We know that you probably have lots of questions when deciding upon the right summer camp experience. Here are some of the common questions that we hear from camp parents, families, and kids. We always welcome the opportunity to talk with you individually about our programs. Please call, email, or come on up for a camp tour anytime! Phone 715.276.7116 or Email campunie@greenbayymca.org
How do I know if my child is ready for an overnight camp?
Each child is unique and may be ready at different developmental levels. There is no magic age when they are "ready", although we recommend our 4-day program for 7-10 year olds and the full week program for 8-14 year olds as a guideline. So, how will you know when it is time to send them off to overnight camp? Let your child guide you! If they express excitement and interest in an overnight camp, they are probably ready. A little bit of hesitation is normal, but they will let you know when they are ready to be away from home and you! A few other signs are that they have had success at a day camp experience, show independence in social or extracurricular activities or they have slept away from home and the family for at least 1 night.
Can I take a tour of Camp before my child attends or registers for summer camp?
Absolutely! We welcome and encourage camp tours for our campers and their families. We offer two Open Houses each year, but if those are not convenient, simply contact the camp office to arrange for a private camp tour.
Maple Sugar Festival Open House on March 31st from 10AM-1PM
Summer Kick-Off Open House on June 13th from 5-7PM
How will my camper be placed into a cabin group?
Each cabin group consists of 6-8 campers of the same gender and approximate age. Campers will be within 1 year of age as the others in their cabin. You may request a cabin mate at the time of registration, and provided it is mutual, the campers are within 1 year of age and space allows, we will do everything that we can to honor that request. If your child will not be coming with a friend, we will place him/her into a group with other single campers to help with building friendships and cabin group cohesion.
Where does my child stay at camp?
We are fortunate to be a year-round camp, so we have cozy heated cabins with hardwood floors, fireplaces, bunk beds with safety railings. Your camper will stay in a single bunk bed for the week. The counselors stay in the same cabin as their cabin group.
Where are the bathrooms and showers located?
We have centrally located bathhouses on each side of camp, as well as facilities in our Dining Hall Complex. We have modern, private shower and bathrooms. Do the toilets flush? You bet!
Can I request that my child be in the same cabin group as their friend or sibling?
Absolutely! We try to honor all cabin mate requests if availability allows. The children must be within 1 year of age and the request must be mutual. Please provide the name(s) of your child's cabinmate request at the time of registration.
When does the Camp week begin and end?
The camp week begins on Sunday afternoons. The camp gate will open at 1:30 and you will be greeted by a camp staff member and receive your cabin and counselor assignment. You can then spend some time settling in and touring camp. Families are welcome to attend our Opening Ceremonies at 3:30.
The camp sessions wrap up on Friday afternoons. Campers board the bus for Green Bay at 3PM and arrive to the West Side YMCA in Howard between 4:15-4:30PM. Some kids are picked up at Camp on Friday, please arrive at 2:45 to check-out. You will let us know your child's return transportation plans on the transportation form in your confirmation materials.
How does my child get to and from Camp?
Family members bring their campers to U-Nah-Li-Ya on Sunday afternoon between 1:30-3:00PM. They ride a bus (provided in the camp fee) back to Green Bay on Friday afternoon, arriving to our West Side YMCA in Howard between 4:15-4:30PM.
What is the typical daily camp schedule?
Please refer to our Daily Camp Schedule for the line-up of fun!
Is there a different theme each week?
Yes! Each week has a different theme that is incorporated into some of our daily activities, meals, and games and culminates in our Thursday special events activities with theme-based activities for the entire camp. Check out this summer's Theme Weeks.
Tell me about the camp store - How does my child make purchases? Are there limits?
The camp store is open before and after dinner each day. Each camper will have a camp store account, as we do not want them to have any cash while at camp. Each camper begins with $5 credit and additional monies can be added at the time of registration or on check-in day. When your camper visits the store, the amount of their purchase will be noted on their store card and "debited" from their total. They can only purchase treats after dinner and are limited to 2 edible items and 1 drink each day.
Balances that remain on your camper's store account at the end of their week will be donated to the Strong Kids Fund, which provides financial assistance and program subisidies for our campers.
How are the Camp Counselors selected and trained?
Our camp counselors are selected based upon their strengths in being a strong and positive role model for youth and providing a fun and safe environment for our campers. Each counselor is at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 1 year of college experience. They undergo an application and interview process with Camp's Senior Director, and are further screened with reference and background checks. Many of our camp counselors are "home grown" and have progressed from being Unie campers and Teen Leaders to full camp counselors, while others are new to the camp family and bring wonderful perspective, energy and ideas!
Camp Staff are certified in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. Our trip leaders also receive training in Wilderness First Aid. The staff team participates in an 8 day pre-camp training session to learn all of the skills and practices to lead an effective camp program, work with campers, and ensure a safe camp week for all.
What types of meals are served at Camp?
Meals are served in our Dining Hall. The campers sit together as a cabin group with their counselor and enjoy a community, family-style meal. We serve healthy and kid-friendly food - Check out the daily menu.
My child has special dietary needs, can that be accommodated?
We understand that children may have food allergies, sensitivities, vegetarian preferences, or medical cirumstances that determine their diet. Please note any needs or allergies for your camper on their health form. If your child requires a very specific diet plan such as gluten free or vegan, we recommend calling camp at least 2 weeks ahead of time to talk with our Food Service Manager. We want your child to be healthy and nourished at camp and will work with you to make that happen!
I am a nervous about sending my child alone, will they make friends?
Making friends at camp comes so naturally! It happens during program areas, at mealtimes, and during free times. Our camp counselors focus on teambuilding and relationship building from the first moment your camper arrives so that kids feel comfortable and confident in making new camp friends.
How can I stay in touch with my camper while they are away at Camp?
We understand that the overnight camp experience is a family experience! We try to allow the parents, sibling, and grandparents at home to be a part of the camp fun too. Each day, photos from the day are posted to our Bunk1.com site so that you can see what our campers have been doing. You can also send daily emails to them that will be delivered at dinner time using our free one-way email system available through our partner site Bunk1. Good old-fashioned snail mail is wonderful to receive!
Can my child call or email me while they are at camp?
Your camper will not have access or the ability to call or use a computer to email you while they are away at camp. We encourage them to write a letter home, so send along a stamped, pre-addressed envelope or postcard. The Camp Director is always available by phone or email if you want to check in, she would be happy to report back!
What if my child gets homesick?
Homesickness is a very normal, and often temporary, response for some children who attend camp. Proper preparation and preventive measures will allow your child (and you!) to have a great week. With proper handling by parents, staff, and campers, a case of homesickness can be prevented or easily overcome, while the camper gains independence and feelings of success and pride. The camp staff are extensively trained to handle homesickness in a sensitive and compassionate way so that your camper has a great week!
Here are some tips for camper families to begin the process before their camper even begins packing their bags for camp.
1. Encourage sleepovers at a friend or relative's home prior to camp.
2. Plan a visit to Camp prior to their camp session. This allows campers and parents to see the "unknown", ask questions, become familiar with camp, and get excited about their week away. Tours are available anytime, simply call to schedule and come on up for a visit!
3. With your camper, explore the camp website, view the pictures and dvd or request your own complimentary copy to be sent by mail and view at home.
4. Read stories about camp to your child or have a friend or sibling who has attended camp share their stories.
5. Tell, tell, and re-tell your child how much fun you want them to have at camp. While you will surely miss them, you want them to have a great time, make friends, and try new fun activities. Share your pride in their success at camp.
6. Do not give your child an "out" such as promising that they can call or come home or that you will pick them up early, this often makes matters much worse. The Director will call if needed. Campers are not allowed to call or email during the camp week.
7. Send a familiar object from home such as a stuffed animal or pillow. This "transitional" object will ease adjustment to camp.
Each morning there are "program areas", how will my child choose what activities they take part in?
On Sunday evening, campers will select and sign-up for their program areas for the entire week. There are 9 program areas to choose from and they are offered Monday-Thursday mornings. They will select 2 one-hour sessions each day. The program areas are progressive in nature, so campers will be with other campers of similar age and developmental level.
My child is not a strong swimmer, will they still be able to participate in the swimming and boating activities?
Absolutely! On the first day of camp, campers are assessed by our Waterfront Staff to determine their swimming ability. They will be assigned a buddy number and ability color (red, white or blue). Based upon their level, they may have to wear a camp lifejacket in the deep-end, shallow-end or both. The best part is that regardless of swimming ability, they can still go in the deep end, down the water slide, or on the water trampoline - they may just need a lifejacket, but no one will miss the fun!
For boating, all campers are required to wear a lifejacket regardless of their swimming level. They will be taught how to properly wear and fasten their lifejacket on the first day of camp, and staff check to make sure that they are on correctly before any swimming or boating.
We use a buddy system for all water-related activites, and they are supervised by a Lifeguard. Campers check into and out of the waterfront using their buddy chips and we perform frequent buddy checks to ensure camper safety.
What should I pack for my camper's week at U-Nah-Li-Ya?
Please refer to our list of recommended items to pack for your child's week with us. Here it is!
Can my camper bring electronic devices to camp?
The only electronic item we allow at camp is a digital camera which should be labeled and remain with your child or in their belongings. Please do not allow your child or teen to bring a cell phone, ipod, or electronic games for their week at U-Nah-Li-Ya. These are valuable items that we do not want as part of the camp experience.
Camp is the the original "social network" and we want kids to disconnect from electronics, cell phones, and texting so that they can connect with themselves, new friends, and the camp experience. Help us to preserve the integrity and character of the overnight camp experience by supervising your child's packing to make sure that they take a break from technology and plug into nature and camp!
