Camp Parent Information

This summer, we are offering seven 1-week sessions of overnight camp. Campers may attend as many sessions as  they would like, whether that is one week or the whole summer. Campers who register for back-to-back weeks will have the option to stay overnight through the weekend. Each Saturday will feature a group outing for stayover campers. 

Yes, during the registration process you will be able to request a bunk mate. Please be aware that cabins are typically separated by age, so some requests may not be approved based on age requirements. 

We can honor one request per camper. To ensure placement in the same cabin, please have your camper and their friend denote each other as their bunk mate request.

For your child to have a successful overnight camp experience, we recommend reviewing these tasks & skills with your child prior to the start of summer.

-Teach your child how to properly apply sunscreen to their face & body.

-Allow your child to help pack so they know what items they are bringing and where they are located in their bags. Label all items with your camper’s name!

-Teach your child how to independently complete personal hygiene practices. Campers must be able to shower, get dressed, brush teeth, etc. independently.

-Talk with your camper about expressing their needs. Campers must be able to communicate with counselors if they need or are unsure of something. (e.g. feeling sick, bathroom needs, daily routines, etc.)

-If this is your child’s first time away from home, consider visiting Camp Kresge prior to the start of summer. We have a Children’s Spring Fling Weekend in April, as well as several Parent/Child Camping Weekends in May. These are a great opportunity for your camper to see camp life in action!

Here is a list of the basic items a camper will need to have a comfortable stay at camp. Refer to the Parent Handbook for a check list to use while packing.

Sleeping Gear
-Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket
-Pillow with pillow case

Clothing/Footwear
-2 swimsuits & 2 old towels
-8 t-shirts
-2 pairs of jeans
-6 pairs of shorts
-10 pairs of socks
-8 pairs of undergarments
-2 pairs of pajamas
-2 pairs of camp-appropriate shoes
-1 pair of boots (for rain and/or hiking)
-1 pair of water shoes (optional)
-1 bathrobe (optional)

Outerwear
-2 sweatshirts
-1 hat
-1 light jacket/long-sleeved shirt
-1 raincoat

Toiletries & Incidentals
-Tissues
-Toothbrush & toothpaste
-1 Bath towel
-1 pair of flip flops (for shower only)
-1 bottle of shampoo & soap
-Deodorant
-Hair brush or comb, hair ties
-1 Laundry bag
-1 flashlight & batteries
-1 reusable water bottle
-Sunscreen & bug spray

Optional 
-Camera
-Book or magazine
-Journal & pen
-Stationary & stamps
-Stuffed animal
-Small backpack for daily use

Prohibited Items
-Electronics including cell phones, smart watches, mp3 players/iPods, tablets, e-readers with data or internet access, electronic games, and drones
-Animals or pets
-Items of value you cannot afford to lose– e.g. trading cards, toys, personal sports equipment, make up, & jewelry
-For campers of driving age: cars or vehicles of any sort
-Alcohol, drugs, and weapons (including pocket knives) will result in immediate dismissal from camp programs

YMCA Camp Kresge is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Please note: Any cell phones that are at camp with a camper will be confiscated and locked in the camp safe for safekeeping. They will be returned directly to the parent/guardian upon checkout.

If your camper is used to falling asleep with a TV, music, etc., please work with them to develop sleep habits suitable for the camp environment.

The philosophy of YMCA Camp Kresge’s dress code is rooted in our variety of active programs. We want campers to be able to participate fully in all activities offered without discomfort, self-consciousness, or pressure on appearance. 

-No spaghetti straps, strapless attire, short shorts, or shirts that reveal the midriff.
-Bathing suits must be secure due to our active aquatic programming.
-No clothing that portrays inappropriate behavior, language, or logos that could be considered offensive to others.
-Most camp activities require campers to wear closed-toes shoes suitable for walking around outdoors. Sport-style sandals with a back strap (like Tevas or Chacos) are permitted for overnight campers, with the expectation that they will change shoes prior to participating in
active programming.

The deposit acts as a placeholder for your child. It holds their spot without requiring a payment in full at the time of registration. The deposit is not an additional fee; it goes toward the total cost of the selected camp session. 

If your child is feeling sick or demonstrating any concerning symptoms (coughing, fever, lethargic, etc.) prior to arriving at camp, they will not be able to check in until they are in good health or cleared by a doctor. Children with a fever must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication in order to attend camp. 

In the event your child begins feeling unwell while at camp, the Camp Nurse will examine them to determine the severity of the situation. For minor illnesses, the camper will remain in the Health Lodge until they are cleared by the nurse to return to camp. If the camper has a fever or other symptoms that last for more than 24 hours, or if symptoms become more severe and require medical treatment, the camper will need to be picked up from camp.  If the parent/guardian is unable to pick them up, we will ask for one of your emergency contacts to come to camp for pick up. 

If your child is sick on the day of check in, please contact the Camp Director before arriving at camp to arrange an alternate check in day.
E: [email protected]
P: (570) 443-2267

Campers love receiving mail while at camp! Whether it’s a simple postcard or a care package, campers’ faces light up when they see that they have mail. Please note: we do not allow food to be stored in cabins. If you would like to send a care package, we recommend non-food items like handwritten notes, magazines/books, card games, or a journal & pen. 

For campers attending a 1-week session, please be advised that mail may take several days to arrive at camp. Please send any letters/packages far enough in advance so that it does not arrive after the camper has checked out. 

Send mail to: 

YMCA Camp Kresge
Attn: Camper’s Name
382 Camp Kresge Lane
White Haven, PA 18661

**Be sure to include your camper’s name! We often receive packages that are not addressed to anyone, especially when sending an order through Amazon.**

Parents are encouraged to set up a Bunk1 account, which can be used for camp communication. We also upload all camp photos to this site for parents to access. Through Bunk1, you are able to send messages electronically to your camper. We will print these messages and have campers write responses in the evening, which are then sent back to parents through Bunk1. 

A camper may become homesick at any point during a camp session, especially if it is their first time away from home for an extended period. Our staff are trained in ways to best support campers and help them work through these feelings. The Camp Director will communicate any serious homesickness with parents directly to plan a course of action. Typically, the camper just needs 1-2 days to get settled and the homesickness goes away. 

While it may be tempting to want to talk to your camper frequently during their camp session, we recommend communicating through mail or the Bunk1 site. Phone calls home tend to heighten the level of homesickness and make it difficult for the camper to focus on being at camp. Please trust that the camp leadership will communicate any important information and will reach out to parents directly for any concerning situations. 

Feel free to contact the Camp Director with any questions or concerns!

E: [email protected]
P: (570) 443-2267

Prior to registering for the CIT program, the camper must submit a CIT application. This application covers topics like previous leadership roles, why they want to be a CIT, and the importance of acting as a role model. Once the application is submitted, the Camp Director will schedule an interview with the applicant. If approved, they will be able to register for the program. 

CITs who show exceptional skills and progress will have the opportunity to stay at camp as a volunteer after the CIT session ends. This is a great chance to continue developing as a counselor and to remain at camp without any additional fees. 

For questions about the CIT program, please contact the Sr. Camp & Conference Director, Nick Pincin.
E: [email protected]
P: (570) 443-2267