FAQ

Things to Bring What to Expect Booking and Payment

Please find below some answers to common questions regarding you and/or your student’s visit.  If you do not find an answer to your questions below, please contact us

Things to Bring

Day Visits

  • T-shirt
  • Jacket or Sweatshirt
  • Rain coat or poncho
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunblock
  • Water Bottle
  • Backpack
  • Tennis shoes or Boots for hiking

Overnights

  • T-shirts 
  • Shorts in warm weather
  • Jeans or Long Pants (2)
  • Sweatshirt (1)
  • Pajamas
  • Undergarments
  • Tennis shoes or boots (for hiking)
  • Flashlight
  • Sun Block (SPF 30+)
  • Sleeping bag/Bedding
  • Pillow
  • Toiletries
  • Towel
  • Bug repellent- prefer non-aerosol
  • Water Bottle
  • Journal and Pencil
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves in cool weather

What to Expect

  • Once you arrive your entire day will be programmed and led by a team of trained Naturalists.  Chaperones help monitor student behavior and keep students on task, Teachers provide discipline if needed, and Naturalists teach all of the classes.  Staff eat with the students and will help to direct the meal.  Every meal is followed by songs led by staff to get students excited for classes to resume.  
  • Our goal is to create a positive learning environment for the students as well as a fun and relaxing day for the teachers and chaperones.  We encourage adults to participate and model the learning behaviors we expect from the students.  Attentive and engaged adults help the students remain engaged with the lessons and increase learning.  
  • Camp is located in the Des Moines River Valley.  As such, cell phone signals can be weak or lost.  Please expect to not have cell phone reception.  We encourage you to use this as a time to unplug and be present in the moment. 
  • Meals are served family style on trays with food portioned to reduce waste and promote healthy eating habits.  Please help arrange students 8 to a table so that the food is distributed evenly.   
  • Your day will be more strenuous than the average day at school.  It can be quite tiring for students, chaperones, and teachers alike.  Please remember to drink water and remind the students to as well.  

Booking and Payment

Our booking and payment is a simple 10 step process outlined below.  

  1. School Leader/Representative and OE Program Director discuss the desired programs, dates, and length of stay, group size, etc.
  2. Contract is drawn up and emailed to School Leader.  This will hold any dates and facilities for a period of 10 days. 
  3. Contract is signed and returned to Y Camp.  This ‘locks in’ your reservation.  
  4. Rough draft of schedule is email to School Leader to review and approve.
  5. Two week prior to visit special dietary needs are due.  This allows ample time for delivery of special foods such as gluten free breads or vegan options. 
  6. School arrives.
  7. As school departs final head count is made and confirmed with camp staff.  Satisfaction surverys collected.
  8. School is invoiced for payment.
  9. School returns payment within 90 days.  
  10. Repeat for the following year.