YMCA Camp Tockwogh Memorial Day Family Camp Handbook 2017

Welcome to Family Camp

Dear Family Campers,

Welcome (back) to YMCA Camp Tockwogh Family Camp! The YMCA of Delaware is an association of people of all ages, ethnic group s and religious affiliations that strive to cultivate the human potential, self-esteem, and dignity of all people. Our organization exists to develop and practice the Christian principles of love, caring, inclusiveness, justice and peace . . . and to enrich the emotional, physical and social life of all individuals, families, and our community.

We are so excited you will be joining us for Memorial Day Family Camp2016! We are thrilled to have a wide range of families; from small to large, longtime supporters and first time families all here to mark the occasion. Lying at the heart of the YMCA’s mission, Family Camp provides you with the opportunity to grow in body, mind, and spirit.

The entire staff here at YMCA Camp Tockwogh are eagerly awaiting this time honored tradition and are busy preparing. This year’s theme is Circus so be sure to bring all your country colors to wear during the opening ceremonies and to show off while you are at camp this weekend. We look forward to meeting you and thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Tockwogh!

The following pages will give you all the information you will need to make the most out of your Family Camp experience! If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We can’t wait to see you!

Sincerely,

The Tockwogh Family

Family Camp General InformationPacking ListThis is a suggested items to make your stay at Camp Tockwogh more comfortable. If you forget anything ask the staff for help. We might have what you need or can give you directions to the nearest store:

NUTS & BOLTSHousing: Families stay in Rustic or Upgraded housing. All buildings on camp have electricity and electrical outlets. There are three bathroom facilities located throughout camp with toilets and showers.

Healthcare: There is no designated health care provider during Family Camp. Parents are responsible for their family members’ health and should bring over the counter medication and first aid supplies. If a camper has a serious injury or illness please notify camp staff.

Internet Access: The wigwam has a computer lab that is available for use from 8:00am until 10:00pm for guests who are 16 and older.

Cellular Service: Cellular service on camp property is spotty. The best place to get a strong cell phone signal is near the bay.

Camp Store: The camp store will be open from 1:15-2:00pm each day for clothing and various supplies. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.

CLOTHING Tee Shirts Long Pants Shorts Underclothes Socks Swimsuit(s) Beach Towel Light Jacket Sweater or Sweatshirt Jacket or Fleece Poncho or Raincoat Pajamas Hat or Baseball Cap Gym Shoes Sandals Flip-Flops (for shower use)

BEDDING Sleeping Bag Blanket Sheets Pillow Pillow Cases

OTHER ITEMS Soap Toothbrush Shampoo Washcloth Bath Towel Comb or Brush Water Bottle Flashlight Bug Repellent Sunscreen Medication

OPTIONAL ITEMS Backpack Camping Chair Coffee Cup or Mug Cooler Games and Cards Goggles Books Bike with helmet

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOMEWe strive to be an unplugged venue, so we kindly ask that you please leave your personal electronics at home.

Of course, these objects may be brought at your own discretion. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items, though we will do our best to assist your search. Camp is a large, mainly outdoor facility and expensive electronics can easily be misplaced

FAMILY CAMP RULES Don’t enter any program area until a Tockwogh staff member is present and allows you to

enter. Everyone must wear a lifejacket while at the bay if they are on the dock, in the water or on

a boat. Know where your children are at all times. No bare feet, except in the sand at the bay or pool area. Camp is a smoke free environment. Please refrain from smoking within camp gates. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed by adults of legal drinking age in private areas

(cabins). It should not be consumed in public areas such as the Dining Hall, Waterfront, Sports Fields, Basketball Court, etc.

Please don’t feed the horses unless directed to by the equestrian staff. Lost & Found will be located on the front porch of the Dining Hall. If you should find

anything please place it in the labeled plastic container.

DINING HALL PROCEDUREOur cooks prepare delicious meals that meet the YMCA Healthy Eating Standards. A salad bar with fresh vegetables, fruit and additional entrée and vegetarian options are available at every meal. To keep the Dining Hall running smoothly, we ask that everyone follow the procedures listed below to help kitchen staff maintain a safe and effective kitchen. Meals will be served either family style or buffet. During each meal, two people from every table will serve as “Waiters.” Waiters are responsible for the following:

Setting the tableo Fifteen minutes before the meal waiters will meet in the dining hall to set out the

beverages, plates, silverware, cups and condiments for their table. Serving Food

o After grace, one adult should bring the serving tray to the table, unload the tray and return it to the rack.

o If you run out of food, take the empty platter to the breezeway to get them filled Clearing Table

o Serving bowls, platters and utensils will get returned to the rack where you got them.

o Pitchers will go on the rack near the drink station. o Scrape off plates into trash and stack.o Separate all silverware by type and put them in the proper bin by the dish window.o All cups will get put upside down in the cup tray in the dish room.

After Announcementso Wipe your table with a washcloth.o Stack the chairs

o Sweep the floor under your table.

Daily Schedule

Friday, May 26th 5:00-8:00pm Arrive & Check In at the Dining Hall8:00pm Opening Ceremonies & Snack

Check In Procedure @ the Dining Hall

1. Label your Table: Your family will sit at this table for all meals. In order to fit all families in the dining hall each table must seat 10 people. So you will need to share

2. Tour: If you are brand new to Tockwogh one of our camp staff will help show you around

3. All family campers must check in at the dining hall. Any family camper that is not registered may stay with your family based on the daily rate

Camp Activities: Kid Zone (AM Only) Tye-Dye Archery Climbing Wall Swimming Pool Waterslide (must pass swim

test and be 4ft tall to ride) Motor Boat Rides Canoeing & Kayaking Water Skiing & Wake

Boarding Tubing High Ropes (must be 12

years old to participate)

Kid Zone: After Breakfast each morning, staff will announce activates for kids only. This is an opportunity for your child to do activities with children their age.

Little Braves (Ages 3-5)Big Braves (Ages 6-8)Warriors (Ages 9-11)

SIGN UP ACTIVITIES: After Breakfast & Lunch there will be sign-ups for the following activities. Because of the limited space, it’s important that you take the time to sign up.

SailingAdvanced SkiingHorseback Riding

Horseback Riding: Morning (adult) & afternoon (youth) sessions will have sign up for one riding lesson or one trail ride. This is a very popular activity

Opening Ceremonies: Join your fellow campers as we welcome and get to know one another. You’ll get to meet the fun-loving staff members while enjoying a lite snack.

Saturday, May 27th 7:00-8:00am Pool Open for Lap Swimming7:45am Waiter Call- Send 2 people per table to help set your table in the Dining Hall8:00am Breakfast9:30-Noon Morning Activities & Kid Zone Open10:00-1:00pm Bike to Betterton (Lunch on Betterton Beach)12:15pm Waiter Call12:30pm Lunch1:15-2:15pm Rest Hour & Camp Store will be Open2:30-5:00pm Afternoon Activities Open5:15pm Waiter Call5:30pm Dinner7:00-Dusk Main Beach Party

Sunday, May 28th 7:00-8:00am Pool Open for Lap Swimming7:45am Waiter Call8:00am Breakfast9:30-Noon Morning Activities & Kid Zone12:15pm Waiter Call12:30pm Lunch1:15-2:00pm Rest Hour & Camp Store will be Open 2:30-5:00pm Afternoon Activities5:15pm Waiter Call5:30pm Dinner6:30-7:30pm Prepare for Campfire8:00pm Closing Campfire & Slide Show @ Amphitheater

Main Beach Party: Come to the beautiful Main Beach to enjoy music and activities as we dance and play the night away. From tubing rides and sand castle competitions to s’mores, there will be something for all.

Campfire & Slide Show: Make your way out to the Amphitheater for a Memorial Day Closing Presentation. We encourage any performers to prepare a skit, song, or other campfire traditions. In addition, we’ll be having a slide show to see all the funny, touching, and memorable moments that have taken place throughout the weekend.

Bike to Betterton: Join our staff for a bike ride into Betterton for lunch on the beach. Six miles there and six miles back, a refreshing ride on country roads to a sunny Chesapeake Bay beach. You are responsible for bringing your own BIKE and HELMET. Wear sun block and bring a water bottle for this trip!

Monday, May 29th 7:00-8:00am 5k run 7:45am Waiter Call8:00am Breakfast8:45-9:00am Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony9:30-12:00pm Morning Activities & Kid Zone12:30pm Picnic/ BBQ Lunch1:15pm Pack Up & Head Home Memorial Day

Flag Raising Ceremony: Join us at the flag pole outside the dining hall to help honor our fallen heroes, living veterans and service member’s on active duty.

Check Out: Families must be moved out of their cabins by 1:15pm. Be sure to give your cabin a quick sweep and turn out the lights. For those families checking out at other times, please notify us at the meal prior to your departure

Have a wonderful & safe

journey home!