Life at Camp Jorn

Skill-building mornings, cabin adventures by afternoon, campfire magic at night.

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Overview

Resident Camp blends three instructional classes (chosen by each camper) with cabin activities and evening all-camp traditions. Cabin groups often cook out or camp out on or near camp (weather permitting).

Instructional classes (mornings)

Campers select 3 classes for the week to focus on growth and progression (e.g., archery, sailing, arts, waterfront skills). Some classes (waterskiing, sailing) require swim proficiency; swim levels are assessed on day one. Properly sized safety and program gear is provided.

Evenings (all-camp)

Campfires, skits, group games, and reflection (“Today Talks”) build community and reinforce the Y values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.

Cabin activities (afternoons)

Rotating activities with cabinmates: canoeing, sailing, team challenges, archery, sports, crafts, and more.

Cookouts & overnights

Each cabin group may do a cookout or overnight on or near camp; distance/complexity varies by age and program.

Activities

Upon arrival, campers can sign up for weekly class activities to learn new skills and make friends outside their cabin. Many activities are very popular, so not every camper may get their first choice. Some classes have age or swim restrictions—if a camper doesn’t get their preferred activity, encourage them to try again next summer. Activities include but are not limited to:

Air Riflery

Campers are instructed in marksmanship with a focus on personal discipline which is required for safe and accurate shooting. Campers learn safety, positioning and proper shooting techniques.

aRCHERY

Archery is one of our most popular activities. Campers are taught by certified instructors. What a thrill to be able to shoot a bullseye using a bow and arrow.

cANOE/kAYAK

J-stroke, C-stroke or Draw? Campers will learn basic parts of the canoe, strokes, boarding and debarking, maneuvering techniques and safety procedures.

aRTS & CRAFTS

Join us on a journey of creativity. Talented instructors help guide campers in completion of quality projects like Tie Dye, Beaded Jewelry, Lanyards, Candles and much more!

Sailing

Campers sail Sunfish sailboats and learn tacking, gibing, proper body position, how to read the wind etc. Plenty of space on Rest Lake to sail!

Biking

Explore the many trails in our area while improving your biking skills!

fishing

Enjoy the refreshing feel of clean and cool water on a nice warm day, under the watchful eye of instructors and lifeguards.

team sports

Master a skill, perfect a shot. Learn to work together in soccer, ultimate frisbee, basketball and other team sports.

Add-ons & specialty focus

Waterski Class
(4–5 lessons)

$200; intermediate swim required (100 ft swim + 2.5-minute tread).

Specialty Camps

Waterski, Sailing, Fishing, Biking (with pro coaches; WinMan Trails), & Pathfinders

(See “Programs & Sessions” on main Resident Camp page.)

packing list

General Notes

  • Please label all items with your camper’s first and last name using a name tag, laundry pen, or permanent marker.
  • Make sure your camper has enough clothing for their stay.
  • Only three-week campers will have access to laundry facilities during their session.

Clothing

  • Raincoat or poncho
  • 2 swimsuits
  • 3 per week – Pajamas
  • Light jacket
  • T-shirts (one for each day)
  • 3–4 per week – Shorts
  • Underwear (one for each day)
  • Socks (one for each day)
  • 3 per week – Long-sleeved shirts or sweatshirts
  • 1 pair – Tennis shoes or closed-toe shoes
  • 1 pair – Sandals
  • 2 per week – Jeans or long pants
  • 1 pair- Shower Shoes

Equipment

  • Warm sleeping bag with stuff sack
  • Fitted sheet and flat sheet (twin size)
  • Pillow and pillowcase
  • Laundry bag
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight with extra batteries

Personal Items

  • 2 bath towels
  • 2 washcloths
  • 1 swim towel
  • Soap or body wash
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Comb or brush
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Tissues
  • Lip balm
  • Other personal toiletries
  • Hair ties

Optional Items

  • White clothing for tie-dye
  • Stationery, postcards, stamps, address book
  • Quiet games or books
  • Notebook, journal, pens, pencils
  • Disposable camera
  • Hat or bandana
  • Shower shoes or sandals
  • Favorite stuffed animal
  • Pictures from home
  • Friendship bracelet string, hair tinsel, beads, etc.
    (We have plenty in our Craft Barn, but many campers enjoy bringing their own for cabin downtime!)
  • Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, games, etc.)
  • Food containing nut products
  • Expensive clothing or jewelry
  • Pets or vehicles
  • Prohibited items: alcohol, vapes, cigarettes, illegal drugs, or weapons (including pocket or hunting knives).
    Violations will result in immediate dismissal.
  • Clothing featuring alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sexual content, or inappropriate language is not permitted.
  • Extra swimsuit
  • Rash guard shirt
  • Extra beach towel
  • Sleeping bag with stuff sack
  • Rain gear (pants and jacket — no ponchos)
  • Pack towel (quick-dry microfiber towel)
  • Light hiking boots with good ankle support and durable soles (may get wet)
  • 3 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic — no cotton)

Luggage

  • Campers’ luggage will be stored under the bus in the luggage compartment.
    • Label luggage clearly with your camper’s full name on the exterior.
  • Campers may bring one small backpack for the bus ride containing:
    • Lunch
    • Full water bottle
    • Snacks for the day
  • Use a large duffel bag or other soft-sided luggage — no trunks, pleas
  • Clearly label with camper’s name or luggage tag
  • Must fit under bunk (16” clearance)

Medications

Do not pack medications in luggage.

All medications must be:

  • In their original containers with current prescription labels
  • Placed in a ziplock bag labeled with your camper’s name
  • Turned in to staff during bus check-in
  • Asthma campers:
    • Carry one prescribed inhaler on the bus
    • Turn in an additional inhaler at check-in

Electronics Reminder

Electronics of any kind are not allowed on the bus or at camp.
If found, they will be collected and held in the office until the end of the session.

All personal gear is brought at your own risk. Camp Jorn YMCA is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please avoid sending new, expensive, or irreplaceable belongings.

A Sample Day at Camp Jorn

8:15 AM Flagpole / Hoppers Depart 3:15-3:45 PM Free Time
8:30 AM Breakfast 4:45-5:45 PM Cabin Activity 2
9:00 AM Cabin Clean Up 5:45-6:00 PM Flagpole/ Hoppers Depart
9:30–12:20 PM Class 1–3 (with brief transitions) 6:00-6:45 PM Dinner
12:30–1:10 PM Lunch 6:45-7:20 PM Trails
1:10–1:50 PM Rest Hour  7:30 PM Camp Fire
1:55-3:10 PM Cabin Activity 1 9:00-10:00 PM Back to Cabins/Lights Out
No Tech 1

Tech-free Policy

Camp Jorn is a tech-free camp, and all electronic devices—including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches—must be left at home so campers can fully connect with nature, friends, and themselves.