Getting Ready for Camp
As a parent you have an important role in making sure that your camper adjusts to the camp environment and enjoys their experience. These are some tips to help you to prepare your camper for a successful experience.
- Emphasize that your child is being given a great opportunity rather than being “sent” to camp.
- Speak positively about the camp experience and share your own fun stories of going to camp as a kid or the first time you were away from home.
- Be realistic. Mention some of the not-so-glamorous realities of rustic outdoor living.
- Let your camper know what the schedule will be like, and the date they will arrive and leave camp.
- Talk to your camper about being nervous and let them know that other campers and the counselors are nervous for their first day too.
- Discuss homesickness with your camper and let them know that everyone experiences it at some time, even adults.
- Make sure that all belongings are packed and all necessary paperwork has been turned in to the Camp Santa Maria office to ensure a smooth check-in day.
The Camp Environment
YMCA Camp Santa Maria is located in the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of over 8,000 feet above sea level. Because of our altitude and the lack of humidity, campers are encouraged to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Days are usually mild, and evenings are cool. Afternoon showers are typical, but rain seldom lasts. Along with the rain, our Colorado mountain weather may include hail and lightning. Our staff is trained in inclement weather procedures and emergency evacuation procedures. Both campers and staff members receive training on how to cohabitate with wildlife during their stay at camp.
The YMCA Camp Santa Maria staff strives to provide an environment that is comforting, fun and full of adventure. The accommodations for staff and campers are rustic and very different from home. There is lots to do and we embrace living in the natural environment.
The camp sits at about 8200′ of elevation. We have found that often this elevation can affect campers with asthma in different ways. If your camper has asthma please make sure you send their medications. Even if they have not had an episode in a while, being at a higher elevation and the increase in activity level might cause an episode. Also there are times when our neighbor’s cats will wander onto camp. If your camper has pet allergies, please make sure they bring their medications too.
Packing List
In order to help you prepare your child to be comfortable at camp, we have created a suggested Packing List.
It is useful to mark your camper’s belongings with their first and last name and pack them in bags that they will recognize as theirs. Be sure to check the lost and found at the end of your child’s stay at camp.
