This past weekend (December 12-13) 55 CILTs from the summer of 2009 returned to Camp T for the 2nd Annual Winter CILT reunion.  The CILTs were joined by several counselors from this summer including “the Sarahs,” Glanders, Jordan, Kathleen, Shelby and Lily.  Everyone had a great time playing games, re-connecting with old friends and making new friends.  And what CILT get-together would be complete without a dance party?

For those of you who are on Facebook, Chase Bank has started a “Chase Community Giving” voting on Facebook.  They are giving $25,000 to 100 charities around the country, and $1 Million to one charity.  The giving is based on votes through Facebook.  Help support Camp Tecumseh YMCA by voting and telling your friends about it.  You can only vote for a charity once.  Click on the link below to vote!

Pictures from Day Camp Week 7 have been posted here.

Many specialized staff trainings and other camper preparations are underway. For the third week in a row various groups of staff are in for specialized training. So far we have had Life Guard training, marksmanship training, Survivor Tecumseh and the Amazing Camp Race trainings.

Underway now are high ropes and climbing wall trainings and all equestrian trainings. Safety first in all we do!

Meanwhile other staff are putting out ‘summer only’ equipment like all the lake equipment.The floating trampolines require six to eight staff to move—they are BIG.

Even the rain couldn’t stop us on Sunday.

Despite the cold and rain, about 50 people stopped by camp on Sunday to find out more about Day Camp.  Visitors tried their hands at Mini Golf, had their faces painted, roasted marshmallows and took tours.  About 25 summer Day Camp staff were on site to answer questions and help kids and parents alike try out the Black Hole, Climbing Wall and Archery.

If you missed out on the Open House, and would like more information or a tour, feel free to contact Day Camp Director Joel (765-564-2898 x309) to setup a tour or ask any questions.

Day Camp Open House this Sunday!

This Sunday (April 19) from 2:00-6:00 pm we are inviting any interested families to stop by camp to learn a little more about Day Camp, try out the Black Hole, Climbing Wall and Archery, and to take a tractor tour. Day Camp Director, Joel Sieplinga, and Day Camp Registrar Christa will be there to answer questions and help out with registrations. Summer counselors will also be on hand to meet campers and parents, help folks roast a marshmallow and answer any questions you might have. Please give us a call with any questions you might have 765-564-2898.

Camp Tecumseh YMCA is hosting a Day Camp
Open House on Sunday, April 19!

We are inviting returning and prospective Day Campers and their families to come to camp on Sunday, April 19 from 2:00-6:00 pm.  We’ll have tractor hayrides giving tours around camp, we’ll have a campfire with marshmallows to roast, and several of our counselors, both new and returning, will be on hand to meet campers and parents and help you get to know camp a little more.  We’ll also open up the Black Hole, Mt. Wood and Archery for the kids and adults to try out with our staff’s help.

Joel (the Day Camp Director) and Christa (the Day Camp Registrar) will be there as well to answer any questions that you might have and to help you get signed up for camp.

If you have any questions prior to the event, please call 765-564-2898 and ask for Joel, or leave a message at extension 309 and we’ll return your call as soon as possible.

Update:  It’s here! Download the flier or register online now!

After a long winter, the Day Camp registration is almost here.  Brochures are going out to area schools this week and will be mailed out next week.  The brochure and registration form will also be posted online on Wednesday, March 4.  A sneak peek of the weeks and themes is below.  We are looking forward to a lot of great times this summer, with many of our staff returning, including Matt as our Assistant Director for the third year!  Stay tuned for more Day Camp news, including new activities, a Day Camp open house, and more!  If you have any questions, please call and ask for Joel (Day Camp Director) or Christa (Day Camp Registrar) at 765-564-2898.

Week 1–June 15-19–Hollywood
Week 2–June 22-26–Survivor-Tecumseh
Week 3–June 29-July 3–Tecumseh-saurus
Week 4–July 6-10–Superheroes
Week 5–July 13-17–Wet ‘n’ Wild
Week 6–July 20-24–Christmas in July
Week 7–July 27-31–Rrrrrracecar!

This week our Outdoor Education program started in full swing again.  We welcomed Liberty Intermediate School from Bourbonnais, IL, who have been coming out this time of year now for over 10 years.  Bundled up for the winter elements, around 250 students participated this week in two different groups and enjoyed many educational activities. Pioneering helped give them a hands on example of life back in the early 1800s.  The students also got a chance to learn about Trust, Problem-solving, Leadership, Self-Confidence and communication through many team building initiatives such as orienteering in Mission possible, climbing the indoor wall at Ziggy’s Gulch, learning winter survival skills like building fires and shelters and completing the Teams course out in the woods.  Nature related activities included exploring the nature center and using Microscopes, making dream catchers in nature art and visiting the cow, pigs, sheep and chickens at the mini farm. To round off the whole experience, each student went zipping down the black hole, which can be extra fast this time of year. A great time was had by all.

You can check out more pictures of their experience here.

If you have a school group that might be interested in coming out to Camp Tecumseh to do something similar, you can contact Tom at TomE@camptecumseh.org.