YMCA Camp Greenknoll has a maximum of 375 campers per week and is divided into three units, Explorers (Unit 1) are campers from Pre-k to 2^nd grade. Pioneers (Unit 2) campers entering the 3^rd grade to 5^th grade and the Trailblazers (unit 3) are campers entering 6^th grade to campers in 8^th and 9^th grade. Units are not just age groups but small communities, within each unit are tribes. Tribes are made up of campers going into a particular grade or are Pre-K campers. Tribes are limited to twenty campers per week with the exception of the Comanche’s (pre-k) tribe. Each unit will have a designated time for all Unit activities. Unit activities are designed to bring a sense of community and belonging and for campers to build friendship with campers other than campers in the tribe.

What is the difference between Camp Greenknoll and Summer Club?

YMCA Camp Greenknoll is an all outdoor traditional day camp with an average of 350 campers per week, campers are broken into three units. All activities are outdoors. Camp does not participate in field trips. Camp runs for 9 weeks. Greenknoll Summer Club is a smaller program based indoors with no more than 50 children. Children in the Summer Club are for the most part, one group. Summer Club participates in one field trip per week. Summer Club runs for 8 weeks.

When does camp start and end?

Camp will begin on June 24^th and ends on August 23^rd.

Do I have to sign up for all nine weeks?

No. You can sign up for 8 weeks or 1 week. To get a more complete experience, most families sign up for 3 or more weeks.

How much does it cost to attend camp?

The cost per camp varies. Camp is $280 per week. CIT Program is $200 per week.

What are the Hours?

Both camp and Summer Club schedule activities are 9:00am – 4:00pm. We have pre camp and post from 7:00am – 8:45am and from 4:00pm- 6:00pm for no extra cost.

What are the themes for this summer?

What are electives?

Electives are a variety of activities that will be offered each week from Monday Thursday. The choices will range from field games to art. They will vary from week to week. Campers will choose the activity for the week. They will not be able to switch because some elective will be limited. Campers in the Rangers Unit will participate in electives.

How are the children divided into groups?

At YMCA Camp Greenknoll has a maximum of 375 campers per week. Campers are divided into group’s bases on gender and grade.

Do you provide transportation to YMCA Camp Greenknoll?

No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?

You must come into the office and sign out your child. A note is always helpful. Please give your camper amply time to get to the office.

I need to be at work early. What can I do?

To meet the needs of families, campers may be dropped at camp at 7am and picked up no later than 6:00pm for pre and post camp. There is no additional cost for pre camp.

May I come to visit my child at camp?

Yes, parents can visit the camp at any time to observe their child and camp. Parents are required to check in with the camp director. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to speak personally with their child’s counselor or the camp director.

If I am unable to pick my child up in person, what is the procedure?

In the case where you cannot pick up your child and someone else will, we ask that you inform the office. An email or fax stating to full name of the person may be sent. Your child’s safety is important to us. Unknown persons will be asked to present an I.D. to camp staff.

Is there an emergency phone number?

YMCA Greenknoll Camp phone number is 203.775.9363.  Someone is always available in the office during camp hours.

My child takes medication, what do I do?

As a licensed camp, we must follow strict guidelines. You must fill out a permission form and give the medication to the camp director or first aid provider in the original container, physician’s name, and dosage and expiration date. The medication is locked up and the first aid provider will administer the prescription per instructions from you and your physician. The permission form must also be signed by your child’s physician and by you.

Does my child need lunch every day?

Yes, Campers should bring a brown bag type lunch, which will be stored in large lunch bags and brought to the walk in cooler until lunchtime. Clearly mark the campers name on lunch bags. No glass containers!!! Any food allergies your child has should be indicated on the medical form. Campers can also order pizza on Friday for an additional cost.

How should my child dress for camp?

Dressing your child appropriately is important to insure that your child has a good time at camp. Shorts and t-shirts, sneakers and a sweatshirt are standard dress. No open toed shoes are allowed except on pool deck.

What if it is raining?

In the event that there is liquid sunshine (rain) at camp, activities will be going on as scheduled. Camp is held despite liquid sunshine, so it is helpful to send rain gear with your child. Although outdoor activities will be available some exciting rainy day activities will be planned.

Whom do I notify if my child will be absent from camp?

Parents should call the camp at 203.775.9363

If my child attends camp am I able to get childcare tax credit?

Yes. A tax letter is sent out at the end of the year.

Can my child bring personal belongs to camp?

We discourage children from bringing any personal belongings to camp including cell phones and personal gaming systems. YMCA Camp Greenknoll cannot and will not take responsibility for any person belongings.

Can my child bring their electronic devices to camp?

NO! We strongly encourage our campers to disconnect to reconnect. Staff will bring any visible electronic devices during the camp day to the camp office, where it can be picked up by a parent at the end of the day.

What can you tell me about the discipline policy?

It is the goal here at YMCA Camp Greenknoll to provide each camper with a fun, healthy and safe camp experience. Campers are treated equally and responsibility, caring, respect and honesty are the cornerstone for learning and understanding the camp rules and abiding by them. Campers may be given a time out and the opportunity to discuss the problem with the staff. If progress were difficult we would ask you to help. If this is not productive, a day away from camp will be discussed. Should behavior continue to be a problem after a full day time out, then the child may be asked not to return to camp.

Should I pack sunscreen and bug repellent?

Absolutely! If your child is sensitive to bug bites and sun, both are recommended. We ask you apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to camp. Younger campers will receive help applying sunscreen and older campers will be supervised. Campers will be encouraged to reapply during the day.

How Many Times Does My Child Swim?

Each tribe swims twice per day. Mornings swim is instruction and afternoon is free swim. A bathing suit and towel are necessary. It is helpful to have children use a back pack of some kind so they can keep track of their belongings. Clearly marking your child’s name on all clothing and towels will reduce the possibility of lost items.

How Does Swim Lessons Work?

Each Monday children are tested and placed in the appropriate swim level. During the week, children are taught appropriately. At the end of the week, children are retested, some children may remain at their level and some may up move up to the next level.

SWIM BASICS – Recommended skills for all to have around water

SWIM STROKES – Skills to support a healthy lifestyle

What if my child can’t touch the bottom in the shallow end?

Any child that cannot touch the bottom or is not a good swimmer, which is determined by our Red Cross Certified lifeguards, must wear a life vest. The camp provides life vests. Campers are given bracelet identifying them as deep end swimmers or shallow end swimmers. This is for the safety of all our campers.