Camp FAQS — Overnight Camp
REGISTERING FOR CAMP
What do I need to submit to register my child for Camp Widjiwagan?
To register your child for Camp Widjiwagan, we need a completed registration form and your deposit.
My child was a camper last year. Do I still need to submit all of the forms?
We do not keep registration forms, immunization records or health forms from previous summers, so these must be re-submitted each year.
Does YMCA Camp Widjiwagan offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance is available through Camp Widjiwagan's scholarship program. A copy of your current tax return (1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ) is required to process the financial assistance application. Those who wish to contribute to our "We Build People" camp scholarship campaign may do so by contacting Camp Widjiwagan directly.
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. Parents of campers with special needs should call the camp office at 615-360-CAMP to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.
Can I attend the second week of one session and the first week of another?
We do not allow campers to split sessions because of the way the Camp Widjiwagan curriculum is structured.
What if I need to cancel or change a session?
A camp registration deposit is not refundable. Cancellations received after the balance due date will be charged full session fees. Fees for programs will be refunded only when campers are unable to complete a program due to medical problems. Camp Widjiwagan must receive a written notice from a licensed physician verifying the camper's illness or injury in order to qualify for a refund.
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 May 15th unless we have already received payment in full. Final camp payment must be paid in full by May 15th.
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.
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.
Driving directions
AT CAMP WIDJIWAGAN
How many campers and counselors live in a cabin?
All of our cabins can house 14 campers and 3 staff.
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 cabin. If the campers are not the same age, the older camper will be placed in the younger cabin. To encourage campers to meet new friends, we encourage only one "Cabinmate Request" per camper. Therefore, both campers must have the other listed as their "Cabinmate Request" on their registration card to ensure the pairing is made. Also make sure the campers are coming the same session.
Please cooperate by coordinating your "Cabinmate Request" with the other family. If you have a special situation which you feel should be considered differently, please call at least one month in advance of camp. Please remember that even if two persons are not in the same cabin, there are many opportunities to spend time together in camp.
Can my child have the same counselor as last year?
Campers are not able to request specific counselors.
What if my child gets homesick at camp?
Most camper experience some homesickness as they adjust to lining in a new environment. This is normal and our counselors are trained how to support camper as they make this transition. Most homesickness is generally brief and occur during quiet times the first few days of a session. If your child is experiencing an extreme case of homesickness the nation chief will call the parent to discuss a plan to help them adjust to camp.
Is there religious emphasis at camp?
The mission of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee is: A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping persons grow in spirit, mind, and body. Nightly devotions and Sunday Worship Services are conducted and based on the YMCA core values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Services are non-denominational with no intent to teach destine or change one's religious beliefs.
What type of food is served in the Dining Lodge?
Our kitchen staff is experts in preparing nutritious meals for campers and staff. We eat family style sitting together with the cabin group at tables. Meals are health conscious and kid friendly.
How does the camp handle food allergies?
Information regarding food allergies should be included on the health form. Our Food Services Director will monitor and make adjustments for these diets at each meal. Campers should also accept responsibility for adhering to their specific diets.
What about health and safety?
Your campers health and safety is our prime concern. We have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day. Additionally, each staff member is trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. Every precaution is taken to protect your camper from sickness or accident.
Can my child specialize in a specific activity such as Tennis, Soccer, Climbing, etc.?
All Overnight Campers have the opportunity to select the land activities of their choice and may spend a large portion of their day pursuing a special interest.
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 everyday through the session. The activities they will rotate through are: Sailing, Beach Swim, The Blob, the Wet Willy Water Slide, Canoeing, Kayaking, Banana Boat rides, Pontoon ride and slide, and recreational swimming in our pool. Everyday the campers will swim in the pool for 1 hour.
What precautions are taken when campers are swimming in the lake or water park?
All campers must take a swimming test during the opening 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 when it rains?
Camp Widjiwagan is blessed to have such a magnificent natural setting to implement our programs. Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not always bless us with sunny skies and 85-degree temperatures. When Mother Nature provides us with some liquid sunshine, or rain, 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.
Register for Camp
What do I need to submit to register my child for Camp Widjiwagan?
To register your child for Camp Widjiwagan, we need a completed registration form and your deposit.
My child was a camper last year. Do I still need to submit all of the forms?
We do not keep registration forms, immunization records or health forms from previous summers, so these must be re-submitted each year.
Does YMCA Camp Widjiwagan offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance is available through Camp Widjiwagan's scholarship program. A copy of your current tax return (1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ) is required to process the financial assistance application. Those who wish to contribute to our "We Build People" camp scholarship campaign may do so by contacting Camp Widjiwagan directly.
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. Parents of campers with special needs should call the camp office at 615-360-CAMP to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.
Can I attend the second week of one session and the first week of another?
We do not allow campers to split sessions because of the way the Camp Widjiwagan curriculum is structured.
What if I need to cancel or change a session?
A camp registration deposit is not refundable. Cancellations received after the balance due date will be charged full session fees. Fees for programs will be refunded only when campers are unable to complete a program due to medical problems. Camp Widjiwagan must receive a written notice from a licensed physician verifying the camper's illness or injury in order to qualify for a refund.
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 May 15th unless we have already received payment in full. Final camp payment must be paid in full by May 15th.
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.
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.
Driving directions
AT CAMP WIDJIWAGAN
How many campers and counselors live in a cabin?
All of our cabins can house 14 campers and 3 staff.
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 cabin. If the campers are not the same age, the older camper will be placed in the younger cabin. To encourage campers to meet new friends, we encourage only one "Cabinmate Request" per camper. Therefore, both campers must have the other listed as their "Cabinmate Request" on their registration card to ensure the pairing is made. Also make sure the campers are coming the same session.
Please cooperate by coordinating your "Cabinmate Request" with the other family. If you have a special situation which you feel should be considered differently, please call at least one month in advance of camp. Please remember that even if two persons are not in the same cabin, there are many opportunities to spend time together in camp.
Can my child have the same counselor as last year?
Campers are not able to request specific counselors.
What if my child gets homesick at camp?
Most camper experience some homesickness as they adjust to lining in a new environment. This is normal and our counselors are trained how to support camper as they make this transition. Most homesickness is generally brief and occur during quiet times the first few days of a session. If your child is experiencing an extreme case of homesickness the nation chief will call the parent to discuss a plan to help them adjust to camp.
Is there religious emphasis at camp?
The mission of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee is: A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping persons grow in spirit, mind, and body. Nightly devotions and Sunday Worship Services are conducted and based on the YMCA core values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Services are non-denominational with no intent to teach destine or change one's religious beliefs.
What type of food is served in the Dining Lodge?
Our kitchen staff is experts in preparing nutritious meals for campers and staff. We eat family style sitting together with the cabin group at tables. Meals are health conscious and kid friendly.
How does the camp handle food allergies?
Information regarding food allergies should be included on the health form. Our Food Services Director will monitor and make adjustments for these diets at each meal. Campers should also accept responsibility for adhering to their specific diets.
What about health and safety?
Your campers health and safety is our prime concern. We have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day. Additionally, each staff member is trained and certified in First Aid and CPR. Every precaution is taken to protect your camper from sickness or accident.
Can my child specialize in a specific activity such as Tennis, Soccer, Climbing, etc.?
All Overnight Campers have the opportunity to select the land activities of their choice and may spend a large portion of their day pursuing a special interest.
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 everyday through the session. The activities they will rotate through are: Sailing, Beach Swim, The Blob, the Wet Willy Water Slide, Canoeing, Kayaking, Banana Boat rides, Pontoon ride and slide, and recreational swimming in our pool. Everyday the campers will swim in the pool for 1 hour.
What precautions are taken when campers are swimming in the lake or water park?
All campers must take a swimming test during the opening 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 when it rains?
Camp Widjiwagan is blessed to have such a magnificent natural setting to implement our programs. Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not always bless us with sunny skies and 85-degree temperatures. When Mother Nature provides us with some liquid sunshine, or rain, 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.
Register for Camp
