Mission/General Info
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What can my child gain from going to camp?
At Camp Ihduhapi, we nurture character development in our campers through the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our well-trained staff lead quality programs that are safe, fun and enriching. At Camp Ihduhapi, campers will:
• Develop integrity, self-reliance and leadership skills
• Build lifelong friendships
• Enrich their spirit, mind and body through challenging and fun activities
• Gain an appreciation for the natural environment
• Experience a sense of community by living with campers in small, age appropriate, single-gender groups with trained staff
Is my child safe at camp?
The safety of each child is our primary concern. We are American Camping Association (ACA) accredited. This assures you that camp practices have measured up against 300 national standards that go a step beyond our state’s basic licensing requirements. ACA accredited camps voluntarily go through a rigorous risk-management process to provide a supervised, positive environment with controlled boundaries where children can grow.
These ACA standards establish criteria for areas such as:
• Emergency preparedness
• Transportation
• Health care
• Program practices
• Living areas
At Camp Ihduhapi we have a health care provider on the property at all times. Ambulance emergency response time is approximately 7 minutes away.
What are the behavior expectations of my child?
Campers and parents need to be aware that camping at Ihduhapi requires full participation from your child. To assure that your child has a safe summer camp experience, he or she will be expected to:
• Understand and follow directions
• Demonstrate the YMCA’s four core values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.
• Interact in a respectful way with other children and staff members, while living in a group setting.
• Participate in a setting that includes almost entirely outdoor activities, in large and small groups.
Admission as an Ihduhapi camper carries many privileges and responsibilities. We expect campers to participate in the total camp experience – to work, play and live together. We do not allow the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons. By filling out an application, this confirms an understanding and acceptance of these responsibilities. Camp Ihduhapi works in partnership with parents and guardians, and we strive to provide a safe environment for all kids. If your child has specific needs, please contact us for more information.
What is the YMCA camp experience?
Camp Ihduhapi offers daily adventures, learning lots of new skills, and building lasting relationships! Campers will participate in several planned activity options each day by registering for a Specialty Camp or Traditional Camp. In addition, Wednesdays are Theme Days that add zany and unique activities to the week and every Camper participates in an overnight tenting excursion to a campsite on Camp Ihduhapi property.
Tell me about camp life
Camp Ihduhapi has small, single-gender cabin groups of 8-10 campers and 2 cabin staff, providing for individual attention and positive, small group dynamics. Program professionals assist in areas like waterfront, arts and crafts, health services, administration and much more.
What about meals?
Our kitchen staff prides themselves on creating a well-balanced and good-tasting menu. A salad bar is provided at both lunch and dinner. Fresh fruit is offered each day. Campers eat family style as a cabin group. Breakfast is served each morning at 8:05am, lunch at 12:15pm and dinner at 5:00pm.
Who is your summer staff?
• We hire our staff based on: strength of character and commitment to be a positive role model
• Ability to make sound, informed decisions
• Passion for helping kids increase self-confidence and self-respect
What kind of training do your counselors receive?
• 10 days of formal staff training
• CPR/First Aid certifications from internationally recognized American Red Cross
• Wilderness First Aid certifications (trail staff)
• Lifeguard training (waterfront and trail staff)
What are “Specialty Camps?”
Specialty Camps give campers an opportunity to spend more time on their favorite camp activities, while still having a traditional camp experience. Specialty Camp activities take place for two hours each day. Campers also choose two Achievement options to participate in for another two hours of program time.
What ages of kids can go to camp?
Ages 7-16. Leadership programs are available to campers aged 13-16.
What are my campers Achievement options?
Campers will spend two activity periods in their Specialty Camps. During the remaining two periods, campers will participate in two of the following Achievement options.
• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Sports
• Archery
• Creative
• Yipahudi (camp newspaper)
• Nature
• Outdoor cooking
When you are registering for Traditional Camp, you will be asked to choose four Achievement options.
What Specialty Camps does Ihduhapi currently offer?
For the summer of 2008, our Specialty Camps will include:
• Arts and Crafts Camp
• Fishing Camp
• Horse Camp
• Naniboujou Session
• Outdoor Challenge Camp (Ropes)
• Sailing Camp
• Summer Samplers
• Teen Extreme
• Water-Skiing
See our 2008 brochure for fully detailed descriptions of each camp.
Does Camp Ihduhapi offer any Leadership Development Programs?
Yes. Campers will learn leadership skills built upon the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our Leadership Development Programs develop the whole person – spirit, mind and body- through a variety of activities, projects and team-building exercises. These valuable lessons will last a lifetime.
Leadership Development Programs include:
• Explorers
• Voyageurs
• Junior Leaders
• Counselors in Training
See our 2008 brochure for fully detailed descriptions for each program.
What is a typical day like at Camp Ihduhapi?
7:00am Road Runners (optional)
7:30 Polar Bears (optional) and wake-up bell
8:00 Flag raising
8:05 Breakfast
8:50 Chapel (a time for talking about values)
9:15 Service Projects / Cabin Clean-up
10:00 Specialty Camp or Achievement 1
11:00 Specialty Camp continued or Achievement 2
12:00 Meet with cabin mates, prepare for lunch
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Rest Hour
2:30 Specialty Camp or Achievement 3
3:30 Specialty Camp continued or Achievement 4
4:30 Meet in Commons, prepare for dinner
4:50 Flag lowering
5:00 Dinner
6:00 Cabin activity (time for cabins to play small group games or visit the Camp Store)
7:15 Food Store ( an opportunity to purchase snacks and drinks)
7:30 All-Camp Game
8:30 Campfire / Open Cabin Time
9:30 KYBO time (keep your body orderly – a.k.a. wash up before bed!)
9:45 Devotions
10:00 Lights-out
What is a typical week like at Camp Ihduhapi?
Along with the daily schedule, campers at Ihduhapi have a different activity to do each night of the week.
• Sunday Night: Opening campfire and skit night.
• Monday Night: Half of camp goes on an overnight. Those in camp play all camp game and participate in a traditional campfire.
• Tuesday Night: The other half of camp goes on the overnight while those in camp play an all-camp game and participate in a traditional campfire.
• Wednesday Night: Theme Day! Includes activities and possibly a dance, a carnival, or a floating campfire.
• Thursday Night: Picnic style dinner, closing campfire and closing devotions.
How safe are the activities? (swimming, horses, ropes)
All of our activities are led by fully trained, experienced staff. Our head Wrangler is experienced with horses and extensively trains the other wranglers to handle all situations that arise. They spend time with each group of campers and teach them how to handle a horse before hitting the trail. Our head ropes course instructor has countless hours of training and experience and knows how to handle all issues that may come up. Each additional staff is fully trained and is kept under watchful eye to provide the safest experience possible. Our lifeguards partake in a rigorous 2-week training to be fully prepared for anything. During swim time there is 1 lifeguard per 10 campers at all times. Also, counselors are swimming with the kids to create the safest, most awesome experience for each camper.
What if my child becomes homesick?
Homesickness is an understandable issue for children, especially those first timers. Please make sure your child is ready to stay at an overnight camp before sending them to Camp Ihduhapi. Campers look forward to hearing from their parents. Please write to them so they receive a letter the 1st or 2nd day. (You can leave a letter during drop-off time, and we’ll deliver it with the regular mail)
Temporary homesickness is a normal reaction, particularly to new campers. With proper handling by the staff, it can be overcome and the camper can make a big stride in maturing. We welcome this opportunity to help campers grow in this area and we train our staff of handle homesickness in constructive and loving ways.
Can our family visit the Camp before my child’s session?
Family visits are certainly encouraged during Camp Preview Day. In 2008 Preview Days will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00am-1:00pm and Sunday, June 8 from 1pm-3:00pm. Bring the entire family and visit camp! Take a tour and learn about Traditional Camp activities, and highlights, and meet the staff. A beanie weenie lunch will be provided. There is no charge for this event, however registration is required. Please call Joey at 612.822.2267 to register.
Am I allowed to write or visit my child during camp?
We ask that parents not come and visit their children during the week. A visit could lead to homesickness and distract the children from partaking in some of the great activities we offer. Writing a note, or sending a small gift is encouraged. Cards, letters and packages should be sent to:
Your Child’s Name
YMCA Camp Ihduhapi
3425 Ihduhapi Road
Loretto, MN 55357
How much does camp cost?
Camp fees vary depending upon which camp session you have chosen. Fees range from $315 -$1030.
Is Financial Assistance available?
The YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate and annually raises funds through our Y-Partners campaign to help make that possible. Financial assistance is granted by a committee on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call for a campership form, due May 1, 2008. Families can participate in the “Earn Your Way to Camp” candy sale, which runs the month of March. Information and pick-up locations are available by contacting Camp Ihduhapi at 612.822.2267.
Can I sign my child up for more than one session?
Absolutely! We would welcome the opportunity to have your child with us for more than one session this summer!
My child really would love to come to camp, but does not have anybody to go with. Do many children come to camp without a friend?
Camp is great for meeting new friends and building relationships that will last for years. Many of our campers come without friends the first year. Our program involves much team building and interaction with other campers, helping to build those friendships that are so important to camp. Many of our campers keep in touch with one another throughout the school year via letters and email, so they can come back to camp the following summer together.
Can my child bring a friend and if so can they stay together?
Yes, if they want a friend as a cabinmate, you can have their friend’s parents register their child for the same session. Please make sure that the campers are in the same age range. Make sure on the application that you have listed the name of your child’s friend on the appropriate spot. To ensure positive group dynamics, please limit 2 friends per request who are within the same age group.
What should my camper bring to camp?
Check the Parent Guide for a suggested packing list.
Transportation
Families provide transportation to and from camp. We are located about 30 miles NW of Twin Cities Metro.
Drop-Off, Pick-up times
Campers should arrive at camp on Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm, and can be picked up Friday afternoon by 4:00pm. *Summer Sampler Sessions differ slightly. Session 3SS runs from Sunday, June 29 at 2:00pm to Wed., July 2 at 4:00pm. Session 7SS runs from Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 9:00am to Friday, Aug. 8 at 4:00pm.
How are medical needs handled?
We have a full time, live in Camp Nurse. In case of campers feeling ill or having a minor accident which requires first aid, a counselor will accompany them to the Health Service Building. Bumps, bruises, scrapes and tummy aches are all part of camp and our Health Staff is well prepared to handle them. In case of a serious accident, ambulance service is approximately 7 minutes away. Parents will be called in an emergency.
Does my camper have to have a physical before camp?
All campers must have had a medical exam within 24 months of enrollment. Contact your family medical office and have a medical professional fill out the form and sign if the exam happened within 24 months. The entire Medical Form must be filled out completely with attention to the vaccination record and signature lines. Campers cannot attend camp without a signed medical form. Keep a copy for your files.
My child was at camp last year. Do I need to complete a health form?
All campers are required to complete a Health History that is properly filled out and signed by a parent/guardian. The Health Exam form (signed by your physician or physician’s office) must be renewed yearly. A previous copy of such a physical or athletic card may be attached to our form if you previously attended a YMCA Camp of Metropolitan Minneapolis (Camp Ihduhapi, Camp Icaghowan, Camp Warren or Camp Menogyn) please let us know. If your child’s physical on file from the previous year is within the 24 months we can use it for this year. A new updated Health History is still required every year.
When should I submit my child’s Health History and Health Exam Forms to Camp?
Health History and Health Exam Forms must be received two weeks prior to the start of your child’s camping session.
How are medications handled?
It is absolutely essential that parents or physician of campers who will be taking medications (prescription and non-prescription) provide us with written permission and instruction for administering. State law requires that all medications brought must:
Prescription Medications:
• Be in their original container
• Be clearly labeled with:
• Camper’s name
• Name of prescribing physician
• Prescription number
• Date prescribed
• Name of the medication and directions for use
• Include written instructions from your physician on detailed dosage, directions for administering, adverse reactions and specific conditions when a physician should be contacted.
Non-Prescription Medications:
• Be in their original container
• Be clearly labeled with:
• Camper’s name
• Name of medication
• Dosage and directions for administering
All medications must be administered and kept secure by authorized YMCA staff. Medications that are given by injection must be administered by a doctor, not the health staff, arrangements must be made prior to arrival at camp.
What is the Camp Store?
We have a small camp store that carries a variety of souvenirs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other sundries. All campers have the opportunity to visit the camp store during the week. The store will also be available to parents when you pick up your camper at the end of their session.
How do you handle bad weather situations?
All staff is trained to direct children to appropriate places during inclement weather. Staff will lead children to designated storm shelters throughout the camp.
How do you handle lost and found articles?
Lost and found items are collected and displayed in the dining hall at the end of each camp session. Our counselors make every effort to ensure that your child will return with everything s/he brought to camp. Your child is responsible to ensure that nothing is lost. Please be sure all items brought to camp are plainly marked with your child’s name and please counsel your child to keep close track of all items. Please be especially thorough on check-out day as sometimes laundry or luggage bags are left behind. If you discover something is missing upon your return home, please call as soon as possible. It is the policy of Camp Ihduhapi to donate all unclaimed items left behind, two weeks after the close of a session.
How do I register my child for camp?
Fill out a registration form (one form per camper). The registration must be accompanied with a $150 non-refundable deposit. The completed registration form along with the deposit will secure your place at camp.
When is the full payment for my child’s session due?
The balance of the session fee is due May 1, 2008. If the balance is not paid in full, you will forfeit your place at camp along with the deposit.
What if I register after May 1?
Full payment must accompany registration.
Will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Yes, approximately three weeks after receiving your registration (and deposit or full payment) you will be sent a confirmation packet. The Parent Guide will follow in the mail and can also be found at www.CampIhduhapi.org. The Survival Guide contains emergency information, medical/health examination forms, packing list and session information. A physical exam is required for every camper within the 24 months preceding camp, and a new Health Exam form will need to be completed by a doctor’s office each year.
Can we make a change to the camping session we chose?
Yes. Changes to original registration form including payment must be completed in writing no later than two weeks prior to the start of your child’s session and will incur a $25 change fee.
What is Camp Ihduhapi’s cancellation policy?
• Please call Camp Ihduhapi if you must cancel your registration to camp – your deposit will not be refunded.
• If cancellation is due to a camper’s illness, medical reasons or other uncontrollable circumstances, your camp fees will be fully refunded with a doctor’s statement/official statement. The deposit remains non-refundable.
• Cancellations made 2 weeks or less before your camp session start date are non-refundable and non-transferable.
