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Parent's Guide to
Camp Jordan
Welcome to our 101st summer season of Camp Jordan on beautiful Branch Lake. We are proud to continue a wonderful tradition of providing a program deeply rooted in the four values of the YMCA of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. One of the most special parts of being the oldest Y camp in Maine is the long tradition that continues to create the "Camp Magic" we are blessed with.
As always I am committed to improving the traditions we have grown to love as well as creating new experiences that will only improve upon the Magic that our campers look forward to each summer. We are restructuring our activity sign up policy to help each camper participate in the activities they look forward to as their summer camp experience. We are also making some changes to our waterfront to accommodate more campers in our boating canoeing, and sailing classes.
Please read carefully the enclosed information and familiarize yourself with everything in it. I certainly hope that this guide answers all your questions, but if it does not, please feel free to call the staff at the Bangor Y (207) 941-2815 or you can e-mail me at jbentley@bangory.org.
Your Friend in Camping,
Jim Bentley
Camp Jordan Director
WHAT IS CAMP?
Bangor Y Camp Jordan is a positive, fun, and supportive yet traditional camp where campers can learn to make friends, good choices, and build self esteem in an environment that will create friendships, memories, and an experience that will last a lifetime. Our caring staff will lead your camper through many fun, decision making opportunities as role models living the YMCA's four core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
The Bangor Y has provided camping for over 100 years. Founded in 1908, we are the oldest Y camp in Maine. The YMCA didn't invent camping but Camp Jordan has discovered how to make it a lifelong experience. Camp Jordan is a part of the Bangor Y and in 1925 moved its resident camp program to beautiful Branch Lake in Ellsworth, Maine. We serve a diverse population with families coming from nearby cities and states as well as other countries. We value the development of the whole person in terms of Spirit, Mind, and Body. We believe the Spirit of camp activity combines the recognition of thoughtfulness, awareness, and self-confidence in campers. With social and physical growth, and increased experience, campers assume leadership roles, and ultimately similar positions in their school and community. We value diversity and celebrate ability by making camp a possibility for children without regard to race, religion, sex, or financial situation. We welcome all children and families to experience what Bangor Y Camp Jordan has to offer.
On behalf of the Bangor Y, all its staff and volunteers, we welcome you to the valued tradition of camping at the Bangor Y.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
The Purpose of Camp Jordan is to provide all camp participants with sustained, creative, educational experiences in cooperative group living in the out-of-doors; and to work toward the development of the Whole Person, focusing on the traditional YMCA Triangle of Spirit, Mind, and Body as well as a commitment to Christian ideals, values education and positive behavioral impact.
Camp helps campers increase social skills that are nurtured in the cabin unit where the campers meet children and staff from diverse backgrounds, share memories with old friends, and explore cabin unity with the leadership of a professional role model.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN MY CHILD RETURNS FROM CAMP?
When your child returns from camp you may notice that your child has a new sense of self confidence and self esteem; increased social skills and a sense of unity in groups; and a greater awareness of applying honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility in their day to day life.
Parents may see campers grow with better communication skills, increased comfort in group settings and the increased ability to get in front of peer groups to lead in different social settings. Parents may also see campers increase their appreciation for diverse groups and cultures. Campers may demonstrate a better sense of their role in society and how one person affects the lives of others. Parents may even see campers improve study habits, enjoy their siblings, act before asked with chores or homework or even have stronger commitment to spirituality and improving their personal life-style.
WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS OFFERED?
Camp Jordan consists of 5 one week sessions starting on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and ending on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. We offer a weekend stay-over option for those campers who wish to stay for multiple sessions.
During your campers stay at Camp Jordan they will have the opportunity to try many activities such as;
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Swim Lessons
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Painting & Drawing
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Snorkeling
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Ultimate Frisbee
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Arts & Crafts
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Tennis
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Street Hockey
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Lacrosse
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Gnome Home Building
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Volleyball
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Nature Survival
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Beginning Sailing
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Kayaking
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Canoeing
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Newspaper
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H2O Tubing
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Archery
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The Beat Goes On (drums)
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Camping Skills
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High & Low Ropes
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This is only a sample of the exciting classes the campers choose from during the week!
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN "CORE ACTIVITIES" AND "OPTIONAL/PAID ACTIVITIES", AND WHICH WILL MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN?
Our "core activities" are the activities like crafts, sports, archery, riflery, ropes and teambuilding, swim lessons, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and environmental education that only have restrictions of age and swim level that may keep a camper from participating. Our "optional / paid activities" include water tubing. This is an activity we ask you to pre-register for when you sign up for camp and we ask for an extra fee due to the extra cost of gas and specialized staff and equipment needed to provide the program.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP LOOK LIKE?
Typical Daily Schedule:
7:30 Rise and Shine!
8:00 Flag Raising and Chapel
8:30 Breakfast
9:15 Cabin Clean-Up
10:00 First Activity Period
11:00 Second Activity Period
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Siesta
2:00 General Swim/ Canteen
3:00 Third Activity Period
4:00 Fourth Activity Period
5:00 Flag/ Cabin Awards
5:30 Supper
6:30 Fifth Activity Period
7:30 Evening Program
9:00 Taps
9:15 Lights Out
WHAT IS THE "COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING" PROGRAM AT CAMP JORDAN?
The Counselor -in-Training program is designed for 15 and 16 year olds. CIT, as it's known around camp, includes cabin and group leadership, emergency procedures, counseling techniques, and risk management. Participants have the opportunity to shadow Camp Jordan staff, take part in group ropes course training, and even teach classes with supervision. The training culminates in an overnight camping trip which participants plan and lead.
WHAT IS THE "LEADER-IN-TRAINING" PROGRAM AT CAMP JORDAN?
The LIT program is designed for 16 and 17 year olds. It extends leadership training beyond the camp setting. LITs examine concepts such as the keys to effective leadership, group supervision, creating "win-win" situations, and management principles. Many CIT and LIT participants were former Camp Jordan campers who later return to become staff members -- thus providing the legacy of energy and talent that has preserved the 100-year Camp Jordan tradition.
WHO ARE THE STAFF AND WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS?
The Staff at Camp Jordan is made up of young men and women who made a life changing decision to be Role Models for your campers this summer. We require 80% of our staff to be at least 18 years old and we put all of our staff even returning staff through an interview process to ensure their commitment to the values of the Camp Jordan and their responsibility as a Role Model.
The staff at Camp Jordan are required to arrive a week early to participate in an week long staff training. During Staff Training the counselors learn all of the Y's employment policies, Camp Jordan's emergency procedures, First Aid and CPR, Child abuse Training, Risk Management, proper discipline, role play situations, and learn good counseling techniques. Many of our staff grew up in our Camp Jordan family and have a lot of experience with our traditions through our Counselor in Training and Leader in Training programs. We do background checks on every staff member each year.
The "Magic" of Camp Jordan is created by the staff we hire and we take great pride in providing the best staff we can find to continue this long tradition of "magical experiences".
WHAT IS THE CAMP STORE?
The Camp Store is where we sell Camp Jordan merchandise to campers and parents on Sunday and Saturday. We also sign up any Camp Jordan Alumni for our Alumni Club and give you the opportunity to Register for Next Summer! We only open the store on Sunday and Saturday so you will not need to leave money with your camper during the week. If your camper needs things like soap or a toothbrush they can go to our Infirmary and see the Camp Nurse who will help them get what they need.
WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD THE CAMP FEE?
We do not want anyone to miss out on the Camp Jordan experience because they can't afford it. We offer our Access Y program which is the opportunity for financial assistance. All you need to do is fill out the Access Y application and provide the necessary information and we will help you.
The ability to provide financial assistance to campers is based completely on the donations of alumni, Y members and the community. We are always thankful to those who are willing to make a donation. If you would like to make a donation please see our Wish list and Gifts page of the web-site.
CAN I VISIT OR CALL MY CHILD AT CAMP?
We understand that a week can be a very long time to be without someone you love but we ask that you do not visit your campers during the week. We do experience some campers that have separation anxiety or "homesickness" and for these campers to see their parents or anyone's parents while they are feeling homesick makes overcoming these feelings almost impossible.
If you would like to call our camp office to get an update on your camper we can help you by asking the counselors how they are doing and getting back to you with an update. We do not allow campers to call home simply because we would have a very large number of campers waiting to use one phone and this would take away from the fun experience we have planned for your campers.
WHERE DO I SEND MY CHILD MAIL?
Mail can be sent to
Camp Jordan
Att: campers name
Cabin name
101 Camp Jordan Way
Ellsworth, ME. 04605
We pass out mail every afternoon when we receive it and it is passed out to the campers by the counselors each evening.
HOW DO WE HANDLE CAMPER DISCIPLINE?
Campers make good choices and Campers make bad choices. This is a fact. When they do, it is necessary to impose corrections so that they will not repeat actions which are antisocial, wrong, harmful, or are not in the spirit of Camp. Therefore, it is important that parents know what kind of disciplinary actions we will take with your campers.
It is forbidden for any Camp Staff member to use physical force to punish a camper. In other words, we will not hit your camper for any reason. This almost goes without saying, but we want you to rest assured on this matter.
We will not use physical force to control or restrain your camper unless that camper poses a danger to him or herself or another camper.
We will not verbally or psychologically abuse your child. In our mind, such abuse is as inexcusable as physical abuse.
That being the case, what might we do to discipline your child?
The first thing we do when we see a child misbehaving is separate the child from the group and try to determine the root of the problem. Once we have done that, we try to remedy the problem while making the child aware of the unacceptable choice he or she has made. Once we believe we have remedied the problem and we believe that the child understands why the choice they made was not the best one we make sure the camper understands they cannot repeat the bad choices.
Once they agree this cannot happen again, we then assign an appropriate punishment for the camper, as a reminder that all negative choices have consequences. The standard punishment includes, but is not limited to, not participating in a program activity.
If a camper continues to make bad choices, we will call you for help. Perhaps the threat of leaving camp will correct the problems.
If we determine, after consultation with you, that your camper's behavior is detrimental to the camp program, we will ask that you come to camp and pick-up your child at your expense.
WHAT IS THE PAYMENT & REFUNDS POLICY?
PAYMENTS
A $50 deposit is due for each session you sign up for at the time of registration to reserve your spot at Camp Jordan.
The remaining balance is due by May 1, 2009! If your balance is not payed you risk loosing your reservation to someone on the waiting list.
Anyone registering after May 1, 2009 will be required to pay in full for their sessions at Camp Jordan.
All payments should be sent to the Bangor Y 127 Hammond St., Bangor, Maine 04401.
REFUNDS
Last minute cancellations represent a financial loss for the camp. If we receive a written request to withdraw from camp before May 1, 2009, your deposit will be kept but any other amounts paid will be refunded. If notified after May 1, 2009 no refunds will be given and if you have not already paid for camp, you will be required to do so. The only exceptions made will be for documented medical emergencies and must be approved by Jim Bentley, camp Director. Also, campers asked to leave during the camp season for an infraction of the rules are not entitled to a refund.
WHAT MUST BE TURNED IN FOR MY CHILD TO ATTEND CAMP?
For your child to attend Camp Jordan we must receive a registration form filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. A Health Form filled out each year by the Parents and a Doctor with a verification of the camper's last physical being within the last 24 months. We require that this form be mailed to the Bangor Y 127 Hammond St. Bangor ME. 04401 before you r camper attends Camp Jordan so we can review any special needs or concerns we need to share with the counselors who will be providing supervision and care for your camper.
We ask that you pay a $50 deposit for each session you are registering for at the time of registration to hold a spot for your camper.
All balances are due by May 1st. If we do not receive the balance due by May 1st there is a chance your camper will lose their spot in the sessions they are signed up for. If you register after May 1st then the entire camp fee is due at the time of registration.
Having all information in to our Camp Registrar will keep the Sunday registration process brief and only help your campers experience with a smooth start. We appreciate your consideration with this process.
CAN MY CHILD BE IN A CABIN WITH THEIR FRIEND?
Every camper has the option to list 2 cabin mate requests on the registration form at the time of registration. This is not a request we can guarantee but we do everything we can to make it happen. The cabin mate requested needs to be the same age and gender as your camper.
Even if they do not end up in the same cabin they will have the option to sign up for the same classes together and still share this great experience.
HOW DOES CAMP HANDLE HEALTH ISSUES?
Camp Jordan has a Health Officer (Registered Nurse, EMT, etc.) on-site at all times. Anytime a camper doesn't feel good or has any health issue they can tell their counselor who will help them get to the Infirmary to see the Health Officer. The Health Officer will notify the parents for any health issue that need further attention by the campers physician or the Hospital.
We also notify the parents because we would like them to be a part of the decision on whether the camper sticks it out or not. We want every camper to have a posotive experience and an unexpected illness can quickly change that.
WHERE DO I DROP OFF & PICK-UP MY CHILD FOR CAMP?
Drop off for Camp Jordan is always on Sunday and happens at Camp Jordan which is located on Branch Lake in Ellsworth, Maine.
When you arrive at Camp Jordan you will park in the parking lot and walk your camper with their luggage down to King Dining Hall where you will be greeted and given instructions on where to register.
Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. and we ask that you do not come too early. We need all the time we can get to prepare Camp Jordan from the previous sessions for your camper's experience. If you do arrive early we ask that you wait in the parking lot until registration begins.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PACK?
Each camper should have enough clothes for one or more weeks.
PETS are not allowed at Camp Jordan under any circumstances.
CAN MY CHILD BRING THEIR OWN ARCHERY BOW/WAKE BOARD/LACROSS STICK?
We do not mind if a camper wants to bring equipment relative to a program that we offer. We can not be responsible for this equipment nor do we have a special place to store this equipment. This means it will need to be able to be stored in the cabin with the campers other belongings and they will be responsible for it.
We do not allow weapons of any kind in the cabins for safety reasons and wakeboarding is not a class we offer.
HOW DO I GET TO CAMP?
From Bangor, ME:
Take the 395 Exit off I-95 and head east on Rt.1A toward Bar Harbor.
Travel about 16 miles on Rt. 1A and watch for Camp Jordan sign on your right.
Turn right onto Winkumpaugh Road and proceed about 6/10 mile. (Annie's Pride Vegitable Stand is a landmark on the left side of 1A).
Turn left on Hanson's Landing Rd. at the Camp Jordan sign. Drive 6/10 mile until you see our sign on the right.
Turn onto Camp Jordan Way and proceed to parking lot
From Ellsworth, ME:
Take Rt. 1A toward Bangor for 10 miles from the Dunkin Donuts in Ellsworth.
Watch for Camp Jordan sign on your right. (Annie's Pride Vegitable Stand is a landmark on the right side of 1A).
Turn left onto Winkumpaugh Road and proceed about 6/10 mile.
Turn left on Hanson's Landing Rd. at the Camp Jordan sign. Drive 6/10 mile until you see our sign on the right.
Turn onto Camp Jordan Way and proceed to parking lot.
In case you get lost, give us a call at 207-667-8708.
CAN I SEE THE FACILITY?
Yes, Take a TOUR of CAMP JORDAN! | 