Bangor Y

A Parent Guide to Camp Jordan

PDF Parent Guide for Registered Campers

What is Camp Jordan?

Bangor Y Camp Jordan is a positive, fun, and supportive environment. It is a traditional camp where campers have fun and build self esteem in a safe and supportive environment. Our caring staff serve as great role models living and teaching the Y's core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

The Bangor Y has provided camping opportunities for over 100 years. Founded in 1908, Camp Jordan is the oldest Y camp in Maine. 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.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

Camp Jordan aims to provide all camp participants with sustained, creative, educational experiences in cooperative group living in the outdoors. We 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 values, education, and positive behavioral impact.

Camp Jordan helps children improve 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.

ACTIVITIES OFFERED

During your camper's stay at Camp Jordan he/she will have the opportunity to try many activities such as:

A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP

7:30 Rise and Shine
8:15 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
9:15 Cabin Time
9:45 Lights Out

STAFF 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 Camp Jordan and their responsibility as a Role Model.

The staff at Camp Jordan are required to arrive early to participate in a 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.

CAMP STORE

VISITS AND PHONE CALLS

We understand that a week can be a long time to be without someone you love, but we ask that you do not visit your camper(s) during their stay. Often, when campers who have separation anxiety or "homesickness"  see their parents, or another parent, it makes overcoming these feelings nearly impossible.

If you would like to check in on your son or daughter during the week we would be happy to connect you with your camper or his/her counselor. If your camper would be comforted by an occasional call home we will find time for them to call you.

WHERE DO I SEND MY CHILD MAIL?

Camp Jordan
ATTN: Camper's Name
Cabin Name
101 Camp Jordan Way
Ellsworth, ME 04605

Counselors pass out mail to their campers each evening.

CAMPER DISCIPLINE

All counselors receive training surrounding appropriate discipline methods. The first thing we do when a child misbehaves is separate the child from the group and determine the root of the problem. Counselors talk with campers to make sure that they understand what they have done wrong, and how that affects their experience, and the experience of their peers. 

If a camper continues to make negative choices we will consult you. Parent insight often helps us determine the most effective avenue of achieving appropriate behavior. If we determine, after consultation with you, that your camper's behavior is detrimental to the camp program, we may ask that you come to camp and pick-up your child at your expense. We will never use physical force to control or restrain your camper unless that camper poses a danger to himself/herself or another camper.

PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY

WHAT MUST BE TURNED IN FOR MY CHILD TO ATTEND CAMP?

CABIN-MATE REQUESTS

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.

CAMP HEALTHCARE

Camp Jordan has a Health Officer (Registered Nurse, EMT, etc.) on-site at all times. Any time a camper does not 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 of any health issue that needs further attention by the camper’s physician or the hospital.

We notify the parents because we would like them to be part of the decision on whether the camper sticks it out at camp or not. We want every camper to have a positive experience and an unexpected illness can quickly change that.

DROP OFF & PICK-UP

When you arrive at Camp Jordan you will park in the parking lot and walk your camper with their luggage to King Dining Hall where you will be greeted and given instructions on where to register.
Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. If you arrive early we ask that you wait in the parking lot until registration begins.

Each Saturday we conduct a commencement ceremony for your to meet you camper's counselors and see him/her receive a participation award. The week's Honor Cabin and Honor Braves are announced at this time as well. This ceremony takes place in the King Dining Hall from 9:30-10:30am.

Please refrain from bringing pets with you to drop off or pick up your camper.

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PACK?

DIRECTIONS