August 21-27, 2011!
Registration ends August 15, 2011.
Register today!

NRYC Frequently Asked & Answered Questions

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • What do I need to pack for camp? Please note that there is a list of items not allowed on the Camp Code of Conduct. All cabins have electricity, are heated and include restrooms with toilets and showers. Campers should be sure to bring regular bathroom toiletries, including shower items.
  • What is the daily schedule like at camp? Please check out the sample schedules on our Campers page.
  • What kind of food is served at camp? Cafeteria style food is served at NRYC. Campers receive a full breakfast (such as eggs, fresh fruit, ham or bacon and toast or pancakes), a full lunch (such as tacos or macaroni and cheese with veggies or fresh fruit) and a full dinner (such as spaghetti with salad and French bread or hamburgers with salad and dessert). Milk, juice and water are available daily. (See Health and Safety below)
  • Can I send food with my child? No food is allowed in the cabins; including candy, gum, etc. Campers with special dietary needs must have food prearranged with the Camp Registrar. The camp store is open regularly where campers may purchase snack items.
  • How can I find out more about the camp staff? Short bios for many of the staff members are available on our About Us page. If you have further questions about the qualifications of staff, please contact Kathleen Whalen, Board Chair, at 360-754-3588 ext #114.
  • How many participants attend camp at one time? We average 45-60 campers per week. There are both boys and girls, which are separated into male and female cabins. Round the clock supervision is provided.
  • My child wants to be in the same cabin as their best friend, is this possible? Cabin groups are determined once registration closes. However, we do attempt to accommodate these requests.
  • My child is 15 and has not been to Natural Resources Youth Camp. Can they be registered in the Counselor-In-Training Program? Normally the program fills with campers that have been a part of the regular and Backcountry Adventure portions of camp, and therefore, they are given the first opportunity to participate. Occasionally space is available for a first time NRYC camper.

FACILITIES

  • How do I get to Cispus Learning Center? A map can be found on the Directions page. It can also be found on the Cispus Learning Center’s website: www.awsp.org/AM/Template.cfm?section=Cispus
  • What kind of facilities are there at Cispus? There are several buildings on site. We use the following during NRYC: heated cabins (which include beds and bathrooms with showers), cafeteria, auditorium, group camp fire facility, dispensary (the nurse’s station) and camp staff office. There is a trail to the river and a ropes challenge course. Campers are not allowed on the trail except when accompanied by staff. The challenge course is open only on Monday, when lead by certified ropes instructors.
  • Will cell phones work at Cispus? Cell phones are not allowed at camp. Parents should be sure that their childe leaves their cell phone and other electronic devices at home. An emergency phone is available in the camp staff office. The emergency phone number is: 360-497-7131.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

  • Is there a camp nurse on site? Yes, Natural Resources Youth Camp has a nurse available round-the-clock during the entire camp week. In case of injury, significant illness or other emergency, parents will be notified as soon as possible and your child will be transported to the emergency room
  • What happens if my child has a food allergy or special diet? Cispus kitchen staff will work with the camper and provide a menu for them. In some cases campers will bring their own supplement foods to ensure a full meal. The registrar needs to know any food allergy or special diet needs by June 10th. See the Health History form.
  • My child takes medication daily. How can I ensure that they will take it while at camp? The NRYC camp nurse collects medications when you check into registration upon arrival. The nurse ensures that every child on medication receives them on time every day. These medications will be returned to your child at the conclusion of camp.
  • How do I know my child is safe with the adults that are at camp? The NRYC has a policy of conducting Washington State Patrol background checks on all adults (age 18 and over) who work with the campers. This includes counselors, resource site instructors, director, program coordinator, nurse, activities coordinator, board members, etc. We use a buddy system at camp to ensure that no child is alone with only one staff person. Staff meets daily at camp to ensure that each camper’s physical and emotional safety needs are met.
  • What is the camper to staff ratio? The maximum average ratio is 1 staff to 5 campers. There is one male and one female counselor to each group of 10-12 campers. Counselors-in-Training assist counselors in the cabin and during activities. In addition, there are at least 2-3 instructional staff to each group of 10-12 campers between breakfast and bedtime.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  • Are scholarships, financial aid or camperships available? Yes. Parents or legal guardians may complete the Scholarship Application form and submit it to the Camp Registrar to request assistance. This information is not shared with other campers or staff. Only designated NRYC Board members, for the purposes of making these funding decisions, have access to completed Scholarship Applications.

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

  • How do I get to Cispus Learning Center? A map can be found on the Directions page. It can also be found on the Cispus Learning Center’s website: www.awsp.org/AM/Template.cfm?section=Cispus
  • What happens if I need to pick up my child early? These arrangements should be discussed with the registrar prior to camp and/or during the registration process at the beginning of camp. If an emergency arises, you may call the Cispus Learning Center staff and ask that they notify the NRYC director.
  • What happens if I cannot arrive to pick up my child until late on the day that camp closes? All campers must be picked up on time at the end of camp. Please make arrangements to pick up your child ahead of time.
  • Can my camper go home with another family member or friend? The Parental Permission form gives the parent or guardian the opportunity to release the camper to a predetermined person for transportation from camp at 11:00 a.m. on June 26, 2010.