Summer Camp FAQ's

How do I register my child?

You must complete and send a registration form with a $100 nonrefundable deposit to reserve your child’s spot. Your child is not registered until the deposit and registration form are received.

If the session we want is full, do you accept names for a waiting list?

Yes. In the event of cancellations, we will contact waiting list members in the order received.

My child is a returning camper. Do we qualify for a discount?

Yes. Campers who attended any YLI camp in 2009 are eligible for a $40 discount in 2010. Please call (864) 878-1041 for complete details.

If my child decides at the last minute not to attend camp, is my money refundable?

Excluding the $100 nonrefundable deposit, refunds will be issued only when requested in writing at least two weeks before your camp session starts. No refunds will be issued within two weeks of the start of camp or after a session has begun. This policy is strictly enforced.

What type of payments do you accept?

Check, money order or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express).

Can I make monthly payments, and when is my balance due?

Yes. The balance must be paid three weeks before camp starts.

Where should I send my payment and registration forms?

No matter which camp your child is attending, please send all payments and forms to one of the following:
Online Registration and Payments

US Mail
Summer Camp Registration
Youth Learning Institute
698 Concord Church Road
Pickens, SC 29671

Once my child is registered, what additional paperwork is required—and when is it due?

Registered applicants will receive a Camper Information Packet with forms that must be completed and returned to YLI three weeks before your camp session starts. This packet includes a Permission Form, Health Form, Medical Statement, Discipline Policy, Paintball Registration Form(if applicable), directional map and packing list. Campers will not be allowed to attend camp unless the completed forms are on file.

My child attended a YLI camp last year. Are those forms kept on file?

Yes, we keep all forms from the previous year’s camp season on file. However, we require all campers to complete all forms each year.

Can I bring the camper information forms with me when I bring my child to camp?

No, we must receive them at least three weeks in advance.

What kind of medical personnel can sign the health form?

Any licensed medical personnel, which includes a doctor, pediatrician, nurse, nurse practitioner or health department nurse. A sports physical or a regular physical in the past two years also meets this requirement.

Whom should I call if I am lost or running late for camp?

You should call the emergency number at the camp your child is attending. This number is listed on the sheet of things to bring for camp. If you know in advance that you will be late, call the Youth Learning Institute at (864) 878-1041 (Mon-Fri) and we will notify the camp staff for you.

Do you run background checks on your counselors?

Yes. We run background checks on all staff, including camp counselors. Counselors are chosen based on their dedication and ability to work with young people, positive attitudes and love of the outdoors. With our wide variety of specialized programs, instructors and counselors are also chosen for their expertise in a particular field (marine science, wilderness training, etc.). These professionals share their practical knowledge and skills in ways that stimulate learning and critical thinking among our campers. All counselors and program staff undergo extensive pre-camp training, and a Camp Director resides on site to ensure that every aspect of camp runs smoothly. Counselors supervise campers 24 hours a day and are assigned activity groups during the day and dorm groups in the evening and overnight. Overnight dorm groups may consist of up to two rooms per counselor.

How old are your counselors? Are any of them in high school?

Most are college graduates or completing college. We employ high school seniors, but no one younger as a counselor or instructor.

Are the rooms where the kids sleep air-conditioned?

Yes.

Can I request specific roommates?

Lodging assignments are made based on age and grade level. Requests for specific roommates will be honored for children within one year of age, if space is available. Special concerns about housing should be noted on the application.

How old does my child have to be to play paintball?

Campers must be 10 years old by the time they attend camp.

Does my child have to play paintball?

No, this is an optional activity.

How much does paintball cost?

There is no additional cost to play paintball.

What items does my child need to bring to camp?

Find specific items for your particular camp on the individual camp pages. A list of items will also be mailed in your Camper Information Packet. Listed below are a few items that every camper needs to bring:

• Twin-size sheets and a blanket or sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Towels and washcloths (2-4)
• Several sets of clothes (5-8)
• Deodorant and other toiletry items
• Towel for swimming
• Swimsuits (2)
• Sunscreen
• Shoes (2 pairs—one pair must be athletic shoes)
• Bug spray
• Flashlight (optional)
• Inexpensive camera (optional)

What items should not be brought to camp?

YLI will not assume responsibility for any items brought to camp that are lost, broken or stolen. Because of this, we ask that you not bring the following items: candy, gum, food, snacks, knives, fireworks, CDs, CD or MP3 players, iPods, digital cameras, electronic games, other electronic devices, cell phones or money. We believe that the use of personal electronic devices during camp defeats the goal of YLI camps—developing social skills, building new relationships, sharing traditions, appreciating nature and being physically active.

What if my question is not answered here?

Please link to your camp pages for FAQs specific to each camp, including driving directions. If you have additional questions, please call us Mon-Fri at (864) 878-1041.

How do I transfer my child to a different camp?

Contact our main office Monday - Friday at (864)878-1041 and request that you child be transferred. Please note there is a $50 transfer fee per camp.

© 2012 Youth Learning Institute | 698 Concord Church Road | Pickens, SC 29671 | (864) 878-1103 | Staff Login

© Clemson University 2012