YMCA Camping Services (Camp Sky-Y and Chauncey Ranch) Outdoor Education Camp Program Overview Sample Schedule 2 Locations: Chauncey Ranch is located in Mayer Arizona, one hour 15 minutes from Phoenix. This 5000-acre ranch is on the Agua Fria River. Sky-Y Camp is located in Prescott Arizona in the Prescott National Forest about a 2 hour drive from Phoenix. Our Philosophy: Through direct, hands-on experience, all students strengthen classroom learning and team-building skills at our camping facility. Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility are instilled throughout the program. Program Objectives: The guidelines for outdoor education science camp are based on The Arizona Department of Education Science Standards and compliment school curriculum. Activities emphasize the development of student perceptions, sensitivities, and awareness of the natural environment. The classes are designed to build positive relationships between students and build a basic understanding of ecological principals. Program Benefits: Many children spend little or no time in the natural world. For some, this may be their first opportunity to use a compass, climb the climbing tower, or go for a hike in the wilderness. These are experiences that last a lifetime. For others, this may be the first extended period of time away from their families and the sense of independence gained is invaluable. This is also a great way to build cooperation skills and a sense of team for your students. The social and motivational effects will be seen immediately as students before more aware of the positive impact they can have with each other, their teachers, and the environment. Camp Activities and Classes: YMCA Staff are available to teach a variety of outdoor education, and teambuilding classes during your visit. Many schools also choose to have their own teachers lead activities. Click here to see programs! Weather: Due to an elevation, the average temperature is 15-20 degrees cooler than the Phoenix metropolitan area during the day, and 20-25 degrees cooler at night. Lodging: Students and adults are split into male and female cabin groups for sleeping arrangements. Depending on location, each cabin sleeps 12-16 people. Modern bathrooms with hot showers, sinks and flush toilets are located in a central location to each set of cabins. Teacher lodging: A separate sleeping space with private bathroom is available for teachers or faculty. Please contact the Outdoor Education Director for availability. Food Service: Camp provides meals served in our Dining Hall. The number of meals served depends on the amount paid for on the contract. Most schools bring their own sack lunch on the day of arrival. Our menu can be adapted to meet any dietary restrictions or allergies of your group. Meals are served family style. A sack lunch can also be provided for day hikes or the trip home. Please call in advance to set up special menu options or dietary accommodations. Health Care: Camp staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and are willing to assist with any minor injury or illness. In addition, emergency medical care is less than 15 minutes away. It is the responsibility of the school to provide a designated medical staff member during their stay at camp. Securing and administering medications is also the responsibility of the school’s designated medical staff. Camp is equipped with a Health Care center for use of school’s medical staff. Each student on property must have a health history form with a parent authorization for emergency medical care. If a student is too ill to complete the outdoor education program, it is up to the school’s medical staff to make arrangements for medical care or for parent pick-up. Student Supervision: YMCA Camp staff will instruct classes and recreational activities chosen by the school. All instructional equipment and supplies will be provided by camp. It is the responsibility of the school to provide supervision during classes, meal times, free time, as well as in the cabins. It is recommended that a ratio of 1 adult for every 10 students be maintained. There must be at least one adult for each cabin group and it is the responsibility of the school staff to maintain student discipline during their stay at camp. Teachers and adults are encouraged to be an active part of the camp experience, and may participate in activities. (There are some activities such as the climbing tower that due to time restraints we may not have time for each adult to participate.) Slide show for students, parents and teachers: Camp staff would be happy to share pictures and information about the Outdoor Education Program to teachers, parents or students at your school. Contact the Outdoor Education Director to set up a presentation. 1-800-660-1385 or azycamps@vosymca.org Tours of camp: We welcome and encourage any new schools, or for new staff or administrators of returning schools to visit. Please call us to set up an appointment. 1-800-660-1385 or azycamps@vosymca.org