Camp Child
Rentals: Occasionally Camp Child is available to rent. If you are interested in renting camp please click here and answer a few questions. 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.
SUMMER 2018
2018 Camp registration is open!! Early Register now through April 30th for $25.00 off
After you click the "register online" button, camps are listed under "outdoor activities"
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!
As of 4/26/18 all cabins are reserved. Space is available for tents and small, self-contained RV's. No hookups (water, electric or sewer) are available for RVs. There is a bath house with showers on the property for everyone to use. If you have questions please contact us. We are excited to have you spend the weekend at camp!
2018 Registration is open
Ages: ALL!
Dates: May 26, 27, 28
Fee: $50 per person
(There is a $15 non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. The balance of $35 per person is due at least 14 days before the start of camp)
COUNSELORS IN TRAINING
AGES: 13-15
DATES: June 8-15
FEE: $475
2018 Registration is closed.
The enhanced CIT/LIT program builds interpersonal and communication skills while fostering independence, self-awareness, and outdoor leadership skills. Participants have the opportunity to place the needs of others ahead of their own, share what they are learning and be a good role model for younger campers. CITs & LITs may choose to volunteer for a week later in the summer or receive a 50% discount to another week of camp.
(There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. The balance is due at least 14 days before the start of camp)
EXPLORERS
AGES: 7-10
Fee: $350
Session 1 : June 10th-15th
Session 2 : June 17th-22nd
Session 3 : June 24th- June 29th
2018 Registration is open closed! We are sold out - thank you!
Rooted in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y’s holistic approach to youth development helps kids grow in spirit, mind and body, all while having fun.
(There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. The balance is due at least 14 days before the start of camp)
PATHFINDERS
AGES: 11-15
Fee: $350
Session 1 : June 10th-15th
Session 2 : June 17th-22nd
Session 3 : June 24th- June 29th -
Youth of all ages are able to develop positive relationships and a sense of belonging. YMCA resident camps nurture the potential of youth and create a sense of community among campers of all ages through a wide variety of skill building outdoor program activities.
(There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to hold a spot. The balance is due at least 14 days before the start of camp)
2018 Registration is open closed !! We are sold out - Thank you!
CAMP HUFF ‘N PUFF – ASTHMA CAMP
AGES: going into 2nd-9th grade
DATES: July 8 - 13
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 2018 form and mail it to us along with a check for the camp fees.
Camp Drop off: Sunday July 8, 3:00-4:00 PM
Camp Pick-up: Friday July 13, 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.
- It's best if children and parents pack together. When children are engaged in the process, they will remember what they brought with them.
- Tuck a PACKING LIST (download the list here!) inside your child's suitcase or bag.
- Pack durable clothing and shoes that are broken in. Kids spend most of their time outdoors and everything gets dirty.
- Most important - LABEL EVERYTHING!
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:
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 submit this short inquiry form and our Camp Director will get back to you as quickly as possible. 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.
