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If you have ANY question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 515-309-1936. We would love to talk with you!
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Do you have to be Catholic to attend camp?
-You can sign up for Bunk Notes to electronically send your child emails that will be printed out by our office staff and hand delivered to them.
Absolutely not. Every summer we are happy to welcome campers from every faith background.
Where will my camper sleep?
Campers sleep in our cabins (quads) with 2-3 counselors, at least 1 full time summer staff, and 19-20 other campers.
P.S. Our cabins are BRAND NEW.
When do I check-in and check-out my camper?
Click here for details.
What should we pack?
You can find our CYC packing list here!
What will my camper eat?
Our camp menu can be found here. We are a peanut aware campus!
What is the daily schedule?
Find an example here.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Visit our sponsorship tab here to find out more.
How do I contact my camper at camp?
Bunk1 is a secure, easy to use, website service that lets you stay in touch with your camper all week! Bunk1 is an independent company that we have been working with to offer you access to our secure photo area that will be updated regularly throughout the week of camp and the opportunity to send a “Bunk Note” to your camper. No need to wait three days for a letter. Bunk1’s Bunk Note messaging system allows parents to send emails to their campers directly through our website.
Click here to visit Bunk1's website.
We also deliver letters and care packages that we receive by mail. Please send those to:
Camper's Name
6177 Panorama Rd.
Panora, IA. 50216
Camper's week and cabin name
**Letters more than 1/4in thick (anything more than just paper) cannot be delivered without extra postage!
Can my camper bunk with a friend?
Yes! If you would like your child to be placed in the same cabin as his or her friend, please enter the first and last name of your child's friend at the "bunk mate" question of registration. We can only ensure one bunk mate per camper. To edit your camper's bunk mate or double check that you entered the bunk mate correctly, log in to your online account and review your registration information.
What is the canteen and how much money should I put in?
The canteen is our camp store open during our activity shifts and after dinner for campers to purchase snacks, candy, water bottles, or CYC apparel and gear. Parents can add money to their camper's canteen online at any point in time or at camp check-in. We typically recommend around $25.00-$30.00 per camper. If your camper doesn't spend it all, no worries! Any money that is not used during the week can be picked up at camp checkout.
Note: As of 2022, you are able to add money to your campers canteen online at any point in time! (This includes during their week of camp!) Canteen money can be added through your registration account at cyc.campbrainregistration.com!
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes, however the $100.00 deposit (per camper) is non refundable. A prorated portion of the remaining fees may be refunded if the camper is sent home from camp due to illness or injury. Refunds will not be made for a remaining period of three days or less for a full week of camp and one day or less for a half week. If a camper leaves early due to disciplinary reasons, parent request, or homesickness, no refund will be given.
What is your severe weather protocol?
Your child’s safety is our highest priority. We are always aware of any upcoming weather that may affect camp. In the case of severe weather, we work in close contact with Guthrie County Sheriff's office who closely monitors any serious weather developments. In the event that we need to take shelter, Charron Hall has a large basement that can accommodate all of our campers and staff. We do our best to keep parents in the loop via email and by frequently updating our facebook page and website with the latest information.
What if my camper has to leave early?
Just call the office to let us know when your camper needs to leave and who will be picking him or her up. Please stop at the CYC office for pick-up. On Friday, early check-out is from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. by prior arrangement only at the pergola by the St. Michael the Archangel Wings of God Field.
What if my camper has to take medication?
All medications must be listed on the health statement. If you need to add medications after registration but before you camper's week at CYC, you can email [email protected]. Medications must be current, in original containers with the campers’ name, the prescribing physicians name, the medication name, dosage and administration times. All medications must be turned in to our first aid staff member on arrival day. For the protection of all campers at CYC, all medications will be stored in the first aid office. Our First Aid personnel will dispense as directed.
What if my camper gets sick?
Our entire staff is trained in basic first aid and CPR in case your child becomes ill or has a minor injury while at camp. We also have 2 designated summer staff who act as our first aid team throughout the summer. They work hard to establish a rapport with each camper and tend to the needs of any sick camper. Our first aid office is also thoroughly stocked with first aid equipment and over the counter medications. It is our policy to notify parents in the case of illness or accident as soon as possible. In the case of an emergency, we are 8 miles from Guthrie County Hospital.
What if my camper is homesick?
This summer, millions of children will get their first taste of independence at a summer camp. For many, it will also be their first experience with homesickness. But parents and loved ones don't have to feel helpless when homesickness strikes! The prescription for camper homesickness is a simple solution of preparation and patience.
Here are a few tips that will help your camper make it through the homesickness and continue on with a great week of camp.
1. Keep in mind that the camp staff deals with this every week and become somewhat of homesickness “experts.” We do our best to keep homesick campers busy doing activities and support them through the rough times.
2. Resist the temptation to "rescue" your camper from this experience.
3. Acknowledge your camper's feelings and communicate your love. You might say, "If you still feel this way in two days, we'll discuss what we can do."
4. Support your camper's efforts to work out the problems with the help of the camp staff.
5. Remind them, if necessary, that they have made a commitment.
6. Trust your instincts: The occasional camper who is truly not enjoying anything, having a miserable time, and not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to return home after a reasonable amount of time and effort.
Letters can be a very positive solution to homesickness. Below are some letter writing do’s and don'ts:
Do's
-Give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards so that they can keep you informed of camp activities.-In your correspondence, assure the camper that you know they are having a good time and express enthusiasm for the camp's activities.
Don'ts
-Although there are benefits in keeping youngsters informed of what's going on at home, don't go into great detail since the young adventurers might feel they're missing something back home. Experts advise parents not to mention how much they miss their children or that "the dog and cat miss them."
-Don't worry. Your natural reaction is to call on the first day just about bedtime to see how your camper is doing. Remember, counselors and staff are trained to recognize and deal with symptoms of homesickness.
-It has been said, "We have a few homesick children, but we have homesick parents by the dozens."
Does Catholic Youth Camp allow campers or staff to go by pronouns different from the ones listed on their baptismal certificate?
While we appreciate and value all members of our camp community, campers, staff, and volunteers are expected to go by the pronouns listed on their baptismal certificate.
Does Catholic Youth Camp have a bullying policy?
Yes! All campers need to feel safe both emotionally and physically. We have bunk rules with explicit examples of unacceptable behaviors in regard to bullying. We post these rules in the cabin and have counselors, staff, and campers review together. We refer to this list whenever having discussions with campers who cross the line.
Campers involved in continued instances of bullying against another camper will be asked to call home. Repeated hurtful behavior may lead to ejection from camp.