The YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, Inc., following the example of Jesus Christ, responds to community needs by serving all people, especially youth, through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body.

The YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, Inc., following the example of Jesus Christ, responds to community needs by serving all people, especially youth, through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body.

®

2

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is older he will not depart from it.”

– Proverbs 22:6

Dear Parents,As a father of two growing boys, I fully appreciate the challenges faced in providing a secure environment for our youth. An environment where it is safe yet fun and challenging, where they are surrounded by role models who demonstrate respect and integrity in daily living and where we can help them to grow to be caring, responsible, honest young people of strong character and faith.

For over 20 years, I have been blessed to be part of an organization that helps create such a positive environment. YMCA Camp Carson is a camp that helps create incredible experiences that are filled with memories and friendships that last a lifetime! In addition, we partner with you, the parent, to help reinforce and build those life-skills that we all hope will carry our children through their lifetime!

At camp, I believe we accomplish this through a number of areas: a tradition of building friendships and memories, unique program design with a great variety of activities, our smaller camper capacity and ultimately because of the dedicated young men and women we seek out to serve on our summer staff. These young people come in from around the USA and around the world, bonded with the single vision of making a difference in the life of a child (or teenager). And to top it off we are given the opportunity to make all this happen in a fun, safe, Christian atmosphere where children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.

Every year I have the great joy of hearing back from parents as they share with excitement the stories and memories that their children have relayed to them. They watch their children grow in confidence and become successful in more ways than we could possibly imagine. I would value the opportunity to invite your family to be a part of our camp family. To find out more about our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail or visit our web-site at www.campcarson.org.

Sincerely,

Mark ScoularExecutive Director

3

A PLACE OF ADVENTUREImagine a place that is safe for children to roam in the woods, experience a campfire, ride a horse, climb to new heights and have the time of their lives.

For over 70 years campers from across the country have called Camp Carson their second home. It is impossible to put into words why children and families alike love our camp, but hopefully, by exploring our Brochure/Website/Alumni Site/Facebook Site you will get you a little glimpse of all that we have to offer - a place of life-changing adventure, friendships, and memories.

If you have the time, we encourage you to watch our video online or call our office and we will be happy to mail a disc to you. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us.

PURPOSE & INSPIRATIONA session at YMCA Camp Carson may be the most positive experience your child will ever have, enormously impacting their overall growth and self image.

Under Christian leadership, in a SAFE and closely controlled environment, YMCA Camp Carson can provide each camper with:

• Opportunities to build friendships from around the country and around the world.• Fun and adventure through challenges. • Better understanding and respect for self and others through group living and shared experiences. • Appreciation and concern for the natural world. • Greater self-reliance, self-respect, and self-confidence. • Stronger Christian values. • Greater understanding of the life and promises of Jesus Christ.

It is the purpose of YMCA Camp Carson to conduct a program of activities which emulates these objectives, endowing campers and leaders with values for living and a closer walk with God.

4

SAFETY

Camp Carson adheres to the very highest in health and safety standards and is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally recognized program has been formulated to promote safe and professional practices in all aspects of camp operation including site, health and safety, food service, and staff and program quality. YMCA Camp Carson has voluntarily submitted to this independent appraisal done by camping experts and has earned this mark of distinction.

SUMMER STAFF

A camp is only as strong as its leadership team. At Camp Carson, excellence is a standard! Our staff is made up of an incredible group of young men and women that we personally hire from around the country and around the world, to truly make this an international camping experience. We intentionally hire about one third of our staff from outside the USA to help expose our campers to the global community and let them learn more about the world they live in.

Our counselors are positive role models and mentors who are focused on the needs of campers both in the cabins and the activity areas. We spend the winter and spring personally interviewing each candidate looking for the most qualified counselors and activity specialists. We secure a minimum of three personal written references, and perform extensive background checks for all new and returning counselors. Staff training week concentrates on effective cabin leadership and includes heavy emphasis on safety, relationship building, problem solving, and teaching skills.

Ask to talk to some of our camp families or watch our camp video to hear what parents say about our staff. After all, the connection with people and the strong family feeling at camp is why campers return every summer. The most important aspect to a successful summer experience is a caring and nurturing staff. We maintain an overall staff to camper ratio of 1:4. Our high ratio ensures each camper receives positive interaction with their counselors each and every day.

My 10 year old has become a wonderful helper and befriends everyone she meets. Camp has helped her become more adventurous. One day she hopes to travel to all the places in the world that her counselors have come from.

Camper Mom

5

A Tradition of Building Friendships

Sharing living quarters and responsibilities with a group of similar-age campers from different cities, states, and occasionally countries, is the place where the incredible relationships that develop at camp begin! Cabin life is a tremendous amount of fun and provides opportunities for growth and long lasting friendships. Thinking and making decisions - independent of the family - working as a team towards common goals, and learning to overcome personal preferences for a majority decision, are all character building lessons that give substance to the spiritual aim of Camp Carson. Cabin assignments are made according to age and grade level. Mutual cabin mate requests are honored for children within one year of age. Special concerns about cabin assignments should be noted on the Camper Information Form.

On average, there are eight - ten campers along with two counselors living in each cabin.

MEALS

Between all of the singing, cheering and dancing, the Dining Hall is always filled with energy, one of Camp Carson’s many traditions! At meal time, our whole camp eats together while enjoying some of the greatest tasting camp food ever! Campers sit with their cabins, and meals are served family style. Along with three hot meals served daily, we also have cereal and yogurt available at breakfast and a full salad-bar and additional hot entrees and PBJ at lunch and dinner. Fresh fruit and milk are available daily during and between meals. Vegetarian options are available at all meals upon request. Other special dietary needs should be indicated on the Camper Information Form. With all the choices even the pickiest eaters can find something they like. As with activities, campers are gently guided toward healthy and appropriate choices.

My older daughter wrote home, “Mommy I hate to tell you this, but their mashed

potatoes are better than yours.”

6

OPPORTUNITIES ARE EVERYWHERE

We offer a unique program structure providing our campers with free choice, individualized programming, allowing them to choose their own activities.

We want our traditional resident camping programs to be everything our campers imagine it could be. We have created a program that not only teaches skill development, but also encourages campers to get involved in the decision making process and build their own schedule. We do encourage campers to work on our progressive skill development program at the activities, but we also let them know it’s okay to go to an activity to participate just to relax and have fun with their friends. Either way, it’s their choice and they design the schedule.

DIVERSE ACTIVITIES

There’s something for everyone at Camp Carson! We are known for our extensive selection of quality and diverse activities taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment. Our experienced staff and counselors are trained to teach campers of all ability levels. Whether a camper is a beginner or an expert, every camper feels like a pro! These diverse activities provide endless opportunities for campers to develop new skills and increase self-confidence. Our graduated skill development programs encourage campers to evaluate their choices and build on skill levels from summer to summer. Recognizing those achievements is a cornerstone for building self-esteem, pride and confidence and is an integral component of all activities for all campers.

SwimmingCanoeingKayakingSailingFishingFly FishingPotteryArcherySlingshotRifelryMountain-Bikes

Radio-StationWoodworkingDrummingHikingMountain BoardsArts & CraftsBasketballSoccer, SoftballDramaVolleyballRowing

Horseback (age 8+)Dirt-BikesNature StudiesLow RopesHigh RopesClimbingGaga PitThe BlobThe Water-ZiplineThe Giant Swing and more.

New For 2010

Mountain Bikes and Radio Station!

7

A PROGRAM FOR EVERYONE

Traditional CampsTRADITIONAL CAMPS - ages 7-16

On a daily basis our staff re-invent the “magic of camp” to create an action packed, fun-filled, “envelope of safety” for our campers. Spirited silliness, structured activities, crazy skits, costumes, laughter, camp-songs, and opportunities to hang out with friends both old and new, all lead to fun and personal growth.

For all of our camp programs, life at camp begins with morning chapel and moves on to breakfast. After our cabin chores have been completed then the rest of the day’s activities begin. Depending on the program the camper is attending, their daily activity schedule will vary. However, we all eat lunch and dinner together, take the same rest period and all cabin groups close the day with a reflective devotion. Check out our web-site www.campcarson.org for the daily schedule and other great information.

All campers traditionally experience:

• The rowdy campfires on opening night• The laughs of “Hootanany” cabin skit night • Reflective Body, Mind, Spirit Walk with Closing Campfire• Camp Games • Be the hero and capture the flag, or find the treasure.• Taps Talks and Devotions: Friends, Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith are themes at the end of the day.• The Field Party • An evening program of friendship, fun & good music.• All Camp Hikes • If it rains we don’t stop - MUD Hikes here we come - an all camp favorite!

Supporting our youth-work are fantastic facilities that capture your imagination from the moment you pull through our gates: 165 acres of forest, trails and meadows, as well as our own private lake and, of course, Eddie Edwards Lodge with it’s large covered porches and relaxing Adirondack chairs is a great complement to our traditional rustic cabins.

8

SHOSHONE Camp (ages 7-16 / co-ed) One Week Camp Sun. - Fri.

A safe place away from home that offers a daily dose of fun, laughter and adventure - as well as good values and friendship. These camps are all a co-ed summer camp should be with a host of activities like swimming, archery, crafts and canoeing all the way through to water-ziplines, mountain boarding, giant swing, mud-hikes, The Blob and much more. Campers develop new outdoor skills and participate in a wide variety of activities of their choosing. In addition campers who meet the age requirements can choose the option to explore special skill areas like horseback riding, dirt-bike riding, or climbing on the Alpine Tower. Every week at the closing campfire we hear how incredible the week has been as campers share stories and give thanks for the many opportunities and friendships they’ve experienced during the week.

Horseback Riding Daily trail riding is offered to campers age 8 and up who are registered in Shoshone Camp. Check the registration form for the additional fee. Space is limited, so please register early.

Please see “Specialty Camps” for advanced, more intensive horseback programs.

Dirt Bike RidingFor those who have previously completed our 21 lesson dirt-bike training course, daily trail riding can be added for an additional fee. For those first time riders or those attending our program for the first time, please see the full description of all our Dirt-Bike Programs under “Specialty Camps”.

FOX Camp (ages 7-8 / co-ed) Three Day Mini Camp Fox is a special place for our younger campers who are not quite ready to stay away from home for a week. This camp offers a great introduction to the overnight camp experience and an opportunity to try out many of the camp activities.

One Week Not Enough? Add a second week of camp to the summer schedule and join us for some off-site adventures at Holiday World and Splashin Safari®! This weekend program is only available to those campers staying for two consecutive weeks.

9

SPECIALTY CAMPS (ages 11-15)

For experienced campers with special interests, Camp Carson’s Specialty Camps offer enough variety, excitement and fun to please the most adventurous campers while still allowing them to capture some time back in the main camp activities.

Wrangler Camp - Intensive Horseback Program (ages 11-15 / co-ed) One Week Camp Sun. - Fri.

From the beginning rider to the advanced, Wrangler Camp is a dream come true for the riding enthusiast! Wake up in your “covered wagon” to hear the horses just a short distance from your bunk. Help with the morning stampede and everything else that goes into maintaining our herd. Wranglers live, dine and ride together with access to over 165 acres of riding trails. Each camper is assigned a horse and not only receives instruction in our progressive horsemanship program but also about the amount of responsibility that horse-care brings. Wrangler camp promotes maturity and growth and provides the perfect opportunity for those who want “lots of time with horses. Space is limited so register early.

Dirt Bike Camp(ages 11-15 / co-ed) One Week Camp Sun. - Fri.

Sign up for Shoshone Camp and add the Dirt Bike option to create your own Dirt Bike Camp. With over five miles of trails on our 165 acre property, there are opportunities for all levels of riders. For those attending for the first time, the riding component of the program starts with a 21-step training course designed by NYPUM (National Youth Program Using Mini-bikes) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. After completing the course, campers will spend the remainder of the time participating in trail riding sessions and other camp activities.For riders who have previously attended one of our dirt bike camps, we offer daily trail rides. Both new and returning dirt-bike campers will have the opportunity to participate in additional camp activities of their choosing. (NOTE: Returning dirt-bike campers are not required to repeat 21 lessons.)

Certified staff will instruct every aspect of riding and basic bike maintenance. This program will also include a trail maintenance service project. Bikes, helmets, and goggles are provided by Camp Carson. Space is limited so register early.

10

LEADERSHIP CAMPS

Teen CampOne Week Camp Sun. - Fri. (ages 14-16 / co-ed )

Campers will enjoy a little separation from the main camp while staying in our air-conditioned Grandview Cabins. This camp will provide plenty of opportunity to hang out with friends, make new friends, discuss issues faced by teens, and stretch comfort zones with a variety of fun, challenging adventure activities including our own version of the Amazing Race and some other unique night time challenges.

FROM CAMPERS TO COUNSELORS

“My kids have already decided they’re going to be counselors one day! What do they need to do?” We’re thrilled to hear from families asking about the continued steps in our camping programs. Being on camp staff can have a tremendous impact on a young person’s future development.

Leaders in Training (LIT) and Counselors in Training (CIT)The progression begins with attending LIT and then advances the following year to CIT. While still full of fun and friends, these programs carry additional focus on leadership skills. (CIT’s are not required to have attended our LIT program.)

Leader in Training (LIT) Two Week Camp (rising 10th graders / coed)This special program is designed to give teens an opportunity to explore their potential through specialized team building and leadership activities. The remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp activities. One of the highlights of this program is the off-site weekend canoe trip.

Counselor in Training (CIT) Two Week Camp (rising 11th graders / coed)The best camp counselors are those who can combine a high degree of comfort in the outdoors with the ability to teach and lead others. The CIT program is designed for those who want to train as counselors and further develop their leadership skills. Young men and women who are interested in a challenging and rewarding summer experience are encouraged to consider being a CIT.

Camp has helped her become an awesome community leader. She developed good moral and Christian values.

She also hopes one day to become a camp counselor. - Mother of teenage camper -

11

CAMPS SPECIFICALLY FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILIESWe are privileged to be a host site for the National Military Family Association’s “Operation Purple® Camps” These free weeks of camp are offered exclusively to children of military families. The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy and connected relationships, in spite of the current military environment. The camps are open to all Service branches, including the National Guard and Reserve. To find out more about the programs check out our web-site or go to www.operationpurple.org The camp programs include all the fun of the traditional camp programs and activities in addition to activities specific to coping with deployment and military life.

Army Reserve Enrichment CampIn addition to hosting an Operation Purple camp, Camp Carson will also be hosting an Army Reserve Enrichment Camp for children with a family connection to the Army Reserves. For more information, please contact the camp office.

TO SIGN UP FOR ANY OF OUR SUMMER CAMPS:Registration is easy, we offer four ways to sign up for Summer Camp. Once your registration is received, you will receive a confirmation packet.

Open House & Volunteer Work WeekendsInterested in touring camp or volunteering to help prepare camp for the summer season?

We are always available to give tours or answer questions. In addition, the first Sunday in May from 1-4 pm is our Open House. Families enjoy walking and hayride tours, trying out the “Black-Hole” and being able to see what’s new for the upcoming summer.

Call us for information on our spring and fall work weekend dates. It’s a great way to spend time at camp - making an impact that others will be able to enjoy in the upcoming season.

Call Online Fax Mail

812-386-1654

812-386-1654

www.camp

carson.org

Fed-EX UPS

USPS

We drive 4+ hours to get to Camp Carson and after the results we have seen with our kids, we would drive

40 if needed. Ohio Family

YM

CA

Cam

p C

arso

n20

34 O

uter

Lak

e R

oad

Prin

ceto

n, I

N 4

7670

Phon

e: 8

12-3

85-3

597

Fax:

812

-386

-165

4w

ww

.cam

pcar

son.

org

E-m

ail:

cam

pinf

o@ym

ca.e

vans

ville

.net

A B

ranc

h of

the

YM

CA

of S

outh

Wes

tern

I

ndia

na I

nc.

222

NW

6th

St.

Evan

svill

e, I

N 4

7708

Non

-Pro

fit O

rg.

U.S.

Post

age

PAID

Perm

it N

o.13

63Ev

ansv

ille,

IN

Driv

ing T

imes

toYM

CA C

amp C

arso

n

40 m

inut

es N

orth

of E

vans

ville

, IN

1 3/

4 ho

urs W

est o

f Lou

isvi

lle, K

Y2

1/2

hour

s E

ast o

f St.

Loui

s, M

O3

hour

s N

orth

wes

t of N

ashv

ille,

TN

3 ho

urs

Sout

hwes

t of I

ndia

napo

lis, I

N3

1/2

hour

s Wes

t of C

inci

nnat

i, O

H3

hour

s Wes

t of L

exin

gton

, KY

5 ho

urs

Sout

heas

t of C

hica

go

®