Day Camp | Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA

Day Camp

Discovery Day Camp provides FUN, friendship, safety and opportunities for children to DISCOVER the very best in themselves. Camp Discovery is founded on the YMCA purpose of fostering positive spiritual, mental and physical development and our core values

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YMCA CAMP DISCOVERY

Our magic is rooted in the YMCA purpose of fostering positive spiritual, mental and physical development and in our core values of caring, respect, honesty & responsibility. Our staff make these come alive as they provide every camper with opportunities to experience success in both new and familiar pursuits and build relationships between campers that help form lasting friendships. We work tirelessly to inspire every camper to remark upon their departure, "I had so much fun, I can’t wait to come back!".

Our summer day camp program provides almost limitless opportunities for FUN in a safe and nurturing environment. We take exceptional care to meet the developmental needs of every child.

Nowhere is the setting for this magical experience more inspiring! 1,100 forested acres surrounding our private 42-acre Nichecronk Lake provide us with an unspoiled natural environment to discover and enjoy. When the sun shines you’ll find us traipsing through fields and forests and jumping into crystal clear waters. Rain doesn’t keep us from enjoying the fun as we have lots of indoor space. Since our establishment in 1948 as the first YMCA camp to accept children of diverse races, economic backgrounds, religions and nationalities, Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA has provided magical summer camp experiences for thousands of children. DISCOVER the magic this coming summer!

YMCA CAMP DISCOVERY - DAY CAMP PROGRAM

KINDER KAMP is ideal for children ages 3-5 (must be toilet trained) who have not yet attended kindergarten. Lots of hands-on activities, dramatic play and group games are offered each day. Kinder Kampers find our low staff to camper ratios and lively program are an excellent introduction to the outdoor summer day camp experience. Kinder Kampers may participate in Full Day (8:45 – 4:45) or Mornings Only (8:45 – 12:45).

Boys and girls entering 1st & 2nd grades are aptly named EXPLORERS for their passion for exploring new places, people and things. They are busily engaged in a wide array of activities - gaining skills and confidence. You’ll hear their cries of “I did it!” ring out as they experience success throughout the day.

PATHFINDERS, 3rd & 4th graders are mastering new and familiar activities and skills. Pathfinders learn how to be successful members of a group or team and continue finding new abilities and confidence.

5th & 6th grade ADVENTURERS reach for new levels of achievement and confidence through a growing array of activities and group challenges. Adventurers participate in community service projects that help them take responsibility for improving their own world.

Our 7th & 8th graders personify the title "TRAILBLAZERS" as they enjoy a variety of activities, develop leadership skills and begin to learn about others’ needs. They enjoy all of the traditional day camp activities as well as have opportunities to participate in activities for more mature campers, such as high ropes course, mountain biking, kayaking and more. Trailblazers organize community service projects each week.

COUNSELORS IN TRAINING (CITs) are 9th & 10th graders who have enjoyed the summer day camp experience in the past and are thinking about working with children in the future. The CIT program allows them to master skills and then learn to lead and teach them. CITs also develop an understanding of child development. They practice instruction skills with younger campers under the guidance of the CIT Counselor. CIT sessions are two weeks each.

A Typical Day!
7:00 am – 8:45 am	Before Camp Care*
8:45 am – 9:00 am	Camper Drop Off
9:00 am	Opening circle
9:15 am – 11:15 am	Activity Periods 1 & 2
11:30 am – 12:30 pm	Lunch
12:30 pm – 3:15 pm	Activity Periods 3 & 4
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm	Discovery Hour
4:30 pm	Closing Circle
4:45 pm - 5:00 pm	Camper Pick Up
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm	After Camp Care*
	* additional fees apply

Sample Activities**
Team Sports	Group Games
Fishing	Archery
Row Boating	Camp Craft
Kayaking	Canoeing
Outdoor Cooking	Nature Exploration
Drama	Hiking
Mountain Biking	Leadership Development
Climbing	Arts & Crafts
Team Building	Swim Lessons ***
Riflery	Free Swim and more...
** Not all activities available all days and/or for all ages. Example: Boating activities are restricted by swim level and age.	*** Required for all ages unless other arrangements are made with the Camp Director.

Discovery Hour

Discovery Hour gives each camper a choice of activity that they select for themselves each day. Some examples are yo-yo games, gardening, sports, puppetry, magic, outdoor cooking, science experiments.

Closing Campfires

We close each week with a special campfire program at the end of the camp day. Families are encouraged to join us for this special celebration that features performances by all campers.

Horseback Riding

Day Campers, ages 8+ and minimum 52 inches tall, may add Horseback Riding Lessons (1 hour per day) to their camp experience at an additional fee of $125 per week or may participate in the 3 hour per day Ranch Camp Program for those who are true horse lovers! the Ranch Program expands lessons in equitation, horse care, grooming & tacking as well as barn maintenance.

Special Needs

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA strives to meet the developmental needs of children and adolescents through high quality programs and activities. We are pleased to accommodate campers with special needs whenever possible. Please contact our day camp director to determine how we may meet the needs of your child.

Financial Assistance

Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA is dedicated to the many benefits of the camp experience for all. We make every effort to provide financial assistance to campers who require it in order to participate. For information about Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA Campershipss, contact our office at 570-828-2329.

The Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation provides scholarship assistance to enable children with special needs to participate in Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA Summer Day and Resident Camp Programs. Please call Maria at the Biondo Foundation @ (570)686-2402 for information and an application.

2010 RATES

Full Day Program (M - F 8:45 am - 4:45 pm) $ 158/wk
Half Day Program Kinder Kamp Only (M - F 8:45 am - 12:45 pm) $ 110/wk

Counselors in Trainiing (M - F 8:45 am - 4:45 pm) $ 158/2 wk session

Before Camp Care (M- F 7 am - 8:45 am) 20/wk
After Camp Care (M - F 4:45 pm - 6 pm) $ 15/wk

Horseback Riding Options / Rates

Daily Lessons: M - F, one hour per day lessons = $ 125/wk + Full Day Program

Ranch Camp: M - F, three hours per day = $ 175/wk + Full Day Program

Registation & Deposit

Register now and pay a $ 25 deposit per week. Upon receipt of your registration, we will provide you with payment plan options of equal monthly installments, bi-monthly installments or three installments due on February, April and June 1st.

Camp Speers-Eljabar