Frequently Asked Questions

What are Camp Hochelaga’s core values?

YWCA Vermont is driven by the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We carry this mission forward in our culture at Camp Hochelaga by working to create an environment of full inclusion, social safety, and freedom of expression. Camp Hochelaga aims to be a place where any camper, regardless of individual identity labels, is welcomed into social, emotional, and physical safety.

Camp Hochelaga’s activities, social culture, and traditions center on building empowerment, self-confidence, leadership, and friendship.

If I’m vaccinated, do the COVID-19 policies still apply to me?

Yes! All of our policies are regardless of vaccination status. This helps prevent sicknesses that look like COVID-19 from spreading.

What is Camp Hochelaga’s refund policy?

If, for any reason, your need to cancel your camp registration more than two weeks ahead of the session start date, Camp Hochelaga will refund payments made less the session deposit fee. If you find you need to cancel your camper’s registration within two weeks of the session start date, all payments made will be forfeited.

What is the age range of campers at Camp Hochelaga?

We welcome campers between ages 6-17 for residential camp and day camp. We also offer a 5-week Leadership Training program (CIT) for campers finishing 10th grade.

Where can I find camper medical forms, doctor forms, and the Family & Camper Handbook with details on camp drop-off, pick-up, and policies?

In addition to completing online registration, Camp Hochelaga requires the following forms* to be on file for each camper prior to arrival at camp:

Camper Physical Form (signed by a physician within last 12 months)
Copy of Camper Immunization Record
Proof of Health Insurance

All forms and the Family & Camper Handbook can be found on our website at https://ywcavt.org/camp-forms-packing-list/

Is there a suggested packing list for camp?

Yes! A list of suggested items to bring to camp can be found on the Camp Hochelaga website at https:/ywcavt.org/camp-forms-packing-list/

If your camper is attending camp for more than 1 consecutive session, we suggest doubling the quantities of items listed on the packing list.

How can I view and print my camp invoice?

Camp invoices are available through your online registration account and include camp’s federal tax id number for tax filing purposes.

Can Camp Hochelaga accommodate unique dietary needs or allergies?

Yes. At camp we strive to accommodate the needs of any child that wishes to join us for camp. We will do our best to provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options at all meals. Our Head Chefs are highly skilled and qualified to navigate serious food allergies. Please list any dietary restrictions on your camper’s medical form and connect with us if you would like to talk further about a specific or unique need.

Can I visit or call my camper while they are at camp?

Sending a camper to camp for the first time can be a little scary! It is only natural that you would want to connect with them to check in while they are away. At Camp Hochelaga we recognize that this opportunity to check in is important. And we also know that when campers experience the safe and supervised independence of camp they grow confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. In alignment with our work to grow strong, confident, independent young people at camp, we discourage family members from connecting directly with campers by phone or by visit while they are at camp. Camp Hochelaga’s leadership is always happy to check in and give a camper update to a parent or family member over the phone. We value honest transparency and will communicate openly with family members about our observations of a camper’s experience.

Here at Camp Hochelaga we highly encourage letter writing as a way to stay connected. Families are welcome to bring pre-written letters to camp on check-in day, marked for delivery throughout the camper’s stay. There will be a station for letter drop off. We also deliver letters to campers sent by mail. Letters are a great way to stay in touch. If your camper is joining us for the first time, we encourage family members to focus letters on light, happy topics, and to avoid mention of how much you are missing them. Instead talk about how much you love them and how proud you are that they are off on the grand adventure of camp!

In the event of serious illness, accident, prolonged homesickness (two or more days) or other situations warranting discussion with the parents/guardians, the Head of Line, Camp Director, or Nurse will notify parents/guardians promptly.

How many campers stay in each cabin? Are they the same age?

All but one of the cabins at Hochelaga hold 8 camper beds. All cabins are arranged by age so campers of the same age stay in cabins together. Each group of campers is mentored and supervised by a a pair of co-counselors, and a Head of Line.

What is the ratio of campers to staff at Camp Hochelaga?

At Camp Hochelaga, the social, emotional and physical safety of campers is our top priority. Engaged supervision, support and guidance from our camp counselors and larger staff team plays a central role in maintaining safety at all times. In alignment with American Camp Assocation standards, Camp Hochelaga strives to maintain a staff to camper ratio of 1:4 and never operates with a ratio larger than 1:8 during times when campers are in cabins and overnight, and a staff to camper ratio that is never greater than 1:10 during daily activities. Camp counselors sleep near cabins, and counselors are directly engaged with campers during mid-day cabin times, and during meals, activities and transitions. Our camp staff team is trained to build positive mentor-based relationships with campers so they can offer individualized support, maintain a culture free of bullying, and meet the care needs of each camper in their group. Camp Hochelaga maintains these supervision ratios and practices during all off-site trips and changeover weekends.

How old are the staff taking care of my camper and how are they trained?

Camp Hochelaga’s counselors and program staff are all 16 years old or older. All staff under 18 are supervised by a staff member over 18. More than 80% of our summer staff are between the ages of 18 and 25. All of our summer staff participate in an intensive staff training program that focuses on prevention of bullying, caring for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children, working together as a team, and keeping children safe while having a blast supporting them to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things! Our Life Guard staff are American Red Cross Certified and participate in regular in-service training throughout the season.

What is Camp Hochelaga’s bullying policy?

Camp Hochelaga has a zero tolerance policy regarding bullying. Our staff are trained to prevent situations that could lead to bullying and recognize potential bullying so that they can intervene immediately. We work to support any child who voices an experience of bullying to feel safe, strong, and confident. We also work to communicate with the child who may have acted unkindly to understand the impact of their actions and find ways to be supportive and kind to others.

What happens if my camper gets sick while they are at camp?

We have a medical professional on site 24 hours a day at Camp Hochelaga. Our camp Health Team works hard to prevent sickness and injury by making sure campers eat well, stay hydrated, and have fun safely. In the event that your child gets sick or hurt at camp we will care for them in our medical facility, contact you if the injury or illness is anything more than minor, and place a call to emergency services if the severity of the health concern or injury warrants.

What is Camp Hochelaga’s head lice policy?

We operate by residential camp industry standards which state that no child or person with head lice can remain on site at camp. We will provide a discrete and thorough head check for all campers on check-in day. Campers with evidence of head lice (including live lice or nits) at check-in will be asked to leave camp to complete a treatment and will be welcome to return once entirely free of head lice, as determined by the camp Health Team.

Check the Camp Hochelaga Family & Camper Handbook for resources on lice identification and successful treatment! Camp Hochelaga strongly recommends checking your camper’s head for lice a few days prior to their first day of camp.

How will Camp Hochelaga keep my camper safe on the waterfront?

Waterfront safety is a top priority at camp. Our Red Cross certified waterfront director is on site 24 hours a day and works directly with the lifeguarding team to provide leadership and guidance. All of our lifeguards are Red Cross certified and practice in service training and drills regularly. At Camp Hochelaga we divide our waterfront into separate swim zones and require that all campers take a swim test before they may enter the water. We also offer swim lessons free of cost for campers at any swim level.

Who can I contact if I am feeling nervous about camp?

We are always excited to talk about camp with you via phone or email. Please call our email our office anytime to talk with our Office Manager. Our Office Manager can also help connect you with our Camp Director, so that we can answer any questions you might have and provide more information about any aspect of camp.. They can answer any questions you might have and provide more information about any aspect of camp.

Can my camper and I come out and see camp before the session starts?

If your family will be new to Hochelaga this summer and you would like to set up a private tour before the start of the camp season, we are more than happy to set up a time for your family to come out to Camp. We do acknowledge that scheduling may be limited. Our team will do their best to accommodate your family’s request. Give us a call to schedule.

If you’re going to camp for more than one week, can you go home between sessions?

Over the weekends, our skilled staff will facilitate fun, engaging activities, and allow time for campers to rest to get ready for the next session! This can include trips off of camp to local activities, hiking or camping trips, or whole camp day events. Though we encourage your camper to stay with us during this time if they are doing multiple weeks, you are welcome to bring them out for lunch, or home for the weekend so long as you give us advanced notice. Our skilled staff will facilitate fun, engaging activities, and allow time for campers to rest to get ready for the next session!