Summer Camp Overview

At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we focus on the ABCs of Camping - working to increase camper's sense of Accomplishment and Belonging while they learn about positive Character traits and values. Our tools are well-trained staff, carefully planned programs and safe, clean facilities.

Campers gain a sense of accomplishment by trying activities and developing new skills. Making new friends and being a good friend in return helps campers gain a sense of belonging. The Character traits we focus on are Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility. Our unique Wampum Bead program encourages campers to choose a character trait to work on throughout the entire year.

EXCELLENT ROLE MODELS

YMCA Camp Potawotami staff are committed to providing a positive experience for each camper. Our staff are carefully selected to ensure that we have a diverse group of skilled and responsible counselors who care about children. Camp counselors are responsible young adults who are eager to create a safe, fun and inspiring environment for campers. All staff are screened through extensive background and reference checks. We spend two weeks training each staff member on implementing safety protocols and creating camp magic. With our seven-to-one camper-to-staff ratio, we can ensure that everyone has the best camp experience possible.

EXCITING DAILY SCHEDULE

Sample Schedule

7:45 am Flag Raising
8:00 am Breakfast
8:30 am Reflection
8:45 am Camp Clean Up
9:15 am Activity Skill Class 1
10:15 am Activity Skill Class 2
11:15 am Activity Skill Class 3
12:30 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Siesta
2:00 pm Swimming/Boating
3:00 pm Snack
3:15 pm Choice Time
4:15 pm Cabin Activity
5:30 pm Dinner
6:15 pm Flag & Awards
6:30 pm Choice Time
7:30 pm Evening Program
8:30 pm Cabin Game/Bonding Time
9:00 pm Showers/Evening Reflection
9:30 pm Lights Out for 9 years and younger
10:00 pm Lights Out for 10 years and older

* Evening Programs include Campfires, All Camp Games, Cookout or Campout, and Wampum Bead Ceremony. Throughout the summer there will also be theme days and fun-filled special events.

FUN FOR ALL AGES: CAMPERS AGE 6 TO 12

MINI CAMP AGES 6–8

A perfect experience for our younger campers: a two-night, three-day introduction to camp. Staff provide a nurturing environment and guide campers through the session with a caring approach and individual attention. Learn More

YOUTH CAMP AGES 8–12

Campers have the opportunity to try a variety of camp activities and develop skills in activities of their own choosing. The cabin group is the heart of our camp, where our well-trained counselors help campers foster respect for themselves and others in their group. Learn More

THEMES CAMPS AGES 10 - 15

All specialty campers have themed programming 2 hours each day, and they participate in swimming, general camp activities, cabin activities and all-camp evening programs. Theme Camps include Ranch, Fishing and Target Sports, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Sports and Theater. Learn More

LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH: CAMPERS AGE 12 - 17

TEEN CAMP AGES 12–15
Teen Campers have more activity choices and an extra group activity each evening. This program focuses on advanced skill development, responsibility
and relationship building. Learn More

VOYAGERS TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP AGES 13-15
In addition to all of the fun and adventure at camp, the overnight camping trip to the dunes of Lake Michigan will be a highlight of your teen's experience! Learn More

TEEN LEADERSHIP: JR. CLIPPER AGE 15
A one-week leadership program that is designed for teens transitioning from camper to counselor. Jr. Clippers spend half the day focused on leadership development and the other half participating in camp activities. Learn More

TEEN LEADERSHIP: CLIPPERS AGE 16
This two-week leadership program is designed for teens transitioning from teen leader to counselor. Teens learn how to become positive role models and leaders
while mentoring younger campers. Learn More

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING AGE 17
Counselors in Training (CIT) get to experience what it is like to be a camp counselor and practice their leadership skills. CIT must apply and interview for the position. Learn More

SKILL BUILDING THROUGH CAMP ACTIVITIES

A PLACE FOR SKILL BUILDING

ALL AGES

Archery
Arts and Crafts
Camp Games
Campfire
S’mores
Canoeing
Evening Embers (Reflection)
Mole Hole Slide
Nature Walks
Pony Ride
Rock Climbing
Swimming
Teambuilding
Wampum Bead Program

YOUTH CAMPERS & UP

BB Guns
Camping Skills
Horseback Riding*
Kayaking
Low Ropes
Mountain Biking
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor Survival Skills
Paddle Boats
Slingshots
Snorkeling*
High Ropes (age 10 and Up)
Zipline (age 10 and up)

TEEN CAMPERS & UP

High Ropes
Rifles-22s*
SCUBA*
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Zipline

TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMPERS

Assisting & Shadowing Staff
Building Activity Teaching Skills
Leadership Lessons
Off-sight Voyager Trip

Activities with a "*" require pre-registration and additional fee. You make this selection at time of registration.

MOM APPROVED FACILITIES

LODGING: Each cabin comes with the essentials, including great counselors. Campers live in lodges that are clean and well maintained with climate control, built-in bunks, electricity and indoor bathrooms. Take a virtual tour.

HEALTH CENTER (MED SHED): Each week, we have a volunteer Registered Nurse who stays onsite and is available to provide excellent medical care for all campers.

CHAPEL: We believe that the connection between spirit, mind and body is important. In our outdoor chapel, we explore character values in an atmosphere built on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

ACCREDITATION: YMCA Camp Potawotami is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the State of Indiana.

GREAT MEALS THAT CHILDREN LOVE!

Campers enjoy excellent camp meals in our lakefront dining hall. We focus on healthy eating, and there are always plenty of choices for campers. We work together with parents to accommodate dietary needs.

MEAL	SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI
BREAKFAST	-	Scrambled Eggs Toast & Hash Browns	Pancakes & Sausage	Cinnamon Rolls Oatmeal	French Toast Sticks Sausage	Bagels & Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Hard-boiled Eggs
LUNCH	-	Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese Peas	Tacos Rice Fruit Cocktail	Corndogs French Fries Mixed vegetables	Hamburgers Smiley Fries Mixed vegetables	Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Crackers
DINNER	Pizza & Corn Ice Cream Sundaes	Baked Ham Au Gratin Potatoes Mixed Vegetables Rolls & Cookies	Spagetti & Sauce Garlic Bread Brownies	Create-your-own: Pita Pizza Vegetable & Fruit Smore's	Chicken & Noodles Mashed Potatoes Carrots Rolls & Cake	Family Picnic: Sandwiches Chips Fruit cup & fruit snacks

*Milk and water is available every meal, juice is available at breakfast
*There is a cereal bar with fruit and yogurt at every breakfast
*There is a salad bar available at every lunch and dinner
*Sun butter (Peanut free) and jelly sandwich making is available at each meal

This sample menu is also available for download.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Registering for Camp is quick and easy! You can register online or call to register.

REGISTRATION ONLINE: Click on the orange “Register Online” button in the top right-hand corner of our website.

PHONE: Call 260.351.2525 and ask to register. Have your preferred weeks, special selections and payment method ready at time of call.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Camp is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is available to individuals and families in need thanks to our generous Annual Campaign supporters. Applications are available on our website, or you can call us for more information. Learn More

VISIT CAMP!

CAMP TOURS: We would love to share camp with you. Please contact us at 260-351-2525 or at [email protected] if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour.

CAMP EVENTS: Visit us during the Camp Open House, Family Day or other special family events. Learn More