Cherokee Outdoor Y 2026 Summer Day Camp

Camp Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Drop Off: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Pick Up: 4:00 PM- 6:30 PM

 

Drop off: NEW this year all cars will have to check in at the guard station.  All campers will get 2 car tags (new color each week).

After getting your car tag, you will proceed to the check in station.  Camp Staff will greet campers and parents.  Details on drop off will be given.   Check in 7:30 am - 8:45 am.  Late check in is 8:45 am - 9:00 am, and you will need to proceed to the camp office to check in your camper.

Early Check Out - please make sure that all campers are checked out before 3:30 pm and that a note is provided at check in or you may email lisar@ymcaatlanta.org, with early check out instructions, including who will be checking your camper out.  Please remember that a photo ID will be required to check out all campers.

Pick up - is 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm, you will proceed to the check in post (same place where you checked in).  Photo ID"s will be required each day to heck out,  If a person is not listed on the authorized check in/out list.  Then they will have to proceed to the camp office so we can contact the primary adult on the campers information.  Late pick up starts at 6:31 pm and is a $1.00 per minute, per child, and will be charged at time of pick-up.

In the event of inclement weather check in will be up by the camp office and your campers will be picked up at the pavilion after all ID's have been checked.

NO camper will be released to anyone with out proper ID or without authorization.

• Back Pack - with name or a tag,
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Lunch
• 2 snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Spray sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Change of cloths (just in case)

Please make sure all items are clearly labeled.

• Cell Phones
• Any electronics
• Playing cards
• Pokemon cards
• Toys
• Candy
• Soft drinks
• Money
• Jewelry
• Library books
• Sports equipment
• Valuables

• Closed toed
• Shoes
• Girls - one piece bathing suit
• Clothes that are ok to get dirty or stained

SICK CHILDREN

To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all participants, anyone who is ill, which includes but is not limited to oral temperatures of 100.4 degrees F or higher, any contagious symptoms such as rashes, sore throat, congestion, vomiting, etc. may not attend camp.

If your child falls ill or has a fever over 100.4 F during camp, we will move them to a monitored, isolated room for immediate pickup. If it is medically necessary that your child be taken to the hospital, we will call you to inform you of our course of action as soon as possible. Please make sure your information is up to date. You can update your Y account at ymcaatlanta.my.site.com/s/login.

The YMCA will keep parents/guardians informed of illnesses, injuries, and exposure to communicable diseases.

DISCLOSURE OF ALLERGIES

Please clearly indicate any food, environmental, or medication allergies during registration and on your child’s health forms. Be as specific as possible to help us ensure appropriate accommodations. If your camper has a severe allergy, please speak directly to the Camp Director prior to your camp session.

MEDICATION

If your child requires emergency medication (such as an EpiPen or inhaler), it must be provided to camp staff in its original container, clearly labeled with your child’s name and usage instructions. An Allergy Action Plan or other relevant medical documentation must also be submitted.

YMCA staff can administer prescription medication when we receive all appropriate medical forms. All prescription medications must be in the original container with the pharmacy label. All over-the-counter medication must be in the original packaging, clearly labeled with your camper’s name and accompanied by a doctor’s note.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Please plan for sunshine and rain. We will continue our outdoor activities as long as there is no thunder or lightning. Should there be thunder or lightning, we will move the children into the facility or under covered areas until the weather is safe to move back outdoors. 

The safety and well-being of our campers and staff is always our priority. Heat Policy - we are an outdoor camp with some access to indoor facilities.  When the temps reach 90+ degrees, we will have frequent hydration breaks every 20-30 minutes.  We also have a few areas that do have AC and be taking AC breaks during the day, those breaks will be schedule differently each week depending on the amount of campers, these breaks will be 45-60 minutes per group.  We will also make sure we get more water activities either in the lake, or on the soccer field with water slide, hoses, etc.  

We also encourage campers to wear light colored and light weight clothes. 

Our camp does not provide food for campers. Campers will need to bring their lunch, and 2 snacks. On special occasions we might have a cook out or something, which we will notify parents/guardians in advanced. 

We do not allow campers to share food do due food allergies. If your child has any allergies please make sure to check in at the camp office at the start of your campers week to make sure we have all updated information.  

We group our ages together in what we call Dens: Chipmunk - 5-6 years, Fox - 7-8 years, Bobcat - 9-10 years, Bear 11-12 years, Navigators - 13-14 years, Leaders In Training - 15 years.  

From here the the age groups will split into either traditional camp or specialty camp, depending on what each camper is register for. Daily actives will include arts/crafts, archery, field games, hiking, sports, water front.  

Each week on Friday's will we have fun Fridays and special activities depending on the theme for each week.

Yes, there are water activities. 

The YMCAs philosophy of a discipline program is that discipline is a continuous daily process  of redirection, conversations, planning and partnership between the family/guardian, camper, and camp staff. 

We will work through the following steps to address behavior concerns: 
• Child will be redirected and encouraged  to participate in other ways. 
• Child will be given verbal warning. 
• Child will be asked to take a personal time in. 

A time in is an opportunity for camp counselor and child to engage in dialogue about their behavior and create a plan together. It also provides an opportunity to calm down and regroup. 
• Child will potentially lose some/all of privilege of participating in a special activity. 
• Child will talk with camp leaders and develop a behavior action plan. 

Parents  will be called to discuss a positive plan  for change.     

Parents will be called to pick up camper early if the camper is causing a disruption to camp and other campers.

All communication will be done through emailing the primary account holder for each camper,  If parent shave any questions or concerns, please contact Lisa Reed, Youth Development Director at lisar@ymcaatlanta.org.

Kids will get dirty. Always good to have a plastic bag in your car for dirty items.   

No question or concerns is to small.  Don't send campers dress in good clothes, they will not last.  

Always check the lost and found before leaving camp, its on the way out of camp. Most of the staff are teachers, have been counselors for a few years or like myself and my register are parents.  

Camp office is always open.

I have lived in Marietta, Georgia since 1973, raising three boys, (23,22,16).  

I have been with the YMCA since I was 14 and have worked at McCleskey, Northeast, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Canton and Cherokee YMCA's.  

I have a love of animals and the outdoors.   

Favorite sports, Georgia Bulldogs Football, Atlanta Braves and unfortunately the Atlanta Falcons.

Fun fact! I was an umbrella girl.

Come ready for a fun filled summer!