Lake County YMCA

Summer Camps

2010 Camp Fitch (resident camp)

Building on YMCA Tradition
Since 1866, part of the Lake County YMCA's mission has been to develop self-confidence and character, especially in youngsters. In all Y camp activities, staff teach the core values that all Y programs are based on: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility plus faith and fun! Values like these will help youngsters make good choices no matter what adventures and challenges lie ahead.
The journey of a lifetime begins at YMCA camps!
The Y camp experience
Our Y camp program takes nearly six months to plan: recruiting staff, training, preparing crafts, organizing activities and planning great trips! Summer camp is a special time to make new friends with campers and counselors alike! Get ready to have a great summer!
Summer camp registration
Registration is on-going through the summer where spaces are available. A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due at registration. Please see specific camp fees for more information. Balances are due the Friday before your child attends camp. A $10 late fee will be assessed after each Friday. Please present medical information at registration.
Camperships and camp candy
Our camp scholarship financial-assistance program is open to all families. Fill out a campership application available at the front desk. You'll be notified if you qualify usually between 10% and 50% of the camp fee for a maximum of three weeks per camper. All applications received at this time will be processed only if space is available.
Camp site and hours
Camp begins each day at the West End Branch, then moves out to our main location at the YMCA Outdoor Family Center (OFC) in Perry. The OFC has acres of open fields, hiking trails, water slides, miniature golf, climbing gym, low-ropes course, a playground, in-line hockey rink, swimming pools and much more. After a full day of fun, campers return to West End. Camp hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Additional Pre- and Post-Care is available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and from 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Buddy selection
Buddies must be of the same age. Placement depends upon space availability in unit groups, with no guarantees.
BIG TUESDAY TRIPS (Subject to change)
All field trip admission expenses are covered by the camper registration fee. Remember, campers must wear their shirts for each Tuesday and Friday trip. Longer trips require a second meal or extra money. Dates may be canceled or moved without previous notice.
Explorer camp
Ages 4, 5 and campers who turn 6 after April 1
Explorers discover the wonderful world of YMCA camping for the first time. Campers experience camp activities including songs, hiking, crafts, physical play, swimming and more. Educational programs develop creativity, social skills, self-expression and motor skills. On Tuesdays, Explorers join Frontier and Teen camps for the scheduled trip. Explorers enjoy their own special trips on Fridays.
Staff-to-camper ratio is 1:6
Frontier camp Grades 1-6
Also known as traditional Day Camp. Campers participate
in a number of activities at the Outdoor Family Center on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The entire camp is together on Tuesday trip days and educational trips on Fridays. Frontier Camp emphasizes social interaction, motor development, character-building and team dynamics. The adventurous name is fitting to our campers!Trailblazers unit Grades 1, 2
The Trailblazer unit will consist of 75 campers, ten Senior Counselors and Junior Counselors. This unit provides the transition between Explorers and Frontier Camp. Activities include field sports, hiking, crafts, swimming and group games. Staff-to-camper ratio is 1:9
Pioneers unit Grades 3, 4
Pioneers are truly the heart of Frontier Camp. Much like the Trailblazers, this unit houses 75 campers, Senior Counselors and Junior Counselors. Staff plan activities such as the low-ropes course, team sports, in-line hockey and more. Staff-to-camper ratio is 1:9
Mountaineers unit Grades 5, 6
Our oldest Frontier unit is the Mountaineers. Unit enrollment is 60 campers and Senior Counselors. Campers experience adventure activities such as the climbing wall, day-long hikes, sport leagues and the low-ropes course. Mountaineers have two days on-site, two field trips, and an additional off-site activity. Staff-to-camper ratio is 1:10
Teen trekkers Grades 7, 8
Trekker: An explorer, adventurer; leading the way. Teen Trekkers explore life, build leadership skills and learn respon-sibility, all while having fun. Trekkers start the week with an adventurous event, then join our Explorer and Frontier Camp on Big Tuesday for a scheduled trip. On Wednesday, they enjoy a day of beach fun in the sun or outside activities. On Thursday, Trekkers join Explorer and Frontier camps at the OFC. Fridays are still more adventurous trip days with rock climbing, sports, hiking, biking and special events. An extra added attraction: an extended camping trip the week of July 12! Staff-to-camper ratio is 1:10
Camp staff - incomparable!
Director and Unit Directors - Youth/Family Director Dale Stewart directs and leads all camps. Unit Directors are responsible for their own camp unit and counselors. A Unit Director along with Senior Counselors staff each Explorer, Frontier and Teen Trekkers camp. The Camp Director and Unit Directors are available for conferences before and after camp or by appointment (preferred).
Senior counselors
The main players on our team are our talented Senior Counselor group - current teachers in local school districts, college students and responsible upper-level high schoolers. Their major responsibilities include the complete safety of every camper, creative planning and 100% participation. Needless to say, the energy and pride of our camp lie in the strength of our group leaders.
Junior counselors
A successful addition to our staff! Top-notch 14-, 15-, and 16-year-olds with the ambition and determination to become excellent camp staff add to the leadership in your child's group. Many Junior Counselors come from our strong Leaders Club. We are very excited to have them in our Explorer Camp and Frontier Trailblazer and Pioneer units.
Staff development
Each staff member is required to attend the 15-hour staff training which includes First Aid, CPR, child-abuse prevention, and other specialty training. Staff are also required to meet YMCA policy and department standards.