Day Camp Newsletters

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 3.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with COVID-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities, and more!

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

• Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning. We have activity-packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 
• Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!
• Sunscreen!! Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!
• Bathing suit, towel, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Every camper will go to the waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!
• A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!
• Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!
• Equestrian Day Camp only – Campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning. They will also need to wear close-toed shoes. Sneakers are perfectly acceptable. We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

What will my camper eat?
Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10-minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria-style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 6 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 3 is as follows:

• Monday:  Sack Lunch!  Peanut Butter and Jelly (Campers can choose just peanut butter or just jelly), chips, fruit cup, and string cheese.
• Tuesday:  Pizza, Breadsticks and Fruit Cup
• Wednesday: Sack Lunch!  Turkey and Cheese (PB&J always available), carrot sticks and fruit cup
• Thursday:  Cheeseburger, Pretzels, Cucumber Slices and Fruit Cup
• Friday:  Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Cheese stick and Fruit Cup

*If you feel more comfortable sending your child with a lunch from home, please feel free to send a lunch with them.

Camp Snack Shack and Camp Store
Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.

Daily Check-In
Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home. Check-in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

Daily Check-Out
Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you. Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick-up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

What will my camper do while at camp?
The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking, and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of bigfoot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

Swimming in Corey Lake
The waterfront is one of the most treasured places on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19
We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

• All staff receives a health screening every day before reporting to duty.
• All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.
• All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.
• Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.
• Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center, and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.
• Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.
• We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.
• Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.
• All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.
• A certified camp nurse is on-site every day from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.
• Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.
• All staff has been trained on signs and symptoms of COVID -19.
• Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.
• Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.
• Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 
• Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided by the Health Department at this time.

The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all heath-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to COVID-19
We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to COVID-19, we are required to take them more seriously. The following precautions will be taken:

• Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.
• Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp
We can be contacted in the camp office from 8 am – 6 pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org.

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 4.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

Daily Check-In

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

Daily Check-Out

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

 

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 6 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 4 will be provided in the check-in letter on Monday.

*If you feel more comfortable sending your child with a lunch from home, please feel free to send a lunch with them.

Camp Snack Shack and Camp Store:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

 

All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all heath-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 5.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

 

Daily Check-In, 9am

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

 

Daily Check-Out, 4pm

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

 

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

 

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 6 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 5 is as follows:

Monday: Cheese Burger, French Fried, Fruit Cup and Carrot Sticks

Tuesday: Cheese Pizza, Garlic Toast, Fruit cup and veggie

Wednesday: Chicken Quesadilla, Spanish Rice and Fruit Cup

Thursday: Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Chips, Fruit Cup, Cucumber Slices

Friday: Corn Dog, Tater Tots, Fruit Cup, Cheese Stick

 

*Please note menu is subject to change due to availability

**If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a pack lunch with your camper.

 

Camp Snack Shack, Camp Store and Tye-Dye:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.  

Camp Eberhart Tye-Dye T-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for $8.00, but campers are also allowed to bring their own t-shirt from home!

 

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

 

Hoof-Beats and Pony Campers

All campers in our equestrian programs will need to arrive at camp in long pants and closed toed shoes.  Equestrian campers will spend the entire morning at the barn and then enjoy traditional camp activities and swimming in the waterfront.  Please be sure to send your campers with shorts for the afternoon!  Please be sure to apply sunscreen before arrival!

 

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

 

Camp Photos

You can view day camp photos at ymcacampeberhart.smugmug.com.  Please do not log in to smugmug.  You only need to click on Summer 2020 and open the Session 5 folder.  When prompted, please enter the following password: DayCamp52020

Please note that we try our best to take and upload photos daily but we are focused mainly on a safe camp experience for all out kids and the quantity of photos will likely be less than in previous summers.

 

 

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

 

All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all heath-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org. Additionally, this newsletter can be found on our website at any time!

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 6.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

 

Daily Check-In, 9am

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

 

Daily Check-Out, 4pm

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

 

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

 

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 6 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 5 is as follows:

Monday: Sloppy Joes, Pretzels, Cheese Stick and Applesauce

Tuesday: Cheese Pizza, Garlic Toast, Fruit cup and veggie

Wednesday: Tacos, Nachos and Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Ravioli with Garlic Toast, Veggie and Fruit Cup

Friday: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese, Veggie and Fruit Cup

 

*Please note menu is subject to change due to availability

**If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a pack lunch with your camper.

 

Camp Snack Shack, Camp Store and Tye-Dye:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.  

Camp Eberhart Tye-Dye T-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for $8.00, but campers are also allowed to bring their own t-shirt from home!

 

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

 

Hoof-Beats and Pony Campers

All campers in our equestrian programs will need to arrive at camp in long pants and closed toed shoes.  Equestrian campers will spend the entire morning at the barn and then enjoy traditional camp activities and swimming in the waterfront.  Please be sure to send your campers with shorts for the afternoon!  Please be sure to apply sunscreen before arrival!

 

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

 

Camp Photos

You can view day camp photos at ymcacampeberhart.smugmug.com.  Please do not log in to smugmug.  You only need to click on Summer 2020 and open the Session 5 folder.  When prompted, please enter the following password: DayCamp62020

Please note that we try our best to take and upload photos daily but we are focused mainly on a safe camp experience for all out kids and the quantity of photos will likely be less than in previous summers.

 

 

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

 

·         All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

·         All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

·         All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

·         Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

·         Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

·         Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

·         We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

·         Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

·         All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

·         A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

·         Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

·         All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

·         Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

·         Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

·         Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

·         Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

·         The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all health-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org. Additionally, this newsletter can be found on our website at any time!

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 7.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

Daily Check-In, 9am

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

Daily Check-Out, 4pm

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 7 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 7 will be listed in the parent letter provided during check in on Monday morning. **If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a pack lunch with your camper.

Camp Snack Shack, Camp Store and Tye-Dye:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.  

Camp Eberhart Tye-Dye T-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for $8.00, but campers are also allowed to bring their own t-shirt from home!

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

Hoof-Beats and Pony Campers

All campers in our equestrian programs will need to arrive at camp in long pants and closed toed shoes.  Equestrian campers will spend the entire morning at the barn and then enjoy traditional camp activities and swimming in the waterfront.  Please be sure to send your campers with shorts for the afternoon!  Please be sure to apply sunscreen before arrival!

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

Camp Photos

You can view day camp photos at ymcacampeberhart.smugmug.com.  Please do not log in to smugmug.  You only need to click on Summer 2020 and open the Session 7 folder.  When prompted, please enter the following password: DayCamp72020

Please note that we try our best to take and upload photos daily but we are focused mainly on a safe camp experience for all out kids and the quantity of photos will likely be less than in previous summers.

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

·         All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

·         All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

·         All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

·         Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

·         Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

·         Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

·         We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

·         Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

·         All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

·         A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

·         Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

·         All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

·         Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

·         Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

·         Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

·         Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

·         The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all health-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org. Additionally, this newsletter can be found on our website at any time!

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 8.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

Daily Check-In, 9am

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

Daily Check-Out, 4pm

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 7 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 7 will be listed in the parent letter provided during check in on Monday morning. **If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a pack lunch with your camper.

Camp Snack Shack, Camp Store and Tye-Dye:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.  

Camp Eberhart Tye-Dye T-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for $8.00, but campers are also allowed to bring their own t-shirt from home!

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

Hoof-Beats and Pony Campers

All campers in our equestrian programs will need to arrive at camp in long pants and closed toed shoes.  Equestrian campers will spend the entire morning at the barn and then enjoy traditional camp activities and swimming in the waterfront.  Please be sure to send your campers with shorts for the afternoon!  Please be sure to apply sunscreen before arrival!

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

Camp Photos

You can view day camp photos at ymcacampeberhart.smugmug.com.  Please do not log in to smugmug.  You only need to click on Summer 2020 and open the Session 7 folder.  When prompted, please enter the following password: DayCamp82020

Please note that we try our best to take and upload photos daily but we are focused mainly on a safe camp experience for all out kids and the quantity of photos will likely be less than in previous summers.

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

·         All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

·         All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

·         All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

·         Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

·         Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

·         Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

·         We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

·         Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

·         All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

·         A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

·         Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

·         All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

·         Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

·         Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

·         Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

·         Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

·         The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all health-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org. Additionally, this newsletter can be found on our website at any time!

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!

Dear Day Camp Family,

Welcome to Day Camp 2020!  We are so excited to have your campers at YMCA Camp Eberhart for Day Camp Session 9.  From the last day of camp last summer to the first day of camp this summer, we have been busy preparing for this summer.  As we all know, there have been some challenges along the way with Covid-19 and we have put together a great plan to help ensure the safety of your campers and all the staff.  Please see below for more details about drop-off and pick-up, meals, activities and more!

Daily Check-In, 9am

Please screen your camper every morning before arriving for camp.  Children with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms should stay home.  Check in will be at Klinger Dinning Hall.  In response to Covid-19, all campers will receive a daily wellness screening including a temperature check while still in their vehicle from a trained camp staff.  Campers will be asked how they feel that day and parents will be asked if their child has been in contact with anyone with or suspected of having Covid-19.  We will also ask parents about the overall wellness of their child.  After going through the wellness screen campers can be signed in with the Day Camp Director and allowed to join their day camp group.  Parents should not accompany their campers to their day camp group.  Staff will be on hand to answer any questions, including the camp nurse who can receive any medications.  Please make sure all medications are in their original bottle.  We can not dispense medications that come otherwise.  Should you need to park for any reason, a designated parking space will be provided.  The Camp Executive Director will be at check-in every Monday morning to address questions or concerns.

Daily Check-Out, 4pm

Check-out will also take place at Klinger Hall.  Please stay in your vehicle and we will come to you to sign your camper out before releasing them to you.  You will need to have a photo ID with you.  Anyone picking up your camper must be on our approved authorized pick up list.  If you would like to add someone to that list, please call or email the camp office in advance.

What does my camper need for a great day camp experience?

Please be sure your camper has a nutritious breakfast each morning.  We have activity packed days and a full breakfast is necessary to keep your camper energized and feeling good! 

Every day camper needs to bring a filled water bottle with their name on it!  We can refill their water bottles throughout the day, but they should start with a full bottle from home.  We are not able to have our drinking fountains on this summer (Covid-19) so water bottles will be very important!

Sunscreen!!  Please sunscreen your camper before arrival at camp and send them with sunscreen in their backpack.  We will have them reapply before swim time.  Our staff is trained and ready to help any camper apply their sunscreen.  We recommend a sunscreen stick for faces – it looks very much like a glue stick but works great for applying to the face and avoiding the eyes!  Please be sure to write your camper’s names on everything, including sunscreen!

Bathing Suit, Towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes.  Every camper will go to waterfront daily.  Even if they do not plan to swim, they will be on the beach and should be able to dress accordingly.  We highly recommend a plastic bag for campers to put their towel and bathing suit in after they swim!  If you send your camper to camp in their bathing suit, don’t forget to pack clean underwear for when they get out.  You may even want to pack an extra pair of clean socks and underwear so campers are putting on fresh undergarments after running around all morning!

A good, sturdy backpack that can be worn over the shoulders is the best way for campers to carry all their items!

Depending on the weather, please feel free to pack rain gear or a light sweatshirt as necessary.  Please be sure to write your camper’s name on all their items!

Equestrian Day Camp only – campers will need to wear long pants to camp each day as they will ride each morning.  They will also need to wear close toed shoes.  Sneakers are perfectly acceptable.  We recommend packing a pair of shorts to change into after their afternoon swim time!

What will my camper eat?

Each morning your camper will receive a camp snack around 10:30am and lunch is served at Noon.  In response to Covid-19, campers will enter the dining hall in 10 minute intervals so that every camper has plenty of time to thoroughly wash their hands and staff can sanitize the bathrooms between each group of campers.  Meals will be served cafeteria style this summer.  Our Food Service Director will prepare a tray for each individual camper and will be following Health Department approved procedures to ensure that food is individually packaged and untouched through the whole service process.  Campers will be sitting with their camper group with an empty seat between each camper and tables separated well over 7 feet apart.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to have our salad and sandwich bar available to campers this summer.  However, Peanut Butter and Jelly will be available each day and a fresh fruit and/or vegetable will also be provided daily.  Please note, we will not be a nut-free facility this summer.  The menu for Day Camp Session 7 will be listed in the parent letter provided during check in on Monday morning. **If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a pack lunch with your camper.

Camp Snack Shack, Camp Store and Tye-Dye:

Every afternoon your camper will be able to visit the Snack Shack where they have the option of purchasing one beverage (no soda) and one snack (either an ice cream, chips or candy).  All items are either $1.00 or $2.00.  Please do not send your camper to camp with cash!  All purchases are made through their camp store account.  Funds can be placed into this account by logging into your camper’s registration account.  You can also call the camp office and we would be happy to assist you.

Campers are also given an option to purchase items from the camp store every Thursday.  Items include t-shirts, Nalgene bottles, stuffed animals and more.  Most items are $15.00 or less.  Again, please do not send cash as all purchases will go through their camp account.  

Camp Eberhart Tye-Dye T-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for $8.00, but campers are also allowed to bring their own t-shirt from home!

What will my camper do while at camp?

The day camp schedule is put together to allow for campers to have some group choice time to choose activities they really enjoyed and may want to repeat, or to allow for creative programming time.  Each camper will experience the following activities every week:  Daily swimming, boating, arts & crafts, nature activities, arena ride, athletics, s’mores, gaga ball, fishing, hiking and a closing campfire with songs and silliness!  Our staff are trained to offer fun and exciting activities all day long – they may even have a sighting of big foot!  A weekly schedule will be sent home on Monday afternoon.

Hoof-Beats and Pony Campers

All campers in our equestrian programs will need to arrive at camp in long pants and closed toed shoes.  Equestrian campers will spend the entire morning at the barn and then enjoy traditional camp activities and swimming in the waterfront.  Please be sure to send your campers with shorts for the afternoon!  Please be sure to apply sunscreen before arrival!

Swimming in Corey Lake

The waterfront is one of the most treasure placed on all of camp.  YMCA Camp Eberhart has a waterfront director that is not only lifeguard trained, but also holds a Water Safety Instructor certification.  All camp lifeguards hold lifeguard certifications and have practiced all their skills at our waterfront.  Campers utilize a tagged buddy system while at the lake and buddy checks happen every 5 to 7 minutes.  Additionally, any camper that would like to jump off our Super Dock must pass the YMCA Camp Eberhart swim test which is offered every Monday.

Camp Photos

You can view day camp photos at ymcacampeberhart.smugmug.com.  Please do not log in to smugmug.  You only need to click on Summer 2020 and open the Session 7 folder.  When prompted, please enter the following password: DayCamp92020

Please note that we try our best to take and upload photos daily but we are focused mainly on a safe camp experience for all out kids and the quantity of photos will likely be less than in previous summers.

Protecting campers and staff during COVID-19

We have taken great measures to ensure that our campers and staff remain healthy while at camp.  They include all of the following:

·         All staff receive a health screening every day before reporting to duty.

·         All campers receive a health screening every day before joining camp.

·         All campers and staff are required to wash their hands before lunch and sanitize their hands prior to snack or the snack shack.  All Sanitizer is provided by camp.

·         Touchless trash cans will be available at all times.

·         Drinking fountains will not be in use this summer but water bottle refill stations will be located at Klinger Hall, the Wellness Center and the Craft Shop.  All campers will need to bring their own personal water bottle to camp every day.

·         Day Camp Groups will not be able to mix with other groups while at camp.

·         We have hired staff specifically for cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day including set times to clean and sanitize bathrooms and common spaces.

·         Every staff member has been equipped with hand sanitizer for use with campers between activities.

·         All staff will wear masks when conducting morning wellness screening and any indoor activities.  Campers are not required to wear masks while indoors but will be encouraged to wear one if so instructed by their parents/guardian.  Aside from lunch and swimming, campers will not share any program area with another camper group.

·         A certified camp nurse is on site everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment when attending to any camper or staff medical needs.

·         Campers will receive a daily swim period.  We have divided our swim time into two periods as well as divide our waterfront into swim sections so that each camper group is able to stay socially distance from other camper groups.

·         All staff have been trained on signs and symptoms of Covid -19.

·         Our wellness center has private rooms should any camper feel ill while at camp.

·         Every camper and staff will receive a second temperature check at lunch.

·         Should a camper become ill while at camp they will be immediately separated from their camper group and their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up. 

·         Should a confirmed case of Covid-19 be traced back to YMCA Camp Eberhart both the health department and all camper families will be informed.  YMCA Camp Eberhart will follow all guidelines as provided from the Health Department at this time.

·         The point of contact onsite during camp operation to manage all health-related Covid-19 concerns is the Executive Camp Director, Katia Martin.

A few notes as they pertain to Covid-19.

We understand the concerns and questions that come with operating a camp during a pandemic.  We have worked very hard to provide a safe and healthy environment for your camper.  We welcome any additional questions and are happy to talk through all concerns.  Please feel free to call us directly at (269) 244-5125.  Please understand that there are other very natural illness campers may have over the course of the summer and that we are very accustomed to seeing in the camp setting (stomach bug, sore throat from allergies, constipation, tired from a long day, etc).  However, due to Covid-19 we are required to take them more seriously.  The following precautions will be taken:

Should your camper develop a fever of 100.4 or higher they will not be permitted to return to camp until they are fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.

Should a camper vomit while at camp, they will be provided a safe place to rest in the wellness center and parents will be asked to pick them up as soon as possible.

Contacting us at Camp

We can be contacted in the camp office from 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.  The phone number is: (269) 244-5125.  We can also be reached via email at office@ymcacampeberhart.org. Additionally, this newsletter can be found on our website at any time!

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Eberhart for your camper!  We are so excited for them to join us this summer and are looking forward to a great summer!