Outdoor Preschool

Daily Schedule

9:00 - 9:30 Child-Directed Play (Activity Stations)
9:30 - 10:00 Morning Circle (Nature Yoga, Story, Social/Emotional Learning Activity)
10:00 - 10:45 Activity 1 Ex: Nature Art
10:45- 11:30 Activity 2 Ex: Forest Ecology Hike
11:30 - 12:00 Child-Directed Play (Activity Stations)

About the property

YMCA Camp Lake Helena is a 135-acre property with a 5-acre lake, two streams, wetlands, forests, trails, a playing field, a garden, activity cabins, and an outdoor theater. The property does have running water, electricity, and flushing toilets. The property is not open to the public.

YMCA Camp Lake Helena
11606 Ranch Drive SW
Port Orchard WA 98367

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is provided to individuals, kids, and families on a need basis and allows access to all programs, activities, and facilities at the YMCA. If we can serve you or your family in this way, please fill out the  Financial Assistance Application.

Dress for the Weather

Outdoor preschool is held outdoors rain or shine. We do have an indoor classroom space to store gear and hold class in the event of thunder, lightning, or severe wind. However, we will be outdoors a significant portion of the day. Check the weather before you drop your child off for the day to ensure they have the appropriate gear. Your child may need more layers than you would typically provide for the park or playing in the yard because we will be outside for up to 3 hours. Extra layers are easy to remove if they are not necessary. 

Preschool students should wear a base, mid and outer layer. Base layers are wool or synthetic, mid layers are fleece or down, and the outer layer is a waterproof rain suit. Warm and dry feet are critical for keeping participants comfortable outdoors. Your child should wear insulated waterproof shoes or boots.  

WARMER WEEKS: Please apply sunscreen or insect repellant as necessary for your child before they arrive at school. Sandals are not permitted at camp; your child should wear comfortable close-toed shoes.  

SUPPLY LIST  

• Base layers – wool or high-tech poly or function fleece – never cotton
• Mid layers – Lightweight fleece jacket & pants 
• Outer Layer – Rain suit 
• Winter Jacket or Insulated Snow Suit – waterproof 
• Appropriate hat – one for fall/spring and warmer one for winter 
• Rain Hat (optional if jacket has a hood, but visibility is better w/ a hat vs. a hood for children) 
• Thin gloves or mittens 
• Rain mittens (or shell mittens) Wool or fleece socks and/or tights 
• Rain boots & boot liners OR insulated rain boots 

2024-2025 Calendar

2024-2025 CALENDAR

FALL SESSION	SPRING SESSION
Week 1: September 9 -12	Week 1: March 3 - 6
Week 2: September 16 -19	Week 2: March 10 - 13
Week 3: September 23 - 26	Week 3: March 17 - 20
Week 4: September 30 – October 3	Week 4: March 24-27
Week 5: October 7 -10	Week 5: March 31 – April 3
Week 6: October 15 -17	Week 6: April 7-10
Week 7: October 21-24	SPRING BREAK: April 14 – 17
Week 8: October 28 - 31	Week 7: April 21 - 24
Week 9: November 4 - 7	Week 8: April 28 – May 1
Week 10: November 12 – 14	Week 9: May 5 - 8
Week 11: November 18 - 21	Week 10: May 12 - 15
THANKSGIVING BREAK: November 25 - 28	Week 11: May 19 - 22
Week 12: December 2 - 5	Week 12: 27 - 29

Outdoor Preschool Forms

HEALTH HISTORY AND RELEASE FORM

All participants are required to have a completed health history form.

INSURANCE

You, as the parent or guardian, are responsible for any medical costs incurred as a result of injury or illness while your child is at camp. Be sure to provide accurate information (carrier and policy number) regarding your health insurance on the health history form.

HEALTH CARE

Our staff are trained in emergency first aid and CPR techniques.  Emergency transportation is available from the local fire department.  Should any serious accident or illness occur, parents or guardians are notified immediately.

EMERGENCIES  

If a student becomes seriously ill or is injured at camp, we will follow the appropriate emergency procedures such as providing first aid, calling 911, and calling parents/caregivers. Our emergency responders are approximately 7 minutes away from camp. Our staff are all trained in CPR/ and First Aid.  

 

 

2024-2025 Parent Guide

2024-2025 Parent Guide