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FAQs


Is there a charge for early care?

There is no additional charge for early care. Any school-aged child registered for camp can be dropped off anytime between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. Early drop off is not available for preschool camps.

Does my child get to swim in the pool everyday?
School-aged camps will go to the water each day. Outdoor Adventure camps will have lake activities everyday, but are not guaranteed pool time. Themed, Sports, Arts and Gymnastics camps will have pool time everyday, but are not guaranteed lake activities.

Three & four year old preschool camps will visit the pool during the week. On the days they do not go to the pool, water games will be played. Two year old camps will go to the kiddie pool and have water games throughout the week. All children who are not potty trained will need to wear a swim diaper and plastic cover up according to the YMCA Quality Standards.

What if I register my child for a certain pick up time and want to come earlier?
If you have registered your child for a certain pick up time, rides out will start 15 minutes before that time. If you want to pick your child up any earlier, please contact the Day Camp Office office at (704) 716-4418 with at least a two hour notice to have them ready for pick up in the office.

What if I register my child for a certain pick up time and want to come later?
We have offered many different pick up times for you to choose from. There is no option for your child to stay late. All campers who are being picked up late will be held in the program office and parents will be charged $1.00 per minute after the first ten minutes.

How do Add-ons work?
Add-ons are only available for Outdoor Adventure campers staying until at least 3:00 PM. Times for add-ons vary during camp hours. Please review the 2010 camp guide for details.

Is Preschool Camp like preschool or more of a socialization time?
Preschool camp is not a curriculum-based program. Campers will have a schedule of activities such as games, songs, swim, water activities, art and  time for lunch (provided by parents).

What is Girls Rock and Boys Rock?
These are camps that focus on gender appropriate activities. This includes activities such as cooking, contests, art, science and other fun stuff. Campers will also have pool time.

Can my child be with his/her friends?
We try to accommodate all requests that are submitted to the program office at least one week in advance. The request must be sent by email to lakenormanyouth@ymcacharlotte.org. Campers must be scheduled to attend the same camp, age group and pick up times.

Can I cancel if my camper doesn't like camp?
All cancelations are handled at the membership desk. Please complete a cancelation request form. All cancelations must be submitted by the Monday two weeks before the session begins. There is no refund of the deposit (unless you are laid off, see our new refund policy for details).

No refunds will be issued if the session is canceled after Monday two weeks before the session. Please contact the Day Camp Office at (704) 716-4418  if there are any concerns with your child's experience. We will work to address the situation and ensure a more positive experience.

Can campers transfer to another camp if he/she does not like the camp they're currently in?
We work hard to ensure that all children have a positive experience. If there is a concern with a particular camp, please contact the program office at lakenormanyouth@ymcacharlotte.org. Because of ratios and camp capacities, we are unable to accommodate transfers during the week. However, you can request a transfer two weeks in advance.

Can my child have a specific counselor?
Counselors are scheduled according to their availability. A request for a specific counselor cannot be guaranteed.

If my child is sick, do we get a refund?
We do not issue refunds for illnesses or if your child is sent home due to behavioral concerns.

Do we get a refund if the waterfront is closed?
There are no refunds for the waterfront closings.

What do the children do during the early drop off?
The campers will have time to eat a morning snack (provided by the parent). Campers will have some choices of playground, basketball, group games, etc.

Do I have to attend orientation?
Orientation is a time for returning parents to ask questions, learn about camp changes and pick up their campers' backpacks. Everyone is encouraged to attend, but new parents are required to attend orientation.

Why don't I receive a free bag if I absolutely can not attend orientation?
We have given many different dates and times for parents to attend orientation. Backpacks are an incentive for attending, not a requirement for camp.  If you absolutely cannot attend the orientation and would like to purchase a backpack, you can purchase them at the membership desk for $10.00.

In what age group should I register my child?
We adhere strictly to a July 1st cut-off date. All preschool children should register for the age appropriate camp according to the age they will be by July 1st. School-age children should register for the rising grade that they will be attending in the fall.

What are the staff:camper ratios?
Our ratios in preschool are as follows:
  • Two year olds - 1:5
  • Three year olds - 1:6
  • Four year olds - 1:7
  • Kindergarten - 1:8
  • 1st thru 5th - 1:10
Do I need to do rides out?
Rides out is a controlled and secured way to release all campers safely. If there is a need to come and pick up your child early, please contact the program office at lakenormanyouth@ymcacharlotte.org at least two hours prior to have them ready and waiting for pick up.

What if I want to meet my child's counselor?
Our camp is open from Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. This prohibits your child from having the same counselor all day, everyday. We strive to keep consistency amongst each camp during the week. Some counselors will arrive midday to take over for the morning counselor.

We will have some family events throughout the summer for you to meet all the counselors. It is impossible to meet with the counselors during camp while they are supervising their track. Parents are welcome to come and visit throughout the day to observe or eat lunch with their child.

All visitors need to check in at the program office for a visitor badge first. All visitors will be asked the codeword before being escorted to their child's track.

Where is my child going on Field Trips and can I take my child to the site rather than the YMCA? 
Elementary-age Field Trips and Teen Field Trips schedules will be posted online. Field trips are subject to change due to inclement weather or unfavorable experience during a prior week. Campers need to be at the YMCA no later than 9:00 AM for field trips. Parents are prohibited from dropping off campers at the field trip site.

Is it necessary for my child to bring money with them on field trips?
We do not require or suggest that campers bring money with them. Just a lunch is required.

What will my teen be doing during the day?
Teens will have a counselor with them throughout the day. Activities will be available for them, however, they will not be mandated to participate. Some teens enjoy relaxing at the beach front with their friends while others would rather participate in lake activities. This is a personal choice by each teen. However, they will be supervised at all times.

Can my C.I.T. volunteer in camp without registering for a camp?
We do not allow C.I.T.'s to volunteer all day, all summer. We have two weeks that they can registered to learn the ins and outs of being a day camp counselor. There are other camps offered throughout the summer for them.

What is my family number and why do I have one?
We have issued campers family numbers in order to speed up the rides out process. This number does not change from year to year. You will receive a number during your registration process. You will receive a window tag to hang from your review mirror. Please be sure you family name and family number are both legibly written on the tag. This will expedite the rides out process for everyone! 


For more information contact:
Lake Norman YMCA Day Camp Office
(704) 716-4418
lakenormanyouth@ymcacharlotte.org


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