Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes we do. If you participate in our Camper Referral Program, you can receive $50.00 off of your camper’s tuition for each new camper that you refer. You can also opt for a limited edition camp t-shirt/ winter combination pack instead of the $50.00. This offer is good from January 1st to March 31st. Click here for the Camper Referral Program Details.
Q: Why 3 Tiered Pricing?
A: Camp Conrad Weiser serves families with different abilities to pay. Tier 1 more accurately accounts for true costs, including wear and tear and depreciation. This program is voluntary, and in no way influences the experience children receive. 100% of the additional fees from Tier 1 rates fund facility replacements and improvements. Tiers 2 & 3 are our historically subsidized rate, and does not reflect the true cost of operating. There’s no difference in the camp experience for your child! Our goal is to make Camp Conrad Weiser YMCA Summer Camp affordable to everyone through camperships. Please email ycamps@smymca.org for more information.
To see all of our rates, Download Our Registration Form.
Q: How is cabin placement determined? Which cabin/village will my child be staying in?
A: Making new friends is an essential part of the camp experience and cabin assignments are the key to creating a positive camp environment. Conrad Weiser’s program is age specific and progressive in nature. Campers are placed in groups of eight with two staff members assigned to each cabin group. Lodging varies from group to group. Some campers live in independent cabins clustered together to make up a Village. Others stay in larger lodges where multiple groups live together. Each camper has his/her own bunk and storage area. Villages consist of cabin groups of children the same age. Therefore, grouping campers by age is required. We will make every effort to honor special requests for cabin mates but due to the amount of campers registered per session we do not guarantee any placements.
We place campers in cabin groups based on the following criteria:
- One mutual request made by 2 campers who are the same age.
- Age, Camper’s grade is not considered in cabin assignments. Requests by campers who are more than 12 months apart to be together may be considered, but the older child will be placed with the younger camper’s age group.
Q: Can my child be in a cabin with his/her best friend or relative?
A: We will do our best to honor one mutual request. However, there are many other factors involved in cabin placement (see above).
Q: Who will my children have as counselors?
A: The camp community is an exciting mix of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. Staff travel from across the country and around the world to join us—from California to Maine, and as far afield as South Africa and New Zealand. All applicants undergo an extensive interview, reference, and criminal history check process. Once hired, employees receive rigorous training which includes: Health and Safety Awareness, Emergency Procedures, Behavior Management, Activity Leadership, the Wellness Philosophy, Team Building, and Age Specific Youth Challenges. Lifeguards are recertified annually. The horse barn staff follows the rules of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). And ropes course supervisors meet all Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Our goal is to ensure successful camping experiences for each camper. All staff undergo intensive background and criminal history checks. International staff must have J-1 authorization from Immigration and Naturalization. Our staff is expected to share the YMCA’s mission and vision, and are dedicated to bringing your children the best camping experiences possible. This facility meets all guidelines, policies and procedures as mandated by the American Camping Association (ACA) and the Department of Health.
Q: Level of supervision?
A: Level of supervision is high with a 1:6, counselor-camper ratio. Campers remain supervised even during down-time and rest periods.
Q: How does Camp prevent strangers?
A: Staff are very sensitive about identifying authorized and non-authorized individuals on campus. Staff are in constant contact with one another, and with the administration, via hand-held radio. Conrad Weiser runs a “closed campus” during the summer session, therefore, any strangers would be readily identifiable. Conferences, retreats, and adventure events can coincide with summer and day camp events. In the event that this should occur, procedures are in place to safeguard our campers. Trespassers are immediately identified, approached, and asked to vacate the premises. Guided tours of the facility are available via appointment only.
Q: How often is mail delivered?
A: Mail is sorted and delivered daily (when the local post office is open). Mail is delivered to campers by their Village Chief and counselors daily. You can also email your camp with our personal one-way email system.
Q: What can I send in a care package?
A: Toys, stuffed animals, cabin decorations, and letters are all great options. We discourage valuable items, which may get lost or broken at camp, and food items as they attract animals. Junk food is not allowed.
