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ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE YMCA CAMP McCONNELL Overnight Camping l ymcasummercamp.com

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ACCEPT THECHALLENGEYMCA CAMP McCONNELLOvernight Camping l ymcasummercamp.com

LIVE CAMP, LOVE IT!

YMCA Camp McConnell has a rich tradition dating back to 1968 when the YMCA of the Palm Beaches purchased the former Briarcliff Country Clubthrough a generous gift from Dorys McConnell Duberg, given in the memory of her father, David Hall McConnell, founder of Avon Cosmetics. The camp is named in his honor. For nearly 50 years Camp McConnell has provided campers from around the world with life changing summer camp experiences. Set on 220 picturesque acres, including a beautiful 80 acre lake, there is no better place to spend a summer making friends and building memories. Camp McConnell is truly your home away from home.

ymcasummercamp.com l 352 466 3587

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

EXPERIENCE Your YMCA Camp McConnell experience

is based around 5 KEY ELEMENTS:

SAFETYThe health and safety of each camper is our primary concern. All staff are fully trained in our emergency plans. We place a heavy emphasis on accident prevention by supervising all activities closely. There is a professional medical staff person on site 24/7 to take care of all of the camp medical needs. Your camper will be safe.

FRIENDSHIPCamp McConnell welcomes staff and campers from all around the world and provides everyone with an opportunity to be themselves. Your camper will make a new friend.

OuTDOOR EXPERIENCEWhether hiking, biking, canoeing or star gazing, every camper receives ample opportunity to connect with the beauty of our natural setting. Your camper will experience nature.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTThe Y core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are at the forefront of everything that we do each and every day at camp. Your camper will grow as an individual.

FuN!This is the driving element of all that takes place at YMCA Camp McConnell. Whether your camper is on our climbing wall, zipping through the trees on our zip line, swimming in our Olympic size pool, riding horses on the trails or enjoying the company of their cabin mates, one thing is for certain - YOuR CAMPER WILL HAVE FuN!

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

STAFF EXCELLENCEA well-trained, enthusiastic staff is key to a positive camping experience. YMCA Camp McConnell staff are chosen for their maturity, skills, patience, enthusiasm and desire to be good role models for your children. We believe that the campers that come to Camp McConnell are shaped by those around them. Our purpose is to surround your children with staff who have a strong values system, possess strong moral character and the enthusiasm to have fun. Each of our staff attends an extended training session that focuses on child safety, effective camp leadership, programming, homesickness, character development, discipline, age development characteristics, facilitating fun activities and their place as role models for your children. Staff members also go through extensive background checks, screenings, and reference checks before they are hired on at YMCA Camp McConnell.

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOuEach cabin group is staffed on a one staff to five camper ratio. Our qualified staff live right in the cabin with campers ensuring safety and fun. Our entire staff is dedicated to growing your child into a well-rounded individual with diverse outdoor interests and self confidence. We see each camper as an individual and strive to create cabin groups that meet each child’s needs.

PROGRAMMINGEach session’s program and specialty tracks are developed by committed program staff. These individuals are some of the most creative young adults you will find. As campers rotate through their elective classes and village activities, they will have the chance to meet and interact with these outstanding staff members.

KITCHENAll meals are cooked by a team of Camp McConnell’s outstanding kitchen staff. Under the direction of an experienced camp chef, menus are created to please even the pickiest eater. Our kitchen staff will make sure your child is happy, healthy and satisfied throughout each day.

We offer a variety of summer camp programs that are age and skill appropriate to meet the needs of our campers. Explore the next few pages and find out which camp experience is best for you.

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

CAMPER DAYS TRADITIONAL CAMP (Ages 6–16)For nearly 50 years YMCA Camp McConnell has been providing memorable experiences that last a lifetime! Campers who choose our Traditional Camp, can build their summer however they like attending camp from one to nine weeks. Once at camp, campers are immersed in the traditions of Camp McConnell and all of the activities our beautiful property has to offer.

Soon after arrival, campers learn about all of the elective programs offered and will choose each activity that they would like to participate in. Program staff then create a schedule for each camper that provides a well-balanced program with eight activities of their choice. Campers will have two different program schedules throughout the week allowing them to experience as much as camp has to offer. Each camper will have a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule and a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule. In addition to the elective activity periods, campers will participate in a fun and creative cabin activity, open swim time and a fantastic evening program each day.

Small camper-to-counselor ratios and activity specialist taught classes allow campers to receive the attention and guidance they need to guarantee success while swimming, rock climbing, canoeing, playing sports, participating in arts & crafts and whatever else they may choose.

SESSION DATE Y Member / Non-member

1 One Week $595/$620

2 Two Weeks $1,150/$1,200

3 Two Weeks $1,150/$1,200

4 One Week $595/$620

5 Two Weeks $1,150/$1,200

6 One Week $595/$620

7 One Week $595/$620

* Discounts off of the base rate are available for early registration and referral program.

* There is no extra charge for campers staying over from one session to the next.

Dates & Rates

SOME ACTIVITIES CAMPERS MAY PARTICIPATE IN:Swimming l Rock Climbing Zip Line l Horseback Riding

Archery l Canoeing High Ropes l Basketball

Arts & Crafts l Tennis l Soccer Baseball / Softball l Kickball

Kayaking l GaGa l Flag Football Dance l Drama l Street Hockey

Lacrosse l Nature Study Disc Golf l Games l Riflery

Sand Volleyball l Orienteering Ping Pong l Outdoor Skills

Low Ropes l Scavenger Hunts Four Square l Hay Rides Song & Skits l Paintball

Springboard Diving l Bocce Ball Blongo Ball l Ultimate Frisbee

AND MuCH MORE!

ymcasummercamp.com l 352 466 3587

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

ACTIVITIESYMCA CAMP McCONNELL

SPECIALTY CAMPS SuPER COMBO SESSIONS (Ages 6 –16)Super Combo Sessions are designed to ensure campers get the most out of their camp experience. Every Super Combo Session includes a day tubing on the Icheetucknee, a between session camp trip and the famous McConnell Luau, Field Day and Dance.Super Combo I ...........includes Session 1 & 2Super Combo 2 .........includes Session 3 & 4Super Combo 3 .........includes Session 5 & 6

Fee: $1,725 Y Member/$1,800 Non-memberDiscounts available for early registration

HORSEBACK CAMP (Ages 6 –16)Horseback Camp is designed for campers who truly love the interaction and hands-on learning environment that our horse camp has to offer. Campers learn riding techniques such as mounting and dismounting, controlling the horse, horse grooming, care and safety. Campers will spend five hours each day with the horses and will also have an instructional period with the camp’s veterinarian as well as the camp’s ferrier. Campers will also enjoy plenty of riding time throughout the week. Space is limited, so sign up early for this great program.

Fee: $800 Y Member/ $825 Non-member Discounts available for early registration

FLORIDA ADVENTuRES (Ages 6 –16)Join us for an amazing week of exciting adventures throughout Florida! This action-packed one week camp includes day trips to: university of Florida Bat House, Blue Springs, Rainbow River, Devil’s Millhopper State Park, Paynes Prairie Preserve, uF Butterfly Garden and so much more!Fee: $595 Y Member/ $620 Non-memberDiscounts available for early registration

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS PAINTBALL (Ages 10 –16) Our paintball program will engage campers by teaching them about teamwork, communication and strategy. This one-of-a-kind program will offer an hour each day of paintball games and instruction; focusing on safety, working together, sportsmanship and having fun! Sign up early as space will be limited each week. Fee: $75 per week

HORSEBACK RIDING (Ages 6–16) With 220 acres of beautiful landscape, we offer campers the chance to experience a number of horse trails throughout the property. Campers who choose to take horseback riding will begin with riding lessons (one hour each day for five days) and build up to an extensive trail ride. Space is limited! Fee: $80 per week

HIGH & LOW ROPES (Ages 6–16) Our ropes program is designed to allow campers to push themselves out of their comfort zone while teaching them that they are capable of achieving anything that they set their mind to. Our challenge course consists of a 12-element low course, a 35-foot climbing wall, cargo net, cat walk, burma bridge, pamper pole and more! Build confidence while having fun! Campers will participate in the program for one hour each day over five days.Fee: $45 per week

CAMP STORE (Ages 6 –16) Campers will have an opportunity to visit our Camp Store each day to purchase items such as camp shirts, hats, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, sno-cones, ice cream and lots of other goodies. We also carry a full supply of camp essentials such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and deodorant for campers who may run out during their stay with us. Cash will not be accepted at the camp store. Store accounts may be set up at the time of registration.Fee: $30 per week (recommended)

JuNIOR CAMP TRIP (Ages 6–12) Our Junior Camp Trip is an opportunity for our campers to leave camp and spend a day exploring what North Florida has to offer! Trips may vary due to weather and seasonal availability. Past trips have included Wild Waters, UF’s Natural History Museum, UF’s Bat Houses and Devil’s Millhopper Nature Trail. Available during sessions 2, 3 & 5. Fee: $45 per trip

SENIOR CAMP TRIP (Ages 13-16) Our Senior Camp Trip is an opportunity for our campers to leave camp and go on an adventure with their peers. Trips may vary due to weather and seasonal availability. Past trips have included canoeing on the Silver River and tubing the Ichetucknee Springs. Available during sessions 2, 3 & 5. Fee: $45 per trip

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

TRAINING PROGRAMS

LEADER IN TRAINING (Ages 16 –17)

Our Leaders in Training (LIT) program is a three week program that allows teens to develop leadership skills, make lifelong friends and experience camp through the eyes of a counselor. By learning about self-initiative, group work, responsibility and time management, participants will be well-suited for a future in camping and more. The program begins with one week of teambuilding and training before leading activities for younger campers and assisting counselors.

Candidates must interview to be accepted in program

Fee: $1,125 per 3-week LIT Session

COuNSELOR IN TRAINING (Age 17)

Our Counselor in Training (CIT) program is a two week program designed to be a transition program for those who have completed the LIT program, and are considering a counselor position in the future. This is an immersion program into Camp’s behind the scene workings. Program participants will have the opportunity to work alongside counselors, program directors and support staff, in program planning, set-up, and instruction.

Candidates must interview to be accepted in program.

Fee: $350 per 2-week CIT Session

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

DAILY LIFE CABIN LIFECampers enjoy a unique living experience in our clean, comfortable air-conditioned cabins. Each day is a lesson in responsibility and personal growth. Counselors observe daily schedules and guide campers in cabin cleanup and decision making in daily activities. Campers spend evenings with their cabins and participate in a variety of exciting games, campfires or camp events. Each day ends with campers back in their cabins with a counselor led devotion.

CAMPER PLACEMENTCampers are placed in cabins with other children their own age and gender; generally within one year of age / grade of each other.

CABIN MATE REQuESTSCamp is about friendships, both new and old. In order to create harmonious cabin groups, we strive to mix campers so that they all have opportunities to make new friends. YMCA Camp McConnell will honor one cabin mate request as long as the request is mutual and the campers ages are no more than one year apart. All other cabin mate requests will be decided by the Camp Executive Director.

STAY-OVERSCampers joining us for consecutive sessions may remain at camp on the Saturday night between sessions at no additional charge. Parents are also welcome to visit their children on the stay-over weekend. If you would like to visit your camper, please let camp staff know in advance.

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

FACILITIES YMCA Camp McConnell’s facilities are second to none in providing campers with a comfortable living environment during the warm Florida days. We pride ourselves on the cleanliness and care of all our facilities to ensure that each camper has a positive experience making camp their home away from home. Check out a list of some of our many amenities for campers to enjoy:

l Air-Conditioned Cabinsl Olympic Size Pool with Diving Boardl Horseback Riding Centerl Air-Conditioned Dining Halll High & Low Ropes Coursel Climbing Wall & Zip Linel Archery & Riflery Ranges l Basketball & Tennis Courtl Baseball & Kickball Fieldsl 9-hole Disc Golf Coursel Arts & Crafts Centerl Amphitheater Campfire Areal Lakeside Chapell Nature & Bike Trailsl Soccer Fieldsl Air-Conditioned Recreation Halll Camp Storel Health Care Centerl Gaga Courts

YMCA Camp McConnell is the largest Y property in Florida; nestled on over 220 breathtaking acres of North Central Florida’s hardwood forest, meadows and wetlands. Our 80-acre lake also provides our campers with plenty of water sport activities like canoeing and kayaking. We can’t wait to provide your child with an amazing summer adventure ... YMCA Camp McConnell is like no other place on earth.

ymcasummercamp.com l 352 466 3587

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

CARESFINANCIAL ASSISTANCESummer Camp for kids is one of the most important,life-changing programs that all children should have the opportunity to experience regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. YMCA Camp McConnell’s financial assistance program is made possible by generous donations to the Y’s annual Strong Kids Campaign. Applications for assistance are confidential and can be found on our website or by calling the camp office after January 1st. Assistance level is based upon individual need, family circumstances and family income. Financial assistance is available for one-week sessions only. For questions please call James Mostek at (352) 466-3587.

If you woud like to support a child’s opportunity to experience camp please donate on our website.

OuR COMMITMENTYMCA Camp McConnell is a powerful, positive and life-changing experience. During your camper’s time here at camp we will:l Provide campers with a positive, wholesome, fun camping experience.l Provide an environment that encourages and supports campers in the development of strong personal values.l Provide campers with an experience in democratic living - to promote a spirit of love, tolerance and understanding.l Provide programs that encourage the development of social skills, physical fitness and recreational fun.l Provide for the health and safety of campers - to provide an atmosphere that encourages an awareness of spiritual, mental and physical well-being and builds self esteem.l Encourage campers in the learning of leadership skills and to programming opportunities for teenagers to learn and practice leadership behaviors in a supervised

SAFETYAt YMCA Camp McConnell, the health and safety of each camper is our primary concern. Counselors and program staff are trained in safety, supervision, child abuse prevention, first aid, bloodborne pathogens and our emergency action plan. We place a heavy emphasis on accident prevention by supervising all activities closely.

HEALTHYMCA Camp McConnell takes seriously its responsibility to provide all campers with a healthy camping experience. We maintain a well-equipped health care center with qualified medical personnel on-site 24 hours a day. Standing orders are reviewed and approved by a licensed pediatrician located in nearby Gainesville - only minutes from camp. In addition, all camp staff are thoroughly trained to properly handle emergency situations.

MEALSThe dining hall is a favorite location for songs, socializing and meals. Meals satisfy the hearty appetites of campers and staff. Milk, fresh fruit and a full salad bar are available each day. Vegetarian and other options are also available to meet dietary needs. Please contact the camp office to ask about meal options for special dietary needs. As with activities, campers are gently guided toward healthy and appropriate choices. We also encourage campers to try new things.

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

IMPORTANT INFO OPEN HOuSEChoosing the right camp for your child is an important decision. Join us at our open house to see where your child will be sleeping, eating, playing and exploring. If you are unable to attend any of our open houses then call us to schedule a private tour. Our camp staff is always happy to meet camp families. Please see website for open house dates.

SPECIAL OFFERSl Register by March 1 to receive $50 off of the base fee for each session week attending l Register by April 1 to receive $25 off of the base fee for each session week attending.

REFER-A-FRIENDHost a YMCA Camp McConnell meet and greet party. For most of our parents a word of mouth referral is what finally gave them the confidence to send their child to camp for the first time. For many parents this decision is a difficult one. We believe that parents of our current campers can speak about the positive effects that an overnight camp experience has had on their child better than any staff member can explain the impact that camp has on children.

For every new camper that registers based on your referral, you can earn a $25 credit towards your balance. Please call the camp office at (352) 466-3587 for more information. Our camp staff will provide the invitations and all of the materials needed for your party ... all you have to do is invite your friends and family!

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL

REGISTRATIONCANCELLATION POLICYl Registration fees and deposits are nonrefundable. l Call the camp office at (352) 466-3587 if you must cancel your camp registration. Cancellations must be in writing and can be submitted to our e-mail address at [email protected]. l Cancellations made 2 weeks or less before your camp session start date are nonrefundable and nontransferable.l If cancellation is due to a camper’s illness or medical reasons, or other uncontrollable circumstance, your camp fees will be refunded minus the registration fee and deposit when cancellation is accompanied by a doctor’s statement or other official statement.l Should camper’s behavior or a discipline problem affect our work with other campers or their enjoyment of camp, we reserve the right to dismiss him or her, without refund, for the remainder of the session.

TRANSPORTATIONCharter BusTransportation to and from camp by chartered bus is available from the West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale area. Chartered buses will pickup and drop-off campers at the YMCA Brown Branch in West Palm Beach, the YMCA Branch in Parkland and the YMCA Branch in Weston. Additional fees apply.

West Palm Beach YMCA ........ $79 each wayWeston YMCA ......................$89 each wayParkland YMCA ....................$89 each way

Airport Pickup / Drop-offShuttle service to and from camp from the Jacksonville, Orlando and Gainesville airports is available for an additional fee. Please contact the camp office to make arrangements for shuttle ser-vice.Gainesville ...........................$25 each wayJacksonville/Orlando ........... $125 each wayCar TransportationTravel by car is a short, easy drive from the Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando areas (approximately 1.5 hours away).

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEl Financial assistance is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please visit www.ymcasummercamp.com or call the camp office at (352) 466-3587 for an application.

PLEASE RETuRN YOuR REGISTRATION FORM TO:YMCA Camp McConnell l 210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy, FL 32667

REGISTER NOWl One camper per registration form. Please make copies for additional campers.l Each registration form must be accompanied with a one-time $25 registration fee and a $125 nonrefundable deposit for each session in which you are registering. The completed registration form, along with the registration fee and deposit will secure your place at camp.l Online registration is available! Download a registration form at: www.ymcasummercamp.com.

PAYMENT PLANl The balance of the session is due 30 days prior to the session you are attending, unless you have a pre-approved payment plan established with the Camp Executive Director. If the balance is not paid in full 30 days prior, you may forfeit your place at camp along with the deposit. See payment schedule in handbook.l For your convenience, our camp has established a payment plan option to help make paying for camp much easier. Payments can be made on a monthly basis allowing you to pay a little at time so that your fees are paid off 30 days in advance of your session.

CONFIRMATIONl Confirmation will be sent within two weeks upon receiving the completed registration form and fees.l A confirmation packet will be sent with all required forms that camp will need prior to your camper attending. Forms may also be downloaded on our website at www.ymcasummercamp.com.

ACCESSIBILITYl If your camper has a disability requiring an accommodation or a special need you would like us to be aware of, please let us know. This information enables us to better meet the needs of your child within available resources. For campers requiring special accommodation for disabilities, developmental disorders and behavioral issues, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact James Mostek at (352) 466 3587.

SuMMER MAY END.FuN AT McCONNELL DOES NOT.

FAMILY CAMP WEEKENDSAre you looking for some quality family time with fun, healthy activities to please all ages? YMCA Camp McConnell offers year-round family camp experiences in the inspiring natural beauty of North Central Florida’s forest. Days are filled with activities such as swimming, horseback riding, climbing walls with zip line, arts & crafts and canoeing. A sunset campfire completes each day.

HOLIDAY CAMPSCamp is too much fun to come just once a year! Each year, campers and staff return to camp to meet up with old friends to celebrate the traditions that make YMCA Camp McConnell such a special place. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, roasting marshmallows or taking a ride down the zip line, the friendships made at camp are what make our Holiday camps (during Halloween & Winter Breaks) so much fun. Our Holiday Camps are also great for first-time campers.

SPECIAL EVENTSYMCA Camp McConnell is a special place ... and without question will provide the perfect setting for your special day! Whether it’s a wedding, reception, family reunion, company picnic or birthday party, we will make sure that your day is a day to remember. Let our staff take care of all of your needs while you sit back and enjoy your special day. We provide the special attention that your event requires and deserves!

RETREATS & TEAMBuILDINGWe offer a wide array of teambuilding and retreat programs filled with activities and adventures that will make your event a time to remember. Each group is unique and our experienced staff will be happy to customize your group’s teambuilding or retreat weekend.

OuTDOOR EDuCATIONLocated on 220 acres of hardwood forest, meadows and wetlands, YMCA Camp McConnell provides the perfect environment for your next school outing. Our Outdoor Education program is comprehensive and unique, linking outdoor educational and personal growth experiences to classroom studies and individual learning. Our emphasis is on the natural environment - Classroom Earth.

SEE YOu SOON!

YMCA CAMP McCONNELL210 SE 134th AvenueMicanopy, FL 32667P 352 466 3587ymcasummercamp.com