PARENT INFORMATION

A Note From the Camp Coordinator, Kim Reger

“I love being the Camp Coordinator at the YMCA. I've been at Cormorant for more than ten summers! Some of my favorite camps include art camp and the ropes course! I know the children will have a fabulous time throughout the summer. Thank you for entrusting your children to all of us at Camp Cormorant and we look forward to a fantastic summer!”

Camper Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Drop-off for each session is on the Sunday of the camp week, in the order listed below. It is very important that you arrive no earlier or later than your specified time. Times are staggered to help with parking and line issues.

Camper pick-up for each session is on the Friday of the camp week between 2:00 - 3:00 pm. A late fee of $25 per camper per half hour will be charged for any campers not picked up during this time.

Transportation for both drop-off and pick-up is provided by the family of the camper. We do not provide any transportation to or from camp. For special arrangements or if a camper will be picked up by another camper’s parents, etc. please call 701.367.6582.

  • 3:45 – 4:10pm if your last name begins with O – Z
  • 4:10 – 4:35pm if your last name begins with A – F
  • 4:35 – 5:00pm if your last name begins with G – N

Please have the following completed and ready to hand in at drop-off:

Additional Information:

Health and Safety

Health and safety are our top priorities at Camp Cormorant. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all campers.

Severe Weather
Camp Cormorant has weather radios and access to weather radars. If severe storms are approaching, campers and staff will be moved to the lower level of the Camp Welcome Center for safety. We will try to update the camp website and Facebook page with any and all information regarding storms.

Water Safety
All campers are required to take a swim test every session of camp. The test will determine their level of water skills and what areas and activities they are allowed to participate in. We also use the buddy system, in which campers are paired with someone of the same level. They are REQUIRED to wear life jackets when on the water trampoline and all boating activities, including kayak, canoes, paddle boat, and banana boat. There are is always a lifeguard on duty when the water front is open.

Health History
All campers are required to submit a Health History form completed by a parent or guardian annually. This is also a great opportunity to help staff ensure your child enjoys the best experience at camp. A medical exam is NOT required to attend camp but is strongly encouraged.

Medication
The medication permission form needs to be filled out completely and brought in at the time of drop off. All prescription medications must be in the original bottles with all information clearly displayed.  They will be kept in a locked cabinet in the health officer’s office and will be administered on schedule by the health officer. Other non-prescription medications and ointments may be available at camp for your child’s use, however, the medication permission form must also be filled out and indicated which items are approved for use. The camp’s health officer will administer these to your child as well.

Injuries and Illness
If your child becomes ill or injured while at camp, we will notify you as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, we may transport, or have them emergency transported to the hospital. When you register your child for camp, you are giving us permission for emergency medical and dental care for your child at your expense.  Care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve life, limb, or the well-being of your child. 

Food
Campers need energy to be active at camp so nutritious and yummy meals are provided by the camp cooks. A wide variety of food types are provided throughout the week that are sure to please any child. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided and served in the dining hall. A salad bar is available with lunch and supper. The food portions are ample and seconds are usually available. We recommend the campers do not bring any food with them to camp. There is a camp store with snacks and beverages that campers are allowed to purchase daily.

Home Sickness
Staff make a concentrated effort to help campers overcome homesickness by helping them learn to accept the natural feeling of missing family and friends. We do not contact parents if the child is homesick.  We have strategies in place to help the children and this is a normal part of a camp experience for some children. We keep our campers busy and try to interest them in new and fun activities. The camp coordinator will contact you if staff needs assistance in dealing with the most difficult cases. If the decision is made to go home early, no refund is provided.

Send a Package
Camp care packages are welcome and a good way to make a camper fell comfortable at camp.  Every camper loves to get mail. Campers love sending letters home as well. Sending pre-addressed stamped envelopes are very helpful to campers. We do sell stamps at the camp store. If your child is registered for mini-camp, you can bring your mail to check in and we will disperse it on a daily basis.

Please keep all letters upbeat and stay away from topics that may cause your camper stress or anxiety. Mailing a letter or package before the start of your camper’s session will ensure that they will receive it while they are at camp.  Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for lost or misplaced packages due to the nature of camp life.

Send mail to:
YMCA Camp Cormorant
14563 YMCA Lane
Lake Park, MN 56554
Attn: Your child’s full name and cabin number.

Contact Us

To contact us directly during the camp season (June – August):

  • For basic camp inquiries, please contact Dee Jones, our Camp Cormorant Coordinator at 701.364.4130 or jones@ymcanorthernsky.org.
  • To reach a camp staff during your child’s camp week, please contact Kim Reger, our Camp Coordinator, at 701.367.6582.
    Please know that the staff are engaging with the campers and may not be able to answer the phone right away. Please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we are able.
  • YMCA Camp Cormorant | 14563 YMCA Lane | Lake Park, MN 56554
  • Or follow our Facebook page (updated daily during camp sessions with photos/updates of the campers!)

To contact us outside of the regular camp season:

  • Dee Jones, Camp Cormorant Coordinator: 701.364.4130 or jones@ymcanorthernsky.org.
  • YMCA Member Services Desk: 701.293.9622 
  • YMCA of the Northern Sky  |  400 1st Ave S  |  Fargo, ND 58103