Camp Icaghowan FAQs
Common Camper Questions
Common Parent Questions
Common Camper Questions
What is the best thing about camp?
The best thing about going to Camp Icaghowan is you gain a feeling of belonging without even asking for it! The friendships you develop during your time here will last a lifetime! You'll be able to experience a variety of new things, gain new skills, and discover a sense of adventure and wonder!
Where do we sleep?
Campers sleep in rustic lakeside cabins housing 8-10 campers of similar age and same gender. The 2-3 counselors also sleep in the cabins providing a 24 hour a day resource for you!
What is the food like?
Superb! Camp menus are selected to meet the dietary needs of all campers. Meals are hearty and campers are given seconds on most things! Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., Lunch is at 12:15 p.m., and Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. Below are some sample items for our meal:
Breakfast:
French Toast Sticks, Scrambled Eggs, Muffins, Yogurt, Oatmeal, Cold Cereal, Coffee Cake, Fruit, Juice, Hash Browns, Sausage
Lunch:
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tacos, Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Patties, Sub Sandwiches, Salad bar
Dinner:
Bread Bowl Soups, BBQ Chicken, Egg Rolls, Hot Dish, Mini Corn Dogs, Sloppy Joes, Salad Bar, Dessert!
Should I bring a friend and what if I come without a friend?
If you come with a friend you will already have someone there you know and feel comfortable with. If you come without a friend, no worries, your circle of friends will expand to include other campers from your cabin, other cabins around camp, campers from your activities, and your counselors!
Do I get to choose what I do at camp?
Swimming, canoeing, archery, target sports, make your own ice cream, arts & crafts, nature, fire building, fort building, outdoor cooking, fishing and high ropes climbing are just some of the activities you get to choose from when you get to camp! All campers have an opportunity to sign up for a variety of activities to participate during the week. There are also times to do some additional activities as a cabin group!
Who are the summer staff?
Young, energetic and well-trained men and women who have a passion for creating positive experiences for youth. They are individuals who live and teach the YMCA's four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. You will have at least 2 staff in your cabin!
What happens on the first day of camp?
If your parents drop you off:
- Enjoy the beautiful wilderness setting of Camp Icaghowan as you drive into camp
- You and your parents will be greeted by one of the Icaghowan staff and escorted to the check-in table where you will find out your cabin assignment, turn in any medications and outstanding paperwork.
- You will be immediately connected with at least 1 of your counselors who will introduce you to camp and help you move your luggage to your cabin.
- As a whole camp, we will gather on the Athletic Field for an All-Camp-Game to kick things off.
- After the game, cabin groups will be divided and all remaining luggage will be brought to the cabin
If you ride the bus:
- Meet at REI in Bloomington, MN
- Camp Icaghowan staff will check you in and load your gear on the bus.
- Travel an hour and a half through Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin with new friends.
- Sing songs and have fun on our coach bus!
- Upon arrival, you will be immediately escorted to our all camp game
- You will be divided into your cabin groups
- Staff will assist you in moving your gear to your cabin where you will make your home!
After Lunch, everyone in camp heads to the Waterfront for a brief orientation, staff introductions. Cabin groups will begin rotations to include activity orientation and sign-up, visiting with our Health Care Provider, taking a swim assessment, a camp tour, and more! After dinner, there will be an All-Camp-Game with our Program Staff, and then our Opening Campfire where we will sing songs, see skits from the staff, and hear stories!
Common Parent Questions
Why should I send my child to summer camp and/or what are the benefits of sending my child to Camp Icaghowan?
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What will my child gain from a camp experience at Camp Icaghowan?
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How can I help my child even before they go?
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What are the staff requirements?
All of our staff go through an application process, 3 reference checks, interview, and a Criminal Background check as well as a Sexual Predator background check prior to hire. They are CPR/First Aid certified. All staff are required to attend our staff training which is one week long for counselors and 11 days for our program leads. This training includes the YMCA's New Employee Orientation, behavior management, rules, regulations, policy training, emergency procedures, overnight camping orientation, activity orientations, expectations, group management, risk management and more. Our training is thorough and mandatory. Our staff to camper ratio is 1 staff to 6 campers and most times is higher than that, but never any less. We pride ourselves on having a well-trained staff who are passionate about providing positive youth development experiences in an outdoor setting.
