Day Camp Overview

 Pick-Up Policy

Please remember the person picking up the camper must be listed on the application form and must present a photo ID. Children will not be released to anyone not on the list or to persons on the list who do not present a valid ID. The camp office must be notified in writing if a child will be picked up early. Please provide extra time when picking up a camper early.

Arrival & Departure

Due to the size of the camp and the locations of the programs, the designated drop-off and pick-up places for each camp are different.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of activities will my child participate in each day?  Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities each day. Some examples may be:

· Swimming and Boating: Campers have one period of recreational swim each day. Paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and water games are also part of the waterfront program.


· Sports and Games: A variety of popular athletic activities are offered: soccer, flag football, track and field, volleyball, basketball and tennis as well as favorite camp games like capture the flag.


· Nature: The woods and streams surrounding Camp are "alive" with opportunities for learning experiences. There are many walking trails and fascinating landmarks. Campers may learn to navigate by compass, hike in groups or set up a campsite.


· Arts & Crafts: Campers create projects using a variety of methods and materials.


· Archery: Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett is home to two archery ranges. Campers will receive instruction and skill development.


· Fun Zone and Playgrounds: There are many outdoor play areas, each with different kinds of equipment. From ping-pong... to carpet ball... to swings and slides and climbing apparatus – Ok-Wa-Nessett has it all!


· Challenge/Ropes Courses: Our older campers participate in a series of group activities involving controlled physical and emotional risk. They learn to deal with successes, failures, and their related feelings in a non-competitive, non-judgmental setting.

Will my camper get as dirty as you say?  Yes! Your camper will get dirty. This is a 100% OUT-OF-DOORS camp, which means that unless it is thundering and lightening or the temperature is unsafe, we will be outside. Dress your camper for the weather in sneakers and play clothes and be prepared to BATHE your camper every night.!

What happens if it rains at Camp?  We do operate on rainy days. Most activities on rainy days take place inside different pavilions located around camp. The younger camper’s activities are located inside the Champlin Lodge. However, campers should be prepared with proper rain gear for transitions to and from program areas. Please send camper with a raincoat, extra clothing and footwear.

Who are the camp counselors?  The Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett counselor staff is mature, enthusiastic and diverse. Most are college students studying education, psychology and social work. They are carefully selected for those qualities of leadership, personal values and caring that enable them to relate to and motivate young people. The counselor staff is closely supervised by leadership staff of knowledgeable and dedicated YMCA professionals.

Is Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett an Accredited Camp?  Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett is accredited by the American Camp Association, the most recognized organization that monitors the quality of camping in the world. The accreditation process requires the camp to either meet or exceed over 300 standards in the area of health, safety, risk management, human resources, transportation, and in all program areas including aquatics. http://www.campparents.org.

My child takes medicine regularly, how should I arrange for this?  All medications (both prescription and non-prescription) are administered by the camp nurse and require a Medication Release Form be on file in your child’s file. This form may be obtained by contacting the Camp Director.  A Medication Release Form is also needed for children requiring an epi-pen or inhaler.

What are Family Nights?  Family Nights happen every other Thursday. They are a great opportunity for you and your family to spend some time at camp together. You can come and watch a show at our stage, have dinner, or play in the Spray Park.

What happens if there are disciplinary issues?  We will handle discipline issues on a case-by-case basis. Talking with campers is our first response, while time-out is utilized when necessary. We will relay all discipline issues to parents as they occur and will work in partnership with families to develop effective solutions.