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Frequently Asked Questions

What will a Trip to CYO Boys Camp or CYO Girls Camp Provide?
A Positive camping experiences for 7-16 year olds in the beautiful Michigan wilderness; Fun programs that encourage social and recreational skills; A chance to make lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds. CYO Camp is friends, fun, and adventure for boys and girls that combines creativity and learning in a healthy, noncompetitive environment. Programs, supervised by a dedicated staff, are designed to help children develop confidence, values, and achievement in a challenging world.
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What is the Staff-to-Camper Ratio?
How many children are assigned to each cabin? Overall, we have one staff member to every four campers; this includes our specialists (crafts, archery, swimming, nature) and administrative staff. At the Boys' Camp, we have a maximum of 16 campers with 2 counselors per cabin group. At the Girls' Camp, we have 2 counselors with a maximum of 16 campers for the 7-8 year- old girls; older cabin groups have 2 counselors with a maximum of 20 campers. These ratios meet or exceed those recommended by the American Camp Association standards for resident camps, and exceed those required by the Michigan Department of Human Services.
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How are staff selected?
Our overall staff-to-camper ratio of 1-4 encourages individual attention as campers develop skills and face new challenges in a safe and friendly environment. The staff at CYO are caring and skilled people who provide the very best guidance. Counselors are college students selected for their maturity. They are excellent role models for children. Whether on the ropes course, waterfront, in camp or on trips, the staff emphasizes safety. Their commitment reflects the strong values of CYO.. Most of our staff members are returning and many have come up the ranks of our leadership programs. Their first priority is to make each camper's experience the very best it can be.
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What percentage of the staff are returning from previous summers?
CYO Camp staff are recruited through areas in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Lansing and Saginaw. In addition, we recruit through local colleges and universities. Counselors-in-Training positions are publicized through local Catholic and non-catholic high schools. All new staff are required to complete a lengthy application, submit 3 personal and professional references, and meet with our administrative staff for a personal interview.

Though it varies each year, we generally count on 60% return rate for our summer staff. Our cabin counselors are at least 18 years of age; many have at least one year of college or work experience beyond high school.
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How are children assigned to a cabin at camp?
At CYO Camp, we program with an age-group/grade-based system. All campers are assigned to cabin by age: 7-8 year-olds in one cabin, 9-10 year-olds, 11-12 years olds, and so on. There is usually some overlap in these age groups, though we strive to have no more than three year/two grade spread between the oldest and youngest camper.

We are very willing to assign friends and/or siblings to the same cabin if the campers are within one year (or one grade) of each other. We do believe that one of the purposes of attending summer camp is to meet new people and develop new friendships; for this reason, we do not usually put large groups of friends (4 or more) together in cabin groups.
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My child is not a skilled swimmer. Will he receive special help at the waterfront?
Most definitely! Our waterfront staff meets with each cabin group on the first day of camp and individually evaluates the swimming ability of each camper. Campers who are fearful of the water are given special attention, and encouraged to become comfortable with the water at their own pace.

All swimming is done in Lake Huron, within a special roped-off area. We have a certified lifeguard on duty at all times, with additional staff observing the swimming sessions as well. Our waterfront procedures include a buddy system and tag board to ensure the safety of all campers and staff.
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May we have a tour at camp?
You are certainly welcome to visit the CYO Camps. This is an excellent opportunity for you to tour the camps, meet the staff, and see the program "in action."   We cannot guarantee the availability of staff to provide personal tours without previous arrangements. All personal tours of our camps must be accompanied by staff member while camp is in session.  Please contact the camp office for a tour appointment.
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What if my child is on a special diet and must take medication daily?
Our kitchen is staffed with very capable cooks who will handle your child's special dietary needs. Just let us know the specific needs in writing and we will be happy to assist. Our Camp Health Director is trained to dispense medication and provide first aid treatment properly. We have a doctor on call at all times to assist with medical emergencies. If you have specific questions, please contact the CYO Camp Office and we will be glad to discuss the situation with you.
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My child will celebrate his/her birthday at camp. Will there be a celebration?
YOU BET! Birthdays do not go unnoticed at CYO Camp! We will sing a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday!" at each meal and present a birthday cake to your child at dinner. If you would like to send a surprise package to be given to your child on the Big Day, feel free!
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Will my child be able to call me during the week? May we send packages?
A telephone is not available for camper use. You are welcome to call the camp and talk with the Camp Director or Unit Leader to find out how your child is adjusting to camp life.

We encourage you to write your child often! Since the campers arrive on Saturday, mail is not received until Monday. If you wish, you can mail the letters in advance so that your child will receive mail on the weekend he/she arrives. "Care Packages" are truly a welcomed treat for campers!  Feel free to send your child various goodies, magazines, books, etc. (no gum, please).
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Will there be a visiting day for parents?  Are laundry facilities available?
There is no visiting day scheduled for this season. If your child is staying for more than one session, and you would like to arrange a day to take him/her out for the afternoon, please contact the Camp Office. No laundry facilities are available. Our clothing lists recommend a suggested quantity of clothing to last the entire stay at camp. It is recommended that sewing in labels or writing in the camper's name with a permanent marker would be beneficial to returning lost and found articles of clothing. For campers staying more than two weeks, laundry arrangements can be made. Please contact the CYO Camp Office.
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Does my child have to be Catholic to attend CYO Camp?
Approximately two-thirds of our campers and staff are Catholic. When the opportunity exists, we celebrate a Catholic Liturgy with a visiting priest from the Detroit area; campers and staff sing prayers before and after meals; our camp activities are structured around appreciation of ourselves, those around us, and the outdoors. We offer no formal religious training.
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What is The Pioneer Program for Teens?
This outdoor living adventure for 14-16 year olds includes campfire-cooked meals, a 4- to 5-day canoe trip, and living in a mini-camp off the main campground. Registration is limited so sign up early. This Trip fills up fast!
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Where are the CYO Camps located?
The camps are located just off M-25 near Port Sanilac (30 miles north of Port Huron). Both camps are on the shore of Lake Huron, with long stretches of sparkling sandy beaches. Acres of woods and nature trails provide a setting filled with unspoiled beauty. Round trip transportation is available. Buses leave from Shrine Elementary School - Woodward at 12 Mile in Royal Oak.
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This is my child’s first camp experience, may we take a ride up to camp to look around and become acquainted with the layout of camp?
Please contact the camps office and we can work something out.  If it’s during the summer camp program, a tour time needs to be set up with the Director so that we can have a staff member walk with you around camp and explain the different areas.
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Can my child bring a cell phone to camp?
Following is an excerpt taking from the ACA Camping Magazine written by Bob Ditter, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy.  We believe that he says it best! 

“The fundamental issue with parents giving campers cell phones to take to camp is trust.  When children come to camp they – and you as their parents – are making a leap of faith, temporarily transferring their primary care from you to us and their counselors.  This is one of growth-producing, yet challenging aspects of camp. As children learn to trust other caring adults, they grow and learn, little by little, to solve some of their own challenges.  We believe this emerging independence is one of the greatest benefits of camp.  It is one important way your child develops greater resilience and self-reliance.  Contacting you by phone essentially means they have not made this transition.  It prevents us from getting to the problem that may arise and addressing them quickly.  Sending a cell phone to camp is like saying to your child that you as the parent haven’t truly come to peace with the notion of their being away from you and in our care.  It may even cause some children to worry that they can never solve their own problems without always involving their parents.”.
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What type of clothing should my child pack for camp?
Here is a suggested clothing list that you may view as a guide for packing clothing for camp.
View the Boys Camp Clothing List or view the Girls Camp Clothing List.

What Our Campers Have to Say About CYO Camp...

"The best thing about CYO was EVERYTHING!"

"I loved CYO Camp!!! Hiking, games, Sucker's Creek, Lake Huron, and everything else!"

"When I got home, I asked my mom to make me some cinnamon toast like you do, but when I ate it, it wasn't as good as yours!"

"It was fun on the canoe trip."

"I think last summer was the best I ever had; everything was the best, even the food."

"The ropes course is GREAT!"

"I really love CYO Camp and can't wait for next summer. When I am 17, I hope to be a C.I.T. because the all-girl environment is really quite refreshing!"

"CYO Camp is cool and awesome!"

"I had a lot of fun, I learned a lot about the woods. Thank you very much!"

"I met a lot of new friends and have a lot of fun. It was like home away from home."

"The best things about CYO Camp are the swimming and the woods. And the staff is great!"

"I loved the people and being in the wilderness. I can't wait to be a C.I.T."

"I had a great counselor; hope to have him next year in PIO."

"I think going to CYO Camp is a great experience everyone should have; the people you meet and the canoe trip; keep up the good work CYO!"

"The best things were archery, crafts, my counselor, free time and the nature program."

"I love canteen, my friends, counselors, swimming, sleeping out and archery."

"Thanks for a great summer!"

A Few Words From Our Campers' Parents!

"Everything was PERFECT!"

"My best memory was driving them home on Saturday and hearing them sing camp songs instead of immediately turning on the radio. And life without them for a week was awesome -- silently awesome!

"All three of our boys enjoyed camp tremendously. We will sacrifice to send the boys back to camp next year. Thank you for your wholesome program!!"

"It was a very good experience for our daughter. We were worried about her first "camp away from home" - but we worried needlessly. It was wonderful for her and for us!"

"Anyone who is apprehensive about sending children to camp should have a fine camp experience as our two sons received at CYO Camp. The counselors and director were a big help to us! God Bless!"

"CYO Camp was one of the best experiences my children have ever had at camp. They spoke with much affection about their counselors and fellow campers."

"Jered had a great time but he was very nervous about going that morning. If we would have let him, he would have backed out. When we picked him up, all he could talk about was "next year"!"

"Please feel free to include me as a reference to other parents who have children with learning disabilities. They really made Nathan feel at home and welcomed and he was part of the group!"

"Your camp has given my daughter not only growth, but wonderful memories."

"CYO Camp was a first time experience for us and everything went extremely well. The counselors and staff were great!"

"My daughter asked if she could come back next year on her 2nd day at camp! I was very pleased! Look forward to next year; I'm sending her 2 cousins along too!"

"Over seven years my daughter has gone to CYO Camp, she always enjoyed herself and made many friends. She has many happy memories."

"Our four older children attended previously (in 1973). It's still an enjoyable experience (1993 & 1995); and we'll be back!"

"Your camps are wonderful!"