Summer Camp - Register Today for 2011!

Be sure to register today for 2011!  Summer of 2010 may be over, but be sure to reserve your spot in your favorite session for 2011.

Spend your summer in the magical world of Camp Foster YMCA located on the beautiful shores of East Lake Okoboji.  Watch as our woods are transformed from King Authur's Court one day into a newly discovered planet the next.  Get ready for an amazing adventure every day! 

While living at Camp Foster YMCA, we not only allow campers of all ages to experience new activities, but we strive to build strong individuals by living our Camp Foster YMCA mission and values.  These values are intergrated right into every program area that Camp Foster offers and are modeled by our well-trained college seasonal and full-time staff. 

Core Values

We want all children to return from a week at camp with more than just a recreational experience.  Through program activities and staff all campers area exposed to our values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring and Fairness.  We make every effort to develop children spiritually, physically and mentally.

Mission

Camp Foster YMCA's mission is To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  Camp Foster continues to remain a summer camp that is grounded in our Values and Mission. 

Cabin Life

Each campers lives in a cabin with ten other campers of similar age and two counselors.  Foster has a great camper to staff ratio both inside and outside of the cabin.  Most of our cabins are heated, air-conditioned, and carpeted.  Eight of our cabins recently received bathrooms attached to the cabin, bringing a total of half of our cabins with individual cabin bathrooms.  The rest of camp continues to use our main bathroom facility located in the central part of camp which has individual shower and toliet stalls, automatic faucets and Corian countertops/sinks. 

We strive to make sure that our youngest campers have cabins with these bathrooms attached.  Older boys may reside in our more rustic setting of camp called Tent City, which allows them to meet other campers their age creating a great bonding experience for them.  Tent City is not air conditioned, but, rest assured, your camper will be nice and cozy in our permanent tent decks with a cool breeze coming off the lake. 

Safety

The health and safety of all campers is of supreme importance.  Every week, we have a certified nurse on staff located in camp 24 hours a day which administers any medications staff and campers may need while living at Camp Foster YMCA.  All of our program areas are tested and inspected to ensure the highest safety.  Camp Foster YMCA also is an accredited camp through the standards of the American Camping Association. 

Progressive Program

Regardless if you are a first time camper or multi-year veteran, Camp Foster's progressive program will challenge you.  Our progressive program options allow campers to return year after year and still have opportunities to grow and mature at Foster.  Whether it is our Sailing program, Archery or our extensive Ropes Course Options, campers find each year at Foster a new and exciting adventure.  Camp Foster is also committed to ensuring that relationships among our campers are established, building friendships that remain strong even as the winter months fade away.  These safe and encouraging relationships among our campers continue to bring the 7th or 8th year camper back year after year. 

Parent Survival Kit

Once you register your child for one or multiple sessions here at Camp Foster YMCA, our office will place you on our Parent Survival Kit mailing list which will be mailed out in April for the following summer.  Our Parent Survival Kit is a registration confirmation packet that will help you prepare for your camp experience explaining our program, safety standards, schedules and what to expect as a parent.  The packet will also provide parents with a list of "What to Bring to Camp" as well as "What Not to Bring to Camp" to ensure every child is preparred and can have the best experience possible.  We understand that for first year parents, the idea of sending you child away for a week at camp may be a little nerve-wrecking.  Our Parent Survival Kit is designed to meet your needs as a parent and calm any nervousness there may be.  Please be sure to contact our office if there is any further information you would like to know.  We want to make sure your experience with Camp Foster is just as positive as your child's.   

Military Families

As part of a continued outreach program and to continue our efforts to ensure every child has an opportunity to come to summer camp, Our Military Kids, which is an outreach organization based outside of Washington D.C. dedicated to children of military families, is being offered to families that wish to register with Camp Foster YMCA.  Started in 2004, Our Military Kids is simply a grant program funded by generous donors to provide funding for children to attend summer camp while one of their parents is actively serving with the Guard or Reserves overseas.  Families that have one parent serving overseas in the National Guard or with a Reserve Unit may apply to receive up to $500 per child to help cover the costs of summer camp.  Funding is provided per child, so multiple children in the same household may apply.  If you are interested in applying for this program, please call our office to register your child for a session and then apply for the grant by visiting www.ourmilitarykids.org and select the "How to Apply" tab located on the top of the website.  The website will provide you with FAQ's, an overview of their program as well as the history of the organization.  If you are interested in donating to this organization to help continue sending military children to summer camp, you can do so by visiting their website and selecting the "Support our Military Kids" option.  Our Military Kids is available in all 50 states and most territories and is dedicated to enriching our children's future.    

Supporting National Guard and Military Reserve Families... One Child at a Time.