Campers learn the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Session 6: Mythical Adventure
Session 7: Coordinated Chaos
WELCOME TO YMCA OF GREATER LOUISVILLE’S OVERNIGHT CAMP!
We are thrilled to welcome you to Summer 2026 at YMCA Camp Piomingo. Our team has been hard at work designing a season that feels both comfortably familiar and excitingly new, blending treasured traditions with fresh opportunities for discovery.
This summer brings several new program experiences. Campers will have the chance to explore storytelling in a whole new way through our new camp podcast. At the new Pioneer Village, we will also introduce several new hands-on experiences such as blacksmithing, candle making, and traditional farm crafts that reflect the heritage of our region.
For our older campers, we are launching a truly unique leadership experience. We have combined our Leader in Training program with our valued partners, BOLD & GOLD and Ohio River Way, to create a two-week journey built around the theme “Breathe In, Step Up.” Campers ages 15–16 will grow as leaders while preparing for and completing a four-day canoe expedition on the Ohio River. This unique experience is designed to stretch skills, build confidence, and deepen friendships.
We have several exciting physical additions around camp this year. Construction begins this spring on our new 40-foot climbing structure, The Watchtower. This versatile tower will offer interior and exterior climbing routes, a rappelling wall, and a giant swing, providing adventure for campers of all ages.
Our pool area has also received updates, including new shade structures and a refreshed giant slide. In addition, we are installing three new water fill stations throughout camp to help campers stay cool and hydrated during busy summer days.
The Dining Hall has been refreshed with contemporary updates, including a new beverage station offering up to three waterbased drink options each day. We are also partnering with a local Meade County family farm to incorporate fresh, organic produce into our meals. Campers need great fuel to power great adventures, and we are committed to providing it.
We are also excited to welcome two outstanding new full time team members. Maggie Tyner, our new Program Director, joins us from her childhood camp, Camp Wood YMCA in Kansas. Zach Johnson, our new Hospitality and Camp Experience Director, comes to us from YMCA Camp Chandler in Alabama. Both are eager to meet your family and help create an exceptional camp experience this summer.
Finally, thank you for the continued trust and support you place in our mission. Through our Tiered Pricing model and our Camp Without Zip Codes initiative, we are working to make camp accessible to every child. If you feel called to do so, we invite you to consider making a meaningful gift to help open the door of camp to even more families.
We cannot wait to hear laughter echo through the hills and valleys and see campers exploring the woods and the river once again. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to YMCA Camp Piomingo for Summer 2026!
Christopher Cassada Executive Director
OUR STAFF
Summer staff are recruited from previous campers and staff, local and national colleges and universities, and staff contacts.
We also have staff joining us from all over the world this year through international staffing programs and YMCA International Partnerships. Our staff are at least 17 years old, must complete an application and interview, and pass a criminal record check.
YMCA Camp Piomingo staff receive First Aid/CPR certifications, trainings on risk-management, social and skill development, community building, assisting campers with homesickness, and much more during a mandatory week-long training. Staff may also undergo a second week of training to become lifeguard or ropes course certified. Staff-to-camper ratio is in accordance with standards set by the American Camping Association.
YEAR-ROUND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Christopher Cassada
Executive Director
Alex Carpenter
Senior Director of Camping
Maggie Tyner
Program Director
SUMMER STAFF STRUCTURE
Executive Director
Program Directors
Coordinator Team
Kenny Hildebrand
Facilities Director
Zach Johnson
Hospitality and Camp
Experience Director
Ali Grinnell
Administrative Coordinator
Specialist Team
Camp Counselors
ABOUT YMCA CAMP PIOMINGO
YMCA CAMP PIOMINGO PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
YMCA OF GREATER LOUISVILLE MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the YMCA of Greater Louisville is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA is about…
Youth Development – Children need caring adults to provide support, guidance, and encouragement as they grow. All children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.
Healthy Living – Wellness in spirit, mind, and body strengthens our very being and enhances our interactions with others.
Social Responsibility – We truly are in this together and together we can harness our individual strengths and bring about positive change around us. The Y is dedicated to building healthy, confident, secure, and connected children, families, and communities.
Since 1938, YMCA Camp Piomingo has been providing inspiring, engaging and educational co-ed camp programs for children ages 5-17. Camp uses a variety of activities to instill core values and life lessons in our future leaders. Through these activities, campers learn the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Camp also enables growth in character, confidence, and courage. Leadership development is also a core component of camp, designed to prepare teens for future counselor positions. All planning and preparation for summer 2026 is focused on what we learned and how we were successful in maintaining health and safety during the summer of 2025.
AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION (ACA) ACCREDITED
ACA Accreditation means we follow the health, safety, and program standards put in place by the American Camp Association. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that camp practices reflect up-to-date research-based standards in camp operation.
CAMPER PAPERWORK
The following must be completed and submitted before your camper’s arrival. Forms need to be completed online or over the phone with a Piomingo staff member.
Registration – All campers should be registered via CampMinder, our online registration system, or by calling the camp office.
Camper Forms – Can be found by logging into your Camp In Touch account and include: Health History, Bunk Requests, Camper Application (for editing), Additional Options, and Camper Photo upload.
Final Payments – All final camp fees are due by June 1. If a family registers for camp after June 1, payment in-full will be due at time of registration.
PREPARING FOR CAMP
HOMESICKNESS
Going to an overnight camp is a big growth opportunity for both the parent and the child.
For a child, independence is a thrilling experience combined with the opportunity to make new friends and learn many new outdoor skills. It can also be one of their biggest challenges. Frequently, excitement can turn into anxiety. Apprehension and homesickness are perfectly normal feelings.
Our staff are trained in working with campers experiencing homesickness. However, each camper’s case is unique. There may be times we need to call you regarding (you are the expert on your camper, after all) to develop a plan of action that best suits the individual.
Please note that if a camper is picked up due to homesickness, a refund will be at the discretion of the administrative team.
For more information on homesickness and taking steps to prevent it, please SCAN HERE for this article from the American Camping Association:
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
A deposit is required with all registrations and is nonrefundable. The final balance is due by June 1. Camp sessions may be moved to a different session based on availability.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing or by calling the office prior to June 1. Requests may be made by phone at 502.942.2616 or by emailing piomingo@ymcacamppiomingo.org.
Deposits remain non-refundable in all cases. Refund considerations may be submitted but are not guaranteed.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS & CONCERNS
At YMCA Camp Piomingo, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where campers can learn, grow, and have fun. Our approach to behavior management is rooted in restorative practices, emphasizing communication, understanding, and positive reinforcement.
We believe in working collaboratively with campers to address any behavioral challenges, and we appreciate the partnership with parents when challenges and behaviors arise. Our staff are trained to work with campers on a variety of behaviorsthey take great measures to identify underlying causes of conflict and help campers restore or rebuild relationships.
Campers must meet the eligibility criteria and display behavior that is aligned with our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility as described in their orientation and cabin contracts. As such, bullying is not tolerable at YMCA Camp Piomingo.
In the event of bullying, our trained staff will employ a restorative approach, focusing on repairing harm and fostering understanding. This involves open communication between parties involved, facilitated discussions, and promoting empathy. Our goal is to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere for all campers, where everyone feels valued and respected. We honor each camper’s individual experience at camp, and if they are being negatively impacted by another camper, that camper may be asked to leave if our approach is not effective.
If a camper is dismissed, parents are responsible for transportation, and no refunds will be issued.
We reserve the right to dismiss campers from the program without warning.
PREPARING FOR CAMP (continued)
CAMP RULES/ EXPECTATIONS
On opening day of each session, these general camp rules will be discussed with the campers during orientation. It is expected that all campers follow the camp rules to make sure camp is a safe and successful place for all.
• The use of appropriate language is required.
• Any act intended to hurt someone physically, mentally, or emotionally violates the safety and security of all campers and staff. Actions of this nature are not welcome and may be grounds for immediate dismissal following mediation with senior leadership.
• Please refrain from marking or drawing on camp property.
• Keep rocks where Mother Nature has placed them.
• Keep bathrooms clean and toilets flushed.
• Camp Piomingo is a litter-free environment. Please throw away all trash especially during snack time.
• Cabins should be cleaned every morning and kept ready for cabin inspection. The “Cabin of the Day” award will be given daily and comes with a special treat!
• Leave cell phones, tablets, and other electronics at home.
• Walking is the best method of transportation from one place to another. Running is allowed for activities.
• We follow the Y’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Families will be notified if a camper is not following camp rules and expectations. Campers who refuse to act in a manner safe for themselves, others, or camp will be dismissed from camp early and the family will be required to pick them up without refund. This is at the discretion of Camp Leadership.
SPECIAL NEEDS/REQUESTS
We want all campers to find success during their time at camp. Sometimes there may be accommodations that need to be considered to ensure campers have a rewarding experience. If your camper needs special accommodations while at camp, please contact Alex Carpenter, the Senior Director of Camping, at 502.942.2616 to schedule a “Camper Success Meeting”. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to 504 plans, IEPs, neurodiversity, gender inclusivity, or mental health needs.
BEDWETTING
Please help us get back to the root of camping by respecting our no cell phone policy.
Bedwetting happens from time to time. Some campers suffer from chronic bedwetting and some have the occasional accident. Our goal is that this should not prevent a camper from coming to camp. Our staff is trained to handle bedwetting discreetly and personally. If your camper wets the bed please be sure to note this on their Health Form. Providing this information in advance provides the staff with information so that they can check your camper’s bed occasionally during their camp stay and manage accordingly. Encourage your camper to notify the counselor if they have an accident. Campers should be instructed to ask their counselors for help, and every effort will be made to prevent accidents. Any bedding, wet or soiled due to bedwetting, will be laundered and returned discreetly to the camper before Rest Hour.
PREPARING FOR CAMP (continued)
ABSENCES
We get concerned when your camper is registered, but does not show up for check-in. If you are not able to inform us prior to Sunday check-in, please call the Camp Office at 502.942.2616 and leave a message if your camper will be late or not able to attend. Please be specific, stating your camper’s full name and the reason they will not be attending. If necessary, our office staff will return your call to confirm the details.
TELEPHONE
Campers do not have phone access during their stay at camp. Campers may not bring cell phones or have phone access during camp. If a camper brings a cell phone and it is seen by camp staff, it will be removed from the cabin, stored in the office and returned to the parent at check-out. A YMCA Camp Piomingo staff member will contact you in the event of an emergency or other situation.
In the event of an emergency, parents can call the camp office to make arrangements to speak to their camper.
PREPARING FOR CAMP (continued)
CARE PACKAGES, LETTERS, AND EMAIL
Parents are advised to bring letters and packages to drop-off during check-in on Sundays. We ask that all packages are brought to camp while being mindful of cabin sizes. Some campers have food allergies, so please do not bring anything containing nuts or peanut butter. And please do not send caffeinated beverages.
We ask that you bring all care packages during check-in. We are always trying to alleviate outside people and items being brought onto camp property throughout the week, unless completely necessary. Please limit all mailings to letters or postcards. All letters can be sent to:
YMCA Camp Piomingo c/o (Camper Name / Cabin #)
1950 Otter Creek Park Road Brandenburg, KY 40108
Parents, friends and family are encouraged to write letters to their campers to help them feel more comfortable while at camp.
It is a good idea to send letters in advance to camp so they are here on the first day!
If you wish to email your camper, please complete the one-way email form in your CampInTouch account. Emails will be printed daily and handed to your camper. Campers will not, however, be able to email you back. We will reach out to you if the camp office is having technical difficulties and we are unable to print your email.
We understand that communication with your camper is important and we appreciate your patience when it comes to organizing and delivering mail to all of our campers.
We will do our best to deliver letters and postcards the day it arrives, but depending on what time the mail is delivered, it may be given to your camper the next day
Your CampInTouch account (powered by CampMinder) contains everything you need to ensure your camper is enrolled, engaged, and connected to you throughout their stay at YMCA Camp Piomingo.
Photos – Camp photos will be uploaded via CampMinder, and can be accessed via the “Photos” tab. You must have a CampMinder account in order to access these photos, but you may provide guest accounts to other family members through the “Guest Accounts” tab. Furthermore, you may now set up facial recognition with the Campanion app to get notified whenever we post pictures of your camper!
Forms – Under the “Forms & Documents” tab, one can add additional options to their camper’s registration, complete bunk requests, upload a camper photo, and complete each camper’s health history form. All forms are due by June 1.
E-Mails – One-way e-mails can be sent to your camper via the “Email” tab. Those e-mails will be printed off daily and given to the appropriate camper.
Camp Store – Campers will be able to access the Camp Store during their stay. If one would like to view camper transactions or add funds to the camper’s account, one can do so by clicking the “View Camp Store” tab.
The CampInTouch address is: piomingo.campintouch.com/MyAccount.aspx
You may also access CampInTouch by scanning here:
Financials – Under “Financial Management” Tab, change debit/cards used, as well as make a payment towards each camper’s balance. Payments are due by June 1.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING (AND NOT BRING)
The following page contains a list of suggested and prohibited items to bring to a one-week camp session. Please use your own judgment regarding quantities and necessities for your camper. We suggest packing items in a Rubbermaid-type tote, to make it easier for campers to keep their items together. Please make sure to label your camper’s luggage/tote/bin for easy identification. We are asking that personal items NOT BE SHARED during their stay at YMCA Camp Piomingo.
Clearly labeling all items with the camper’s first initial and last name will help in finding lost items throughout the week. Since parents will not be allowed in the units or cabins, properly labeling items will allow staff to reunite the item with the camper.
YMCA Camp Piomingo is not responsible for lost or stolen items. However, we will do our best to connect all campers with their lost items prior to their departure.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service will provided for an additional fee per camper, which can be paid for online through your CampInTouch account, or by calling the office. This service is available for CITs (included in cost) and LITs ONLY.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
• Cash
• Cell phones
• Digital camera
• Expensive items
• Fireworks
• Hand-held video games
• iPads/Kindle/tablets
• iPods/MP3 players
• Matches/Lighter
• Pocket knives
• Smartwatches
• Tobacco products
• Video camera
WHAT TO BRING (continued)
ITEMS TO BRING
Please note that none of these items are essential for the camper experience.
• Shorts
• Long pants – for cooler times of day and horseback riding
• Shoes – must be closed toe (i.e. sneakers,boots, Keens, etc.) and at least one pair of sneakers for the ropes course
• Swimsuit and beach towels
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Medication (see page 15)
• Commonly brought items – hand sanitizer, stationary, pre-stamped and addressed envelopes, flashlight, small battery-operated fan, backpack, disposable camera
• Bins/Totes – maximum height allowance is 18.5”
NOTE!
If a camper has a fever over 100.4 and exhibits symptoms of illness/ lice, FAMILIES WILL BE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE CAMPER HOME!
Campers may return to camp with a doctor’s note or without a fever for 24 hours. Campers with lice may return in 24 hours with a documented cleaning treatment.
CHECK-IN DAY
We will communicate with you one week before your camper’s arrival.
Arrival – Enter the main gates of Otter Creek Recreational Park. A counselor will greet you regarding exact check-in time and process for your session. Follow the camp signs as you enter through the main gate. Families who arrive early WILL NOT BE ADMITTED until their assigned time.
Sign-In – Follow staff directions and signage to the screening area where campers will have a temperature and lice check. Bring luggage to sign-in table, and camp staff will deliver it to camper’s unit. Give your camper’s medications to the nurse. Wait until authorization is given to move on, then follow directions and signs to the camp gong.
Goodbye – Take a ‘GONG PHOTO’. Camp families will walk to the camper’s unit where our staff will greet and direct you to your camper’s cabin. You will be allowed to move your camper in, but must leave before the end of your assigned check-in time.
Exit – Follow signs and staff directions to leave the property. After getting to know their counselors and fellow cabin mates, units will come together for orientation, where we will introduce staff, define behavior expectations, and give a tour of camp.
CHECK-OUT DAY
We will communicate precise check-out procedures (including inclement weather plans) throughout your camper’s session. Any special arrangements for check-out should be made in advance by calling the camp office.
Arrival – Enter the main gates of Otter Creek Recreational Park. Follow camp signs as you enter through the main gate. Families who arrive early WILL NOT BE ADMITTED until their assigned time. Families with multiple-age campers will be issued the latest check-out time.
Sign-Out – Follow staff directions and signage to the sign-out area where parents/guardians or authorized person(s) (listed in the authorization section of your campers registration) will be eligible to check-out the camper. All persons authorized to pick-up a camper must show a photo ID. Campers will not be released to anyone who is not on the authorization list or able to show a photo ID. We will not be requiring a signature, just a photo ID to match names on the authorization list.
Goodbye – Luggage will be brought to the front of camp and can be picked up after signing their camper out. We invite all families to stay for a dinner to chat with their child’s counselors and celebrate the week.
CAMPER HEALTH POLICIES
Pertinent information regarding any medical issues, special needs, and allergies must be clearly noted on your camper’s health form. Please call our office prior to your camper’s arrival if they have any special needs, which may include diabetes, sleep issues, recent trauma, or anything requiring extra staff attention.
CAMPER MEDICATION
Administration of medications (over-the-counter or prescription) will be performed by one of two on-site health care professionals. You are required to note any medications on your camper’s health form and bring all medications in their original bottles or packages. At check-in you will hand over your medication in its original container.
MEDICINE STOCKED AT CAMP
The following medications will be stocked in our infirmary this summer. Thanks in advance from our health care team!
• Medicine will be delivered by nurses at meal times and bedtime in their camper unit
• Staff will contact health center staff if a camper in their cabin needs to consult with them on any medical concerns that may arise
• If possible, nurses will conduct any necessary assessments outdoors
• If a camper or staff member is suspected to have COVID-19, their families will be contacted and they will be sent for testing immediately
• Health staff will wear a mask, a face shield, disposable gloves, and a disposable gown while working with individuals who have a suspected case of COVID-19
ACCIDENTS, ILLNESS, OR INJURY
YMCA Camp Piomingo staff are trained in first aid and risk management, but the nurse or health care professional will handle all medications, minor illnesses, and injuries. In the event that a child may become ill or injured in a manner requiring a prolonged stay in the infirmary, or needs further attention by the health care provider, the camper’s parents will be contacted by phone.
HEAD LICE CHECK
During check-in, camp staff will perform a lice check. It is our policy that if lice or nits/eggs are found, the camper will be sent home for treatment and cleared by their doctor. Campers will not be able to return to the cabin for at least 24 hours and after they have been checked and cleared by the camp nurse.
TRADITIONAL CAMP (AGES 6-16)
Traditional Youth and Teen programs are one-week programs for ages 6-16. Campers will stay in a cabin with trained counselors and participate in camp activities such as archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and much more! There is also one two-week Traditional Camp session available.
TRADITIONAL MINI-CAMP (AGES 5-12)
Our Traditional Mini Camp is a 3-day, 2-night experience for campers aged 5-12 that want to get a taste of what YMCA Camp Piomingo has to offer.
LEADERS IN TRAINING (LIT) (AGES 15-16)
The Leaders-In-Training Program (LIT) is the first part of the Leadership Development Program at YMCA Camp Piomingo. Through this 2-week program, the LITs will learn and develop leadership, communication, and life skills—all while connecting with their peers and participating in camp activities.
As part of the program, LITs will be going on a 4-day canoeing trip down the Ohio River with Ohio River Way! They will start their journey in Louisville and end back in Otter Creek Recreation Area.
The curriculum in this program is created in partnership with YMCA BOLD & GOLD
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) (AGES 16 & 17)
The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is for 16 and 17-yearold campers who wish to eventually become a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Piomingo. A CIT spends three weeks at camp developing leadership skills and gaining experience as a camp leader. Through the CIT program, your teen will identify and achieve goals, improve communication and decision-making skills, and contribute to the overall improvement of camp.
CAMP LIFE – WHAT TO EXPECT
(continued)
DAILY SCHEDULE
Below is an example of the daily schedule for your camper. Times and activities will vary depending on the program. Summer 2026 camper schedules for certain activities will be set prior to their arrival while some program areas will be choice-periods based on availability. 7:50am Flag Raising 8am Breakfast 9am – 12pm Clinics/Riding Lessons 12pm Lunch 1pm Rest Hour 2-5:50pm Cabin Activities/ Afternoon Activities 5:50pm Flag Lowering 6pm Dinner 7pm Free Time 7:45pm Evening Activity 9pm Bed Prep 9:45/10:30pm Lights Out
CLINIC PERIODS
For our Traditional campers, clinics are progressive areas that, throughout the week (Monday through Thursday), will build on the previous day’s learnings to build skills in specialty areas. The clinic options for the week are presented to campers on Sunday, followed by a sign-up period. Fridays are reserved for “Fantastic Fridays”, where counselors create fun clinics not offered the rest of the week. Please note that this is a general list of clinics and has potential to change based on the skills of staff. Often there are new clinics that may be added.
Some of these clinics are:
• Adventure Climbing
• Archery
• Arts and Crafts
• Marksmanship
• Mountain Biking
• Outdoor Living Skills
• Photography / Videography
• Pottery
• Role Playing Games
• Target Sports
• Team Games
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Each evening has a special time for campers to either come together as a unit or the whole camp and participate in different activities until the sun goes down. Please note that this is a general list of evening programs and has potential to change. Evening activities are based on the week’s theme.
• Boat Racing
• Camp Dance
• Cook Out / Camp Out*
• Gold Rush
*Offered each week
• Lip Sync
• Opening/Closing Fire*
• Renaissance Faire
• Unit-Specific Activity
CAMP LIFE – WHAT TO EXPECT
PATHFINDER PROGRAM
Our Pathfinder program is a progressive and achievementbased program that rewards campers who explore their interests and work to improve their skillset within them.
Wooden nickels are given to campers that are able to accomplish increasingly challenging feats (5 levels) in each program area. Only one wooden nickel per program area can be earned each session.
Program areas in our Pathfinder Program include:
• Archery
• Marksmanship
• Arts and Crafts
• Camp Craft and Outdoor Cooking (CCOC)
• Horseback Riding
• Rock Climbing / Ropes
• Pottery
• Mountain Biking
SUMMER FUN SINCE 1938
YMCA Camp Piomingo is deeply rooted and we take pride in our traditions. We work to share and instill these traditions with our campers every summer. We also love sharing our traditions with parents in order to facilitate conversations after camp is over.
UNIT CHEERS
Each unit is different so ask to hear some!
Thank you again for choosing YMCA Camp Piomingo. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
CAMPER AND GROUP AWARDS
Member - for a camper that attends camp for the entire session, participates in all activities, and shows overall enthusiasm about camp and their unit.
Representative - for a camper who leads cabin group, participates in all activities, and demonstrates spirit within their unit.
Delegate - for a camper who is a leader amongst their program, participates in all activities, and demonstrates spirit amongst camp as a whole.
Steward (CITs only) - for a camper who is a leader amongst all of camp, participates in and leads activities, and demonstrates spirit that reaches all components of YMCA Camp Piomingo traditions.
Wooden Nickel – Represents each level achieved in the pathfinder program. Those that earn their level 5 will be celebrated during camp’s award ceremony.
Spirit Awards – for most spirited unit and cabin/group.
