Camp Cannundus

Ages 6 - 10 (Entering Grades 1 - 4)

Camp Offered: Sessions 1 - 4. Two-week sessions
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Watchung Reservation.
Counselor to camper ratio: 1:8

Making friends, gaining new skills, understanding more about the natural world and each other is what Camp Cannundus is all about. Each day is structured to emphasize a safe and fun time for all. Programs are active and geared to each child’s age group. At this traditional day camp, children enjoy swimming, environmental education, crafts, arts, sports, games and much more. Each week will feature at least one field trip or special event including all-camp activities and specialty programs.

Session 1 Let’s Get It Started / Holiday Hoopla
June 23rd – July 3rd

Session 2 Nature and Me / Wacky Wellness Week
July 7th – 18th

Session 3 Under the Sea / Olympics
July 21st – August 1st

Session 4 Wild Things / Crazy, Upside Down Week
August 4th – 15th

Camp Cannundus is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). This certification means the camp has passed a thorough operational review of more than 300 health and safety standards, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management procedures and capabilities. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current camp practices reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Our partnership with ACA means Camp Cannudus promotes fun and learning in a safe environment.

Download the Cannundus Parent Manuel

 TRANSPORTATION 

We bus the children daily from the YMCA to the Loop Area of the Watchung Reservation, a great place for exploration and discovery!  The campers utilize portable bathroom facilities and the YMCA brings fresh drinking water to the site each day.

Please make sure you check your child’s backpack and personal belongings for “notices from camp” each day your child returns home.  Schedules, field trip information and any changes made regarding camp will be sent home with your child.

If your child will be absent from camp, please call the YMCA by 8:15 AM at (908) 273-3330 ext 165 and leave a message on the Absentee Hotline.

TOP OF PAGE

 DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCEDURES:

Campers are dropped-off and picked-up at the YMCA. Drop-off at the YMCA is between 8:30 - 8:45 AM.

Campers meet in the gym on Mondays and in front of the YMCA on all other days.

All campers will take a bus to and from the Watchung Reservation. Pick-up at the YMCA is between 4:00 - 4:10 PM.  PLEASE DO NOT park directly in front of the YMCA, as the busses load and unload there.  All campers must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian or by another authorized person. For the safety of our campers, no children will be allowed to leave the YMCA without an adult signature.

If your child is not picked-up by 4:10, the YMCA reserves the right to place your child in Post-Camp at your expense.

TOP OF PAGE

 PRE/POST CAMP EXTENDED CARE:

Pre-Camp and Post-Camp are available for an additional fee.  You must sign-up for this option prior to your child attending camp.  Pre-Camp runs from 7:30 AM until the start of camp.  Post-Camp runs from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Campers who are registered for Pre-Camp and/or Post-Camp will meet in the gym. Post-Campers will receive a small snack and have the opportunity to participate in recreational swim (Summit YMCA only). Parents who pick up their children later than 6:00 PM will be charged a late fee of $2 per minute.

TOP OF PAGE

 SWIMMING

Campers will participate in recreational swim at the Summit YMCA. On swim days, Campers should bring a bag with a bathing suit and towel, labeled with their name. The YMCA will shuttle the campers from the Reservation to the YMCA and back. 

 RAINY DAYS (Extreme Weather)

As this is a natural outdoor setting, we are affected by the weather.  On rainy days, camp will be held at Franklin School in Summit. Do not drop your child off at Franklin School.  On rainy days the Camp Director will make a decision at the YMCA as to where the buses will go.

TOP OF PAGE

FIELD TRIPS & WEEKLY EVENTS

Each week on Thursdays, Camp Cannundus will participate in either a Field Trip OR an All Camp Event.  Past activities for all camp events have included Olympics, BBQ, and color wars. Information for each week's events will be sent home on Mondays and will be available right here on this webpage.   Weekly Information Sheet

Session 1           Lets Get It Started/Holiday Hoopla                     June 28                Swartswood Lake

Session 2           Nature and Me / Wacky Wellness Week             July 5                   TBA

Session 3           Under the Sea / Olympics                                 July 12                 TBA

Session 4           Wild Things / Crazy, Upside Down Week            July 19                  Cheesequake State Park

TOP OF PAGE

 WHAT TO WEAR

Campers should dress for camp activities in shorts, t-shirt, socks and sneakers. No sandals and flip-flops. Please apply sunscreen to your child before camp and teach them how to reapply.  YMCA staff are not allowed to apply sunscreen to campers.  Expect your child to get dirty while enjoying camp! Each camper will receive one YMCA camp t-shirt to be worn on Trip/All Camp Event Days.

TOP OF PAGE

 WHAT TO BRING

Campers should bring a swimming bag on swim days and lunch every day. Personal items do NOT belong at camp, such as trading cards, water guns, Game Boys, and other electronic devices. If these items are brought to camp, the Camp Director will hold them during the day and give them back to your child at the end of camp.  When we have a special theme day, your child’s counselor may request a specific item to be brought to camp. This will be done in writing. All personal items should be labeled with you child’s name. Children should not bring money to camp on regular days. They are not permitted to use the YMCA vending machines during Pre-Camp, Camp or Post-Camp. 

TOP OF PAGE

 LUNCH

Campers should bring a non-perishable lunch and drink (no glass!) to camp each day. An insulated lunch bag is recommended, as there are no refrigeration facilities at the Reservation. Water is available for campers throughout the day.

TOP OF PAGE

 MEDICAL FORMS

State law requires that all campers have a current Medical Form on file BEFORE attending camp.  The YMCA must receive the completed form with your FIRST payment. PLEASE SEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE.  The form does not need to be completed by a doctor.  Camper safety is a main priority and all of our staff are trained in emergency procedures. 

TOP OF PAGE

 MEDICATIONS

If your child will be taking medication during camp, the camp must have written permission from the child’s doctor about the medication in addition to our Camp’s Medication Form. This includes any over the counter medications. The medication form must be turned in to the director a month prior to your child’s first week of camp.

TOP OF PAGE

 CARING STAFF

We carefully select counselors that have a genuine interest in children, enjoy being with children, and have the ability to interact in a positive and caring way with your child. All of our counselors have certification in First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. They receive training in YMCA leadership skills, safety and emergency procedures, and the principles of healthy child development. All staff members and volunteers go through criminal background and drug tests prior to the start of camp.

TOP OF PAGE

 DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES