What happens the first day of camp?
Campers will be greeted by camp staff and are encouraged to join into high energy group games. Parents are asked to stay for a brief but informative meeting where they will meet the Camp Coordinator to learn important information regarding the week.
Campers will be broken into their color teams and meet their teammates. The first day, we take some time to introduce the campers to their counselors and make them feel welcomed and excited to be at camp, as well as explain behavior expectations. Campers then break into classes in dance, drama and voice. In each class, they will participate in a short and fun "audition". There is no preparation required and we try to keep the auditions exciting and non- threatening.
During class rotations there is a short snack time, where campers can either bring or purchase snacks.
Campers then come together for lunch, games, team time & character building activities. Afternoon rehearsal is next, where campers learn their first big group number.
At the end of the first day campers will be assigned their showcase parts as well as their team songs. EVERY child will be in the showcase, and some campers will be assigned lines or solos based on their auditions.
Sample Daily Schedule
9:00-9:10 Meet & Greet/Warm Up Activity/Daily Parade/Announcements/Schedule
9:10-9:45 Team Time (class rotation #1)
9:45-10:15 Morning Rehearsal
10:15-10:30 Snack
10:30-11:15 Class Rotation #2
11:15-12:00 Class Rotation #3
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Games
1:30-2:45 Afternoon Rehearsal
2:45-3:00 Reminders/Dismissal
How long is the Showcase?
The showcase will range from 25-35 minutes.
What if my child is upset the first day of camp? Can I stay with them?
We find that at times, especially for younger campers, the first day can be a bit overwhelming. Our staff is equipped to look out for children who may need encouragement to participate. Staff may come over and try to engage your child in opening activities like dances or games or introduce them to other campers. Parents are welcome to stay through opening activities, but once campers break into teams, we've found that mom or dad's presence sometimes makes it more difficult. Almost always, once campers have a few minutes to see what fun camp is, they quickly adjust. Please be assured that if your child is overly upset for an extended period of time, we will contact you.
How will I know who is in charge?
Our teachers and volunteer aides will be wearing a CYT Summer Camp STAFF T-shirt.
Can my child be on a team with a friend?
Yes! We try to honor as many requests as we can. Just email camps@cytsandiego.org with your team friend request. Make sure you state in the email your child's first and last name and which camp they are enrolled in. Campers that are age 5 and 6 are on a separate team from the other campers.
What does my child bring?
Day campers will need to bring a sack lunch and we recommend bringing a water bottle. On water day, bring a towel, extra shorts and t-shirt for the games. Please apply sunscreen before coming to camp and/or send sunscreen with your child and it will be applied.
Do you have extended care?
CYT does not offer extended care. Pick up for day campers is 3pm. No campers can arrive before 8:30am.
Can my child switch teams?
Please let us know your friend request choices ahead of time. We will switch teams for your child on the first day if there is an urgent need, but we order all camp shirts ahead of time, so they will not have the correct team color. Campers that are age 5 and 6 are on a separate team from the other campers.
What if my child doesn’t know anyone?
Many of our campers are new to CYT. We encourage a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere where kids will meet new friends. Your child will also have a specific staff person assigned to their team color who can assist in easing the transition.
What should my child wear?
We encourage comfortable play friendly clothing each day. Please encourage your kids to wear close toed shoes with a back of some kind (please no flip flops or clogs).
How do you handle allergies?
Please let us know of any allergies on your enrollment form. Our staff will be alerted to the allergy and maintain a high level of awareness. Medication and directions can be left with the camp coordinator.
Does my child have to participate in water games?
No. But water games are one of the camper's favorite parts of camp!
Is there a nurse on staff?
We do not have a nurse on staff. However, we will contact parents immediately in case there is a need.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Due to the extreme popularity of our camps, we do not offer refunds or cancellations for any reason.
Can I sign up the first day of camp?
We prefer all registrations to be done ahead of time and online so t-shirts can be ordered and teams set, however, we will take first day campers as long as all forms are completed and payment is in full. These students will receive their camp shirts late or possibly not at all.
Is there a sibling discount?
At this time we do not have camp sibling discounts.
What about supervision?
Your child’s safety is our utmost concern. Each person hired by CYT has completed a background check, interview, and camp staff training. Every camp location has between 3-4 teams. CYT limits the maximum team number to 22 campers. Each team is assigned an adult staff leader, and we have additional teenage student helpers at each camp. There is also an adult camp administrator for every camp. We try to maintain a supervision ratio of 1 staff per 12-15 kids.
Who do I contact in case of emergency during camp?
On the first day of camp when you drop off your child, you will be provided the contact cell number of your area's camp administrator in case of an emergency.
Do you have to be a Christian to come to CYT?
No. CYT holds to Judeo-Christian values of family, community, leadership and positive encouragement. We welcome all kids of varying faiths, backgrounds and beliefs.
What if my child has special needs?
CYT openly welcomes all children with special needs. Please let us know what the special needs are by filling out the form when registering online as well as noting if your child will require additional assistance to participate. CYT will work with you to allow your child to participate. Please give us as much information as possible so we can make your child's experience successful.