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.
When does camp start and end?
Camp will begin on June 21, 2021 and ends on August 27. 2021.
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.
What are the fees for camp?
- $25 registration fee one time
- $285 per week
- $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.
What are the Hours?
7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
What are you doing to keep campers safe during the pandemic?
Our goal is to make sure our campers are having a safer summer. Please visit our website https://www.regionalymca.org/programs/camps/ymca-camp-greenknoll/ to learn more about what COVID-19 safety.
What if I travel out of the Connecticut? Do I have to quarantine?
We are requesting that all campers get tested upon their return from out-of-state travel. A Rapid PCR or PCR test will be accepted. If your child does not receive a negative test result or you decide not to have your child tested for COVID, your child will need to quarantine for ten days from the date of your return before returning to camp. Please provide a copy of test results.
What are the themes for this summer?
| Week 1 |
June 21 |
Surf’s Up |
| Week 2 |
June 28 |
Superhero |
| Week 3 |
July 6 (Closed 7/5) |
Party at the Y |
| Week 4 |
July 12 |
Olympic Games |
| Week 5 |
July 19 |
Carnival |
| Week 6 |
July 26 |
Color Wars |
| Week 7 |
August 2 |
Camp Show |
| Week 8 |
August 9 |
Amazing Race |
| Week 9 |
August 16 |
Wild West |
| Week 10 |
August 23 |
Game Show |
How are the children divided into groups?
Campers are placed in groups based on grade they will be entering into in the fall. Each group will have no more than 18 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.
What are the groups?
Pre- K, Kindergarten/ First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eight / Ninth. There can be more than one group per grade level.
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. You must wear a mask while on camp grounds.
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 5:30 PM.
May I come to visit my child at camp?
Parents coming to visit their camper while at camp has always been welcomed. However, due to the COVID pandemic we cannot allow visitors at this time. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to call the camp office.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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. Morning 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.
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.
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
