Summer Day Camp FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SAFETY AT CAMP

What is the Y doing to keep my child safe at camp?
At the Y, our priority is always on the health and safety of your child.  In addition to the many steps we take every day to protect the health of our guests, campers, and staff, we will work closely with our YMCA Risk Management team to incorporate recommendations from local, state and national agencies and follow guidance from the American Camp Association and the CDC for a healthy camp community for all. Review our safety protocols.

Can my child bring their own personal supplies?
Yes, in an effort to help reduce the spread of germs this summer, you are welcome to send your camper with their own supplies. These will be stored by themselves and used only by your child. Some of the items we commonly use include: Pencils, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Scissors, Composition Book, Plastic Container, Glue Stick, Tape, Markers and Hand Sanitizer.

PROGRAMMING

What does a typical day of camp look like?
Camp programming begins at 9:00am and ends at 4:00pm However, campers can be dropped off as early as 6:30am and all campers must be picked up by 6:00pm. Programs will vary by locations but all will include the same components, including small group time, outdoor play, and enrichment activities.

Here’s what you can expect:

6:30am – 9:00am Centers
9:00am – 9:30am Group Opening Ceremonies
9:30am – 10:30am Activity Period 1
10:30am – 11:30am Activity Period 2
1:30am – 12:30pm Lunch
12:30pm – 1:30pm Activity Period 3
1:30pm – 3:30pm Water Play & Snack
3:30pm – 3:50pm Small Group Time
3:50pm – 4:00pm Closing
4:00pm – 6:00pm Centers

REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS

Where do I find specific summer camp information, including dates and pricing, for my location?
Visit our camp page on FCYMCA.org and scroll to choose the camp location that’s right for your family.

Are spaces in Summer Camp at the Y limited? Do you have a waiting list?
In order to best serve our campers, we have a set number of spaces available for Summer Camp. If the specific week of camp you are registering for is full, we will add you to the waiting list. You will be notified if a space becomes available.

How do I reserve a spot in camp?
Reserving a spot requires a deposit per week, per camper. Standard deposit fees are $25/week for camp. Deposit fees apply toward the total of weekly camp fee.

How do camp deposits work?

  • A $25 deposit can be paid for each week that you would like your child(s) to attend camp.
  • Paying a deposit is the only way to guarantee that your child(s) will have a reserved spot for camp.
  • Please keep in mind, camps do fill up each summer!
  • If the remainder of the balance is not paid by the due date, it will result in the forfeiture of the deposit and camp spot. For example, payment for the first week of camp beginning June 20 is due the Wednesday before, June 15.
  • Deposits are non-refundable or transferable.

How can I make payments for camp?
You may make a payment online. You may also visit any of our Y Branches to make a payment. At our camp sites, you may only pay by Check or Money Order.

Is there a special rate for members?
Yes. All camp programs have a lower registration fee if you have an active family or youth membership.

Is financial assistance available?
Yes, we are extending our financial assistance program through the summer. If you need to apply for the first time, you can e-mail your completed application to fa@fcymca.org.

When are my payments due?
Remaining balances following deposits made are due by Wednesday of every week, prior to the week of attendance. Payments made after Thursday will be adjusted to include a $10 late payment fee. If you do not make your payment by the payment deadline of the Wednesday before the desired week, you will be unenrolled and lose your spot for that week. Payments can be made by check, money order or automatic bank draft. We DO NOT accept cash at the camp site. Automatic payments can be scheduled weekly from credit card or bank accounts. Automatic payment is the most effective way to never have a late fee again! Cancellations must be 14 days prior to the beginning of camp.

CANCELLATIONS

What happens if I need to cancel my camp registration or it is cancelled by the Y or a governing agency?
We want you to be able to register for camp with confidence. If you withdraw your child before May 29, 2020 or if your program is cancelled by the Y or a governing agency here are your options:

  • Give a Gift: donate funds already paid or a portion of funds paid. We will be happy to provide a tax receipt for your thoughtful and generous gift.
  • Get a credit: Apply the funds you’ve paid to a future camp experience or program.
  • Get a refund: Receive a refund of all deposits & payments paid through June 1, 2020.

If you withdraw your child after June 1, 2020 our standard cancellation policy will be in effect. If you have questions regarding cancelling, please email dcyd@fcymca.org

What if my location is no longer offering camp?
The YMCA has multiple camp locations throughout the First Coast area.

DROPOFF/PICKUP & WHAT TO BRING

How will I drop off and pick up my child?
To help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, drop off and pick up will be curbside-only from 6:30am – 9:30am and 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Only First Coast YMCA employees and registered campers will be permitted into the buildings.

What should my child bring to camp?
Most campers bring a backpack or bag to camp that contains the following items:

  • Closed-toe shoes that attach to the foot (please no sandals or shoes with heels)
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Healthy lunch, extra snacks & drinks (no sugary drinks or soda permitted at camp)
  • Campers should wear OLD CLOTHES to camp.
  • Campers are welcome to bring their own supplies to camp for STEM and Arts and Humanities if they desire.

How can I receive the most up-to-date information about summer camp?
Continue to check your email for communication around summer camp and follow us on Facebook as we will post updates as they develop. Please also always feel comfortable to reach out and contact us:

MAKING A DONATION

How can I help support campers or the Y?

We are beyond grateful to the members of our community – our members, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff – who have recognized the challenges crises like this can pose to a human services organization regardless of their own hardships that they may be facing. For those that are able and interested, please make a gift online. THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.