Camp St. Croix | Program Overview
For 100+ years, YMCA Camp St. Croix has been building character and values through every program experience. The balanced development of spirit,
mind and body has been a guiding force throughout the history of YMCA Camping.
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Day Camp
YMCAs DayCroix provides a wonderful place for campers to experience outdoor adventures and fun!
Activities include the Oasis Water Play Area, canoeing, boating on the St. Croix River, archery, swimming, games, environmental education, team sports, camp crafts, scavenger hunts, cookouts, and more. Our Pioneer Village day campers do old-fashioned crafts like leatherwork, basket weaving, candles, tie-dye, fresh butter churning and making ice cream. On Thursday nights, 5 6th grade campers can enjoy overnight camp-outs.
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Overnight Camp
The 1-week, 2-week and 1-month sessions are divided into units for different age levels.
Younger campers are guided through a variety of traditional camp experiences.
Older campers choose between specialized canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding and backpacking units which offer progressive challenges. Each time your child comes back to Camp St. Croix they can achieve a new level of achievement by progressing into a new, longer program! All of our activities nurture character development and encourage all campers to step outside their comfort zones to have new experiences, increase self-confidence and care for others.
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Environmental Education
Camp St. Croix has been building traditions in outdoor learning since 1984 with a special emphasis on respect and responsibility for the natural environment. The program serves over 6000 students each year with day and residential environmental learning programs.
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Team Building
The St. Croix Teambuilding Center is a program at YMCA Camp St. Croix with a focus on building strong youth and adults. Trust, teamwork, confidence and support are all outcomes that a teambuilding experience will bring to groups of all ages.
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Conferences & Retreats
Conferences & Retreats offer a unique time for building community, whether you're a church group, non-profit organization, a business, or conference event. A/V, custom programming and meals available. 7000+ participants join us annually to learn, play and build relationships.
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Operational Goals
Develop an understanding and appreciation of ourselves and all other individuals
Promote healthy lifestyles and interpersonal relationships
Develop environmental awareness, appreciation, and responsibility
Create an atmosphere that encourages spiritual growth and expression of values
Broaden international understanding
Provide a safe, supportive, fun and creative living environment
Program Goals
Increase knowledge, respect and appreciation for the natural environment.
Develop skills in children that will allow them to build positive relationships with others, encouraging cooperation, nonviolence and respect for all people.
Develop character in young people through teaching and demonstrating the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Give children progressive opportunities for fun and adventure which are both challenging and rewarding.
Give young people opportunities to accept responsibility, develop leadership skills and give service to others.
Encourage creativity and resourcefulness through activities that develop young peoples imagination and desire for adventure.
Provide children with responsible adult role models who demonstrate values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Program Accessibility
The YMCA is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and enjoyment without regard to race, ability, creed, national origin and sex. The YMCA will accommodate special needs into existing programs to the extent that financial and physical resources permit. So we may provide a positive experience, please contact the YMCA if your child has any special needs requiring any accommodations.
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American Camping Association Accreditation
YMCA Camp St. Croix is accredited by the American Camping Association and is visited every three years to assure compliance with the ACA standards.
ACA Accreditation means that your childs camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your childs camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
ACA helps accredited camps provide:
Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities and learning experiences
Discovery through experiential education
Caring, competent role models
Service to the community and the environment
Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
