FAQ

That's what camp is for!!! Camp is for meeting new friends and building relationships that will last for years. Many of our campers come without friends the first year. Our program involves much team building and interaction with other campers, helping to build those friendships that are so important to camp. Many of our campers keep in touch with one another throughout the school year via letters and e-mail, so they can come back to camp the following summer together.

A typical day at camp is spent participating in a series of structured activities ranging from individual nature hikes to games of capture the flag with the entire camp. The mornings are spent focusing on nature education activities and the afternoons are spent on more traditional summer camp activities. There are several opportunities for free time to allow the camper to participate in various choice activities or just hang-out with their friends. (i.e. kayaking, basketball, arts & crafts etc...) All activities are supervised by staff.

Basic Traditional Schedule (May be modified for theme/trips/and age groups):
7:15am - Optional Early Bird Activity
8:00am - Breakfast
8:45am - Cabin Clean Up time
9:15am - Activity Session
10:15am - Activity Session
11:15am - Activity Session
12:30pm - LUNCH
1:15pm - Cabin Time/Rest Period
2:00pm - Trading Post
2:30pm - Free Swim/Rec Time
3:45pm - Camper Choice Activity
4:45pm - Camper Choice Activity
6:00pm - DINNER
6:45pm - Trading Post
7:15pm - Evening All Camp Activity
8:15pm - Campfire
9:00pm - Cabin Time
9:30pm - Lights Outs at 10:00pm
Activities and Programs at camp include: Swimming, Environmental Education, Free Choice, Canoeing/Kayaking, Archery, Basketball, Fishing, Field Sports, Snorkeling, Team Building, Hiking, Outdoor Living Skills, Compass/GPS/GeoCaching, Character Development, Arts & Crafts, Evening Activities, Theme Days and Campfire Programs.

Financial Assistance is Available. It is the goal of the YMCA to provide educational, social and physical development services to people, regardless of their ability to pay. Waiver or reduction of fees is available subject to facility and program capacity and demonstrated need, without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age or physical or mental handicap. Contact the YMCA at (715) 342-2999 for application materials. Scholarships are provided through generous conservation and civic clubs, the United Way of Portage County and the YMCA Annual Campaign.  Click here to learn more about scholarships.

Many of our campers are also sponsored by environmental organizations directly. We suggest that parents of campers also contact possible environmental or civic clubs directly.

Our campers stay in rustic cabins built with lumber harvested on site. Each cabin sleeps 14 - 20 depending on the cabin.  Click here to learn more about the facility.

Exact age breakdowns vary each week based on exact demographics of registrations. However, your child will typically be placed in a group or cabin with children within 2 years of the same age.

We should receive your Health History Form at least three weeks prior to Camp. We suggest that a physical be performed every 24 months. A previous copy of such a physical or athletic card may be attached to our form, but not required.

Yes, State law requires all campers to complete a health history that is properly filled out and signed by the parents each year. A physical exam is only suggested every 2 years.

It is absolutely essential that parents or physician of campers who will be taking medications (prescription and non-prescription) provide us with written permission and instruction for administering. State law requires that all medications brought must:

Prescription Medications:

• Be in their Original Container
• Be clearly labeled with:
• Camper’s Name
• Name of Prescribing Physician
• Prescription Number
• Date Prescribed
• Name of the Medication and directions for use
• Include written instructions from your physician on detailed dosage, directions for administering, adverse reactions, and specific conditions when a physician should be contacted

Non-Prescription Medications:

• Be in their Original Container
• Be clearly labeled with:
• Camper’s Name
• Name of Medication
• Dosage and Directions for Administering

All medications must be administered and kept secure by an authorized staff. Medications that are given by injection must be administered by a doctor, not the health staff, arrangements must be made prior to arrival at camp.

All counselors have First Aid and CPR certifications. Certified lifeguards are always on site and oversee all waterfront activities.

Campers will have an opportunity to purchase camp snacks during each afternoon. The Camp Trading Post carries ice cream treats, candy, sports drinks, and camp souvenirs such as t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. All snack items are priced at $1 each.  All spending is done through a camper account system (please do not send cash with your camper). Use the form enclosed with your final information packet to deposit money into your camper's account. The average camper uses $25 to $60 depending on souvenir purchases. Any remaining balance of $5 or more will be mailed home within 4 weeks of completing the refund request form at checkout. Please discuss purchases with your camper so they have an understanding of how account monies should be used.

In keeping camp a safe environment for everyone, no visitors are allowed on camp property unless approved in advance by the Camp Director.

Email and Telephone Service:
Campers love to receive MAIL! We encourage you to correspond regularly with your campers by mail. Remember, the week goes by very quickly so be sure to send emails early in the week. Unless it is an emergency, we strongly encourage you to correspond with your camper by email only! Contact by phone can lead to homesickness as well as tying up the camp phone lines for business.

Email letters can be sent to glacierhollow@spymca.org.

It is important that you follow this list. Please mark all clothing and other items with camper’s name. Keep in mind clothes should be suitable for active outdoor camping activities. Bring along enough clothing for the week and a dirty clothes bag. Camp does not have laundry facilities. Remember to bring a white T-shirt or other items for possible tie-dye art projects. A letter with information regarding any special theme days may be mailed prior to camp.

Things to Bring:

For Day Camp:

1. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. We recommend old clothes, as much of the camp experience involves exploring!
2. Tennis shoes (sandals will only be allowed on the beach at Glacier Hollow)
3. Sweat shirt or jacket
4. Rain gear or poncho
5. Protective sun gear – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
6. A swimsuit/trunks. Also bring a plastic bag to store wet gear.
7. A labeled water bottle.
8. Insect repellant & sunscreen.
9. Backpack is required for Glacier Hollow campers every day.
10. A clean face mask.
11. A positive attitude!

For Resident/Overnight Camp:

Res Packing List

Things not to Bring: Please do not send money, radios, CD/MP3 players, iPods, electronic games, cell phones, jewelry, food/snacks/candy, knives/fireworks or other weapons.

Please do not send any treats, candy, or food with your camper. It is a camp policy to not have food or candy in the cabins (food brings unwanted critters). Rest assured, all campers will be well fed! We will also be having all camp treats.

Our experience has shown that campers will develop better friendships and appreciate the nature experience more without electronic devices. Camp also does not have insurance to cover camper’s personal possessions and will not be financially responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Location Address Only (No mail accepted):
YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow
9289 Pavelski Road
Amherst Junction, WI 54407
(715) 824-5267

Business & Registration Address:
Stevens Point Area YMCA
1000 Division Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 342-2980

(Click Here) for Directions and Map to Glacier Hollow