YMCA Camp Ocoee’s Mission
YMCA Camp Ocoee is fully committed to the overall well-being and health of our campers and guests.  We commit to provide an excellent Christian focused camper experience for all our participants.  We uphold the YMCA’s mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.  Our purpose is to provide experiences, under a strong Christian emphasis, that will build character and strengthen the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith in all.

Christian Emphasis
YMCA Camp Ocoee sees the development of Christian character as the primary objective of a camper’s experience.  Each day an interdenominational chapel service or devotion is given by staff and cabin groups.  The opportunity to discuss the day’s activities provides a meaningful tool in developing a stronger Christian faith.
 

Cabin assignments are made on the basis of age and gender at birth.  Younger Camp (7-12) will be placed together, Older Camp (13-16) will be placed together.  One of the goals of camp is to encourage new friendships; therefore, we recommend that close friends not always be placed in the same cabin.  Mutual buddy requests from campers are honored for campers within one year of age, same gender, and enrolled in the same program and session; however, older campers will always be placed with the younger cabin.  Therefore, both campers must have the other listed as their “Cabin Mate request” on their registration form to ensure the pairing is made.  To ensure the best experience for all campers in the cabin group, we do our best to limit large groups of campers who already know each other from being placed in the same cabin.  We can only honor one mutual and exclusive cabin mate request.  We encourage you to coordinate your cabin mate request with the other family in order to ensure a smooth placement, and make sure both campers are registered for the same week.  If you have a special situation which you feel should be considered, please call at least two weeks prior to the session.  Please remember that even if two individuals are not in the same cabin, there are many opportunities to spend time together in camp.  Campers are not able to request specific counselors or cabins.  Cabin Assignments are made prior to each session and are a careful, hour’s long process that takes into account a number of different variables.  Cabin assignments are emailed to both parents on the household Tuesday prior to the beginning of the session.

Our Merchandise store, “The Outfitter”, will be open on the opening and closing day of each session. At the store you will be able to purchase t-shirts, water bottles, and other YMCA Camp Ocoee merchandise.  Merchandise will only be sold on opening and closing days.

The campers will receive a snack and a drink daily at no additional charge.  Campers do not need any cash while at camp.

Campers attending multiple one-week sessions may choose to participate in activities between sessions by registering for Weekend Stayover for an additional fee.  Stayover is specially planned between the sessions and usually includes activities at camp, time for rest, pizza, movies, and more. Parents who choose to take their campers out of camp for the weekend must do so during normal Check-in and Check-out.

Camp provides laundry service only to campers who are registered for Weekend Stayover.  A laundry bag is required to use this service.  All clothing and laundry bag should be labeled with camper’s name.  Laundry is sent out Friday morning and returned to the campers Monday lunch.  The charges are covered by the Stayover Fee.

Camp Ocoee will offer transportation for an additional fee when campers arrive by bus or plane. All incoming campers must arrive in Chattanooga by 12:00pm on Sunday and depart by 12:00pm on Saturday.  Our transportation service is only available to Chattanooga Airport (CHA) and Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN bus stations.  A transportation fee of $30 is due with registration.   Trip details must be confirmed with the Cabin Life Director two weeks prior to arrival and you must complete the Airport Form on the Camp Brain portal.

Pack in a large duffle or wheeled footlocker.  You will need to carry your luggage from the parking lot to your cabin.  Pack for the full week of camp.  We strongly advise you to write your camper’s first and last name on all items brought to camp.  Campers spend all day outside; we recommend old clothing appropriate for outdoor play.  

Recommended Items for one-week session:
    Sheets (Single Bed)
    Blanket & Pillow
    Sleeping Bag (For Campout)
    Laundry Bag
    Undergarments (7)
    Shorts (7)
    T-Shirts (7)
    Socks
    Raincoat/Poncho
    Hat/ Bandana
    Pajamas
    Shoes 
    Water Sandals*
    Sweatshirt
    Swim Wear (2)**
    Shower Caddy
    Toileries- Soap, Shampoo, tooth paste, comb/brush, etc.
    Towels (3)
    Sunscreen
    Insect Repellant
    Camera (not cell phone)
    Crazy Creek Chair (Stadium Chair)
    Water Bottle
    Day Pack
    Small Clip Fan for bed (Corded Electric) 
    Flashlight
    Camping Hammock
    Freedom Friday Clothing- Patriotic Clothing
    Stationary, Stamps, envelopes

*Sandals with a tight back strap are the perfect shoes for camp.  Flip Flops/Crocs are not safe or acceptable camp shoes
** Swim wear should provide complete coverage, fasten securely and be designed for active wear, we suggest one piece or tankini style swimsuits.

Laundry service is only available for campers who are signed up for Stayover between sessions.  Stayover camper’s laundry is sent out Friday morning and is returned to the campers Monday lunch.

If your camper is signed up for the Ocoee or Hiwassee River rafting, they must have water shoes* for the trip.  Girls may want to include swim shorts.

What to Leave at Home
    Money         Drugs
    Firearms     Tobacco Products    
    Alcohol     Vape Pens
    Fireworks     Pets
    Chewing Gum
    Knives of any kind
    Electronics of any kind including but not limited to: Cell Phones, iPods, Ipads, Radios, Computers, etc. 
 

Camp Ocoee staff will make every effort to help your child keep track of their belongings; YMCA Camp Ocoee is not responsible for their personal belongings.  All Lost & Found is donated to charity two weeks after camp ends for the summer.
Camp is a natural setting that provides children the opportunity to “unplug” from electronics.  Please leave all electronics at home.  
Please examine your camper’s selection of clothing, which might carry offensive slogans or symbols.  We are not responsible for any damaged items. 
 

Parents are encouraged to bring their child to camp, meet the staff, tour the facilities, and help get their campers settled into their cabins.  
    Check-In Time: Sunday, 1pm-2:30pm ET
Check in on Sunday’s is staggered based on the parent’s last name.  A-L will check in between 1pm-1:45pm while M-Z will check in between 1:45pm-2:30pm.
    Check-Out Time: Saturday, 9:30am-10:30am ET
If you arrive prior to 9:30am ET please be prepared to wait at the camp office.  Boys and girls will be waiting in their cabins. Campers MUST be checked out with their counselor. You will need a photo ID to check out your child.  If your camper took medications, visit the Infirmary porch to collect these prior to departing.  Prescription medicines that are not picked up on closing day can be mailed home and the cost will be charged to your account.  

If you are unable to arrive by 10:30am ET on check-out day, we are happy to care for your children until 12:30pm ET for an additional $20.  Please call the office to add this care to your camper’s registration.  
 

Check-out time is a very important time for your campers.  They have made great friendships during their time at camp, and it is very important that they are able to say goodbye.

If you must pick up your camper before the end of the session, please notify the camp office 48 hours in advance.

We encourage families and friends to write their camper.  Please be sure that every mailed item is labeled with the camper’s full name and cabin.  Mail letters and packages (no food please, Camp Ocoee is a Peanut Free Camp) to:
        YMCA Camp Ocoee
        Camper Name and Cabin
        111 YMCA Drive
        Ocoee, TN 37361  

Campers can receive e-mail at ocoeecamper@gmail.com.  This service is free.  Please be sure to include the camper’s full name and cabin in the subject line.  E-mails are printed once daily at 4:30pm and delivered to the campers with the regular mail at dinner Monday- Friday.  Do not include attachments to your emails to campers (emails are batch printed so attachments are not printed).

You can drop mail off on Sunday during check-in at the office; just include the day you want it delivered on each package/letter, along with the camper’s name and cabin.
 

Daily Schedule- Monday- Friday – Younger Camp (ages 7-12)

7:00am        Rise and Shine
7:45am        Flag Pole
8:00am        Breakfast
8:45am        Morning Watch
9-10am        Skill Area 1
10-11am        Skill Area 2
11-12pm        Skill Area 3
12:15pm        Flag Pole
12:30pm        Lunch
1:30-2:30pm    B.O.B Time (Body on Bunk)
2:30-5:30pm    Cabin Centered Activities
5:45pm        Flag Pole
6:00pm        Dinner
6:45-7:30pm    Duty Areas
7:30-8:45pm    Evening Program
8:45pm        Return to Cabins to prepare for bed
9:30pm        Cabin Devotion
9:45pm        Lights Out

Daily Schedule- Monday- Friday – Older Camp (ages 13-16)

8:00am        Rise and Shine
8:45am        Flag Pole
9:00am        Breakfast
9:45am        Morning Watch
10-11am        Skill Area 1
11-12pm        Skill Area 2
12:15pm        Flag Pole
12:30pm        Lunch
1:30-2:30pm    B.O.B Time (Body on Bunk)
2:30-5:30pm    Cabin Centered Activities
5:45pm        Flag Pole
6:00pm        Dinner
6:45-7:30pm    Duty Areas
7:30-8:45pm    Evening Program
8:45-9:45pm    Older Camp Evening Program
9:45pm        Return to Cabins to prepare for bed
10:30pm        Cabin Devotion
10:45pm        Lights Out

Skill Activity Periods:  Younger Camp campers attend 3 skill periods each day, while Older Camp campers will attend 2 skill periods each day, to get advanced instruction in the activity.  Campers sign up for these activities on Sunday and Tuesday.  

Cabin Centered Activities:  The cabins will schedule special activities during these activity periods.  Activities may include regular camp activities, canoe trips, challenging other cabins, hiking, and much more.

Evening Programs:  Each night offers a different camp activity.  Some nights are camp-wide and involve everyone, while other night’s campers are split by either gender or age.  Activities include Luaus, campfire, Clue, Excalibur, etc.

Cabin Campout: Cabins will go on a campout in the forest during their session (depending on weather conditions and site availability).  The campers leave camp at 5pm and return to camp prior to morning activities the next day.  Campers will cook dinner over a fire, set up camp, and eat S’mores.  Hudson and McCarty Cabins will do a cookout on the camp property.

Land Activities
Archery, Arts & Crafts, Climbing Wall, Cheerleading, Dance, Drama, Flag Football, High Ropes, V-Swing, Hiking, *Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, *Paintball, BB Ranger, Sling Shot Range, 9 Square in the Air, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, GaGa, Team Sports and much more.

Water Activities
Banana Boat, Canoeing, Kayaking, Keowees, Stand Up Paddleboards, Rope Swing, Swimming, Water Trampoline, Aqua Jungle Jim, Water Volleyball, *Water Skiing, Water Slide, Sit-on-Tops

All campers are required to take a swim test on the first day of camp, which consists of swimming 25m, treading water, and floating on back.  

*Elective Activities- Campers may also sign up for special elective activities to enhance their camp experience. Please note that there is an extra fee for these activities.  Electives take the place of regular cabin activities so campers signed up for electives may miss some of the regular camp programming.  

Special Elective Activities

Campers may also sign up for special elective activities to enhance their camp experience. Please note that there is an extra fee for these activities.  Electives take the place of regular cabin activities so campers signed up for electives may miss some of the regular camp programming.  Spaces are limited in many of these electives.

Paintball ($30, ages 10+) 10 campers per session: One 2-hour session of splattering paintball fun.
Paintball Plus ($20, ages 10+):10 campers per session: An additional afternoon session of paintball.
Water Skiing ($130, all ages) 18 campers per session: 4 days of 1 hour water ski/kneeboard/wakeboard instruction.  Campers share instruction period with 2-3 other skiers.
Hiwassee Rafting ($50, ages 10+) 12 campers per session: Introductory rafting on the scenic Hiwassee River.
Ocoee Rafting ($70, Ages 12+): Advanced rafting on the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events.  Camp Ocoee contracts with Adventures Unlimited Inc. for the Ocoee raft trip.
 

Parents and families can view the current camp activities by clicking on the “Camp Photos” link on our website or visiting ymcacampocoee.zenfolio.com.  This site is password protected for the safety of the campers.  The password needed to access the pictures will be sent to you prior to the session and is also available during check-in.

Cabin photos will be posted after each session on the Camp Ocoee Facebook page.  “Like” us at www.facebook.com/ymcacampocoee/.

It is perfectly normally for new and returning campers to miss family, friends, and pets while at camp. Most campers need 2 days to adjust to a new routine and their new cabin mates. By Wednesday parents sometimes receive a “please come get me now” letter. Campers are most likely having fun at this point in time and have adjusted to the new environment. If your camper is experiencing abnormal homesickness, the Cabin Life Director will initiate the following process.

Step 1 – The cabin counselors will work with the camper and notify the Cabin Life Director
Step 2 – The camper will write the Cabin Life Director a letter expressing their feelings, and the director will call the parents and share the information. The Cabin Life Director and parent will partner to create a plan for the camper.
Step 3 – The Cabin Life Director will meet with the camper and discuss the plan made with the parents.

Parents can help their camper adjust to camp by following simple steps:  Do not make a “pick-up deal” with your camper, encourage your child’s independence throughout the year, practice separations, involve your child in the process of choosing a camp, discuss what camp will be like, pack a personal item from home, send encouraging emails to your camper during the week (do not refer to things they are missing at home or people or pets that miss them).

Visit https://www.acacamps.org for more information about preparing for camp.
 

The Infirmary is staffed by medical professionals 24 hours a day for urgent medical situations. Our team of medical staff provides care and supervision of camper safety and health.  All camper medications, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications, must be checked in with the Infirmary staff at check-in.  All medications must be in their original containers and turned in to the Infirmary.  Medication will be administered as directed on the bottle and must be clearly marked with the child’s first and last name.  No medications (including OTC meds) are allowed in the cabins.  If your child has a severe allergic reaction and needs an Epi-pen or needs immediate access to an asthma inhaler, please discuss these needs with the nurses upon check-in.  Campers who are not feeling well have the opportunity to visit the Infirmary.  In the event that a camper spends the night in the Infirmary or there is a serious situation, parents will be called.  All staff are trained in First Aid, AED and CPR.

All campers are required to go through a lice check on check in day as a part of their cabin tour. If your camper is found to have lice, they will be required to return home until clear of lice and nits.  Once treatment of the camper and belonging has occurred at home, the camper can return to camp.  It is highly recommended to check your camper for lice prior to arriving for camp. 

Birthdays are super special at Camp Ocoee.  Campers are recognized at lunch with a song.  Parents wishing to order a cake, or cupcakes can contact our local Food City at 423-244-9249 (each cabin houses up to 15 people).  If you order a cake, pickup should be scheduled for the morning (9am-11:30pm) and you must contact our Cabin Life Director to make arrangements for pickup at 423-216-1003 or ocoeestaff@ymcachattanooga.org.

Appealing and nutritious meals are prepared under the careful supervision of our trained dietary staff and satisfy the hearty appetites of campers and staff.  Fresh fruit, cereal, hot breakfast and vegetables are offered every day.  A salad bar and sandwich bar are available at lunches and dinners.  At mealtime, as well as with all other camper activities, mature and knowledgeable counselors gently guide campers toward healthy and appropriate choices.  Special dietary needs and food allergies should be indicated on the camp health history.  We do not provide vegan meals but can provide animal-free food.  If your campers has uncommon dietary needs please be prepared to bring their special food to camp with you so we can ensure they have the appropriate food.  Camp Ocoee maintains a grade “A” rating from the Tennessee Board of Health.  Camp Ocoee is a Peanut Free Camp.

The YMCA screens all members, guests, staff and program participants for registered sex offenders.  Staff adhere to state guidelines and are mandated reporters of any suspected child abuse.
If the YMCA is made aware that a parent/guardian of a child is listed on a registered sex offender database, the camp director will be notified.  Parents who are sex offenders are able to enter the YMCA childcare programs for the purpose of enrollment, conferences and to drop off/pick up their children.  For the protection of the parent and the children, the parent/guardian must always be under the direct supervision of a YMCA staff person when they are at the facility.  The YMCA reserves the right to limit or refuse admittance to any facility to any registered sex offenders if needed.
 

The goal of the YMCA is to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.  As a part of the YMCA, our camp programming is also designed to reflect these values- helping campers grow mentally, physically and spiritually.

Our program objectives are based on interactions with others and with the environment.  The specific principles of camp are:
•    The achievement of personal growth in mind, body and spirit
•    The formation and practice of socially constructive habits and attitudes.
•    The acquisition of knowledge about and development of skills and interests outdoors
•    Development of an appreciation of nature and a respect for the environment