Parent Information

Our #1 priority at Camp Wiyaka is that your child has a safe, healthy, and happy camp experience.

“My favorite part was my child being right on Sandy Pond in the woods with nature, fresh air, exercise, and new friends.” 2009 parent

The enrollment process for Camp Wiyaka is now underway.

 

*****Click here for Application and Camper Forms!

 

“A local well known YMCA affiliated camp- easy decision” 2009 parent

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does it mean that Wiyaka is an ACA accredited camp?

Camp Wiyaka is accredited by the American Camp Association. To become an accredited camp, Wiyaka has undergone an extensive process, including a site visit by 2 trained investigators, as well as creating a 200-page document regarding Wiyaka’s safety plans, and their execution though out the summer. This investigation occurs every 3 years, and was most recently completed in 2007.

By being an ACA camp, the Wiyaka directors are able to attend an annual conference with over 300 other camp Directors to discuss relevant issues, and receive additional training.

How are Wiyaka staff trained?

All Camp Wiyaka staff members attend a week-long training session at camp each summer. During this time our staff are trained in a variety of things, including First Aid and CPR, waterfront lifeguarding, appropriate interactions with campers, age appropriate discipline and intervention, emergency action plans for relevant emergencies at camp, including strangers on property, fires, weather emergencies, water emergencies, lost campers, etc, off-camp emergency action plans for similar events, and staff/camper interactions. Staff also learn about how to be a role model for their campers, and what behaviors are appropriate. We often have visitors from the New Hampshire Department of Children, Youth and Families teach our staff about the signs of child abuse and what the state’s response is to reports made. All staff of Camp Wiyaka are Mandated Reporters, and will report any allegations of Child Abuse. Staff also learn how to play games, and lead activities with campers, as well as the multitude of camp songs that are sung each night at campfire or before meals. Staff week is an intense learning experience for our counselors.

Throughout the summer, we have staff meetings, where we can discuss any issues that have occurred over the week, as well as encourage proper behavior. Each week we provide our staff with a situation that involves the information and action plans that they learned during staff week and require the staff to put their learning into action. This could be by having a lost camper drill, or a waterfront emergency drill. This allows us to verify the staff’s knowledge of the plans, as well as to be sure that our plans are the best working plan available before an actual emergency could occur.

How many campers are in a tent?

There are 6 campers on average in a tent. They are accompanied by 1 tent counselor and possibly 1 counselor-in-training (CIT).

How many campers can there be in camp total?

There are 12 tents on property. 5 up on the hill, and 7 down by the waterfront. Therefore, a completely full camp would be 72 campers.

Our small size camp allows us to get to know each camper as an individual. There are no campers “falling through the cracks” at Wiyaka. We quickly learn which campers love the waterfront, and which prefer art. We are able to give more attention to the camper who is having a hard time adjusting to being away from home for the first time. We are able to provide more time for each child in every activity.

Can my child come to camp with a friend?

Certainly! Many of our campers come with friends. However, it is not a requirement for a fun summer at Camp Wiyaka. If you come with friends, or you come alone, you will be in a tent with other boys or girls your age, and you will be expected to sign up for activities based on your interests not just your friends.

Please remember if you are coming with a group of friends that we cannot, and will not, place you all together. We will honor your request for 1 friend of the same gender, and similar age. This allows everyone a chance to be with old friends, as well as meet new.

Can I contact my child while they are at camp?

Of Course! Letters and packages are welcome at camp, and often a great reminder of home. Campers and staff alike love to get mail! Many campers write as many, if not more, letters than they receive. The Postal service can be slow however, so please send packages early so they can arrive on time.

We are also a member of Bunk1 (www.bunk1.com), an e-mail system that allows you to write e-mails to your child. Unfortunately, due to our location we have limited access to the internet, though a very slow dial up connection. For this reason, we ask that all e-mail to campers be sent though this system and not directly to the camp, and our campers are not able to reply to messages.

Campers may not use our telephone. In the case of an emergency, exceptions can be made of course. Parents are welcome to contact the camp directors for an update regarding their child, we would be happy to talk with you. Campers will not be calling home, unless it is a final attempt to alleviate homesickness.

This is my child's first time away from home. What can I do to reduce my the chance of homesickness?

Everyone experiences some level of homesickness in their life. For some it takes longer to emerge, and is shorter in duration, for others it hits as soon as Mom and Dad leave and lasts until the final moments of the last campfire. Some have occasions when they are sad, while others can be debilitated by the feeling and unable to enjoy any part of the camp experience. There are many things that you as the parent can do to lessen the effects of homesickness on your child.

Click here to get Tips to Lessen the Effects of Homesickness.

My child is 15 years old. Are they too old to enjoy camp?

No one is too old to enjoy camp! Older campers are often given more responsibility at camp, such as helping the younger campers. They are often asked to help teach younger campers the camp songs, or how to do general camp activities such as waiter a table at meals. Older campers are also welcome to attend the Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program. LIT’s will be responsible for these sort of activities, as well as working as a group to compete a service project on camp property. Options for a service project could include a recycling program, a book of camp songs, and clearing the local trails. LITs will also have a chance to participate in off camp activities, which could include an evening of pizza and miniature golf, or go-carting. The LIT program is a 2 week program.

LIT Program

What is the food like at Camp Wiyaka?

Delicious! We have wonderful healthy meals at camp. Breakfasts are things like french toast or pancakes, lunches are typically kid friendly foods such as chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and hotdogs, dinners can be pasta, hamburgers, and stir-fry. Alternatives are always available, such as cereal or oatmeal, and sandwiches. Allergies and special diets will be taken into consideration as long as we are aware of them prior to your child's arrival at camp.

Are the bugs and mosquitoes bad at camp?

As we are an outdoor camp, there are bugs. There are things that can be done to reduce the amount of bugs around you. Bugs are attracted to dark colors, especially dark blue. They are also attracted to strong scents, so the less perfume you wear the less the bugs will be interested. Bug nets are also available for bunks; however, they can only be attached to the lower bunks in the tent. Bug sprays are helpful, as are lightweight, plain colored long sleeve shirts and pants.

What are the rules of Camp Wiyaka?

No Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco Substances. Possession of these items will be the cause for immediate removal from camp, at the cost of the parent or responsible party.

Electronic Games, Radios, Personal Music Devices, and Cell Phones are not allowed. These items will be confiscated and kept in the Director's office until the end of the child's time at camp.

Campers are not allowed to make or receive calls from home, except in the case of an emergency. We do encourage parents to call and speak with one of the directors if they have any questions or concerns. We guarantee a return call, whithin 24 hours, with a comprehensive update of how their child is doing at camp. We will check in with the camper, his/her tent counselor and program staff who have had recent contact, to verify the campers full camp experience.

Campers are welcome to get care packages and mail at camp! The post office, Fed-Ex, and UPS are able to deliver to camp and usually here daily. Please send care packages that are able to be shared with your child's tent mates. Packages and letters may also be left with the directors at sign-in, and will be given to your child during the week. No gum, individually wrapped candy or sody should be brought by or sent to any camper.

Sign in is on Sunday afternoons from 1-4pm. If you are unable to arrive during those times, please contact the directors ahead of time to make other arrangements. Families are invited to a Family Camp Fire on Friday nights, beginning at 8:00 pm. Many campers leave camp following the campfire. Campers may stay until Saturday morning, but must check out by 10am. Guardians must check their campers out with the camp directors and nurse.

Camp Wiyaka is a safe place for all children and staff. Anyone endangering the physical or emotional safety of himself/herself or another person will be immediately removed from camp. Removal of any camper from camp will be made at the discretion of the directors. No refund will be made unless the camper is sent home at the discretion of a physician.