We are proud to offer the Counselor In Training (C.I.T.) program for older campers as they become ready to take on additional responsibility at camp. All of our programs are staffed by a team of experienced counselors.

Program includes:

• Resident Camp, C.I.T.s will start exploring the role of a camp counselor as well as help in camp needs including the dishes after each meal.
• Intro to Rafting Camp, C.I.T.s will enjoy a day trip down the Rogue River while shadowing experienced YMCA camp counselors.
• 6 weeks of mentoring at the Day Camp June 23 – August 22, C.I.T.s will shadow experienced YMCA counselors while they engage with their group. They will also been provided with opportunities to lead activities under the supervision of current camp counselors.
• Wage Increase for summer 2026, C.I.T.s that complete the program and who are hired on to the 2025 team will be hired on at the returning camp counselor rate.

Our C.I.T. program is for campers that are 15 years old and ready for stepping into a counselor role at camp during the summer of 2026.

Final acceptance into the to C.I.T. Program is made by the Camp Director. Although we understand teens have many different commitments during the summer C.I.T.s must commit to the events listed above and to spending at least 3 weeks shadowing at Day Camp this summer. To learn more please contact Vinny Beretta.

Fee: $35/day

Who: Youth entering 1st -8th grade (ages: 5-14, must have completed kindergarten).

Hours: Monday thru Friday – 7:30am – 6:00pm

Locations:
Monday – Thursday: Orchard Hill Elementary School
Friday: Rogue Valley Family YMCA

Our day camp provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to engage the interests of all age groups. Our day camp is non-stop and our activities reinforce our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. At the YMCA, we create an exciting and safe environment for kids to have an unforgettable summer of fun. Campers will spend the summer making friends, trying new things, and developing interpersonal skills. The activities that we engage campers in are hands-on and educational, but we add in a ton of fun and silliness.

A week of Day Camp Includes:

• Counselor to Camper ratio of 1:15
• Developmentally appropriate thematic activities, such as cooking projects, science experiments, outdoor living skills, arts & crafts, and more
• Wednesday field trips
• Friday – YMCA Day will consist of swimming, rock climbing, and the youth center
• Traditional camp games, sports, skits and songs
• Breakfast & Lunch provided by the USDA Summer Foods Program (available to all) and an afternoon snack provided by the YMCA

We work to spend the majority of time outside and a weekly field trip will be to outdoor locations as long as wildfire smoke permits time in the outdoors. Each day campers will be assigned a “cabin” with their own counselor to guide them through the weeks themed activities. Our unique program allows campers to work with their fellow cabin mates and camp counselor to design and shape their day. Day Camp will be held at Orchard Hill Elementary School from Monday to Thursday and will be held at the Rogue Valley Family YMCA on Fridays. Families will need to drop off and pickup their camper(s) at the specified location depending on the day you are registered for.

To make sure that your camper is properly prepared for each day, they should come dressed for the weather, ready to get dirty, and with a backpack filled with the YMCA’s Required 5: Lunch, Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Swimsuit, and Towel. We work with the District Nutrition Services and the USDA Summer Foods Program to provide free lunches as an option for families, available for any income level.

Forms:

Health Form – bring this with you on the first day of the program

Daily Medication Authorization Form – Complete if your child needs medication administered, a completed form is needed each day.

During our coastal camp your camper will get to experience everything the coast has to offer. Majestic Oregon scenery and tide pools are just a couple things your camper will experience while camping on the coast. Our amazing adventure will take place at Sunset Bay State Park where the hiking trails connect you with the ocean.

Each evening will include activities and a camp fire with songs and storytelling. YMCA camp programs focus on building positive relationships while having a great time. The campers will be asked to help setup camp, prepare meals, and clean up after themselves. Group camping gear and food will be provided by the YMCA. We do ask that your camper brings a lunch on the first day. All swimming and water activities will be overseen by YMCA lifeguards.

When: August 11 – 15, Drop-off 8:00 am, Pick-up 5:00 pm

Where: Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR 97501

Who: Youth ages 8 – 13

Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8

Program takes place at the YMCA’s newest property and soon to be one of the best camp facilities in Southern Oregon. We will be at the YMCA Elk Trail Outdoor School near Trail, OR on the banks of Elk Creek and minute from the Rogue River. Although this property is still being developed, we are excited to welcome campers to the property. Most campers will live in tents with their fellow campers and counselor with bathroom facilities nearby, our youngest campers will be staying in one of the newly completed Cozy Elk Bunkrooms with indoor bathrooms.

Resident Camp is filled with swimming (in the creek and at Lost Creek Lake), hiking, archery, arts & crafts, cookouts, skits, songs, team building, outdoor living skills and all of the time-honored traditions that our campers have come to expect. We also offer a “Choose & Do” time during the week where campers can sign up to spend a little more time doing the things they really love like archery, floating on the creek and commando hikes. Being away from home with a group of new friends helps youth learn independence and the ability to rely on others.

Resident camp is an experience that you will never forget.

Each evening at camp concludes with an unforgettable campfire experience where campers and counselors sing songs and perform skits. The final day of camp is special because campers and counselors dress in their camp finest to attend a semi-formal closing banquet and campfire.

Who: Youth entering 2nd – 10th grade

Where: YMCA Elk Trail Outdoor School in Trail, OR
Drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA 522 West Sixth Street, Medford, OR 97501

When: July 7-12, Drop-off: 8:00am at the YMCA
Pick-up: 12:00noon at the YMCA

Staff to Camper Ratio: 1:8

2025 Welcome Letter & Packing List

This registration is ONLY for staff that have been invited to be a part of the summer 2025 camp team.

Training will take place at the YMCA’s newest facility Elk Trail (Click Here to learn more).

This is a residential training so please come prepared to camp for 5 days. A detailed letter of training instructions and packing list will be emailed to the email you used to register and you must read these instructions and complete them before your arrival at training.

If you have any questions before training begins please contact Vinny Beretta, Camp Director.