Welcome to Chicota Youth Camp, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of St. Landry, Louisiana. Located in the heart of the region, their camp is easily accessible yet beautifully secluded, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable camping experience. Chicota Youth Camp is known for its rich heritage and strong community ties, having served as a nurturing place for youth development for decades.

Their mission at Chicota Youth Camp is “To empower young individuals through outdoor education and leadership development in a safe and inclusive environment.” They strive to instill a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and respect for nature among their campers, shaping them into confident and conscientious leaders of tomorrow.

Chicota Youth Camp offers specialized programs for both boys and girls, welcoming campers aged 6 to 16. Their programs are meticulously designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring that each camper receives age-appropriate challenges and support. Whether through sports, creative arts, or adventure activities, every day at Chicota is an opportunity for growth, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Join us and discover a place where youth thrive in the great outdoors!

Programs Offered by Chicota Youth Camp

Chicota Youth Camp offers a variety of dynamic programs designed to engage and enrich campers of all interests and ages. Each program is thoughtfully structured to foster personal growth, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Programs Offered:

Explorer Sessions: These sessions run for one week, providing a perfect introduction to camp life for younger campers or those new to the camping experience. Activities include basic outdoor skills, arts and crafts, and water games.
Adventure Sessions: For a more immersive experience, campers can participate in two-week sessions. These are designed for intermediate campers who are ready to delve deeper into specific activities such as advanced hiking, canoeing, and wildlife exploration.
Leadership Development Program: Intended for older campers, these four-week sessions focus on developing leadership skills through advanced camp responsibilities, team-leading tasks, and special group projects.

Specialty Programs:

Arts Program: Offers a creative outlet for campers, including workshops in painting, sculpture, and performance arts. This program encourages artistic expression and creativity in a natural setting.
Sports Program: Focuses on physical fitness and sportsmanship, offering everything from swimming and archery to team sports like soccer and basketball.
Science Explorers: Geared towards curious minds, this program includes activities like astronomy nights, nature walks, and basic environmental science projects.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:00 AM: Wake up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning Activity Block (activity varies by program)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest time/Free time
2:00 PM: Afternoon Activity Block (different set of activities)
5:00 PM: Free play or optional workshop time
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfire, storytelling, night hikes)
9:00 PM: Lights out for younger campers
10:00 PM: Lights out for older campers

Every day at Chicota Youth Camp is carefully planned to balance structured activities with ample time for free play and exploration, ensuring that each camper has the opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun.

Accommodations in Chicota Youth Camp

At Chicota Youth Camp, they ensure that every aspect of their accommodations enhances the camping experience while meeting the needs of their campers. Comfort and safety are their top priorities, providing a home away from home in the heart of nature.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation option includes rustic yet comfortable cabins designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses up to 10 campers along with 2 counselors, ensuring close supervision and a family-like atmosphere. Cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings.
Tents: For specific programs focused on wilderness skills, they offer tent camping as part of the curriculum. These are short-term arrangements where campers learn to set up their own tents and live more directly with the natural environment.
Dormitories: Available for larger groups or special events, their dorm-style accommodations provide a more communal living experience, with larger sleeping areas and shared facilities.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Chicota Youth Camp provides three nutritious meals per day, cooked on-site by their skilled kitchen staff. They aim to make mealtime a fun and fulfilling part of the camp experience with a variety of balanced options to keep campers energized throughout the day.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all campers, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meal options. Parents are encouraged to discuss any specific dietary needs with us prior to arrival to ensure they can meet their child’s requirements.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, ensuring easy access for all campers. These facilities are divided by gender and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to accommodate the group sizes efficiently.
Hygiene: Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, their facilities are cleaned multiple times a day. They also educate campers on maintaining personal hygiene and respecting shared spaces.

Their accommodations at Chicota Youth Camp are designed to provide a comfortable, healthy, and safe environment, allowing campers to focus on learning and enjoyment without the distractions of discomfort.

Activities in Chicota Youth Camp

Chicota Youth Camp offers a broad array of activities tailored to cultivate skills, nurture interests, and encourage social interaction among campers. From outdoor adventures to creative arts and sports, their activities are designed to suit every camper’s interests and ensure a well-rounded camp experience.

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and orienteering are staples, providing campers with hands-on nature experiences.
Water Activities: Swimming lessons, water polo, and kayak races take place in their on-site lake, supervised by certified lifeguards.
Creative Arts: Crafts, pottery, painting, and drama workshops allow campers to express themselves creatively.
Sports: Facilities for soccer, basketball, archery, and volleyball are available, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Environmental Education: Guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, and conservation projects educate campers on local ecology and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Special Events or Traditions:

Campfire Nights: Held weekly, these feature storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and tradition.
End-of-Camp Carnival: A celebratory event that includes games, contests, and performances by the campers, marking the end of each session with a festive atmosphere.
Color Wars: This camp-wide competition splits campers into teams for a series of fun and spirited challenges, promoting camaraderie and team spirit.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Skills: Older campers can participate in leadership training sessions, preparing them for roles as junior counselors or in peer leadership opportunities back home.
Personal Responsibility: Campers are encouraged to take care of their living spaces and personal belongings, fostering independence and responsibility.
Social Skills: Through group activities and shared living arrangements, campers enhance their communication and cooperation skills, essential for building lasting friendships.

Chicota Youth Camp is dedicated to providing a diverse and enriching environment where children can learn, play, and grow. Whether it’s through scaling a climbing wall, performing in a camp play, or leading a team in sports, every camper finds a way to shine and develop new skills that last a lifetime.

The staff of Chicota Youth Camp

At Chicota Youth Camp, they take great pride in their staff, who are essential to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for their campers. Their commitment to quality staffing is reflected in their rigorous hiring processes, staff qualifications, and the ongoing training they receive.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Supervision: They maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5 to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care.
Specialized Activities: For activities requiring technical skills or increased safety measures, such as swimming or archery, the ratio is even lower, typically around 1:3.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Their staff are selected through a competitive process that includes thorough background checks, interviews, and references. They prioritize applicants with experience in child care, education, or specific activity expertise.
Qualifications: All staff members are required to have relevant qualifications for their roles. For instance, activity leaders for swimming or boating are certified lifeguards, while those leading hikes or outdoor expeditions often have backgrounds in environmental science or outdoor education.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Prior to the camp season, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution.
Certifications: Essential certifications such as CPR and First Aid are mandatory for all camp staff, ensuring that they are prepared to handle any situation that might arise. Additional certifications, like wilderness first responder or specific sports coaching credentials, are required depending on the staff member’s role.
Ongoing Development: They also provide ongoing training throughout the camp season and encourage staff to update their skills and certifications regularly.

Chicota Youth Camp’s staff are more than just supervisors; they are role models and mentors who play a crucial role in the campers’ experience. With a strong emphasis on safety, skills development, and personal growth, their staff is dedicated to making each camper’s time at Chicota memorable and rewarding.

Safety and Health in Chicota Youth Camp

At Chicota Youth Camp, the safety and health of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They have comprehensive protocols and facilities in place to ensure that everyone at camp remains safe and well cared for throughout their stay.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Daily Checks: Each day begins with safety checks, ensuring that all equipment and facilities are in proper working order.
Activity Supervision: All activities are supervised by trained staff members who are certified in their respective areas, ensuring that safety guidelines are always followed.
Weather Policies: They monitor weather conditions closely and have protocols for severe weather, including safe locations for shelter and modified activities to ensure continued engagement and safety.
Regular Drills: Emergency drills such as fire, weather, and lockdown are conducted regularly to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with safety procedures.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a rotating physician. The center is equipped to handle routine health issues and minor injuries.
Medical Supplies and Equipment: The health center is well-stocked with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to address a range of health needs, including first aid, common medications, and emergency response capabilities.
Hours of Operation: The health center operates 24 hours a day during the camp session, ensuring that medical care is available at all times.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Immediate Response: In the event of a medical emergency, their trained staff provide immediate care, and they have procedures in place to quickly transport the affected individual to the nearest hospital if necessary.
Communication: Parents are notified immediately of any emergencies involving their child, and they maintain open lines of communication to update them on their child’s status.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: They have strong relationships with local emergency services and hospitals, ensuring a swift response and coordination in case of serious incidents or health issues.

Chicota Youth Camp’s commitment to safety and health is reflected in its meticulous attention to safety practices, well-equipped health facilities, and a well-trained, responsive staff. These measures ensure that campers can enjoy their experience in a secure and supportive environment.

Cost and Registration in Chicota Youth Camp

At Chicota Youth Camp, they strive to make their enriching camp experience accessible and affordable for families. Here’s a detailed overview of the cost, registration process, and financial options available to prospective campers.

Cost of Attendance

What it Includes: The cost of attendance covers all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, supervision, and access to all camp facilities and special events. They ensure that there are no hidden fees, and all necessary camping gear, except for personal items, is provided.
Varied Costs: The cost varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. One-week sessions typically start at a basic rate, with two-week and specialty program sessions at higher rates due to the additional resources and staffing they require.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for camp sessions is available through their online portal. This streamlined process allows families to fill out necessary forms, select sessions, and submit medical information directly through their website.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January for the summer sessions and closes once the maximum number of campers for each session is reached. Early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot and to take advantage of any early bird discounts.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: They offer flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months, making it more manageable. These plans can be set up at the time of registration.
Refunds and Cancellation: Their cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to one month before the session starts, minus a non-refundable deposit. After this period, refunds are prorated based on the amount of time remaining until the camp session begins.
Illness or Emergency Cancellations: In cases of illness or emergency that prevent a camper from attending, special arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis, including potential deferral of attendance to a future session.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: They offer a variety of scholarships aimed at assisting families in need. These scholarships can cover the partial or full costs of the camp, depending on the family’s circumstances.
Application for Financial Aid: Applications for financial aid are reviewed confidentially and require documentation of financial need. The application process for financial aid is separate from the registration and typically has an earlier deadline to allow for processing.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Chicota Youth Camp

Preparing for camp at Chicota Youth Camp is an exciting experience for both campers and their parents. To ensure everyone is ready for a fantastic summer, they provide detailed guidance on what to pack, understand their camp rules, and offer tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

Essential Items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable clothing for a week (or longer if staying for multiple sessions), including undergarments and socks. Include warm layers for cooler evenings and lightweight, breathable outfits for daytime activities.
Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, hiking boots (if participating in hiking activities), and flip-flops or sandals for shower use.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets suitable for the climate, plus a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, bug repellent, and any personal hygiene items.
Water Bottle: Durable, refillable water bottle for hydration throughout the day.
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket or poncho for rainy days.

Optional Items:

Camera: Disposable or digital camera (without phone capabilities) for capturing memories.
Books and Games: Items for downtime, such as books, cards, or board games.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Essential for evening activities and trips to the bathroom at night.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and enjoyment of the natural setting, personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are not allowed. Cameras without internet capabilities are permitted for taking photos.
Visitation: Parents and family are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to help campers adjust to camp life and foster independence.
Behavior: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is expected at all times. Bullying, possession of prohibited items, or failure to follow safety instructions will result in appropriate disciplinary actions.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:

Engage Fully: Dive into the activities offered. Trying new things is a big part of the camp experience.
Stay Positive: Homesickness is normal. Remember, it usually passes quickly, and staying active helps.

For Parents:

Communication: Write letters or send care packages to your camper, but avoid excessive communication to help them gain independence.
Trust the Process: It’s normal to worry, but remember that camp staff are trained professionals adept at caring for your child and helping them adjust to camp life.

Chicota Youth Camp is committed to ensuring that every camper has a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience. By preparing adequately and embracing the camp’s spirit, campers and parents alike will find that time spent at Chicota is both rewarding and memorable.

Chicota Youth Camp offers a unique blend of adventure, creativity, and growth in a nurturing and safe environment. Located in the picturesque landscape of St. Landry, Louisiana, their camp is designed to provide an unforgettable experience where children can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. From swimming and hiking to arts and science projects, each activity is crafted to encourage self-expression and personal growth.

They are dedicated to maintaining a community where campers feel valued and supported while they engage in exciting activities and learn about the world around them. Their comprehensive safety protocols and experienced staff ensure that parents can trust their children are in good hands, allowing campers to enjoy their summer to the fullest.