YMCA Camp Greenknoll, campers are placed in groups based on grade they will be entering into in the fall.  Camper entering Pre-K to 4th grade will be in Coed groups. Campers entering 5th Grade and up will be in same gender groups.   Groups are limited to 20 campers.  Campers in pre-K to 2nd grade have minimum ratio of 1 staff to 7 campers and for campers in 3rd grade and up the ration will be 1 staff to 10 campers.

Coed offers campers the chance to interact as they would in the real world at different stages of childhood. This helps to create healthy social interaction between the genders and there is a better understand of the opposite gender. Campers can then build a real-world relationship and much-needed social skills for future development. This interaction means that campers learn to relate to each other not as members of the opposite gender, but as humans.  Campers learn to be more respectful towards each other, all in a respectful environment.

We’re committed to providing an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and community, a gender-blind environment for friendships at camp, and later in life Through shared experience, open communication, trust, and respect, campers form solid bonds with other campers. And this makes for the best kind of friends!

1. Why choose YMCA Camp Greenknoll?

YMCA Camp Greenknoll gives children an opportunity to unplug, to build confidence, experience a sense of achievement and enjoy the outdoors.   

 Campers also participate in a variety of activities, including instructional swim,  team building and physical activities.

2. When does camp start and end?

Camp will begin on June 20, 2022 and ends on August 19. 2022.

3. 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.

4. What are the fees for camp?

• $25 registration fee one time

• $246 per week  for Family Members (See below for definition of Family Member)
• $296 per week for Non-Members
• $25 per week deposit  required at the time of registration. (For Example: If someone registers for 4 weeks of camp. the total due at time of registration is $125. The deposit is then subtracted from the weeks registered.)  
• Credit card payment encouraged.

A Regional YMCA FAMILY MEMBERSHIP is defined as 2 adults & children thru 21 years of age living in the same household or a single parent and children thru 21 years of age living in the same household. 

A non-member is anyone who does not have a family membership with the Regional YMCA.

5. Why sign up for a Family Membership?

A YMCA Family Membership has its benefits!

• Reduced Fees on Camp Registration Fees- and all programs at the YMCA
• Priority Registration- be the first to sign up and get the camp weeks you want
• Access to our Outdoor Pool during non-camp hours
• Full use of the Greenknoll facility including open gym, cardio and strength training rooms
• Lap Swim and Open/Family Swim in 3- year round pools
• Free Group Exercise programs
• Access to free family events and more!

6. What are the Hours?

7:30 AM to 6:00 PM

7. What are the themes for this summer?

8. How are the children divided into groups?

YMCA Camp Greenknoll, campers are placed in groups based on grade they will be entering into in the fall. Campers in Pre-K to grade 4 will be Coed.  There are a limited about of campers in each group.  Campers in pre-K to 2nd grade have a minimum ratio of 1 staff to 9 campers and for campers in 3rd grade and up the ration will be 1 staff to 12 campers.      

Coed offers campers the chance to interact as they would in the real world at various stages of childhood. This helps to create healthy social interaction between the genders and there is a better understanding of the opposite gender. Campers can then build a real-world relationship and much-needed social skills for future development. This interaction means that campers learn to relate to each other not as members of the opposite gender, but as humans.  Campers learn to be more respectful towards each other, all in a respectful environment.   

9. Why are the groups Co-Ed?

Co-ed offers campers the chance to interact as they would in the real world at various stages of childhood. This helps to create healthy social interaction between the genders and there is a better understanding of the opposite gender. Campers can then build a real-world relationship and much-needed social skills for future development. This interaction means that campers learn to relate to each other not as members of the opposite gender, but as humans.  Campers learn to be more respectful towards each other, all in a respectful environment.   

We’re committed to providing an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and community, a gender-blind environment for friendships at camp, and later in life.  Through shared experience, open communication, trust, and respect, campers form solid bonds with other campers. And this makes for the best kind of friends!     

10. What are the groups?

The groups are Pre- K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth /Ninth.

11. What should I pack for camp?

• Sunscreen – please apply before attending camp. Campers will have the opportunity to reapply during the day.
• Lunch – lunch must be brought from home daily. Lunch is stored a refrigerator until lunch time.
• Refillable water bottle – water bottles will be refilled throughout the day.
• Bathing suit, towel –  for swim, some families will send in flip flops and googles.
• Some other extras that people prefer to pack are a change of clothes, sandals/pool shoes, hats and on somedays a sweatshirt/raincoat.

Definitely remember to LABEL everything!

12. Do you provide transportation to YMCA Camp Greenknoll?

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

13. 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.  

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

To meet the needs of families, campers may be dropped at camp at 7:30 AM and picked up no later than 6:00 PM.  

15. May I come to visit my child at camp?

Parents coming to visit their camper while at camp has always been welcomed. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to call the camp office.   

16. 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. 

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.  

20. How should my child dress for camp?

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

21. 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.  

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

Parents should call the camp at 203.775.9363

23. 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.

24. Can my child bring personal belongs to camp?

We discourage children from bringing any personal belongings to camp,  Other than the standard camp gear.   This includes cell phones and personal gaming systems. YMCA Camp Greenknoll cannot and will not take responsibility for any person belongings. 

25. Can my child bring their electronic devices to camp?

NO! We strongly encourage our campers to unplug this summer. 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. 

26. 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. 

27. 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. 

28. How Many Times Does My Child Swim?

Each tribe swims twice per day. Morning swim is instruction and afternoon is recreational 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. 

29. 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. 

30. 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