Nissokone Parent Information

We’re grateful for you.

Thank you for choosing YMCA Camp Nissokone for your son or daughter’s camp experience. Camp is a place to build confidence, make new friends, learn new things and have fun! For both first-time and returning campers, feelings of anticipation mix with the excitement of meeting new friends, trying new activities, and participating in outdoor adventures.

The impact that camping has on an individual lasts a lifetime. At camp, a child grows through friendships made within a cabin group of his or her peers. Sharing, teamwork, and compromise are important lessons. Setting and achieving goals while acquiring new skills helps build self-esteem. There is nothing quite like the friendships and individual growth that a camping experience can provide.

Camp Forms

Parents, all of the forms required for summer camp are below. If you have questions about what forms you need or are unsure about how to fill them out, please contact us.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to assure that all children are offered the chance to go to YMCA camp. This program is funded by the generous donations of YMCA members and supporters of YMCA Camp programs who share the belief that YMCA camp can be a vital positive experience for kids.

To apply, include a financial assistance form with your registration materials. There are two types of financial assistance, please choose and submit the one application that best fits your family’s needs.

Campership Application

The purpose of the Campership or financial assistance program is to ensure that all children are offered a chance to go to YMCA camp with the Metro Detroit YMCA. Typical assistance awards vary from 20%-50% of the camp fee.

download the campership application

Camper E-mail

To send an email to your camper, please use the form on this page. Emails are delivered to campers every day at lunchtime. All emails sent before 6:00 am will be delivered on the same day. After 6:00 am, emails will be delivered the next day at lunch.

Please remember that camper e-mail is intended a one way communication service–your camper will not have the ability to reply to your e-mail. If you need to contact your camper directly because of an emergency, please call the camp office at 989-739-2801.

Camper Photos

A private photo gallery link is emailed out to parents at the beginning of each week. Please remember that our camp photographer does their best to photograph to everyone but we cannot guarantee every camper will be pictured each day.

Camp Nissokone Overnight Camp Information

Whether your child is a first-time camper or a returning camper, arrival at camp can be a time of excitement, apprehension, and wonder. As a parent, the best thing you can do for your child is get him/her settled in his/her bunk, kiss your camper goodbye, and let the counselors take it from there. A quick goodbye makes it easier for your camper to transition to his/her new environment.

Preparing for Camp

Packing:

Please pack in a soft-sided suitcase, duffle bag or back pack. Trunks cannot be accommodated on the bus. Clearly mark all belongings with Camper’s Name. The YMCA and Camp Nissokone are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items. Please leave valuables at home. If you lose an item, call us right away. We will try our best to locate it! Any items left behind session will be donated to charity two weeks after that session.

Items Not Permitted at Camp:

Cell phones, TVs, CD players, MP3 players, iPods, laser pointers, video games, electronics, food items, chewing gum, fireworks, aerosol spray cans, alcohol, tobacco products, illegal substances, knives or weapons of any kind. Leave paintball markers home. These items will be confiscated during your camper’s stay and returned upon leaving camp. Flip flops are only allowed inside the cabin. All sandals must have a back strap while traveling around camp.

Appropriate dress:

The Camp Dress Code mirrors the policies of most schools. No spaghetti straps, tube tops, two-piece swimsuits, short shorts, shirts that reveal the midriff or flip-flops. Also included is clothing that portrays inappropriate behavior, logos or language that could be offensive.

Laundry service:

Is not available for campers unless spending more than one consecutive session and attending the “weekend stayover” or in the case of emergency or accident.

While at Camp

Camper Health Care:

Medical staff are at camp 24 hours and public health care facilities are less than 10 minutes away. Parents will be notified in the event that a camper is in the Health Center for more than 3 hours (fever, tummy ache, etc.) or if the camper requires any treatment outside of camp. In the event your child needs medical treatment and/or prescriptions, the family’s insurance will be billed. Parents will be notified of any accident or illness that requires treatment. A copy of an insurance card must accompany camper to camp. Please keep campers home if any communicable condition exists.

Medication at Camp:

All prescription medication must be in the original prescription bottle and must be dispensed by state law according to the directions on the label. If the doctor has changed the dosage or directions for administration, submit a signed letter from your physician with the new directions. This letter must include camper’s full name, dosage amount, delivery time(s), and any limitations. DO NOT repackage drugs or submit another person’s medication. This is prohibited by Michigan law. Medications must be turned into the Camp Nurse at check-in at the camp or to the bus monitor at the bus pick up site.

Contacting Your Camper:

We do not allow the use of cell phones at camp, as they are a negative influence in the camp environment and don’t help the adjustment period. We have a variety of alternatives so you can stay tuned on your camper’s adventures. We typically upload photos from camp each evening, which are free to view and download. Our camp photographers do their best to get to every group’s activities daily, but we cannot guarantee every camper will be pictured. One-way emails can be sent to campers as well, free of charge, and are delivered daily after lunch.

Receiving mail and/or packages is a highlight for many campers, but it is a good idea to send packages and mail a few days prior to the start of the session so your child receives correspondence in time. Please do not send candy or snacks, as they are not permitted because they attract critters and bugs in the cabins.

Our postal address for letters and packages is:
(Camper’s name)
YMCA Camp Nissokone
6836 F-41
Oscoda, MI 48750

Note: The above address is for camper letters & packages only. Other forms & payments must be sent to: YMCA Camping Services, 7300 Hickory Ridge Road, Holly, MI 48442

Phone Policy:

The camp phones are for business and emergencies only. Due to the number of campers at each of our sites, it is impossible to make the phones available for calls home from the campers. Of course, in an emergency or to help with your camper’s social adjustment, the camp staff will be in contact with you.

Visiting Your Camper:

There are no visiting days during overnight camp sessions. Drop-in visits can disrupt programs, divert staff from their jobs, and sometimes set off homesickness in your own or other campers. We do encourage parents to come to camp at the end of the week to pick up your camper, let your camper give you a tour, and hear about the activities and friendships at our closing ceremony Saturday at 10 a.m. If you have any questions or concerns , please feel free to contact the Camp Director.

Safety at Camp

Camper Safety:

We take every safety precaution into consideration when planning and conducting our activities and have extensive staff training so that we can avoid accidents, injuries or dangerous situations. All of our staff has been trained in first aid and CPR. In addition, we have a full-time Nurse or Health Officer on site. Emergency services are only minutes from each camp should the need arise. All of our policies, procedures and rules are developed with the safety of your camper in mind. Parents must remember to bring a photo ID when picking their camper up from camp. No camper will be released to anyone that is not listed on the “Authorization of custody” form.

Site Safety:

Camp staff are identified with a name tag and staff shirt. Any visitor must check in at the camp office and be escorted by a camp staff member. We practice fire drills and other emergency procedures weekly with campers. We receive regular visits from the local police department that patrols the area.

Camp Accreditation

YMCA Camp Nissokone is accredited by the American Camp Association, which holds camps to the highest standards and best practices at camps around the country. It’s a trusted sign of a safe camp, with more than 50 years of parent’s trust behind it. It’s assurance that we meet over 300 health, safety and program quality standards and it speaks towards our accountability, credibility and commitment to continually improve. The ACA standards are created with input from experts in many fields including: The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Red Cross, and many more to stay at the forefront of creating safe camping experiences for children. The YMCA has a rich tradition in aquatic safety, and is something we’re committed to every day maintaining the highest levels of water safety at Nissokone. We partner with Ellis & Associates as a consulting agency to safely monitor our waterfront with continual training, evaluation and monthly audits for all of our lifeguards and aquatics personnel. The aquatics staff at Nissokone have been recognized and awarded top marks for their vigilance and professionalism in maintaining the highest standards in water safety.

Summer Camp FAQ

Q: Do I have to pay to make a reservation?

A: Yes, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a spot per camper, per session for day camp. All Overnight Camp week sessions will require a $100.00 deposit. The deposit must be made at the time of registration and will be applied to camp fees.

Q: Do I need to be a YMCA Member to attend Camp?

A: No! There is no requirement to be a YMCA member to attend YMCA Camp Nissokone.

Q: How Do I register for Camp?

A: Visit www.ymcadetroit.org/nissokone and click the register button at the top of the page to use the simple online system 24/7. Print the registration form from our website and scan to us at camp@ymcadetroit.org Call the Camp Office at (248) 887-4533.

Q: What are my payment options?

A: We have several different ways to make camp work in a budget! You can of course pay in full. You can choose to register with as little down as the minimum deposit ($50 per camper, per session for day camp; $100 per session, per camper for Overnight Camp). You can set up Monthly draft payments and pay one or two times a month until your camper session starts. A deposit or Draft guarantees the camp fee at the time you set it up.

Q: Is Financial Assistance available?

A: Yes we have two types of Financial Assistance available, Helping Hands and Camperships. You should first determine which best fits your needs. Helping Hands can assist with up to 20% of the camp Program Fee. A Campership can assist with up to 50% of the Program Fee. Both applications are available online or you may call the Camping Services offices to request an application be mailed to you. All applications must be returned with all of the required documentation to be considered for an award. Scholarships are awarded based on individual needs. Parents are encouraged to pay as much as they can. We will make an offer to everyone who applies. Parents are still required to pay the camp deposit at the time of registration. Agreed on payments from the parents are required to be made before the campers session begins.

Q: When are all paperwork & final payments due to the Camp Office?

A: 1 week prior to your camper attending camp FINAL PAYMENTS must be turned into the Camp Office. Paperwork should be turned in no later than the Wednesday before your camp week starts. You can complete the Child Safety Forms Packet electronically online through the Registration Site, or Download them and scan to us at camp@ymcadetroit.org or fax to 313-308-0852. For questions please contact the Camp Office at 248-887-4533.

Q: How do our Campers get to Camp?

A: Most parents drop off and pick up their campers at the camp. This gives parents the advantage of seeing camp and meeting the staff before camp. There is also bus transportation available for a small additional charge. Locations vary by camp and session.

Q: What ages of kids can go to Camp?

A: Day Camp is for campers entering grades K-8. Overnight camp is for campers entering grades 3-12. There are different programs and specialties available as campers get older. This is called PROGRESSIVE PROGAMMING and we give Campers more responsibility to plan their schedule as they get older.

Q: Where is camp?

A: Camp Nissokone is located in Oscoda MI, US23 north to F-41 located on Lake Van Etten.

Q: What are the activities at Camp?

A: Horseback riding, Sailing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing, Giant Waterslide, Archery, Paintball, Kayaking, Fencing, Climbing Wall, Team Challenge Course, Theatre & Drama, High Ropes Course, Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Softball, Ga Ga, Wind Surfing, Tubing, Swimming, Campouts, Sports, River Trips and more… Learn more about all of our activities here.

Q: How is the Camp food?

A: We have a full time food service director and kitchen staff cooking for our groups and campers. Menus are planned to be nutritious and tasty for children. There are options for special menu needs. Any special requests of a medical concern must be noted on the health form.

Q: How many counselors are in the cabins?

A: At least two staff members in cabins with up to 12 campers. Overall camp ratio is 1 counselor per 6 campers.

Q: How are counselors screened and trained?

A: Staff members are selected based on their experience working with children, specialized knowledge of program areas, and those we feel are of high moral character. In addition, we conduct background checks and Drug testing of all staff. Summer Staff are required to attend a specialized training that includes: first aid, CPR, camper behavior management, handling discipline, acceptable discipline measures, group work skills, special class planning and more. The supervision structure at Camp is important for the safety of campers as well. We enlist Specialized Program area staff, Assistant Camp Directors and the Camp Director to breakdown the supervision responsibility of the Camp community.

Q: Can parents come to visit campers during the week?

A: Parents are encouraged to bring their camper the first day and meet the staff and see the camp. You may also call the Camp Office and schedule a tour of camp or attend one of our many open houses so that you and your camper are able to view and ask any questions that you may have ahead of time. Mid-week visits can be very distracting and are not recommended for the campers since most sessions are only 5-6 days long. If your camper is staying more than one week, please use the weekend as your visiting time; go out to lunch, spend the night in town and come back Sunday morning. We encourage parents to send letters and/or enroll in a one-way email program. All visitors MUST stop at the camp office.

Q: What if my camper is homesick?

A: Most campers who are feeling homesick are fine by day 2 or 3 because of the busy camp schedule and the counselors working with the kids to get them involved. If homesickness persists the Director may call the parents or have the camper talk to the parents for positive support and encouragement. Parents can play an important role in preparing their camper PRIOR to camp by building up the experience, being positive about meeting new friends and doing new activities that they cannot do at home. Set your camper up for success not failure. The WORST thing you can do is give them an easy out if they “don’t like it”. Camp Staff will monitor their campers and communicate with the Directors and parents when appropriate. Our goal is to help all campers have a fantastic time. Talk to your camper BEFORE Camp to be sure the experience will be right for them and YOU!

Q: What are the cabins like?

A: Cabins are fully enclosed with electricity, doors and windows. Bunk beds are built in with a 4 inch mattress. Cubby holes and shelves are provided for storage.

Q: How are the campers placed in cabins?

A: Campers are placed in cabins by gender and age. Example; 7-8 year old girls. Girls are put in one village and boys in a separate village. In addition, we try to avoid large groups or “clicks” from monopolizing a cabin. Campers in different age groups and different cabins will have the opportunity to mix throughout the day and week.

Q: How are medical needs handled?

A: We have a full time Health Officer for Day camp, a Camp Nurse is onsite for Overnight Camp. In case of campers feeling ill or having a minor accident which requires first aid, leaders will accompany them to the Health Center. Our Camp Nurse is in contact with the Camp Doctor (off site) and works under his orders. Bumps, bruises, scraps and tummy aches are all part of camp and our Health Staff is well prepared to handle them. In case of a serious accident, campers are transported to Huron Valley Sanai Hospital OR the Urgent Care Center. Anytime campers are taken to the medical center or are in the Camp Health Center overnight parents are notified.

Q: Can I send medication to Camp?

A: Prescription medication is allowed in Camp and MUST NOT be packed in the campers suitcase. It must be given to the camp staff upon check in. Our Health Staff are prepared to distribute the medication according to the doctors orders. Prescription meds must be in the original container with the campers name on the label. NOTHING will be accepted if not in the original container.

Q: Does my camper have to have a physical before camp?

A: We recommend that all campers have a Complete Physical done within 12 months of attending camp. Please inform us of any disabilities, impairments or restrictions on your camper’s Health Form.

Q: Is YMCA Camp Nissokone a Religious Camp?

A: The YMCA strives to put Christian Principles into practice through all of our activities. We give thanks at meals, use Christian teachings (love, faith, forgiveness, do unto others…). The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty. These values find their way into all of our activities and programs. Though we do not preach a doctrine, we do talk about God, character development and personal values.

Q: What is the Camp Store?

A: We have a small store camp at both camps that carries a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts and small souvenir type items. Overnight campers have an option to purchase a drink and snack each afternoon. Camper will also have the ability to visit the store for t-shirts and souvenirs once during the week. The store will also be open on the last day of camp for parents. We do not allow campers to keep cash in the cabins, so we ask each camper to deposit their store money on opening day. To put money on your campers store account please contact the YMCA Camping Services office.