Week 4 Newsletter

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

           Summer has begun!!  We are outside to enjoy the summer during each day, so dress your child in clothes to help stay cool and send sunscreen. They may also get wet on hot days with sprinklers,  water games, and even a water balloon or two so come prepared!

           We’re ready for a week that’s out of  your greatest daydream for “Sometimes a Fantasy” week. Campers will be exploring their creativity with cardboard creations and testing their resolve with our 2nd annual Quidditch tournament! Our “Into the Woods” campers will be enjoying their overnight on Thursday so make sure to bring your pj’s and sleeping bags!

Get ready, get set – Let’s have some fun!

Sarena Barausky, Camp Director

 Swim Schedule– BIG CHANGES!!!!

AM Swim– All Oneidas, Senecas, and Teens

PM Swim– All Mohawks and Cayugas

Sports– Tuesday and Thursday Mornings

Specialty– Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons

Field Trips-

Mohawks and Oneidas will be taking a ride on the Strasburg Railroad while Cayuga, Senecas, and Teens are off to Wilderness Canoes in Delaware for an awesome afternoon of tubing!

Sports Camp will going Bowling on Friday afternoon at Limerick Bowling Alley!

but yesterday we partied like it was 1849

Yesterday was our third annual Gold Rush here at Camp YUMKA and the prospectors came out of the woodwork, ready to search for all sorts of precious metals and gems as they defended their claim from the lurking bandits.

But alas, bandits were around every corner, ready to rob groups of their bountiful treasures. 

And while the bandits were incredibly proud of themselves . . . 

It was Oneida 1 that proved victorious, collecting more gold and gems than any other group. Wait to go, Oneida 1! But our bandits did put up an impressive fight, as evident by their choice of after-camp activity*-

All and all it was a great Gold Rush and we can't wait for next year!

* those two pictures were only taken about 20 minutes apart from one another- seriously being a bandit is really hard work. 

WEEK 3 is Breezing By!

What a relief compared to last week's heat wave.  The sun is out, the wind is keeping us cool and the groups are having fun!  A-Z Magic stopped by on Monday and kept the campers in awe.  Groups are off on a slew of trips this week.  Baseball & Teens are touring Citizens Bank Park and BHC is off to Valley Forge to do some biking and then Delaware to do some canoeing.  Enjoy some of the pics below!
                                       
                 Pulling a rabbit out of the hat by its ears? (No bunnies were harmed during this trick!)

All smiles abracadabra!

Do the braves really have that many questions?  Nope, they want to be amateur magicians!

                                                                      The young apprentice

Will the sun come out in 3 weeks...we'll find out!

This group of Braves is so excited to go to lunch.

Target practice

Swimming at Camp Yumka

Next week, we will be making an alteration to our swimming schedule which, hopefully, should make things a little easier for everyone. We will still be swimming Monday thru Thursday at Norristown High School but this is what the schedule will now look like:

AM Swim- Oneidas, Senecas, and Teens
PM Swim- Mohawks and Cayugas

Sports will still swim Tuesday and Thursday Morning.
Specialty camps will generally swim Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with some slight alterations so make sure that you check the newsletter each week.

Alright so unless something changes, this will be our Norristown Pool swim schedule for the summer. Thanks so much for your patience!

Another Great Mystery of Camp Yumka

Camp is a place of strange things- games we can't play at home, new friends we didn't know before but now can't live without, and the occasional alien invasion. We have grown to accept this reality- in fact, we LOVE it.

One of our more interesting parts of camp life is the BLUE BOX. The box came to Mr. Nick from the 5th dimension and he is his best friend- a relationship that not many of us understand to be fair. IT is not that he is a box- friendship can be found anywhere. It is more that, well, the box tends to wander. While all of us have responsibilities, the box does not work here- he just kinda hangs out. He loves the fun and excitement that camp has to offer- he just can't stay away. We would prefer that the box stay and help but he is just has to roam.

Now his adventures are not purely selfish, he almost always brings something back from his journey- like plastic snakes or water guns or really, really good snack (all things he brought us last year). And he always shares with whoever happens to encounter him on his adventure or rescue him after he has run away, depending on how you look at it. So now as we once again set out to bring the box back from his misadventures, we can't wait to see what he brings this year. In fact some of us are so excited that they are trying to go with him-

Yes, the BLUE BOX, just another one of our happy mysteries here at Camp YUMKA . . . 

A tradition continues

For the last two years, we have taken all of our CIT's to Camp Tohikanee for a day of teambuilding, bonding and a little relaxation. We always have an amazing trip but we also always forget to take a camera with us but this time Mr. Eric's iPhone came to the rescue. So here is a glimpse of our CIT's from Audubon, Phoenixville and Spring Valley as they stepped out of their comfort zone and tried their hands at some low ropes and teambuilding elements-

Here we have one side of the spiderweb offering advice on how to get the rest of the team through.

While another group tried their skills at the Wild Woozy, a low ropes element known to be way more difficult than it looks.

And after a few more elements, the session ended with everyone piling into the cargo net- an extreme act of cooperation and togetherness- seriously there is no room to move around in there.

All and all, it was an amazing day! I know that they are all going to make great counselors someday . . .

ATTENTION BASEBALL CAMPERS!

For weeks 3 & 4 all boys participating in baseball camp will be required to wear athletic supporters during baseball activities for safety purposes.  Campers that do not wear them will have their baseball activities limited.

A wise man once said..."It's so hot outside, I saw a dog chasing another dog and they were both walking."

The last three days have been HOT!  The groups have been rotating throughout the air-conditioned building and many activities have been limited.  It is supposed to cool off this weekend and hopefully Week 3 won't be filled with too much rain.  Here are some pics from Week 2. 

 Braves Tangled Creations

Apache Abstract Trees (complete w/beehive)

                         John proudly shows his ping pong ball bullseye!

Enjoying a picnic by the creek

Designer walking sticks

                                         

Week 3 Newsletter

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

           Summer has begun!!  We are outside to enjoy the summer during each day, so dress your child in clothes to help stay cool and send sunscreen. They may also get wet on hot days with sprinklers,  water games, and even a water balloon or two so come prepared!

           It will only be “Once in a Lifetime”- this week is all about indulging in all the things you just can’t do at home. From splatter paint shirts to extreme takes on our favorite games, we are pushing everything to the limits this week. Come prepared for our 100% Mess Obstacle Course on Tuesday– it will live up to its name so make sure your camper is ready to get dirty.

Get ready, get set – Let’s have some fun!

Sarena Barausky, Camp Director

Swim Schedule-

AM Swim– Mohawks 1, Mohawks 3, Oneida 1, Oneida 3, Cayuga 1, Teens

PM Swim– Mohawks 2, Mohawks 4, Oneida 2, Oneida 4, Cayuga 2, Seneca

Sports Camp– Tuesday and Thursday Morning

Only in the Water will swim EVERYDAY Monday– Thursday.

Everyone else– Tuesday and Thursday Afternoon

Field Trip-

Our Mohawks and Oneidas are off to Churchville Nature Center while our older campers will be enjoying a day of their own making at Mill Grove.

We went "Across the Universe" and back . . .

Well our first week at camp was certainly a crash course in defending our world from the aliens (more on that later) that Mr. Nick returned from the future to warn us about (again, more on that later) as well as dealing with all of the weather that the summer tends to throw at us. We dealt with some hot temperatures, some rain, and even the threat of a thunderstorm or two. But even with all that to deal with, we still found time to enjoy the beauty of that Mill Grove has to offer, like these Senecas on their first hike of the year-

So in short, we soldiered through with lots of reminders from the front desk to apply more sunscreen and drink lots and lots of water (though it also kept us safe from the aliens so it was a win-win, but again more on that later).  

Okay so more about that aliens, water, time travel thing- Mr. Nick built a time machine and on Tuesday, he successfully went to the future, where he discovered that on that we, back in the past, were about to be attacked by aliens. So the future Mr. Nick came back to warn us about the aliens and share with us the secret to defeating them- water.

So we went on a great hunt to try to find our terrifying new invaders but couldn't find anything until they showed themselves on Wednesday afternoon . . . 

But there is not need to worry since our brave and valiant campers set off with water balloons, squirters, and water guns to attack the aliens with the one thing that could defeat them, thus saving us from the sad future that Mr. Nick had described- where we would all dress exactly like him. The horror is just to brutal to imagine . . . 

So all and all, it was a TOTALLY AWESOME first week and we can't wait for more! But remember the threat is not over- so the best protection from our invaders to drink LOTS of water all summer! 

Orange is the Color of the Season

Hey all,
I know that the world of Camp Yumka can be a little confusing, especially if it's your first year so we have outfitted all of our unit leaders and experienced staff members with ORANGE shirts so they stand out of the crowd. They will be wearing them every Friday and Monday in case you have questions about the field trip, the week's activities, or really anything else that might pop into your head. So remember though our shirts may be blue and teal this year, ORANGE is the color of information this camp season.

Thanks so much and we look forward to a great summer!

                         Camp Carnival!

Please join us on Wednesday, July 18th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM for our Family Night Carnival.  There will be plenty of activities for the whole family.  You will have a chance to meet the counselors, play games and enjoy some treats. 
**Tickets will be 25 cents each and all proceeds go to the Freedom Valley YMCA Y-Cares Campaign that raises money for those who cannot afford all that our YMCA has to offer.  See you there!

Attention Camp Phoenix Parents/Guardians!  Week 2 at Camp Phoenix is going to be a hot one.  On Wednesday and Thursday we are supposed to see temperatures well into the 90's.  Please be sure to pack plenty of fluids with a cold pack and also sunscreen.  The groups will be on a lower activity schedule and will rotate into the building throughout the day.  STAY COOL!

Week 2 Newsletter

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

           Summer has begun!!  We are outside to enjoy the summer during each day, so dress your child in clothes to help stay cool and send sunscreen. They may also get wet on hot days with sprinklers,  water games, and even a water balloon or two so come prepared!

           We are set off “Across the Universe” this week– ready to discover the furtherest reaches of outer space and the wonders that exist right here is our back yard– the beautiful Mill Grove. We will also be cooking– both inside with Alice’s Restaurant and outside with Easy as Pie, getting our creative flow going with When I Dream of Michelangelo, exploring our feathered friends with Wild World and shooting hoops in Sports Camp.

Get ready, get set – Let’s have some fun!

Sarena Barausky, Camp Director

Updates-

Norristown High School is not ready for us yet but we can’t wait a whole week to get our campers into the pool so we’ve had a change of plans with our field trip for the week-

We will headed to Towamencin Community Pool this Friday, June 22nd– all camps will be attending. We plan to depart at 9:15 and return around 3:00 pm. So make sure to send your camper with a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen.

Stay tuned next week as we begin our normal swim schedule!

Rounding out Week 1

Kick it out!

Fitness Frenzy really got a workout in during their first week.  One of our fitness instructors came in to show them how to get fit!






The CIT's closed out Friday with their weekly skit.  Their take on The Seven (4) Dwarfs.  Nice job crew!

Welcome back campers!  These first couple of days at Camp Phoenix have been amazing!  We hope the school year was successful for all of our campers.  We are so glad to have you back for the summer months. 
We endured our 1st rain day this past Tuesday, but it didn't put a damper on welcoming back our friends.  The groups enjoyed indoor activities throughout the day.  We enjoyed comfortable sunshine the rest of the week.  Nice enough to enjoy some miniature golf at Waltz's!

Below are some pics from Week 1.
                                
                                          Braves & Fitness stretch it out!

Morning game of kickball

Wildlife Explorers...dig it!

Sioux friends hanging out

Iroquois enjoying a game

Camp naturalist

Soccer drills & skills

Radical!

   

The Freedom Valley YMCA PFD Policy is in effect at all Freedom Valley YMCA pools for the safety of all our members and participants.  Have a wonderful and safe summer!

2012 Camp Phoenix Weekly Themes

Week 1     June 11-15       Ants Marching
Week 2     June 18-22       The Dreaming Tree
Week 3     June 25-29       One Sweet World
Week 4     July 2-6            Satellite (*No Camp Wed, July 4)
Week 5     July 9-13          Joyride
Week 6     July 16-20        I Did It  (Camp Carnival Wed. July 18th 7:00-8:30PM)
Week 7     July 23-27        Captain
Week 8     July 30-Aug 3  American Baby
Week 9     Aug 6-10          Dive In
Week 10   Aug 13-17        Rhyme & Reason
Week 11   Aug 20-24        Best of What's Around

Camp Phoenix TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Drop-Off: 

• Begins at 6:30AM
• Please use the lane designated for camp drop-off.
• Obey all traffic rules.
• Remain in your vehicle for drop off.  If you wish to speak with someone, please park in the parking lot.
• Staff clean up at 8:50AM.  If you drop off after that time, you must park in the lot and sign-in at the camp office located inside the red door to the far right.

Pick-Up:

• Begins at 4:00PM
• If you pick up prior to that time, you must park and sign-out from the camp office.
• You must provide a note for all early pickups so we can have your child(ren) ready to go when you arrive.
• You will be asked for ID in the pick-up line.
• Please do not leave your vehicle in the pick-up lane.  If you wish to speak with staff, you must park in the lot.
• Respect other drivers at all times.
• Follow all traffic rules.
• Please be patient when waiting for your child(ren).  We attend to many campers and we do our best to safely escort them to the vehicles.
• The program ends at 6:30PM.  If you pick up after that time, you will be charged a late fee.

                   

Camp Phoenix Reminder!


LOST & FOUND

We strongly encourage that you label EVERYTHING to ensure that any/all items are returned to your camper.

Lost & found will be kept outside the camp office every week. Please be advised that because of the large accumulation of lost items it will be discarded every Friday by 4:30PM.

There is also a lost & found located at Baker Park for any items lost at the pool. This lost & found is also discarded on Friday afternoon.

Here is a list of entertainers that will be performing at Camp Phoenix this summer!

Date	Entertainer	Group	Time
June 11	Respect Program	9Up Apache/Braves/KK	10:30 11:30
June 18	Bill Wood	APACHE/BRAVES/KK	11:30
June 25	A-Z Magic	APACHE/BRAVES	10:30 11:30
June 29	Zoo on Wheels	APACHE/BRAVES/KINDERS	12:00
July 9	Puppet Show	APACHE/BRAVES	1:00
July 16	AL Grout	APACHE/BRAVES/KK	2:00
July 23	Bruce Fagan	9Up/Specialty Apache/Braves/KK	10:30 11:30
July 30	Great Holtzie	TBD	TBD
August 10	Puppets Pizazz	9UP APACHE/BRAVES/KK	10:30 11:20
August 13	John Hadfield	9UP Apache/Braves/KK	10:30 11:30
August 20th	Linda Holliday	Apache	1:00

Camp Phoenix opens tomorrow and we are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones! If this is your first summer at camp, there is an exciting new world waiting for you. There are still spaces available so please check in at any of our five branches to see what is available for you this summer! Check out some pics of our campground and facility.

Tree covered campground

                                       Each group has their own campsite

Creek walks in beautiful Pickering Creek

Two shaded pavilions

                                          Catch some air at the skate park!

Fun and educational field trips!

Come see what's going on at Camp Phoenix

this summer!