can help in getting clean sheets & clothes, or anything else you need!

All campers will be asked to take part in our swim evaluation on their first afternoon at camp. Campers come down to the waterfront area with their cabin group and are asked to jump in the lake, swim 2-4 lengths and tread water. If campers know that is unattainable for them, 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. 

Our “KYBO” is a modern bathroom facility with bathrooms and showers for campers to use. Many cabins for our younger campers, have bathrooms with showers located inside the cabin. Some housing requires an outdoor walk to the nearest location–remember to pack a flashlight. We will let campers know the nearest bathroom and shower locations once you are at camp. All showers and bathroom stalls have doors or curtains. It is a good idea to pack a shower caddy that is carried from the cabin to the bathhouse/showers as well as shower shoes! 

Homesickness is a perfectly normal and understandable feeling for campers to have while they are at camp. It is a normal reaction for any of us to feel as a result of being separated from our normal comforts of home and family. Homesickness varies in intensity for all of our campers and even our staff. Many campers feel the symptoms of homesickness for the first day or two of being here at resident camp. For most these feelings subside with only a few campers experiencing prolonged, more intense feelings of missing home.

Homesickness usually presents itself as sadness, crying, and mild anxiety about being away from family members. Our staff are well trained to help your camper through homesickness and quickly recognize the symptoms and implement strategies to alleviate these negative feelings. Campers may express their homesickness to you in a letter early in the session as they transition to their new experience. This is nothing to be overly concerned about. If we continue to notice your camper struggling through homesickness, we will call immediately to have you assist us in resolving the issue for your camper.

The last element of homesickness is your own response as a parent to your camper coming to camp. We know you will miss them as much as they will be missing you. It’s important to recognize your own feelings and ensure you do not pass on your own anxieties to your camper when they come to camp. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to miss you so much” say, “I can’t wait for you to get home and tell me all the awesome things you do at camp this week.”

Health and accident insurance coverage for each camper is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. You will be billed by the medical facility or camp for any medical/prescription charges incurred on your camper’s behalf for reimbursement to camp. We require a copy of your health insurance card to accompany the health history form.

Lost and found items will be displayed on picnic tables in front of the Program Center. When you check your camper out, please feel free to check here for any items lost. All lost and found items not claimed within two weeks will be donated to a local charity. You will be charged for the return shipping for lost and found return requests unless you can arrange a local pick-up. To help avoid unclaimed items, please mark your camper's belongings with their first and last names. If items found are labeled, we will not typically contact families directly to claim – you are responsible for contacting us if you would like the item returned.

In this time of instant communication, we know it is difficult as a parent to not be in touch directly with your camper while they are here with us. We know that the camp experience is enhanced when children can unplug from their devices and truly enjoy every moment of their time here, and not experience the “FOMO” or fear of missing out syndrome. For this reason, cell phones are not allowed at Camp Jorn YMCA for our campers. Please do not tell your camper they will be able to call you while they are here. Promises like this can increase and worsen feelings of homesickness and cause problems for your camper. If a problem arises for us here at camp, we will be sure to phone you right away.

All campers will participate in at least a one-night camping trip with their cabin group. Explorer, TEVA, LIT, and CIT campers will participate in multi-night trips. Trip length and location is determined by camp session and age.

For camp programs that include overnights or trips, the type, length, and destination are selected for each cabin group based on age, ability, and weather forecast. Younger campers stay on sites that are on Camp Jorn property such as Club CJ and Fox Island. Our older campers will often canoe to a nearby DNR site for their overnight camp experience. 2-week campers may head out for a 2- or 3-day trip over the middle weekend.

Leadership Campers, which include TEVA, LIT & CIT,  head out for a 3 to 6 night trip (length progresses with programs) and may travel a few hours from camp to their destination to backpack or canoe! Potential locations include the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Porcupine Mountains, Namekagon River, Northern Highland Forest, Manitowish River, Superior Hiking Trail, and more!

The overnight or trip experience means your camper will be sleeping outdoors in a tent for one or more nights during their time here. We always have your camper’s safety in mind, and we take all necessary precautions when we send out trips to their campsites. All trips are led by well-trained and experienced trip leaders. 

Camp Jorn believes trips provide an unparalleled educational and developmental benefit to campers. Trips help kids learn about themselves, connect with nature, overcome adversity, and work together as a group in a way few other experiences can facilitate.

The safety of your child, and ALL children entrusted to us, is our top priority.

Camp Jorn is designed to provide great summer experiences for all children. This requires that all our campers are willing to work together and practice our camp motto- “I AM THIRD”. Staff will guide children through normal day-to-day behavior issues using acceptable techniques such as:

• Redirecting campers
• Rewarding positive behavior
• Encouraging campers to talk about their feelings
• Implementing time for personal reflection after misbehaving 
• Role modeling how to speak/interact with others in a positive manner

  Any behavior management action taken will relate directly to the child’s action, not personality and will be handled in a timely manner. No physical punishment, humiliation, scare tactics, or controlling measures will be used by our staff.

  If a child’s behavior continues to be disruptive after reasonable measures have been made to assist the camper in adjusting to the camp setting, parents will be contacted by our Senior Program Director to determine if the child is able to continue at camp. Staff will always work toward developing a cooperative plan of action to help the camper be successful at summer camp. If disruptive behavior continues, it may be decided that the camper and our program are not well-suited for each other at this time.

  Some examples of inappropriate behavior are: not listening, running away, hitting, inappropriate language/conversations, bringing items to camp that are not allowed or not following safety rules at activity areas.

  Camp Jorn will follow these steps of action when inappropriate and disruptive behavior does not improve:

  First Phone Call

  Behavior: Repeated unacceptable behavior or serious inappropriate behavior.

  Action Taken: A counselor will notify the Assistant Director. After a conversation with the child, a director will contact a parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will be notified that at the next step the child may be sent home for their behavior. As a camp we hope that it will not come to that, but as a team we should be able to correct the behavior with the phone call.

  Second Phone Call

  Behavior: Repeated unacceptable behavior or serious inappropriate behavior. Action Taken: Final warning and/or dismissal from program

  Third Phone Call

  Behavior: Continued unacceptable behavior Action Taken: Dismissal from the camp program

  Camp Jorn YMCA staff reserve the right to immediately send home a camper from our summer camp program. Chronic, extreme, illegal behavior may warrant immediate dismissal

  Anti-Bullying Policy

  Bullying of any type is unacceptable at Camp Jorn and will result in disciplinary action with possible dismissal from the camp program. Every person has the right to the best possible experience at camp. We ask that you encourage your camper to be a positive influence on other campers, and stress to your camper to talk with a staff member if there is any issue. Our staff are trained during the staff training week how to recognize and resolve bullying issues.

  Camp fees are non-refundable and will not be prorated for early dismissal due to behavior issues.