The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. How we accomplish our mission at CCAC is through the CCAC mission:  To provide life-enhancing outdoor educational and recreational experiences in and for Collin County children and families. The curriculum is driven by the following principles:

1. We believe the program is a vehicle to help people love the natural world and each other better.
2. The Camp and its user groups will form cooperative partnerships to reach our mutual goals.
3. We will meet the formal and non-formal educational needs of students, and exceed expectations of the state, school, teachers, parents and students.
4. We will maximize the resources of the natural world and extend the classroom experience outdoors.
In practicing the program – we want to provide every opportunity for teachers to have input to the program, but make things easy too. So, generic schedules are made, but teachers should feel free to modify them as they wish!

We have programs available for any age student. The majority of our schools send 5th graders, and the curriculum is targeted to this age. There are lessons for a wide variety of age groups. We can gear the program and lessons for any age – preschool through college!

The camp staff members can to teach all activities. Some activities require camp staff, for risk management. We believe teachers may want to teach some of the classes if they choose, and this draws a link between the indoor and outdoor classroom. We can provide written material and training for all classes.

What about student journals?
A student journal is available (we can e-mail it to you) from the Collin County Adventure Camp staff, which you may download, and modify as you choose. The journal includes places to record data and answer questions in the curriculum (such as taking a soil temperature reading, drawing a picture of a certain leaf), and make observations about the program (such as writing a short poem, or seeing a bird, or recording how their day went for them). Schools should print these in advance for each student, and students should carry the journal and a pen or pencil with them.

We usually work in class size groups – of about 25. This can be existing class groups, or mixed groups. It is best to have students know their groups before they arrive. This can be done by putting the information on student name tags, or in their journals, or other ways you choose.

Complete lesson plans are written for every lesson at CCAC. Lessons are written to include and delineate state educational standards. The camp program includes use of a Student Journal. Pre- and/or post- program activities are available. The can be sent electronically or mailed to you.

The store can be open any time you like, and we can sell whatever you like. Our staff can run the store. You can see the price list on the web site. Prices range from a dollar or two, and t-shirts are around $10-$15 each. You may choose: store is open every day, open one time, open not at all. Sell souvenirs, snacks and cold drinks, sell only souvenirs. We recommend students bring about $20 at most for the experience. Teacher may collect store money for safekeeping, or allow students to keep it.

Important points:
This is an educational program, an extension of the school.
SAFETY of your child and everyone at camp is top priority.
Students are under constant adult supervision.
The camp staff is trained in first aid and CPR, plus, quick access to 911 services is available.
The school (not camp) is responsible for distributing medications to students.
Students do not swim in the lake. Life jackets are mandatory for all boaters.
Classes/activities are curriculum based and cover all subject areas.
The cabins are heated, air conditioned, and restrooms and showers are inside each cabin.
Camp can accommodate most special dietary requirements with advance notification.
Every participant must have a completed medical information and CCAC wiaver sheet.

What about medication and health care? Safety is our highest priority at camp. School personnel are responsible for medication oversight and student health care. All YMCA staff members have first aid, AED and CPR training. The camp staff members conduct regular drills to plan for safe handling of any situation. Staff members carry first aid kits, and first aid kits are located in key places throughout camp. The camp also maintains AED’s, oxygen, and backboards. There is a well equipped, modern infirmary on site. The building is air conditioned and heated, and includes first aid equipment, computers, phones, examination rooms, and resting areas. Many schools send a nurse to help with medication administration. Each student will need an up-to-date medical form, to be kept on hand with the school personnel. All student medication will be kept in the infirmary, locked (except such “keep with you” medications such as asthma medicine or epinephrine pens), and should be in the original prescription container, with clear instructions. Persons with diabetes may want to bring snacks along. Feel free to send along “just-in-case” medications, just leave clear instructions on the medical form. Should your child need special medical care, we will contact parents.

None of the food we serve in the dining hall contains peanuts or peanut oil. The only oil we use in cooking is vegetable oil. Peanut butter is served at a table away from other foods with bread and jelly, as an alternative food choice.

Click here for a downloadable “Program Planner” worksheet. This worksheet has step-by-step instructions and questions to guide you through the process. We ask you and your staff team to complete this form at least two weeks before the program. The camp staff members are happy to come to your school to assist with student, faculty or parent meetings. You are also welcome to give a call to schedule a staff tour, or hold a meeting here at camp!
Some “big things” to do:

1. Check with the office to be sure your contract has arrived, and been signed, and a Purchase Order has been made.
2. Schedule a parent information meeting. The CCAC staff members are happy to join these meetings and help.
3. Meet with your staff team, to get input in planning the program. The CCAC staff members are happy to join these meetings and help.
4. Prepare students about the program – what to bring, expected behavior (just like at school!), and how the program will “link” with classroom studies.
5. Set up transportation. Busses may do morning runs before taking folks to camp, and afternoon runs before picking folks up from camp. School groups must provide an emergency vehicle.
6. Get faculty signed on: adequate number of teachers, a nurse or medical officer, and principal and superintendent (at least for a visit!).
7. Solicit parent volunteers. We recommend one chaperone per six students. We recommend adults have background checks, and two adults are with each group of students in a cabin. We recommend parents come for the whole program, not “switching off” midway, etc. We are happy to help prepare and train parent chaperones, at your convenience!
8. Make class groups (25 per group), lodging assignments (12 students, two adults per cabin), see the map for cabin names.

 
All classes have full lesson plans, available electronically or in print.
State TEKS are delineated and linked in every lesson.

90 Minute Daytime classes:

Lake/Prairie Trail: The approximately a mile-and-a-quarter long trail visits the Blackland Prairie, a historic pecan tree, a creek, and Lindberg Lake. Content emphasizes area geology, soils, groundwater, local ecology, plants and animals. Trail includes shaded shelter stops and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Forest Trail: This trail is just over one mile long, and focuses on forest ecology and the water cycle. Effects of a recent tornado, simple tree identification, and how the forest changes over time are included. Trail includes shaded shelter stops and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Challenge Course/ Low Ropes: A series of outdoor group problem solving challenges are given to the group. Challenges are geared to the skill level of the group. Each challenge is designed to build teamwork and leadership skills. Debriefing is an essential part of each challenge.

Water Quality Lab: Students assess the quality of the lake water through biological sampling (using pond nets to find aquatic life), physical tests (using a Secci disc and thermometer), and chemical tests (for dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide).

Prairie Diversity Study: Students count the number of different plants and animals in a square meter of Blackland Prairie. Basic plant and animal identification and data collection methods are included. Students discuss the importance of biodiversity.

45 Minute Daytime classes:

Canoeing/Paddle boating: Canoeing and waterfront safety rules are taught. Following a paddling demonstration, students paddle in beautiful Lindberg Lake. Lifeguards and lookouts are always present.

Fishing: Lindberg Lake is stocked with pan fish, and camp provides fishing poles and tackle. Catch and release fishing may occur on the pier or along the shore.

Dendrology (Tree Study): Using tree cuttings, microscopes, visual aids, and live trees, students learn basic tree identification, what we can learn from tree rings, leaf scars, and about trees in general. Lesson includes both indoor and outdoor instruction.

Orienteering (Compass): Students learn basic compass parts and compass use. They are given a simple compass course to complete.

GPS Hunt: Students use a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) unit to find designated locations. At each place, they do a Nature Scavenger Hunt for points. This fun activity provides basic environmental awareness and builds skills in using the equipment. 

Archery: Students learn safety rules and practices, and take part in a demonstration of shooting skills. Each student is given a chance to shoot and improve skills with a bow and arrow.

45 Minute Evening Programs:

Star Gazing: The class begins with a computer big screen presentation of select stars, planets and constellations, some astronomy mythology and science. Students are then led to “Astronomy Hill,” where they may lie down on a tarp and look up at the sky. Laser pointers are utilized to point out various stars and constellations.

Campfire: The campfire can be held either indoors or outdoors, depending on weather conditions. We will sing, tell stories, and have a fun time at the campfire. A snack of s’mores can be part of this program.

90 Minute Evening Programs:

Wildlife Adventure: This evening program is a mixture of interactive games, demonstration and discussion about wildlife concepts. Topics include predator-prey relations, population dynamics, habitat and ecological relationships.

Yes! We are constantly creating more curricula, and teachers are welcome to be involved with this! We appreciate your suggestions and ideas!

With planning, we can schedule swimming. The pool is open from May – September. Lifeguards are required. The pool has a water slide, mushroom fountains, two "squirt guns," and is zer to 4 feet deep. The pool capacity is 50 at any one time.

Truly, our food is delicious, nutritious, and plentiful. Outdoor Education meals are served family style. Each meal includes several choices, and full salad / breakfast bar. The menu is planned with both student and adult eating interests in mind, and we find that the variety anticipates many allergy and food choice issues. Please give us a call (469.952.5600) if you would like to discuss any particular diet or menu needs.

We love to show off Collin County Adventure camp, and believe every person should see the place. We do not recommend “Parent Night” programs, or the like. A parent visit before the program can be scheduled. Parking is limited, and these programs can disrupt the camp for students. There is a charge for visitor meals: $5. Principal and school officials are not charged for their visit.

The program fee includes meals, lodging, and programs. Collin county schools pay slightly less than those outside the county. Camp staff can teach all of the classes, and will facilitate program operation. The schedule must include some break time for the camp staff, you understand! Charges are assessed for the actual number of attendees. Students, chaperones, and faculty staying for the program are all charged the same rate. Should someone attend half or less the half of the program, the fee is one half the program rate. Fees for persons leaving early for medical or other reasons will be pro-rated. There is a charge for visitor meals: $5. Principal and school officials are not charged for their visit. Towards the end of the program, a “report form” will be made with a school and camp official, documenting agreed upon numbers. This form will be used to make an invoice, which will be sent to the school. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice, in the form of a check.

Our policy is to offer the equivalent date for next year to each contracted school. As dates are available, schools may ask for those dates. We try to have schools from the same district come at the same time.

The YMCA takes pride in its careful selection of high quality staff members. We seek staff members of high moral character, enthusiasm, love for children and love for the programs in which they work. All staff have background checks, are subject to drug testing, and receive child abuse, first aid, CPR and AED training.

There are two teacher cabins, located very close to student cabins. The building layout includes four sleeping rooms, each has four beds and a full bath (16 total beds each), and a living room in the middle. Cabins are heated and air conditioned, with electric outlets and beds (bring linens or a sleeping bag). All cabins serve as severe weather shelters. See the attached photos!

The teacher and student cabins have electrical outlets for any devices you choose to bring. The YMCA chooses not to put radios or televisions in the cabins. Cellular phone reception is generally good at the Camp. There is a Business Office with telephone and computer internet available for teachers while at camp.