We’re looking forward to a Great 2023 Camp Season!
It’s our campers and hard working camp staff that make YMCA Camp Greenknoll amazing!
FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS SAVE AT CAMP GREENKNOLL!
Not a member? Learn more and Join Today!
THE REGIONAL
YMCA OF WESTERN CT
Camp Greenknoll NEW
At YMCA Camp Greenknoll every camper, ages 3-15, is set up with the tools they need to build confidence, refine physical, emotional and leadership skills and create life-long relationships. We offer a wide range of activities to cater to every aspect of childhood growth. Our climbing tower, zip line and ropes courses foster physical development as well as confidence in completing difficult tasks. Our art, STEAM and nature programs foster creativity and expand knowledge. Our swimming programs designed from Y-USA’s swimming curriculum help build lifesaving skills and confidence in the water. At YMCA Camp Greenknoll our campers and families return year after year because they know we are dedicated to making the camper experience the best it can be.
YMCA Camp Greenknoll raises the B.A.R. with our commitment to Belonging, Achieving goals and Relationship building. Join us and give your child the Best Summer Ever!
Currently accepting waitlist registrations only. If you wish to be placed on the waitlist, please print, complete and drop off the waitlist registration form at the front desk.
Camp Greenknoll Contact:
Sean Turner
Camp Director
203.775.4444 x 103
sturner@regionalymca.org
Rates for the Summer of 2023
Did you know if you have an active Family Membership with the Y, you qualify for our CAMP FAMILY RATE which is $50 less per week! JOIN as a FAMILY* TODAY!
* A full family membership must be active at the time of camp registration and remain active through the end of August to qualify for the discount.
| Campers 3 to 13 | |
| Y Family Members* | $256 per week (Week of 7/3* $205) $50 Savings |
| All others | $306 per week (Week of 7/3* $245) |
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Counselors in Training (CIT) *Ages 14-15 only |
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| Y Family Members* | $184 per week (Week of 7/3* $147) $50 Savings |
| All others | $234 per week (Week of 7/3* $187) |
Please note:
- Deposit: $25 per week, due at the time of registration.
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- (For example: If someone registers for 4 weeks of camp, the total due at the time of registration is $125. $25 registration fee and a $25 deposit for each week.)
- The deposit will be deducted from your weekly fee.
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- Master Card, Discover, Amex, Visa and debit cards accepted for your convenience.
- Tuition Assistance available. Visit website for application. Due no later than April 17.
- A full family membership must be active at the time of camp registration and remain active through the end of August to qualify for the discount.
*A Regional YMCA Family Member is defined as 2 adults & children through 21 years of age or single parent and children through 21 years of age living in the same household.
** Online registration is currently closed as of 5/17 due to most camp weeks being at maximum capacity **
How To Register Online for YMCA Camp Greenknoll
- Click on “My Account” in the top right corner click of the homepage of this website.
- From there login, or create an account if you are new to the Y.
- If you are currently a member of the Y but do not have an online account, you can create an account using your email or cell phone number the YMCA has on file for you.
- If you are not currently a Y member, you will be given an option to create an online account. Choose “Sign Up”, choose Greenknoll as the location, and choose “non-member” as your membership type.
- You must first create an adult account to be the primary member with all of your information. After you make an adult account there will be a prompt to add additional members. Select child and add as many children as needed. YOU MUST ADD YOUR CHILD(REN) BEFORE MOVING FORWARD.
- Next, Select the child(ren) you created and wish to register then move on to step 3.
If you are having trouble logging in/creating your account or you did not add your children before moving, please call the Y at (203) 775 4444.
- Click on Programs, in the ‘Categories’ section, click on Camp Greenknoll
- Select what group your camper will be in.
- NOTE: Some age groups have A or B group options. You may select either. Group choice is not guaranteed and may be rearranged depending on availability.
- Select the first week you are registering for. If you are registering for more than one week, select “Register for multiple offerings for this camp (8 more)” located at the top of the page, and select the additional weeks.
- Select which account member you are registering.
- Carefully and entirely complete the registration questionnaire.
- Carefully and entirely read and sign the agreement/waivers associated with camp.
- The fees page should pop up. If you are only registering one camper, proceed to payments. If you are registering more than one camper… “Add More Programs.” in the top left corner and begin again at step 3.
Please direct any questions about registration to campgk@regionalymca.org.
Important items to Know:
- Online registration must be completed for the following week by the Tuesday of the prior week.
- If you wish to register after Tuesday, a paper registration must be received in the camp office by Wednesday of the prior week no later than 5PM.
- All campers must have a current medical form (completed within 36 months or less) on file before their first date of attendance.
Themes For Funday Fridays 2023
| Week | Date | Theme | What to Expect This Week |
| Week 1 | 6/19/23 | Camplympics | Camp Greenknoll version of the Olympics. Camplympics will have events such as balloon relay, track and field and Javelin Throw. All ending with a medal Ceremony. |
| Week 2 | 6/26/23 | Mission Impossible | Super Villain Quaid Zaid is back to annoy campers at camp. Will campers solve the mystery or will it be Mission Impossible? |
| Week 3 | 7/03/23 | Party at the Y | Let’s party at YMCA Camp Greenknoll for our party at the Y week. Play backyard games, enjoy some friendly Competition and show your patriotic flare as we celebrate Independence Day! |
| Week 4 | 7/10/23 |
Holiday in July THIS WEEK IS SOLD OUT! |
Bring on a week of holiday cheer! Any, and all, holidays will be celebrated this week. Do you miss a holiday that might be in the Winter? We will bring it to camp and enjoy it in our day camp setting. We can’t wait to see what costumes we will see this week!” |
| Week 5 | 7/17/23 | Color Wars | One of the most anticipated weeks of the summer. Come join as us at Camp Greenknoll for our annual Red vs. Blue color wars! Last year blue stole back the trophy in a celebrated upset. Can the red team be stronger this year to reclaim the trophy or will blue continue to be reigning champs? It all depends on you! |
| Week 6 | 7/24/23 | Camp Show | A week of song, dance, memories and hilarious outtakes. Come to our camper show week as each group creates its own unique performance to present. |
| Week 7 | 7/31/23 | Camp Carnival | Step right up! Come one, come all! Come to camp and have a ball! It’s carnival week at Greenknoll; play games, win prizes, but most importantly-have fun & make memories with friends! |
| Week 8 | 8/07/23 | Camp-A-Con | Calling all superheroes to camp! We need your help to fight off all of the camp villains to protect the entire camp. Use the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility as guides in your adventures!” |
| Week 9 | 8/14/23 | Luau Party | The end of the summer send off! Come celebrate the last of the summer days in our Luau. |
Counselor-In-Training Program “CIT”
YMCA Camp Greenknoll Counselor in Training (CIT) Program focuses on developing strong leaders through discussion, observation, and weekly discussions as well as supervised interaction with campers. This is a program for 14 and 15 year old’s who are interested in working with children or just want to build their leadership skill while working in a team oriented environment.
The Goal of YMCA Camp Greenknoll Counselor-in-Training Program is to help young adults build leadership skills, learn the value of teamwork and decision making through activities and mentoring. Our Counselor-In-Training program combines the fun of camp with leadership and on-the-job training. The CIT program in a unique opportunity for motivated young adults to develop the necessary skills to be role models for children.
CITs spend part of their day enjoying a range of activities and part of their day learning about responsibility and professionalism by directly working with camp groups and assisting with camp activities.
Highlights of the Counselor-In-Training Program
- Counselor training for working with our preschool and elementary school aged kids
- Being supervised by CIT Coordinator.
- Developing skills to prepare for college, a career, and life
Fees for Counselor-in-Training Program
- Y FAMILY MEMBERS $184 per week (Week of 7/3 is $147) *
- NON-MEMBERS $234 per week (Week of 7/3 is $187)
* A Regional YMCA Family Member is defined a 2 adults & children thru 21 years of age living in the same household. Or single parent and children thru 21 years of age living in the same household. If you would like to become a Family Member please visit https://regionalymca.org/join-2/ . Family Membership must be maintained through the end of August.
Requirements for Counselor-In-Training Program
- Ages 14-15 years only
- Space is limited to 24 Counselor-in-Training.
- Candidates are required to fill out a CIT application. Once the application is received, an interview will be scheduled.
- Two letters of recommendation is required.
YMCA Camp Greenknoll, campers are placed in groups based on grade they will be entering into in the fall. Camper entering Pre-K to 4th grade will be in Coed groups. Campers entering 5th Grade and up will be in same gender groups. Groups are limited to 20 campers. Campers in pre-K to 2nd grade have minimum ratio of 1 staff to 7 campers and for campers in 3rd grade and up the ration will be 1 staff to 10 campers.
Coed offers campers the chance to interact as they would in the real world at different stages of childhood. This helps to create healthy social interaction between the genders and there is a better understand of the opposite gender. Campers can then build a real-world relationship and much-needed social skills for future development. This interaction means that campers learn to relate to each other not as members of the opposite gender, but as humans. Campers learn to be more respectful towards each other, all in a respectful environment.
We’re committed to providing an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and community, a gender-blind environment for friendships at camp, and later in life Through shared experience, open communication, trust, and respect, campers form solid bonds with other campers. And this makes for the best kind of friends!
1. Why choose YMCA Camp Greenknoll?
YMCA Camp Greenknoll gives children an opportunity to unplug, to build confidence, experience a sense of achievement and enjoy the outdoors.
Campers also participate in a variety of activities, including instructional swim, team building and physical activities.
2. When does camp start and end?
Camp will begin on June 19, 2023, and ends on August 18, 2023.
3. Do I have to sign up for all nine weeks?
No. You can sign up for 9 weeks or 1 week. To get a more complete experience, most families sign up for 3 or more weeks.
4. What are the fees for camp?
Campers 3 – 13
- Y-Family Members – $256 per week ($205 week of July 3rd)
- All Others – $306 per Week ($245 week of July 3rd)
Counselors in Training (CIT) Ages 14-15
- Y- Family Members $184 per week ($147 Week of July 3rd)
- All others $234 per week (week of July 3rd $187)
A Regional YMCA FAMILY MEMBERSHIP is defined as 2 adults & children thru 21 years of age living in the same household or a single parent and children thru 21 years of age living in the same household.
A non-member is anyone who does not have a family membership with the Regional YMCA.
5. Why sign up for a Family Membership?
A YMCA Family Membership has its benefits!
- Reduced Fees on Camp Registration Fees- and all programs at the YMCA
- Priority Registration- be the first to sign up and get the camp weeks you want
- Access to our Outdoor Pool during non-camp hours
- Full use of the Greenknoll facility including open gym, cardio and strength training rooms
- Lap Swim and Open/Family Swim in 3- year round pools
- Free Group Exercise programs
- Access to free family events and more!
6. What are the Hours?
7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
7. What are the themes for this summer?
Week 1 6/19/23 Camplympics
Week 2 6/26/23 Mission Impossible
Week 3 7/03/23 Party at the Y
Week 4 7/10/23 Holiday in July
Week 5 7/17/23 Color Wars
Week 6 7/24/23 Camp Show
Week 7 7/31/23 Camp Carnival
Week 8 8/07/23 Camp-A-Con
Week 9 8/14/23 Luau Party
8. How are the children divided into groups?
YMCA Camp Greenknoll, campers are placed in groups based on grade they will be entering into in the fall. Campers in Pre-K to grade 4 will be Coed. There are a limited amount of campers in each group. Campers in Pre-K to 2nd grade have a minimum ratio of 1 staff to 9 campers and for campers in 3rd grade and up the ratio will be 1 staff to 12 campers.
9. Why are the groups Co-Ed?
Co-ed offers campers the chance to interact as they would in the real world at various stages of childhood. This helps to create healthy social interaction between the genders and there is a better understanding of the opposite gender. Campers can then build a real-world relationship and much-needed social skills for future development. This interaction means that campers learn to relate to each other not as members of the opposite gender, but as humans. Campers learn to be more respectful towards each other, all in a respectful environment.
We’re committed to providing an environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and community, a gender-blind environment for friendships at camp, and later in life. Through shared experience, open communication, trust, and respect, campers form solid bonds with other campers. And this makes for the best kind of friends!
10. What are the groups?
The groups are Pre- K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth /Ninth.
11. What should I pack for camp?
- Sunscreen – please apply before attending camp. Campers will have the opportunity to reapply during the day.
- Lunch – lunch must be brought from home daily. Lunch is stored a refrigerator until lunch time.
- Refillable water bottle – water bottles will be refilled throughout the day.
- Bathing suit, towel – for swim, some families will send in flip flops and googles.
- Some other extras that people prefer to pack are a change of clothes, sandals/pool shoes, hats and on somedays a sweatshirt/raincoat.
Definitely remember to LABEL everything!
12. Do you provide transportation to YMCA Camp Greenknoll?
No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
13. What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?
You must come into the office and sign out your child. A note is always helpful. Please give your camper amply time to get to the office.
14. I need to be at work early. What can I do?
To meet the needs of families, campers may be dropped at camp at 7:30 AM and picked up no later than 6:00 PM.
15. May I come to visit my child at camp?
Parents coming to visit their camper while at camp has always been welcomed. If concerns arise or special issues need to be addressed, parents are encouraged to call the camp office.
16. If I am unable to pick my child up in person, what is the procedure?
In the case where you cannot pick up your child and someone else will, we ask that you inform the office. An email or fax stating to full name of the person may be sent. Your child’s safety is important to us. Unknown persons will be asked to present an I.D. to camp staff.
17. Is there an emergency phone number?
YMCA Greenknoll Camp phone number is 203.775.9363. Someone is always available in the office during camp hours.
18. My child takes medication, what do I do?
As a licensed camp, we must follow strict guidelines. You must fill out a permission form and give the medication to the camp director or first aid provider in the original container, physician’s name, and dosage and expiration date. The medication is locked up and the first aid provider will administer the prescription per instructions from you and your physician. The permission form must also be signed by your child’s physician and by you.
19. Does my child need lunch every day?
Yes, Campers should bring a brown bag type lunch, which will be stored in large lunch bags and brought to the walk in cooler until lunchtime. Clearly mark the campers name on lunch bags. No glass containers!!! Any food allergies your child has should be indicated on the medical form.
20. How should my child dress for camp?
Dressing your child appropriately is important to ensure that your child has a good time at camp. Shorts and t-shirts, closed toed shoes, sneakers preferable, and a sweatshirt are standard dress. No open toed shoes are allowed except on the pool deck.
21. What if it is raining?
In the event that there is liquid sunshine (rain) at camp, activities will be going on as scheduled. Camp is held despite liquid sunshine, so it is helpful to send rain gear with your child.
22. Whom do I notify if my child will be absent from camp?
Parents should call the camp at 203.775.9363.
23. If my child attends camp am I able to get childcare tax credit?
Yes. A tax letter is sent out at the end of the year.
24. Can my child bring personal belongings to camp?
We discourage children from bringing any personal belongings to camp, other than the standard camp gear. This includes cell phones and personal gaming systems. YMCA Camp Greenknoll cannot and will not take responsibility for any personal belongings.
25. Can my child bring their electronic devices to camp?
NO! We strongly encourage our campers to unplug this summer. Staff will bring any visible electronic devices during the camp day to the camp office, where it can be picked up by a parent at the end of the day.
26. What can you tell me about the discipline policy?
It is the goal here at YMCA Camp Greenknoll to provide each camper with a fun, healthy and safe camp experience. Campers are treated equally and responsibility, caring, respect and honesty are the cornerstone for learning and understanding the camp rules and abiding by them. Campers may be given a time out and the opportunity to discuss the problem with the staff. If progress were difficult, we would ask you to help. If this is not productive, a day away from camp will be discussed. Should behavior continue to be a problem after a full day time out, then the child may be asked not to return to camp.
27. Should I pack sunscreen and bug repellent?
Absolutely! If your child is sensitive to bug bites and sun, both are recommended. We ask you apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to camp. Younger campers will receive help applying sunscreen and older campers will be supervised. Campers will be encouraged to reapply during the day.
28. How Many Times Does My Child Swim?
Most campers will swim twice per day. Morning swim is instruction and afternoon is recreational swim. A bathing suit and towel are necessary. It is helpful to have children use a backpack of some kind so they can keep track of their belongings. Clearly marking your child’s name on all clothing and towels will reduce the possibility of lost items.
29. What If My Child Can’t Touch The Bottom In The Shallow End?
Any child that cannot touch the bottom or is not a good swimmer, which is determined by our Red Cross Certified lifeguards, must wear a life vest. The camp provides life vests. Campers are given a break-away necklace which is used to identify where in the pool they can be. This is for the safety of all our campers.
30. How Does Swim Lessons Work?
Each Monday, children are tested and placed in the appropriate swim level. During the week, children are taught appropriately. At the end of the week, children are retested; some children may remain at their level and some may up move up to the next level.
SWIM BASICS – Recommended skills for all to have around water
SWIM STROKES – Skills to support a healthy lifestyle
The Y is giving kids their Best Summer Ever! The YMCA Camp Greenknoll offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being. Our programs center on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: Relationship, Achievement and Belonging.
The Y has been a leading provider of summer camp for over 150 years and continues to provide youth with an enriching experience. We ensure that campers are in a safe environment with caring YMCA staff that instill positive values that help build character.
Camping at the Y is a fun and unique experience that gives youth the opportunity to discover their full potential, meet new friends, play and create memories that last a lifetime.
YMCA Day Camp provides a safe and affordable opportunity for youth to participate in activities in which campers will have the opportunity to create arts and crafts, swim, appreciate nature, enrichment, STEAM, make lasting memories, and better understand our many cultures. Campers will build self-confidence, appreciate teamwork and sportsmanship while gaining independence as they nurture their sprits, challenge their mind and strengthen their bodies.
The Y works to help youth discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn, grow and thrive amidst caring, supportive adults. Through the Y’s day camp program, kids participate in fun and educational activities that help them with:
- ACHIEVEMENT – Learn and master skills that help them realize their passions, talents and potential.
- RELATIONSHIP – Build friendships with new friends and staff role models adding to their well-being.
- BELONGING – Help them feel like they belong so they feel safe, welcome and free to express their individuality.
Swimming
Our developmental swim lesson program provides opportunities for campers to improve their skills, learn new competences, and advance to higher levels. Campers swim twice per day; morning is instructional, and afternoon is recreational swim.
Campers participate in structured swim instruction to learn how to be safe in the water and work on skills appropriate to their level. On Mondays, children are evaluated to determine their swim skill level. At the end of the week, they are reevaluated to determine progress.
Safety is our priority. Non-swimmers, regardless of age, are required to wear a life vest during the swim period. At the discretion of the aquatic staff, life vests may also be required for campers based on their swimming ability, and/or height. Our pool is staffed with a full-time Camp supervisor, Red Cross-certified lifeguards, and swim instructors.
Drop Off
- Drop off time will be from 7:30AM to 9:00AM.
- Traffic will be one way in and one way out.
- Please have your campers exit your vehicle on the right side
- Staff will walk campers to their counselors.
- Campers that arrive after 9:00AM must be brought to the office to sign in.
Pick Up
- Pick up time will be from 4:15 PM – 6:00PM.
- Parents will park in the designated parking area and come to the pickup tables. There will be tables set up for pick-up in a parent waiting area.
- Staff will radio for your camper and the camper will be brought to the waiting area. We are asking families to be patient, as this may take a few minutes depending on where the group is located and how many kids are being picked up at that time.
- ID is required at dismissal at all times. Staff may begin to recognize you and may not ask for ID.
