Early Drop-off 7:00am – 9:00am

Drop-off begins at 7:00am. At this time, you will sign your camper into camp with the appropriate staff member at the Camp Entrance of the back building, located at the back of the YMCA parking lot. Please note: We have changed the drop-off time for summer 2020 to allow for more time for programming and fun.

Pickup 4:00pm – 6:00pm

All campers must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. If you are running late, there is a $1 per minute, per child fee, and we ask that you please call the camp phone and leave a message at 918-272-9622.

Safety of your child is our number one priority; therefore, campers must be signed IN and OUT every day, including time of day.

• Changes must be made in writing and submitted to the front desk
• People on the pickup list must be at least 18 years old
• Photo identification is required for any person picking up all campers
• The list of persons authorized to pick up the child must be current and accurate

What is the difference between day camp and day care?

Day care tries to focus on providing a safe environment that is similar to the structure kids experience in a school setting. Day camp focuses on the kids having new experiences and trying new things in a fun, non-threatening, safe environment that can only be done in
a natural, outdoor setting.

Will the children be outside all day?

The children will be outdoors for most of the day. However, the children will be able to take breaks from the heat in the facility. The children will also take frequent water breaks, have quiet time and extended lunch periods. This will provide for a safe and fun environment for your child.

What type of training does the staff have?

All staff is required to attend 40 hours of training before working at camp. Their training hours are spent on CPR, first aid, character  development, age-appropriate activities, child abuse awareness, and a variety of other topics to ensure your children have a safe and fun experience at camp.

My child is not a strong swimmer, how will they be kept safe?

All campers are required to take a swim test before being allowed to swim. Swim tests are given by YMCA certified lifeguards. If the camper passes the swim test, they will be allowed to access to the pool, without a life jacket. If the camper is unable to pass the swim test, they will be required to where a life jacket while in the pool. Lifeguards are on duty at all times.

Why do I have to fill out paperwork every year?

Health Department and DHS standards require that paperwork is submitted once a year. Also, it helps ensure that the paperwork we have for your child is up-to-date in the event of an emergency. 

Registration can be completed online at ymcatulsa.org/programs or at the front desk of any YMCA of Greater Tulsa Branch. You will receive confirmation by email immediately after you register online, or within 24 hours of your paper registration being processed. The balance for your session is due one week prior to your child attending camp, unless you have a pre-approved payment plan established with the Camp Director. DHS standards require that paperwork be updated annually. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure that we are meeting DHS standard

Changes or cancellations must be made in writing by Monday one week prior to your camper attending camp. The cancellation must be given to the Office Manager or Camp Director. Please note that camp does not offer refunds for injury, illness, or weather. We occasionally make exceptions for medical issues with a note from a doctor.

The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do.

Financial assistance is available to individuals and families that substantiate a need. Applications for financial assistance must be turned in prior to registration, as applications may take up to a week to be reviewed. Applications may be picked up at the front desk.

The Medical Release Form must be submitted if you are sending medications—prescription or non-prescription—with your
camper. If there is anything that you think is important or specific that your child’s counselor should know, please fill out the Individual Camper Care Plan. This includes detailed information, camper’s fears, reservations about camp, or behavior concerns.

Camp prefers that all medications be administered at home before the camp day. Medications that are required during the camp day will be dispensed by our office manager or office staff. No medications will be allowed in your child’s lunch box or backpack. All prescription medication must be in the original container that identifies the prescribing physician, the name of the medication, the
dosage, and the frequency of administration.

A medication form must be filled out before medication can be administered. Refrigeration will be provided if necessary. Routine scrapes and cuts will be treated by our staff. In the case of serious illness or accident involving your child, the camp will contact you directly. In the event you cannot be reached, the authorization signature on your health form allows us to secure prompt treatment. Outside medical costs will be billed to the camper’s parents. General medications and first aid supplies are provided at no cost to campers.

All allergies should be brought to the attention of the camp staff. Medications for allergies should be left with the main office.

Campers with special emotional or physical needs should be called to the attention of the Camp Director by fully describing any unique requirements of the camper. 

Dress your child for a day of outdoor fun. Please do not send your child’s best clothing/shoes, as camp activities are outside and rugged. For safety reasons, sandals are not permitted at camp, please be sure your child wears tennis shoes and socks to camp every day. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s full name. This will assist us with claiming lost and found. Westside YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. Valuables and meaningful items should be left at home.

Be sure to bring

• Lunch: Pack a nutritious lunch for your camper. Though there will be designated snack times scheduled throughout the day, please send snacks and water for your camper. A small cooler with the camper’s name works best. Camp staff will not be able to heat or cool food.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Your child must bring a water bottle every day. We spend a lot of time outside, and they need to stay hydrated.
•  Insect repellent and sunscreen: To help prevent sunburn, it is recommended that parents apply sunscreen prior to arriving at camp. Parents should also provide campers with sunscreen to keep with them throughout the day.

Westside day camp is an urban-eco experience—please leave the following at home:

• Electronic equipment, cell phones, iPods/MP3 players
• Anything that can be classified as a weapon
• Alcohol or drugs

The philosophy of our program is based on the character development principles of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring. It is expected that our staff give respect and courtesies to each participant, as we expect the same in return. Camp rules are designed to enhance the happiness and safety of all campers. Children who do not demonstrate appropriate behavior in the judgment of the directors will be sent home from camp. Early dismissal will not warrant a refund.

Campers swim daily.

Campers must bring proper swimwear and a towel. Girls must wear a one-piece swimsuit.

Campers’ swimming abilities will be tested at the beginning of every week, before they are permitted to swim or participate in any water activities.

The head lifeguard will announce general swimming rules before each swimming period.

Our day camp counselors are required to watch and/or swim with the campers.

Campers who pass the swim test will be given a plastic swim band. Please keep the band on the child all week. If a child does not wear
his/her band, they will be required to wear a life jacket.

Snacks will be provided in the afternoon. Parents must provide morning snacks/breakfast and lunch! Lunch is at 12:00pm and afternoon snack is at 3:30pm.