June 22 - 28, 2008!
Registration ends June 14, 2008.
Register today!

NRYC Frequently Asked & Answered Questions

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • What do I need to pack for camp? On the back to the Program Information page you will find the needed items listed. Some campers will bring blankets and sheets for the single beds in place of a sleeping bag. Please note that there is a list of items not allowed on the Camp Code of Conduct. Bathroom toiletries are also needed for showers, etc. (including a bath towel). All cabins are heated with restrooms (including showers).
  • 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, ham and toast or pancakes), a full lunch (such as tacos, macaroni and cheese, veggies or fruit) and a full dinner (such as spaghetti, salad, French bread or hamburgers, salad and dessert). Milk is served daily, as are juices and water. (See Health and Safety below)
  • Can I send food with my child? Please limit any junk food and do not send any perishables, unless there are special dietary needs and this has been arranged with the Camp Registrar.
  • How can I find out more about the camp staff? Short bios for many of 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 50-75 campers per week. There are both boys and girls, which are separated into female and male cabins. Round the clock supervision is provided to every camper.
  • My child wants to bunk with her 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 utilize the following during NRYC: heated cabins (which include bathrooms with showers and beds), cafeteria, auditorium, group camp fire facility, and dispensary (the nurse’s station). There is also a staff office. There is also a trail to the river and a ropes challenge course, however campers are not allowed on the trail except when they are assigned to these areas. The challenge course is off limits at all times (except on Monday when campers will experience the course with certified ropes instructors).
  • Will cell phones work at Cispus? No, and camp staff request that campers do not bring a cell phone to camp. Also we ask parents to help us make this a phone free week for campers. (There is an emergency phone available to campers but we ask you to support us on limiting the use by campers). Thank you.

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. If your child is injured or becomes so ill that an emergency room visit is required, you will be contacted immediately.
  • What happens if my child has a food allergy or special diet? Cispus 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 1st. 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 register your child. 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 that work with the campers. This includes counselors, resource site instructors, director, program coordinator, nurse, activities coordinator, board members, etc. We utilize a buddy system at camp to ensure that no child is alone with only one staff person.
  • 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. In addition, typically, 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 campers and their parents 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 the NRYC Board members, for the purposes of making these funding decisions.

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
  • Is transportation available to Cispus Learning Center provided by the Camp? In 2008, a van shuttle service will be offered from Olympia to Cispus and back to Olympia. The cost is $15 one way, or $25 round trip. Space is limited. If you would like this service, please mark the appropriate boxes on your Transportation Release or contact the camp registrar at registration@nryc.org
  • What happens if I cannot arrive between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. on June 22, 2008? Natural Resources Youth Camp will accommodate late arrivals with the final arrangements made through the registrar.
  • 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? We ask that parents arrange for the transportation of their child in advance. Our camp staff is released within an hour after camp concludes. These staff members have been at Cispus since the previous Saturday and are ready to go home and be with their families. Therefore, we ask you kindly to have you child picked up on time.
  • Can my camper go home with another family member or friend? The Parental Permission page gives the parent or parents the opportunity to release the camper to another person for transportation from camp at 11:00 a.m. on June 28, 2008.