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What are the ages of Campers?

Our campers register for programs based on their age. Within each program campers are placed into smaller groups based on age.

AM Mini-Tykes (ages 3-6)
Full Day Mini-Tykes (ages 4-6)
Zicahota (Zig-a-hota) (ages 7-12)
Nagi (Nah-gee) (ages 12-13)

NOTE: Licensing requirements mandate which program your child is eligible for based on age.

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Are your groups Coed?

Yes, all our groups are coed. We have found this works very well.

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What are the Standard camp hours?

8:30am to 4:00pm

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Can you extend the camp hours?

Yes. We provide extended care here at camp. Extended Care hours are from 7:00 to 8:30am and from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  These extended hours are offered for ages 7-13 for an additional fee.

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Can you enroll anytime?

Camp enrollment is on a 'first come, first serve' basis and many sessions fill up early on. However, if we have an opening we will accept enrollment throughout the camp season. Registration is available online.

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If I had a medical form from last year's camp, can I use it for this year?

No, you must have a new medical forms every year with a signature from the doctor and parent. Your child must have a physical examination no more than 24 months prior to their stay at camp. It is our goal to have the most up to date medical information about your child so we can best serve them.

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Do you provide lunch?

Yes!
Monday - Thursday: a hot lunch will be provided in our dining hall.
Friday: We will have a 'Chuckwagon' cook out. Hotdogs, chips, cookies, fruit and veggies will be served outside.

Half-day Mini-Tykes do not eat lunch at camp.
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Do you provide snacks?

Yes, snacks are provided by camp.

AM Mini-Tykes - morning snack
Full Day Mini-Tykes - morning and afternoon snacks
Zicahota and Nagi - afternoon snack

Zicahota and Nagi campers can also buy snacks in the afternoon. We have a Mercantile that stocks drinks, ice cream and other snack foods. The Mercantile also offers t-shirts and souvenirs. In order for a camper to shop at the Mercantile, Parents must deposit money into a 'camper account' prior to the start of camp or at Monday morning check-in. This 'camper account' is then available for the campers to make purchases throughout their camp week. Parents have the choice of receiving a refund check at the end of summer or donating the remaining camper account balance to camp. We appreciate all donated store balances and use your donation to help pay for new program equipment.
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Can you switch from one camp week (session) to another?

Please contact the camp office - If there is space available we will make the requested change for you.

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What about ticks?

Ticks are rare at camp.

We encourage the campers to bring socks, shoes and pants for hiking in the woods.

We don’t do a tick check, but the counselors encourage the campers to check themselves. If there is ever any question we take them to the nurse to get another opinion.

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Is there trained medical personnel on site?

Yes. In accordance with state requirements a Registered Nurse supervises a camp medic who is available at all hours.

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What do the campers do if it's raining or excessively hot?

Phantom Lake YMCA Camp has plenty of indoor space to accommodate all campers on rainy days.  On these days we have special programming for the campers.

In excessive heat we modify the schedule to give more time in the water and we limit high exertion activities.

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What about refunds or credits?

Phantom Lake YMCA Camp does not refund the $35 deposit under any circumstances.

If a cancellation is made two weeks prior to the camper's session, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp will only offer a refund if there is a verifiable medical excuse from a doctor.

In the event of cancellation due to misconduct or homesickness, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp will retain the session fee.

There are no refunds or credits for vacations. We will make every effort to switch your camper to different weeks if necessary.

There is no prorating due to missed days of camp. Registration is based on one week.


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What is the swim program like?

Parents are given the opportunity at Monday morning check-in to sign their camper up for swim instruction for the week. There is no additional cost for the lessons.

All of our campers are encouraged to participate in the recreational swims.

While our swim instructors are trained to encourage your child to participate in both swim instruction and recreational swims, no child is forced to go into the water.

All lifeguards are certified in lifeguarding, first aid and CPR and the ratio of lifeguards to campers is well within the requirements set by the state.

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Why does my child need water shoes for the waterfront?

Many of the lakes in the area have been infested with zebra muscles. We remove many from the shore every summer. However, they multiply quickly. These small clam-like mollusks have a pointed ridge to them that can be sharp when stepped on.

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What are the ages and experience of your staff?

Our Chief Operating Officer (COO) has over 14 years experience in maintaining and managing camps.

Many of his staff and Assistant Directors are college students who focus on education and/or individuals who work with children year round.

ALL CAMP STAFF UNDERGOES A BACKGROUND CHECK AND SPECIAL TRAINING BEFORE STARTING WORK.

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What is the staff/camper ratio?

Camper Age	Number Staff	Overnight Campers	Day-only Campers
3-years	1		4
4-5 years	1		6
6-8 years	1	6	8
9-14 years	1	8	10
15-18 years	1	10	12

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Do you have a special program for teens?

Yes. This is one of our most popular programs. The Nagi program is for ages 12 and 13 and will include small trips and service projects.

Trips are to outdoor recreational areas, and local non-for-profits.

Nagi trips are very well chaperoned. There will be a trip leader and other counselors that are mature and experienced with trips.

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Do you have a youth leadership program for teens?

Yes. Our program is called Youth Leadership Training (YLT). YLTs can come to camp for up to 4 weeks depending on age.

Our YLTs are 14-17 years old, attending 9th to 11th grade.

Campers in our YLT program are charged a program fee; they do not get paid, they are campers. 

Applicants in this program must fill out a separate Leadership Training Application, two references and a registration form.