• We base our groups on the grade your child will attend in the fall
• Our campers start at age 5 going into Kindergarten in the fall and go up to age 15

Are your Groups Coed?

• Yes, all our groups are coed.
• Sometimes a particular camp has more campers of one sex than another; the group is still open to anyone
  wishing to participate.

Can You Extend the Camp Hours?

• Yes. We provide extended care here at Camp Topanemus and at the Freehold YMCA facility located at 470 E.
  Freehold Road, Freehold.
• Extended Care hours are from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:30 p.m. If your camper has extended care
  at the Freehold YMCA, the shuttle bus fee is included in the extended care rate.

Can You Enroll Anytime?

• Camp enrollment is on a 'first come, first serve' basis and many camps fill up early on, however, if we have an
  opening we will accept enrollment throughout the camp season.
• Registration is available online.

Do you Provide Lunch?

• An optional lunch meal plan is available for a small fee. Please contact the office for more information.

Can Campers Buy Snacks?

• Yes. We have a Trading Post that stocks drinks and snacks. The Trading Post also offers toys and other items.

Can You Switch from One Camp Program to Another?

• As long as there is room, you can switch your child.
• There is a $25 charge for each program change as well as any charges for differences in the cost of the camps.

What About Ticks?

• We have an aggressive, professional spraying program, done off-hours on a regular basis for ticks and mosquitoes

Is There Trained Medical Personnel on Site?

• Yes. We have a Registered Nurse on staff during regular camp hours.

What Do the Campers do if it's Raining or Excessively Hot?

• Camp Topanemus has indoor space to accommodate campers on rainy days.
• In excessive heat we modify the schedule to give more time in the water and we limit high exertion activities.

What About Refunds or Credits?

• The YMCA of Western Monmouth County and the YMCA Camp Topanemus does not issue refunds.
• A credit may be issued for an illness resulting in 3 consecutive days' absence from camp. A doctor's note is required.
• There are no refunds or credits for vacations. We will make every effort to switch your camper to different weeks
  if necessary.
• In the rare instance a child is expelled from camp, there will be no refund or credit issued.

What is the Swim Program Like?

• At Camp Topanemus we have an excellent swim program. We have two pools - Little Creek which goes up to 3 feet
  in depth and Big Creek which goes up to 8 feet
• All of our campers get a recreational swim. Campers in the Day Camp Programs also get an instructional swim.
• While our swim instructors are trained to encourage your child to participate in both swim instruction and recreational
  swims, no child is forced to go into the water.
• All lifeguards and swim instructors are certified in life guarding, first aid and CPR.

What are the Ages and Experience of your Staff?

• Many of the staff are teachers and/or individuals who work with children year round.
• Our Specialty Camp Leaders have special knowledge and training in that specialty.
  
• Our Senior Counselors are a minimum of 18 years old while our Junior Counselors are a minimum of 16 years old
  before the summer starts.
  
• ALL CAMP STAFF UNDERGOES A BACKGROUND CHECK AND SPECIAL TRAINING BEFORE STARTING WORK.

What is the Staff/Camper Ratio?

• Ratios are 1 to 8 for K and Grade 1 and 1 to 10 for Grades 2-8.
  
• Each programmed activity has a specialist who is involved with each group during those special activities, along
  with the groups regular counselors.

Is there Bus Service?

• Inside each registration packet is a busing schedule. Choose the location closest to you and we will place
  you at that stop on a first come first serve basis.
• We have a shuttle bus that leaves from the Freehold YMCA or the Old Bridge YMCA.
• There is no home busing with extended care.
• We can not pickup and drop off children at different locations.
• All the drivers are specially licensed and have a background check. They are under the supervision of our bus
  coordinator.

Are There Any Special Events over the Summer?

• Throughout the summer we have special programming such as Theme Days, Carnival, Hot Dog Roasts
  and Special Guests.

Do You Have A Special Program for Teens?

• Yes. This is one of our most popular programs. Our Teen Camp is a travel program. Tuesday through Thursday our teens go on a
  different trip. They spend time at camp on Mondays and Fridays.
• Trips are to outdoor recreational areas, water parks, sporting events and on rainy days to the movies, bowling, etc.
  Please see our 2012 Travel Calendar.
• Our Teen camp is very well chaperoned. The Unit Leader is a teacher and the counselors are mature and experienced.

Do You Have A C.I.T. Program?

• Our Program is called Leadership Training. It is an 8-week program only.
• Our L.T.'s are 14-15 years old, attending 9th or 10th grade.
• Campers in our L.T. program are charged a program fee; they do not get paid, they are campers.
• Applicants in this program must fill out a separate Leadership Training Packet and have an interview with the Camp
  Program Director.