YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser

All deposits are refundable until Feb 1st,. If a cancellation occurs after Feb 1st, and at 60 days or more prior to the beginning of the session, payments will be refunded, MINUS the deposit. Less then 60 days prior to the beginning of the session no refunds will be given with documentation listed below: Physician documented medical reason If camper is sent home for medical reasons by the Camp Health Care Team, a full or partial credit on the family balance will be given to use for a later make-up session. No refunds for late arrivals or early departures, homesickness, dismissal, or voluntary withdrawal. No refunds for horseback lessons that are cancelled due to inclement weather. All Trading post deposits are non-refundable. Any remaining balance left in the Trading post account at the end of the session will be donated to the South Mountain YMCA Camps Scholarship Fund.

How are leadership and supervision structured?
Our leadership and supervision follow a tiered approach to ensure the highest level of care and safety for our campers.

Year-Round Directors: Our directors live on-site and are responsible for overseeing all aspects of camp operations, including child protection, curriculum development, and maintaining accreditation standards.

Seasonal Leadership Team: This team provides direct support to staff and oversees specialized program areas to ensure smooth daily operations.

Counselors: Our counselors are the backbone of our supervision structure, directly engaging with and supervising campers to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

This layered structure ensures that every camper receives individualized attention while maintaining high standards of safety and program excellence.

Yes. We are required to conduct 3 background checks annually for staff to comply with Praesidium Child Protection Accreditation.

How is staff training and professional development handled?
All staff are required to complete an intensive two-week training program before the start of camp. This training covers:

Child Protection: Ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers.

Behavior Management: Equipping staff with strategies to handle a variety of camper needs.

Specialized Activity Training: Preparing staff to lead and supervise a wide range of activities.

Creating Community and Friendships: Teaching staff how to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.

Camp Operations: Familiarizing staff with daily routines, schedules, and logistical procedures.

Emergency Procedures: Training staff to respond effectively to various emergencies.

Emotional Support: Helping staff recognize and address the emotional needs of campers.

Additionally, our seasonal leadership team participates in an extra week of specialized training to prepare them to support staff and oversee program areas.

Year-Round Professional Development:
Our year-round administrative team attends regular conferences and training offered by:

The American Camping Association (ACA): Staying current with best practices and accreditation standards.

Child Abuse Prevention Systems: Ensuring that child protection protocols are consistently reinforced and updated.

YMCA of the USA: Keeping aligned with national standards and initiatives to maintain excellence in programming and safety.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all staff, from seasonal counselors to year-round directors, are well-prepared to provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing experience for every camper.

Statement on Inclusion

At Camp, our main goal is to make everyone feel welcome, respected, and valued. We focus on inclusion in two main ways: proactive and reactive.

Proactive Approach:
We take a proactive approach by considering the needs of all populations when we design our camp facilities, hire staff, and create programs. Our facilities include private areas for sensitive times, such as changing and bathing. We continuously upgrade our facilities to meet ADA compliance standards. We aim to hire staff who reflect the diversity of our campers, so that everyone can see role models similar to themselves. We also take into account different dietary needs, hygiene products, and various program themes. Our curriculum is non-denominational, and we include inclusion and welcoming in our measurable program goals for camp.

Staff Training:
Before each camp season, our staff receive training to review our statement on inclusion. They are challenged to understand how to facilitate inclusion using real-life stories and problem-solving skills. During the opening ceremony of each camp session, campers are introduced to our program goals, which serve as the foundation for the camp experience. These goals are reviewed again during the closing ceremony, and campers are encouraged to reflect on their achievements regarding these goals. In cases of conflict, we use our inclusion statement as a guide for resolving issues.

Reactive Approach:
When someone feels unwelcome at camp, we take it very seriously. Our first step is to identify the problem, whether it involves bullying, racism, physical altercations, homophobia, or transphobia. We encourage both staff and campers to speak up and share their concerns. Our staff are trained to recognize these issues, but they also rely on campers to communicate when something is wrong.

If there is a conflict, we facilitate open and honest discussions. The person who caused the issue is made aware of how their actions affected someone else. If they do not understand the impact of their behavior, our staff explain why it was not acceptable. The person who caused the discomfort is responsible for apologizing and must explain how they will prevent similar situations in the future. They may also offer ways to repair the relationship. The individual with the concern can choose whether or not to participate in this process.

If the person responsible for the unwelcoming behavior understands the impact of their actions and intended to cause harm, disciplinary actions will be taken at the discretion of the camp director. Deliberately making someone feel unwelcome can lead to dismissal from camp.

At YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Our efforts to embrace diversity and inclusion are ongoing, and we rely on our staff and campers to support this mission.

See our Parent Handbook – https://www.smymca.org/parent-resources/

Camper are not permitted to bring cellphones to camp. Staff are not permitted to have phones while working with children. We share photos of around camp daily and have a electronic submission for parents to send notes to campers.