What type of “camping” is this?
A: Sleep: We go to the same YMCA Camps that host campers during the Summer. We stay in 10-30 person heated log cabins with the finest mattresses you can put on a bunkbed.
** If you really want to, you can bring your own tent and set it up near the cabins.
Groom: While there are separate shower and bathroom facilities about 100 feet away from the cabins, they are almost never used to shower (just #1 and #2 and the occasional teeth brushing)
Eat: There is a dining hall, where camp staff prepare dinner and breakfast for us. Note: This is not gourmet food but simple cafeteria-like burgers, hot dogs, pancakes, etc. If your child is particularly picky or has allergies, please plan accordingly.
Dads will eat catered BBQ (b/c we’re foodies) outside of the hall and then help daughters w/ their meals indoors
Recreate: All activities like archery, climbing wall, horseback riding, canoeing, etc. have a staff member who assists the girls with the activities. Most of the girls like running around and having the freedom of just “playing”
Do I have to be there the whole time?
A: No. We recognize that everyone has a busy life. You can come whenever and leave whenever you need. The girls do enjoy the activities in the afternoon on Saturday, so get to camp as early as you can in the afternoon (after 1:00PM typically) so you can maximize their time on the activities.
Packing List
Sleeping bag or a sheet and blanket. The beds are twin-size bunk beds with a 3-inch foam mattress.
Pillow and stuffed animals if desired (by father or daughter)
SWAPS – Each girl brings 10-15 toys/dolls/craft stuff items to “swap” with other girls. Think of it as a big garage sale, but everyone trades stuff instead of using money. It can be an excellent way to get rid of random birthday presents your kid does not want. Just put them all in a brown paper grocery bag and see what they come back with! The girls love this activity. Ideas for swaps (as of 2023 b/c we all know the trends change):
Mochi Squishes
Croc jibbitz
Hair clips
Pop its
Stuffed animals
Company swag (hats, water bottles etc)
Two flashlights – 1 for dad and 1 for daughter
Two folding chairs for sitting around the campfire – 1 for dad and 1 for daughter
Clothing – enough clothes for 22 hours. We don’t do any water activities due to the time of year. Please pack some warm clothes for being outdoors at night by the campfire. Tennis shoes/sneakers are just fine for all the activities we will do. If the weather forecast calls for rain, bring rain jackets.
Toiletries and towels – As mentioned, there are showers available, though many don’t bother with it because it is only 22 hours and they just shower the kids when they get home on Sunday.
Spare phone battery and cable to charge your phone. The cabins have some outlets, but usually not enough, so bring one of those portable batteries and a cable as well as a regular charger.
Red Solo Cups – All Dads are members of the Loyal Order of the Red Solo Cup. Please make sure you have red solo cups for your beverages (aka - no one should be openly drinking in front of YMCA staff - hide it)
Trash bag – Please bring a trash bag so we can make sure to leave the cabins and campfire sites spotless when we leave. No trash can be on the ground outdoors. This is very important to make sure we get invited back.
S’mores supplies and snacks for the kids. Due to allergies, please be cognizant of peanut allergies when deciding snacks to bring
A small cooler filled with cold drinks for your daughter and yourself.
Long-nosed lighter. For fires, pumpkins, and roasting as s’more if it rains
One-Two pumpkins (FALL ONLY) – It is highly suggested to hollow out the pumpkin the day before. You should bring a knife and sharpie to make the design and cut the pumpkin. (We handle the candles)