Summer Camp

SUMMER CAMP AT THE DUNELAND YMCA

At the YMCA, we challenge children to grow in imagination, creativity, confidence, self-directed initiative, and leadership.

SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE

Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination! At our YMCA Summer Camp your child will create lifelong memories while participating in enriching, age-appropriate, fun activities! Campers entering first grade (must be potty-trained) through 8th grade will experience a Summer of Swimming (and even Swim Lessons), educational STEAM and literacy activities, special events and presentations, arts & crafts, games, sports and so much more! Your child will make new friends, experience new things and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day!

Campers are separated into age-appropriate groups, giving us the ability to nurture every child’s full potential!  Camp includes a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, giving all campers the opportunity to explore, grow and develop in a healthy and safe environment. 

Y Summer Camp registration for 2025 will open in February! We’re excited to start planning for another action-packed summer, taking place at a Y near you. If you have any questions, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page, and our friendly Youth Program Director will be in touch with you.

We can’t wait to see all our wonderful camp families this summer!

Links

Weekly Themes & Field Trips
Registration Information
Camp Information
Parent Handbook
Request Enrollment Form
Join Our Camp Staff

USEFUL INFO

An 11-week program that runs five days per week, early June to mid-August, for rising 1st-8th grade.

Please email our Youth Billing Manager at [email protected]. You will be sent the registration packet for you to fill out an return.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

1)Once you receive the packet, print the registration packet or use the fillable feature to fill it out on your computer.

2)Fill out one packet and, making sure not to leave any anwers blank (use a slash or “n/a” for anything that does not apply)

3) Scan your packet if printed OR save the filled out packet to your desktop and email the packet back to [email protected]. (Please do not send pictures of your packet. There are many great free scanning apps for your smartphone that will make this process a breeze! If you do not have access to a smartphone or scanning device, or the ability to fill out the form on your computer, please email [email protected])

Please mark all of your child’s belongings with their full name! Items for your child to bring to camp include:

  • Camp shirt (on field trip days)
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Sneakers
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+, spray preferred)
  • Swimsuit and towel (except for field trip days)

We also recommend packing sunglasses, a hat, and a book for your child. Do not send your child to camp with electronics, a phone, or other toys.

The YMCA will not be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken items.

Individuals and families may apply for financial assistance for membership or programs, such as Summer Day Camp. Assistance is based upon a number of factors, including total household income and number of dependents. The process is confidential. Application forms and information about the program are available online or at the Duneland Family YMCA.

How old does my child have to be to attend camp?
Camps are intended for children entering grades 1–8. Students must be currently attending or have completed their kindergarten year. 

What are my payment options?
You can pay in full with a credit card or check, or pay on a weekly basis by keeping a credit card on file. Payments must be made the Friday prior to the start of the selected camp week.

What should campers wear to camp?
Campers should wear comfortable clothing that’s okay to get messy, and closed-toe shoes.

What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
The counselor to camper ratio is 1:18 or 1:20.

Does the Y offer financial assistance?
Yes! As a nonprofit organization, financial assistance is made possible through charitable donations to our Annual Support Campaign.

Does the Y offer any type of educational enrichment?
Yes! In addition to having fun at camp, your child will also learn valuable skills! The Y has a daily, designated quiet time to read in order to help prevent summer learning loss.

Regular camp hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Before camp care hours: 6:00 am – 9:00 am
After camp care hours: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

*Field trips (Fridays) depart and arrival times will be shared with guardians each week.

All field trip time, dates, and locations are subject to change.

Fees

Camp Pricing

Weekly 4-5 Days

$170 per week per child

Weekly 2-3 Days

$140 per week per child

Summer School Weekly M-F
(for children attending DSC Summer School ONLY)

$140 per child

Daily Rate (per day)

$50 per child

LIT (Leader in Training)

$125 per week per child

Weekly Themes & Field Trips

Weekly themes & field trips add something special woven throughout the camp week. For 2024, campers can look forward to the following camp theme weeks & field trips at Camp Shorwau:

WELCOME TO CAMP

Week 1: June 3 – June 7, 2024

Unplug and connect! Reconnect with old friends as well as make new ones. This week, we will be meeting our counselors and getting a taste of Camp Shorwau life! We’ll be pitching tents, eating s’mores, and more. It’s all about fun & friendship this week!

Field Trip: Town Trek Scavenger Quest (walking field trip)

SAFARI SEASON

Week 2: June 10 – June 14, 2024

What are the animals up to? Furry, feathered, and scaly friends! It’s fun with animals antics as we try to do what animals do! Would you like to roll in the mud like a pig or lounge like a cat?

Field Trip: Potawatomi Zoo

Y-TUBE

Week 3: June 17 – June 21, 2024

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of content creation and digital storytelling. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of video production, content development, and creativity. Join us for a week full of creativity, collaboration, and the exploration of the endless possibilities in the digital realm.

Field Trip: Camp Triangle Hills

Y-LYMPICS

Week 4: June 24 – June 28, 2024

A Camp Torch Ceremony will open our Y-lympic week and we will end with medals! Participate in all of the challenges to earn points for your team to win the ultimate team prize! It may seem easy, but there is always a secret twist!

Field Trip: Dunes Learning Center

PARTY IN THE YMCA

Week 5: July 1 – July 5, 2024

*No camp on July 4*

Oh say can you see… another amazing week of summer camp? We will celebrate everything red, white, and blue! This week will be filled with stars and stripes galore!


Field Trip: Foam Frenzy Fiesta (at camp)

SUPERHEROES VS. VILLAINS

Week 7: July 15 – July 19, 2024

Join us for an action-packed adventure as we delve into the world of heroic deeds and dastardly schemes. Campers will unleash their inner superheroes through exhilarating challenges, team-building activities, and exciting missions. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey where heroes rise, villains fall, and the spirit of justice prevails!

Field Trip: Emagine Theaters & Dogwood Park

ROCKIN' RODEO

Week 8: July 22 – July 26, 2024

Saddle up and join us for a thrilling week!. From cowboy crafts and rodeo-inspired challenges to line dancing and western-themed team competitions, our campers will experience the thrill of the rodeo in a safe and fun environment. Let’s lasso some excitement and create unforgettable memories in this action-packed week.

Field Trip: Porter County Fair

INVENTION CONVENTION

Week 9: July 29 – August 2, 2024

Explore, experiment, and discover! We’ve got all the goop, gadgets, and widgets to get hands on with inventing and creating!

Field Trip: ValPLAYso

FINAL FAREWELL

Week 10: August 5 – August 9, 2024

Summer is almost over, BUMMER. Let’s celebrate the final days of camp with games, fun, and an end of the year summer party!

Field Trip: Sunny Send Off (at camp)

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Week 11: August 12 – August 13

Get ready to kick off the new school year with a week filled with fun, friendship, and educational adventures. Let’s celebrate the joy of learning and the excitement of a fresh academic journey together in a vibrant and supportive camp environment!

Leader In Training (LIT) Program

In our LIT program, teens have the opportunity to shadow our Summer Day Camp Counselors and develop their leadership skills through hands-on interactions with children and Summer Day Camp Staff. This is the perfect program for teens that have the desire to become future camp counselors and leaders.

This program is designed for teens ages 13-15 and will provide participants with the training, tools, and experience to become an effective leader, and to develop the skills necessary for a strong work ethic.

Week 1 – 2 

Orientation and Camp Overview

  • Intro to camp philosophy, policies, and procedures
  • Icebreaker activities and team-building exercises
  • Understanding the role of leader, LIT expectations
  • Safety/emergency training (first aid basics)
  • Communication skills development/conflict resolution

Week 3 – 4

Child Development/Behavior Management

  • Understanding child psychology/age-appropriate activities
  • Effective behavior management techniques, positive reinforcement
  • Developing patience, empathy, and active listening skills
  • Creating inclusive and supporting environments for campers
  • Managing group dynamics and fostering a positive camp culture

Week 5 – 6

Leadership and Teamwork

  • Identifying personal strengths and areas for growth as a leader
  • Team-building challenges and group projects to foster collaboration
  • Time management and organizational skills for handling multiple tasks
  • Setting goals and developing a personal leadership action plan

Week 7 – 8

Activity Planning and Implementation

  • Learning how to design engaging and age-appropriate camp activities
  • Incorporating educational elements into recreational programs
  • Adapting activities for campers with diverse abilities and interests
  • Effective presentation and communication techniques during activities
  • Receiving feedback and making necessary adjustments to activities

Week 9 – 10

Reflection and Future Development

  • Reflecting on personal growth and development throughout the program
  • Identifying areas for continued improvement and skill enhancement
  • Building a network and understanding the importance of professional relationships
  • Crafting a personal mission statement for future involvement in camp leadership
  • Graduation ceremony and celebration of achievements

To request a Summer Camp Enrollment packet, please fill out the form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration is now open. Please email our Youth Billing Manager at [email protected]. She will send you the registration packet for you to fill out and return.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

1)Once you receive the packet, print the registration packet or use the fillable feature to fill it out on your computer.

2)Fill out one packet and, making sure not to leave any anwers blank (use a slash or “n/a” for anything that does not apply)

3) Scan your packet if printed OR save the filled out packet to your desktop and email the packet back to [email protected]. (Please do not send pictures of your packet. There are many great free scanning apps for your smartphone that will make this process a breeze! If you do not have access to a smartphone or scanning device, or the ability to fill out the form on your computer, please email [email protected])

Camp is mainly located at Chesterton Middle School, there are a few days we will be at the Forchetti Center for Early Learning. These dates will be communicated closer to the start of camp.

We provide care from 6:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday. Our camp day runs from 9:00am-4:00pm. We ask that campers are not dropped off after 9:30am or picked up before 4:00pm, unless there are special circumstances that have been communicated with our director, due to the complex daily schedules and staffing.

Parents will be asked to list anyone eligible to pick up their child when they register for camp. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the YMCA informed and up-to-date with the appropriate information, such as who can pick up the child and emergency contact information. Photo identification will be required upon pick-up for the safety of all children and families.

Please bring your child to camp in clothes appropriate for getting dirty, playing games, and having fun. Also consider the weather conditions for the day when choosing attire. We recommend wearing shoes that won’t easily come off. No sandals, please. Remember to include a swimsuit and towel for your camper as well.

Camp shirts are only required on field trip days (Fridays). Camp shirts will be distributed to campers upon their first field trip

All children will be swim tested prior to swimming to be evaluated by our lifeguards. This ensure that all campers remain safe in the pool. Campers are able to swim test once a week, with the approval of a swim instructor.

Yes, parents need to pack a lunch for their camper every day. Please don’t send food that spoils quickly in the heat. We unfortunately do not have the means to refrigerate lunches.

We provide breakfast, a morning snack, and 2 afternoon snacks. Lunch is NOT provided. Campers must bring a nut-free sack lunch each day.

If there is ever a change to your campers schedule, we ask that you contact both our director and billing manager.

Yes. You only register for the weeks of camp you need and you will only pay for the weeks your child attends. Additional camp
weeks may be added by emailing [email protected] after your original registration. You do not have to pay an additional registration fee.

We ask that you apply the first coat of sunscreen and bug spray at home each morning before coming to camp. Send a bottle of sunscreen and bug spray, labeled with your camper’s name, in your camper’s backpack so they can reapply throughout the day.

We want to thank all our campers, families, and staff for a great summer! Our campers have shared so many memories – making friends, taking on new adventures, and learning all along the way. Stay tuned for more information about Summer Camp in 2025. Check out a few of our favorite photos from this summer.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

We're here to help!

For information regarding Camp registration and payment, please email [email protected].

Previous
Next