1. Our new Program Handbook is ready!

We've revised our Program Handbook to reflect our current policies, procedures, and information. You can find that handbook here. (P.S. There are also revised Packing Lists, Check In Guides, and Check Out Guides in the back!)

2. Forms and balances are due June 1.

Don't forget this important date! You can log into PlayerSpace to complete forms. If you need to reset your password, you can do that from the link above.

Your card on file will automatically be charged the balance on your camp account on June 1. If you'd like to pay before or change the card, you can do this through Daxko. If you need more time to pay, you can email camp director Allison Vining at avining@fcymca.org.

3. Camper choice is taking over!

After hearing feedback from our 2018 campers and parents, we have returned to a camper choice system for five of our activities each day. These activities include archery, riflery, BBs, lake, pool, arts & crafts, dance & games, challenge course, and more. If you feel passionately about your camper trying a certain activity, make sure to talk to them before camp. Campers will select four of their daily activities on Sunday, and they'll select a special one-day activity each morning.

Ranch Camp (our awesome horseback program) will take up two periods each day. Trail Rides (another great option) will take up one daily period per week.

4. Conversations now can help your camper later.

Worried about your campers getting homesick? You can start preparing them now! Having open and honest conversations with your campers can help when camp comes. When having these conversations, find out what questions and concerns they have, and reach out to our staff to get answers. Also, include your campers in decisions about packing, travel arrangements, etc. These things can help them feel ownership over their own camp experience.

In these conversations, avoid saying things like "I'll miss you so much!" or "I'll come get you if you don't like it!" While these are often said with good intent, they can cause campers to focus on how much their parent must be missing them and/or on the fact that going home is just as much of an option as staying at camp. Without those things to focus on, campers are more likely to let go and enjoy camp.

For more tips about conversations like these, we recommend the book Homesick and Happy by Michael Thompson (Amazon can get it to you in two days!). Our camp director is also happy to talk with you by phone or email to help you with this process!

5. Each camper will receive a backpack and water bottle at check in (included in the cost of camp).

This perk was included in camp for many of our previous summers, and we're excited to bring it back for summer 2019. Don't worry about packing these items!

Additionally, we'll have t-shirts, lanterns, chapstick, and more available in our camp store. More on camp store offerings and prices will be included in a future Fast 5!

BONUS: Refer a friend for a free t-shirt.

We appreciate you sharing YMCA Camp Immokalee with your friends! As a small token of that appreciation, we're giving limited edition 110 year anniversary shirts to campers who refer friends AND the friends they refer. These shirts will not be available for purchase. If you refer a friend (or if you have already referred a friend), please fill out this form. We'll have the shirt waiting for you at check in!

SUPER BONUS: Forwarding this email to a friend is a great step in the referral process.

Questions, suggestions, or concerns about what you've read? Contact camp director Allison Vining at avining@fcymca.org or 352-473-4213.

Thanks for reading! Can't wait for summer!