Everything You Need to Know Before Camp
Getting ready for camp does not have to feel overwhelming. This page is designed to guide you through each step of the process, from what to do after registering to what to expect during your child’s time at Camp Crosley. You will find helpful tips, timelines, and answers to common questions to help your family feel confident and prepared for a great camp experience.
Preparing for camp
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After Registration
Once your camper is registered, take time to review the Parent Handbook to become familiar with camp life and expectations. Confirm your camper’s session dates to ensure you arrive on the correct day. Be sure all parents or guardians are added as account members in the Parent Portal with up-to-date contact information. It is also recommended to list one or two trusted individuals on the Authorized Pickup List in case of an emergency.
Two Weeks Before Camp
As your camper’s session approaches, begin preparing any medications they will need during camp. Only send the exact number of doses required for the session, and be sure all medications are in their original prescription containers, as medical staff must verify names and dosages. (A handwritten note will not be accepted.)
If your camper has food allergies, this is a good time to contact the Food Service Director (renee@campcrosley.org) to discuss accommodations.
Review and finalize all required forms in the Parent Portal before online access closes one week prior to your session, and take time to review the packing list so nothing is missed.
Cabinmate Requests
To submit a cabinmate request, log in to your Parent Portal and navigate to Reservations. Select the appropriate reservation, then click Additional Information to add or update up to two mutually requested cabinmates. Cabinmate requests must be within the same age group as your camper. Camp Crosley does NOT accept cabin or counselor requests.
Special Needs
If your camper has special needs, contact our Senior Program Director, Grant Jasper: grant@campcrosley.org prior to registration to evaluate their individual needs. Our staff are accommodating and encouraging with campers who may need help if they are aware of the need. Our programs are not designed for campers who may need significant attention or who require one-on-one support.
What to Bring to Camp
Packing for camp is an important part of getting ready for a great week at Camp Crosley. This section includes a detailed packing list and helpful tips to make sure your camper arrives prepared, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every activity. Taking time to pack thoughtfully helps campers feel confident and at home from the very first day.
Clothing Guidelines
We appreciate your help in selecting appropriate clothing for camp. While we encourage self-expression, Camp Crosley is a safe and inclusive environment, and clothing with suggestive or political messages is not permitted. We recommend packing comfortable, older “play” clothes that can get wet, dirty, or occasionally misplaced without worry.
Ensure all clothes are durable and provide sun protection. We recommend tank tops with straps at least one inch thick and shorts that reach mid-thigh. For practical and safety reasons, we do not recommend wearing clothing that has been cut (for example, extended arm or neck holes, large rips in pants, etc.) or attire that exposes too much skin to the elements.
Each day of the week besides Friday corresponds to one of Camp Crosley’s four core values. Campers love to wear the same colors and Camp swag as their counselors, and we love to see our staff unified as we work together to live and instill these values in our campers.
- Monday: Caring (Red)
- Tuesday: Honesty (Blue)
- Wednesday: Respect (Yellow)
- Thursday: Responsibility (Green
Our swimming area and aquatics are highly active. As a result, swimwear must be sturdy and practical to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. We recommend swimming trunks and one-piece swimsuits rather than Speedo-style briefs or bikinis. No matter what you choose, it is most important for it to stay in place during high impact, waterpark style activities. Camp Crosley reserves the right to ask any camper to wear a T-shirt over swimwear that appears unsuitable for the current activity.
All campers who enter the water must wear the provided life jacket over their swimwear. There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
Horseback Riding or Minibikes
Please pack long pants/jeans and closed-toed, hard sole shoes. Both activities take place in fields or through wooded trails. We do not require Western boots for horseback riding; however, your camper will require a pair of sturdy boots or shoes, preferably with a one-inch heel.
- Camp provides helmets and other safety gear.
- Flip flops are not acceptable.
Sailing
Campers participating in Sailing will spend time in the shallow sections of James Lake. Campers are welcome to wear sturdy sandals with backstraps such as Crocs, or another similar shoe.
Bedding & Linens
Please remember to pack a pillow (with pillowcase) and your choice of a sleeping bag or twin-sized bedding, i.e., sheet set, comforter, or other blankets. You may want to send extra bedding if you think your camper may have an accident. Limited bedding items are available in each cabin to offer a discreet change, just in case. Two beach towels are nice to have so one towel can dry on the clothesline while the other is in use.
What to Leave at Home
WE DO NOT ALLOW cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, tablets, or smart watches. This is to maintain protection of camper privacy. WE DO NOT ALLOW alcohol, recreational drugs, tobacco products, vaping devices, chewing gum, or weapons of any kind on the premises.
If staff discover your camper has any of these items after Check-In, we will confiscate and lock them in the Camp Office until Check-Out. Please DO NOT send these or other equivalent items in the mail to your camper.
check-In Day
Check-In is Sunday between 2:00–4:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Approximately one week before the start of your session, you will receive an email with your assigned Check-In time slot. Check-In is a drive through process that moves safely and efficiently.
Please be aware of the following guidelines:
- Please DO NOT arrive for Check-In before your assigned time slot. We do not offer Early Check-Ins.
- When you arrive during your assigned time slot, please follow the directions of our parking lot attendants.
- Leave luggage in your vehicle until you arrive at the cabin.
- Drop off all medications to our nursers at the Infirmary (located near the Welcome Center).
- Drop off mail and/or packages to the camp Post Office. Please beware of the following policy for snacks and care packages:
- We allow campers to have outside snacks either delivered in the mail or dropped off during check-in. Please use your best judgement when selecting snacks.
- Anything sent in that contains major food allergens will NOT be allowed in the cabins.
- We ask that you avoid sugary, sticky, messy snacks altogether. Please remember that is Camp. Certain foods may attract unwelcome insects and animals.
- No pets area allowed unless they are certified service animals. All pets must remain in the vehicle.
Check-in Process
- Confirm campers’ name and receive “passports”.
- At the Welcome Center, you make check availability for any Add-On Activities and pay any outstanding balances.
- Medical check for all campers, regardless of whether they will take medications during Camp. Medications include ANY over the counter and/or prescription medications.
- Nurses will review medical history and staff will perform lice checks.
- Check medications with nurses at the Health Center.
Optional Activities have limited availability, and spots fill throughout registration. At Check-In, you will have the opportunity to add or switch activities at the Welcome Center. We will collect payments at this time if you have not already paid beforehand within your Parent Portal.
During Check-In, campers will choose their own bunk on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabin Counselors will be present to greet campers and host introdcutory games and activities. Campers will unpack and make their bunks. They will also begin to sign up for their morning activities. We do not conduct swim tests as Camp provides life jackets to all campers. LIFE JACKETS ARE ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED for entry in the water.
After all campers have arrived, each cabin will have a group photo taken by our Media Team.
Camp Store & Snack Shop
The Camp Store offers campers a fun way to enjoy snacks, pick out Camp Crosley gear, and celebrate special moments during their time at camp. With convenient account management through the Parent Portal, families can easily add funds, monitor purchases, and take part in traditions like Parcel Day while giving campers a little extra taste of camp fun.
Store deposits are paid in advance, typically during the registration process, and are used for both the Compass Store and the Snack Shop. Parents and guardians can monitor purchases and add funds through the Parent Portal at any time during their camper’s session.
At the end of the summer, unused store balances of $5.00 or less are automatically donated to Crosley 4 Kids, Camp Crosley’s camper scholarship fund. Balances greater than $5.00 may be refunded to the payment method on file or donated, depending on the preference selected during registration. Choosing your preference in advance helps streamline end-of-summer processing.
The Compass Store offers a wide variety of Camp Crosley merchandise, including plush items, hoodies, water bottles, journals, stickers, hats, and other useful or novelty items. Prices range from approximately $2.00 for small items such as carabiners to around $50.00 for popular flannel pajama pants featuring the Crosley collegiate logo. There is something for every camper.
• Campers may only use their store account for purchases
• Cash is not accepted during camp sessions and change cannot be provided
• Families may be contacted if additional funds are needed
• Cash is accepted only during check-out, when families may shop together and use remaining store balances
The Snack Shop is open daily during swim time at the H2Whoa Zone and offers additional snacks and beverages beyond those provided by camp.
• Campers may purchase up to two food items and one beverage per day
• Snack options include items such as pickle pouches, candy, chips, ice pops, sports drinks, sparkling water, pretzels, and string cheese
• Prices generally range from $0.50 to $3.00 per item
Parcel Day is a highlight of the camp week for many campers. Families can access the Online Store through the Parent Portal to purchase specially curated swag bundles. Orders may be placed at any time before 12:00 pm on the Friday of your camper’s session, and all bundles will be hand delivered directly to the camper’s cabin.
Parent Connections
Staying connected while your camper is at Camp Crosley is important to both families and campers. The Parent Connections section outlines how you can share messages from home, send mail and packages, view photos, and understand our policies around visits and emergencies. These guidelines are designed to support camper well-being, maintain a positive camp environment, and ensure clear communication with families throughout the camp session.
Emails
Purchase and send one-way emails to your campers within the Message Center of your Parent Portal. The cost is $5.00 per block of five emails. Each morning (M-F) our office staff will print and hand deliver messages to your camper’s cabin. Emails are a fantastic way for you to connect and share updates from home. Campers will be unable to reply, but we encourage them to write letters to loved ones.
Mail & Packages
Campers love to receive letters! Camp will distribute letters, packages, and email printouts after lunch each day. Friday is the last day mail and email messages get distributed. Send your mail a week or more prior to the start of camp. Better yet, bring your mail with you! Drop off any mail and/or packages at the Post Office during Check-In.
Make sure to clearly label the camper’s name and cabin on all mail, like this:
Camp Crosley YMCA
(Camper’s Name & Cabin)
165 EMS T2 Lane
North Webster, IN 46555
Photos
Our media staff are dedicated to the important task of photographing more than two hundred campers throughout Camp Crosley each week. View and/or download photos each evening within the Photo Gallery of your Parent Portal. The first photographs are typically posted on Monday evening, but occasionally staff will upload them on Sunday. Please note that staff will have fewer photo opportunities during inclement weather.
Visits
Parent/guardian visits to camp can be disruptive, especially for campers who are prone to homesickness. For safety reasons, we kindly request that parents not walk around Camp once Check-In ends.
Emergencies
Camp is prepared for emergencies, and our staff train rigorously for them. All leadership staff residences are equipped with NOAA weather radios. Staff also carry two-way radios to communicate an emergency immediately.
- Depending on the situation and in the unlikely event of an emergency, we will contact you and provide the most updated information available.
- During the Summer Camp season, we house two licensed, on-site medical professionals 24/7 who will contact a parent or guardian if their camper is running a temperature of 99.7 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or if any medical situation is not progressing as expected.
- If a camper becomes ill, they will be taken to the Health Center to see one of our 24/7 medical staff.
- We will call a camper’s Primary Contact first. If there is no response, we will continue to the Secondary contact and then move onto alternate/emergency contacts last. We highly recommend listing multiple alternates in case of a medical emergency.
- In the event of a serious emergency, we will contact Emergency Medical Services immediately. If a trip to the hospital or medical clinic becomes necessary, staff still abides by the “rule of three” meaning two staff members will accompany your child to the facility.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for charges incurred at offsite medical facilities for any treatments, procedures, medications, or other medical care.
- For emergencies after 5:30 p.m., parents may call our office and follow the prompts for the Manager on Duty’s (MOD) phone number. If you have an emergency at home and need to notify your camper, please call the Welcome Center at (574)834-2331 to make arrangements with our Senior Program Director, Grant.
Medications
You must check in all medications with the nurses at Check-In. If your camper requires medication during Camp, ensure there is only enough for their Camp session in the original container. Medical staff are legally required to verify both name and dosage in this manner.
- NO MEDICATIONS BESIDE an EpiPen or INHALER ARE ALLOWED IN CABINS.
- ALL PRESCRIPTIONS MUST BE CURRENT AND WILL BE ADMINISTERED AS PRESCRIBED ON THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
Check-Out Procedures
Check-Out is on Saturday between 9:00–10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. You will find your Check-Out time slot in the same email that told you your Check-In time slot, sent 5-6 days prior to your session. It is the same drive through process, only in reverse direction. No early check-outs are available on Saturday.
- First Station: Confirm campers’ names and medication pick up.
- Second Station: In gravel parking lot for confirmation of name on Camper Pick Up form and match Photo I.D.
- Third Station: At cabin to pick up campers along with belongings.
- Final Station: Compass Store for any last-minute purchases.
Anyone without proper authorization or identification will not be allowed to check out a
camper. The process will come to a stop until a parent can be reached for authorization.
Camper Stay Overs
Campers enrolled in consecutive sessions may choose to add a Weekend Stay Over between camp weeks.
• Weekend Stay overs are available only between weeks 3-4, 4-5, and 8-9
• The cost is $135.00 and can be added through your Parent Portal under Options
• Stay over includes meals, snacks, laundry service, supervision, and overnight cabin accommodations
Lost & Found
If, during Check-Out, you discover you are missing items, look for the red Lost and Found wagon by the Dining Hall. Another place to look is up at the pavilion where unclaimed items have collected throughout the week.
If you discover your camper has forgotten items after arriving home, please notify us as soon as possible, or within 7 days. It is easier to locate the items after cabins have been cleaned before the start of the new session.
You may email our Housekeeping Director at: heather@campcrosley.org or call the office.