Summer Camp Guide 2023
Summer Camp Guide 2023
A-I 3:00 PM
J-R 3:30 PM
S-Z 4:00 PM
All forms and actions are found online in your camp account.
Required Forms and Actions: Due two weeks prior to your Camp. Visit the Forms and Documents link under
the Forms Dashboard Heading.
Health History Form (Online - REQUIRED): Our Health Staff will review this form prior to the arrival
of your camper. Each camper must have a completed, current Health History form on file at camp.
Camper Information Form (Online - REQUIRED): This gives the counselor some knowledge of the
camper's background and interests for camp. It is helpful in meeting your camper’s individual needs.
Information is kept confidential between parents/caregivers and staff, and helps us set your camper
up for success in their experience.
Store Money (Online): To streamline our check in process, please add money to your camper’s store
account online. Visit the “View Camp Store Account” link under “Your Family” heading to fund. We
suggest $25 to $35. As campers purchase items or receive Magic Mail, the proper amounts are
deducted from their store account. Cash is only accepted at the camp store during check-in and check
-out. Campers will not need cash during their week.
Additional Forms: Helpful to have, and submitted two weeks prior to your Camp
Additional Options Form (Online): Using this form you can add a care package:
Camp Kitaki Care Package
Camper Photo Form You can upload a picture of your camper here to help us get to know them
before camp!
ACCREDITATION - We are accredited by the American Camp Association. To earn accreditation, a camp must
meet high standards in facilities, program design, management, food service, camp operations, program quality
and the health & safety of campers and staff. To learn more about the American Camp Association, please visit
www.acacamps.org
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BEFORE CAMP: Camper Preparation
COVID-19 Precautions:
Two Weeks Prior: Please be aware of your family’s communicable disease exposure in the two weeks leading up to your
camper’s session.
If your camper has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to their session
they will be asked not to attend camp. Please contact the Camp Kitaki office to explore options.
Public Health Measures: Camp Kitaki will follow all applicable public health measures and guidance provided
for the safe operation of overnight camp programs. Should procedures change from information outlined in this
guide, we will update parents/caregivers as soon as possible.
Let your child know that you have confidence in their ability to cope with the new life style at camp. Focus on
the positive aspects of camp; making new friends, exciting activities, and how proud you will be when they
succeed, rather than how much you will miss them.
If you believe your child may have unusual difficulties with homesickness, please let us know on the camper
information form or call us at 402.434.9222.
* Due to our terrain and activities your camper will need sturdy shoes and socks for the majority of each day.
** Boots are strongly encouraged for Regular Ranch Camp. They are required for Advanced and Challenge Ranch
Campers.
*** Campers in Ranch Camp are required to wear full-length pants that cover the ankle (jeans) for horseback
riding. Ranch Campers should have enough pants for the week. All campers should bring at least one pair of
pants.
**** Campers in our Trailblazers, Ranger Camp, and Niobrara Camp programs sleep in cot style beds where
sleeping bags work best.
Cell Phones
Music/Media players (music players/portable DVD players etc.)
Computers, tablets or TVs of any size
Video cameras
Video game systems/Electronic games
Hair dryers, curling irons/straighteners
Expensive jewelry/watches
Guns, knives or weapons of any kind
Tobacco, vape products, alcohol or drugs in any form
Fireworks
Fans (cabins are air conditioned)
Specialized or dangerous sports equipment (such as climbing gear, bows, or horse tack) should not be brought to camp
without prior approval of camp administration. 4
DURING CAMP: Arriving at Camp
CHECK IN:
To minimize wait times, please arrive following this schedule:
Last Initials:
A-I 3:00 PM Adventure Mini Camps:
J-R 3:30 PM Wednesday - Saturday
S-Z 4:00 PM Check in: Wednesday 5:00 - 5:30 pm. (Dinner provided)
Camp Store: The camp store has t-shirts, souvenirs and snacks for campers to purchase. The camp store is open
periodically during the week and also during check-in/check-out times. We recommend $25-35 per camper to
allow them to purchase some snacks each day and a few souvenirs.
Camp Store Account Refunds: Funds should be checked into the store online ahead of camp, but can be added
online during the camp week—please do not add more funds on Friday. During check-in you will be asked how
you want unspent funds in your camp store account to be handled. Unspent funds may be returned or donated to
the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, which helps kids attend camp. Refunds will be processed within two weeks
after your camper leaves.
Early Check Out: We want all campers to enjoy everything we offer. Families are encouraged to make summer
arrangements around the camp session so the campers can enjoy 100% of the camp experience. If your child
needs to leave camp early, please make arrangements with the office prior to the session, or during check-in. The
early check-out times will be on Friday at 8:00 am., noon, or 6:00 pm., or on Saturday at 7:30 am. Thank you for
your cooperation.
Cabin Mates: Cabin assignments are made by staff prior to the start of each session. Campers are grouped by
age, gender, and program. We strive to have an age difference of no more than 18 months in a cabin unless the
number of cabins available dictates otherwise. We recommend that siblings are not placed in the same cabin. We
attempt to honor requests for friends to bunk together if this request is made prior to camp and deemed by the
camp to be in the best interest of all. Cabin mates attending Ranch Camp might be placed in different riding
groups based on riding ability. Cabin mate requests are not guaranteed and both campers must request each
other. Cabin mate requests are limited to groups of two or three total campers.
Inclusion Statement: Camp Kitaki is for all. Rules for acceptance and participation are the same for everyone
and we welcome campers and staff of all gender identities, race, religion, sexual orientation, or ability/disability
status.
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DURING CAMP: Health and Safety
Medications: If your child needs to take medication during camp, prescription or over-the-counter, it must be
given to the Health Staff at check-in (HW.19.1). Please bring medications in original container with clear
instructions. Please only send medication your child takes on a regular basis. Camp provides over-the-counter
medication to campers on an as-needed basis. You will be able to give permission for each type of medication on
our online Health History form.
The best way to treat injuries is to prevent them. Our staff members are selected for their maturity and
good judgment and are trained to make good choices. Our program and facility are reviewed regularly by the
Health Department and the American Camp Association. Even though we take every precaution, keep in mind
that there is risk involved with being in the outdoors in camp programs.
A Health Care Specialist, certified in First Aid and CPR, is on staff and available 24 hours a day.
The HCS is trained to provide assistance with minor injuries. We will call EMS in the case of an emergency.
Camp Kitaki does not have a camper insurance policy; medical/surgical or medicinal
charges incurred while at camp are the responsibility of the camper’s parent/guardian.
Camp Kitaki will make every attempt to notify you before making a doctor’s appointment or an
emergency room visit for your child while they are in our care. We will call all phone numbers given to us on the
Health History form. If emergency service is needed, Midlands Hospital in Papillion is 20 minutes away from our
camp site.
Communicable Illness: Parents/Caregivers will be asked to pick up their child. Camper may return to
camp 24 hours after symptoms subside. This is to prevent the further spread of illness/disease.
Minor Health Needs: Will be cared for by our health care staff without notification home unless you
request it on the Health History form. This includes dispensing over-the-counter medications
following the approvals shared on our Health History form.
Severe Weather/Emergencies: We have established procedures and trained our staff to respond to these
situations. Camp has shelter facilities from tornados and storms. In inclement weather, campers are moved into
our sheltered buildings. Phone calls during these already demanding times are difficult, updates will be shared on
Camp’s Facebook page during these events.
Swim Check Campers will participate in a swim check to evaluate their swimming ability. Campers are asked to
swim one length of the pool without resting. Campers who successfully complete this check are allowed to access
the slide at the pool, and depending on age, use of the rope swing at the lake. Campers who do not complete the
swim check must have a counselor in their boat at the camp lake and are kept on the shallow end of our gradual
entry pool. Additional opportunities throughout the week are given to pass the swim check.
Behavior at Camp: Attending camp is a privilege that you as a parent/guardian have chosen for your child. Our
staff will make every attempt to provide positive, realistic expectations and guidelines for your child. Every
camper must make a commitment to follow the camp rules. In extreme cases, campers who cannot act within
camp rules or who adversely affect their own safety, or the safety or experience of other campers will be
dismissed without a refund. Parents/guardians are responsible to transport their child home when dismissed,
including Niobrara and Leadership campers.
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DURING CAMP: The Schedule and Meals
Activities: Kitaki is a busy place. The program has been carefully designed to include a variety of experiences.
Cabin groups will do lots of fun-filled activities such as hikes, swimming, archery, crafts and much more! There
are also periods each day for chores, rest, and clean-up.
Weather: Camp reserves the right to alter activities and/or plans due to weather or other factors in
order to offer the best and safest experience for all. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or
extremely hot weather, may affect our ability to operate certain activities safely. Weather doesn’t
dictate fun though!
Progression: Every Camp Kitaki program offering is tailored for that specific age group and
experience. As campers age, new activities are introduced and all activities introduce new challenges.
Choice Activities: Choice activities are a part of the camp program in different ways for different
age groups. These allow campers to tailor their experience based on their interest!
Spiritual Emphasis: We believe campers learn best from staff who model honorable behavior, speak
and act appropriately, and model their personal spiritual side. We welcome campers and staff of all
faiths to Camp Kitaki.
amp provides balanced meals in adequate quantity and variety to accommodate reasonable appetites and diets.
Healthy snacks are provided between meals in the Dining Hall and snacks are available for purchase in the camp
store each night after dinner. Sometimes, we learn after camp has ended that some campers needed something
at a meal and we were unaware. Please talk with your camper and let them know to tell a counselor if they are
still hungry after a meal so we can help locate additional food items that will work for your camper.
If you do choose to send extra food, please send enough to share with your child’s
entire cabin group and to be consumed in one day. We do not want to attract bugs! Please keep in
mind the possible food allergies or diet limitations of other campers. Please, do not send items that
contain or were processed in a facility with peanuts or tree nuts!! These items will be
confiscated.
Dietary Restrictions: Special dietary needs should be communicated with camp prior to your
camper’s arrival. If you have a severely limited diet (gluten free, vegan, diabetic, etc.) please call the
office to discuss this with our staff. Dietary needs can be communicated through our online health
form.
Snacks and Additional Food: In addition to the meals being served, we offer the Choice Bar, where
campers are able to choose food items such as sandwiches, salad, fruit and vegetables. Fruit is
available all day in our Dining Hall for kids who need a snack.
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DURING CAMP: Staying in Touch
MAIL
Campers will enjoy hearing from home. Remember the tone of a letter will play an important part in making the camper's
experience a happy one. Send news from home, but try not to express how much you or the dog miss them! Make your
letters upbeat, newsy, and friendly. Homesickness is common at camp, but we do have great success in dealing with it.
Please remember: Camper-sick parents very easily make homesick campers.
Campers are encouraged to write home, but don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from them. Campers lead a busy life, and
usually no news is good news. Camp is a new environment and some children will need time to adjust to the new
surroundings, so early mail might sound uncertain.
Stationary, envelopes, postcards and stamps are sold through the camp store, campers can order them at breakfast.
Sending pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes aids campers in writing home.
Mail is delivered to and sent from our USPS mailbox, and delivered to campers daily- however delivery times can vary.
MAGIC MAIL: You can e-mail your campers while they are at Camp Kitaki. Campers do not have access to computers; replies
will not be sent.
Visit www.ymcacampkitaki.org: Click “Magic Mail” at the top of the page.
Each message costs $1, and is deducted from your camper’s store account. Proceeds benefit our YMCA Strong Kids
Campaign.
Messages are delivered the next day after receiving. Messages received after 9 AM on Friday will not be delivered.
Please do not send messages for your camper prior to their arrival at camp, as those messages will not be delivered.
In order to deliver to the correct recipient, Camp Staff will read Magic Mail—they are not private messages.
Facebook: Visit our Facebook page to keep up with information and a few daily pictures from Camp Kitaki. Camp Kitaki
shares a few photos to give folks at home an idea of what is happening at camp. Not all campers and groups will be
represented. Facebook.com/campkitaki
Photographs: Many pictures and videos are taken each session. Often they are used for camp promotional pieces. If you do
not want your camper in these photos and videos, a separate letter must be sent to the Camp Director. If we do not hear
prior to arrival, we will assume you have no objections. To protect the privacy of all campers, public posting of personal
photos by campers is prohibited.
Phone Calls: Campers do not have use of a telephone while at camp. Because of the nature of camp, it may be difficult to
arrange a phone conversation with your camper. Please limit calling camp to family emergency situations. The camp phone
number is 402.234.4141. Do not promise your child/children that they will be able to call home during the week.
Camp is about learning independence and proving the camper can do it on their own.
Camper cellular phones are not allowed. Please do not send a cell phone with your child. The camp environment
features many of the cell phone’s natural enemies (water, heat, dirt, and children). In addition, the camp experience is
about independence and learning to thrive in new environments. We want your child to feel comfortable coming to camp
staff to address any wants or needs they may have while in our care. Should a camper NEED to call home we will arrange
for that to happen using the camp phone. Should a camper WANT to call home due to homesickness we will work with
that camper and be in touch with you on the best way to proceed in making sure your child’s experience at camp is a
successful one. Please read further information about calls home in our section about Preventing Homesickness on page
3.
Visitors: Camp Kitaki does not have a visitor day due to short sessions and all of the fun activities we have campers focus
on.
For the security of our campers, unscheduled visits are not allowed. 8
AFTER CAMP:
CHECKOUT
Adventure Mini Camps:
Parents/Caregivers should pick up their campers between 10:00 and Sunday—Wednesday
10:45 am Saturday morning on the last day of the session. Check Out: Wednesday 10:00-10:45AM
Staff will direct you on where to park, and how to locate your camper. Park, load the camper's gear, and be sure
to sign them out with the counselor. Be sure to check that your camper is leaving with everything they packed.
The camp store will be open for purchases.
Lost & Found: Camp Kitaki is not responsible for loss, damage or theft of items. Campers are asked not to bring
valuable items or clothing to camp. In order to limit the number of items in lost and found, please mark each
article your child brings to camp with their full name. We have close to 10,000 campers annually and initials or
first names only are not tracked easily.
If you find that your camper has left something, please call Camp Kitaki directly at 402-434-9222 with a
detailed description of the item. We will contact you if your item has been found and arrange for pickup. We will
hold lost and found items for two weeks, after which any unclaimed items will be donated to local charities.
Evaluation: An important part of each summer is the evaluation of our program, facilities, equipment and staff.
An evaluation form will be sent home in the folder your child receives at the end of the week. Please fill the
evaluation out with your child/children and let us know how we can better serve your family.
Conferences and Retreats: Camp Kitaki is available after Labor Day through early May to families, church &
youth groups, clubs, and businesses for retreats and rentals.
Contact the Camp Office at 402.434.9222 and ask us to create a personalized package for you.
2024
Cabin Fever Campout - February 9-10
Masterpiece Teen Arts Weekend - February 23-25
March Madness Campout – March 15-17
Spring Adventure Campout - April 26-28
If you are interested in any of these programs or activities please contact the YMCA Camp office for further details or visit:
www.ymcacampkitaki.org
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FUTURE CAMP OPPORTUNITIES:
The Senior Kitaki Kids program (or SKs), is a year around program that consists of:
Monthly events held at Kitaki during the school year that focus on service, leadership development and fun.
The opportunity to assist at Camp Kitaki campouts during the school year (such as Halloween Camp and New
Year’s Live!)
Assisting for a week or more during our summer camp program helping keep camp clean, fun, and memory
filled for our campers!
The Senior Kitaki Kids program is a flexible commitment allowing SKs and their families to select which events
work best for their schedule.
All participants must have previously attended Camp Kitaki and be 14 years or older by September 1st. There will
be no exceptions.
Applications for this program are made available in August. Please complete an interest form during check out to
be sent application information, or contact the office.
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