2021 Camp Potawotami Brochure

YMCA CAMP
POTAWOTAMI
SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP
FRIENDSHIPS THAT LAST A LIFETIME...
OUR
MISSION:
To put Christian
principles into practice
through programs that
build healthy spirit,
mind and body
for all.
Some photos were
taken before the
COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel completely comfortable
leaving my kids at Camp Potawotami.
Several years of great experiences
for my children have made me feel
confident that they are in a safe,
healthy, and fun environment.”
– Kurt, Camper Parent
GROWTH AND ADVENTURE
Greetings from Camp,
YMCA Camp Potawotami has provided friendship,
adventure, fun and character building for over 100 years.
Camp creates wonderful childhood memories and many
opportunities for growth. For over 100 years, parents
have sent their children to camp to learn independence,
increase self-confidence and make friends.
All of this learning and growth happens because YMCA
Camp Potawotami is a place designed just for kids.
We are intentional when it comes to quality service
and creating positive memories for children. We
believe that children need a safe place to explore, try
new activities, have fun and make lasting friendships.
Through exciting activities campers learn new skills
and how to challenge themselves. Through our cabin
environment campers learn to work as a team and
support each other. In all we do, the health and safety
of our campers is our first priority.
Join us this summer for fun, friendship, adventure
and character building activities. Sending your child
to camp helps them create meaningful memories and
friendships that last a lifetime. Let’s get your child’s
adventure started by securing their spot through our
online registration, connecting over the phone or
scheduling a camp tour.
Sincerely,
Karen Kasprzak
Executive Director
A PLACE FOR FRIENDSHIP
"The Potawotami team does an
EXCELLENT job of communicating.
I really appreciated the open and
honest dialogue. Camp Potawotami
exceeded my expectations.
Thank you for the great job!”
– Priscilla, Camper Parent
At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we focus on what we call the ABCs of camping. We
work to increase campers’ sense of accomplishment and belonging while they
learn about positive character traits and values. Our tools are well-trained staff,
carefully planned programs and safe, clean facilities.
A
B
C
ACCOMPLISHMENT – Campers gain a sense of accomplishment by
trying new activities and developing skills. For many campers, being away
from home for a week is an important accomplishment in itself. We hope
these real world accomplishments will raise the self-confidence and selfesteem
of each camper.
BELONGING – Making new friends and being a good friend helps campers
learn about a sense of belonging. Living in a cabin with other children
and counselors gives each camper a lesson in friendship building and
teamwork. At camp, each person has responsibilities and is a valued part
of the YMCA Camp Potawotami community.
CHARACTER – We discuss character traits and values in many ways
during the week. YMCA Camp Potawotami places an emphasis on learning,
growing and doing your best. Our core values are Honesty, Caring,
Respect and Responsibility. Our unique Wampum Bead program also
encourages campers to choose a character trait to work on during camp
and throughout the entire year.
260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

A PLACE FOR ROLE MODELS
OUR EXCEPTIONAL STAFF
YMCA Camp Potawotami staff are committed to
providing a positive experience for each camper.
Our staff are carefully selected to ensure that we have
a diverse group of skilled and responsible counselors who
care about children. Camp counselors are responsible young
adults who are eager to create a safe, fun and inspiring environment for campers.
All staff are screened through extensive background and reference checks.
WELL-TRAINED
Before the campers arrive, the entire staff is trained in safety, First Aid, CPR,
counseling techniques, conflict resolution, child development, bullying prevention,
camp policies, procedures and more. Values and character development are
infused in all we do. Our insistence on the highest standards ensures that we can
keep our promise of a fun, safe and high-quality experience for all campers.
EXCELLENT RATIOS
Our six-to-one camper-to-staff ratio makes sure
everyone has the best camp experience possible.
“The staff were
awesome. My
daughter really liked
her counselors.
Thank you for your
commitment to the
kids and camp.
Thank you to the
whole staff!”
– Beth, Camper Parent
A PLACE FOR EXPERIENCE
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
7:45 am Flag Raising
8:00 am Breakfast
8:30 am Chapel
8:45 am Camp Clean Up
9:15 am Activity Skill Class 1
10:15 am Activity Skill Class 2
11:15 am Activity Skill Class 3
12:30 pm Lunch
1:10 pm Siesta
2:00 pm Swimming/Boating
3:00 pm Snack
3:15 pm Cabin Activity
4:15 pm Cabin Activity
5:30 pm Dinner
6:15 pm Flag & Awards
6:30 pm Choice Time
7:30 pm Evening Program*
8:30 pm Cabin Time
9:00 pm Showers/Evening Reflection
9:30 pm Lights Out for 9 years and younger
10:00 pm Lights Out for 10 years and older
* Evening Programs include Campfires, All Camp Games,
Cookout or Campout and Wampum Bead Ceremony.
Throughout the summer, there will also be
theme days and fun-filled special events.
Check-in is on Sunday at 2:30 pm
and check-out is on Friday at 5:30 pm.
“I send my child to Camp to be able to really
get away from home, make friends, have good
experiences, and develop self-responsibility
and a sense of competence.”
– Chelsea, Camper Parent
260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

A PLACE FOR EXPLORATION
MINI CAMP Ages 6-8
Mini Camp is the perfect experience for our younger
campers: a two-night, three-day introduction
to camp. Mini Camp staff provide a nurturing
environment for campers to live and play. Our staff
guide campers through the session with a caring
approach and individual attention.
Counselors ensure that their campers are taking
care of their personal needs, such as brushing their
teeth and making their beds, all while keeping the
camper experience fun and exciting. Counselors will
encourage campers to try new activities and learn
new skills. This fun program, loaded with traditional
camp activities, prepares your child for a full week of
camp in the future.
MINI CAMP
PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES
• Nature Walk
• Canoeing
• Arts and Crafts
• Swimming
• Campfire
with S’mores
• Camp Games
• Archery
• Pony Ride
• Mole Hole Slide
• Teambuilding
• Rock Climbing
• Evening
Reflection
• Wampum Bead
Program
“Could not be more
impressed. The drop off process
was smooth, I appreciated the photos
that were posted each day, and the
pick-up process and follow up was
excellent as well. Every one of the staff
members was helpful and made the whole
experience great for my kids!”
– Steven, Camper Parent
A PLACE FOR SKILL BUILDING
YOUTH CAMP Ages 8-14
Our popular week-long camps focus on skill development
and overall achievement. Campers have the opportunity to
try a variety of camp activities and develop skills in classes
of their own choosing. The cabin group is the heart of our
camp, where our trained counselors help campers foster
respect for themselves and others in their group.
PROGRAM AREAS & ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH CAMP
• Archery
• Arts and Crafts
• Basketball
• BB Guns
• Canoeing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding*
• Kayaking
• Low Ropes
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Study
• Outdoor Cooking
• Outdoor Survival Skills
• Paddleboats
• Rock Climbing
• Sand Volleyball
• Slingshots
• Snorkeling*
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Teambuilding
FOR AGES 12-16 ONLY
• Giant Swing
• High Ropes
• Riflery – 22’s*
• Scuba*
• Stand-Up
Paddleboarding
• Zip Line
* Requires pre-registration and additional fee.
"My son went to YMCA Camp for
the very first time ever, and I cannot
thank you enough without tears
in my eyes as I speak this. It was
awesome to see him so excited
about telling of his week.”
– Crystal, Camper Parent
260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

SPECIALTY CAMPS
All specialty campers have themed programming
hours each day and also participate in swimming, general
camp activities, cabin activities and all-camp evening programs.
HARRY POTTER CAMP Ages 10-14
Prepare for spells, enchantments, potions and friendship
at Harry Potter Camp! Harry Potter Campers attend
wizard classes and have exciting spell battles with their
hand- crafted wands.
POTAWOTAMI EINSTEINS Ages 10-14
Slime, explosions, chemistry and robots! Campers
will work on experiential projects that encourage
learning and exploration. They will be amazed at what
they can create!
RANCH CAMP Ages 12-15
Ranch campers spend half their day at the ranch where they learn
grooming, feeding, tacking and overall horse care. They will have
a daily ground and riding lessons with a certified instructor.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS CLASSES
Specialized skills classes include 5 days of 1-hour lessons and
require pre-signup when registering.
“Every one of the staff members was helpful
and made the whole experience great for my kids.”
– Mario, Camper Parent
HORSE LESSONS Ages 8-15
Our certified instructor will teach ground and riding lessons. The week will end
with a trail ride through the woods.
A PLACE FOR LEADERSHIP
TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP: VOYAGERS Ages 14-16
Voyagers is packed with action and opportunities to make new friends and take
on a new adventure each day. Voyagers go on an overnight camping trip. Camping
under the stars, campfires and group bonding are sure to make this summer one
of the best experiences ever.
TEEN BEGINNING LEADERSHIP: BLIPPERS Entering Grade 10 – Age 15
Blippers stands for Beginning Leaders Practicing and Promoting Role Modeling
Skills. This one-week leadership program is designed for teens transitioning
from camper to counselor. Blippers spend half the day focused on leadership
development and the other half participating in camp activities.
TEEN LEADERSHIP: CLIPPERS Entering Grade 11 – Age 16
Clippers stands for Community Leaders Practicing and Promoting Role Modeling
Skills. This two-week leadership program is designed for teens transitioning from
teen leader to counselor. Teens learn how to become positive roles model and
leaders while mentoring younger campers.
“My son had so much
fun, he was begging to
come back. And this
year, his little sister
got to try mini camp.
She loved it!”
– Justin,
Camper Parent
RIFLERY Ages 12-15
Campers learn gun safety, parts of the gun and
aiming using .22 rifles.
SCUBA Ages 12-15
The first two days are classroom style on land,
and the following three days are in-water with
our certified instructor.
SNORKELING Ages 8-15
The first day of snorkeling is classroom
style on land and the following four days
are in water with our certified instructor.
260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
YMCA CAMP POTAWOTAMI
LODGING
Cabin life is a great way to get to know others and make lifelong friends. Each cabin
comes with the essentials, including great counselors. Campers live in lodges that
are clean and well maintained with climate control, built-in bunks, electricity and
indoor bathrooms.
MEALS
Campers enjoy excellent camp meals in our lakefront dining hall at Arrowhead
Lodge. We focus on healthy eating and there are always plenty of choices for
campers. We work together with parents to accommodate dietary needs. The food
is great, and so is the company!
MEDICAL CENTER
Each week, we have a volunteer Registered Nurse who stays on-site and is
available to provide excellent medical care for all campers.
CHAPEL
At YMCA Camp Potawotami, we believe that the connection between spirit, mind
and body is important. In our outdoor chapel, we explore character values in an
atmosphere built on caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
TOURS OF CAMP
We would love to share camp with you. Please contact us at 260.351.2525 or at
camp@fwymca.org if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour.
ACCREDITATION
YMCA Camp Potawotami is accredited by the American Camp
Association and licensed by the State of Indiana.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Camp is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is available to individuals
and families in need thanks to our generous Annual Campaign supporters.
Applications are available our website.
“I was pleased with the daily posting of
pictures. Communication was thorough and
let me know exactly what was expected.”
– Ben, Camper Parent
HOW TO REGISTER
Registering for camp is quick and easy.
There are three ways to register: Online,
Over the Phone and Paper Application.
ONLINE (RECOMMENDED)
Visit fwycamp.org and click on “Register
Online” in the top right-hand corner.
OVER THE PHONE
Call 260.351.2525 and ask to register. Have your
preferred weeks, special selections and payment
method ready at time of call.
PAPER APPLICATION
Paper Applications can be found on our website or
can be mailed to you if requested by phone or email.
Completed paper applications should be emailed
to camp@fwymca.org or mailed to
P.O. Box 38, South Milford, IN 46786.
For questions, please
contact us at 260.351.2525
or email camp@fwymca.org.
“I feel completely
comfortable leaving my kids at
Camp Potawotami. Several years of
great experiences for my children have
made me feel confident that they are in
a safe, healthy and fun environment.”
– Morgan, Camper Parent
BENEFITS TO
REGISTERING ONLINE
Online registration is instant! Get the session
you want and avoid waitlists.
Your information is saved from year to year
online so it is quicker to register each year.
Forms and Payments can be submitted
anytime online.
See real time session availability and plan
your summer out now!
Once your registration is complete, you get
instant confirmation that your camper
has been successfully registered.
260.351.2525 I fwycamp.org

YMCA Camp Potawotami
P.O. Box 38
South Milford, IN 46786
P: 260.351.2525
F: 260.351.3915
fwycamp.org
CAMP
TO CHICAGO
20
6
80
90
9
X
700 S
Sturgis
3
South
Milford
Kendallville
MI
IN
Angola
OH
IN OH
9
8
8
Auburn
69
FORT
WAYNE
30
3
469
69
27
33
TO INDIANAPOLIS
This institution is an equal opportuntiy provider.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
FORT WAYNE, IN
Permit #429