Summer Day Camp Programs
Princeton Family YMCA Summer Day Camp
For information regarding our 2008 Summer Day Camp programs please contact Kevin Walsh, 609-497-9622 x236 kwalsh@princetonymca.org
A Message from the Director
Dear YMCA Day Camp Families,
Since its beginning, the YMCA organization has been committed to the healthy development of children through a broad range of programs that capture their imaginations, instill positive values, build self-esteem and teach fundamental skills. YMCA Day Camp – a hallmark program – is one of the most effective and powerful ways that children learn lessons that will serve them throughout their lives – and this summer, we invite your child to join us to become part of something very special. At YMCA Day Camp, your child will gain skills, try new things and grow in confidence and self-assurance, while practicing the YMCA core values of caring, respect, honest, and responsibility as part of daily camp life. By participating in a larger community, your child will practice team-work, hone social skills and make many new friends. YMCA Day Camp also offers your child role models who are committed to excellence. Our culturally diverse team of counselors brings enthusiasm, responsibility, knowledge and a genuine love for children to their jobs. Staff members are carefully selected and go through a pre-season camp training that includes theme-based curriculum planning, camp safety, risk management, character development and program policies. All senior staff members are certified in CPR/First Aid and all staff members receive a criminal background check. For 100 years, the Princeton Family YMCA has been committed to shaping a brighter future for generations of children and families in this community. I hope that you and your family will consider joining our YMCA Day Camp family this summer – it sure to be a great season!
Sincerely,
Kevin Walsh, Princeton Family YMCA Camp Director
Specialty Camps
In addition to the wonderful Discovery Camp programs, the Princeton Family YMCA offers a variety of specialty camp sessions. The goal of the YMCA’s Specialty Camps program is to give young people something out of the ordinary during the summer months and help them explore and cultivate a curiosity, an interest or a personal passion.
YMCA Day Camp Activities
Swim Program - Campers will swim daily at our West Windsor facility, the Princeton Theological Seminary Pool. This pool is located off Route 1 on Emmons Drive (behind Princeton MarketFair). All campers are swim tested on their ability prior to pool time. In order for any camper to be allowed in the deep end, they must be able to swim, non-stop, one pool length (25-yards). Certified lifeguards are always present and flotation devices are used for our non-swimmers. The weekly pool schedule will consist of two days of swim lessons and three days of free swim. Campers should come to camp prepared with a bathing suit, sunscreen and a dry change of clothing, if needed. PLEASE NOTE: Campers will not swim if their group is on a field trip.
Field Trips and Special Events - Each week, campers will take part in either a special event or field trip. Parents will be notified in the weekly highlight sheets that are made available at our camp site or on this site on the home-page announcements. Information will be updated regularly. Campers attending a field trip will be required to wear the official camp T-shirt on the day of the trip. ( Each child will receive a camp T-shirt as part of the registration process, or on the morning of the trip if s/he has not received one already.)
We'll See You This Summer
At YMCA Day Camps, your child will gain new skills, make new friends and have fun learning life’s key values. We strive to instill the YMCA core values in all of our campers. YMCA camps offer supervised freedom, creativity, success and FUN!
ALL Campers Need to Bring:
- a sack lunch and drink(s)**
- outdoor play clothes (weather appropriate)
- swimsuit and towel
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
Please label all belongings as the YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
**Lunch program available! You can pre-order your lunch from the Da's Garden Cafe on the YMCA premises. Call the Cafe for details 609-497-9622 x234 or look for details in your camper registration packet.
TEEN Programs
C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) Leadership Program
(TEEN CAMP)14 and 15 years old
The YMCA’s Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is a fun and effective leadership development experience that prepares teens to become camp counselors at age 16. Please note that a camper is required to attend only one 3-week session to complete the CIT program. Training sessions include camper supervision, communication & leadership skills, child safety and environmental risks. CITs work under the direct supervision of the Senior Counselors and will be with a group of campers daily. They must participate in all camp events; in addition, they will learn how to engage campers in activities and/or games. CITs will travel when camp goes off site on a field trip. Those that successfully complete the program are invited to return as Junior Counselors. To enroll in the CIT Leadership Program, campers must submit an application and meet for a personal interview with a YMCA Camp Director. To begin the process, complete the registration form at the last page of this brochure and return it to the Princeton Family YMCA Membership Office. A deposit of $100 is required and all paperwork must be received before an interview will be scheduled. The application form will be mailed to applicants to complete in advance and brought with them to the interview. For more information, please contact Roseann Conway at 609-497-9622 ext. 222. Note: This deposit is refundable if your teen is not selected to participate in our CIT program.
Teen Adventure & Leadership Camp
(TEEN CAMP)12-14 years old (as of 6/15/08)
Designed to engage young adults who are eager to explore the world, field trips are the highlight of this camp program! Each day, teens travel to an exciting destination, such the Jersey Shore, the Delaware River for tubing, and all the major local amusement parks. Teen Adventure & Leadership Camp blends traditional day camp with daily expeditions that allow young adults to experience individual and group responsibility. Sports, group games, community service and leadership opportunities are woven into the day to give older campers a well rounded, age- appropriate experience.
YOUTH Programs
Camp M.V.P. Sports Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
Camp MVP is the ideal program for the young athlete who can’t get enough of sports and loves the spirit of competition. At Camp MVP, kids will receive quality instruction and guidance in sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, football, floor hockey and special YMCA group games. Coaches work with campers to challenge them and give them the one-on-one attention they need to grow and learn each sport. Campers divide into groups based on age. Younger campers focus more on having fun while learning sports fundamentals and the importance of teamwork. Older campers focus on expanding their knowledge and athletic abilities. Daily scrimmages help further develop skills through competitive play. At the YMCA, we use sports to teach lifelong skills and values. After a day at Camp MVP, everyone is a winner! Swimming is included four days per week. Younger campers receive swim lessons taught by certified YMCA instructors two days per week and recreational swim two days per week. Older campers participate in recreational swim four days per week. Lifeguards are always present and floatation devices are used for non-swimmers. Camp M.V.P. also features a weekly trip for campers 7-12 years old. Many of the weekly trips are related to the world of recreational sports and games. Younger campers (ages 5 & 6) will remain at the YMCA and enjoy exciting theme days and outdoor water games. Princeton Family YMCA M.V.P. campers will participate in three competitions against other campers from the South Brunswick Family YMCA.
Discovery Camps
(YOUTH CAMP)4-9 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
YMCA Discovery Camps are the heart and soul of the Princeton Family YMCA Day Camp program. With a focus on values-based and traditional camp activities, children of all ages can enjoy the benefits of a quality day camp experience in a safe and supervised environment among peers. YMCA Discovery Camp is about making new friends, growing in self-confidence and working together. In all activities, we emphasize understanding and acceptance in a happy, healthy and safe environment. Campers have opportunities to explore their world through free play, nature activities, sports & games, arts & crafts, and age-appropriate special events. For example, Explorer campers look forward to special program activities including an annual overnight with a late-night swim. All campers swim daily (see Swim Program notes for more information).
Voyager Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)10-11 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
The Voyager program is designed specifically for pre-teens to understand the importance of team work. They make decisions by planning their games, activities and weekly themes together as a group with coaching from their counselors. They will learn conflict resolution skills, share in team building exercises, play group sports, and develop group projects as well as hike and do a variety of arts & crafts. Occasionally, Voyager Campers may travel with the Teen Adventure Campers when schedules permit.
Specialty Camps
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
In addition to the wonderful Discovery Camp programs, the Princeton Family YMCA offers a variety of specialty camp sessions. The goal of the YMCA’s Specialty Camps program is to give young people something out of the ordinary during the summer months and help them explore and cultivate a curiosity, an interest or a personal passion. Check out the many special adventures your child can have in the 2008 Camp Guide section of this website.
Last Blast Camp
(YOUTH CAMP)4-14 years old (as of June 15, 2008)
LAST BLAST is the ONLY way to end a YMCA summer camp season and we promise to make this year’s LAST BLAST a week to remember! Each day, campers will climb on board the LAST BLAST bus and head off to a favorite destination for one last visit before school begins. Trips will be age-appropriate and based on enrollment. Campers may choose to register for 1 to 5 days for this week only! Pre-registration is required.
