Welcome to YMCA Camp Harrison, located in the picturesque landscape of Boomer, North Carolina. Nestled in the serene foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this camp offers a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience.

YMCA Camp Harrison was established with a vision to provide young people with a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment where they can develop character and learn invaluable life skills. Surrounded by natural beauty, including expansive forests and a pristine lake, the camp provides a perfect setting for adventure and exploration.

The mission of YMCA Camp Harrison is to foster a community where young individuals can build integrity, self-reliance, and leadership skills. Here, campers are encouraged to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships, and gain a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Catering to boys and girls aged 6 to 16, YMCA Camp Harrison offers an environment where campers from diverse backgrounds come together to grow in spirit, mind, and body. Whether engaging in water sports, scaling rock walls, or participating in team-building activities, campers enjoy a summer filled with fun, learning, and personal growth.

Programs Offered by YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison offers a variety of programs designed to cater to the diverse interests and developmental needs of its campers. From adventure-filled outdoor activities to creative arts and sciences, the camp provides an enriching experience that promotes personal growth and lifelong memories.

Programs and Session Lengths

Traditional Camp Sessions:
- These sessions provide a classic camp experience, including a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, canoeing, and campfire nights. Sessions typically last one or two weeks, allowing campers to immerse themselves fully in the camp lifestyle and build strong friendships.
Leadership Development Programs:
- Designed for older campers, these programs focus on developing leadership skills through team-building exercises, leadership workshops, and community service projects. These sessions usually span two weeks and are aimed at preparing teens for leadership roles both at camp and in their communities.
Specialty Camps:
- YMCA Camp Harrison offers specialty camps that focus on specific interests. These include:
  - Arts Camps: Focused on visual and performing arts, providing an outlet for creative expression through painting, drama, music, and more.
  - Sports Camps: Catering to various sports enthusiasts with programs in soccer, basketball, and other sports, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
  - Science Camps: Engaging campers in hands-on science projects, environmental education, and explorations that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at YMCA Camp Harrison is structured to balance activity with rest, learning with play, and individual time with group activities. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning exercises
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities (rotating through scheduled programs such as arts, sports, or nature explorations)
12:00 PM: Lunch and rest period
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (specialty program sessions or free choice activities)
5:00 PM: Free time and optional activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening program (campfire, talent show, group games)
9:00 PM: Cabin time and preparation for bed
10:00 PM: Lights out

This schedule ensures that every camper experiences a full day of engaging activities while also getting enough downtime to relax and recharge for the next day. Whether they are here for a week, two weeks, or the entire summer, campers at YMCA Camp Harrison find each day filled with new challenges and opportunities to grow.

Accommodations in YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison provides comfortable and accommodating facilities designed to enhance the camping experience while ensuring safety and convenience for all campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers are housed in well-constructed cabins that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. Each cabin sleeps 8-12 campers along with 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. They are strategically located to offer beautiful views of the surrounding natural scenery and easy access to the camp’s main facilities.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: YMCA Camp Harrison operates a full-service dining hall where campers enjoy three nutritious meals per day, prepared by a team of professional chefs. The meal plan is designed to be hearty and appealing to young appetites, providing the energy needed for active days.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary needs, the camp offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or lactose-free requirements. Parents can discuss their child’s dietary needs prior to arrival to ensure these are well accommodated.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities are conveniently located near the cabins. These facilities are divided by gender and are maintained with high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Bathrooms are equipped with multiple stalls and sinks to accommodate several campers at once, reducing wait times during peak periods. Showers are private, with individual stalls and changing areas, ensuring privacy and comfort.
Accessibility: All facilities at YMCA Camp Harrison, including sleeping quarters, dining areas, and bathroom facilities, are designed to be accessible to ensure that campers with disabilities can enjoy a comfortable and inclusive camping experience.

Overall, YMCA Camp Harrison aims to provide a home away from home, where campers can feel comfortable, safe, and free to focus on their personal growth and enjoyment.

Activities in YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison offers a rich assortment of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, promoting both fun and personal growth. The camp’s beautiful setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor and creative pursuits.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps can enjoy swimming, canoeing, and fishing in the lake, as well as hiking and exploring the surrounding forest areas. Rock climbing and zip-lining offer thrilling challenges while teaching important safety and technique skills.
Sports: A variety of sports activities are available, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and archery. These activities foster teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness.
Creative Arts: For those interested in the arts, the camp provides programs in crafts, pottery, and drama. These sessions allow campers to express their creativity and learn new artistic skills.
Environmental Education: Campers have the opportunity to learn about local ecology, participate in nature scavenger hunts, and engage in environmental conservation projects.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires: One of the most cherished traditions, evening campfires are a time for songs, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Color Wars: This camp-wide event divides campers into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges, promoting spirit, camaraderie, and friendly competition.
Talent Shows: Campers are encouraged to showcase their talents, whether it’s playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, or performing a skit, contributing to a fun and supportive environment.

Skill Development Opportunities

YMCA Camp Harrison emphasizes the development of both hard and soft skills through its activities:

Leadership Skills: Through team sports, leadership programs, and group activities, campers enhance their leadership abilities, learning to motivate others and make decisions.
Social Skills: Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds in a shared living environment helps campers develop empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Practical Skills: Activities like cooking over a campfire, basic wilderness survival, and orienteering teach practical skills that can be valuable throughout life.

The activities at YMCA Camp Harrison are designed to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to try something new, improve existing skills, and leave camp with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The staff of YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all campers, which starts with a highly qualified and dedicated staff. The camp ensures that every staff member is well-trained and equipped to offer the best possible experience for the campers.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Ratio: YMCA Camp Harrison maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and high-quality supervision. Generally, the ratio is about 1 staff member to every 6 campers, which allows staff to effectively monitor and engage with each camper, ensuring safety and a supportive atmosphere.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: The selection process for staff at YMCA Camp Harrison is rigorous and thorough. Candidates undergo background checks, and interviews, and must provide references. This process helps ensure that only the most responsible and capable individuals join the camp team.
Staff Qualifications: Staff members typically have prior experience working with children in educational or recreational settings. Many are education or recreation majors in college who bring a passionate and knowledgeable approach to their roles. It’s also common for staff members to have been campers themselves at YMCA Camp Harrison or other camps, providing them with a deep understanding of the camp experience and its impact.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: All staff undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, child behavior management, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. This training ensures that all team members are prepared to handle a wide range of situations that may arise during camp.
Certifications: Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. For activities that require specific skills, such as swimming or rock climbing, staff must also possess appropriate certifications (e.g., lifeguarding for pool and lake activities).
Ongoing Education: YMCA Camp Harrison encourages continuous learning and development through ongoing training sessions throughout the camp season. These sessions help staff stay updated on best practices in child development and camp management.

The staff at YMCA Camp Harrison are more than just supervisors; they are role models and mentors who play a crucial role in making the camp experience safe, enjoyable, and enriching for every camper. Their dedication and expertise ensure that campers not only have fun but also learn valuable life skills in a supportive community.

Safety and Health in YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison prioritizes the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining well-equipped health facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Safety Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency lockdown procedures, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in various emergency situations.
Activity-Specific Safety Measures: For each activity offered at the camp, specific safety rules are in place, which are strictly enforced by trained staff members. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards, and activities like swimming and climbing have additional safety measures and lifeguards or specialists on duty.
Secure Campgrounds: The camp is designed to be secure with controlled access points, ensuring that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. Staff are trained to monitor these points and ensure that all individuals on-site are accounted for.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: YMCA Camp Harrison is equipped with a health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, during peak times, a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle routine health issues such as minor injuries, allergies, and common illnesses.
Medication Management: The health center staff manages and dispenses all camper medications according to physician instructions and parental consent, ensuring that each camper’s health needs are met throughout their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in various scenarios, from natural disasters to health emergencies. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new challenges.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear protocol for communicating with parents or guardians. This includes timely updates through phone, email, or a designated emergency contact system, ensuring that families are informed and involved as necessary.
Training in Emergency Preparedness: All staff members receive training in emergency preparedness, including first aid, CPR, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This training ensures that staff can provide immediate care while waiting for professional medical assistance if needed.

Overall, the comprehensive safety and health measures at YMCA Camp Harrison are designed to create a nurturing environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being, and campers can enjoy their activities and experiences without undue risk.

Cost and Registration in YMCA Camp Harrison

At YMCA Camp Harrison, the goal is to make the camp experience accessible and affordable for families while maintaining the high quality of programs and facilities. Here’s a breakdown of the cost, registration process, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

Cost Inclusions: The cost of attending YMCA Camp Harrison covers all lodging, meals, activities, and program materials. Prices vary depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. Additional costs might include optional extras such as special excursions, camp store accounts, or specialty equipment.
Typical Cost Range: While specific costs can vary year to year, typical sessions range from approximately $500 for a one-week session to $1,000 for two-week sessions. Specialty camps and leadership programs might have different pricing due to specialized activities and resources.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for camp sessions is typically handled through an online platform. Families can access forms and necessary information from the camps.
Deadlines: It’s advisable to register early as sessions can fill up quickly. Registration usually opens several months in advance, and early registration discounts may be available. Specific deadlines for each session are clearly stated on the camp’s website and promotional materials.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: YMCA Camp Harrison offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of the camp. These plans typically allow families to spread the cost over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellation Policies: The camp provides a structured refund policy, which usually includes full or partial refunds up to a certain date. After this date, refunds may not be available, or only a portion might be returned depending on the timing of the cancellation.
Insurance Option: Families are often encouraged to purchase camp insurance that can cover cancellation fees in case of unexpected events such as illness or family emergencies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: YMCA Camp Harrison is committed to ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial constraints. Scholarships or financial aid are available based on need. Families are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application for Financial Aid: The process for applying for financial aid typically involves filling out an application form and providing documentation of financial need.

YMCA Camp Harrison strives to make its programs affordable and accessible, providing various financial options and supports to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp.

Parent and Camper Preparation in YMCA Camp Harrison

YMCA Camp Harrison provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure both campers and parents are well-prepared for the camp experience. Proper preparation helps maximize the enjoyment and benefits of camp while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the following items are typically recommended:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, and rain gear. Include enough clothing for the session duration, as laundry services are usually limited.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes for hiking, sandals for showers, and athletic shoes.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Miscellaneous: Water bottle, flashlight, hats, sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a disposable camera (if permissible).

It’s important to label all personal items with the camper’s name to avoid loss or confusion.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: YMCA Camp Harrison typically enforces a no-technology policy to encourage campers to engage fully with their surroundings and peers. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are usually not allowed, except for cameras.
Visitation: Parents are generally not allowed to visit during shorter camp sessions to help campers adjust to the camp environment and foster independence. Specific visitation days might be set for longer sessions.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to behavior guidelines that promote safety, respect, and inclusion. These include respecting others’ property, maintaining appropriate language, and participating in scheduled activities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to making new friends and trying new activities. Camp is a great opportunity to learn new skills and discover new interests.
- Stay positive and communicate with your counselors if you’re feeling homesick or have any concerns. They’re there to help!
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like well before your child leaves, focusing on the exciting opportunities and activities available.
- Pack together with your child to ensure they are involved in the preparation process and understand what they are bringing.
- Write letters or send care packages to your child if the camp allows, to provide comfort and connection from home.

Preparing both mentally and physically for camp can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for first-time campers and their parents. YMCA Camp Harrison’s supportive environment and detailed preparation guidelines help ensure that every camper has a positive and memorable experience.

YMCA Camp Harrison provides an enriching and unforgettable summer experience for campers aged 6 to 16 in the picturesque setting of Boomer, North Carolina. With a strong commitment to fostering personal growth, leadership, and a sense of community, the camp offers a diverse array of activities, from outdoor adventures and sports to arts and environmental education. The careful attention to safety, health, and camper engagement ensures that every participant enjoys a safe, fun, and educational stay.

The dedicated staff, comprehensive preparation guidelines, and robust support systems make YMCA Camp Harrison not just a place to spend the summer, but a place to grow, learn, and create lasting memories. Whether a first-timer or a returning camper, each child leaves with strengthened character, new skills, and friendships that last a lifetime, embodying the YMCA’s mission to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.