Day Camp

About Day Camp

A weekday program for boys who have completed grades K-4.

At day camp, boys will have a chance to experience many of the great activities camp has to offer, then return home for dinner! In a typical day, boys experience a mix of small and large group games, swimming, and other activities such as archery, arts + crafts, and more. We help boys try new things and make new friends in a safe, welcoming environment. Every day there are at least 2 periods where day campers choose their activities, and one chance for an activity with overnight campers. Every Friday there is a campfire with s’mores! Lunch and an afternoon snack are provided by camp, and transportation is provided by bus from South Burlington (see the schedule below).

Registration is now open!

Campers scootering and skateboarding
Counselor and campers coming in from kayaking

Dates + Fees

2023 Day Camp Session Dates

Sessions fill up fast! Please feel free to contact the camp office for information on session availability and waiting lists.

Day Camp Session 1: June 26 – June 30: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 2: July 3 – July 7: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 3: July 10 – July 14: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 4: July 17 – July 21: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 5: July 24 – July 28: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 6: July 31 – Aug 4: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 7: August 7 – August 11: Waitlist Only

Day Camp Session 8: August 14 – August 18: Waitlist Only

Cost to Attend

Recognizing that families have differing abilities to pay, we offer three pricing tiers for campers per week: A: $395 / B: $430 / C: $460

  • Tier A is our historically low rate and does not fully cover camp operating expenses.
  • Tier B reflects our operating expenses including repairs and maintenance.
  • Tier C helps us to cover long-term depreciation and growth.

Your choice of tier is voluntary and offers an opportunity for families to support the true cost of operating the camp. The tier you choose in no way influences your camper’s experience. Day camp tuition includes a $15 per week credit for the camp store! Siblings receive a $50 discount. Day campers will also receive a free gift from the camp store each session they attend.

Deposit: please note there is a non-refundable deposit of $100 for every day camp session. Final payment for all camp sessions is due May 1, 2023.

Financial Assistance

If you are interested in financial assistance, there is an application that is part of the registration process. Please note that YMCA Camp Abnaki’s day camp program is not eligible to receive Vermont state child care subsidy. The registration deposit must be included with any registration and financial aid application.

Daily Schedule

9:00 – 11:45 am

Morning schedule

9:00 am: Arrival and group meeting

9:30 am: Small group activities with resident campers

10:45 am: Camper Choice — favorites like archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts, etc.

9:00 – 11:45 am

11:45 – 3:30 pm

Mid-day

11:45 pm: Lunch — all camp eats together in our dining hall!

12:45 pm: Waterfront — swimming, kayaking, etc.

2:00 pm: Snack and activity

2:45 pm: Camp favorites

11:45 – 3:30 pm

3:30 – 4:15 pm

Late afternoon

3:30 pm: Camp Store and Gaga Ball

4:15 pm: Departure

3:30 – 4:15 pm

Transportation

YMCA Camp Abnaki offers transportation to and from camp for day campers. Each day, a bus with members of the Camp Abnaki staff will travel from the first stop at the University Mall through the Islands and up to camp. Parents can also choose to drop off or pick up directly at camp. See the registration form for more details.

LocationDrop-Off TimePickup Time
University Mall7:45 am5:25 pm
Chimney Corners Park & Ride8:05 am5:05 pm
South Hero Town Office8:25 am4:45 pm
YMCA Camp Abnaki8:45 am4:25 pm

Important Information

For the summer of 2023 Camp Abnaki will recommend, but not require all campers and staff to receive the COVID vaccination.  (More information to follow).

All forms are due three weeks prior to attending camp. Please note, this is a new policy.

The sooner you get forms in the better.

We suggest you make a copy of any form you send in the regular mail or drop off at the Y.

All forms must be completed before your son will be allowed to attend camp. If we can help with any of the forms in any way, please contact the camp office by calling 802-652-8180 or e-mail by clicking here.

How do I upload forms to my account? To upload a document to your account please follow the following steps.

  • Log into your online account by clicking here
  • Pull down the “Additional Options” tab at the top of the page
  • Click on the “Document Center
  • Choose the file you would like to upload
  • Follow directions after the upload

If already signed in to your account you can go directly to the Document Center by clicking here.

Doctor’s Exam Form (Form 2). This is a one-page form that must be signed by the physician every year. Once complete, you may mail in, fax, or upload the form to your account. Our camp accreditation requires campers to have documentation of a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician within two years prior to their stay at camp. While campers do not necessarily need a physical every year, we do need to have a new form completed on a yearly basis. We are not able to use a health form from a previous year. Click below for a printable version of the form. This form is not available as an online form because it needs the doctor’s signature. This form is required for both Day and Overnight campers

Click here to print a copy of this form

Link to upload forms

Immunization Record. Camp Abnaki requires a copy of current immunization records.

Link to upload forms

Insurance Card Upload. Camp Abnaki requires a copy of current insurance information.

Link to upload forms

Health History Form. The camper’s parent or guardian must complete and sign this four page medical form within 6 months of their camper’s stay at camp. Please provide camp with a copy of both the front and back sides of your camper’s health insurance card. Please contact the camp office if anything on the form changes after you have sent it in. This form is required for both Day and Overnight campers.

Please mail, fax, or upload your completed medical forms to camp as soon as possible. All forms are due no later than 3 weeks prior to attending camp. We cannot allow any camper to remain at camp without a current and complete health form. These medical forms include documentation of parental consent, allowing the camp staff to provide emergency medical attention for a camper if necessary, and basic health insurance information to be used if the camper requires medical care or prescription medication.

Click here to fill this form out online.

 

 

Camper Information Form. This form is filled out annually by both the parent and camper. The parent side gives our staff helpful information about the camper such as fears or strengths. The info will not be seen by your child and will only be seen by the staff working with your child and used to insure that he can get the most out of his camp experience.

The camper side allows our staff to get to know the camper before they arrive at camp. We use this information to help place campers in cabins and to better prepare for their stay at camp. This form is required for both Day and Overnight campers.

Click here to fill out the form online

Family Confidential Form. This form is filled out annually by the parent or guardian. As a non-profit we rely on United Way allocations, public funds, private foundations, and individual contributions to support scholarships and programs. It is our goal that every boy be give the chance to attend camp. We ask that you help us educate our community about the people involved in our programs by completing this form. Your answers will be kept anonymous and confidential. This form is required for both Day and Overnight campers.

Click here to fill this form out online

What to bring: 

• Sunscreen/bug spray 

• Clothes appropriate for the conditions (sweatshirt on cooler days, rain jacket for rainy days, etc)

• Bathing suit + towel 

• Closed-toed shoes/sneakers 

• A pair of water shoes, sandals, or old sneakers to go in the lake. We strongly encourage some type of water shoe at the waterfront, we have a rocky shore. A water shoe will make your campers use of the waterfront safer and more fun!

• Water bottle 

• Hat/sunglasses

• Nothing valuable 

Optional: 

      • Additional snacks for the bus ride – note that camp is a “Nut Aware” facility. We ask that you please be aware of potential nut allergies when bringing/sending products with nuts to camp.
      • Book or deck of cards for the bus ride

• Campers should bring clothes which they don’t mind getting dirty! Please remember that camp will still run in periods of light rain. To avoid lost articles, make sure all clothing and personal items are clearly labeled. If your camper loses something of significance, let our office know and we will do our best to locate it! Lost and found items will be washed and donated a few times each summer.  

• If you have medications, as mentioned on the health form, which you would like administered to your camper during the day, please give them to the staff on the bus in the original container with medication and dosage clearly written.

What are the policies on refunds or cancellations? Please notify the camp office immediately if you need to cancel your child’s enrollment. Fees paid before the May 3 deadline, minus the $200 non-refundable deposit for overnight camp and/or the $100 non-refundable deposit for day camp will be refunded to you. After the payment deadline, all money paid is nonrefundable. On a case-by-case basis, refunds may be made at the discretion of the Camp Director. Cancellations requests must be submitted to the camp office in writing. Conditions for refunds may include prolonged illness or accidents which preclude camp participation. In such event, refunds may be made on a pro-rated basis for the remaining portion of the session. Homesickness / head lice are not conditions for refund.

When is my balance due for camp? All camp balances are due May 1, 2023. Registrations made after the deadline will require payment in full at least two weeks prior to camp. To make a credit card payment anytime, log into your Camp Abnaki account, stop by the Greater Burlington YMCA, or call our business office at 802-652-8180. To make a payment for camp click here.

What forms of payment do you accept? Cash, check, or one of the following credit cards: VISA, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. Click here to make a payment.

What types of discounts do you offer? Camp Abnaki and the Greater Burlington YMCA offer the following discounts:

  • YMCA members save $50 off their total amount due. In order to qualify for this discount, the child must be active on an individual or family membership.
  • Families registering multiple children receive a discount of $50-$200, depending upon length of session. The discount applies to the session with the lowest cost.
  • Employees of the Greater Burlington YMCA are eligible for a discount.
  • Eligible active-duty military families receive a 15% discount off of tuition. Please contact the camp office for any specific questions.
  • Families receiving financial assistance are not eligible for these discounts.

Can I use state child care subsidy to help pay for camp? Unfortunately the state of Vermont does not license resident camps. Therefore, state child care subsidy funds cannot be used.

Financial assistance. If you are interested in financial assistance, there is an application which is part of the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact Brian in the camp office at 802-652-8180 or [email protected].

Health Care

Camper and staff safety is paramount at camp. Our health services team includes but is not limited to an RN and support staff. During check in any parent/guardian will have a chance to meet the camp nurse. While at camp, all medication is kept in the Health Center and administered by the health services staff. If for any reason your camper requires additional medical attention or has an extended stay in the health center, you will be contacted by a member of our staff as soon as possible. If your camper has any medications they will take at camp or if there is a change in your camper’s medications, please ensure they are listed/updated on your camper’s Doctor’s Exam Form (Form 2) or supply a note from your child’s doctor detailing the change in medications.

Camp is a “Nut Aware” facility. Peanuts and tree nuts are allowed on camp except for the Dining Hall. We ask that you please be aware of potential nut allergies when bringing/sending products with nuts to camp. The Dining Hall will not produce food made with nuts and is a nut free area. Some foods in the dining hall may be produced in a setting that processes nuts (i.e. … Hershey’s bars, etc). Items containing nuts may be sold in the camp store (pre-packaged).

Behavior Management / Dismissal From Camp

Camp Abnaki views behavior management through the lens of fostering growth within our campers. We believe in ensuring a safe, welcoming community in which all of our campers can thrive. Behavior issues are handled on a case-by-case basis. Campers whose behaviors do not adhere to camp philosophy may be asked to leave camp at the discretion of the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director. Campers dismissed from camp for behavior issues are not eligible to receive a refund.

Can you tell me about the staff? Each member of our staff is hired after extensive interviews and multiple background checks. Counselors are chosen for their understanding of children, emotional maturity, and moral values. Every staff member serves as a positive role model for youth and we take seriously the responsibility we have. Staff are recruited from around the country and around the world, providing campers with an opportunity for an intercultural experience.

Our staff participate in an intensive, 10-day staff training program which includes instruction in group dynamics, skill development, behavior management, safety, and much more. In keeping with adopted policies of the YMCA, all staff also receive training in how to prevent, identify, & report incidents of child maltreatment. All aquatic programs and activities are supervised by trained certified life guards.

What is the best way to see pictures of camp? The best way to see pictures is to like us on Facebook or sign in to our secure photo gallery. We post pictures daily on our Facebook page and daily on our photo gallery. Our goal is to post a variety of pictures throughout the week to help get a flavor of camp.

Camp Store. Day camp tuition includes a $15 per week credit for the camp store! The camp store offers a wide variety of merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, frisbees, dog tags, and more. Campers can also purchase snacks and drinks from the camp store. Any unused store money is nonrefundable.


How to Register

Registration for all programs takes place through UltraCamp. You will first need to create an account, then you will go through the process of registering for a particular program or session. Additionally, all of the forms needed to attend camp will be found in UltraCamp. The only form you will need to print is the Medical Form, which needs to be signed by your child’s physician. Be sure to save your account login and password for next year!

Questions? Email camp and our staff will be happy to help!