Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Marston
When does registration for Summer Camp begin?
Wednesday, October 1, 2026. You can register online via your CampInTouch account. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to hold your spot for each week of camp this summer.
Can we visit camp prior to signing up?
Yes. For safety reasons, however, we are very conscientious of who is visiting. We operate year round programs and very often have campers on site. As such, we ask that you call to set up an appointment for a guided tour. We will have informational zoom sessions throughout the winter and spring to join if you want to learn more about camp.
How many adults are there to how many children?
Health Center at Camp
Camp Marston has a Health Center with staff trained in emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. In an emergency, 911-ambulance service is readily available. Our nearest hospital is Pomerado, in Poway. Unfortunately in these pandemic times we must send campers with flu-like symptoms home. Campers may return to program after a negative PCR Viral Covid test and 24 hours symptom free.
We are proactive in calling parents about any health related issue. If a camper is out of program for more than a few hours or sustains any injury more severe than a scratch or bruise, we will contact you.
Please be sure to provide us with complete emergency contact information, especially if you are traveling on vacation. In case of accident or more severe illness, it is our practice to contact parents immediately. However, if you cannot be reached, we have your written authorization for emergency medical care on the Health History form.
What happens if my child gets sick at camp?
We are proactive in calling parents about any health related issue. If a camper is out of program for more than a few hours or sustains any injury more severe than a scratch or bruise, we will contact you.
If I have two children attending camp, will they see each other, or participate in activities together?
The answer to this question is “it depends”. We group our campers into three Villages and assign our cabin groups within those villages according to age- and cabin-mate requests. If your children are close in age they may spend time in the same village or even the same cabin.
If they are more than a year apart, they may not be in the same village but will see each other throughout the day at meals and other camp activities. We find that most of our campers do quite well away from their siblings and enjoy a little independence in a safe caring environment.
My child doesn’t know much English, do the counselors speak Spanish?
Can children bring a cell phone to camp?
No, we do not permit cell phones at camp.
YMCA Camp is a safe place to let your children have a bit of freedom and independence. We want them to make new friends and face challenges, not to spend precious camp time calling or texting their friends back home.
Parents can choose to e-mail messages for their campers via an optional online service. Experience has shown that a call to Mom and Dad can often make an adjustment problem worse, not better. Lastly, the technology of cameras on cell phones also creates the potential problem of taking pictures in sensitive areas. Camper bathrooms and changing areas are not appropriate places for cameras.
If your child needs to have cell phone with them because of travel or other reasons, simply have them submit it to camp staff upon arrival. We will return it to them when they leave.
What about bullies and teasing?
What happens if my child starts missing home?
Missing home can be a challenge for some campers. We have several steps to work with it. In most cases we will simply encourage the camper to stay busy and think positively. Most times this works quite well. The camper starts to enjoy them self and make new friends.
In some cases it may take a bit more help. At those times our practice is to call parents and talk to them about what steps we’re taking and what might work best with their camper. We want to make overcoming missing home a success story for your child and may ask your help in doing so.
Who do I inform about my child ‘s food allergies?
Summer Camp Store
What happens if my child does not like the food?
We think our camp food is some of the best around. We encourage each camper to try what is being served but we don’t force them to eat. If campers don’t like what is being served, we provide options.
At each meal there is a well-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. At breakfast, a buffet with hot and cold cereal is available along with the hot entrée. Our staff is trained to watch what campers are eating. If a child is not eating a healthy amount, they will report the matter to the health care staff.
