Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA 2018 Travel & Service Programs Enrollment Guide

Transcription

1 Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA 2018 Travel & Service Programs Enrollment Guide INTRODUCTION The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA offers a wide variety of leadership development programs for teens. Travel and Service Programs are educational experiences requiring a high level of commitment, as each participant will be challenged mentally, physically and socially. These programs are selective. By the very nature of these experiences, campers must be able to exercise a higher degree of decision-making and accept greater responsibility for their own personal actions. Only the most mature, responsible teen should apply. The goals and objectives of the Travel & Service Programs follow closely with the mission of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA to build communities that nurture personal growth in spirit, mind and body. These programs have been designed to offer opportunities which foster responsible citizenship, healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, international understanding, service, and respect for individual differences. Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA welcomes and encourages participants of all races, nationalities, socioeconomic conditions, and religious faiths. ENROLLMENT INFORMATION Admission to all Travel and Service Programs is limited and based on demonstrated leadership potential, past camp experience, good health, maturity, successful cooperation with others, willingness to serve others, attitude, ability to meet registration/application deadlines and the desire to experience and understand other cultures. Only the most mature, responsible teens should apply. Participation in Travel & Service Programs requires full attendance unless authorized by the Director. Tuition and Payment Structure Finishing Grade Duration Tuition ICEP 9th or 10th 36 Days $9,535 TLS 9th or 10th 28 Days $5,800 YAS 9th or 10th 28 Days $6,140 TSP no longer requires a deposit for the application phase of the program. Once a camper has been accepted into the program in December, parents will need to sign the TSP Agreement Form and submit a non-refundable $500 deposit at that time to hold a space in the program. The deposit will be deducted from the total tuition due. A payment plan for the balance may be set up at the time of enrollment or any time before the tuition is due. 50% of the tuition is due by February 1, 2018 and payment in full is due by April 1, If your child cancels prior to April 1, 2018, any tuition paid above the $500 deposit will be refunded. After April 1 st there is no tuition refund. If your child leaves the program early for any reason (voluntary or not) there will be no refund of tuition. TSP Tuition covers full participation in the program including room/board, airfare, bus transportation to airports, visa expenses, program activities, and traveler s insurance (ICEP only). Unexpected costs related to individual campers such as a lost passport, medical expenses, lost or stolen personal property, etc. will be billed to families at the end of the program.

2 Financial Aid (Campership) Financial aid is available to qualified families to assist with the payment of camp tuition. Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. A new campership application with the most current supporting financial documentation is required each year. To apply, go to bccymca.org and click on the financial aid link. Please be prepared to pay a non-refundable $34.00 application fee to begin the process. All application materials are due by October 15 th and grants will be awarded for Travel and Service Programs starting November 1 st. Incoming applications after October 15 th will be awarded on a rolling basis if funds are still available. Application Steps TSP Time Line Description DATE Enrollment Packet Mailing BCCYMCA will automatically send out packets to all age-eligible campers. Early September TSP Application, References and Online Parents register for Travel and Service Programs 2017 and make a $500 deposit. Applicants complete October 156 Registration Due the online TSP Application and two references. Acceptance Notification Applicants are informed via if they ve been accepted into ICEP, TLS, or YAS December 1 ICEP Mailing ICEP Participants receive detailed information about all ICEP programs including dates of trips Early December ICEP Ranking Due ICEP preference forms are due January 7 ICEP Placements ICEP participants will receive their placement via Announced January 22 ICEP, TLS, and YAS participants are ed Additional Program additional program paperwork including packing Information lists, health documents, and camper profile forms. Early February An applicant will not be considered until the following forms have been completed online by October 15, 2017: Online registration for Travel and Service Programs 2018 Program Application (completed by applicant) 2 Reference Forms References must not be affiliated with the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, nor should they be relatives or friends. Appropriate references include: teachers, guidance counselors, clergy, sports coaches, youth group directors, etc. Your application will not be negatively impacted if your references arrive after October 15 th, Participant Selection BCCYMCA requires all participants on TSP to complete an application process. Not all participants who apply will be selected for the program. Criteria Finishing the 9th or 10th grade Good physical and mental health* Prior camp experience at Becket Chimney Corners YMCA Demonstrated cooperation with others and ability to follow instruction Interest in TSP program goals including cultural/environmental learning, service work, and leadership development Emotional Maturity* Ability to meet registration/application deadlines *Acceptance into these programs is a privilege and based upon readiness and the applicants maturity. From experience, we have found that not all applicants will necessarily be ready for this experience. Teens with emotional or behavioral disorders, chemical dependency, violent behavior or who routinely violate rules and policies should not apply for a Travel

3 and Service Program. In addition, any teen who routinely does not take his/her medication as scheduled, or who has to be consistently reminded to take their medication or follow instruction/direction, shouldn t apply. Due to the nature of a travel program, participants will be sometimes further than one hour from medical facilities. Teens with medical or dietary restrictions should consult their family physician and/or a travel physician to discuss the health risks for the Travel and Service Program. PROGRAMS The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA offers three different travel opportunities: International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP), Teen Leadership & Service (TLS), and Yellowstone Adventure & Service (YAS). Program Goals Leadership Development All participants on TSP will go through our leadership program. Participants will be asked to set goals with the guidance of their trip leaders in the beginning of the program and work throughout the experience to identify strengths and develop new leadership abilities. Participants will meet with leaders three times (formally) to discuss their progression and get advice and feedback, which will be documented in our Camper Cumulative Leadership Forms throughout the program. Cultural Learning Participants will engage directly with the communities they visit through hands-on activities, service, youth-to-youth interaction, and homestays (ICEP only). Service Learning All programs have a service learning component designed to help participants better connect with the communities they visit. On average, each participant will complete about hours of service. Service projects vary from program to program and it is important for participants to review the online daily trip reports to get a better understanding for the types of service in each program. Most programs will have a mix of both physical and social service projects. Environmental Learning (YAS/TLS) Participants on our domestic programs will learn about the environments of the communities they visit including exploring State and National Parks and completing service projects to learn about environmental challenges. INTERNATIONAL CAMPER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS (ICEP) ICEP program dates are staggered throughout the summer. See below for details. Teens have enriched their cultural knowledge and international awareness through ICEP since ICEP experiences are designed to broaden each participant s appreciation of differing cultures in a way seldom achieved by tourist excursions. During the approximately five week programs, participants will live and travel as a group, complete social and physical service projects that benefit local communities, engage in youth to youth interaction and live independently with a local family for an extended period of time. Participants will partake in organized activities that foster cross-cultural understanding and will develop an appreciation for other cultures, history and geography. The purpose of all ICEP programs is to challenge each participant to develop a stronger sense of self-confidence, independence and cooperation summer programs tentatively include Australia, Chile, China, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Sweden, Vietnam, and Uruguay. The ICEP program requires a high degree of commitment, as each participant will be challenged mentally, physically and socially. Keep in mind that this program is very different from the in-camp experience at Chimney Corners Camp and Camp Becket. By the very nature of the experience, campers must be able to exercise a higher degree of decision-making and accept greater responsibility for their own personal actions. Only the most mature, responsible teen should apply.

4 Program Components Not all of the following program components are equally weighted in each ICEP Program. Differing social, economic, and political circumstances will create a unique blend for each destination. Youth-to-Youth Interaction ICEP participants interact with youth from the host country through organized activities that foster friendships and welcome cross-cultural understanding. Leadership Development All participants on ICEP will go through our leadership program. Participants will be asked to set goals with the guidance of their trip leaders in the beginning of the program and work throughout the experience to identify strengths and develop new leadership abilities. Participants will meet with leaders three times (formally) to discuss their progression and get advice and feedback, which will be documented in our Camper Cumulative Leadership Forms throughout the program. Homestays Each participant will live with a local family for an extended period, experiencing family and community life first-hand. The host organization is responsible for selecting and screening families that will provide ICEP participants with the chance to experience everyday life in a family environment. Homestays are normally arranged with YMCA families. Group members will be assigned individually or in pairs to a host family. Participants may experience portions of the homestay independently from the rest of their ICEP group. ICEP participants will be given a list of phone numbers so they can contact the director, their leaders or program hosts if they so desire. Service Learning In collaboration with the host organization, ICEP participants will assist with service projects designed to benefit the local community. Projects may involve manual labor, such as cleaning a beach, collecting firewood, restoring a historic site; or human service, such as working in a day camp, visiting a nursing home, teaching English, or working with local volunteer organizations. The main objective of the service projects is to foster cultural communication and help our participant engage in a positive and direct way with the communities they visit. Educational/Cultural Travel An appreciation of other nationalities culture, history, and geography is gained through a planned itinerary of travel in the regions visited. The host organization in collaboration with the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA plans an itinerary that will allow participants to gain knowledge and an appreciation of the host culture. In most cases, ICEP participants will visit a main city and have a chance to see the major sites there. Dates Dates are to be determined, but generally, participants will arrive at camp between June 24 th and July 10 th and be picked up by their parents between July 31 st and August 18 th. The general layout for each program will consist of two days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, followed by a minimum of 30 traveling days abroad, and then two days of debriefing at camp after returning to the United States. Date ranges for TSP s 2017 programs can be found on our website programs will follow a very similar schedule. Orientation at Camp All ICEP participants will take part in two days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey. During this time, ICEP participants will develop group-building skills and learn how to be ambassadors for the YMCA and our country. The group will discuss the basics of international travel as well as potential cross-cultural situations. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will review how to pack their luggage, communicate with another culture, lead cabin chat, and effectively participate in a community service project. Program Assignment Once accepted into ICEP, participants will receive a packet in early December with more details about each ICEP program including dates. At that time, participants will be asked to rank their top 4 program choices. Participants are not

5 guaranteed placement in their first choice. It is important for participants to understand that the focus of ICEP is on the experience, not on the specific destination. In addition to considering a participant s preferences, BCCYMCA will take the following factors into account when deciding placement: The ability of the individual to cope with and benefit from the unique demands of each program. A combination of individuals that will produce a cohesive and successful group experience. To the degree possible, a suitable ratio of males and females. Proximity of age and educational level among members of the group In the past few years, we ve had issues with social media and participants coordinating program preferences with friends. This results in gender imbalances on programs and ultimately leads to more kids getting second and third choice programs. Please make your own decisions. TEEN LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE (TLS) TLS I dates are June 24 th July 21 st, TLS II dates July 22 nd August 18 th, 2018 The TLS Program of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA incorporates the physical challenges of a cycling adventure with the opportunity to develop and utilize leadership skills. The services our teens will provide may involve working with local day camps, assisting on local farms and gardens, working with state and national parks on trail and maintenance projects, and volunteering at community sponsored events. TLS Programs take place in the breathtaking scenic Lake Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains in Vermont and New York. Each participant plays an important role in the success of the TLS Program. Good physical condition and a positive attitude are essential. Participants will be responsible for transporting their own gear and assisting with the group equipment, such as tents, stoves and program supplies. Group members will sleep in tents or under the starry summer skies. Each TLS participant will share in the responsibilities of food preparation, site set-up and pick-up, providing day camp activities, and performing community service projects. On a typical day, one participant may be chosen as the Leader-Of-the-Day. S/he will be responsible for organizing the group to run the day camp activities, do the grocery shopping, assign daily tasks, etc. S/he will communicate with their program peers and discuss day camp programs, delivery methods, menus, and other details. The leader-of-the-day will make decisions, be open to feedback, and conduct a cabin chat in the evening that allows the group to reflect on the lessons of each day. The TLS program requires a high degree of commitment, as each participant will be challenged mentally, physically and socially. Keep in mind that this program is very different from the in-camp experience at Chimney Corners Camp and Camp Becket. By the very nature of the experience, campers must be able to exercise a higher degree of decision-making and accept greater responsibility for their own personal actions. Only the most mature, responsible teen should apply. Highlights Bike 270 miles through one of the most scenic areas in the northeast Develop your camping skills including setting up a camp, cooking outside, and building fires Adventure activities including white water rafting and hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks Complete service projects at local farms, day camps and rural towns along your route Schedule and Itinerary The Lake Champlain/Adirondack Mountains TLS Program begins with an orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Following orientation, participants will be transported to Burlington, Vermont and will travel by ferry across Lake Champlain into New York. Participants will continue their journey down through the Adirondack Park, stopping in Lake Placid and finishing just outside of Saratoga Springs. Daily mileage averages 25 miles and can range from 16 miles to 45 miles depending on the day. In total the group will travel around 270 miles.

6 Orientation All TLS Program participants will take part in three days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey, and a two-day debriefing at camp upon their return. During orientation, TLS participants will develop camping and group-building skills, as well as cover bicycle safety, maintenance, and repair. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will also review how to pack their bikes, learn about Leave No Trace camping principles, and participate as an effective group member. As a team, they will review the cycling route and plan activities for work in the day camps. Communication The TLS groups will be in isolated areas at times. Our leaders carry cell phones and/or other electronic communication devices for emergencies. However, it is important to remember that this does not guarantee immediate communication from the group to our office. Radio and cell phone transmission can be unpredictable and dependent on terrain, atmospheric conditions and other variables. There may be occasions when we have no phone access to our group for over 24 hours. However, we require all TLS leaders to call the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA office a minimum of once a week. Weather The TLS Program takes place rain or shine, so participants should be prepared to ride and/or perform service projects regardless of the weather. In the case of severe weather, the leaders will make alternative plans, but this will only happen when riding conditions become questionable or unsafe. Participants will learn how to ride safely, read a road map, and prepare for changing weather conditions. Equipment The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA will provide the following group equipment: tents, stoves, cooking utensils, maps, first-aid kits, and bike repair kits. All participants need to come to camp with a working bicycle, panniers, and personal gear. TSP does have a limited number of bike rentals available please contact us if you would like to rent one. BIKES MUST BE WELL MAINTAINED BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL AT CAMP. Call your local bike shop for tune-up options they may provide. Participants will receive a complete equipment list upon acceptance into the program. TLS participants will strengthen their biking, camping, and traveling skills. They will also have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques of positive leadership in group situations, while clarifying personal and societal values through discussions and activities. Independence, cooperation, responsibility, achievement, fun... these qualities, and more, are the essence of the TLS Program. YELLOWSTONE ADVENTURE AND SERVICE (YAS) TLS I dates are June 24 th July 21 st, TLS II dates July 22 nd August 18 th, 2018 The Yellowstone Adventure and Service Program will give teens the opportunity to explore the ecosystems of Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest and the Grand Tetons; complete service projects with national and state parks; and learn leave no trace camping skills as they travel through varied landscapes. During this adventure, participants will work as a team to complete our daily tasks of cooking, route finding, map reading, and setting up a safe camp. Volunteer coordinators from the park and forest service will help participants to complete significant work projects that help protect the unique environment of Yellowstone and surrounding areas. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to join in adventure activities, including day hikes, white-water rafting, rock climbing and guided tours to explore the geology and wildlife in Yellowstone. Program participants will have the opportunity to experience the dramatic natural features of the world s very first national park and the beauty of the surrounding region. Whether exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, watching eruptions at geyser basins like Old Faithful, or studying the mammals of the remote Lamar Valley, the group will gain a deeper understanding of Yellowstone s environment, while learning what it means to be good stewards of the land.

7 The group will also spend time in Grand Teton National Park and Gallatin National Forest completing service work with forest rangers. Volunteer coordinators from the national or state parks will arrange work projects that may include trail work, campground restoration, helping to control the invasion of exotic plants, or assisting with a current research project. Program participants will also get to experience unique Western culture by attending a rodeo and will have the opportunity to connect with local youth when volunteering at a YMCA day camp. Program Highlights Develop your camping skills including setting up a camp, cooking outside, and building fires Adventure activities including white water rafting, rock climbing, and day hikes Learn about National Parks and Forests through environmental service work Take guided tours to view wildlife and geothermal pools Accommodations & Itinerary The YAS Program is designed around camping and outdoor cooking, visiting Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons National Park, and the Gallatin National Forest. The group will be transported from site to site via a bus. Participants will be responsible for organizing their own gear and assisting with the group equipment, such as tents, stoves and program supplies. Group members will sleep in tents or under the starry summer skies. Each YAS participant will share in the responsibilities of food preparation, site set-up and pick-up, and performing community service projects. On a typical day, one participant will be chosen as the Leader-Of-the-Day. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the setup and breakdown of the campsite, preparing meals, and coordinating with the park service for that day s service project. S/he will communicate with group members and discuss service projects, hiking routes, menus, and other details. The leader-of-the-day will make decisions, be open to feedback, and conduct a cabin chat in the evening that allows the group to reflect on the lessons of each day. All YAS participants will take part in two days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey. During this time, YAS participants will develop group-building skills and learn how to be ambassadors for the YMCA. The group will discuss the basics of travel as well as the adventure and camping activities for this program. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will review how to set up tents, develop outdoor cooking skills, lead cabin chat, and effectively participate in community service projects. Communication Due to the expanse of the wilderness in the National Parks and Forest Service land, participants will be in isolated areas at times. The group will have an itinerary, with scheduled nights at Park Service Campgrounds. Our leaders carry cell phones for emergencies. It is important to remember that this does not guarantee immediate communication from the field to our office. Radio and cell phone transmission can be unpredictable and dependant on terrain, atmospheric conditions and other variables. There may be occasions when we have no phone access with our group for over 24 hours. However, we require all YAS leaders to call the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA office a minimum of once a week. YAS participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world as they explore the pristine landscapes of Yellowstone, the Gallatin National Forest and the Grand Tetons. Participants will explore the geothermal features of the park, experience wilderness on a grand scale, and develop camping skills. Good physical health and a positive attitude are essential. Independence, responsibility, achievement, fun - these qualities, and more, are the essence of the YAS Program.

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When will the dates be posted for the ICEP programs? ICEP dates will be set in December. ICEP participants will be ed the Trip Destination Description packet in December, which will list the program dates. At this time, you will be asked to rank your top 4 ICEP destinations. The previous summer s ICEP dates are currently on the TSP website. We expect (but do not guarantee) a very similar schedule for next summer. What if I have scheduling conflicts with some of the programs? When ranking your ICEP preferences in December, it s very important to only list programs that you can fully attend. If you have a date conflict, please note this on your form and we are happy to accommodate. For participants applying to domestic programs, it is also important for you to note on your application if you have a date conflict with one of the sessions. If I apply for a domestic program (YAS/TLS), is it possible that I will be placed into ICEP or vice versa? On your TSP Application, you are asked to rank your program choices out of YAS, TLS, and ICEP. If selected into TSP, you would be placed into your first choice program. The only exception would be if a program does not have enough room in which case we would call you confirm your second choice program before sending you a placement. Can I be guaranteed placement with my friend? No due to our small group sizes, we do not take requests for friends to be placed together on a program. I m applying for ICEP, but I only want to go on my first choice program. Can this happen? It is important that you are willing to go to any of the 4 program choices you select on your ICEP preference form in December. About 80% of our participants will receive their 1 st or 2 nd choice program, but it is not a guarantee. If I am not accepted into TSP, can I go back to overnight camp? Yes the camps hold a certain number of spaces for participants who are not accepted into TSP and want to return to camp. This is not a guarantee however, and it s important that you reach out to the camps to secure a space. Where can I learn more about the programs? Please visit our website at click on summer programs, then Travel and Service Programs. There you can read through Daily Reports of past trips and view our photo galleries. You are also welcome to call us at