FAQ
Registering for Camp
Who is eligible to attend YMCA Camp Ocoee?
Boys and girls 7 to 17 years of age may enroll. A camper may enroll for one or more sessions but may not enroll for a portion of a session. Camp Ocoee may not be able to serve children with special physical or mental conditions.
What do I need to submit to register my child for camp?
We need a completed registration form (both sides) and the deposit of $150 per camper/session. Register online for fastest processing. The remainder of the camp fee is due 2 weeks prior to your camper’s session.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. Scholarships are available through YMCA Camp Ocoee’s Strong Kids Campaign. Scholarship dollars are awarded on a first come first served basis. Visit the Registration Information page for more information and to download the forms needed to process the scholarship.
What if I need to change or cancel a session?
All changes and cancelations must be made in writing either through the mail, fax (attn. Sandy) or e-mail sandy@campocoee.com.
No refund of any fees will be given if the child cancels within one week of his/her session unless cancelation is due to accident or illness. Withdrawal less than 30 days prior to a session will result in loss of the $150 deposit. Any camper leaving prior to the end of stated period of encampment is not entitled to a refund except in case of illness or accident. Camp management reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any applicant deemed undesirable or not in the best interest of applicant of Camp Ocoee.
Does YMCA Camp Ocoee offer programs for children with special needs?
We will make every attempt to serve campers who have physical or emotional problems; however, our physical setting of hilly country and rocky areas makes it difficult to serve campers with certain physical limitations. Please call 423-338-5588 to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.
Preparing For Camp
Visit the Summer Camp Handbook for more information on preparing your camper(s) for an overnight camp experience.
How are cabin assignments made?
Cabin assignments will be made on the basis of age, sex and school grade. Please understand that we do our best to honor the Cabin Mate Requests, however, we cannot guarantee that they will be placed in the same cabin until Cabin assignments have been made. Cabin assignments are not arranged until a few days before the Camp Session starts. If the person requested does not request your child also, and if more than one camper is requested, we many not be able to honor the request.
Can I have my child fly to a nearby airport for their camp session?
Yes. All incoming campers must arrive at the Chattanooga Airport (CHA) by 12 noon on opening Sundays. Camp Ocoee staff will be at the airport to escort the camper to camp. Campers flying without adult supervision are required to fly as “unaccompanied minors.” The camp staff will sign the camper out from the airlines at the airport.
All departures must be made before 12 noon on closing Saturdays. Campers not able to depart before then should arrange departure times for the Friday afternoon or evening of the previous day. Note: Clear all arrival and departure schedules with the camp office at least four weeks in advance of the date.
When is Check-in and Check-out for each session?
All sessions check in between 1:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time and check out between 9:30 - 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time. If you are going to late for check-in or check-out please notify the camp office at 423-338-5588.
What if my child needs to leave prior to Saturday?
If you need to check your camper out prior to Saturday check out please call the camp office at least one week prior to the session. The camper will be in the Camp Office at the approved time ready for check out early.
Do I need to take my child to the doctor prior to camp?
Every camper is required to have had a physical within the last 24 months and a health form on file at camp. Health forms must be mailed into the camp office prior to the camper's arrival. No camper will be allowed to remain in camp without a completed health form. The medical form is valid for 2 years. A sports physical at a Minute Clinic does meet the guidelines.
Does the camp provide health insurance for the campers?
All campers should provide their own insurance coverage. This must be noted on the health form with complete insurance information provided. If your child needs medical attention other than what can be handled at camp, your insurance is the primary coverage. Camp does carry insurance, but it is secondary.
Where can I find the “What to Bring List” for camp?
Visit the camp forms page and download the Parent Handbook for more information on Camp Ocoee and the What to Bring list”. Please pay special attention to the list of items to leave at home.
Why does my child need sheets and a sleeping bag?
Our mattresses are plastic coated and a fitted sheet is more comfortable for the camper. Also each cabin will have the opportunity to go on an overnight camp-out one evening. Sleeping bags are easier for the campers than a blanket.
During Check-in
Where do we go when we arrive at camp?
Camp Staff will direct you to the parking areas. Once you are parked stop by the office porch to check in, get your cabin assignment, confirm paperwork, add special electives, and make payments. From here check in with the nurses on the Health Lodge porch, then you can take your campers to their cabin to get them settled for the week and meet their cabin counselors. Once your campers is settled in the cabin leave them with the counselors and you are free to leave. We ask that all parents depart camp by 3pm so we can begin the camp session.
What if my child takes medication or vitamins?
All medication (including O.T.C. meds) a camper is taking must be turned in to the camp nurse during check-in. The medication must be in the original container. The nurse must be notified of any illness the camper has had during the previous week.
What do the campers do on the first day of camp?
Once all the campers in a cabin are checked in the cabin will go on a camp tour, take their swim test, get their cabin photo, and begin to get to know the counselors and other campers in their cabin.
What is the Camp Store account?
Camp store money is deposited during check-in and any money not spent, you will be given the option of donating or receiving a refund later. The store account is to be used for purchases at the camp store (snacks, shirts, faxes and items such as necklaces, dog tags, Frisbees, stuffed toys). We recommend $35 per week.
During Camp
How can I stay in touch with my campers while they are at camp?
All campers enjoy a letter from home. Please send letters to:
Camper Name
Cabin Name
111 YMCA Drive
Ocoee, TN 37361
You can also fax them at 423-338-5507 or e-mail them at camper@campocoee.com. Please be sure to include their name and cabin in the subject line of the fax or e-mail.
Is there a religious emphasis at camp?
As a YMCA camp, Camp Ocoee sees the development of Christian character as a primary objective. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Each day an interdenominational chapel service is given by staff and cabin groups. Each evening before taps campers gather in cabin groups for a short devotion. The opportunity to discuss the day's activities provides a meaningful tool in developing a stronger Christian faith.
Can we come visit our camper while they are at camp?
Campers staying for two weeks or less should not have visitors. For campers staying more than two weeks, family and friends may visit on Saturday and Sunday afternoons of the session break. Please notify the camp in advance if you plan to visit.
How do you handle camper discipline?
Camp rules are designed to enhance the happiness and safety of all campers. Children who do not demonstrate appropriate behavior in the judgment of the directors will be sent home from camp. Early dismissal due to discipline will not warrant the refund of fees.
How is the food? My child is a picky eater?
The menu includes a wide variety of food types, fit to please any child. Breakfasts include a cereal bar, and lunch and dinner have a salad and sandwich bar with a big selection to choose from.
Does the camp offer laundry?
For those campers staying longer than one session, laundry will be taken to a commercial laundry service in Benton. The charge will be deducted from the camper's store account. The cost is $1.00 per pound with a $5.00 minimum charge. If a camper soils their bedding during the session the nurses will wash it and return it to the cabin at no charge.
What if my child is homesick during their stay at camp?
Staff make a concentrated effort to help campers overcome homesickness by helping them learn to accept the natural feeling of missing family and friends. We keep our campers busy and try to interest them in new and fun activities. The camp director will contact you if staff needs assistance in dealing with the most difficult cases.
Is their medical staff on site during the session?
Routine scrapes and cuts will be treated by our resident nurse using standard first aid procedures. Campers needing additional medical attention are taken to our camp doctor or hospital in Cleveland. In the event of an accident or illness needing more than routine first aid, we will attempt to notify the parents. In the event you cannot be reached, your authorization signed on the health form allows us to secure prompt treatment.
What happens when it rains?
If it is just raining (or as we call it at camp Liquid Sunshine) we will continue with our program as normal. If there is thunder or lightning we will bring the campers into a secure building to play games until the storm has past. Rainy days usually end with a large muddy game so be sure to send old clothes you do not want back.