Sioux Falls YMCA FAQs
General Camp FAQs
Camp does not close due to the weather. If it rains during the day, all campers are moved under shelters, and are entertained with skits and games until it stops raining. If the weather becomes severe, or the rain is prolonged we move programs indoors, and continue with activities and games. Please keep in mind that we serve over 700 campers at a time, and all campers may not fit in one indoor area. Campers are often moved to several different indoor locations. If we evacuate camp for any reason, you will be notified via email as soon as possible. The safety and well-being of all campers is always our #1 priority.
Mosquitoes are a normal part of spending time outdoors, and we know how frustrating bug bites can beโour staff is out at camp all summer long too! Campers and staff are encouraged to wear bug spray daily and to reapply as needed throughout the day, especially during high-activity times like mornings and evenings. Our camp staff regularly reminds campers to put on their bug spray and helps younger campers apply it safely.
While we canโt eliminate mosquitoes completely, we do our very best to help campers stay as comfortable and bite-free as possible by promoting good habits and staying mindful of bug safety all day long.
Please send the following items, labeled with your camperโs name, every day:
- Clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather
- Closed-toed, comfortable shoes that can get dirty (no sandals)
- Swimsuit โ in case of water activities
- Towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray (all staff also have sunscreen and bug spray available for camper use)
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Change of undergarments (underwear and socks)
*Please note: While we do our best to reunite campers with misplaced items, all belongings are ultimately the responsibility of the camper and their family. Lost and found items are kept at camp for 7 days and then disposed of or donated.
We allow campers to submit their application with up to two friend requests. These are simply requests, and though we try our best to accommodate them, they are not guaranteed. In order for friend requests to be accepted, BOTH campers MUST request each other.
Friend requests can only be facilitated if both campers are enrolled in the same age group (4&5, 6&7, 8&9, 10&11, 12&13, 14&15). Campers ages 6-13 must also be the same gender.
Lunch At Camp FAQs
Parents will have the opportunity to select a Camp Lunch Option for $85 which will provide a Camp Lunch each day for campers, or you will be able to send your camper with their own lunch each day. Every camper will receive a Camp Snack each afternoon regardless of the option you select. For campers who bring their own lunch, we recommend using a lunchbox with an icepack. As a reminder, CAMP IS PEANUT-FREE; if your camper brings their lunch each day, it is prohibited that you send them with food items containing peanuts or peanut by-products.
Yes, you may choose to send a lunch from home on some days and have your child eat hot lunch on others; however, you are still required to pay the full hot lunch fee. Please note that your child cannot receive hot lunch if you have not purchased this option.
The 2026 menu will be posted as soon as we receive it from our food vendor and also included in the information email sent out approximately three weeks before the start of the session.
Transportation To/From Camp FAQs
No, daily drop-off and pick-up at camp are only allowed for campers who are enrolled in Before/After Care through CampMinder. If your child is not enrolled in Before/After Care, they must use their assigned bus route for transportation to and from camp.
Yes, extra staff is required to be there to care for your child at those times.
You are welcome to try and catch the bus at a later stop on the route, or you can drop them off and sign them in at camp.
Yes, however, changes must be made two weeks prior to the start of the session. Any changes requested after that deadline will not be accommodated.
No, your camper is required to use the stop that was chosen at the time of registration. Using more than one stop is difficult for us to accommodate, as we are responsible for the transportation for up to 750 campers at a time.
No. You must choose one or the other in order to limit traffic in and out of camp and reduce confusion for campers and staff. If you would like to use Camper Care, you must enroll in the Camper Care program and pay the fee associated with that service.
Yes. We serve and are accountable for up to 750 campers at a time, and all campers are required to be signed in and out by an approved adult. Please contact us at 605-336-2267 if your camper will be arriving late, leaving early, or absent for the day.
We do our best to accommodate early pick-ups and late drop-offs, but you may need to be patient, as there are many requests to coordinate each day.
Please see below for designated early pick-up times.
- 10:30 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 2:30 PM
Your camper must use the mode of transportation chosen at the time of registration. We highly encourage families to AVOID early pick ups, late drop offs, and any other deviations from the regular transportation routine if at all possible. Campers are absolutely NOT permitted to drive themselves to camp, park at camp property or park at the Cliff Avenue Greenhouse parking lot.
Family Night At Camp FAQs
Family Night is our special open-house style evening where the whole family is invited to come experience the magic of camp together!
During Family Night, you and your family are welcome to:
- Walk around camp and explore the grounds
- Meet our camp staff and counselors
- Check out some of the activities campers enjoy during the day
- Let your camper proudly show you their favorite spots and โcamp traditionsโ
Itโs a relaxed, come-and-go event designed to help families see what camp is all about, connect with staff, and share in the excitement your camper has been feeling all week. Attendance isnโt required, but we highly encourage itโitโs a lot of fun and a great way to be part of your childโs camp experience!
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In previous years, we hosted two separate Family Night events during each session. This year, we are bringing everyone together for one special Family Night during each session, where all camps will celebrate at the same time.
Family Night will take place from 4:30โ6:30 pm on the following dates:
โข June 9
โข June 23
โข July 7
โข July 21
โข August 4
Overnights At Camp FAQs
Campers enrolled in Tepeetonka and TLC will participate in overnights as listed below:
- Tepeetonka Alpha (campers ages 10&11) will have ONE overnight on the second Thursday of the session.
- Tepeetonka Grande (campers ages 12&13) and TLC (campers ages 14&15) will have TWO overnights during their session. One on the first Thursday and one on the second Thursday of the session.
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Thatโs absolutely fine! We understand that not every camper is ready for an overnight experience.
It is extremely important that you communicate this with the camp office at least 24 hours before the scheduled overnight. If your camper is not staying overnight, they may either:
- Ride the bus home at the usual time, or
- Be picked up at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., or 9:45 p.m.
Please email us at camp@siouxfallsymca.orgย to let us know your camper will not be staying overnight, no later than 24 hours in advance.
Dinner and breakfast are included in the overnight experience. However, if your camper has any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions, we strongly encourage you to provide both meals for them to ensure their needs are fully met.
Please send the following items with your camper, clearly labeled with their name:
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- A change of clothes
- A set of pajamas
- Any necessary toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Bug spray
- Flashlight or headlamp
Packing these essentials helps your camper stay comfortable and prepared for a fun overnight experience at camp.
Our camp nurses will distribute all medications. Please send medications in the prescribed bottle labeled with the camper’s name, the name of the medication and administration instructions. Camp nurses will NOT administer medication that isn’t properly labeled. Please refrain from sending over the counter medications that aren’t absolutely essential for the camper’s well-being (these may include: melatonin, daily vitamins, etc.).
