What You Need to Know. And Then Some.

We want you and your camper to be as prepared as possible for this adventure, and we have created the following documents to help you do so.

Our Parent Resource pages are here to provide information and answer many of your questions. You may also contact our Camp Harrison staff to ease any concerns you may have about camp.

 

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-In: Sunday, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 

  •     Parents will select time slots to arrive at camp – sign-up link will be sent out the week before your camper’s arrival.
  •     Parents will remain in their vehicles throughout the check-in process.
  •     Staff will unload camper luggage in front of cabin.
  •     We must be notified of late check-ins (after 4:30PM) in advance via email.

 

Early Drop-Off Policy: Should you need to drop off your camper early, you must contact the camp office to arrange this. We will ask that you bring your child to camp on Saturday between 9:00 and 11:00 AM and pay the $125 changeover fee. 

 

Check-Out: Saturday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM or Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM for Mini Campers 

  •     Curbside pickup of campers at cabins.
  •     Parents will remain in vehicles throughout check-out.
  •     Campers must be signed out by a parent or parent-approved adult over the age of 18. For the protection of all campers and staff, parents must give written permission to campharrison@ymcacharlotte.org for anyone other than themselves to pick up their camper(s). Anyone other than parent/guardian picking up camper must provide a photo ID. 
Pack for Camp

Camp provides all the necessary equipment for all activities. Please remember, Camp is not responsible for personal items brought to Camp including recreation equipment. Please make sure you have all your child’s items when you pick them up. All items should be labeled with camper’s name. The number suggested is the minimum needed. Many times an extra pair of shorts or socks is useful. Bring only items that you don’t mind if it gets dirty or lost. Items left after the camper leaves will be donated to charity. Check out our suggested Packing List below.

Meals/Dining Hall

A variety of fresh fruit, hot & cold cereals, vegetables and kid-friendly options are offered at every meal. At mealtime, mature and knowledgeable counselors gently guide campers towards healthy and appropriate choices. Food will be served cafeteria style and family style, by cabin. Vegetarian options are always available. Products that contain peanuts and tree nuts are not served in the dining hall. Other special dietary needs should be indicated on the camper health history and directed to the Camp Harrison office. The dining hall is successful in accommodating campers with most food allergies.

Health & Safety

We have created a Health Center Parent Guide to provide you with updated Health Center and Medication policies. Please, read through this information carefully, as much of it has changed from previous summers.

Activity Preferences

Parents will work with their campers to fill out land activity preference forms, using YCampLife, at least two weeks before arriving at camp. You can access YCampLife using your YMCA of Greater Charlotte account credentials, which you used to register for camp (give us a call if you are having trouble logging in). You will need to fill out a preference form for each session of camp your child is attending. LITs do not need to complete an activity preference form. 

Six- and seven-year-olds and mini campers will automatically be enrolled in the S’mores Program. S'mores campers will travel to activities as a group, led by one of their counselors, which will allow them to experience many different activities with their peers and will set them up for success in the future. One-week campers may opt out of this program if you would like to select preferences for your child. If you want your six- or seven-year-old campers to participate in this program, you DO NOT need to complete a preference form for them.

Camp Photos

Log on to our Y Camp Life portal to check out fun photos of your camper in action!

Communicating with Campers

Email

We invite parents, siblings, friends and family members to email campers while at camp. There is no charge for one-way emails. Log onto our secure site link above, Y Camp Life, to create an email for your camper. We print emails Monday - Friday by 11:00 AM. We do not print emails on Saturday or Sunday.

 

Regular Mail

Campers also love to receive regular mail while at camp. We encourage families to share the camp address with loved ones so they may send unlimited cards or letters. Send letters to YMCA Camp Harrison (Camper’s First/Last Name and Cabin) 7901 S NC Hwy 18 Boomer, NC 28606. You may even pack a few surprise letters in your camper’s baggage/luggage for them to find during their camp stay.

YMCA Camp Harrison provides one post card for campers to write home during each session. If you wish for your camper to send additional letters home or to family / friends while at camp, please provide stamped and addressed envelopes for your camper.

 

Phone Calls

Campers do not make phone calls home. Parents of first time campers receive a call mid-week from the Head Counselor. This call gives parents an update on what their camper is participating in during the week.

Paying for Camp

Early Bird Rates will be available through November 15. All balances for Overnight Camp sessions must be paid by June 1 to avoid cancellation. If camp is notified in writing of cancellation by December 31st, all fees paid will be refunded. Cancellations in writing on or after January 1 will forfeit a $400 deposit fee (per session/per camper). Cancellations within 2 weeks prior to the start date of the camp session will forfeit all fees. Cancellations will not be accepted via telephone. Cancellations in writing can be emailed to the camp. If needing to cancel due to a medical reason, a full refund will be issued with a doctor‘s note provided.