If you do not see your question on the page below, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
What are the session dates?
How is cabin placement determined?
What cabin/village will my child be staying in?
Can my child be in a cabin with his/her best friend or relative?
Who are the counselors?
What is the level of supervision?
Will my child be safe?
How does Frost Valley prevent strangers?
How many campers are in a cabin?
Are there storage spaces in the cabins?
Are the cabins heated and have electricity?
What kind of shoes does my child need for horseback riding?
What are the camp activities?
How far in advance does my child need to obtain a physical?
Does my child need to bring his/her own nebulizer?
How often is mail delivered?
What can I send in a care package?
Does Mustang Village
participate in specialties?
What are the session dates?
2012 Scheduled Summer Sessions:
Session 1: July 1 - July 13
Session 2: July 15 - 27
Session 3: July 29 - August 10
Session 4: August 12 - 24
How is cabin placement determined? Which cabin/village will my child be staying in?
Making new friends is an essential part of the camp experience and cabin assignments are the key to creating a positive camp environment. Frost Valley’s program is age specific and progressive in nature. Campers are placed in groups of eight with two staff members assigned to each cabin group. Lodging varies from group to group. Some campers live in independent cabins grouped together in clusters to make up a Village. Others stay in larger lodges where multiple cabin groups live with a shared common area to make up a Village. Each camper has his/her own bunk and storage area (describe). Villages at camp are cabin groups of children the same age. Therefore the grouping of campers by age is required. Frost Valley YMCA will make every effort to honor special requests for cabin mates but due to the amount of campers registered per session we do not guarantee any placements. Frost Valley YMCA places campers in cabin groups based on the following criteria:
1) One mutual request made by 2 campers who are the same age.
2) Age (all campers in a cabin will be less than 12 months apart)
Camper’s grade is not considered in cabin assignments.
Requests by campers who are more than 12 months apart to be together may be honored but the older child will be placed with younger camper’s age group.
Can my child be in a cabin with his/her best friend or relative?
We will do our best to honor one mutual request. However, there are many other factors involved in cabin placement (see above).
Who will my children have as counselors?
There are two counselors for each cabin of eight campers. Our staff is hired from all over the country and the world and screened through an extensive interview and reference process, including a criminal background check according to the standards of the American Camping Association. They are placed in positions that match their individual skill levels and interests.
The Frost Valley YMCA camp community is an exciting mix of cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. Staff travel from across the country and around the world to join this program. From California to Maine, and as far afield as South Africa and New Zealand. In-depth background and criminal history checks are diligently performed on all applicants. Once hired, staff undergo rigorous training, which includes: Health and Safety Awareness, Emergency Procedures, Behavior Management, Activity Leadership, the Wellness Philosophy, Team Building, and Age Specific Youth Challenges. Lifeguards are recertified annually; horsebarn staff are Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified; and ropes course supervisors meet all Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Our goal is to ensure successful camping experiences for each camper.
All staff undergo intensive background and criminal history checks. International staff must have J-1 authorization from Immigration and Naturalization. Our staff is expected to share Frost Valley YMCA’s mission and vision, and are dedicated to bringing your children the best camping experiences possible. This facility meets all guidelines, policies & procedures as mandated by the American Camping Association (ACA) and the Department of Health. Staff undergoes rigorous training prior to working with your children and safety is the prime directive when it comes to the equipment used by our campers at Frost Valley YMCA.
Level of supervision
Level of supervision is high with a 1:4, counselor-camper ratio. Campers remain supervised even during down-time and rest periods.
Will my child be Safe?
Safety is a top priority at Frost Valley YMCA. Frost Valley’s Summer Camp program has a counselor-camper ratio of 1:4. This exceeds Department of Health standards.
We employ 18 lifeguards, all of whom are re-certified annually, regardless of their experience.
There are 16 horse barn staff, all of whom are Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified and supervised by a master trainer. Children must all wear safety gear including helmets, without exception.
Our ropes courses are extremely well supervised. There are three ropes supervisors. All are expert in taking safety measures and all necessary precautions. Belaying policy and procedure is dictated by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and all standards are met.
How does FV prevent strangers?
Staff are very sensitive about identifying authorized versus non-authorized individuals on campus. Staff are in constant contact with one another and with the administration, via hand-held radio. Frost Valley YMCA runs a “closed campus” during summer session, therefore, any strangers would be readily identifiable.
Conferences, retreats, Elderhostel, and adventure events can coincide with summer and day camp events. In the event that this should occur, procedures are in place to safeguard our campers. All other guests are required to wear name tags and color-coded wristbands identifying the program in which they are enrolled. Additionally, their vehicles are registered with Frost Valley’s conferencing center. This ensures an increased awareness of whom is on the campus at any given time. Trespassers are immediately identified, approached, and asked to vacate the premises. Guided tours of the facility are available via appointment only.
How many campers are in a cabin?
There are eight campers in each cabin group.
Are there storage spaces in the cabins?
Yes. Space varies for different cabins and lodges. Each camper will have a cubby for personal items and a place to hang jackets, towels, etc. A trunk or large duffel bag are good choices to bring in order to store your clothing.
Back to Top
Are the cabins heated? Is there electricity?
Cabins and lodges are heated, have electricity and outlets, hot running water, and are equipped with flushing toilets and screened windows.
What kind of boots does my child need for horseback riding ?
Any sturdy boots with heels, riding boots, hiking boots, or work boots. No sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, or open-toe shoes of any kind.
What are the camp activities?
Please see our Daily Schedule with details of each program here
How far in advance does my child need to have a physical?
Within the 12 months prior to the date your child arrives at camp.
Does my child need to bring their own nebulizer?
Yes. You are responsible for sending all medication and medical equipment required for your child’s health and well-being. Please see our medication policy for further details.
How often is mail delivered?
Mail is sorted and delivered daily (when the local post office is open). Mail is delivered to campers by their Village Chief and Counselors daily. You can also email your camp with our personal one-way email system. To register, click here and chose the option email.
What can I send in a care package?
Toys, stuffed animals, cabin decorations, and letters are all great option. We discourage valuable items, which may get lost or broken at camp, and ANY food items as they attract animals into the cabins. Junk food is not allowed.
Back to Top
Does Mustang Village participate in specialties?
Activity periods are based on group choices. Villagers can decide between arts and crafts, yoga, climbing, games and more. They have the freedom to choose each day what activity works best for all.