DEAR PARENTS AND CAMPERS,
CAMP VISION To utilize the natural camp environment to provide fun, safe, unique camping and retreat experiences that promote the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
CAMP OUTCOMES Through Camp Wapsie we strive to help participants: • Grow in self–esteem and self-confidence. • Gain and grow in social skills. • Gain and grow in physical skills and activities. • Gain exposure to and greater knowledge and understanding of the natural world. • Learn and practice the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
As we are thinking about the best way to spend our summers I thank you for considering YMCA Camp Wapsie. People have many choices as they ponder this decision, but not all choices encourage character development, help increase responsibility, self-reliance, confidence and teach a variety of personal values and skills like Wapsie does. When I was a camper I did not think much about those, but now as a director and talking to parents who look at their kids differently after they return from camp. We realize that through the active camp schedule campers are learning to be physically active and more healthy by having fun playing outside with other kids. They learn and improve social skills as they live, work and play with others at camp for a week at a time. Campers grow in a positive environment with our Wapsie staff, most of whom have spent years training to be a counselor and share the wonders of Wapsie they shared as a camper years before. So as you are making your choice this summer think about the fun of climbing the tower, swimming, and cooking over a campfire. But realize that those activities also… Teach the persistence learned in practicing your technique and foster the determination to safely face your fears and push yourself to climb higher or farther than you thought you could. Increase your exercise in a manner that is fun, could save a life and helps you stay cool and healthier all at once. Learn the vital life skill of cooking at a young age while learning to be safe around a fire and enjoying food that you helped to create. Build those relationships with your peers and counselors at camp and feel good about yourself and what you have accomplished trying new things and growing relationships. There are countless reasons to consider camp. As I write this I think of my youthful years at camp and reminisce of the friendships, many stories and how camp has helped me become who I am today. I hope you consider any one of those reasons and make a point to join us at Wapsie this summer and I am sure you will be happy with your choice to share part of your summer. Whether you send your child(ren), join one of our family programs or both. I trust the investment of camp will pay back your family through the friendships, skills and memories that will endure into the future. Each year they grow a little more. Until we get to see you at Wapsie have a great spring and we hope to see you this summer at YMCA Camp Wapsie!
In the Spirit of Camping,
Paul Denowski YMCA Camp Wapsie is proud to use recycled paper.
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Director, YMCA Camp Wapsie
camp@crmetroymca.org · 319.435.2577 319.435.3577 · campwapsie.org