FAQs

Q:   My child wants to come with a friend? Can they be in the same cabin? 
Absolutely. As long as they are the same gender and within one year of age (12 months), we can honor the request. On your registration form, there is a place to fill in your cabin mate requests. Just put down the name of the other child you want with your camper and we'll be sure to take care of it!
  
Q:   I noticed that some of the sessions offer horsemanship camp. Can I register my child for the regular session without registering for horse camp? 
Yes. We run our traditional camp every 5-night session. Horsemanship Camp is run in addition to our traditional camp on specific sessions. You can choose to pay extra if you would like your child to specialize in the Horsemanship program that session. These programs go on simultaneously. 
  
Q:   Is there bus transportation from my local YMCA branch to Camp Pine Tree? 
No. Because we are a camp for young beginners, we feel that it is very important for you to personally drop off and pickup your child. On opening day, you will get to go inside their bunkhouse and help them make their bed. We also provide a light snack for your family that day and allow you to meet your child's counselors. All of these measures help us ease your child into camp comfortably and give you peace of mind.

  
Q:   Where do I send my child's regular mail? 

Camp Pine Tree has a policy that food care packages are not allowed due to ants, health and cleanliness considerations. Non-food care packages are welcomed and encouraged. We recommend delivery on Tuesday.
  
Q:   Can I call or visit my child at camp or can my child call me from camp? 
Due to the nature of the program, visiting your child or talking to them on the phone is highly discouraged. Often the child is having a wonderful time at camp, but may become homesick when a parent, guardian or family member visits or talks with him/her on the phone. It also affects the other children in your child's cabin and could create the domino effect. Sending letters is highly encouraged.   If you do become concerned about your child, please feel free to call the camp office from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The camp office will notify a leading staff person. He or she will check on your child and return your call after they have had time to visit with your child and your child's counselor.
  

Q:   Do you have to sign-up for horsemanship camp to ride horses? 

  
Q:   I just registered. Now what? 
All additional forms that you will need for camp are available online under Parent Packets or in the right hand navigation under Forms. These forms include: Health History Form, Camper Profile form, Horse Waiver and more. ALL of these forms must be completed and sent to camp three weeks prior to your child's session.

Q:   What if my child gets homesick? 
Occasionally, a camper may become homesick, usually the 1st or 2nd day of camp. Campers look forward to hearing from their parents, and news from home is "healing" in a homesick situation. In your correspondence with your campers, praise them for their independence and for all they are learning. Do not imply that you can't get along without them. Please avoid saying "if you don't like camp, I will come and get you." This can sometimes give them a pre-conceived idea that camp will not be fun, and it can seem like an easy way out of dealing with the homesickness. Our staff are trained to respond to homesickness. Homesickness can be overcome and will help the camper in developing independence. Should it be in the best interest of the camper to go home, the director will contact the parent/guardian. However, these cases are rare.
  
Q:   What are the check-in & check-out times? 

 

If your child is attending a Mini-Camp Session, check-in/pick-up will be the following:
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. for check in on Sunday and Wednesday;

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. check out on Tuesday and Friday 
  
Q:   Who will be supervising my child in the bunkhouses and at activities? 
Our counselors are at least 18 years of age and must have completed their first year of college. Our assistant counselors must be 18 and a high school graduate. They remain in the bunkhouses overnight with the children and also help lead the activities throughout the day. These staff members must pass a very thorough interview, criminal background check, drug test and reference check process. In addition, they also attend 14 days of extensive training. It is a privilege to be a part of our team! Our staff to camper ratio is generally 1:6-8. There are usually 18-22 kids in each bunkhouse with 3-5 staff members in each bunkhouse.
  
Q:   Will my child need any spending money at camp? 
No. Your child will not need any spending money while at camp. Each camper is provided with a drink and a snack each day. The Camp Store will be open during check-in time and check-out time. At this time, you may purchase any Camp Pine Tree keepsakes for your child such as t-shirts ($10), stuffed animals ($8) and stamped postcards ($1)! 

  
Q:   Do I have to be a member of the YMCA to attend a YMCA camp? 
No. BUT, if you are a full service member of the YMCA, you will receive a $50 discount off any 5-night camp session.
  
Q:   My child is a picky eater. What kind of menu do you have? What if my child won't eat what you are serving? 
 We have plenty of choices at each meal. For breakfast, we always have a variety of cold cereals to choose from in case your child doesn't like what's on the hot menu, such as french toast sticks & sausage, scrambled eggs and bacon, breakfast pizza, or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, we try to keep the meals child friendly, and again, with plenty of variety. From corn dogs to burger & tots to spaghetti, pizza, tacos and plenty of sides and salad. Our cooks work in the school system during the year, so they always inform us of what kids will eat and not eat. If your child absolutely will not eat anything else, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich station is available during lunch and dinner. If your child requires a special kind of food, or only a certain type of milk, you must bring that item for them and we will give it to them during meal times. 

  
Q:   What do I need to do with my child's health history form? 
 Unlike previous years, we want you to mail in your child's green Health History Form three weeks prior to their session. The nurse will check to see that everything is complete. You must have the BACK SHEET SIGNED BY A DOCTOR showing that your child received a physical within the past 24 months. Most doctor's offices will be glad to fax you a copy of your last signed physical, which you may attach to your Health form. Make sure that there is also a copy of your child's SHOT RECORDS and a copy of your child's medical insurance card.
  
Q:   Is there somebody available for healthcare and emergencies? 

 Yes, we have a Healthcare Supervisor living on-sight each week. This person may be an RN, LVN or EMT. In addition, we have a 24 hr. Doctor on call. The healthcare supervisor will meet with each parent at the beginning of the week during check-in. They will be responsible for seeing that your child gets his/her prescription medications throughout the week. They will also aid your child with any minor illnesses or injuries while at camp. And of course, they are are first on the scene in an emergency. All staff members are trained in CPR and First Aid.
   
Q:   When is open house? 

 Open House dates for 2009 are set for March 28 and May 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. Come try out some of the activities, meet the staff and see the bunkhouses where you will be sleeping. Get all of your questions answered! The event is free. You may also register on site. If you need directions, click on Maps and Directions on our website. We're only about 30 minutes away from most parts of the Houston area