2011 Camp

Guide Coming

Soon!

Please feel free to look through

the 2010 camp guide to get an

idea of the camp programs

offered.

Dear Parents,

Please accept this personal invitation to send your children to the Rogue Valley Family YMCA this summer. The

benefits of camp are many and the memories will last a lifetime. I personally can still remember my counselors

and the fun things I got to do at camp.

For over 60 years, the Rogue Valley Family YMCA has been helping young people develop themselves and build

an understanding of the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. As parents, we all

understand the importance of having positive influences for our children outside of the home that support great

values and ideals. The YMCA shares a commitment to help youth discover their talents plus develop friendships

and character qualities that have a lasting value.

Positive role models and leaders are essential to the success of our programs. Long before summer begins I start

the hiring process to select the individuals that will be working with your camper. I select camp staff based on the

qualities that we want all children to emulate.

The YMCA’s camping program has been tested over many safe and successful seasons. Becoming a camper at the

Rogue Valley Family YMCA is making the decision to be a part of an ever changing and caring community. I

hope that you will entrust us with the responsibility to help shape and transform your child’s future into a bright

one.

With Excitement,

Gary Taylor

YMCA Camp & Sports

Director

Gary Taylor started at the

Rogue Valley Family YMCA

as an afterschool staff mem-

ber in the fall of 2003. He

held many different positions

working with youth at our

YMCA while attending

Southern Oregon University completing a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In 2007 he

became a full-time staff member overseeing the camp programs. During his time with the YMCA, Gary

has supervised Day Camp, Resident Camp, Specialty Camp, Rock Wall, Youth Center and the Youth

Sports programs. He is responsible for the recruitment, training

and development of over 40 seasonal staff and over 100 volun-

teers to make the camp and sports programs a success. In 2008,

he became certified by the YMCA of the USA as a Resident

Camp Director. Gary also holds the following certifications:

ARC Lifeguard, ARC First Aid/CPR/AED, Junior Olympic

Archery Coach and Challenge Course Technical Rescuer.

Gary enjoys telling his friends about his job and that he is the

―Director of Fun.‖ Gary has been living and breathing the world

of camp since he began attending a resident camp as a 5-year

old child. Gary enjoys spending time with his wife Krista and

their two daughters, Makayla and Baylee. When not spending

time at camp, Gary can be found crabbing, camping, urban

farming (complete with chickens, fresh fruit and vegetables)

and laughing with his friends and family.

Color printing of Camp Guide was donated.

Tips for a great time at Y-Camp… Make sure you pack a lunch, swimsuit, towel and water bottle everyday

(snacks are provided twice a day)

It’s Summer! Dress for the weather and wear athletic shoes. Flip flops

are only allowed for swimming times.

Leave money and expensive items at home.

Leave your toys and cards at home, we have plenty of things for you to

do.

Be sure to arrive each day by 8:45am and plan to stay until 4:30pm so

you can participate in all of the activities.

Make sure you plan enough time each day for drop-off and pick-up, we

require all campers to be checked-in and checked-out by an adult.

Resident Camp at Camp Latgawa Join us for a traditional overnight camp experience. There is something about spending a week away from home with the same bunch of kids

that helps youth learn independence and the ability to rely on others. Camp is an experience that you never forget.

Resident Camp is filled with swimming, hiking, archery, arts & crafts, cookouts, skits, songs, team building, a night under the stars and

outdoor living skills. We also offer a free choice time during the week where campers can sign up to spend a little more time doing the things

they really love like archery, waterfall trips and commando hikes. Each camper’s experience will vary by age and one summer is not enough

to experience it all. There is always something to look forward to next summer as you get older. This is why we have so many returning

campers each summer.

Each evening at camp is concluded with an unforgettable campfire experience where campers and counselors sing songs and perform skits.

The final day of camp is special because campers and counselors dress in their camp finest to attend a formal closing banquet and campfire.

Campers of the same age are grouped together to live in rustic cabins with modern bathroom facilities near by.

Join us at Camp Latgawa located 35 miles east of Medford in the beauti-

ful wooded area of the Rogue National Forest near gently flowing

streams, giant firs and ancient madrone trees. We look forward to

seeing you for another memorable summer!

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 2nd – 9th

Schedule: Week 6, July 18th – 24th

Drop-off: Sunday July 18th at the YMCA, 3:00pm

Pick-up: Saturday July 24th at the YMCA, 12:00noon

Fees: $335 / $385 / $435 (tiered pricing, pick one*)

Staffing Ratio: 1:8

Mini Camp Mini camp sessions are geared at providing your camper with a brief

introduction to overnight camping. Mini campers will spend two days

and one night at Camp Latgawa enjoying arts & crafts, skits, songs,

hiking, an overnight and s’mores around the campfire!

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering: 1st grade

Schedule: Session 1: July 19th – 20th

Session 2: July 21st – 22nd

Drop-off: On the first day of each session at the YMCA, 8:00am

Pick-up: Last day of the session at the YMCA, 12:00noon

Fee: $90 / $100 / $110 (tiered pricing, pick one*)

Staffing Ratio: 1:8

Spoons Spoon campers are given the opportunity to attend camp for half-off the

regular fee, because they help wash dishes after some of the meals.

Spoons still enjoy all of the regular camp activities plus the freedom to

develop a few of their own.

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 10th – 12th

Schedule: Week 6, July 18th – 24th

Drop-off: Sunday July 18th at the YMCA, 3:00pm

Pick-up: Saturday July 24th at the YMCA, 12:00noon

Fees: $170 / $195 / 220 (tiered pricing, pick one*)

Staffing Ratio: 1:12

Register On-line: www.gocamping.org/registration.html

*Tiered Pricing On each resident camp description you will find three different camp prices. You get to choose the one that best fits your family's ability to pay.

Rate A: The lowest price is a subsidized rate (this rate is not available after May 5th).

Rate B: The middle price is the amount we spend during the week of camp for your

camper to participate. These costs include the food the people cooking the food and keeping the camp ready for campers, the program supplies, and the

training, food and lodging for the volunteer leaders.

Rate C: The third price is closest to the true price of an individual's participation at camp. This includes things like insurance, utilities, replacement of

equipment, and facility upgrades.

DAY CAMP

Schools out and the YMCA is in for another exciting summer of

Day Camp! Since the beginning of the YMCA, youth have been

coming to build summer memories that last for years. If you join us

for a week or the entire summer, your days will be filled with ex-

periences in nature, swimming, arts & crafts, skits, songs, scaven-

ger hunts, outdoor living skills, field trips, cooking and sports.

Even though camp is filled with many things that keep campers

busy, it is really about making new friends, learning teamwork and

fair play, role modeling YMCA values and developing personal

safety skills.

Whether on a field trip or on-site, you never know what excitement

each day is going to bring. Will your counselor take a mud pie to

the face, will your group be the tug-of-war champions, or will you

be the first person in your family to participate in an official belly-

flop competition?

Daily activities are based on the weekly theme (see opposite page). Day Camp is a great way to experience the fun

and excitement that summer camp has to offer while still being able to come home each night to share the day’s sto-

ries with family and friends. Campers will be divided into two smaller camps, depending on the camper’s age, to

help tailor their camp experience to meet their needs.

During 2009, families reported that…

90% of participants learned personal safety skills

90% of participants displayed the YMCA core values of car-

ing, honesty, respect, and responsibility

90% of participants better understand rules and consequences

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 1st – 6th

Schedule: 7:30am – 6:00pm M-F

We ask that your camper be at camp by 8:45am each day so they

can participate in all of the activities, and we will return to the

Day Camp site by 4:30pm.

Location: Weeks 1 and 12—YMCA Main Facility

522 West Sixth Street

Medford, OR 97501

Weeks 2 thru 11—Lone Pine Elementary

3158 Lone Pine Road

Medford, OR 97504

Fees: $25/day

Included in current ’09-’10 Afterschool Payment Option 3

Staffing Ratio: 1st – 3rd grade 1:10

4th – 6th grade 1:15

The Ospreys (entering 1st – 3rd grade) - Osprey campers will par-

ticipate in one weekly field trip (on Wednesdays) and work with

staff that were selected for their skills in meeting the needs of this

age group. Staffing ratio of 1 adult to every 10 campers.

The Eagles (entering 4th – 6th grade) - Eagle campers will partici-

pate in two weekly field trips (on Tuesday and Thursday - except

week 1 and 12, there will be only one field trip on Wednesday) and

will enjoy more camp activities and experiences appropriate for this

age group. Staffing ratio of 1 adult to every 15 campers.

DAY CAMP 2010 WEEKLY THEMES

Week 1 (June 14th – 18th) – Summer Cruise – Board the YMCA ―Cruise ship‖ as we travel to island destinations and enjoy the cruise life. We’ll try

Hula, limbo, spa treatments and create towel animals.

Week 2 (June 21st – 25th) – Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn – Set off on an adventure worth remembering, build a raft, make your own fishing pole and

cook over a campfire.

Week 3 (June 28th – July 2nd) – Raiders of the Lost Artifact – Don your hat

and bull whip and help us preserve the artifacts of history for all the people of

the world. Watch out for hidden obstacle courses, snakes and rock walls.

Week 4 (July 5th – 9th) – Game Show Mania – Come experience the fun and

excitement of the game shows like the Price is Right, Jeopardy, Family Feud

and even a few of our own!

Week 5 (July 12th – 16th) – Outback – Welcome to the Australian Down

Under. Can you last a week in the outback? Try your hand at some wilderness

survival, raising kangaroos and crocodile wrestling.

Week 6 (July 19th – 23rd) – Splash About – Lets get wet. Take it all in, water

relay races, slip-n-slide, Drip-Drip-Soak, and everything that keeps you cool.

Week 7 (July 26th – 30th) – Barnyard Palooza – cows, chickens, pigs, oh my!

Find the time to enjoy the best parts of farm life. This week we’ll explore all of

the fun of life on the farm.

Week 8 (August 2nd – August 6th) – Time Travel – Board the time machine as

we travel to a different time each day of the week: Caveman and Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Knights and Damsels, Victorian Shakespeare, and

rocking1950’s.

Week 9 (August 9th – August 13th) – Super Sleuth – Can we solve the crime? We will learn the techniques needed to be successful like fingerprinting,

crime scene photos, substance analysis to help us get to the bottom of the mystery before it is too late.

Week 10 (August 16th – August 20th) – Gold Rush – Can we strike it rich this week? We will find ourselves looking for gold as we explore the Rogue

Valley. Try your hand at gold panning, race against others to stake your mining claim and discover why gold is so valuable.

Week 11 (August 23rd – August 27th) – Wild West – Come with us as we explore life out in the West. Enjoy a hoe down, campfires, wagon races,

horse shoes and racing sacks.

Week 12 (August 30th – September 3rd) – What’s Your Emergency? – We will explore all of the services that are here to protect and serve every

citizen. Enjoy visits and tours from the police, fire, EMS and Search and Rescue professionals.

Teen Adventures There is no better teacher than hands-on experience. Teens will learn communication, decision-making, and

leadership as they take part in the Teen Adventures program. This program offers mature campers a chance to keep

coming to Y-camp while learning to take on some leadership responsibility

for younger campers. Teen campers will join the day campers on the three

weekly field trips. Teens will serve as role models while helping to develop

and lead activities for the younger campers throughout the week. Teens will

be asked to take ownership of their week through a group decision making

process. Teens will have a chance to enjoy all of the regular day camp

activities, take on service projects, enjoy team building activities and

leadership development projects. Staff will help lead the teens to develop

memories that will last forever. Many of the YMCA teen campers have gone

on to become camp staff.

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 7th – 10th

Schedule: 7:30am – 6:00pm M-F

Offered weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11

We ask that your teen be at camp by 8:45am each day so they can participate

in all of the activities and we will always return to the site by 4:30pm.

Location: Lone Pine Elementary

Fee: $75/week

Staffing Ratio: 1:15

Rafting Camp Raft with us as we take the power of a YMCA camp experience and

blend it with a real whitewater rafting experience. We will spend 2 days

and 1 night rafting and camping along the Rogue River. Campers will

gain basic skills in raft navigation, camp cooking, and river camping.

The YMCA camp staff will be on hand to ensure that the highest

quality instruction and safety standards are met. Participants will need

to provide personal camping gear (sleeping bag, clothes, etc.), group

camping gear will be provided by the YMCA. Campers will be asked to

have eaten a complete breakfast and bring a sack lunch with them on

the first day, all other food will be provided by the YMCA. This will be

a fun and unforgettable adventure, so we look forward to seeing you on

the river.

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 6th - 10th

Schedule: August 3rd - 4th

Location: Will meet at the YMCA Main Facility, 8:00am

Fee: $100

Staffing Ratio: 1:6

Minimum Enrollment: 12 campers

Lil’ Adventures Ready for camp, but not quite ready for the full day? Come join us for a

few great adventures. Lil’ Adventures campers will experience a different

field trip each day of the week as we explore local attractions in the Rogue

Valley. Campers will get a chance to sing songs, go hiking, play games,

and do arts & crafts during their week. Each day begins at the YMCA with

snack before loading the bus to head off for the day’s adventure. Campers

will have a chance to enjoy the day’s field trip and then eat their sack lunch

before returning to the YMCA by 1:00pm.

Director: Gary Taylor

Ages: 3-6 (potty trained)

Schedule: 8:30am – 1:00pm T, W and Th

Location: YMCA, 522 West 6th St., Medford

Fee: $90/week

Staffing Ratio: 1:10

Week 3 (June 29th – Jul 1st) One Camp, Two Camp, Red Camp, Blue Camp – Oh! The places we’ll go… come

along as we explore the world of Dr. Suess. Each day will be themed on a famous Dr. Suess book as we go on a read-

ing vacation.

Week 5 (July 13th – 15th) How We Go – From here to there! On wheels, on rails, and on the air, lets see how to go

from there to here!

Week 7 (July 27th – 29th) The Wetter the Better – We will be exploring the zero-depth spray parks in Ashland,

Medford, and Central Point.

Week 10 (August 17th – 19th) Fast Catch – Grab your fishing poles and tackle boxes because we aren’t going to

leave any pond behind as we explore fishing in the Rogue Valley.

YMCA British Soccer Camp Why a British Soccer Camp? British coaches with cool accents make learning

soccer fun. All of the coaches know that every child loves to be challenged,

loves to learn new skills and that they thrive on positive feedback. All soccer

skills will be coached within a framework of character development based on

respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship. This is a great

way learn soccer and build a cultural awareness through the camp mock

World Cup Tournament at the end of the week.

First Kicks Ages 3 to 4

Young players are introduced to game basics through fundamental activities,

games and fun soccer challenges. 9:00-10:00am June 28th – July 2nd Fee: $73*

Mini-Soccer Ages 4 to 6

Fun games, competitions and skill-building activities are designed to enlighten and develop budding play-

ers. 10:00am – 12:00pm June 28th – July 2nd Fee: $98*

Half-Day Player Development Camp Ages 6 to 14

Emphasis is placed upon skill development and mastery of core techniques through individual and small

group practices and our coached games. 9:00am – 12:00pm June 28th – July 2nd Fee: $130*

Golden Goals Ages 6 to 14

Special bonus camp for half-day campers. Includes an extra 2 hours of fun competition and scrimmages.

12:30pm – 2:30pm June 28th – July 1st Fee: $30*

*Register on-line at www.challengersports.com

Basketball Skills Camp Looking to beef up your basketball skills during the summer? Get ready now for

fall and winter basketball programs. This basketball camp will include hands-on

instruction and plenty of skills and drills to get you passing, shooting and playing at

your best. Camp will include instruction on shooting, defensive skills, dribbling,

passing skills, running plays and team play.

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 2nd – 5th

July 26th – 30th

9:00am – 12:00 noon

Location: YMCA, 522 West 6th St., Medford

Fee: $90/week

Rogue Valley Family YMCA 522 West Sixth Street ● Medford, OR 97501 ● 541-772-6295

www.rvymca.org ● gtaylor@rvymca.org

Summer Staffing 2010

Our staff push themselves to be the best role model, listener,

friend and confidant they can be for each camper. The YMCA’s

summer camp programs are directed by full-time YMCA

professional directors and staffed with dedicated and dynamic

leaders, selected for their maturity, understanding, patience and

interest in working with youth.

The YMCA selection process includes an interview, reference

check and criminal background check prior to employment.

Summer camp staff complete an extensive staff training that

includes: risk management, child discipline, child abuse

prevention, emergency procedures, friendship building and much

more all before campers arrive. Most of our staff are certified in

first aid and CPR, plus certified lifeguards supervise all

swimming activities. Thank you for trusting us with your most

prized asset.

Intro to Backpacking Camp – Crater Lake Living out of your pack in a remote area with nothing but a few friends and the wilderness around you is a special

experience. If you love a challenge then this is the camp for you. As we explore sections of the Pacific Crest Trail

and Crater Lake National Park you will learn the basics of leave no-trace practices, safe backcountry travel, camp

cooking, wilderness weather management and basic wilderness navigation. We will be hiking 10 – 12 miles a day

so campers will need to be ready for a vigorous 3 days and 2 nights as we will also be summiting the rim of

Crater Lake during our hike.

Director: Gary Taylor

Entering Grades: 6th thru 9th

Dates: August 18th – 20th

Drop-off Location: YMCA Main Facility,

522 West 6th St., Medford

Fee: $75