REGISTERING FOR CAMP

How does Widjiwagan'a fee compare to other popular camps?

Widjiwagan staff and board work hard each year to ensure we are able to keep camp affordable while maintaining high standards for our staff and facility. Below is a cost comparison with a few Overnight Camps.

What do I need to submit to register my child for Camp Widjiwagan?

We need a completed registration form (both sides) and your deposit. Register online for the fastest processing.

My child was a camper last year. Do I still need to submit all of the forms?

Yes. We shred registration forms, immunization records or health forms from previous summers.

Does YMCA Camp Widjiwagan offer scholarships?

Yes. Scholarships are available through Camp Widjiwagan's scholarship program on a first-come first-serve basis. A copy of your current tax return (1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) is required to process the scholarship application. Those who wish to contribute to our "Annual Giving Campaign" may do so by contacting Camp Widjiwagan directly or donating online.

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. Please call the camp office at 615-360-CAMP to discuss the particular care your camper will require before submitting your registration.

What if I need to cancel or change a session?

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 May 15th. The camp deposit is non refundable without a doctors authorized medical reason.

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR CAMP!

When are my child's camp fees due?

All camp payments are due on May 13, 2011. If your deposit is paid by credit card, the balance due will automatically be charged on May 13th, unless we have already received payment in full.

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 comfortably house 14 campers and 3 staff.

My children are different ages. Can they be in the same cabin?

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.

What if my child gets homesick at camp?

A few campers experience some homesickness as they adjust to living in a new environment. This is normal and our counselors are trained how to support campers as they make this transition. Most homesickness is generally brief and occurs 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.

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.

Sample Summer Menu Options »

How does the camp handle food allergies?

Information regarding food allergies should be included on the registration 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 camper's 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.?

Warrior Oernight campers travel as a tribe to all the activities offered.Thunderbird and Chief 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 cabin groups. They will spend half the day on the water every day through the session. The activities they will rotate through are: skiing, 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 one hour.

What precautions are taken when campers are swimming in the lake or water park?

All campers must take a swimming test during the first full 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. When Mother Nature provides us with some "liquid sunshine," our camp day proceeds as usual. Campers may get wet or muddy on rainy days. When rain is accompanied by thunder and lightning, all campers are moved to covered areas.