YMCA CAMPPOTAWOTAMI

2019 SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP

OUR MISSION:To put Christian principles into practice through programs

that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

DISCOVERYOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Greetings from Camp,

YMCA Camp Potawotami has provided friendship, fun, challenges and character-building in a beautiful natural environment for over 95 years. The 2019 summer camp season will be an experience in your child’s life that will provide positive memories for a lifetime.

YMCA Camp Potawotami is a place designed for kids. We believe that children need a place to explore new ideas and accomplish activities in a safe environment. Campers will learn new skills and develop self-confidence. A sense of belonging and character is developed through a group living cabin experience. Learning to make friends is a skill that will help campers throughout their lives.

We are intentional when it comes to quality service and creating positive memories for your child. We hope you join us this summer and see the great things that can happen for kids when we work together.

We look forward to sharing a safe, healthy and happy camp experience with your family. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Katie Taylor, Shelby Nichter and Sean DiamondCamp Directors

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because I want her to experience new things and gain confidence in herself. We want her to increase her self-esteem and try new things!” – Sarah, Camper Parent

DISCOVER

ADVENTURE

At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we focus on what we call the A, B, C’s of camping. We work to increase campers’ sense of accomplishment and belonging while they learn about positive character traits and values. Our tools are well-trained staff, carefully planned programs, and safe, clean facilities.

260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

ACCOMPLISHMENT – Campers gain a sense of accomplishment by trying new activities and developing skills. For many campers, being away from home for a week is an important accomplishment in itself. We hope these real world accomplishments will raise the self-confidence and self-esteem of each camper.

BELONGING – Making new friends and being a good friend helps campers learn about a sense of belonging. Living in a cabin with other children and counselors gives each camper a lesson in friendship building and teamwork. At camp, each person has responsibilities and is a valued part of the YMCA Camp Potawotami community.

CHARACTER – We discuss character traits and values in many ways during the week. YMCA Camp Potawotami places an emphasis on learning, growing and doing your best. Our core values are Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. Our unique Wampum Bead program also encourages campers to choose a character trait to work on during camp and throughout the entire year.

DISCOVERFRIENDSHIPS

A

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami

to build their independence from us

in a safe and fun environment and to

make new friends.”

– Lauren, Camper Parent

B

C

OUR EXCEPTIONAL STAFFYMCA Camp Potawotami staff are committed to providing a positive experience for each camper. Our summer staff are carefully selected to ensure that we have a diverse group of skilled and responsible counselors who care about children. Our energetic, enthusiastic staff includes some international counselors…our campers get the best in the world!

Many counselors are college students in education or related social service fields. Before the campers arrive, the entire staff is trained in safety, counseling techniques, conflict resolution, child development, bullying prevention, and camp policies and procedures. Staff are also trained on instilling the values of YMCA Camp Potawotami in all aspects of camp. Our insistence on the highest standards ensures that we can keep our promise of a fun, safe, and high quality experience for our campers.

Our staff undergoes extensive background and reference checks as well as a complete training on safety issues, First Aid and CPR.

Our six-to-one camper-to-staff ratio makes sure everyone has the best camp experience possible.

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because of the awesome staff and experience for my child every year.” – Michael, Camper ParentDISCOVER

ROLE MODELS

MINI CAMP Ages 6-8

Mini Camp is the perfect experience for our younger campers; a two-night, three-day introduction to camp. Mini Camp staff provide a nurturing environment for campers to live and play. Our staff guides campers through the session with a caring approach and individual attention. Our counselors help younger campers learn new skills and build their self-confidence.

Counselors ensure that their campers are taking care of their personal needs, such as brushing their teeth and making their beds, all while keeping the camper experience fun and exciting. Counselors will encourage campers to try new activities and learn new skills. This fun program, loaded with traditional camp activities, prepares your child for a full week of camp in the future.

260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

DISCOVEREXPLORATION

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because of the

friendships and memories to last a life time.”

– Shawn, Camper Parent

MINI CAMPPROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• Nature Walk• Canoeing• Arts and Crafts• Swimming• Campfire with S’mores• Camp Games• Archery• Pony Ride• Mole Hole Slide• Teambuilding • Rock Wall Climbing • Evening Reflection • Wampum Bead Program

YOUTH CAMP Ages 8-16*

Our popular week-long camps focus on skill development and overall achievement.Campers have the opportunity to try a variety of camp activities and develop skills in classes of their own choosing. The cabin group is the heart of our camp, where our trained counselors help campers foster respect for themselves and others in their group. Each cabin is a part of a circle based on age; the circles make up the Council of the 3 Fires.

* These courses must be registered for in advance and require an additional fee.

PROGRAM AREAS & ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH CAMP

• Archery• Arts and Crafts• Basketball• BB Guns• Camping in Tents• Canoeing• Hiking• Horseback Riding*• Kayaking

• Low Ropes• Mountain Biking• Nature Study• Outdoor Cooking• Outdoor Survival Skills• Paddleboats• Rock Climbing• Sand Volleyball• Slingshots • Snorkeling*• Soccer• Swimming• Teambuilding

FOR AGES 12-14 ONLY• Giant Swing• High Ropes• Riflery – 22’s*• Scuba*• Stand-Up Paddleboarding• Zip Line

* Session 3 and Session 6 are ages 8-14, Session 2 and Session 5 are ages 8-16.

DISCOVERSKILL-BUILDING

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami

because it allows him to learn valuable

skills and develop relationships with

people who have diverse backgrounds

and it builds my son’s self-confidence.

He loved the experience.”

– Angela, Camper Parent

NESHNABEK CIRCLE Ages 8-9 Neshnabek Circle campers will enjoy a thrilling week of fun and adventure. Each day has exciting games and activities specially designed for this age group. Counselors are trained to ensure a positive experience for these young campers, some of whom may be experiencing Camp for the first time! Neshnabeks choose 3 skill classes to experience. Skill classes may include canoeing, arts and crafts, climbing, and archery to name a few. Campers cook dinner over a campfire one evening. Spending a week in the Neshnabek Circle builds friendships and independence.

OTTAWA CIRCLE Ages 10-11 Ottawa Circle campers spend their days trying new activities and participating in skill classes. Besides their 3 chosen activities, Ottawa campers take part in two cabin activities each day picked by the cabin group. The Ottawa Circle participates in all-camp campfires, along with an experience where they camp out with their cabin mates and prepare their own dinner over a campfire! Ottawa Circle campers make new friends, learn new skills and create lifetime memories.

CHIPPEWA CIRCLE Ages 12-16* The Chippewa Circle is designed for the teen who still wants the traditional camp experience, but is ready for new challenges. We combine all the fun and excitement of Ottawa Circle with bonus features reserved only for Chippewa Circle. The Chippewa Circle campers choose 4 skill classes, have cabin activities, spend time at the waterfront, play all-camp games, and create traditions which will carry on for years to come. The Chippewa Circle is the only Youth Camp program to do the High Ropes course and Paddleboards.

* Session 3 and Session 6 are ages 8-14, Session 2 and Session 5 are ages 8-16. “I send my child to Camp Potawotami because my child loves the activities and spending time with her friends all while making new friends.

It is a smaller camp and she loved it when the Director called her by her name when we first arrived. She thought that was pretty cool that she remembered her.” – Todd, Camper Parent

260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

YOUTH CAMP CIRCLE OF

3 FIRES

RANCH CAMP Ages 12-14Does your child love horses? At our one-of-a-kind Ranch Camp, campers spend half of their day at our ranch where they learn about grooming, feeding, tacking and overall horse care. Every day, they have a riding lesson or trail ride with a CHA-certified instructor. The Ranch Camp staff teaches campers how to care for the horses as if they were their own. Ranch Campers also share in the fun of various cabin group activities and all-camp evening programs.

FAME ARTS CAMP Ages 8-16FAME Camp’s mission is to bring multi-cultural arts to all children. Master FAME teachers mentor campers to help them reach the peak of their creativity. We challenge the budding artist in every child through innovative activities that are both fun and exciting in an atmosphere of nurturing acceptance. FAME Camp programs span the arts of music, drama, poetry, composition, art and dance. FAME Campers also get to experience many traditional camp activities with their cabin groups and end the week with a performance and exhibition for FAME Camp families.

STAR WARS CAMP Ages 10-14Are you prepared to embark on the greatest adventure ever seen in a galaxy long ago and far away? This week of Star Wars fun was created in

conjunction with Lucasfilm, LTD. Star Wars campers have themed-programming in the morning, where campers begin the week as Padawans who are preparing to begin their Jedi training. In the afternoon, they participate in water choice time, cabin activities, and all-camp evening programs.

DISCOVERSPECIALTY CAMPS

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because we like having her exercise independence and taking a break from electronics and city life, and experiencing nature and socialization.” – Ashley, Camper Parent

IMPACT Ages 14-16IMPACT: Inspiring others Makes Positive Active Change Together. IMPACT is designed for teens wanting to make a positive impact in the community. IMPACT campers travel to counties surrounding Camp Potawotami to give back and make a difference in the community. Teens learn about the YMCA mission and programs well as complete a project at each one. Teens also participate in typical summer camp activities such as cabin activities, water free time, one night of camping and cooking out, and evening programs.

TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP Ages 14-16Teen Adventure Camp (Voyagers) is packed with action and wonderful opportunities to make new friends and take on the world with a new adventure each day. All sessions travel to Michigan Dunes for an overnight camping trip. Camping under the stars, campfires and group bonding are sure to make this summer one of the best experiences ever.

TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP Entering Grade 11This two-week Teen Leadership Camp (Clippers*) is designed for teens transitioning from camper to counselor. Your teen will learn how to become a camp leader while mentoring younger campers and being a positive role model. Clippers go on a day trip, as well as participate in camp service projects and develop new skills, all while enjoying the excitement of summer camp. During their second week at camp, Clippers are assigned to a cabin to shadow a counselor and gain experience as a leader. Being a Clipper is a pre-requisite for being a Counselor-In-Training.

* All Clippers go home on Friday at regular camp check-out time and return on Sunday.

COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING Entering Grade 12The Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program is designed for teens who desire to be counselors at YMCA Camp Potawotami. The CIT program is an extensive, up-to-3-week volunteer program that offers participants the opportunity to develop leadership and effective counseling skills. All CIT applicants must apply with the Camp Program Director.

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because my child creates friendships, learns new activities, learns Independence, and leadership skills.” – Lisa, Camper Parent

DISCOVERLEADERSHIP

260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE 7:50 am Flag Raising 8:00 am Breakfast 8:30 am Chapel 8:45 am Camp Clean Up 9:05 am Skill Class 1 10:10 am Skill Class 2 11:15 am Skill Class 3 12:30 pm Lunch 1:10 pm Siesta 2:00 pm Waterfront Free Choice Time 3:00 pm Snack 3:10 pm Cabin Activity 5:30 pm Dinner & Awards 6:15 pm Flag & Awards 6:20 pm Free Choice Time 7:20 pm Evening Program* 8:30 pm Cabin Game/Bonding Time 9:00 pm Showers/Evening Devotion 9:30 pm Lights Out for 9 years and younger 10:00 pm Lights Out for 10 years and older

* EveningProgramsincludeCampfires,AllCampGames, Cookout or Campout, and Wampum Bead Ceremony. Throughout the summer there will

alsobethemedaysandfun-filledspecialevents.

FAMILY NIGHT/CLOSING CEREMONYEvery session (except FAME**) ends with Family Night on Friday from 5:30-6:30 pm. Mini Camp will have a Family Night on the evening of their checkout from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Family Night is an opportunity to enjoy camp fun with the whole family. It’s a time where your camper can share with you the exciting things and great people they’ve experienced at YMCA Camp Potawotami. We will recognize campers’ achievements from the week at the closing ceremony. A family picnic will be served.

** FAME Camp will have a Friday afternoon check-out at 2:30 pm with a closing performance at 3:00 pm.

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because the outdoor activities, exposure to new people and ideas and creating memories and traditions is invaluable. I attended the camp and treasure the experiences I enjoyed year after year.” – Brian, Camper Parent

DISCOVERINVOLVEMENT

“I send my child to Camp Potawotami because my daughter loves this environment and talks positively about it all year long. She enjoys her independent journey and appreciates the lasting friendships.” – Ryan, Camper Parent

260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

LODGINGCabin life is a great way to get to know others and make lifelong friends. Each cabin comes with the essentials, including great counselors. Mini and Youth Camp campers live in lodges that are clean and well maintained with climate control, built-in bunks, electricity, and indoor bathrooms. Older Youth campers and Teen Program campers stay in seasonal cabins with amenities nearby in a central bathhouse.

ARROWHEAD DINING HALLCampers enjoy family-style dining in our lakefront dining hall at Arrowhead Lodge. The food is great, and so is the company!

MEDICAL CENTEREach week a volunteer Registered Nurse stays on-site and is available to provide excellent medical care and attention, first aid, CPR and supervision 24 hours a day.

CHAPELAt YMCA Camp Potawotami, we believe that the connection between spirit, mind and body is important. In our outdoor chapel, we explore character values in an atmosphere built on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

TOURS OF CAMPWe would love to share camp with you. Please contact us at 260.351.2525 or at camp@fwymca.org if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour.

ACCREDITATIONYMCA Camp Potawotami is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the State of Indiana.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEWe're committed to making the Y accessible to everyone. Supported by donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign, financial aid is available to people who can't afford the cost of memberships or programs such as summer resident camp. Please call for an application.

DISCOVERYMCA CAMP

POTAWOTAMI

NO

N-P

RO

FIT

ORG

.U

S PO

STA

GE

PAID

FORT

WAY

NE,

IN

Perm

it #

429

YMCA

Cam

p Po

taw

otam

iP.

O. B

ox 3

8So

uth

Milf

ord,

IN 4

6786

P: 2

60.3

51.2

525

F: 2

60.3

51.3

915

fwyc

amp.

org

CAMP FO

RT

WAYNE

X

80 90

3

209

6

9

88

3

30

69

69

469

27 33MI

IN

OH

IN

OH

TO C

HIC

AG

O

70

0 S

TO IN

DIA

NA

POLI

SSout

hMilfor

d

Sturgis

Kend

allville

Aub

urn

Ang

ola

This

inst

itut

ion

is a

n eq

ual o

ppor

tunt

iy p

rovi

der.