4005 S Soapstone Basin Rd. Kamas, UT 84036 801-466-6299 UPDATED: November 2025
YMCA OF NORTHERN UTAH
YMCA CAMP ROGER
SUMMER OVERNIGHT CAMP INFORMATION PACKET
CONTACT INFORMATION
Billing and Registration ymcautah.org/forms/connect-with-us/ Submit ticket and our Welcome Desk will get back to you! Camp Contact Jake Green, Camp Director jgreen@ymcautah.org 435.274.7227 Camp Contact Ben Wittig, Director of Camping bwittig@ymcautah.org 385.269.7200
SAVE TIME CHECKING IN BY:
Please have the following ready at check –in: Doctors orders for Prescription Medication Permission to possess epinephrine and/or inhaler Medication in original bottles
BEFORE CAMP BEGINS
Cabin mate requests MUST be the same age or no more than one year apart in grade in order for us to place them in the same cabin. Please make sure they register for the same camp session (traditional, leadership etc.) Cabin mate requests are limited to one individual; part of the fun of Summer Camp is to make new friends.
Cancellations must be received by the YMCA office in writing at least 6 weeks prior to your child’s camp session. Your camp fee will be refunded minus the $100.00 non-refundable deposit. Campers who must leave camp for medical reasons, not of their own choosing, will be sent a prorated refund upon request. A refund will not be given to those campers who miss their camp departure, fail to attend, choose to attend late/depart early or are sent home for behavioral reasons.
CABIN MATE REQUESTS
Now that you have registered for YMCA Camp Roger, you should have received an e-mail detailing: Sessions you registered for Balance owed on registrations and fees Camp fees and completed forms must be received SIX weeks before your first camp session. Campers will not be allowed to attend camp until all fees have been paid AND all forms are completed, signed and on file at the YMCA. PAYMENTS CAN BE PROCESSED BY: Debit/Credit card Check Cash – (in person at YMCA office) Please submit all completed forms online at least SIX weeks prior to your camper’s start date.
REFUNDS
The YMCA Staff want your campers to have the ultimate camp experience. We are excited your camper is joining us for a week of new friends, new skills and new experiences. This information packet is designed to acquaint you with the basic information needed to prepare for camp and help you get ready for a camp experience to last a lifetime! If you have any questions, please give us a call or drop us an e-mail!
We are so excited to see your camper at YMCA Camp Roger. Here are a few things to note as you are packing your child for camp: We do allow campers to wear sandals around camp. Please make sure they are high quality outdoor sandals and have a heel strap. Closed toed shoes are required for hikes and exploring our beautiful mountains. The mosquitoes tend to hang around more often this time of year. Please make sure to send your camper with extra bug spray and long sleeves. Summers in the Unitas are warm during the day and cold at night. Good sleeping bags and warm pajamas are a must and it's always a good idea to pack an extra set of clothes, accidents happen!
CLOTHING T-shirts Long Pants Shorts Swimsuit or clothes to get wet Underwear Pajamas Long sleeve shirts Jacket/coat/sweatshirt raincoat/poncho socks Sandals (Must have a heel strap) Water Shoes Tennis Shoes Warm hat Sun hat or baseball cap sun glasses BATHROOM toothpaste and toothbrush Body wash/shampoo/conditioner bath towel lotion sunscreen bug repellent feminine hygiene items BEDDING twin-size fitted sheet to cover mattress sleeping bag or comforter Blanket for night programs pillow OTHER ITEMS headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries LARGE water bottle or two smaller ones (kids need about 2 liters of water per day) laundry bag back pack your favorite science facts! disposable camera or light digital camera pens/pencils and paper for writing home stamped envelopes book or journal
PACKING LIST
Before dropping off your camper at their cabin, you will stop at a blue tent to meet with the Health Coordinator and Nurse. Where they will be lice-checked and you will need to turn in any medications they have with them. In order for your camper to attend camp, they must have completed all health forms on the registration platform. Please include any limitations or areas of concern regarding medications, diet, behavior, or daily routine. All medications must be given to the health coordinator at this time for proper storage. No one is allowed to administer their own medication while at camp, except inhalers and EPI pens and only with doctor’s approval. All medications must be in the original container that identifies the prescribing physician, the name of the medication, the dosage and the frequency of administration. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins will only be accepted when accompanied by a doctor’s prescription or signed instruction from a guardian. Do not pack any medication. All prescribed and over-the-counter medication must be given to the camp Health Coordinator at check-in.
Please complete all questions and forms required at the time of registration. Any additional waivers and forms needed before camp begins will be assigned to you in your parent portal six weeks prior to the camp season and must be submitted no later than two weeks before your session starts.
Sundays between 3:30-5:00pm You will be assigned a check in time the Thursday before your session begins. These are assigned based on the campers age/unit. NOTE: If you have more than one child at camp that week and were assigned multiple times, please choose the one that best fits your needs. If you have a conflict with your assigned time please contact the office, or Director ahead of time. We will reassign you, insofar as we are able to. Cabin assignments will not be given until you are checking your child in at camp. Please note that check-in involves important preparations to ensure your child’s stay at camp is successful! Our goal is to move you through the process as quickly as possible, in under an hour. However, it can take longer, depending how many campers arrive on a given day.
LETTERS TO YOUR CAMPER
CHECK-IN TIME
The camp store will be located near the Arts & Crafts shack and it will open after at end of your check-out process. It will only be open during check-out. Items for sale will include YMCA Camp Roger gear such as clothing, water bottles, soft toys etc. If you wish to purchase items at the store, please be prepared to make your purchase at that time. Campers should not have money with them while at camp.
HEALTH CENTER CHECK-IN
CAMP FORMS
To communicate with your campers while at camp, send them an email and we will print it out and hand deliver it to your camper. Simply type your child's name in the subject line, then put the message in the body of the email and we will take care of the rest. To email YMCA Camp Roger campers - send to camproger@ymcautah.org.
CHECK-IN INFORMATION
CAMP STORE
DIRECTIONS TO CAMP
TRANSPORTATION
We encourage guardians to drive to camp, meet the director and your camper’s counselors. YMCA Camp Roger is located in Soapstone Basin, 14.5 miles east of Kamas, UT on Highway 150 (Mirror Lake Highway). From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east past Park City Exit 146 on to US 40 to Heber Go approximately 4-5 miles toward Heber on US 40 Take Exit 4 to Park City ⁄ Kamas and turn left toward Kamas, 11 miles Once in Kamas, turn left at the first stoplight At the NEXT stoplight, turn right on to Highway 150 toward Mirror Lake Travel along Highway 150 for 14.5 miles until you reach Soapstone Basin Turn right, go across the bridge and keep following the dirt road until you see the sign for YMCA Camp Roger on your left. Follow the sign into camp and park in the parking lot, next to the horse corral ***Please note that if you are using a device's gps to get to camp, it could take you on the long route for the first three sessions. Mirror Lake highway is closed leading into summer. However YMCA Camp Roger is accessible from Mirror Lake Highway for all of YMCA Camp Rogers sessions. You should not access YMCA Camp Roger from Wolf Creek Pass
Camper transportation is available to and from YMCA Camp Roger. The cost of transportation is $30 each way. Space in the vehicle is limited so early registration is required. The pick-up/drop-off location is at Utah International Charter School (UICS.) The address is 3761 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 For Sunday Drop-off: Transportation arrives at 3:30 pm at UICS (Please be there at 3:25). We will leave by 3:45. Transport arrives at Camp at approximately 5:00 pm For Friday pick-up: : Transportation leaves camp by 3:00 pm. Transport arrives at UICS by 4:00 pm (Please be there at 3:45 pm) Camp staff will travel with camper contact information and call or text the contacts provided if there are any changes to arrival or departure times or emergencies. PASSENGER SAFETY RULES: Passengers will be instructed in the following safety procedures prior to transporting: Passengers will remain seated at all times with hands and arms inside vehicle. Seat belts will be fastened – one person per seat belt. Noise level will be such as to not distract the driver. There will be no throwing of objects or other disruptive behavior. Passengers will enter and leave the vehicle under the direction of a staff member and/or driver. If the vehicle makes an emergency stop, passengers will follow directions of staff member and/or driver and use buddy system if leaving the vehicle.
YMCA Camp Roger is excited to share some updates about how we're communicating with families: PHOTOS: Camp photos will continue to be posted and shared so you can stay connected with your camper’s experience. Due to recent system changes, photos may now be posted directly to your Parent Portal. We may also share them on our Facebook page—so keep an eye out in both places! Registration emails: You can expect an email confirming your registration, a welcome email the Sunday before your session, a check-in email the Thursday before your session, and a check-out email the Thursday during your session. Mid-week update: Families who have campers attending a full week of camp can expect an email update from their counselors during the middle of the week. Social media: Our Instagram and TikTok accounts will occasionally feature fun photos and videos from camp! Feedback request: Please consider filling out our parent survey after your session! Please watch for your welcome letter, which will arrive about 10 days before your camp session begins, and join us for our virtual orientation. During orientation, we’ll walk you through all the fun new features and show you how to connect with your camper’s time at YMCA Camp Roger. Ensure you are accessible by phone and email while your camper is at camp in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. Less frequent, but other communications could include a clarification on medicine, a homesick camper wishing to check-in with home, notice of a behavior issue, etc.
Being away from home can be hard for many campers and their families. Camp has two easy ways for you to keep in touch with your camper while they are away: Send your camper daily messages by emailing camproger@ymcautah.org and these messages will be printed and handed out once a day during breakfast. Please include your camper's name and cabin assignment in the subject line. At Check-In, you can hand in letters/gifts/etc. to our staff with your camper's name and if there is a specific day you would prefer it handed to them. YMCA Camp Roger does NOT advise mailing letters to campers due to the inconsistency in delivery to the Kamas Post Office and Camp Staff availability to go to the Post Office.
CAMP COMMUNICATING TO YOU
COMMUNICATING TO YOUR CAMPER
COMMUNICATION
YMCA Camp Roger welcomes youth ages 5 to 17, regardless of ethnic, religious, political or gender backgrounds or identities. The campers participate in traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, archery, team-building, hiking and outdoor education. These programs are designed to help campers who attend YMCA Camp Roger: Build self-esteem, develop values, promote good health, and have fun. Each camper will select their own activity during clinic time. Staff will provide the campers with positive comments and encouragement throughout their stay. Each camper will be awarded a dog tag at the end of the week recognizing the core value the staff saw the camper most emulate during their stay at camp. Each camper is given the opportunity to earn recognition in activity areas for demonstrated growth and skill. Campers will participate in nightly reflection of their daily experiences. Foster an environment that celebrates cultural diversity and the unique abilities of each person. Campers will participate in getting-to-know you games during the first 24 hours of camp. Camp Staff are recruited from around the world and country. Staff contribute to theme meals and activities throughout the week sharing customs and traditions from their country. Work toward building one YMCA family as part of one world, while honoring the uniqueness of each person. Campers will share in daily chores such as dish washing, cleaning up the lodge, picking up around camp, cleaning bathrooms and mucking the corral. Each camper will live in a cabin group with other campers of similar age. Within these groups, campers will be part of a community-making decisions and keeping the area clean. Campers will participate in meals served family style. Teach reverence for the world and the action steps to care for it. At the beginning of each session, the campers will discuss as a group the importance of taking care of their camp and the type of things that they need to do such as picking up litter, staying on trails, not picking flowers, respecting property (no graffiti), and conserving water. Each camper will participate in at least one nature session while at camp. Each camper will have the opportunity to participate in at least one hike. Each camper will have the opportunity to participate in at least one-night hike. Campers and staff will participate in recycling of materials such as aluminum cans, cardboard, and paper. Each unit will be encouraged to perform a service project at camp to help the environment such as picking up litter, recycling, erosion control, exotic species removal, and trail development. Instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility for themselves, others, and the environment. Each camper will participate in at least two activities during the week that will personally challenge the camper - such as team building, hiking, outdoor living skills, arts and crafts, theater or fire building. Campers will have the opportunity to work in small groups during cookouts while they plan, prepare, and clean up after the meal as a group with each camper taking on different roles. Each camper will sets goals towards a stronger understanding of and the ability to emulate one of the four core values - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility - through out the week. Campers will learn at least one new skill while at camp. Caring – Show a sincere concern for others Honesty – Be truthful in what you say and do Respect – Treat each other as we’d all like to be treated Responsibility – Be accountable for your promises and actions
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS
Your child’s safety is our top priority. While camp is full of fun and adventure, we are prepared for unexpected situations with a comprehensive emergency response plan that meets American Camp Association (ACA) standards and local safety requirements. Trained Staff: All staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Emergency drills are practiced regularly to ensure quick, calm responses. Medical Support: A licensed health professional is on-site or on-call during camp sessions. For serious injuries or illnesses, we coordinate with local EMS and hospitals. Communication: In any emergency, parents/guardians will be contacted promptly by the Camp Director or designated staff. Local Coordination: We maintain annual contact with local emergency officials (fire, law enforcement, EMS) to align our procedures with community resources. Preparedness for All Scenarios: Our plan covers medical emergencies, severe weather, wildfire, missing camper protocols, and evacuation procedures.
WHAT GUARDIANS SHOULD KNOW
Emergency Contacts: Please ensure your child’s health forms and emergency contacts are accurate and up to date. Notification: If an emergency involves your child, you will be informed as soon as possible after immediate safety measures are taken. Reassurance: Our staff are trained to keep campers calm and safe while following established protocols. For more details, you can reach out to our Director of Camping, Ben Wittig, at bwittig@ymcautah.org or 385.269.7200.
OUR APPROACH
We believe that camp provides an opportunity for campers to acquire independence and confidence in a new environment. To assist in this growing process we ask that guardians please refrain from visiting unless there is an emergency. If you need to visit or get an emergency message to your camper, please contact the YMCA office 801-839-3379 to make arrangements.
HEALTH & SAFETY
7:00am Rise & Shine 7:45am Flag Raising 8:00am Breakfast/Chores 9:00am Activity Period 1 10:30am Activity Period 2 12:00pm Lunch 1:15pm Camper Choice 2:15pm Activity Period 3 3:45pm Activity Period 4 5:00pm Free Time 5:45pm Flag Lowering 6:00pm Dinner /Chores 7:00pm Evening Program 9:30pm Reflection and ready for bed 10:00pm Lights out
WHILE AT CAMP ROGER
CAMP SCHEDULE
VISITORS
There is a Director on site at all times. Camp staff have been selected for their character, enthusiasm and program skills. All staff participate in a two-week training program prior to camp and are evaluated on a regular basis to ensure high standards of performance.
LEADERSHIP
Safety is a main priority throughout every aspect of the camper’s experience. We emphasize education and prevention by requiring campers to wear helmets while mountain biking and horseback riding, and by implementing a "truddy" system. While there are inherent risks in any outdoor activity, our goal is to minimize all possible risks. All staff are First Aid/CPR certified and a registered medical personnel is on site at all times. Should any serious accident or illness occur at camp, the camper's guardian will be notified immediately. In case of minor illness, guardians will be notified if the camper requires health care for more than 24 hours. The YMCA reserves the right to send a camper home if so advised by medical personnel.
Weekly highlights at YMCA Camp Roger include theme meals, cook-out and camp-out, Thursday trip to the pool, Opening and Closing campfires and much more! A typical day at camp looks like this:
YMCA Camp Roger encourages participants to share in the responsibilities of keeping camp beautiful and being part of the camp family through the ownership of maintaining camp. This is done by sharing in daily chores which require about 30 minutes a day. These include dish washing, cleaning up the lodge after meals, picking up around camp, cleaning bathrooms and mucking the corral. We believe this is not only a great occasion to come together as a group and share through service, but it ensures everyone can gain pride and ownership in their camp experience.
CAMPER RESPONSIBILITY
The following table gives an example of what a week of meals at YMCA Camp Roger might look like. We usually rotate through a series of meals that are made every couple of weeks. We enjoy all meals family style, and all are encouraged to try new things while they are at camp! Meals run for about a half-hour before the Magic Windows close and clean-up begins. Here are a few details on some special meals served at camp! Mondays are super special at camp. Not only is it our first full day of program, but it's spaghetti night! What makes spaghetti night so special? We're so glad you asked! On spaghetti night, we eat with our hands! That's right, we get messy and have a blast and enjoy seeing all the creative ways campers eat spaghetti sans forks! On Tuesday nights, our staff host a camp wide cook-out where we'll serve hotdogs hot off the grill and enjoy music during our meal! Cookout Breakfast and Dinner are times when your camper will help to make their own meal (with the help of their Counselors, of course) and then get to cook it over fire. Many times this is a campers first experience cooking food over an open flame! Cookout Breakfast is a burrito made with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and salsa; whereas, Cookout Dinner is the YMCA Camp Roger classic "Hobo Burger," a hamburger made with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Both are served with fresh fruit. If you child has a food allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know during registration or at drop-off so that we are aware and can make accommodations.
MEALS AT CAMP
Philly Steak & Cheese, Tater Tots
WED.
A Snack is also offered during the day and usually consists of things like orange slices, string cheese, goldfish crackers, rice crispy treats, etc.
FRIDAY
Tacos
BREAKFAST
SUNDAY
DINNER
THURSDAY
TUESDAY
Cookout Dinner (over the fire!)
Cinnamon Rolls, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit
Chicken Nuggets, Fries, Fresh Fruit
BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw
Cereal, Yogurt, Granola, French Toast
Sandwiches, Chips, Fresh Fruit
Cookout Dinner (Hotdogs)
Oatmeal, Eggs, Fresh Fruit
LUNCH
Pizza, Potato Wedges, Juice
MONDAY
Bagels with Cream Cheese, Bacon
Chili Con Carne, Cornbread, Jello
Cookout Breakfast (over the fire!)
Spaghetti, Meatballs, Broccoli, Garlic Toast
ILLNESS
INSURANCE
Homesickness is a normal reaction in many campers. With proper handling, it can be overcome and will provide an opportunity for growth. The following suggestions will aid in avoiding homesickness: Utilize the camp brochure, website, and parent guide as a starting point for a discussion about what to expect at camp. Emphasize to your camper how fun camp will be! A conversation about activities, making new friends, and enjoying nature can go a long way in exciting your camper. Avoid promising your camper you will pick them up or give undue attention to the issue. Missing one another is a normal, healthy experience. So too, is the experience of being away and adapting to new people and surroundings. Once the camper is at Camp, please do not linger. Make your good-bye “short and sweet” When writing letters from home, keep the news light and happy. Our staff is trained in camper development and work carefully to help your camper adjust to this new situation.
All campers love packages! However, we ask that you not send food, candy or gum. Food attracts mice, raccoon's, skunks, and more. All food sent to camp will be discarded. Camp provides snacks each day to your camper. To encourage your camper to write home so we suggest that you provide a pre-addressed, stamped card for your camper.
You, as the guardian are responsible for any medical costs incurred while at camp. Be sure to provide accurate information regarding your insurance carrier. In the instance that your camper would need outside medical treatment, this insurance information is a necessity.
MAIL / EMAIL / PACKAGES
HOMESICKNESS
If your camper becomes ill during their camp session we will make every effort to provide quality care and treatment. Guardians are contacted by camp staff to inform them that their camper is sick. If your camper is sick for longer than 24 hours, we will ask you to come and pick up your camper. If a camper is sent home for an illness, YMCA Camp Roger will refund any fees on a pro-rated basis. Please keep campers who are ill before the start of camp at home until they are feeling better and are not contagious This is for the sake of you camper and others at camp
YMCA Camp Roger staff will do everything we can do to accommodate special dietary requirements for your camper. Any such needs and requests will need to be noted on the camper's registration form. We also encourage you to connect with our camp chef at check-in to ensure that we have the most up to date information.
Campers love receiving letters from home while at camp. Because YMCA Camp Roger is not within the delivery areas of UPS, FedEx, etc. and daily trips to get letters for your campers cannot be guaranteed we have added an e-mail feature this year. As mentioned previously you can email your campers at camproger@ymcautah.org. These get printed off Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and given before lunch.
EMERGENCIES
SPECIAL DIETS
Our staff are trained and prepared to handle minor cuts and bruises. In the case of serious illness or an accident involving your camper, you will be contacted immediately. If you plan to be away from home during your camper’s stay at YMCA Camp Roger, please provide the YMCA with a phone number where you can be reached. If we are unable to reach you right away, your authorization on the medical form allows us to acquire immediate medical attention.
Behavior management is implemented with care and respect by our staff. There are some times when a camper’s behavior detracts from the overall experience of the cabin group by requiring excessive one-on-one attention from the staff. As a commitment to the success and enjoyment of camp by each camper, we ask guardians to review camper code of conduct with their camper.
We will make every effort to serve campers who have physical and emotional needs. However, we cannot accept camper with needs beyond our training and capabilities. Therefore, we insist that campers with such needs be brought to the attention of the Camp Staff on the Camper Health form. Please fully describe any unique requirements on the sheet or call the camp office to discuss the situation. Camper information is kept confidential among approved staff. The Camp Director, Health Supervisor, and other camp staff approved by the Camp Director are permitted to review your camper’s information. Only staff that need to know a special circumstance are informed and only the basics of what they need to know to handle the situation.
BED WETTING
SPECIAL EMOTIONAL/PHYSICAL NEEDS
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Our staff is trained to deal with bed wetting in a caring and discreet manner. Please alert us about bed wetting issues on the Camper Health form at least 2 weeks prior to camp.
When participating in horseback riding campers must wear closed toe shoes (boots are preferred and sandals are not allowed) and long pants (jeans are preferred and slick pants are not allowed). Helmets are provided and they must be worn at all times.
HORSEBACK RIDING
LOST AND FOUND
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
PARENT EVALUATION
We value your feedback and use it to improve our programs from week to week. An electronic survey will be emailed to you the following week. Please be sure to take the time to fill out the survey. Your opinion matters to us and we can’t make camp great without you! We ask families to be mindful about feedback to be realistic requests. During check-out the camp director and other leadership staff will be available to discuss your camper’s week and answer any questions.
Friday Pick up: Friday closing ceremonies are held at 4:00 pm. Families should be packing up their car and heading out of camp by 5:15pm at the latest. What happens at closing ceremony: We'll provide a brief overview of the week, give out value camper awards, give out the golden dog tag to one winning cabin, closing remarks and head out! There will be someone at the gate & corral telling parents where to park and how to get to the amphitheater for ceremony! There is still bus service available to return the campers to Salt Lake for a nominal fee of $30, if that's more convenient.
All items found at camp will not be stored at camp following the session. Please ensure you go to the 'Lost and Found' table during check out to see if your campers belongings are there. You are free to E-mail our director (jgreen@ymcautah.org) to inquire about any lost items.
DEPARTURE
CAMPER CODE OF CONDUCT
CAMPER EXPECTATIONS
The best way to ensure your camper has a successful week at camp is to follow the four core values of camp: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. Some ways your camper can follow those values are: Staying in a group of three people minimum and letting adults know if you need to go somewhere, like the bathroom or cabin. Not marking, defacing, or destroying camp or personal property or nature. Avoiding foul language, foul gestures, harsh words, and harsh tones. Understanding that horseplay, teasing, or other unkind behaviors are not allowed. Leaving all pets at home (print out a photo instead-- we would love to see your furry friends)! Not bringing snacks into the cabins to avoid attracting unwelcome critters and bugs into your bunk! Camp will provide snacks, but if you must bring your own (only recommended for those with medical need), it will be housed in the main lodge and all litter will be properly thrown away. Keeping all medication (prescription, over the counter, vitamins, melatonin, etc.) in the health lodge. Leaving all electronic equipment at home and understanding any electronic equipment will be confiscated until check out day. Watches and cameras are allowed! Understanding that all valuables are brought to camp at your own risk. Camp does not recommend bringing valuables. Camp donates unclaimed items the following week after campers leave so please check Lost'N'Found before checking out! Bullying is not tolerated.
The YMCA adheres to the highest safety standards. We also apply the four core YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility to all programs and activities. Camp is supposed to be a fun place for EVERYONE, so it is important that all campers follow the camp guidelines. The following are standards we have established to sustain an environment in which every member of the Camp Community can feel welcome and respected. To promote the YMCA Character Values in all aspects of our program and to provide an atmosphere of freedom and a sense of fellowship and enjoyment for all we ask that all campers and parents/guardians read this code together before arriving at camp.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PROCESS
SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL
Extremely rare, but important to note, the following are infractions that will result in immediate dismissal from camp: Endangering the health and safety of children and/or staff. Stealing and/or damaging YMCA or personal property. Leaving the YMCA summer program without permission. Using profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity frequently. Acting in lewd manner and/or possessing sexually explicit material. Possessing or making weapons. Possession of any tobacco/nicotine product, alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or prescription or over the counter drugs that are not checked in. Camp Administrative staff retains the right to include other items not on this list in the interest of creating a safe camp atmosphere for all.
Campers will be made aware of all camp expectations upon arrival. Most disciplinary situations at camp are minor and can be resolved with minimal corrections. Camp staff use discipline as a learning opportunity for the camper and try to integrate problem-solving skills into the discussion. Discipline at camp is done in the following manner, subject to change based on severity of the observed behavior: Camp staff will first redirect the child to more appropriate behavior. Camp staff will also ensure the needs of the child are being met to find a root cause to unwanted behavior. The child will be reminded of camp expectations and then the camper and counselor will have a discussion to create goals and objectives towards more appropriate behavior. If the unwanted behavior persists or elevates, campers will be given a natural consequence (example, the natural consequence for unreasonably smearing cream cheese over multiple plates is cleaning the plates). Upon further violation, the camper will have a discussion with the Camp Director. Documentation of the unwanted behavior will be recorded as a "behavior contract" to be signed by the camper and staff (and shared with the guardian). A parent/guardian will be notified of the problem. If behavior does not improve, parents will be notified and the child will be sent home. The camp staff will discuss all decisions thoroughly before any child is sent home. The camp administrative staff retains the right to take immediate action if the campers' behavior poses a threat to their own safety, the safety of other campers, and the experience of other campers. There will be no refund of any amount for campers who are sent home because of behavior problems.
RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF CAMPERS / STAFF
At the YMCA of Northern Utah, our mission isn’t just about who we serve but how we serve them. We cultivate curiosity, resilience, and character by integrating adventure, teamwork, and a spirit of exploration into every program. Every person deserves to be treated with equal respect and dignity—regardless of background, circumstance, or ability. Through positive mentorship, skill-building programs, and a supportive environment, we empower youth to discover their strengths, build confidence, and see their potential. We champion hands-on learning, from outdoor adventures to skill-based programs designed to develop the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. By fostering independence and resilience, we help youth grow into tomorrow’s leaders. Grounded in evidence-based research and real-time community needs assessments, the YMCA designs dynamic programs that adapt to the evolving needs of individuals and communities. By continuously listening, learning, and innovating, we ensure that every program fosters growth, learning, and opportunity—meeting youth where they are and empowering them for where they’re going. At the YMCA, we believe in the power of outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections to shape the next generation. Every experience at the Y is a step toward growth, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. What does this look like at camp? From the interview, during staff training, and throughout the summer-- staff are encouraged and trained to be servant leaders who exemplify our four core values. Our staff choose to be curious, not judgmental, and lead with love. It is incredibly important to us that all of our staff are at camp for the sake of the mission and determined to grow in our values. From the moment your family steps onto camp, our staff will greet you with a smile because we are truly so happy you are here! Day 1, we will introduce campers to the four core values in the context of camp (for example: Be responsible by wearing sunscreen, be honest with us when you are feeling unsure about an activity, be caring by watching critters instead of chasing them, and be respectful by listening and learning something new about your new friends). We clarify for campers right away that camp does not tolerate any form of bullying. As the week goes on, we will encourage each other to live by the four core values-- celebrating when we are doing great and gently calling in where we can improve. When your camper goes home, we hope they feel inspired to apply those core values in their community!