Please call 513-867-0600 or e-mail campoffice@gmvymca.org if any of your questions are not answered below.

Q: WHEN IS CAMP OPEN?

A: Camp operates year round. We have our Summer Camps as well as our Outdoor Education, Retreats and Team Building Programs throughout the year. Our Summer Camp season runs from June to August. Please check out our summer camp pages for dates of sessions. We are a registered guest only site.

Q: WHY CHOOSE CAMP CAMPBELL GARD?

A:  Since 1926 we've provided thousands of children an unforgettable experience that includes adventure, fun, and friendship! We offer a wide range of activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, high and low ropes courses, sports, and crafts. Our camp provides safe experiences that challenge campers to learn and grow by exploring their interests while developing skills. With each success, campers gain genuine self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Q: WHAT MAKES CAMP CAMPBELL GARD DIFFERENT?

A: Campers tell us that CCG is "their summer camp." It feels like home to them and they keep coming back year after year because of the friendships they make with other campers and the counselors who are wonderful role models. Everyone is welcome and as a Y camp, we teach core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

We have a House system for our overnight campers that everyone involved truly enjoys! 

Q: HOW BIG IS CAMP?

A: Your child will be in a cabin with up to 12 other children and 2 counselors.  

Q: WHAT IS THE RATIO OF STAFF TO CAMPERS?

A: With two counselors in a cabin of 12, our ratio is 1 to 6. 

Q: ARE CAMPERS GROUPED BY AGE?

A: Yes, by age and gender. During scheduled activity time, campers travel as a cabin group. During funfest and clinics, younger (7-11) and older (12-16) campers come together with some activities crossing age ranges.

Q. DOES YOUR CABIN HAVE A BATH HOUSE?

A. No, every wing of each cabin has its own bathroom with 2 private showers, 2 sinks and a toilet cubicle. This is a comfort to know for parents and students, as in the example of needing the restroom in the middle of the night there is no walk across a field in the dark after having to wake your chaperones to be escorted there. Please see facilities page for pictures.

Q: CAN MY CHILD BE IN THE SAME CABIN WITH A FRIEND?

A: Absolutely, as long as they are the same gender and close in age. On your registration form, there's a place to note your cabin mate requests.

Q: WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN?

A: We have all the traditional camp activities with many more. Campers will choose their own activities. All activities are based on weather and program chosen.  Click here for a full list.

Q: WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CAMPER DAY LOOK LIKE?

A: Click here to see a schedule breakdown of a typical camper day.

Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD TAKES MEDICATION?

A: Our Health Care Professional dispenses all medications. Simply bring prescription medication to camp along with a physician's written order listing your child's name, dosage and medication times. Bring any necessary over-the-counter items such as vitamins, creams, advil, lotions, etc.

All items must be turned in at check-in with the camper's name on each. Medications and items must be in the original bottle. Please specify any over the counter medication preferences of those you wish your child to avoid on the Health Form.

We strongly suggest that campers stay on regular daily medication during their time at camp.

Q: CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE MY CHILD'S DIETARY NEEDS?

A: YES! Just let us know in advance of your child’s camp session in writing or by phone. Please contact Will Buhl at 513-867-0600 or wbuhl@gmvymca.org.

Q: WHAT IS THE HIRING PROCESS FOR YOUR COUNSELORS?

A: We carefully screen all of our applicants, who are at least high school graduates and have typically started college. They are dedicated to working with children. In addition to the interview, staff members must submit to reference checks, drug screening and criminal background checks. Before the summer starts, all staff members participate in a week long training.

Q: DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM CAMP?

A: At this time we are unable to offer this service.

Q: DO YOU HAVE OPEN HOUSES? CAN WE TAKE A TOUR?

A: Tours are available by appointment all year. 

 Q: CAN I CALL OR VISIT MY CAMPER DURING CAMP?

A: It is better for your child if they have the opportunity to enjoy the camp experience without parental interruption. We encourage you to send your child letters and e-mails. There will be pictures posted daily on Smugmug for you to see your child.

Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS HOMESICK?

A: It may happen and if it does, please know that counselors are trained to deal with the issue. ACA (American Camp Association) recommends ways to avoid homesickness through engaging campers immediately when they arrive at camp. Counselors get campers involved in games and activities and every camper has a friend in the cabin for the week. It is very common for a camper to at least experience mild homesickness while at camp. It is a normal feeling and one we work with them to overcome and learn from.

Q: I JUST REGISTERED. NOW WHAT?

A: You will receive an email from our office. You will also receive all forms through email closer to the date.  ALL of these forms must be completed and sent to camp at least 3 weeks in advance of your first camp session.

Q: HOW MUCH MONEY IS SUGGESTED FOR THE CAMP STORE?

A: $30 to $40 per session is recommended for snacks, drinks (no sodas), camp clothing and other items. The camp store will also be open Opening and Closing Days. Please do not send cash with your campers. Funds can be deposited either before the camp session by contacting the office or on opening check in day.

Q: CAN I SEND A CARE PACKAGE TO MY CHILD?

A: Yes, care packages are welcome. Send the package directly to the camp office and include your child's name and session number on the package. Please do not send food as that may cause a health issue for other campers in your child's cabin with dietary restrictions.

Q: WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD NOT BRING TO CAMP?

A: We "UNPLUG" at camp to get more connected with people; therefore, iPods, electronic games, and cell phones are not allowed. Do not bring gum, firearms, matches, lighters, knives, tobacco products, valuable items, illegal drugs, money, electric fans (we have air-conditioned cabins!), fireworks and aerosol cans to camp.

Q: WHAT NIGHT IS THE OVERNIGHT FOR THE HYBRID CAMPS?

A: Both Explorer camp and our Hybrid Camp for Campers with Developmental Disabilities have the opportunity to stay the night on Thursday night and join our residential campers for our closing campfire. The overnight is optional for all hybrid campers. 

Q: WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT?

A: Overnight camp check in begins at 2:30pm on Sunday. Check out is 5pm on Friday.

Check your individual day camp to make sure but most operate 9am drop off to 5pm pick up Monday through Friday.

Check-out Procedure: Pick-up your camper and their belongings, pick-up all meds if applicable and place all items in your vehicle.             

Q: WILL I NEED IDENTIFICATION TO CHECK OUT MY CAMPER?

A: YES! Staff will request a picture ID when you sign your child out.

Q: WHAT SHOULD WE PACK FOR CAMP?

A: Please refer to the packing list in the confirmation packet. Do not send clothing that is tight-fitting, low cut, revealing or featuring inappropriate advertising logos. Shorts and T-shirts fit our activities best.

Q: IS A YMCA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR CAMP?

A: No, it is not necessary to be a Y member. Everyone is welcome at Camp Campbell Gard. However, we are happy to provide a discounted rate to those who are members of the Great Miami Valley YMCA

Q: DO YOU ACCEPT LEVEL 1 WAIVERS?

A: We are not a level 1 waiver provider. We do accept other voucher payments. Please contact the camp office to enquire if we are able to accept those campoffice@gmvymca.org 513-867-0600

Q: IS A DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO REGISTER?

A: A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for camp.

Q: I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER ONLINE. CAN I DO THAT? WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR DIFFICULTY WITH REGISTERING ONLINE?

A: Click here to register online. Contact the office with questions at campoffice@gmvymca.org 513-867-0600

Q: WHAT IS THE HOUSE SYSTEM?

A: Camp has four Houses based on historical camp figures; McCloskey, Klippel, Gramm and Delozier. Campers will be randomly placed in a House their first time at camp and this will be their camp House forever! The House system is a way for our campers to make friends and bond with a range of age groups while participating in fun and friendly House competition.