Health and Safety
The health and safety of youth is our top priority. Our goal is to help children feel safe and be safe while they participate in YMCA programs.

Achievement
Achievement focuses on the opportunity for youth to gain new knowledge, skills or abilities while gaining confidence in themselves.

Relationships
The Y provides a unique environment where friendships flourish. When youth develop relationships with their peers and with staff, they build strong peer bonds. At the Y, youth are provided with exposure to strong adult mentors and leaders.

Belonging
Unique rituals and YMCA pride play a big role in providing youth with a sense of belonging throughout the program.

Character Development
Character plays a big role at the Y. Our staff are trained to embed character development into games, teambuilders, daily routine activities and even snacks! We strive to give youth an opportunity to develop and exhibit healthy character.

Health and Wellbeing
The Y’s mission is to build healthy, spirits minds and bodies.  We encourage healthy habits through healthy lunch box challenges, mindfulness moments and lots of physical activity. Our overall goal is to encourage youth and staff to enjoy healthy meals, healthy minds and healthy play!

YMCA of Greensboro Inclusion Policy

At the YMCA of Greensboro, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of the children and families we serve, and we strive to offer reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities, as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We welcome all children, including those with disabilities, and will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to support their participation in our programs. However, our foremost priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Therefore, we must establish certain behavioral expectations to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Behavioral Expectations

Children participating in our programs are expected to adhere to basic behavioral guidelines that ensure their own safety and that of others. These expectations include:

1. Staying with the Group
Children must remain with their assigned group at all times. Running off or leaving the group without permission poses significant safety risks and will not be tolerated.

2. Respectful Interactions
Children are expected to follow instructions from staff and interact with peers and staff in a respectful manner. Extreme defiance that significantly disrupts the program or requires disproportionate attention from staff, diverting them from supervising other children, will not be accommodated.

3. Aggressive Behavior
Physical aggression, including hitting, kicking, biting, or any other form of violence, is strictly prohibited. Such behaviors threaten the safety of other participants and staff and will not be tolerated.

Self-Care Expectations

Children participating in our programs are expected to be able to manage their basic self-care needs independently. These self-care needs include:

1. Toileting
Children must be able to use the restroom independently, including managing clothing and personal hygiene.

2. Eating
Children must be able to eat independently, including opening containers and feeding themselves.

3. Changing Clothes
Children must be able to change their clothes independently, including managing any necessary clothing changes throughout the day.

4. Other Relevant Self-Care Needs
Managing personal belongings

Reasonable Accommodations

In accordance with the ADA, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. These accommodations may include but are not limited to:

• Modifications to program activities and schedules
• Additional support from trained staff, if available
• Adaptive equipment and materials
• Individualized support plans

Limitations to Accommodations

While we strive to accommodate the needs of all children, there may be instances where a child's behavior poses a significant risk to their safety or the safety of others, or where the necessary accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of our programs. In such cases, we may determine that we cannot meet the child's needs within our program. Examples of such behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Running off or consistently attempting to leave the supervision of staff
• Extreme defiance that severely impacts the staff's ability to manage the group and ensure the safety and engagement of other participants
• Physical aggression towards others that cannot be safely managed within the program setting
• The inability to care for oneself and meet basic personal needs without the help of a YMCA staff member.

The YMCA of Greensboro is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. However, the safety and well-being of all participants are paramount. If a child's behavior consistently threatens their health and safety or that of others, we may be unable to accommodate their participation in our programs.

Each week will provide a unique and immersive experience for campers, fostering their creativity, curiosity, and ambition as they dream big and explore a wide range of topics and activities. 

Imagine It
Set the stage for dreaming big by exploring the power of imagination. Campers can engage in creative storytelling, art projects, and games that encourage them to envision limitless possibilities.

Nature's Wonders
Embark on outdoor adventures to explore the wonders of the natural world. Campers can go on nature hikes, learn about local ecosystems, and participate in environmental conservation projects.

Space Odyssey
Take campers on a cosmic journey to explore the mysteries of the universe. Activities can include stargazing, building model rockets, and learning about space exploration.

Inventor's Lab
Encourage campers to channel their inner inventors and innovators. They can design and build their own inventions, learn about famous inventors, and tackle engineering challenges.

Cultural Connections
Immerse campers in diverse cultures from around the world. Through interactive activities, they can learn about traditions, languages, and cuisines, fostering global awareness.

Dream Careers
Inspire campers to dream big about their future careers. They can explore various professions through hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and career-themed activities.

Adventure Seekers
Challenge campers with outdoor adventures and team-building activities. Activities will include ropes courses, rock climbing, kayaking, and other thrilling experiences.

Dream Big and Beyond
Dream Big and Beyond! is the culminating theme for the summer. This week is dedicated to reflection, personal growth, and looking ahead to the future. Campers have the opportunity to showcase what they've learned, celebrate their achievements, and set intentions for their continued journey beyond the camp. Let’s provide campers with an opportunity to reflect on their journey, acknowledge their achievements, and prepare for their future endeavors with confidence and optimism. It's a week of closure, inspiration, and setting the stage for a promising future beyond the camp experience.

Summer Day Camp Admissions

*Extended camp programs.

**Please note that camp hours of operation have changed.**

Traditional Day Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday | 7:30am-6pm  

Extended Day Hours of Operation (Eden/Spears): Monday-Friday | 7am-6pm

Ride In Times: Hayes-Taylor YMCA, Ragsdale YMCA, Reidsville YMCA - 7:30am-9am | Eden YMCA, Spears YMCA - 7am-9am

If registering a camper within 1-3 weeks of any camp session, full weekly fees will be due upon registration.

**Weeks are prorated. All programs will be closed on July 4 and July 5.

Admissions Criteria  

Children must have completed kindergarten (rising first grade) and can be up to age 12* to be accepted into the YMCA of Greensboro’s summer day camp program. Rising first graders must have turned 5 years old by August 31, 2023. 

Youth must be enrolled at least 1 week before the start of the day camp week if space is available. At that time the full camp fee must be paid in full. 

Families can visit the program and meet with available staff before registration. Please reach out to your branch Youth Development Director to schedule tours.

*Some YMCA locations offer a Teen Camp (FLY Camp) Future Leaders of the Y for ages 13 and older. Check with your branch for information.

The Hayes-Taylor YMCA location requires a copy of current immunization records to accompany all registrations.

We will notify families of any changes to our operation policies in writing. 

Enrollment

Camp registration begins on March 1, 2024. To complete online enrollment, auto-draft with a valid debit or credit card is required. Printed applications are available upon request.  If you wish not to opt into auto draft, then in-person registration is required at the Y branch.

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required for each registered week of camp. The deposit is due upon registration and is applied to the weekly camp fee.

Campers must be enrolled in camp at least 1 week before the start of the day camp week if space is available. At that time the full camp fee must be paid in full. 

Any late payments made can result in a $20 late payment fee and can result in the possible loss of a secured spot. Payments can be made on camp fees before the beginning of camp. Returned payments will result in a $20.00 fee.

All YMCA fees from any YMCA program must be in good standing before registration for summer day camp.  All YMCA prior program balances must be paid in full or be in good standing before a child can attend and/or enroll in summer day camp. There will be no refund in deposits or payment for days/weeks not attended due to a past due balance in another Y program.

Children must have completed kindergarten (rising first grade) and can be up to age 12* to be accepted into the YMCA of Greensboro’s summer day camp program. Rising first graders must have turned 5 years old by August 31, 2023. 

Summer Day Camp Fees

Hayes-Taylor, Ragsdale, Spears
Per Week Deposit: $40*
YMCA of Greensboro Member Rate: $155 | Community Guest: $185

Eden, Reidsville
Per Week Deposit: $30*
YMCA of Greensboro Member Rate: $130 | Community Guests: $150

Deposits are deducted from the weekly fee*

Payments for each week are drafted 3 weeks before the scheduled session (see fee schedule).  A $20 late payment fee can be applied to returned payments or accounts that are paid after the due date. Non-payment by Wednesday will have camp spaces forfeited. The space can be reclaimed if another child has not filled the space.

Families receiving DSS assistance must pay a $50 registration fee. For DSS recipients, monthly fees are due by the 1st of each month for the upcoming camp sessions. (Hayes-Taylor Branch Only). Monthly fees are drafted on the first of each month of camp.

YMCA youth programs are only provided as full-time care and the full rate must be paid by the due date for each week. 

Automatic drafts must be set up in your online account.

*Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Weekly fees (not deposits) are transferrable if a space is open in the requested week.  A full three-week notice is requested if a child needs to be removed from a week of camp, deposits are non-refundable. If registering within one week of the camp start date, payment is due in full upon registration.

Camp Cancellation  

If a week of camp must be canceled, a 2-week notice from the 1st day of that camp session is required. The notice must be submitted in writing to the camp director. This allows Y staff to fill the vacancy. If a 2-week notice is not provided, the credit card on file will be charged the weekly camp fee.

Hayes-Taylor YMCA Online Cancellation Request Form
Reidsville YMCA Online Cancellation Request Form

Financial Assistance

It is our goal for ALL children to be able to experience the YMCA!

Through our Annual Giving Campaign, we can offer financial assistance to individuals who may be in financial hardship. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact your branch’s Youth Development Director. Financial Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow 15 business days for processing. To receive aid, you must submit a complete a financial assistance application with additional documents attached.

Financial Assistance applications without the necessary documents will cause a delay in processing.   

All documentation must be provided between February 1, 2024 - April 20, 2024 for processing. 

We cannot guarantee program spaces will be available while awaiting application approval, nor can we guarantee all families will receive financial assistance regardless of being already registered for the youth program.

For the safety of all children, please sign them in and out of the program daily.

To ensure the safety of youth, staff and families, we are eliminating the need for families to come into the facility, unless for a late drop-off or early pick up. Please review the details below so that you can help us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Please follow directional signs located in the parking lot.

All individuals authorized to pick up children must be at least 16 years old, show ID, and be listed on the registration form or the child will not be released to that person.  No child can leave the YMCA premises without a parent/guardian or any other authorized individual. No child will be able to walk/or ride a bicycle home without an authorized individual.

Camp & Full Day

Ride In Times: Hayes-Taylor YMCA, Ragsdale YMCA, Reidsville YMCA - 7:30am-9am | Eden YMCA, Spears YMCA - 7am-9am

• Parent/Guardian remains in their vehicle
• Parent/guardian will complete check the child in with YMCA staff member
• Youth will wash hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the building

After 9 am, the child must be walked into the building and checked in.

Rides Out Car Side Pick-Up | 4pm-6pm Only 

• Caregiver remains in their vehicle
• Caregiver will complete check-out procedure by providing your pick-up password (where applicable) or identification card.
• Youth will be escorted to their vehicle by program staff.

Before 4 pm, the child must be picked up from inside the building.

Late Drop-Off/Early Pick-Up
Camp and full-day drop-off ends at 9 am and pick-up begins at 4 pm. Y camp & full-day programs designate drop-off and pick-up staff during dedicated times. Between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm program staff are engaged in other Y operations.

Late Pick-Up Policy
Y youth programs end at 6 pm. The Y allows a 5-minute grace period before late fees begin to accrue. Please speak with your branch for specific late fee amounts. Caregivers are responsible for making arrangements for youth to be picked up by another authorized person should they be delayed.

The late fee payment is due upon pick up. Children cannot return to the program unless late pick-up fees are paid.

Please note that Y program participation may be discontinued if lateness becomes excessive, and the 5-minute grace period can be discontinued if it becomes the regular pick-up time.

Caregiver & Child Rights

Questions
Questions or concerns about the policies and procedures of the Youth Development program can be directed to any of the YMCA program directors. Your questions will be answered promptly.

Caregiver Site Visitation
Parents and guardians are always welcome to visit our program any time during our hours of operation. Just stop by the director’s office to check-in.

Caregiver Participation
Caregivers must have a volunteer application on file and comply with minimum standards that apply to staff, including having a criminal history check before they can participate in YMCA youth program operation. For more information, please contact the Youth Development Director.

Caregiver Review of Licensing Report (Hayes-Taylor Y)
Minimum standards are available on the entryway bulletin board. The most recent licensing certificate is posted on our site information board.

Caregiver Rights
Caregivers, upon presentation of identification, have the right to enter and visit the Y, without advance notice to the program, but must inform staff of their arrival. The law prohibits discrimination or retaliation against any child or caregiver for exercising their right to visit.  

• The law authorizes the person in charge of the YMCA facility to deny access to the caregiver under the following circumstances:
• The caregiver is behaving in a way that poses a risk to the children in the facility or the adult is a non-custodial caregiver and the facility has been requested in writing by the custodial caregiver to not permit access to the non-custodial caregiver. Court documents must be on file as well.

Under no circumstances should a caregiver approach another child other than their own. While in the facility caregivers are always expected to act appropriately by speaking in an appropriate tone and using appropriate language. Any caregiver who behaves inappropriately will be asked to leave the facility and their child’s space in the program can be forfeited without a refund of fees paid.

Child's Personal Rights
Each child receiving services from YMCA Youth Development programs shall have rights, which include but are not limited to the following:

• To be treated with dignity in his or her personal relationship with staff and other persons and have their personal boundaries respected.
• To be accorded safety, healthful and comfortable accommodations furnishing and equipment to meet his or her needs;
• To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threats, mental abuse, or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to interference with daily living functions, such as eating, sleeping, toileting, or withholding of shelter, clothing, food or medication.

The YMCA intends to meet the needs of children especially when the caregivers may be experiencing difficult situations such as a divorce, separation, or remarriage. However, the YMCA cannot legally restrict the non-custodial caregiver from visiting the child, reviewing the child’s records, or picking the child up unless the YMCA has been furnished with current legal documents. Copies of these court documents must be kept in the child’s file.

Child Abuse Prevention

This organization has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All Y staff are mandated reporters and are required by law to report any suspicions of abuse or neglect by a caregiver, a Y staff member or a Y volunteer. 

Any mistreatment or abuse by an employee or volunteer will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service and cooperation with law enforcement.

The YMCA also has zero tolerance for abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity among youth within the organization. This organization is committed to providing all youth with a safe environment and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. Conduct by youth that rises to the level of abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity will result in intervention or disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program.

In addition, the YMCA will not tolerate any behavior that is classified under the definition of bullying, and to the extent that such actions are disruptive, the organization will take the necessary steps to eliminate such behavior. 

At the Y, we believe that youth can contribute to their safety if they know what is acceptable and what to expect from YMCA staff, volunteers and other youth. If youth know that violations have occurred or that personal boundaries are crossed, they can spot them and be empowered to let a trusted adult know. 

The YMCA will provide youth with age and developmentally-appropriate information explaining our organization’s policies and procedures related to abuse prevention. In our youth programs, we discuss the following:  

• Appropriate and inappropriate displays of physical affection.  
• Appropriate and inappropriate verbal communication.  
• Appropriate interactions between employees/volunteers and youth.  
• Appropriate electronic communication between YMCA staff and youth.  
• Appropriate gift giving and receiving.
• Appropriate and inappropriate youth-to-youth interactions and understanding of personal boundaries.
• How to report concerns, complaints or grievances to a trusted adult.

Electronic Communication
Direct or text messaging between youth and employees/volunteers is not allowed unless approved by a program supervisor and administrator. Employees and volunteers are not permitted to befriend/follow youth on social networking or social media sites. Youth will comply with the organization’s policies governing the use of personal mobile communication devices while in programming.  

Reporting
Because our organization is dedicated to maintaining zero tolerance for abuse, it is imperative that everyone actively participates in the protection of youth. If a child observes any suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and/or policy violations on the part of other employees, volunteers, or another child, it is their personal responsibility to immediately report their observations. At the YMCA, the policies apply to everyone.

Physical Contact Policy
The YMCA’s physical contact policy promotes a positive, nurturing environment while protecting youth, employees and volunteers. The YMCA encourages appropriate physical contact with all youth and prohibits inappropriate displays of physical contact. Any inappropriate physical contact by employees or volunteers towards youth in the YMCA’s programs will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. 

The YMCA’s policies for appropriate and inappropriate physical interactions include but are not limited to:

Verbal Contact Policy

Employees and volunteers are prohibited from speaking to youth in a way that is or could be construed by any observer, as harsh, coercive, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating.  

Employees and volunteers must not initiate sexually oriented conversations with youth Employees and volunteers are not permitted to discuss their own sexual activities with youth.  

The YMCA’s policies for appropriate and inappropriate verbal interactions include but are not limited to:

Medical and Emergency

*Immunization Requirements (Hayes-Taylor Y)
Immunization records are required for children to attend youth programs at the Hayes-Taylor Y. Immunization records must be on file by the first day of program operations.

Illness and Exclusion
If a child cannot go outside or participate in the program due to illness, the child needs to remain at home. Children may not attend if they are not feeling well.  If a child vomits for any reason they must be picked up by a parent/guardian or authorized individual within 1 hour of notification.  No child may attend a youth program if they have ringworm, pink eye, flu, or any other communicable illness. A doctor must treat any contagious infection; virus or fever and the child can return 24 hours after a doctor’s note has been issued.

Procedures for Notification
Families will be notified in person, over the phone, or in writing of any special discipline problems with a child. If there are any life-threatening emergencies, families will be notified after emergency care has been called and provided. We do not make phone calls because of meal aversion or to provide swim clothes. Parents/guardians are only notified for true emergencies or behavior support.

Procedures for Dispensing Medication
The Y will not administer any medication unless the parent or guardian completes a medication form and the medication is in its ORIGINAL container. Medication that is not in its original container or labeled with a pharmacy prescription will be confiscated and returned to the parent at the end of the day. The container must include the child’s name, the type of prescription and the dosage. If it is an over-the-counter medication that the doctor has prescribed, a doctor’s prescription must accompany it.

Topical Ointments (Lotion, Sunblock, Deodorant, etc.)
Any topical ointments are to be kept in the child’s activity area or home base. *Ointments will not be carried around the facility. Aerosol sunblock, lotions, bug sprays or deodorants are not allowed. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in the removal of the aerosol item.  

*Youth at the Hayes-Taylor Y cannot keep any topical ointments in their bags or pockets. A topical ointment form must be completed and provided to the program director.

Procedures for Handling Medical Emergencies
If a child becomes injured or ill (vomiting or a fever of 100 degrees or higher) while in the YMCA care, staff will do the following:

1. In extreme emergencies, 911 will be called and first aid and/or CPR will be administered.  
2. Contact the parent or guardian.  
3. Contact a YMCA Director/Coordinator  
4. If necessary, have a child transported to the nearest medical facility.  
5. Complete necessary paperwork for Y as required by our Y and/or the NC childcare licensing policy.

Emergency Drills
The YMCA conducts fire emergency evacuation, lost child, and lockdown drills. Parents/guardians, program staff and children may or may not be made aware of drill dates or times, as this is the most effective way to assess the success for fire and emergency/evacuation plans.

During a fire/emergency drill, parents/guardians may not sign children into or out of the YMCA but must wait until the drill is complete and children have returned to the building. Parents/guardians can wait with their child until the drill is over and can sign them out after.

Behavior Support and Service Termination

Behavior Support
Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of behavior management for children. When a child receives positive, non-violent and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem-solving abilities and self-discipline. Based on this belief of how children learn and develop values, the YMCA will practice the following behavior guidance techniques and policies.

Children are expected to adhere to all YMCA expectations and rules.

The following procedures are used when working with unacceptable behavior:

• Clear warning, including a discussion of the problem that occurred with the child.
• If problems are reoccurring, age-appropriate renewal time will be used as needed and repeated renewal time as needed.
• Behavior management report and student journal will be completed and the child will meet with the branch Youth Development Director. The parent will receive a behavior management form to sign and date.  
• After two behavior management reports, a parent meeting with the site director will be arranged.
• Three write-ups, persistent problems or situations that endanger the child or others in the program could result in suspension or termination from the program.  
• Fighting results in automatic suspension without a refund of fees.

If a child is suspended or terminated from the program, the current week will not be refunded.

Disruptive Behavior
Children are entitled to a pleasant environment at the YMCA; therefore, the YMCA cannot serve children who display chronic disruptive behavior. Such behavior is defined as verbal or physical activity that may involve but is not limited to bullying behavior or behavior that requires constant attention from the staff, inflicts physical or emotional harm on other children, abuses the staff and /or disobeys the rules that guide behavior.

If a child cannot adjust to the YMCA setting and behave appropriately, the child may be discharged.  Reasonable efforts will be made to help children adjust to the YMCA setting.

The YMCA reserves the right to suspend a child for behaviors that cause physical or mental harm to themselves or other children. 

Bullying
Our organization will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, is repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take on various forms including physical bullying, verbal bullying, nonverbal or relational bullying, cyberbullying, sexualized bullying, and hazing.  

Anyone who sees an act of bullying, and who then encourages it, is engaging in bullying. This policy applies to all youth, employees, and volunteers.

Termination of Services
Program services can be terminated for, but not limited to:  

• Consistent late pick-ups
• Failure to pay tuition promptly
• Failure to comply with the facility’s policies concerning ill children
• Being unreachable and out of touch by phone
• Failure to provide documentation requested by the YMCA
• Failure to keep records current
• Failure to provide emergency contact updates
• Extreme behavior that prevents youth from participating safely with peers

Staff Hiring

All staff are screened and trained through the following process:

1. Candidate applications are screened for potential prior employment concerns.
2. Selected candidates are interviewed one-on-one with the Youth Development Director.
3. Candidates are selected based on their childcare experience, attitude, references and display of YMCA values.
4. 3 reference checks and a drug screen are conducted on each candidate.
5. A completed criminal history check, which also includes a sex offender check.

Youth Development Leader Training
Extensive 2-hour orientation that addresses policies and procedures of YMCA programming: Training covers the YMCA code of conduct, child abuse and neglect, and YMCA HR policies. All staff are certified in CPR/AED, First Aid and receive Bloodborne Pathogen training.

Staff also receive 32 hours of on-site and online trainings focused on youth development that cover topics such as:

• YMCA Values  
• Social and Emotional Development
• Inclusive Practices
• Effective Group Management  
• Behavior Management
• Bullying  
• Water Safety
• Games, Skits, Songs

Monthly and/or weekly in-service trainings are required for all staff.

Meals and Food Services

Breakfast and lunch is provided at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA, and lunch and a snack is provided at the Ragsdale YMCA. If your child attends the Spears YMCA, breakfast and lunch will need to be provided from home. If your child attends the Eden or Reidsville YMCA your child will receive breakfast and lunch, please send your child with an afternoon snack.

Free Summer Feeding Program
For sites that offer the free summer feeding program, Hayes-Taylor and Ragsdale, the Y will provide a menu for the meals served at those locations. If your child attends the Eden or Reidsville YMCA, please provide a lunch and a snack unless otherwise notified.

Meal Accommodations
We cannot make accommodations for eating preferences that do not pose a health risk. If a vegetarian request is made (with a doctor’s approval), the meal options become very limited and the summer feeding vendor may not be able to provide a large variety of meal alternatives. 

Meal accommodations require medical or allergy documentation from your child’s doctor. You have the option to opt out of participating in the free summer feeding program with your branch director or during program registration. See the meal accommodation form in the appendix.

If the caregiver opts out of the summer feeding program, they are responsible for providing healthy meals for their child. If an opt-in/out request is made during the summer, the request cannot be rescinded at another point in the summer.  

Parents/guardians will not be contacted to bring children meals for items they choose not to eat. The Y will not provide meals that include pork or nuts.

All meals meet the USDA standards for healthy meals for children. Your child can bring their own lunch or snacks. Meals cannot be heated.

We ask that all meals contain dairy, grain, protein, fruit and vegetable to ensure a well-rounded and healthy lunch. 

Please provide a water bottle each day that is labeled with the child's name.

We do not call home if a child does not like a particular meal or snack that is provided by the YMCA. Families are welcome to send their child a snack or meal each day.

Youth in a YMCA program are not allowed to use the YMCA vending machines.

Prohibited Foods
YMCA youth programs are nut-free.

Please refrain from sending fried foods, cookies, cakes, swiss rolls, cinnamon buns, fried potato chips, candy, soda of any kind to YMCA programs. Our goal at the YMCA is to practice and encourage healthy eating. Fun treats are provided in moderation.

Please see HEPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity) Standards in the Appendix Section.

Program Components

Camp Names

Camp names are a tradition at many of our Y camps in the association. Camp names are nicknames that youth leaders use during camp. You may hear your child say names like Bunny, Rainbow, Mrs. Potts or Mrs. JLo while at camp.

Camp names have several purposes:

• The first is safety. In this era of rampant social media use, we strive to maintain the boundaries between campers and staff. Camp names help to prevent youth from contacting camp staff on social media. Staff are at no time to interact with youth outside of programming, and camp names help with that. 
• The second reason is that it connects kids to the staff. Most of the time camp names are a reflection of the staff's interests and personalities. It creates a fun way for campers to get to know the staff. Some campers even come up with their camp name to reflect their interests!  
• Finally, it's fun! It's a fun part of camp that separates the camp season from other program seasons.

Field Trips
Children will go on at least one on-site or off-site field trip each week. Examples of on-site field trips are magic shows or Mad Science presentations.  

Children must wear their field trip shirts during off-site field trip days. Money is not needed on field trip days.

Attending trips and riding on the YMCA bus is a privilege. Staff reserves the right to not allow a child to attend a field trip due to safety concerns.

ALL children MUST obey the following transportation rules:

• Enter and leave the vehicle on the curbside of the road on the side of the vehicle.
• Remain seated with all parts of their bodies in their seats.  
• Face forward with hands and feet out of the aisles.
• Keep hands, and feet to themselves.
• Listen to instructions of all staff.

The following procedures are followed when transporting children:

• One or more staff member(s) will carry emergency contact information for all children on the bus
• First Aid kits will be on all buses
• Buses will be in good working condition without any obvious hazards
• Drivers will be 18 years old and have emergency medical consent forms  
• All proper loading and unloading procedures are followed
• Drivers have a clean driving record with no DWI or DUI

Animals
Animals other than fish are not a regular part of the youth programs. If there is an occasion for animals to be present at the program, families will be given written notification at least 48 hours in advance.

Lesson Plans and Calendars
Weekly activity plans and monthly calendars with special events and other important information are developed weekly and are available upon request. If you have any questions about the week’s activities, please contact the Youth Development Director.

Quiet Time/Reading
At the Y, we take a holistic approach to youth development with a focus on gross & fine motor skills, cognitive development, and social and emotional learning. During the mid-point of our day, our Y programs provide 30-45 minutes of reading and quiet time. This allows time for campers to rest as they prepare for the next half of their busy day. During this time campers play word games, listen to books read by their youth leader, color or simply rest. Some Y programs include summer reading programs where campers win prizes for pages, books or number of hours read.

Dress Code
Please send your child in clothing that can get messy.  At the Y, we sweat, run, jump, swim, paint and much more. We do not want your child’s best clothes to get messy. What fun would the YMCA be if we couldn’t jump in muddy puddles?! Sneakers are preferred, but closed-toed shoes are acceptable. Flip-flops and sandals are not appropriate camp wear. Shorts must be fingertip length or longer.

Electronics and Toys
Please keep all electronics and toys at home. While at the Y we want youth to engage with activities and their peers. Electronics such as gaming devices, phones, tablets, etc. are not allowed in camp. Toys, cards, and fidgets will also need to remain at home. These items can be confiscated by staff if they are discovered. The YMCA has plenty of toys, card games and fidgets for youth to enjoy! The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Swimming
Swimming is offered weekly during Y summer day camp programs. Swimming is one of the most dangerous activities at the YMCA; therefore, the Y takes swimming very seriously. 

Swimming is considered a Y privilege and swim time can be removed due to a child’s behavior or concerns for a child’s safety. In the instance of inclement weather, the pool may close during the day which may interfere with your child’s swim time. If this occurs, the Y staff may not be able to provide another time during the day to swim due to other pool programming requirements. 

Please check with your camp director to learn when your child will swim.

All campers will be required to wear a life vest, regardless of age, unless a swim test is passed. Swim tests are administered by the lifeguard on duty.  

*See swim test policy in appendix.

Outdoor Play
Studies show that intentional engagement with outdoors and outdoor play strengthens Social and Emotional Development. Outdoor play is also super fun!  During camp, we play outside as often as possible.  We do our best to get outside a minimum of 1 hour a day. We try to do more if possible. We also try to play outside during the coolest part of the day. We use the temperature chart in the appendix to determine the amount of time spent outdoors based on temperature and air quality.

General Daily Schedule

7:30-9:00 Arrival Activities
9:00-9:30 Camp Assembly
9:30-10:30 Activity Period 1
10:30-11:30 Activity Period 2
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Siesta (Quiet Reading/Quiet Games/Rest)
1:30-2:30 Activity Period 3
2:30-3:30 Activity Period 4
3:30-4:00 Snack
4:00-6:00 Dismissal Activities

Youth Expectations

• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• Follow directions quickly.
• Respect yourself, respect others and your YMCA.
• Be safe, be kind, be honest.
• Always, always, always try your best.

Weekly Activities at a Glance

Assembly
Assembly is when all groups are together to get excited for a new day or week at the Y!  Youth sing, chant, and dance. This is also the time to introduce our Character Development Focus.  

Character Development (Social and Emotional Learning)
Character development is at the core of the YMCA. Youth will explore and develop their personal character through caring honesty, respect, responsibility, empathy, emotion management, personal development and relationship building.

Swimming
Swimming is a favorite part of the day! Youth have the opportunity to cool off in the YMCA pool. Don’t worry if your child is not a strong swimmer. The YMCA provides life vests require swim tests to ensure all youth have a safe and fun experience.

STEM
Weekly youth will engage in 21 Century Skills. They will explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These activities promote teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Art
Drawing, painting creating and more. But art goes beyond the paint at the YMCA. Youth have opportunities to engage in fine arts such as drama, singing and dance!  

Field Trips
During the time in the program, youth will attend on-site or off-site field trips. During on-site trips, a special presentation is conducted for the youth. Youth enjoy presentations such as magic shows, animal presentations or science shows. Youth also attend off-site trips where they have time away from the YMCA building and explore areas such as parks and museums.   

Siesta (Rest)
During this time campers read, play word or quiet games, listen to books read by their youth leader, color or simply rest. During a busy camp day siesta is a great time to rejuvenate for the next part of our fun camp day.

YMCA of Greensboro Swim Test Policies and Procedures

The YMCA of Greensboro swim test policies and procedures are designed for children ages 5-12 and may be used for any patron at the lifeguard’s discretion.  

This test, which consists of a 25-yard swim, 1-minute-deep water tread, and to submerse underwater, is designed to check the swimming abilities of a child. If the child passes the test, they are permitted to do the following:

Swim in the deep end of the pool, use a slide* during open slide hours, and swim in a lap lane; a parent does not need to accompany them into the water - but does need to be present on the pool deck. 

Children cannot be left alone in the pool area at any time.
If the child does not pass the swim test, the child needs to remain in the shallow end of the pool.

Children who are under the age of 5 can only take the swim test with the permission of the Aquatics Director. Please see a lifeguard or the director for specific times for swim testing.  

Swim Bands: Bands are break-away bands worn around your child's neck or wrist to let our staff know the swimmers’ competency and confidence. At the YMCA, we have two swim bands (Yellow, Green) that designate what areas of our pools your child can play.  

No Band: Children 5 and older without a swim band are required to be within arm’s length of a parent or wear a Coast Guard Approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device). Any child under the age of 5 automatically falls under this category and requires a parent or guardian (18+) to be present in the pool within arm’s reach.  

Yellow Band: To earn a yellow band, a child must be able to swim comfortably at least one-half (12 1/2 yards) of the pool without a parent or flotation device. A yellow band allows children to swim alone in water that is no more than 5 feet deep. A parent or guardian (18+) must stay in the immediate pool area with any child aged 12 and under.  

Green Band: To earn a green band, a child must have passed the swim test and can swim anywhere in the pool as noted above.  

Bands must be worn every time a child gets in the pool.  

Thank you for your cooperation in helping the YMCA ensure the safety of all. 

*For facilities offering a water slide; children must have a green band to use the slide.

Choices within Limits
(HEPA) Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards

In response to a call by Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America, the Y has expanded its longtime commitment to supporting healthy living by adopting a set of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards. Based, in part, on years of research with key partners, the HEPA standards will build a healthier future for our nation’s children by creating environments rich in opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity.

For more information or questions related to the Y’s HEPA standards, contact YMCA of the USA at 800-872-9622.

Department of Health and Human Services Weather Watch Link

Branch Contact Information

Eden Family YMCA
301 S. Kennedy Street, Eden, NC 27288
Contact: [email protected] | (336) 623-8496

Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA
2630 East Florida Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Contact: (336) 272-2131

Ragsdale Family YMCA
900 Bonner Drive Jamestown, NC 27282
Contact: [email protected] | (336) 882-9622

Reidsville Family YMCA
501 S. Main Street, Reidsville, NC 27320
Contact: [email protected] | (336) 342-3307

Spears Family YMCA
3216 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
Contact: [email protected] | (336) 387-9622