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FAQ’s

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about YSSC. Please contact us with any additional questions you may have. We, along with all concerned parents, want the very best camp experience possible for our campers.

Sincerely,
Sara and Steve Kuljis
Directors

Interested in more camp advice for parents? Check out the American Camp Association’s camp resource for parents at www.campparent.org.

How is YSSC different than week-long Christian camps?

YSSC is focused on developing “the whole child” by helping youth grow physically, emotionally, and socially, as well as spiritually. Over many years, we have found that this mission is best accomplished through a long residence program, rather then a shorter one week experience. We also know that children learn best about the love and teachings of Christ and compassionate behavior toward others through the daily flow of life. At YSSC, we want to take advantage of this. With two or more weeks at camp, children are more fully immersed in a fun, nurturing environment, innovative programming and surrounded by gifted staff who serve as attractive role models. Campers develop broader community living skills, establish more significant relationships, face new joys and challenges, and deepen their understanding of God. One week at camp is good, but two weeks at camp are great!

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How much does camp cost?

Tuition for our two-week session is $2500. Tuition for the one-week XL add-on program is $950.

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What does camp tuition include?

The camp tuition covers camper’s housing, food, 24-hour supervision, participation in all activities, both on and off site, use of all camp equipment, weekly laundry, a memories book and memories DVD. Not included in tuition are transportation costs, canteen spending money, camp t-shirts or sweatshirts. A deposit of $500 is requested upon registration. Tuition balance is due 4 weeks prior to the beginning of your camper’s session.

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What is your refund policy?

Tuition is refundable, less a $50 cancellation fee, if notice is received up to 4 weeks before your child’s session begins. If a cancellation is made after the 4-week cut-off, no tuition is refunded. Exceptions have been made in the case of medical emergency. Homesickness and dismissal from camp are not accepted as a basis for refund.

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Can a camper stay between sessions?

Yes, we do offer a casual program and 24-hour supervision for campers who are staying for two or more sessions. They will enjoy activities as well as rest before the new session begins.

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How are staff members selected? What is the ratio of campers to staff?

YSSC’s staff is comprised of collegians, graduate students and professionals. Staff members are selected based on Christian maturity, youth work experience, strong communication skills, diverse skills and backgrounds, and zest for life. Candidates undergo an extensive interview, reference checks and criminal background checks prior to hiring. All staff receive one to three weeks of training in a variety of areas including activity leadership, Bible study teaching, and child development. All staff members are CPR certified, and some have additional certifications (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, USA Waterski Association, lifeguard certification, etc.) depending on their role.

At YSSC approximately 80 staff members serve 130-140 campers each session for a staff/camper ratio of 1:2. Cabin counselor/camper ratios are 1:6 or 7.

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What is the percentage of returning staff? Returning campers?

Approximately 55-65% of staff returns each summer. Returning campers number approximately 60%.

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Describe the Christian training at YSSC.

YSSC offers gentle, non-denominational Christian teaching, focusing on the basics of the Christian faith. We are conservative in lifestyle and beliefs. We accept the Bible as God’s Word and salvation through His son Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus called the little children to come close to Him in the New Testament, we too wish to nurture campers’ spiritual growth in a loving way.

Gentle Christian training is integral to YSSC’s two-week session. We strive to help campers take the next step in their own journey of faith, whether learning about the love of Jesus Christ for the first time or allowing the Lord to be a greater influence in their choices regarding peers, activities, and decisions. This is accomplished through:

  • Age appropriate Bible studies focusing on the basics of the Christian life
  • Engaging guest speakers who supplement the teaching of cabin counselors
  • Seminars addressing burning issues that campers wrestle with
  • Fun, enthusiastic, and mature staff members who model daily Christian living

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Is YSSC accredited? What does that mean?

Yes, YSSC is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is a national, non-profit organization that supports and promotes high safety and programming standards in organized camping. As an accredited camp, YSSC undergoes regular independent audits to demonstrate its compliance of nearly 300 quality standards covering a range of camp concerns including health and safety, facilities, personnel, administration, and programming. ACA accreditation is camping’s “good housekeeping seal of approval.” The ACA further provides camps with ongoing education and support, and offers parents information to help select a program and prepare their camper for camp.

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Is YSSC connected with any other associations?

We are members of Christian Camp and Conference Association which provides guidance, resources and networking among Christian camps worldwide. In addition, YSSC is a member of Western Association of Independent Camps, an association of accredited independent and family operated programs, which offers support, continuing education and inspiration.

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Can my child request to be in a cabin with a friend?

Yes, many campers come to YSSC with a special friend or two. We are pleased to honor cabin requests for friends of similar age and grade. Because new friendships are a significant part of the summer camp experience, we seek to assemble cabin groups that will allow new friendships to develop. Cabinmate requests can be made on the “Personality Profile” in your camper’s acceptance packet.

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How are cabin groups arranged?

Campers are arranged in cabin groups by gender, age and grade. There may be a one or two year age spread within a cabin. Each of our gifted counselors shepherds up to 7 campers for the entire session. Many campers come to YSSC with a friend or two, but we strongly encourage new friendships in cabin groups as well.

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What happens when a camp session fills?

We begin a wait list. To assure a balanced program there are limited amount of spaces for both boys and girls and for each unit. Unit I is 3rd-6th grade, Unit II is 7th-8th grade, and Unit III is 9th-10th grade. You may call the Registrar at 800/775-9772 or view the Latest News for session availability.

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What information will we receive after we register?

Within two weeks of receiving your camper’s application we will send an acceptance packet with the following items:

  • Calendar for Parents - Keep this reference handy to answer the many questions that arise as camp approaches.
  • General Information - Everything you need to know about camp, including a handy packing list.
  • Health History - To be filled out by parent before your child can participate in any activity at camp.
  • Personality Profile - To be filled out by parents to help your child’s counselor get to know him or her and anticipate needs even before your child arrives at camp.
  • Physician Exam - A physical exam is required within 12 months of your child coming to camp.
  • Camper Code of Conduct - To be signed by both parent and camper. These expectations of behavior help ensure a safe and nurturing environment for everyone at camp.
  • Settle-up Form - Select transportation options, canteen spending money, T-shirt and sweatshirt.

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Do campers need to pack for 2 weeks?

Campers’ laundry is done half way through each session, so campers need only pack 1 weeks worth of clothing. We urge campers not to bring expensive clothes, or clothes that require special care. A handy “What to Bring List” will be sent to you in your camper’s acceptance packet.

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How do campers get to camp?

The most popular mode of transportation are our Charter Buses staffed by YSSC staff and available from Orange County, Pasadena, and Valencia. We offer a staff supervised train ride from Oakland (OKJ) to Fresno and then onto camp. Campers needing to fly to camp can arrive at Fresno International Airport and will be met by camp staff and transported the 60 miles to YSSC. Of course, we always appreciate camper families who choose to drive to camp, see our grounds and meet staff. Sign up for transportation options on your “Settle Up” Form in your camper’s acceptance packet.

 

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Do all campers participate in all activities?

YSSC offers a graded program to help children learn new skills and build up to greater accomplishments.

Unit 1 - Grades 3 through 6: Confidence building and teamwork are emphasized in a variety of activities such as water sports, low ropes course, nature study, archery, Yosemite Valley hikes, adventure games and Star Rock sleep-outs.

Unit 2 - Grades 7 and 8: Deeper conversations and greater physical challenge are introduced through added features such as 3-day introductory backpack trips, high ropes course, Half Dome hike, and Bible seminar choices.

Unit 3 - Grades 9 and 10: Our oldest campers enjoy added opportunities including the King Swing, evening lake excursions, private gazebo housing, and leadership challenges.

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Can I call or visit my child while he or she is at camp?

We ask that parents call to speak to their camper only in the case of emergency. Campers are seldom near a phone and it is challenging to coordinate calls with camper schedules. In addition, calls from home can cause homesickness in a camper or jealousy among cabinmates. We highly encourage cheerful letters, faxes and emails from family and friends throughout the session. In case of emergency, please call the camp office and we will arrange for a time for your camper to return your call as soon as possible.

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Can we send care packages to our camper?

Packages are always well received by children at camp. We only allow campers to receive one package per session. Anymore than one package will be thrown away. Please do NOT include food items, it will confiscated. This dampens campers’ appetites at meal times, encourages mountain critters to invade cabins, and may be a danger to campers with food allergies. Some care package suggestions include a new hat or shirt, books, stationery, pictures from home, playing cards or other small games, inflatable pool toy, decorations for the cabin, or small favors to share with cabinmates.

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What happens if a camper gets homesick?

The first few days of camp can be an anxious time for any camper. We program these days to develop closeness within cabin groups so children feel safer, known, and “at home.” If homesickness persists, the counselor, head counselor and director work together to help the camper work through and overcome this challenge. We often invite parents to aid in the process. It is our deep desire that the camper stays at camp, experience success and end his/her session strong.

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How does YSSC handle behavioral problems with campers?

YSSC’s program is designed for well-adjusted children who treat others with respect and value each child’s right to a fun, enriching experience at camp. Clear guidelines, positive reinforcement, positive role modeling and a cultivated sense of generosity and fair play are key components in our effort to maintain a safe and nurturing camp environment. We work hard so that every child will develop greater social skills and succeed at camp. Disrespect, mean or violent behavior, including teasing or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.

If discipline problems arise, we handle each conflict on an individual basis. In most cases, a camper will participate in dialogue explaining the inappropriate behavior and receive relevant consequences. Continued misbehavior will result in a contract between the camper, parent, and Director. Broken behavior contracts result in the camper going home early from camp with no tuition reimbursement. [View Camper Code of Conduct]

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How is the food?

Nutritious, kid-friendly food is served at YSSC. Campers love it and have even asked Joyce, our head cook for over 15 summers, for recipes to take home to mom. Breakfast favorites include eggs and bacon, homemade cinnamon rolls and yogurt, French toast and pancakes, served with fruit and cereal options. Lunches are often finger food favorites – homemade pizza, sandwiches, or burritos for example. Dinners often follow a theme: western barbecue on the meadow, Hawaiian luau at the pool, taco salad bar, and the end of session steak banquet. Wheat breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, and real dairy products are important to our menu. And a yummy dessert can always be expected after dinner. It isn’t a surprise that campers chant “kitchen staff rocks!” at mealtime.

Our camp snack bar, affectionately known as “The Canteen,” offers healthy choices such as juices, fruit popsicles, granola bars, etc, instead of sodas and candy bars.

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Can YSSC accommodate special dietary needs?

Campers' health is a high priority for us at YSSC. We try our best to accommodate basic food allergies and other dietary needs such as vegetarianism or lactose intolerance. In addition, session two each summer is designated as a peanut free session. However, due to the size of our program and the growing number of special dietary consideration, we are limited in the amount of variety of dishes that we are able to offer and the additional resources necessary to prepare special meals. We request that campers with special dietary needs discuss with us in advance of registration the feasibility of accommodating their needs. In some cases we ask that a family help plan a menu for their child and provide particular food items so that our food service staff can continue to do their job efficiently and effectively."

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What if my child needs to take vitamins or medication while at camp?

Our infirmary, “Club Med,” is staffed by a registered nurse and infirmary manager. Typically, campers (and many staff) receive their vitamins and medications discreetly at mealtime. For bedtime medications, campers stop by Club Med on the way to their cabins for the night. Because we are a small camp, our Club Med staff grows to know each of our campers and can meet individual needs well. We recommend sending all medication in original packaging in labeled ziplock bag to be turned into camp nurse upon arrival. If you have a special concern about your child’s healthcare needs, please contact our office at 800/775-9772 or email us at info@yssc.com.

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Can we visit the camp before our child attends?

Please come see us. Do call ahead so we can be expecting you. 800/775-9772.

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Can I talk to any families who have sent children to YSSC?

We encourage that. Please call 800/775-9772 or email us at info@yssc.com to request references in your area.

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