CAMP JEWELL YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMPA Branch of the YMCA of Greater Hartford

CampJewellYMCA.org

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER Making Memories that Last a Lifetime Since 1901

Dear Parents,Summer Camp 2015 is just around the corner, and each year at this time, the staff and counselors of Camp Jewell YMCA are reminded how lucky we are to call this place our home. Camp is more than a job for us—it’s our passion!

Camp Jewell YMCA is an overnight camp located in the foothills of the Berkshires on 540 acres of woodland in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. Our exciting camp community provides youth with a lot of fun activities, but equally important is ensuring their experience will have a positive and lifelong impact on our young campers. This is where kids can experience diversity by meeting children from all backgrounds and staff from around the world and it’s a place where they are positively challenged to try new activities and become more independent.

Our counselors are great role models and they’re also superheroes to our campers! They help disconnect kids from technology by teaching them to connect with nature and experience the world around them. For 115 summers, Camp Jewell YMCA has provided an experience that has built memories and friendships that last a lifetime. That’s why 99.9% of our campers say they made new friends while at camp, and why so many campers return year after year.

We welcome your questions and comments as you explore all that Camp Jewell YMCA can offer your child.

We hope to see you at camp this summer!

Craig DawsonAssociate Executive Director

Summer overnight camp can be a time filled with moments of pride, fun, friendship, and self-confidence. Campers tell us they have a blast and parents tell us about the positive changes they see in their children when they return home.

Our great facilities and programs are what attract many of our first-time campers, but it’s the experience of being part of a camp family that brings campers back for years to come. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, or any number of the activities we offer, campers have the chance to try something new in a welcoming and supportive community of counselors and friends. Camp Jewell YMCA is about feeling connected and knowing you belong here.

2015 OPEN HOUSE DATESJoin us at our open house to discover more about

Camp Jewell YMCA, meet our staff, and tour our facility.

Or call our office to set up a personal tour on a day

of your choosing at 888.412.2267.

April 13, May 4 and June 2 from 2-4 pm

VALUES AND COMMUNITYThe YMCA’s Four Core Values Are emphasized throughout all our programs. The four flags that demonstrate these values fly around camp as a constant reminder of their importance in our everyday lives.

Caring: Thinking beyond yourself to consider others and the greater good of our community.

Honesty: Telling the truth and becoming someone others know they can trust. It’s being who you really are.

Respect: The Golden Rule; recognizing your own sense of worth as well as that of others.

Responsibility: Learn what is within your own control and take accountability for it.

In addition our YMCA is focused on building and strengthening communities. At camp we do this through:

Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

Healthy Living: Promoting health and well-being through physical activity and healthy eating.

Social Responsibility: Living as part of a small community and taking care of the camp environment.

SAFETY AND ACCREDITATION

At Camp Jewell YMCA, safety is our

primary concern. We meet the strict

requirements of the American Camp

Association, as well as annual inspection

and licensing by the State of Connecticut.

Our staff includes three Registered

Nurses who are in residence throughout

the summer, and our health center is

equipped to handle overnight stays, if

needed. The camp doctor and emergency

room are located just seven miles away.

WHY SEND YOUR CHILD TO CAMP JEWELL YMCA

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS

While campers are at the forefront of what we do at summer camp, the relationship

that we have with parents—and the whole family—is important to the entire staff at

camp. We know that whether it is a campers’ first time away from home or their tenth

time at camp, communication is important. We pledge we will:

• Offer your child a positive, safe and supportive community where kids make new

friends, try new things and learn independence and other life skills.

• Upload photos online daily so you can see what your child and his/her friends are

enjoying at camp. We want you to feel connected to the stories shared with you

when the session is over.

• Send an email from your child’s counselors within the first 72 hours of camp and a

postcard after the end of the first week of camp letting you know how your child is

doing.

• Ensure we return any calls you make to camp with questions or concerns before the

end of the following meal.

• Update our social media and blog with news as to what’s happening at camp several

times each week.

• Provide a “Parent Resource” section on our website that links you with various

resources to help prepare you and your child for camp.

OUR STAFFGreat camp counselors are what kids often remember most about their time atsummer camp. Our diverse staff comes from around the U.S. and several differentcountries around the world. They have one thing in common: they are mature, responsible, caring, enthusiastic and committed to your child’s positive camp experience. Our rigorous staff selection process and thorough staff training program ensure staff who are responsive to kids’ needs and equipped to offer them the time of their lives. Whether it’s your child’s first or tenth year at Camp Jewell, our counselor’s help all campers feel welcome and continue to build their confidence and independence to help them meet their potential as they grow. They really do make memories that last a lifetime!

TRADITIONAL OVERNIGHT CAMP AGES 7-14

Our two-week programs emphasize growth and strengthen character values in our campers. Throughout the program, campers learn more about themselves and how to work together as a cabin group. Whether it is playing an all-camp game, learning new skills in one of the many clinics offered, eating dinner family style in our dining hall—campers form meaningful relationships, and try new things, while having fun.

Our traditional overnight camps are full of outdoor activities like campfires, hikes, skits and songs, cabin cheers and the chance to sleep under the stars after cooking their own dinner over an open fire. Over the two weeks, campers disconnect from the technology and distractions of outside life. Here at camp, our number one priority is providing a safe, positive camper experience. We believe that campers are most successful when given the opportunity to push themselves out of their comfort zones and discover in themselves resiliency, responsibility and confidence.

SESSION DATES

Session 1

June 28-July 11

Session 2 July 12-25

Session 3

July 26-August 8

Session 4 August 9-22

Each of our villages offer age-appropriate activities with their ownunique traditions to help providea different experience at camp. We start with our Bandit Village, where we have one staff member for every three campers and a schedule that focuses on an introduction to overnight camp. You can rest assured that your child will be asking to stay at camp when it comes time to leave. Our Argonaut, Nit Nois, Ewok and Utopian Villages for campers aged 10-13 offer a wider selection of activities. Our oldest traditional camp village is the Senior Village; this is the first step in our multi-summer leadership development program. Senior campers spend a week at camp building a strong community and participating in traditional campactivities. During the second week,they will go on an extended tripoutside of camp. They have a choice of hiking, biking, or canoeing under the guidance of our experienced and certified staff.

Regardless of your child’s age, our counselors focus on each individual camper, ensuring a great experience whether your child is a first-time or seasoned camper.

Campers have the opportunity to customize their program each week by signing up for three progressive clinic activities, one of which can be swim instruction. These activities help campers gain confidence in specific skills that interest them. In the afternoon, they head to the waterfront for free swim and then spend time enjoying cabin activities. Each day concludes with an all-camp or village activity and then cabin devotions where campers reflect on the day’s experiences. The weekends highlight special all-camp activities that often include carnivals, Camp Jewell Olympics, or our own World Series of Wiffleball tournament. We include a siesta daily, where campers have quiet time to read a book, hang out with friends, and write letters home.

A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP

There is truly no typical day at camp. Activities do vary by age and village. The schedule below is a representation of an average day.

7:00AM The bugle blows—Rise and Shine Campers!

7:40AM A secular chapel service

8:00AM Flag Raising

8:15AM A healthy and nutritious breakfast

8:45AM Shared Responsibility—Clean Camp Duties

9AM-Noon Three Skill Clinics

12:15PM Lunchtime

12:45PM Mail Call

1:00PM Siesta Time—a time to relax, write a letter home or take a nap

2:15PM Cabin Challenge Time—age-appropriate and cabin-focused activities

3:15PM Juice Jam at the Trading Post

3:45PM Cabin Swim Time

5:10PM Thunderdome! —campers gather and share their fun day

5:30PM Dinner

7:00PM Large Group Evening Activity

8:30PM Back to cabins for devotions— lights out!

Our LIT programs provide an amazing leadership experience focused on individual development, team building, and self-discovery all while having fun at camp. With a schedule that is unique to their villages, they spend time learning about leadership, as well as practicing and developing their skills. Campers leave our LIT program more confident of their skills in public speaking, decision making and problem solving. The LIT program includes a three-day overnight backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail, off site-volunteer projects, and planning and delivering a secular chapel service for all of camp.

For campers who have participated in our LIT program, or who are looking for an experience longer than two weeks, we have our Jedi (LIT II) program. This has an additional focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of our camp programs and involves experience learning to lead large group all-camp activities, a two-night overnight to Glacier Mountain, and a legacy project at camp.

SESSION DATES

Session 1 — June 28-July 11

Session 2 — July 12-25

Session 3 — July 26-August 8

Session 4 — August 9-22

Our CIT program is an extensive continuation of our leadership development programs with a particular focus on leadership working with children in a camp setting. This four-week program offers campers the opportunity to hone their counseling, conflict resolution and program development skills. The first week of this program includes intensive trainings followed by the opportunity to assist in our day camp programs, behind the scenes of camp, and our overnight camps.

The Maverick program is designed for those campers with a greater interest in horseback riding. With a similar focus to CITs they spend their time learning how to assist beginner riding skills with a focus on safety procedures and different teaching techniques. The experience with both programs is a great way to begin working with children; many of our regular staff began their camp careers as CITs. Campers must be 16 years of age by December 31 of the year they attend camp to participate in either program.

SESSION DATESSession 1/2 — June 28-July 25Session 3/4 — July 26-August 22

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING AND

MAVERICK (CIT) PROGRAM Age 16

TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMSLeaders-in-Training (LIT) Ages 15-16

RANCH CAMP for ages 7-15

Hide-a-Way Ranch at Camp Jewell YMCA provides a unique setting for our Ranch Campers to enjoy a traditional camp experience with an equestrian focus. The one thing everyone has in common at Ranch Camp is the love and enjoyment of riding and working with horses. This creates a strong, tight-knit community for campers in their cabins, riding groups, and in the overall Ranch Camp program.

We offer a variety of programs based on each camper’s age. The Junior Ranch Camp is offered as a one and two-week camp experience for our youngest Ranch campers (ages 7-9). For older campers, we offer two-week sessions. Campers in Ranch are divided in cabins and riding groups based on age: Drivers for ages 10-12 and Top Hands for ages 12-15. All campers are invited to participate in a variety of horse-related activities including trail rides, hayrides, vaulting and off-horse lessons in addition to their daily riding lessons. Regardless of riding ability or experience, beginner to advanced, our counselors and riding instructors focus on each individual camper, ensuring a great experience in the riding ring and in camp overall.

Both the Driver and Top Hand programs are able to earn ranks through our Neckerchief Achievement Awards. This gives campers the opportunity to set a goal and a purpose for their lessons at camp. Neckerchief levels are awarded based on the ability to obtain specific riding skills, achieve a certain level of horsemanship knowledge, and be an involved participant in the Ranch community. There are seven different Neckerchief levels campers can work to accomplish (Greenhorn, Colt, Yearling, Mustang, Bronco, Jr. Wrangler, and Wrangler). Often only a few campers each summer earn the Jr. Wrangler and Wrangler neckerchiefs, making them a huge accomplishment. Although Neckerchiefs are not required, it is an honorable and strong tradition at Camp Jewell’s Ranch Camp.

SESSION DATESSession 1 — June 28-July 11Session 1A — June 28-July 4 (Ages 7-12)Session 1B — July 5-July 11 (Ages 7-12)Session 2 — July 12-July 25Session 3 — July 26-August 8Session 4 — August 9-August 22

For over 50 years Camp Jewell YMCA has been a pioneer in off-camp adventure trips. Our trips offer teens new challenges through activities like kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, hiking, and biking. They are led by highly-trained staff that are over 21 years of age and are

selected for their leadership experience, certifications, and love of the outdoors. Campers will have an opportunity to enjoy an inspiring outdoor experience while getting to know themselves

better and building strong relationships within their trip group.

PARKS AND REC Sessions 1 & 2

A road trip across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Virginia to

visit unforgettable amusement parks, national parks and cultural attractions along the

way! The trip includes 15 volunteer hours to give back to the communities we have the

pleasure to explore.

CALIFORNIA SURF Session 2

Spend nearly two weeks learning to master the waves with the instruction of Camp

Surf YMCA staff members. This West Coast adventure will include a day trip to PETCO

Park to enjoy a major league baseball Padres game, a scenic hike up Cowels Mountain,

and camping on some of California’s best beaches. Register early as there are limited

spaces available on this trip; the deadline for registration is May 1, 2015.

CAPE COD Sessions 3 & 4Our most popular trip, this two-week adventure trip will bring campers out on bicycles to explore the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Along the way they will visit the beach, stay in youth hostels, go on a whale watch, sea kayak, and eat lobster-flavored ice cream.

MAINE WHITE WATER Session 4

Cool off in the foaming white waters of the historic Kennebec River. First you’ll

travel to scenic Maine and set up your base camp. Next, you will take an overnight

rafting trip down the majestic Kennebec River, over heart-thumping rapids and past

spectacular waterfalls. Spend a day climbing the nearby cliffs to earn a spectacular

view of the pristine forests and clear sparkling lakes which make this region so

unique. This is an exciting trip for the camper with a love for the natural beauty of

the great outdoors.

SESSION DATESSession 1 — June 28-July 11Session 2 — July 12-25Session 3 — July 26-August 8Session 4 — August 9-22

Camp Jewell YMCA offers year-round programs for families and groups of all sizes. We take pride in our beautiful 540 acres, private lake, and facilities. However, our greatest strength is in providing a positive atmosphere where you can develop new and meaningful relationships. Our programs are designed to meet your needs, and each year we host numerous family and themed weekends that provide an opportunity for you to connect with old friends and make new friends, too. For more

information on our many weekend programs, check out our website at CampJewellYMCA.org

FAMILY CAMPS Family Camp provides a great experience for everyone

in your family. Parents get the benefit of their family staying in a safe, wholesome environment,

surrounded by caring staff members and plenty of fun activities. Children enjoy participation in

challenging activities and games, while having fun with their parents. With Camp Jewell YMCA

staff hosting, organizing, and facilitating the weekend, the only thing left to worry about is what

fun activity to do next. Prices start at $800 for a cabin of up to 12 people. The only additional

fees are for arts and crafts projects. Activities vary by season, but a great time is guaranteed!

WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKENDSLet’s face it, life can be stressful. A better you is crucial for meeting the demands of a hectic schedule, and maintaining positive relationships with yourself and your family. To be the best mother, wife and/or professional, you need time to relax, rejuvenate, and share like experiences with other women. At Camp Jewell YMCA, we offer getaway-weekends that help you grow in spirit, mind and body. Our diverse range of activities allow for personal challenge, skill building, and relaxation. Your participation in activities is completely up to you and you set your own pace. The weekend offers exciting activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and climbing, as well as opportunities to have a massage, read a book, take a yoga class, or simply talk with other women.

MOTHER-DAUGHTER RIDING WEEKENDSThe Camp Jewell YMCA Mother-Daughter Riding Weekend is designed to strengthen the

relationships of mothers and daughters through horse-related activities. Participants in this

weekend share lifelong memories and discover new things about one another. This weekend

at Camp Jewell YMCA offers the opportunity for a mother and daughter to spend special time

together away from the rest of life’s distractions. Regardless of your riding ability you will have

a great time throughout the weekend. Activities include horseback riding, trail rides, arts and

crafts, and much, much more.

SCHOOL AND GROUP RETREATSEach year we host over 20,000 people in our weekday and weekend programs and can host up to 600 people at our two separate, full-service properties. What sets us apart is our ability to truly cater our programs to meet the goals of your group, large or small. No matter the season there is a reason to come and stay at Camp Jewell. During the winter, we utilize our snow making equipment to ensure a longer tubing season. In the spring, and fall we offer ample opportunities to enjoy the miles of trails at camp and to participate in many of our recreational, educational and teambuilding programs.

Our seasonal program staff has extensive training to provide fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. You can choose from a wide selection of teambuilding, recreational and educational programs that are designed to meet YOUR needs; you can customize your program to include as much, or as little, programming as you need.

CAMP JEW

ELL YMCA

A branch of the YM

CA of Metropolitan H

artford

6 Prock Hill Road

Colebrook, CT 06021Cam

pJewellYM

CA.org

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FITU

.S. POSTAGE

PAID

HARTFO

RD, CT PERM

IT # 142

YGH14-20610 A SUM

MER

TO DISCOVER

Camp Jew

ell YMCA is located 45 m

inutes from H

artford and under 2 ½

hours from N

ew York City and Boston

with easy access from

Fairfield and W

estchester Counties. From

the top of Sunrise Mountain you’ll see

miles of vista overlooking our ow

n Triangle Lake.

CAMP JEW

ELL YMCA

OVERN

IGHT CAMP

A Branch of the YMCA of Greater H

artford

CampJew

ellYMCA.org 2015