Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Camping teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership—all amidst the fun of camp fires, bugle calls, canoeing, archery, talent shows, and meaningful relationships. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper.
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OUR MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
The YMCA founded upon Christian principles and a desire to strengthen communities through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our programs are based on Christian principles and the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO NONDISCRIMINATION, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is an organization that embraces nondiscrimination, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome all people regardless of ability, age, background, ethnicity/ race, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The Y believes that, in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all, and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
As our laws and communities continue to change, one thing is constant: the YMCA is, and always will be, a place where individuals and families from all walks of life are welcome and where they may learn, grow, and thrive together.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
- The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties works hard to keep our kids safe. We require a complete criminal, personal and professional background check of each staff and volunteer member. Additionally, all members and guests who enter a YMCA facility are immediately screened through a local and national sex offender registry.
Here are some additional practices that the YMCA has in place to protect children in our care:
- Not only all staff, but also all volunteers, must read and follow our child abuse prevention policy. Our policy is strict: it prohibits a YMCA staff person or volunteer from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others.
- All staff and volunteers are required to participate in training about the prevention of child abuse, identifying the signs of abuse and reporting suspected abuse incidents. Staff renew this training every year. Staff and volunteers in direct service with children are required to undergo additional child abuse prevention trainings.
- If any YMCA staff member or volunteer becomes aware of any incident of suspected child abuse, they are required to report the incident to the Washington Department of Social and Health Services immediately for investigation and follow up.
- Each month our membership database is screened for sex offenders using a national database. Results are reviewed by YMCA staff every quarter and, if needed, appropriate action is taken immediately.
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Our Commitment to Sustainability
"Through education and actions, YMCA Camp Seymour strives to inspire and empower every camp participant to make environmentally sound choices today and every day. Responsible choices for future generations."
Below are just a few highlights of ways that YMCA Camp Seymour is being sustainable:
Living Machine
YMCA Camp Seymour installed Washington's largest Living Machine in 2003. The Living Machine (created by Living Systems) is an onsite sewage treatment facility that treats effluent to a level that allows water reuse in irrigation. The most visible part of the treatment facility is a greenhouse, where plants and other living organisms-housed in six aerobic hydroponic tanks - treat camp's wastewater. The final processing is done in a wetland just outside the greenhouse. The Living Machine is essentially its own ecosystem, accelerating nature's own water purification process!
The visible demonstration of functional and sustainable systems provides a living classroom of alternative ways to process waste and reuse resources. Camp's Outdoor and Environmental Education program incorporates concepts of sustainability into its curriculum. As a result, more than 10,000 school children, parents, and teachers who visit camp annually have the opportunity to learn first-hand how sustainable systems can work cooperatively with nature to produce useful end products.
Envirostars: 4 STARS
In June of 2014, EnviroStars Cooperative awarded YMCA Camp Seymour a four-star rating for our environmentally responsible practices. EnviroStars (sponsored by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department) recognizes businesses by awarding them a two-to-five star rating based on environmental performance criteria such as management of hazardous materials and working towards pollution prevention. Our commitment to these practices is a commitment to our community to eliminate, reduce, and recycle hazardous wastes and toxic materials.
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