PREPARING FOR CAMP

In this section, you will find all the things you need to get you and your child ready for camp.   Most everything you need to know about camp policies and preparing your child for camp can be found in the CFA Parent Handbook.  

Click here for Directions to Camp

Click here for the CFA Packing List, including what not to pack.

If you are not sure what you did with those important forms we sent to you, you can send us an email and we will fax or mail you a copy ASAP (just be sure to let us know how you want to receive them). If you have difficulties contacting us or have further questions, please call us at 800-765-9622. 

Forms to return:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Our Parent Handbook has a wealth of information, and is available on-line. If you have any questions, please refer to the handbook. You should also feel free to call us with any questions (800-765-9622).

How do opening and closing days work?

OPENING DAY - (Always a Sunday)   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.

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)? 

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

• 9:00 am - Check out begins.  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.

How  will I get mail to my Camper while at camp?
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.

Option 1:  Bring it with you to Check-in

We will have baskets mark for each day, Monday-Friday.  You simply mark each piece of mail with your camper’s name 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! 

Option 2:  One Way Email

One way email is just that--the option to send your camper and email. Please note that your camper can not email you back. We will give you the information on this at Check-in.  Emails sent after noon on the last Friday of each session are not guaranteed to reach your camper.  There is a charge for this service through the web host.

Option 3:  Standard Mail

Address letters and postcards as follows: (PLEASE DO NOT SEND PACKAGES TO THIS ADDRESS)      

Your Camper's Name & Session

Cabin (given at check-in)

YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow

PO Box 770

Hunt, TX 78024-0770

Packages and parcels should be sent by private carrier (UPS, Fed Ex, etc) to (This address CAN NOT be used for the United States Postal Service):

Your Camper's Name & Session

Cabin (given at check-in)

190 Flaming Arrow Road

Hunt, TX 78024

What if I have questions or concerns about my child during the session?
Call or email us! If a Program Director is not available to take the call immediately, they will get back to you in a timely manner.  Email is checked throughout the day.

Phone calls to or from campers are discouraged.  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, LIT's, or CIT’s.

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. 

How are staff chosen and trained?

All camp staff members are carefully selected for maturity, leadership skills, education and experience working with children. Personal interviews, written references, background checks and drug test are required for all camp staff members.  Additionally, all staff must be CPR and First Aid Certified.  Our lifeguards go through either the American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguarding course and our high ropes/challenge course directors attend a week long certification.

We are dedicated to providing every child the opportunity to benefit from the camp experience. Please contact the camp office for details about our scholarship program and an application for financial assistance.

Every camper’s safety, both physical and emotional, is our number one concern. We create a welcoming, noncompetitive, inclusive environment. Campers are supervised by two or three staff members trained to handle camper issues as well as emergency situations. Our challenge course, archery, and equine staff are trained and supervised by certified staff. All waterfront activities are guarded by American Red Cross or YMCA certified lifeguards.

A health care provider is on site at all times to administer medications and provide minor first aid. We also have arrangements with local EMS, doctors and hospitals to meet an need which may arise.

What is the fee for the CFA Saddle Club?

The fee is $60 per week. If you child is attending a two session or  bridging for multiple session and he/she wants to attend CFA Saddle Club every week, then you must pay the $60 for each week.  It is an option to take saddle club for 1 week only when here for a two week session. 

How far is camp from San Antonio?

Camp is located 1 hour and 30 minutes West of San Antonio.  Directions to Camp

Do I have to be a member to enroll?

No. Anyone can enroll to attend YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow.  Likewise, non-YMCA affiliated groups can reserve camp for retreats (ex. Girl Scouts).

What do I have to do to enroll?

Simply read all about camp, pick your session, fill out the camper registration and demographic forms and send them in with your $100 deposit.  Or, Register On-line now!

Can I get your fax number?

Fax number is 830-238-4280.

Can I send extra money with my child for the camp store?

We do not recommend you send money with your child because it can get lost or stolen. Your child's snacks and drinks are already included in the camp fee. Also, if your child wants to get anything extra, the camp store is open at check in and check out time.