2008 PARENT HANDBOOK

Quick Links: Parent Pack Printable Version ~ Camper Forms ~
~ "The Highlights" Short Version ~ Care Packages, Labels, Etc ~

The Road Map to Camp: Table of Contents

1. Letter of Welcome
2. Camp Life 
   • Opening and Closing Days Includes STARTER CAMP
   • Homesickness
   • Telephones
   • Behavioral Expectations
   • Mail 
   • Camp Store
   • Laundry
3. Camper Information and Health Topics
   • Health and Safety
   • Health Forms
   • Emergencies
   • Insurance and Medical Expenses
   • Camper Profile and Transportation Form
4. Billing Process
5. Parents Need to Know
6. Camp Unplugged
7. Directions to Camp
8. What to Bring/What NOT to Bring
9. Daily Camp Schedule
10. Session Themes
11. CFA Clubs
12. Parent Forms
13. Care Packages, Labels, Camp Supplies

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow!  We know there are many choices when it comes to summer camp and we thank you for choosing to send your child(ren) to YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow.

Please read this booklet and retain for future reference.

This booklet will help you understand the procedures and policies regarding your child’s stay at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. A careful reading will answer many questions and help you prepare your child for camp. Together we can work to give your camper a positive growing experience that will last a lifetime.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER: How can I save time and frustration?

1. All balances and forms are due May 31, 2008. Please mail payments to camp in a separate envelope so it does not get lost in the paperwork shuffle.
2. Make sure that all forms are properly completed, read and signed in the appropriate locations.
3. All medications and vitamins must be in the original container, listed on the Health/Medication Form, and given to the Camp Health Manager upon arrival.
4. Put your camper’s name on EVERYTHING. YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Please review the above items.  Take note of when balances are due and carefully complete all forms.  Should you have any additional concerns, please feel free to call our Executive Camp Director, Bill Hinton or our Summer Program Director, Amy Barnthouse at 830-238-4631 or 800-765-9622.

Again, welcome to the YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow family.  We are looking forward to providing your child with a safe and happy outdoor experience.

In the Spirit of Camp,

Bill, Allison, Amy, Laura, & Joseph

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CAMP LIFE

When do I bring my child(ren) to camp? 

OPENING DAY - (Always a Sunday-see below for Starter Camp)   Check in: 2:30 -4:00 pm

The arrival time on the first day of each session is between 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.  Gates will remain locked until 2:30 pm. to allow staff to prepare for your camper.  Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a camp staff member and given further instructions on driving through to drop off luggage, parking, etc. Please be sure that your child has a hearty lunch as the first meal at camp will be Sunday evening.  We recommend that everyone come dressed in comfortable walking shoes along with a reusable water bottle.

STARTER CAMP OPENING DAY - (Always a Thursday)   Check in: 10:00-10:30 am

The arrival time on the first day of each session is between 10:00-10:30 am   Gates will remain locked until 10:00 am. to allow staff to prepare for your camper.  Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a camp staff member and given further instructions on driving through to drop off luggage, parking, etc. Please be sure that your child has a hearty breakfast as the first meal at camp will be lunch with lots of activity prior .  We recommend that everyone come dressed in comfortable walking shoes along with a reusable water bottle

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED—please leave them at home as it will be too hot for them to sit in your vehicle.  Only Camp Directors are allowed to have pets on site at any time.

When do I pick up my camper(s)? This is the same for ALL camp sessions

CLOSING DAY – (Always a Saturday) Check out begins at 9:00 am

• 9:00 am - Check out begins (we try to open the gate closer to 8:30 am, but sometimes we are not quite ready.  During this time, you will drive through and load your camper’s luggage,then park and walk to Strong Hall to check out with the Camp Director, camp nurse and accounting. Camp staff will check photo ID’s before any camper is released.   Please have drivers license ready. 
• 9:30 am - A Parent’s Meeting will be held in Strong Hall (gym)
• 9:45 am. – Campers arrive and the Closing Ceremony begins.  This is the first time you will see your camper as they are wrapping up and getting ready for the ceremony.  All campers are recognized and we encourage families to arrive in time to attend the ceremony (bring your cameras!).  After the ceremony, CFA Saddle Club members will put on a horse show at the arena for all interested, then parents and campers will have time to walk around camp and visit with camp staff. 
• 11:30 am - Camp closes. We ask that all campers be picked up by this time. 

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED—please leave them at home as it will be too hot for them to sit in your vehicle.  Only Camp Directors are allowed to have pets on site at any time.

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HOMESICKNESS

Homesickness is usually a result of the discomfort of being in strange surroundings.  The Camp Staff is trained to deal with homesickness by providing extra patience and attention and by keeping the camper active.  Most campers quickly recover because they are having so much fun.  You will be called if there is a serious problem. The general rule of “No news is good news” stands true at CFA, as we are working with the staff to make approximately 120 campers have an amazing experience.

If you are feeling apprehensive about sending your child off or your child is feeling nervous, there is a lot of great information on the internet and books to help both parents and campers have a successful camp experience.  We know that it is hard for parents as it is for the campers to be away from each other, so we encourage you to look for information.  A resource we have found that has been helpful to parents is called The Summer Camp Handbook and The Secret Ingredients DVD/CD set by Dr. Chris Thurber. Another great resource can be found on the American Camp Association website, www.acacamps.org under Parents and Families.

The following excepts are taken from Dr Chris Thurber’s website, www.CampSpirit.com   Dr. Christopher Thurber is a board-certified clinical psychologist, author, consultant, and father. A graduate of Harvard University, Chris co-authored the critically acclaimed "Summer Camp Handbook," the premier preparatory resource for new campers and families. He has more than 30 years of camping experience and has written numerous book chapters and scholarly articles on homesickness prevention and child development. (Please note that YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow does not receive anything from Dr.Chri's Thurber, we merely are giving parents a resource that we felt was helpful; however, we are a member and certified camp of the American Camp Association).

What are the Top 5 things I can do to help prepare for Summer Camp?

1. Don't make a "pick-up deal."
   Promising "If you feel homesick, I'll come and get you" undermines children's confidence and dramatically intensifies homesickness. Instead, normalize their anxiety, talk positively about camp, and view The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success.
2. Double-check the camp's packing list.
   Many seasons of experience have helped your child's camp directors refine the packing list to include all the essentials. So, if it says "stick bug repellant," don't buy spray. If it says "no electronics," then leave the video games at home.
3. Spend practice time away from home.
   Nothing builds confidence and teaches a child how to cope with time away from home better than.(you guessed it)...time away from home. That weekend at your folks' will do wonders for their adjustment.  
4. Label everything.
   It's easy to lose things at camp, but if you want it back, it's got to have your name on it. Label everything from your t-shirts to your tennis racket to your toothbrush. And leave really expensive gear at home.
5. Double-check the opening and closing dates and times.
   Start camp off on a smooth note by arriving on time and on the right day. Use a wall calendar in the months prior to opening day to make an exciting count-down to the big day.

Why is my attitude as a parent key to my child’s summer camp success?

The cornerstone of homesickness prevention is parents' attitudes. When parents express confidence, optimism, and a positive attitude about camp, children follow their lead.

It's normal for children to ask, in the months prior to opening day, "What if I feel homesick at camp?" Sadly, many well-intentioned parents provide an answer that virtually guarantees intense homesickness. "If you feel homesick," they say, "I'll come and get you." This is what camp professionals regretfully refer to as "The Pick-Up Deal."

The tragedy of "The Pick-Up Deal" is how it undermines children's confidence in themselves and gives them something about which to be preoccupied. When you think about it, the subtext of the promise "If you feel homesick, I'll come and get you" is basically "I have so little confidence in your ability to cope with these feelings that I think the only solution is for me to come and rescue you." In The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success, you'll learn the best way to respond to children's questions and concerns about staying at camp. You'll also learn the best ways to reply to a homesick letter, the best homesickness preparation tips, and the best ways to provide support.

-End Dr. Thurber excerpts

What other tips will I find helpful?
Before your child leaves for camp:

• DO familiarize him/her with camp.Show pictures and read brochures about the camp.
• DON’T make a “pick up deal” with your child
• DON’T act lukewarm about camp, let your positive attitude and excitement show him/her that camp will be a grand experience.
• DO let your child’s camp counselor know if your child is having problems.
• DO acknowledge that you will miss each other, tell him/her you will write and that you hope he/she writes back (two or three notes is sufficient and 1 tucked into your campers toiletries is great).During his/her stay, ask about new friends, experiences, etc. when you write.  Let them know if you see a picture of your camper online.  Do use your judgment when dispensing the latest news; if a pet dies; for instance, wait until you see your camper to tell him/her.  This is not good news to get while you are away from home.  Don’t make him/her more homesick by telling him/her about the great things you are doing like going to parties or picnics.  If you receive a letter from your camper about how horrible camp is, try to remember that children can be dramatic for a moment, then back to all laughs and smiles in 5 minutes.  If you receive a letter like this, we ask that you call the camp director to discuss it so we can then have a casual discussion with your camper and his/her counselor about how things are going and get back to you.  This will also allow us time to observe your camper and how he/she is interacting with others.  Our goal is to help each camper and parent have a positive camp experience; therefore, we ask that you help us as much as possible by acting in a calm, rational manner when dealing with your child.
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TELEPHONES

Phone calls to or from campers are not allowed.  They tend to defeat a sense of independence and interrupt the camp environment.  They can also cause homesickness as well as unspoken hard feelings.  Please do not send cell phones with your campers, including LITs.  Staff members are not allowed to have or use cell phones while on duty or in the cabin area, unless given explicit permission due to location of activity. Please help us keep camp a special place by being “Camp Unplugged.” Remember, you will always be contacted by a CFA Staff Member if there is the need, never by your child directly. If you do receive a phone call from your camper, please remind your camper that they should not be using the phone and call camp immediately. If your child is homesick, remember that talking directly to him/her will only worsen the situation. By notifying Camp, we can work with your child and the counselors to improve the situation.

Emergency messages will be taken at Camp, at (830) 238-4631.  Phones are answered Monday – Friday during business hours (9am-5pm), and voice mail is checked regularly in the evenings and on weekends. After business hours, please contact Amy at 830-377-7737. Please use this for emergencies only.

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BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES

The YMCA recognizes that positive discipline teaches and encourages the healthy development of a child’s self-esteem.  The YMCA does not allow the use of corporal or physical punishment.  Instead, caregivers employ positive discipline techniques, which include praising, calling attention to appropriate behavior and acting as positive role models to influence and reinforce positive behavior.  The staff sets limits that are developmentally appropriate and consistently enforced.

Staff will encourage and assist all children in following the camp rules.  All campers will be given an orientation on the first day of camp.  All questions will be answered and the rules will be explained during this orientation.

Bullying - the nations growing trend of Peer on Peer abuse. Bullying among peers is growing daily in the United States.  At Camp, we train our staff on preventing, recognizing and dealing with bullying.  However, we need your help as the parent to help us ward off and correct bullying behavior and to get bullied children to speak up when they are bullied. 

Dr Joel Haber, PhD, www.RespectU.com, has 20+ years’ experience in violence prevention and has worked with thousands of children and adults who are victims of bullying, bullies or bystanders.  Below are excerpts from his website and studies:

What is it? Bullying is any intentional, repeated hurtful act – including inflicting physical pain, name-calling, exclusion, defacing property, hurtful pranks and public humiliation.  You can be part of the solution – through awareness, insight, action.

Prevention is the best cure. Use dinner time as an opportunity to ask your children about school and the specifics of their experience every day. Remember, that your tone and listening skill is critical to whether or not your child will have these conversations with you in an honest way.

• Ask your child if he/she has someone to eat with everyday?
• Who do they play or hang out with everyday?
• What are the names of those kids, and as a parent track if there are any changes in those children day to day?
• Do they know what bullying is?
• Are there any bullies in their class?
• Who are the kids that these bullies pick on?
• Are you a kid that they sometimes pick on?
• Does the teacher notice it or know about it?
• What have you done when they pick on you? Or others?

How do I talk to my child about bullying? (see website, www.respectU.com, for full detail)
Talk the right talk with the right message to your child.

• I will listen carefully and believe you!
• Provide them this message: Bullying is not your fault!
• I am here and I can help you come up with a plan!
• Be a detective and document specifics of any bullying situation!
• If you choose to let the school know, here's what you do!
• When not to report information to the school!
• Are there any other tips that I should know?
• Are there any particular resilience factors that can protect my child from bullying?

-End Dr. Haber excerpts

What can I do to help prepare my child for camp?
Bullying another child is a no tolerance policy at camp and while we do our best to detect and prevent bullying, children can be sneaky, therefore, we ask that your coach your child in speaking out. Tell your child to find their counselor, Bill, Amy, or Laura and tell them if they are being bullied while at camp.  Let them know we will do our best to help them resolve the problem.  If they tell their counselors and still feel nothing is changing, then they must go to Bill, Laura or Amy.  It is imperative that the bullied child speaks out.  Please do not hesitate to call us if your child waits until he/she returns home to speak out.  We still want to help.

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MAIL

Campers love to get mail!You have several options. The easiest way is to bring all mail and packages with you to check-in day. Please do not send food, candy, etc. We have also attached some links to our preferred vendors for care packages. A Tisket A Tasket is a local company that hand delivers the packages to camp.

Option 1: Bring it with you to Check-in

We will have baskets marked for each day, Monday-Friday. You simply mark each piece of mail with your camper’s name & cabin (will be given at check in) and place it in the basket marked with the day you want him/her to receive it. We will then place it in the cabin mail box on the assigned day. So simple and saves you postage! You can even wait to purchase items from our camp store - we even have gift bags.

Option 2: One Way Email

One way email is just that--the option to send your camper an email that will be printed out at camp and delivered with the daily camp mail at noon. This is a portion of our partnership with an Email Provider, who also provides you with access to our daily digital photo postings. Please be aware that this is a wonderful service the Email Provider helps us provide, but does require a small fee. Please note that your camper can not email you back.We will give you the information on how to send emails at check-in. Emails sent after noon on the last Friday of each session are not guaranteed to reach your camper

Option 3: Standard Mail

For the United States Postal Service, use the post office box address:

Your Camper's Name & Session
Cabin (will be given at check in)
YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow
PO Box 770
Hunt, TX 78024-0770

For UPS or Fed EX,use the camp physical address :

Your Camper's Name & Session
Cabin (will be given at check in)
YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow
190 Flaming Arrow Road
Hunt, TX 78024

Click here to view our Care Packages, Labels, & Camp Gear vendors.

Campers are urged to write home and given the opportunity to do so each day at Siesta.  Please pack self-addressed, stamped post cards for your camper to write home.

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CAMP STORE

All campers go to the Camp Store once a day, which is included in the registration fee.  Each day the camper will receive two refreshment items (ice cream & drink) and on most evenings, a fruit snack. On the last day of the session, campers will receive a souvenir t-shirt.  Additional items will be available in the Camp Store on opening and closing days. Some of the items include shirts, hats, stuffed animals, water bottles, coffee mugs, and more.  We will not accept additional money for camp store accounts, but again, we will be open on Opening and Closing Days to purchase additional items.  There will be no refunds if the camper chooses not to take refreshment or souvenir t-shirt.

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LAUNDRY

No laundry service will be provided outside of emergency washing (EX. Bed wetting, fall in mud, etc). Please pack enough clothing to last the entire duration of your child’s stay.  (INCLUDING LIT'S) If your child is staying more than 2 weeks, we will wash his/her clothes after 2 weeks. Return to Table of Contents

CAMPER FORMS AND HEALTH TOPICS

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The health and safety of campers is one of our number one priorities.  Our camp physician is on call 24 hours a day.  A Camp Health Manager, who resides at camp, is responsible for daily health needs of campers, including dispensing of medication.  On Opening Day the Camp Health Manager ensures that campers are in good health and checks in any medications that campers bring. Over-the-counter and/or prescription medication must be turned into the Camp Health Manager with the Medication Form (found on page 3 of the Health History/Medication Form) completely filled out.  All medication and vitamins MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER and LABELED WITH THE CHILD’S NAME.  Prescriptions must be in the original container with the child’s full name, date, physician’s name and complete directions written in English. Certain over-the-counter medications are available at camp and are administered by the Camp Health Manager as symptoms warrant.  A written, signed statement must accompany all medication from the parents with the dosage, time and date for the administration of the medication.

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow and the YMCA Greater of San Antonio assume NO responsibility for illness or accidents.

HEALTH HISTORY/MEDICATION FORM

Please complete the first three pages of the Health History/Medication form.  Have your physician complete and sign the last page of the Health History/Medication form and attach a copy of your child’s most recent immunization record.  It is critical that the authorization for treatment is signed by the parent/guardian. Return to Table of Contents

EMERGENCIES

Parents will be notified in the event of serious camper illness, injury or emergency.  If you need to contact your child in an emergency, call the Camp Office at (830) 238-4631 or after hours at 830-377-7737 (For Emergencies only).

EMERGENCY PICK UP VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

Anytime an emergency occurs and a child must be picked up by someone not listed on the child’s registration form, Texas State law requires the following:

1. Parents must call the office (830-238-4631) giving the following information:
   • Name and physical description of the person who will be picking up the child.
   • Provide a copy of the person’s drivers license and a hand written note with the above information from line 1a, camper’s name, reason for emergency pick, parent contact information and parent signature.  This information can be faxed to 830-238-4280.
2. The person picking up the child must:

• Present an identification card with a picture when picking up the child.
• Have a copy of the hand written parent’s note
• Complete an Emergency Pick-up Verification form.

Persons not listed on a child’s registration form will be allowed to pick up the child only in an emergency situation and only after the above procedures have been followed.

Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave Camp with an unauthorized person.

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INSURANCE & MEDICAL EXPENSES

As parent/guardian you are responsible for any and all medical costs incurred by your child while they are participating in the YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow Summer Youth Camp Program. 

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CAMPER PROFILE FORM/ TRANSPORTATION FORM

The Camper forms including Health Form, Parent Goal Setting Form, Confidential Questionnaire and A Letter to My Counselors provides important information to help staff become acquainted with your child.  It is strictly confidential and shared only with your camper’s counselors and the camp administration staff.  This allows parents and campers the opportunity to elaborate on any information listed on other forms and to share a little bit about the camper prior to arrival.  This way, staff can be prepared to lead your child through an experience of a lifetime at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow.  However, in order for this to occur, it is imperative for all forms to be returned prior to camp so that staff have access to them and can read all about your camper.

Be sure to indicate if anyone other than the parent/guardian will pick the child up at camp.  All persons picking up campers will be required to show a photo ID.

HEALTH SCREEN

During your child’s first day at camp, he/she will have an initial screen including a Lice Check, overall health assessment and discussion of any medication.  Lice Prevention and Policy If any child is found to have head lice, the Clinic Specialist will determine the severity.  If the Clinic Specialist determines that the case is not severe, the child and his/her belongings will be removed from the cabin to prevent further spreading, the child’s hair will be treated with RID products as directed.  If the case is determined to be severe, the parent will be notified and asked to pick up his/her child.  Return to Table of Contents

2008 BILLING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. A $100 Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable deposit per session is required at time of registration to register your child.  The deposit is applied to your camper’s total fee.
2. The total camp fee includes the basic camp fee, plus Saddle Club fee, if applicable.  Partial payments may be made on your child’s camp account throughout the year, but all fees are due by May 31, 2008.  Please call 800-765-9622 if you have questions about our refund policy.
3. Payments may be made by check, money order or credit card.  Please send one (1) check per family, not per child.  Credit card payments can be taken by phone or you can write your credit card information on your with child’s registration form on a separate piece of paper and mail it to us at the address shown below.  You can also fax your credit card information to us at (830) 238-4280.
4. A $35 service fee will be charged on checks which are returned unpaid by the bank for any reason.

MAIL PAYMENTS:

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow
PO Box 770
Hunt, TX 78024-0770

Cancellation / Refund Policy

We understand that unforeseen circumstance arise that may not allow your child to attend camp.  Please do not hesitate to call us so we can discuss the best option for your child and family. 

• $100 Deposit is not refundable at any time unless it is a medical reason*.
• If you cancel with more than 30 days till the session start date, then you will receive all money paid EXCEPT the $100 deposit.  
• 15-30 days until the session start date, 50% refund.
• 2 weeks prior to start of camp session = NO REFUND

*Please note that medical reasons allow you to receive an entire refund or to have your money paid transferred to another session or year.  We must have written documentation from the medical doctor that states why your child is not able to attend camp. Return to Table of Contents

Parents Need to Know: Camper-Staff Relationship Policy

As the caretakers of your child(ren) during their time with us at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow, we strive to protect them from harm in every way possible. We want to inform you of our policy which addresses the relationship between a YMCA CFA staff member and your camper(s). Please read the promise below that all YMCA CFA staff members are required to sign during their training. Please help us protect all of our campers by reporting any violations of this policy to Bill Hinton, Executive Director or Amy Barnthouse, Summer Program Director at 1-800-765-9622.

Staff  Must Sign and Agree to the Following Policy:
As a staff member at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow, you will meet hundreds of children. Although you will cherish every memory, it is imperative to the safety of both the children and yourself that the relationship does not continue beyond your interaction here at YMCA CFA. Please read the following promise carefully and sign at the bottom of the page. Note that the terms "children," "child," and "camper" refer to any retreat or summer camp participant under the age of 18 or any other child you meet through the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

I promise to:

• Not communicate with children outside of YMCA programming. This includes telephone calls, letters, emails, blogs, instant messages etc.
• Not give gifts or presents to children, no matter how seemingly insignificant, which are not given to all other participants in the program or cabin group.
• Neither have children in my home nor accompany children to their homes.
• Not take children on outings apart from YMCA functions; e.g. movies, the park, sporting events, etc.
• Not baby sit or provide care services for the children I meet at the YMCA.
• Not give any children a ride in my vehicle at any time. (Unless directed by the Executive Director or Sr. Program Director for emergency, medical, or other appointed reason.)
• Request specific, written permission from the Executive Director if I feel there is any reason I need to communicate with a child outside of YMCA programming.

I acknowledge that as an employee I am a representative of YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow and those campers, parents, and other staff members may associate me and my actions with the Camp and the YMCA. I recognize that my actions can positively and negatively impact the Camp and the YMCA, thus I hereby agree to be bound by the general rules as well as those governing online communications both during the period of my employment and after I cease to be employed by the Camp and the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

I will not send, share or post e-mail, blogs, images, or Internet content containing campers name or image. I will not send, share or post e-mails, blogs, images, or Internet content with any content that are cruel, demeaning, disrespectful or intentionally hurtful to a member of the camp community (participant, parent or staff) or that present the Camp or the YMCA or its programs in a negative manner. I will not download, share, send or post material of an inappropriate nature, or which includes nudity, sexual content, violence, drug or alcohol use, illegal actions, or any activity which is against the camp rules. I will respect the boundary between campers and staff members particularly when it comes to my online communications.

I agree that such actions are not in line with the values of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Reasonability and Faith). I agree that the harm caused by such actions may have a negative impact on my reputation and may injure the self-esteem of members of the camping and YMCA community.

If you feel that you, another staff member, parent or participant is violating this agreement, please contact Bill Hinton, Executive Director at 1-800-765-9622.

I understand and agree to the terms above and will follow them at all times during and after employment with the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

***Staff member and supervisor sign to acknowledge understanding and agreement.***
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Help us keep CFA Unplugged              

Camp is a time for your child to enjoy the true feeling of childhood. It’s a time for them to build strong friendships, create lifelong memories, learn from their peers and counselors, experience nature, and all of the joys of camp!

Please help us by not allowing your camper to bring the following items (or similar items) to camp:

• Cell phones
• Pagers
• Mp3 players/iPods
• Video games
• Tape Players
• CD Players
• Radios
• TVs
• DVD/Video players
• Any other electronic or media devices

Please know that our camper policy and staff policy are consistent. Our staff and CIT's are also not permitted to use the above items in the cabin area. With permission, counselors may use one radio or boom box for appropriate music during cabin free time/rest time.

Again, to reiterate our telephone policy, phone calls to or from campers are not allowed.  They tend to defeat a sense of independence and interrupt the camp environment.  They can also cause homesickness as well as unspoken hard feelings.  Please do not send cell phones with your campers, including LITs.  Staff members are not allowed to have or use cell phones while on duty or in the cabin area, unless given explicit permission from the Director. Books, magazines, playing cards, board games, crosswords and other similar activities are not only suggested, but highly recommended for rest time and before lights out.

Please help us keep camp a special place by being “Camp Unplugged.” Remember, you will always be contacted by a CFA Staff Member if there is the need, never by your child directly. If you do receive a phone call from your camper, please remind your camper that they should not be using the phone and call camp immediately. If your child is homesick, remember that talking directly to him/her could only worsen the situation. If necessary, the Summer Camp Director or Camp Director will facilitate a phone call if it is prudent for the situation. By notifying Camp of any signs of homesickness, we can work with your child and the counselors to improve the situation.

Emergency messages will be taken at Camp, at (830) 238-4631.  Phones are answered Monday – Friday during business hours, and voice mail is checked regularly in the evenings and on weekends.  After business hours, the emergency number is 830-377-0328.

We look forward to giving your camper an experience of a lifetime…unplugged!
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DRIVING TO CAMP (Caution: Map quest, yahoo, etc does not give correct directions to camp! Please follow directions below.)

From San Antonio:

• Take I-10 West to Kerrville
• Exit 505 - Harper Road
• Loop around onto Harper Road toward Kerrville
• Turn right at the second traffic light on to Highway 27 (Moore's Furniture is on your right.)
• Travel approx. 5.5 miles to Ingram (The speed limit in Ingram is 35 MPH and is very strictly enforced)
• At the second traffic light in Ingram, continue straight onto Highway 39 (Hwy 27 veers to the right)
• Travel approx. 6 miles to Hunt (This is a very curvy road that has many deer crossing, please use caution)
• Continue west on Highway 39
• From the Hunt Post Office travel approx. 2.25 miles. Look for the BLUE YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow sign on your right.
• Turn left at the YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow sign and follow the signs to the front gate.
• Once on camp, follow the road and a staff member will direct you from there!

From Austin:

• Take 290 West to Fredericksburg.
• Turn left at Highway 16 towards Kerrville.
• Take I-10 West towards Junction
• Take Exit 505 - Harper Road
• Loop around onto Harper Road toward Kerrville
• Turn right at the second traffic light on to Highway 27 (Moore's Furniture is on your right.)
• Travel approx. 5.5 miles to Ingram (The speed limit in Ingram is 35 MPH and is very strictly enforced)
• At the second traffic light in Ingram, continue straight onto Highway 39 (Hwy 27 veers to the right)
• Travel approx. 6 miles to Hunt (This is a very curvy road that has many deer crossing, please use caution)
• Continue west on Highway 39
• From the Hunt Post Office travel approx. 2.25 miles. Look for the BLUE YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow sign on your right.
• Turn left at the YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow sign and follow the signs to the front gate.
• Once on camp, follow the road and a staff member will direct you from there!

Call for assistance: 1-800-765-9622

WHAT DO I BRING TO CAMP?

Please MARK EVERY ITEM with the camper’s full name. Do not bring expensive items (jewelry) or nice clothes to camp. Pack all items in a footlocker if possible, or use a suitcase or duffel bag. Please bring a separate bag for dirty laundry.  Understand that this is a suggested list.  Please pack according to your camper's needs. We also ask that you LABEL everything - below, right are a few links to ready made label vendors

Bedding

• sheets (twin) and a light blanket
• 1 pillow and pillow case
• sleeping bag for overnight (pertains to session 5 only)

Toiletries

• towels and wash cloths
• soap and travel soap holder
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• shampoo

Clothing

• 7 pairs of socks
• 7 underwear
• 6 shorts
• 2 pair of jeans or long pants
• 2 modest swimsuits (no 2 pieces)
• 7 t-shirts or shirts (no midriffs showing)
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 old pair of tennis shoes (required)
• 1 pair of shower shoes (flip flops not allowed outside of cabins)
• 1 pair of sandals with a heal strap (teva style)
• 1 raincoat or poncho
• 2 pairs of pajama's
• cap or hat for sun protections

Other Items

• Water bottle with a strap MANDATORY
• flashlight
• brush/comb
• insect repellent
• sunscreen SPF 15 or greater and water/sweat proof
• laundry bag
• stamps or stamped, self addressed envelopes
• envelopes and postcards, writing materials

Optional

• Bible, books, cards
• sunglasses
• camera and film
• handkerchiefs/Kleenex

Double the amount of clothing if camper is attending 2 week session or LIT/CIT program

WHAT DO I LEAVE AT HOME?

Please do not bring any of the following to camp.  If found, these items will be taken up and Camp will assume no responsibility for loss.  Staff or campers will not be allowed to wear offensive or inappropriate clothing.

• flip flops--all shoes worn outside the cabin must be secured to feet (tennis shoes or teva style sandals with a heal strap and top of foot strap.)
• glass bottles or jars
• money
• spray cans
• fireworks
• bikinis, midriffs, halter tops, etc.
• guns, ammunition, knives
• video games  candy, snacks, food
• radios, tape player, CD players 
• practical joke devices
• illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco
• pornography
• cell phones or pagers

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YMCA CAMP FLAMING ARROW DAILY SCHEDULE

Schedule subject to change

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Summer 2008 Session Themes

To continue adding a little individuality and excitement to each session, we have created session themes.  The themes will mainly be used on opening and closing days and for our dances.  For each theme, we encourage staff and campers to dress the part for the dance and have included examples of what to pack below.

Session 1:  Aloha Summer

Join us as we heat things up this summer Hawaiian style.  Bring your leis, grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and coconuts for our Hawaiian Luau dance.

Session 2:  CFA Safari

Get ready for some roaring fun as we explore the jungle out there!  We invite all of you untamed kids to come out and have a wild time at our jungle boogie!  Make sure to bring your best safari gear, animal costume, or animal print clothes.

Session 3:  Super Heroes

Who do you consider a hero?  Have you the power to save the world from certain destruction?  Have you an outfit made of lyrca?  Is your hero Superman, a soldier, a coach, or a teacher?  If so, then this is the session theme for you?  Be sure to dress as your hero for the dance.

Session 4:  Blast from the Past

Can you dig it?  It’s time to disco.  Bring your grooviest bell bottoms, big hair and big platform shoes for our far out 70’s rock n’ roll bash.  We will also celebrate the 4th of July with our traditional fireworks show!

Session 5:  Holiday Hullabaloo

We’ve invited the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, Cupid, and even Count Dracula to join us for our 2 week session. We are going to celebrate as many holidays as we can from Easter to Christmas with gifts and more. We will finish it all with a Halloween style Monster Mash so bring along your silly costume for a frightening good time…

Session 6: HOLLYWOOD

At Hollywood gatherings “Bling” is the thing! If you love stardom, movies and glam then you should arrive in style to session 6. Get your friends together to dress up, walk the red carpet and join us for our star-struck extravaganza!

Session 7: Adios Vaquero!

Time to say “adios” to summer with a Texas-style Fiesta session filled with cowboys and cowgirls or in Spanish, Vaquero, which means cowboy!  Bring your boots, your hats (cowboy or sombrero!), all of your cowboy or cowgirl gear, maracas, and Fiesta-wear for our Texas Fiesta on Thursday night!  See ya’ll there!

Starter Camps: Aloha Summer

Join us as we heat things up this summer Hawaiian style.  Wear your leis, grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and coconuts to check in!

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CFA Clubs For ALL campers ages 8-15

This summer, all campers will participate in one CFA Club per session. Campers attend the CFA Club one and half hours each morning for learning in-depth about his/her chosen elective.  Following are Club descriptions. 

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To print and complete forms to be completed by Parents PRIOR to camp, click here.