Parent Information

Overnight Camp and Day Camp provide incredible opportunities for children to grow and thrive in a new environment, however it can present anxiety for parents who want their child to be safe, happy and comfortable.


Mission and Goals  

We fully understand the questions that come up and the number of “what-if’s” that arise as you consider the adventure your camper is about to begin. We hope that the information here can help you feel better about camp, but if you have questions not answered below, please feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help you. More FAQ's can be found here.

How to Contact Y Camp || Tips to Prevent Homesickness || Y Camp Staff || Zero Tolerance Policy || Discipline  
Payment Information ||Trading Post Account || Cancel or Transfer a Session || Cabin Mate Request || Check In/Out Information || Camp Activities  
What to Bring || What Not to Bring ||Telephone Calls, Cell Phones, One-Way Email and Mail || Illness or Injury  
Medications || Health Screening || Head Check || Bed Bugs || Financial Assistance  
National TTT Society Information

How to Contact Y Camp

Address: 1192- 166th Drive, Boone, IA 50036

Email: ycamp@dmymca.org

Phone:

  • Y Camp Office 515-432-7558 (Office hours Monday- Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

  • Y Camp Customer Service Cell 515-230-4042 (After office hours)

  DAY CAMP ONLY:

  • Day Camp Boone Site Cell 515-443-2209

  • Day Camp Ames Site Cell 515-443-3111

Preparing Your Child for Camp

A week at camp can be intimidating for both child and parent. Sometimes it is the first time that a child has been away overnight and can cause nervousness. Being a little nervous is perfectly normal and expected for every camper. Here are a few things to remember:

  • Camp is a growing experience and growth means change. The short-term uneasiness often creates opportunities for long-term growth.

  • A week at camp builds confidence and a new sense of independence. Your camper is gaining important personal skills through their new experiences.


Tips to Prevent Homesickness

  • Being familiar with camp helps; talk with experienced campers, visit camp and contact us with questions! You can also visit our YouTube page to see visual content from our summer camp programs. 

  • Set your child up for success: don’t promise to rescue your child if they are homesick. Focus on providing positive support such as reminding them how proud you will be when they succeed. Campers who make up their minds to enjoy the week avert homesickness by seeking new friends and getting involved in camp activities.

  • Some campers feel guilty about leaving the family or pet behind. Assure your camper that you love them, that you will be happy thinking about the good experiences they are having, and that you’ll look forward to hearing about them after camp.

  • Please don’t suggest phone calls – these are extremely difficult to manage and campers should focus on having fun and participating, not on a phone call. If your camper is experiencing a significant difficulty, the Summer Camp Director will contact you to work on an action plan.


Y Camp Staff

Y Camp staff are carefully screened and selected to ensure a safe environment and the highest quality experience for your camper. Each staff member participates in a week-long training, during which they learn safety awareness, camper relations and programming options. Y Camp staff are required to have current certifications in CPR, First Aid and AED. A selected few of our Y Camp Staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid. All Staff are mandatory reporters and we use a 6:1 camper to staff ratio; well below American Camp Association standards.


Zero Tolerance Policy

If any camper chooses to inappropriately tease, bully or physically confront another camper with the intent to cause harm, they will be expelled from camp by the discretion of the Summer Camp Director. Refunds will not be awarded to camp families for campers sent home for disciplinary reasons. Parents are responsible for transporting campers from camp and are expected to respond in a timely fashion.


Discipline

Y Camp staff are trained to deal with inappropriate behavior in a constructive, safe and non-degrading fashion. Campers will be held responsible for their actions in a positive manner. Y Camp reserves the right to send a camper home at the parent’s expense if the camper’s behavior consistently takes away from the experience of others or endangers their safety. A camper will immediately be sent home for incidences concerning violence or threats of violence. Again, parents are responsible for transporting campers from camp and are expected to respond in a timely fashion.

Y Camp is Nationally Accredited by the American Camp Association on over 350 standards of safety and program excellence. Y Camp understands the first priority for all campers and staff is safety because without that, no one gains the benefits of everything else camp has to offer. For more information, visit the ACA website.


Payment Information

Overnight Camp- a $100 non-refundable deposit is required per session, per child. 

Day Camp- A $50 non-refundable deposit is required per session, per child. 

Full payment will be required prior to your camper's arrival at camp:

  • Auto-Pay in Monthly Installments: You may select to pay your camp fee in monthly installments, with the final payment processed on June 1st. You may select this at payment and it will be drafted to the credit/debit card on file on the 1st of each month.

  • Return to Pay: You may make payments at your convenience using the Return to Pay feature. Simply go to the Registration Site and sign in with your email address and password. 

Trading Post Account

You may deposit money into your camper's trading post account during Step 3 of the online registration process. If you'd like to add money after you've registered, simply log back into your account to add funds. You may also view purchases made by your camper! Your child will not be permitted to spend over their account credit, so please be mindful of their account balance. 

The Trading Post is open for campers every day. Items for sale consist of snacks and camp merchandise. On average, Overnight campers have between $30 and $50 in their account; Day Campers between $5- $15 weekly. Prices range from $1 for snacks and soda, $2 for candy to $15 for t-shirts, or more for a sweatshirt. Personal items such as soap or toothpaste are available to campers that need them.

At the end of the camper's session, any balances under $5.00 will be donated to camp. Any balances over $5.00 will be refunded to the card on file.

Cancel or Transfer a Session

Any CHANGES to registered sessions must be confirmed by Y Camp via email confirmation:

  • OVERNIGHT CAMP by 5:00 p.m. Sunday TWO WEEKS before the registered session:

    • If you cancel/transfer a registered session AFTER 5:00 p.m. Sunday two weeks before NO refunds will be given. If you have a balance due, the card on file will be charged. 

    • If you have only paid the non-refundable deposit, NO refund will be given.

  • DAY CAMP by 5:00 p.m. Monday ONE WEEK before the registered session:

    • If you cancel/transfer a registered session AFTER 5:00 p.m. Monday one week before NO refunds will be given. If you have a balance due, the card on file will be charged. 

    • If you have only paid the non-refundable deposit, NO refund will be given.

You must submit your request in writing via email to Y Camp at ycamp@dmymca.org. You will then receive an email confirmation. 

Cabin Mate Request

Campers may request cabin mates by completing the Cabin Mate Request form after registration.

  • All requests must be submitted by the Wednesday 2 WEEKS PRIOR to the session check-in day.

  • Y Camp will make every effort to accommodate cabin mate requests, but they are not guaranteed.

  • If you have multiple campers that would like to be in a cabin together they must each request one another. Cabin mates must be within 1 year of age, the same gender and must be attending the same session and program.

Check In/ Check Out Information

Overnight Camp:

A Welcome Email will be sent before check-in day with detailed information for your camper(s)! Please watch your inbox for your email.   

Check-In:

When you arrive at camp, staff will greet and direct you to the parking area. After you park, leave your belongings in your car. You will go to Pioneer Center for check-in. After you are checked-in you will return to your car and drive to your cabin.

During the check-in process, families will be able to talk to the Executive Director, the Summer Camps Director, Program Director and the Camp Nurse. Campers will receive a head check for lice, a health screening, and are able to deposit money into their camp store account if they have not done so already.

Week-long Sessions: 

Week-Long Session          Sunday 2:00 – 5:00pm

Week Long Session Check-In is split up by Last Name to ensure shorter wait times and higher efficiency. (A-M 2:00 - 3:30pm) (N-Z 3:30 - 5:00pm)

Your Check-In time is very important! Do not arrive early, our Y Camp Leaders will be busy preparing for your campers’ arrival. Any early arrivals will be asked to wait until Check-In begins.

Mini Camp Sessions: 

Mini Camp A                      Sunday 2:00 – 5:00pm

Mini Camp B                      Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00pm

Check-Out:

Week-Long Session            Saturday 9:00am

Mini Camp A                      Wednesday 9:00am

Mini Camp B                       Saturday 9:00am

Beginning at 9:00am Saturday Y Camp holds a closing program including songs, an explanation of the from the Camp Director team. 

To check out campers you will need to be listed on the Camper Confidential Form under Authorized Persons Allowed to Check In and Out my Camper and you MUST show a photo ID for the safety of the campers. All campers must be checked-in and checked-out. Please visit the camp office if you are dropping off or picking up your camper outside of scheduled times.

Day Camp: 

A Welcome Email will be sent before check-in day with detailed information for your camper(s)! Please watch your inbox for your email.   

Campers can check-in and check-out at one of three locations:

Boone: Herman Park, 621 South Green Street
  Check- in 7:15 a.m.- 8:00 a.m.
  Check- out 4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Ames: Lloyd Kurts Park, 3710 Hyde Ave
  Check- in 7:30 a.m.- 8:00 a.m.
  Check- out 4:45 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. 

Y Camp Office: Pioneer Center, 1192- 166th Drive
Y Camp Office: 515-432-7558
  Check- in 8:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.
  Check- out 4:15 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

To check out campers you will need to be listed on the Camper Confidential Form under Authorized Persons Allowed to Check In and Out my Camper and you MUST show a photo ID for the safety of the campers.


Camp Activities

Campers have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including archery, arts and crafts, basketball, canoeing, dance, drama, fishing, horseback riding, imagineering, music, nature, riflery, climbing wall, soccer, volleyball, yoga...and more!

All campers attend our traditional evening programs. Evening programs include Embers, Honor Point, N.U.T.S, Chapel, Inspiration Point, Aunt Fifi and the chance for campers to showcase their talents at the Arty Show!

What to Bring

A common question among parents sending their children to camp is: “what should I send with them?” The first thing to remember is: Y Camp is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. If it’s too precious or expensive to lose, please find an alternative item or avoid packing it. Labeling items you do send can help too! The second thing to remember is that, while we provide clean and comfortable accommodations, camp can be dirty! Mud, sand and sweat will come home on most articles of clothing, footwear, etc. Prepare for those elements when packing at the start of the week. Here is a short list of suggested items:

Overnight Camp and Day Camp: 

  • Book – Y Camp encourages reading, so bringing a great book to enjoy during down-time can help with summer learning and improving literacy.

  • Water bottle- Keeping hydrated is a top priority! All campers are required to have a water bottle.

  • Swim wear – For all those trips to the pool! Campers will stop at the pool at least once a day. Please be conscientious of the swim suits that are brought to camp. We ask that females wear one piece suits or tankini’s and refrain from bringing two piece suits. For Males please refrain from Speedo type suits.

  • Towels – Always good to stay dry.

  • Jeans/Long Pants – Your camper will need their legs covered to go horseback riding.

  • Sunscreen – While camp has back-up bottles, you know your campers skin-care needs. Sending your own bottle is a good plan.

  • Bug Spray – To deet or not to deet? Another personal choice, as chemicals like bug spray can irritate both mosquitoes and your camper’s skin. Send the spray you use at home. Camp has back-up spray that does not contain deet.

  • Multiple pair of shoes – Camp can be dirty and it can be nice to have dry shoes to change into. (Please do not pack Flip-Flops, as they can be hazardous around camp.) Closed toe shoes will be required for horseback riding.

  • Day Campers will need to bring a backpack daily to keep these items in. 

Additional items for Overnight Campers: 

  • Personal Care Items – Toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, etc. are all suggested for hygiene and cleanliness.

  • Clothes for All Weather – Some mornings and evenings can be brisk and a sweatshirt or jacket can be a good idea.

  • Bedding- Sleeping Bag and Pillow – Sheets can be nice, but can also be a hassle. Camp beds have twin mattresses but not sheets or blankets. Sending a sleeping bag is a great way to keep warm and it’s an easy option. (Reminder: Camp’s cabins are air-conditioned- except Treehouses).

  • Flashlight – It can get dark at night at camp! Pack a hand-held light to help avoid bumps and bruises.

  • Camper vs. Wild Campers will need to bring a sleeping bag and backpack.


What Not to Bring

Some items will be taken and stored safely until Check-Out. Other prohibited items will require a phone call to parents or result in the dismissal of a camper from camp. DO NOT BRING candy/food, electronics (handheld games, iPods, cell phones, etc.), cash, knives or other weapons, fireworks, alcohol/tobacco products or illegal substances, personal sports equipment, animals, flip flops or lighters.


Telephone Calls, Cell Phones, One-Way Email and Mail

Y Camp restricts telephone use at camp for two reasons:

  1. The number of camp phones is limited.

  2. Homesickness often increases after speaking with a family member.

Parents are encouraged to call in case of an emergency. To communicate with your camper, please use our email service or send a letter. This is important to fostering a sense of independence and confidence in the camper.

Cell Phones should be left at home. First, Y Camp holds no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged electronic items and cell phones easily fall into all three of those categories. Cell phones can also take away from the camp experience and can be a distraction. If Y Camp finds a camper in possession of a cell phone, we will place it in our safe until Check-Out.

One-Way Email for Overnight Campers only- option is available for parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Simply visit the email site here. Emails are printed Monday through Friday at 3:00 p.m. and delivered at dinner. 

Mail for Overnight Campers only- we recommend writing letters ahead of time and giving them to staff at camper check-in. Staff will deliver them to your camper throughout the week. If you use the U.S. Postal Service, allow three or more days for mail to arrive. Address format to follow: Y Camp, C/O Camper's Name, 1192- 166th Drive, Boone, IA 50036  


Illness or Injury

In the event your child becomes ill or injured while at camp in a manner that requires a stay in the Good Health Center or need further attention by the Health Care Provider the child’s parents will be contacted.

To avoid overheating and dehydration during the week, water bottles are mandatory at Y camp. Campers are welcome to bring one from home or purchase one from the Y Camp store. Dehydration is a serious matter! Help us prevent heat related illness. If your child has special needs that require specific attention, please notify Y Camp. We will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate those needs, however, our staff is not trained to handle all medical or psychological needs.


Medications

All medications (including any over-the-counter or “as-needed” medications) must be turned into the Y Camp Health Care Provider during check-in for Overnight campers. Day Campers will check- in medications with the Leader at the check- in site.

All medications must come in their original bottles or packages. Prescription medications must contain original prescription information. We encourage families to include only enough doses for the week.

Medications are only distributed during meal times (8:00am, 12:30pm and 6:00pm) and bedtime (9:30pm).


Health Screening

Overnight Camp specific:
Upon arrival at camp parents will be asked to fill out a short screening form detailing the general health of camper. Please be honest when answering, as the health and well-being of camper is foremost on our list of priorities. Screening forms are reviewed by Y Camp’s Health Care Provider. Anything abnormal will be addressed privately with a camper’s family, and in some cases a camper may be asked to attend alternate weeks.

Immunization Requirements
Every camper must have an up-to-date immunization record on file at the time of check-in. These records are required to ensure that all Y Camp participants are properly protected from the diseases tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), and diphtheria. The only exemptions from immunization requirements are for biophysical reasons (e.g., the individual is allergic to a serum component) or personal faith. All participants must complete an “Immunization Exemption” form if they are not immunized.


Head Check

Overnight Camp specific: 
At Check-In, Y Staff will perform a head lice check. This check is necessary to avoid an outbreak at camp. If lice are found, the camper will be sent home for treatment. Campers are welcome to return 24 hours later for another check. Campers will not be admitted without a clear scalp examination.


Bed Bugs and Y Camp - We Need Your Help

Overnight Camp specific: 
Bed bugs have made a resurgence recently, especially in the hospitality industry. Camp is included in this category and needs your help to prevent visits from these pests. As a human issue, bed bugs can be brought into camp at any time by any guest. Our staff are well trained in detection and response and Y Camp has procedures in place in case the pests are brought in. Please help us out by following these tips:

  • Wash and dry (on high heat) all items you are sending to Y Camp prior to packing your camper’s bag.

  • If you are concerned that you have an infestation, contact Y Camp to work through how best to prepare your gear and how Y Camp can help make sure the pests don’t come with your camper.

  • When your camper returns home, leave their bags outside until everything in them can be washed and dried on high heat.

  • Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to talk about bed bugs. Having bed bugs doesn’t mean you are dirty or unsanitary – it means you had the bad luck of coming in contact with them. More awareness and information is key in helping Y Camp in the fight against bed bugs. 

For more information on bed bugs visit:

Financial Assistance

The Des Moines Y Camp strives to make camp affordable for all. Through the generous donations of Y members, community members and local businesses we are able to offer Financial Assistance to individuals and families at all income levels to make our programs accessible to all. To fill out an application and view our policy please click here

National TTT Society Information

The information listed below is specifically for National TTT Society campers.

**All communication regarding TTT Campers will be communicated between TTT Members and Y Camp. If a parent/guardian needs to contact Y Camp or their camper they will need to contact their local TTT Member/Chapter and they will contact Y Camp**

Payment Information

All fees are paid in full by your local TTT Chapter.

Trading Post Account

TTT Chapters will deposit money into the camper’s trading post account at check-in. 

Check In/Out Information

Members of your local TTT Chapter will arrange to pick up your camper and drive them to camp. Check in on Sunday is between 2:00pm- 5:00 pm. When you arrive at camp, staff will greet and direct you to the parking area. After you park, leave your belongings in your car. You will go to Pioneer Center for check-in. After you are checked-in you will return to your car and drive to your cabin.

TTT Members and campers will be able to talk to the Executive Director, the Summer Camps Director, National TTT Society Members and the Camp Nurse. Campers will receive a head check for lice, a health screening and a TTT t-shirt. TTT Members and campers will then be directed to park their vehicles near their camper’s cabin. Once there, they will bring their camper and belongings to the cabin to move in and meet the cabin Leaders.

Beginning at 9:00am Saturday Y Camp holds a closing program including songs and hear from of the from the Camp Director team. 

To check out campers TTT Members will need to be listed on the online TTT Camper Confidential Form under Authorized Persons- TTT Members ONLY. TTT Members MUST show a photo ID for the safety of the campers.

TTT Members will then deliver campers back home.

What to Bring

National TTT Society campers do not need to bring anything from home. Everything they need is provided by your local chapter.

What Not to Bring

As a reminder: Some items will be taken and stored safely until Check-Out. Other prohibited items will require a phone call to the TTT Members and possibly result in the dismissal of a camper from camp. DO NOT BRING candy/food, electronics (handheld games, iPods, cell phones, etc.), cash, knives or other weapons, fireworks, alcohol/tobacco products or illegal substances, personal sports equipment, animals, flip flops or lighters.

Illness or Injury

In the event your child becomes ill or injured while at camp in a manner that requires a stay in the Good Health Center or need further attention by the Health Care Provider the TTT Member will be contacted. The TTT Member will then contact the child’s parents.

To avoid overheating and dehydration during the week, water bottles are mandatory at Y camp. Local TTT Chapters provide a water bottle for the campers. Dehydration is a serious matter! Help us prevent heat related illness. If your child has special needs that require specific attention, please notify Y Camp. We will make all reasonable attempts to accommodate those needs, however, our staff is not trained to handle all medical or psychological needs.

Health Screening
Upon arrival at TTT Members will be asked to fill out a short screening form detailing the general health of camper. The camper may complete this form or the TTT Member may ask the camper the questions and complete the form themselves. Screening forms are reviewed by Y Camp’s Health Care Provider.

Immunization Requirements
Every camper must have an up-to-date immunization record on file at the time of check-in. This information is completed on the online Medical Form. These records are required to ensure that all Y Camp participants are properly protected from the diseases tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), and diphtheria. The only exemptions from immunization requirements are for biophysical reasons (e.g., the individual is allergic to a serum component) or personal faith. All participants must complete an “Immunization Exemption” form if they are not immunized.

For information on the following please click the link:

Preparing Your Child for Camp
Tips to Prevent Homesickness
Y Camp Staff
Zero Tolerance Policy
Telephone Calls, Cell Phones and One-Way Email
Head Check
Medications
Bed Bugs