YMCA CAMP ALGONQUIN, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin, IL 60102   Phone: 847.658.8212   Fax: 847.658.8431

Contact us at: info@campalgonquin.org      A Program of the YMCA of McHenry County


OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Student and Family Resources

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PHOTO ALBUMS

100 Years of History
Camper from 1940's
Campers from 1960's
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AFFILIATES

YMCA of McHenry Co.
Triple R Day Camp



Sample Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical three-day schedule for OEE. Times and number of classes offered many vary between schools and length of stay.

Day One

  • 10:30-11:00 Arrive
  • 11:00-11:30 Settle in
  • 11:30-12:30 Lunch
  • 12:30-2:00 Field Class
  • 2:00-3:30 Field Class
  • 3:30-5:00 Field Class
  • 5:00-5:30 Rest
  • 5:30-6:30 Dinner
  • 6:30-8:30 Evening Program
  • 8:30-9:30 Transition Time
  • 9:30 Bedtime

Day Two

  • 7:00 Wake-up
  • 7:45-8:30 Breakfast
  • 8:30-10:00 Field Class
  • 10:00-11:30 Field Class
  • 11:30-12:30 Lunch
  • 12:30-2:00 Field Class
  • 2:00-3:30 Field Class
  • 3:30-5:00 Field Class
  • 5:00-5:30 Rest
  • 5:30-6:30 Dinner
  • 6:30-8:30 Evening Program
  • 8:30-9:30 Transition Time
  • 9:30 Bedtime

Day Three

  • 7:00 Wake-up
  • 7:45-8:30 Breakfast
  • 8:30-9:00 Pack
  • 9:00-10:30 Field Class
  • 11:00-12:00 Lunch
  • 12:00 Depart

Optional

Information for Family Members

Why Do Schools Participate in Outdoor Environmental Education?
Outdoor Environmental is an optimal learning process that extends the classroom by providing direct, in-depth exposure to intellectual, recreational, social and emotional environments.

Our Purpose
The Outdoor Environmental Education program is specifically designed for elementary and junior high school students, including special populations. Using the school’s curriculum as a base, we study humankind’s relationship to one another, living organisms and the environment.

Program Methodology
Utilizing the natural environment of YMCA Camp Algonquin, students actively experience curriculum areas. They will have opportunities for decision-making, problem solving and direct participation. Programs are carried out in small, manageable groups of up to 15 students.

This educational experience employs science, math, social studies, and language arts skills in the natural environment. It provides the students the opportunity to appreciate each classmate’s uniqueness and individuality. Students return to school united through this shared experience in the pursuit of knowledge.

Leadership
All children are under adult supervision. Leadership is provided by your child’s school leaders, our OEE Director and the Aurora University outdoor education graduate assistant instructors in School of Experiential leadership

Receiving a letter
A cheerful letter to your child will do much to enhance the experience. It is important to mail all correspondence one week prior to your child’s departure from home so they will receive your letter during their stay.

Mailing Address
Your Child’s Name
Your Child’s School Name
YMCA Camp Algonquin
1889 Cary Road
Algonquin, Il 60102

YMCA CAMP ALGONQUIN property is owned by the McHenry County Conservation District and is  operated by the YMCA of McHenry County.

What to Bring

Please keep in mind that you will be outside for a significant portion of the day. Be sure to bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry while outside. It is essential that extra socks and clothes are sent in the winter time. Clothes should be layered to help keep warm during the winter.

Necessary

  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Daily change of underwear
  • Daily change of socks
  • Nightwear
  • Walking shoes
  • Raincoats
  • Hat or hood
  • Waterproof boots/shoes
  • 2 warm jeans/pants
  • Shorts (seasonal)
  • Jacket (appropriate for season)
  • Heavy sweater/sweatshirt
  • Warm shirt
  • Towel
  • Wash cloth
  • Tissues
  • Soap
  • Comb/hairbrush
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Writing materials
  • Clipboards or notebook
  • 2 pencils/pens

Optional

  • Gloves (needed in cold weather)
  • Lip-gloss
  • Slippers
  • Reading material
  • Camera/film (please label)

Winter Additions

  • Winter boots
  • 2 pairs of warm mittens/gloves
  • Scarf
  • Winter jacket/parka
  • 2 extra pairs of wool or warm socks
  • Warm ski hat
  • Lip-gloss

Please leave home

  • Radio
  • Portable TV
  • Knives
  • Electronic games
  • Food/candy/gum
  • Matches
  • Cellular phones