Day Camp FAQs
REGISTERING FOR CAMP
What do I need to submit to register my child for Camp Widjiwagan?
We need a completed registration form (both sides) and your deposit. Register online for the fastest processing.
My child was a camper last year. Do I still need to submit all of the forms?
Yes. We shred registration forms, immunization records and health forms from previous summers.
Can I attend one week of a two-week session?
Yes. Your registration is for a full two weeks and you may choose to attend only one. However, days missed are not prorated.
Does YMCA Camp Widjiwagan offer scholarships?
Scholarships are available through Camp Widjiwagan's scholarship program. A copy of your current tax return (1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ) is required to process the scholarship application. Those who wish to contribute to our "We Build People" camp scholarship campaign may do so by contacting Camp Widjiwagan directly or Donating online.
Does Camp Widjiwagan offer programs for children with special needs?
We will make every attempt to serve campers who have physical or emotional problems; however, our physical setting of hilly country and rocky areas makes it difficult to have campers with certain physical limitations. Please call the camp office at 615-360-CAMP to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.
What if I need to cancel or change a session?
All changes and cancellations must be made in writing either though the mail, fax (Attn. Camp Registrar), or e-mail dlogsdon@ymcamidtn.org. Cancellation of a session must be made before the payment due date. The camp deposit is non refundable without a doctors authorized medical reason.
IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR CAMP!
When are my child's camp fees due?
If your deposit was paid by credit card, the balance due will automatically be charged on the date due, unless we have already received payment in full. Final camp payment must be paid in full by the date below.
| Payment Schedule | |
| Yellow, Green | May 1, 2010 |
| Red, Blue | June 1, 2010 |
| Purple, Orange | July 1, 2010 |
What should I send to camp with my child?
Be sure to label everything you send to camp with your campers first and last name.
Lunch
Pack a nutritious lunch for your camper each day, including a drink, in an insolated lunch sack or cooler. With increased outdoor activity, campers typically eat more than they do at school, so we also recommend packing an afternoon snack. Camp does not have refrigeration for camper lunches, so please do not use any products that require refrigeration.
Water Bottle
Campers will be outside all day, so a water bottle is a must! The camp has many water fountains so that campers can refill their water bottles.
Clothing
Campers swim every day as part of their tribe activities, so they will need to bring a swimsuit and fresh towel every day. Please send appropriate clothing with your child, taking into consideration the weather forecast and the camp activities. Camp activities continue rain or shine; so on rainy days campers may need a poncho or raincoat with a hat. We encourage you to have your campers wear old clothing to camp since they will be swimming, participating in rugged sports, and climbing and hiking through the woods.
Shoes
Please have your campers wear either old tennis shoes or sandals with a tight back strap. Due to the running activities and hilly terrain these shoes are better for the campers. Flip Flops are not a good idea for footwear at camp.
Other Items
Campers should also bring non-aerosol sunscreen and non-aerosol insect repellent with them to camp every day.
Putting it all together
A backpack is a great way to bring items to camp, and bring everything home. Each tribe will have their own "green box" to put their belongings in so that they will not have to carry them around all day.
How early can I drop my child off at his bus site?
Sign-in for buses will begin at 7:30am at all bus sites. Bus counselors will be available to answer any questions and discuss any special needs for the day. After you sign your child in, you may choose to stay and see the bus off, or you may leave your child in the care of the bus counselors.
What are the pick-up and drop-off times at camp?
Drop-off at camp is between 7:45a.m.-8:30am. Pick-up is between 4:15-5:15pm
Where is Camp Widjiwagan?
Camp Widjiwagan is located on 320 acres adjacent to J. Percy Priest Lake at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center on Smith Springs Road in Nashville.
Driving directions
AT CAMP WIDJIWAGAN
My children are different ages. Can they be in the same tribe?
If two campers are within one year of each other's age and are of the same gender, they can request to be placed in the same tribe. If the campers are not the same age, the older camper will be placed in the younger tribe. To encourage campers to meet new friends, we encourage only one "Tribemate Request" per camper. Therefore, both campers must have the other listed as their "Tribemate Request" on their registration card to ensure the pairing is made.
Can my child specialize in a specific activity such as Tennis, Soccer, Climbing, etc.?
Day Campers rising 4th grade and up have the opportunity to select the land activities of their choice and may spend a large portion of their day pursuing a special interest. Day Campers rising 1st grade through 3rd grade travel as a tribe through all the Widjiwagan activities.
What water activities will my child participate in while at camp?
The campers travel to the water activities with their tribe (group). They will spend ½ the day on the water every day through the session. The activities they will rotate through are: sailing (rising 4th grade and up), beach swim, the Blob, the Wet Willy Water Slide, canoeing, kayaking, Banana Boat rides, pontoon ride and slide and recreational swimming in our pool. Every day the campers will swim in the pool for one hour.
What precautions are taken when campers are swimming in the lake or water park?
All campers must take a swimming test during the first full day of camp to demonstrate their swimming ability. Campers will be outfitted with a colored band to let lifeguards know their swimming ability. Every camper will wear a lifejacket while swimming in the lake, regardless of swimming ability.
What happens if it rains?
Camp Widjiwagan is blessed to have such a magnificent natural setting to implement our programs. When Mother Nature provides us with some "liquid sunshine," our camp day proceeds as usual. Campers may come home wet or muddy on rainy days. When rain is accompanied by thunder and lightning, all campers are moved to covered areas.
