Camp Child

Rentals:  Occasionally Camp Child is available to rent.  If you are interested in renting camp please contact the YMCA at 406-442-9622.  You can also take a look at our rental calendar by clicking "camp rental calendar" in the above menu bar.  Happy Camping!

Looking for a great summer job?  Be a Camp Counselor!  Apply today!  Employment Application  Camp counselor job description

HISTORY OF CAMP CHILD

It's hard to believe it's been 75 years since Harry W. Child donated the land that would become YMCA Camp Child.  His legacy and passion for the outdoors lives on through the many kids and families who were lucky enough to spend a week or even a summer at Camp Child.  Over the past few years the YMCA has made many improvements to camp, yet the charm and character that is Camp Child remains unchanged.

FAMILY CAMP

We do the work, you connect with your kids. No need to rush out of town to grab your camp spot because your cabin is warm and ready for you when you get here!

2019 Registration is open

Ages:  ALL!

Dates:  May 25, 26, 27

Fee:  $60 per person

 For those who need to  split payments please contact Teri Wright at 442-9622. 

CAMP HUFF ‘N PUFF – ASTHMA CAMP

AGES:  going into 2nd-9th grade

DATES:  July 7 - 12

FEE:  $125.00 per camper

PREREQUISITE:  participant must have a diagnosis of asthma from a licensed medical professional

The goal of camp is simple, to offer a summer camp for children with asthma where they can learn the necessary skills to mange their asthma while at the same time enjoying hiking, running , swimming and other activities - just like kids at traditional summer camps.

Or download the Asthma Camp Registration 2019 form and mail it to us along with a check for the camp fees.

Camp Drop off:  Sunday July 7, 3:00-4:00 PM

Camp Pick-up:  Friday July 12, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CAMP MAP

New at camp:  new commercial stove/oven with 6 burners and grill, new roof on bath house and main lodge, new bunks in main lodge, Climbing wall, zip line and challenge course

Amenities:  Main lodge with kitchen, dining room, large meeting room, and game room, bath house with separate facilities for boys and girls, 7 heated cabins, arts & crafts cabin for projects (rental groups must bring their own supplies), tether ball, basketball, volleyball, baseball diamond, canoes, kayaks, swim area, fishing rods/reels (catch & release), two firepits with plenty of firewood, a stage for skits or outdoor meetings, low ropes challenge course for team building activities

WHAT TO PACK

Spending a week away from home is not only exciting, it is an opportunity for kids to practice being responsible.  The simple act of packing for camp and keeping track of your things builds confidence.  Staff will do their best to help your child keep his or her things in order but we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Here are few tips to help your child be successful.

1. It's best if children and parents pack together.  When children are engaged in the process, they will remember what they brought with them.
2. Tuck a PACKING LIST (download the list here!) inside your child's suitcase or bag.
3. Pack durable clothing and shoes that are broken in.  Kids spend most of their time outdoors and everything gets dirty.
4. Most important - LABEL EVERYTHING!

Find Out More →

Registration Information and Release Forms

Wow! It's hard to believe 2018 camp is almost here. It's coming up fast so I'm posting a few things to help you get ready. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding camp.

Release Forms:

Camp Medication Form

climbing wall and zip line release form

Photo-Video-Audio-Release-Form

DROP-OFF/CHECK-IN Drop off will be on Sunday of the camper's scheduled week, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Please be on time. Camp is about small group activities and team-building. Our team-building exercises start the minute the entire cabin is checked in.

PICK-UP/CHECK-IN: All campers must be checked out and picked up from Camp by no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday of their session. Transportation to and from Camp Child is the responsibility of the family of the camper.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMP: From Helena, take Hwy 12 East toward Elliston/Missoula. At the bottom of Macdonald Pass take a left at Little Blackfoot Road (You'll see our first "YMCA Camp Child" Sign). Go up the road about 3 miles and take a left at the next "YMCA Camp Child Sign". The road ends at our camp.

MEALS: The first meal of Camp will be Sunday dinner. Campers must bring a sack lunch or have eaten lunch prior to check-in. Campers will receive three meals a day, except on Sunday and Friday.  Snacks are offered in the morning and afternoon.  The last meal offered is Friday lunch. Families are welcome to enjoy lunch with their camper.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS: Campers will be placed in a cabin of no more than 12 campers by age and gender.A trained, YMCA counselor will serve as the leader for each cabin group for the entire session.If possible, a Counselor-in-Training will also be assigned.Campers can request cabin-mates by responding to this email.

PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES: All medicine, with the exception of asthma inhalers, MUST be checked in upon arrival with a Camp Medication Form attached. All prescription medications are kept locked in the Camp Infirmary. A trained YMCA staff will be on hand to disburse medicine during the session to our campers according to the prescriptions.

CAMP STORE:  The camp store offers additional items for purchase each day.  Campers may opt to put any amount of money into the camp store that they can spend during the week.  The typical amount is $10.  Items to purchase are $1 or less.

MAIL:  Mail can be sent to your child C/O YMCA Camp Child, Elliston, MT 59728.  Mail can also be dropped off at the YMCA front desk and staff will deliver it.  Or, mail can be dropped off (discretely of course!) on the check in day.

PERSONAL VISITS: No personal visits by parents,relatives, or friends can be made to the camper during the Camp session.We have found that visits by family and friends can be disruptive to the team-building process and may create a sense of home-sickness.

ZIP LINE & CHALLENGE COURSE RELEASE FORM: We have a brand new feature at camp that I know you are going to love. I am attaching a release form that must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to participation. Please download these forms, sign them and bring them with you at check-in. We will have these forms at check-in if you are unable to download them.  climbing wall and zip line release form

PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE FORM: If you wish to allow photos and/or videos of your child to be used in YMCA publications, please sign this form and bring it with you.  Photo-Video-Audio-Release-Form

CAMP DISMISSALS: It is our goal that every camper enjoys his/her experience at Camp Child and returns with a life-time of memories.If for any reason a camper is dismissed from camp (infraction of rules, homesickness, etc.), parents will be notified to pick-up their camper from camp. Dismissal may also result in a forfeiture of fees.

CAMP CALENDAR

Looking to rent Camp Child for your reunion, school group, or event?  Please scroll through the calendar to check availability, then call the YMCA front desk at 406-442-9622.  Please keep in mind that during the summer, we are busy keeping camp running smoothly and our focus is on the kids and groups using camp.  It may take a day or two for a response.