The YMCA-YWCA has always been a community leader in providing opportunities and programs for youth and families. At Camp Y we carry out our mission of helping people develop and strengthening communities by providing a variety of experiences for youth and adults. Whether hosting schools or community groups, our focus remains on supporting character development and building developmental assets.
Camp Y programs are divided into rotations, wide games, evening programs and free time activities. For a standard three day visit guests can participate in set rotations, two wide games, two evening programs and all free time activities.
Program schedules are customised for each group to meet specific needs and requests. Please ensure your program requests are submitted on time (eight weeks before arrival) so we can guarantee your program choices.
Rotations
Program rotations are formal programs instructed by Camp Y specialists for groups of up to 15 participants. Groups visiting for three days may choose up to six rotations.
Free Time
Depending on the size of your group and your rotation schedule, free time may be added in place of or in addition to free time for the whole group. Please see below for free time activities.
High Ropes
Participants challenge themselves on an obstacle suspended 45 feet in the air and secured to poles in the forest floor. The elements are designed to pose a variety of climbing and personal challenges. High ropes participants are encouraged to meet personal goals and support others to do the same. This activity has a 1:8 ratio, requires two Camp Y instructors.
Challenge Course
Built in the forest, the challenge course is a number of group problem solving activities focused on team challenge and group dynamics. As they work toward a common goal, students learn the importance of cooperation, communication, leadership, initiative and trust. Students can also complete individual challenges on our course.
Outdoor Living Skills – Fires
After learning about the basic elements of fire, participants are divided into small groups and given the opportunity to build and light small campfires. This program, a student favourite, is topped with a marshmallow roast.
Geo-caching
Students are introduced to GPS and bearings and how they can use them in conjunction with a map. Students guide themselves around camp using a GPS completing a mini scavenger hunt.
Team Building
Students are engaged in cooperative challenge activities that build confidence, teamwork, and trust. Working together students increase their decision-making and problem solving skills and heighten their abilities in conflict resolution and communication.
Wide Games
Wide games are run with the whole group and promote fun, activity, teamwork and fair play. Most wide games combine elements of cooperation and competition. They are generally active games and are run outdoors.
Capture the Flag
This camp classic, played in the cabin line, pits two or more sides against one another in an attempt to capture the other team`s flag.
Icebreakers
Break down barriers and get all of your participants eager for fun by starting your visit with icebreakers. These quick and exciting games help everyone become comfortable at camp while providing laughter and exercise.
Animal Game
This physically active simulation game helps students to understand environmental niches, animal adaptations, and predator-prey relations. By role-playing the life of an herbivore, omnivore, or carnivore participants experience the interdependence of animals at the top and bottom of the food chain and how people and other limiting factors impact natural ecosystems.
Swimming
Beginning with a short swim test, participants can enjoy our pool and waterslides. With or without a life jacket students can get exercise while playing games or just lazing around the pool.
Evening Programs
Evening programs are fun and active but not to the same extent as wide games. Run after dinner and before snack, evening programs are designed to challenge participants to join in and have a few laughs. All evening programs can be run both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather conditions and the time of year.
Campfire
No visit to Camp Y is complete without a campfire! The Y staff will get the fire lit and lead your group in song after song guaranteed to keep your participants singing for the rest of their stay (and probably home on the bus too!)
Initiative Challenges
Whether it is an egg drop, a straw-and-paper tower building contest or “Can They Do It?” all initiative challenges provide the opportunity for teamwork and creativity.
Skit in a Bag
The group is split into ‘troupes’ and a mystery bag of costumes, props and words is given to each. Performers have a limited time to create a skit using all of the items in the bag. For groups who do not need as much direction a normal skit night is also possible.
Free Time
Free time activities can take place at various points throughout the day and can be scheduled for the entire group or for each individual program group. Please ensure you select the free time option on the confirmation sheet when booking.
Basketball
Our court is right across from cabin line and with two brand new nets can keep even the most active students busy.
Field
With a couple huge flat areas and a shed full of sports equipment the playfield is a great place for kids and adults to kick a ball, throw a disc and generally run around.
Sample 3 Day Program Schedule
