FAQs

If I’ve registered in the past, how do I log back in?

Log in right here!

Do I have to re-type information I entered in the past?

No. If you already have an account, you can log back in to access your information and forms for an upcoming session.  You will need to make sure the information is still up to date, make any changes and resubmit it.

What is the best age for my kids to come camp?

It is up to you to decide when you believe your child is “ready.” Some children are ready at six years old, while others are ready a little later in childhood. We have new campers in every age range, so it is never too late to experience an amazing week at camp!

What is the age range for overnight camps?

Our camp sessions are designed for grades 1 – 12 (or age 6-18).  Each session is for a selected age group like 3-6, 5-8, etc.

Review the full summer schedule.

Are overnight camps co-ed?

Yes.  Every camp session is co-ed.  Campers are separated by boys cabins, girls cabins, or co-ed/gender inclusive – families get to pick in the application process.

What resources do you have for first time campers?

Check out our Setting Campers up for Success page for ways to support your camper at their first week of camp!

Do you provide financial assistance?

Thanks to donations from the community, businesses, and individuals, we are able to offer financial aid to campers in need.

Read more about Financial Aid at VBYC.

What are the drop off and pickup times for overnight camp?

Sunday from 3 – 5 pm unless otherwise stated 

Saturday at 10 am unless otherwise stated.

Explorer campers leave Friday at 5 pm.

What are your Covid-19 precautions?

We eat meals outside in our Rec Area, host programs and activities outside when weather cooperates, stagger shower and night time medication times.

Otherwise, we are back to our traditional summer camp program!

We will continue to follow guidance from the American Camp Association, the CDC, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)  to manage any issues that arise.

Why do you need my camper’s immunization record?

For compliance reasons, we need to have your camper’s immunization records showing that they are up to date on all immunizations and that they have had their tetanus shot (or a booster) within the last 10 years. We no longer accept immunization waivers for personal or philosophical reasons but will consider legitimate medical exemptions.

What if my camper takes medication?

The first aid station is centrally located in the main area of camp and is stocked with first aid and emergency medical equipment. A licensed medical professional with advanced medical training is on-site 24 hours a day. If your child takes medication, our Health Officer will supervise the administration of all medications. All medications must be in original containers and must be under the supervision of the Camp Nurse. Please do not pack any medications in camper bags. Please check all medications at the first aid station during drop-off.

What if my camper gets sick?

Camp personnel will contact you or other designated emergency contact if your camper requires the services of a physician. If a camper requires hospital emergency room treatment, camp personnel will attempt to contact you immediately. If we are unable to reach you, we will contact your designated emergency contact immediately. If your camper becomes sick during their stay, you will be contacted and updated.

How does VBYC handle food allergies or special dietary needs?

Food allergies / dietary restrictions should be listed on your camper’s health form and discussed with the health officer and your camper’s counselor upon arrival. We are a nut-free camp. Kitchen staff at VBYC do their best to accommodate people with a variety of special dietary needs, including vegetarians, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. These needs must be noted on the online health form.

If your camper is an extremely selective eater, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make sure they are well fed and ready to have a great week! You can make note on their health form, the “ways to help your camper” box on the camp application, or please contact us!

I don’t want other campers to know about my camper’s learning disability, but I want them to have a good time. Should I include it on the health forms?

Yes please! We are HIPPA-Compliant with all health records. Sensitive information is only given out on a need to know basis: our health office makes all medical decisions, the kitchen staff have access to allergies and dietary restrictions, and all staff are trained to be discreet and professional.

The best way for us to care for your camper is to be fully aware of their health history, including learning disabilities and/or diagnoses of emotional/behavioral disorders. Our goal is to give every camper the support they need to have a fun and successful week at camp!

My camper often wets the bed. How do you manage this at camp?

Don’t despair! Bed-wetting is very common.  Our counselors and staff are trained on how to deal with any issues quickly and discreetly. Please connect with the Health Officer at check-in if you have any concerns about your camper having discreet place to take care of nighttime pull ups.

Here are a couple of wonderful links for you to view if you or your child are concerned about a week away at camp because of bed-wetting.

How to Handle Bedwetting at Overnight Camp

Bed-wetting in kids: Why it happens and what to do

Is visiting allowed at overnight camp?

No. To support camper’s immersion at camp, parents should not stop by during the week.

Can I send Care Packages and other mail?

Yes! Please do feel free to send letters, postcards, and small care packages!

Please do not send food/snacks unless they can be consumed the moment they open their package or if it is candy they can share with their cabin at that time.  We will not be storing packages in the camp store.  We have plenty of candy and drink options available in the store for $1 – $2.

For any candy/snacks you send – Absolutely NO NUTS!!!  VBYC is a peanut-free facility and we have children with peanut allergies here almost every week.  If you send snacks/candy with peanuts in it or even candy made in a peanut facility (read the back of the package, please)  we will dispose of it or hold it until pick up if space allows. Please do not send homemade treats.

If you want to ensure that your letters and packages make it to camp before your camper leaves, please mail things no later than Monday at the very latest. You can even drop off their first letter the day of Registration, or mail it from home on Friday (before camp) so that it will be here early in their week.  As things change with the postal service this recommendation could change.

How will I be in contact with my camper(s) during overnight camp?

Every day we have a Horizontal Hour.  This gives all of our campers time to relax, take a nap, read or write letters home.  We have a mailbox in the Lodge where campers can put out-going mail.  This is taken to the mailbox at the entrance to camp once a day. Please show your camper how to address an envelope before you come to camp if you know they plan to send a letter.  Thank you!

Just as we send letters home each day, we also receive a ton of mail!  This is all sorted through, alphabetized, and laid out on the windowsill on the deck of our Lodge each day.  Campers really love to get letters from home…especially now that mailing things doesn’t happen very often.

If your camper is really struggling to get comfortable with camp life, we will be in contact with you via email and may potentially ask you to send a note of support that we can print and deliver with the daily mail.

Can I send a cell phone with my camper?

No. VBYC is a cell phone free facility. Cell phones and other internet-connected devices are expressly prohibited and will be confiscated and held in the administration office until departure. Please check with your camper before drop off to ensure you know that their devices are not coming to camp.

Can I call my camper?

Just as visiting disrupts the immersion of camp, phone calls are not typically recommended. As a general guide, we do not encourage phone calls and will work with a camper to utilize other forms of communication to let their families know how things are going at camp.

In the rare event that a phone call is needed, a staff member will be present to facilitate that call in our camp offices.

Where will my camper be staying?

Campers reside in the 15 cabins lining Cabin Row. Each cabin sleeps eight campers and one counselor. Cabins have bunk beds and spaces for campers to place their things. They have electricity for lights, but no outlets.

Read more about our facilities.

What are your cabin options?

We offer both gendered and non-gendered cabins at each session. The number of each cabin option depends on the make-up of the campers at each week.

All families are invited to discuss the options with their campers and to select whichever cabin option(s) they would feel comfortable with.

While our goal is to have a gender inclusive cabin at each session, the availability depends on how many campers are interested. If your camper is only interested in the gender-inclusive cabin, we will email you before the session starts to make a plan for how to proceed.

Due to counselor availability and a limited male counselor pool, the counselor of your male camper’s cabin may not be male. Please be assured that there are male staff role models to advise the counselor and to address any concerns that may arise.  VBYC supports counselors and staff of all genders.

Read more about gender inclusion at VBYC.

Can I find out what cabin my camper will be in before arrival?

No. Cabin assignments will be given upon arrival, no sooner. Placement within a cabin depends on school grade, age, and cabin options checked on the application.

Do you take cabin-mate requests?

No. We find that when a cabin of kids start on equal footing of being new to each other, they have a happier week and have greater growth in self confidence. There are still plenty of times throughout the day campers in different cabins can be together. For example: Morning free time, afternoon free time, store time, Thought, Evening Rec, and Campfire.  Please talk to your camper(s) about this before they arrive.  We are a tight knit camp and they will never be far away from their friends, old and new.

Tell me about my campers counselor

This person’s sole responsibility is your child’s safety and fun. They are selected from our Leadership Workshop (the first week of every summer) or they have equivalent experience. They are screened through personal interviews, performance at the Leadership Workshop, previous counseling experience, and personal references. Each counselor is in charge of a cabin of eight campers. They are with their campers at classes, meals, sleeping in the cabin, planning sessions, etc. They foster unity, trust, friendship, and responsibility in their cabin. They are ages 14 and up. depending on the age group of the session they are volunteering for.

Due to counselor availability and a limited male counselor pool, the counselor of your male camper’s cabin may not be male. Please be assured that there are male staff role models to advise the counselor and to address any concerns that may arise.  VBYC supports counselors and staff of all genders.

What does the Camp Store sell?

The store sells sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts, pens, postcards, candy, drinks, stuffed animals, etc.  Campers have the option to visit the store 2 to 3 times a day.

How does the Camp Store work?

Parents deposit spending money in their child’s store account which the camper may “charge” purchases to throughout the week. Unspent money will be refunded at the end of the week in the form of cash at de-registration. We do not allow campers to give us cash money during the week and do not encourage them to have money in their cabins.  

Counselors – please do not put money on your online account. Bring cash to your Saturday counselor meeting.

We also have an Online Camp Store that sells clothing and other merchandise using a printing service.

Can I donate money to VBYC?

Yes please! See our Donation page

Can I donate items?

If you have specific items you’d like to donate, please contact us!

Do you have an Amazon Wish List?

Yes! Here is our Amazon Wish List which we update regularly. https://a.co/fEkOw3U

Can I serve on the Board of Directors?

Yes please! Contact us.

Can I volunteer during a session?

To volunteer at VBYC, please contact us!

To volunteer as a counselor, check out our counselor info page.

To keep up to date with the counselor program, follow @VBYC_Volunteers on Instagram.

Can I rent camp for an event?

Yes please! See our Rent Camp page.