YMCA Camp Roger

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Registration & Paperwork • Financial Assistance • Facilities • Program • Staff • Camper Experience


WHERE IS CAMP LOCATED?

YMCA Camp Roger is located in the Soapstone Basin, 17.40 miles southeast of Kamas, UT off Highway 150. Camp Address is: 4005 Soapstone Basin Road, Kamas, UT 84036

REGISTRATION & PAPERWORK

HOW DO I REGISTER?

That's an easy one! Just click here to get started. If it's your first summer with us, you'll need to create your family account first.  

ARE WEEKEND STAYOVERS INCLUDE ON MULTIWEEK CAMP SESSION?

For the LIT and CIT multi-week program, your camper may stay for the weekend at no additional cost. They can also be picked up during normal checkout time and return at check in for the next week of camp. Weekend Stayovers will have fun programming elements and service projects available for leadership camps.

HOW DO I SUBMIT ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION AND FORMS? 

All camper information is submitted at the time of registration. To make any changes, call the YMCA at 801-466-6299 to make that change. The only additional form you may need is our medication form which is linked in the confirmation email and available on site at drop off. 

DO I NEED TO PAY UPFRONT?

A non-refundable deposit of $100 per camper per session is due at the time of registration and the remaining balance is due on the Sunday 2 weeks prior to your camp week. This includes those applying for financial assistance. Deposits are non-refundable.

HOW DO I CANCEL OR CHANGE MY REGISTRATION? 

Cancellation and session changes must be submitted 6 weeks before the session to receive a refund of any paid camp fees, minus the deposit. The deposit may be transferable if submitted 6 weeks before the session start date. To cancel or change your weeks of camp, call 801-466-6299.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

Auto-draft from your bank account or credit/debit card is the preferred method of payment. However, in special circumstances, the YMCA accepts checks and money orders. Cash is accepted if delivered to the YMCA office during business hours.

 
HOW CAN I GET A REFUND?

If you notify the YMCA office at least six weeks prior to your child's camp session, your camp fee will be refunded minus the $100.00 non-refundable or transferable deposit. Campers who must leave camp for medical reasons, not of their own choosing, will be sent a prorated refund. A refund will not be given to those campers who miss their camp departure, fail to attend, choose to attend late/depart early or are sent home for behavioral reasons.

ARE SPACES IN SUMMER CAMP LIMITED? DO YOU HAVE A WAITING LIST?

In order to best serve our campers, we have a set number of spaces available for Summer Camp Programs. If the specific week of camp you are registering for is full, we will add you to the waiting list. You will be notified if a space becomes available.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE? HOW DOES THAT WORK?

Yes. The YMCA believes that all children deserve the opportunity to attend camp. Click here to apply. New to 2025: we are rolling out tiered pricing for our traditional camp programs at YMCA Camp Roger and YMCA Mill Hollow.

WHAT IS TIERED PRICING? 

We understand that our camp families have differing abilities to pay, so we are now offering tiered pricing in addition to financial assistance to help make it possible for any family to experience camp. We do not want finances to keep a child or a family from the opportunity to experience being a part of the YMCA Camp Roger or YMCA Mill Hollow community. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about financial assistance. 

This pricing option is available to anyone. We offer three pricing levels to better accommodate all financial needs. Please consider selecting the highest tier that your family can afford to allow YMCA Camp Roger or YMCA Mill Hollow to utilize this funding to ensure the quality of each camper's experience. The price you select does not impact your camper's experience in any way. 

Tier A: Most accurately reflects the true and actual cost of camp. 

Tier B: A partially subsidized rate, but more closely reflects the actual cost of camp. 

Tier C: Our historically standard rate which does not represent the true cost of camp. This rate is subsidized by the YMCA through fundraising, special events, and contributions. 

WHAT IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

The YMCA strives to serve all people regardless of ability to pay. Financial assistance provides fee assistance for deserving campers. Assistance provides the opportunity for kids to attend camp who otherwise might not be able to due to financial limitations.

WHO IS ELLIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

The YMCA uses HUD federal income guidelines based on family size and household income to determine those that qualify for financial assistance. Economic need is the primary criteria for receiving assistance. Families are eligible regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, financial status, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We strive to achieve more diversity in our campers, and therefore actively seek out relationships with schools and partnering organizations who will help us provide scholarships to a diverse group of children.

As we hope to allow as many children as possible to attend as a result of our fundraising, we grant financial assistance for one session per camper. We welcome siblings from the same family.

 
WHAT IF MY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NOT ENOUGH?

In the event that the YMCA is not able to provide you with assistance that meets your family's needs, you may request a refund of your $100 deposit but please work with us first to find a price that works for your family. Every child deserves to attend camp.

CAN I USE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK AT CAMP?

YMCA families that utilize financial assistance for overnight summer camp programs can use financial aid at YMCA Camp Roger, YMCA Mill Hollow, YMCA BOLD & GOLD for only one session at each camp. This means that you are able to use your financial percentage at each of our camps separately, however you cannot use it for multiple weeks at the same camp. If a family would like to attend a program more than once using financial aid, you will need to request approval from the relevant Camp Director.

If there are any questions, or feel free to connect with us at 801-466-6299

HOW CAN I HELP SUPPORT CAMPERS AT THE Y?

We are beyond grateful to the members of our community who have recognized the challenges that some families are facing during this difficult time. For those that are able and interested, please make a gift online. THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.

 

FACILITIES

IS YMCA CAMP ROGER A SPACE PLACE?

YES! All staff at Camp Roger are college-age or older with a clean/acceptable background. They participate in one week of training before camp starts and learn about working with children, child abuse prevention, policies and procedures, emergency training, CPR/First Aid, and more. The maximum staff to camper ratio is 1:8. Staff members are never alone with individual campers.

The facilities at Camp Roger also ensure camper safety. While there are always risks being outdoors, the YMCA has made facility improvements to improve the safety of the camp. The camp is surrounded by a fence and our cabins provide full shelter from inclement weather. The doors on the cabins and bathhouses lock to keep out unwanted visitors.

ARE THERE PHONES, TABLETS, EMAILS AT CAMP?

Because Camp Roger is located in the heart of the mountains, communication is very limited. There are neither grounded phone lines nor any cell phone service; however, the YMCA has a satellite phone to make emergency calls and wi-fi to communicate with parents if the need arises. If you have an emergency message that you must get to your camper, please e-mail the director Jake Green at jgreen@ymcautah.org

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CABIN LOOK/FEEL LIKE?

All cabins are one-room buildings with six sets of bunk beds, electricity, and a small storage area. Each cabin is decorated by the counselors that live in the cabin so each cabin feels like home.

HOW MANY CAMPERS AND STAFF ARE IN A CABIN?

There are two staff and up to ten campers that live in one cabin for the week.

IS THERE ELECTRICITY AND RUNNING WATER AT CAMP?

The buildings at the camp have electricity. Only select buildings ( I.E., the lodge, restroom, and infirmary) have running water. The restrooms are so modern that it hardly feels like camping.

ARE THERE PRIVATE OR COMMUNITY SHOWERS IN THE BATHHOUSES?

There are community showers in both the girls' and boys' bathhouses. Each shower is a separate stall with a curtain for privacy. Private showers are available as needed; availability based on the director's discretion.

WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS AND BUGS ARE AT CAMP?

Remember Camp Roger is in the great outdoors so we must share our space with those that were there before we were. Campers will encounter mosquitoes, flies, and the occasional spider or tick. Campers are encouraged to bring bug spray, but for those who do not the YMCA will supply the repellent. The more interesting guests that grace our meadow are ground squirrels/gophers, mice, deer, and moose. In addition, there are beavers and fish in the nearby water sources and occasionally a snake on one of the trails. Aside from the natural animals, we have horses on camp. Aside from the natural animals, our Director has a cat named Ember who lives in the Directors Cabin and our Director of Camping has a black labrador named Mae who likes to spend time at camp!

PROGRAM

WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL THE CAMPERS PARTICIPATE IN?

The activities offered at Camp Roger include: arts and crafts (i.e. boondoggle, tye-dye), archery, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding (additional cost), hiking, outdoor education, campfire skits, sports (i.e. basketball, sand volleyball, soccer) and lots of fun!

CAN CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ATTEND?

Camp Roger accepts all children who can spend six days away from home; can bathe, get dressed, and use the restroom without assistance; can sufficiently follow instructions, and are comfortable living in a very rustic setting. If your child has special needs, please adequately complete the registration form, health form, and camper information sheet so that we may best serve your child. Camp Roger welcomes children with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, epilepsy, and physical disabilities.

HOW DO I CONTACT MY CAMPER?

While we understand that being away from home and guardians can be a challenge for both campers and their caregivers. We firmly believe that a week at camp can be an integral step to building up a child’s independence, including learning things such as self-care, responsibility, making friends, and finding one’s best self. That being said, hearing from home can be a balm for campers who are struggling, so if you’d like to email your camper at, camproger@ymcautah.org we will print off those letters and deliver them before lunch each day. However, because of the remote nature of camp your camper will NOT be able to reply.

WHAT TIME DO CAMPERS WAKE UP AND GO TO BED?

Campers wake up at 7:00 am and have lights out at 10:00 pm. Each day is action-packed, so campers have free time during each afternoon to provide them with plenty of energy to enjoy all activities.

HOW MANY TIMES WILL A CAMPER GO HORSEBACK RIDING?

Campers can have the opportunity to go horseback riding around the corral if you opt to pay the additional fee. Horse campers will go horseback riding, plus they will spend time each day with the horses: learning about their daily care, grooming, Western riding, and more. Camp Roger has only 20 horses and schedules horseback riding in every activity slot possible, but unfortunately, the number of horses combined with the campers does not allow for daily horseback riding.

STAFF

HOW MANY STAFF WORK AT YMCA CAMP ROGER?

There are approximately 40 staff members. Our team consists of 20 counselors, cooks, a health supervisor, maintenance workers, program directors, and camp director.

ARE THE STAFF WELL TRAINED?

All staff must attend a two-week training course prior to camp. During this week of training, they are certified in First Aid and CPR as well as receiving extensive education on child development, safety, child abuse prevention, policies and procedures, diversity, conflict resolution, and programming areas. Many of the staff have previous experience working with children or through their college degree courses.

IS THERE MEDICAL STAFF ON-SITE TO ATTEND TO CAMPERS?

There is at least one licensed medical professional, such as a CNA, LPN, RN or Wilderness First Responder, at camp at all times. Plus, all camp staff are CPR and First Aid certified.

CAN I MEET THE STAFF BEFORE MY CHILD GETS TO CAMP?

We encourage all new and returning campers to come to the Open House. Parents and campers can meet the staff, tour the camp, and enjoy a piece of the fun that the campers will experience!

IS YMCA CAMP ROGER A RELIGIOUS CAMP?

Camp Roger is a non-denominational camp that welcomes children from all backgrounds.

CAMPER EXPERIENCE

DO YOU HONOR CABIN MATE REQUESTS?

We try to honor cabin mate requests as long as they are the same gender identity and within two school grades of each other and in the same type of camp. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor these requests depending on the age demographics of our campers enrolled for the week.

HOW WILL I KNOW MY CHILD IS HAVING A GOOD TIME AT CAMP?

It is typical for first-time camp parents to be worried about their children, but there is no need. From the time the campers get to camp, staff work with the campers to get to know them and help them make new friends. Most campers are so busy having fun, participating in new activities, or laughing with their new friends that they rarely have time to think about missing the comforts of home.

If you provided your email address on the registration form, you will receive a general email update during your child's week at camp. This can be a great assurance for parents! If you are extremely concerned about your child, feel free to contact the director Jake Green at jgreen@ymcautah.org. We will upload photos to Facebook Instagram throughout the week!

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS SERVED?

All meals offer several options to accommodate children's varying tastes and needs. Meals are prepared fresh daily to provide the campers with nutritionally balanced choices.

  • Breakfast may be pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit or biscuits and gravy with sausage. Milk, cold cereal and oatmeal are available every morning.
  • Lunch may be grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, apple slices, and Jello or chicken sandwiches, tater tots, fruit cocktail, and yogurt.
  • Dinner may be a choice of spaghetti with meat sauce or macaroni and cheese, served with a breadstick, green beans, and fruit salad or a choice of tacos or burritos with all the toppings, served with corn, cantaloupe, and a brownie.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS A PICKY EATER OR HAS MULTIPLE ALLERGIES?

Most children are pickier eaters than adults, so our menu is planned with the children in mind. We do encourage campers to try everything that is served, and we often find that once they've tried it or see their new friends enjoying it, they themselves like it too. We do ensure every child gets plenty to eat and if we have a child that will not or cannot eat what is being served the kitchen will supply them with an alternative. If your child has specific dietary needs or restrictions, we ask that you contact the Camp Director ahead of time to ensure we are prepared to meet the campers' needs.

HOW DO CAMPERS GET TO CAMP?

Bus transportation to and from Camp Roger on Sunday and Friday is available for an additional fee of $30 each way. Please keep in mind that space is limited for transportation. You also have the option to drop off and/or pick-up your child directly at Camp Roger.

DO I NEED TO SEND GENERAL ALLERGY OR PAIN MEDICATION WITH MY CAMPER?

Camp Roger has a fully stocked health center to tend to all of the typical medical needs of the campers. If your child takes over-the-counter medication regularly, please bring it with you to camp and give it to the health supervisor at check-in on Sunday. If you are concerned with your child having a random headache or scrape, and you have approved the medications section on the health form, the health supervisor can supply him/her with the appropriate over-the-counter medication or bandage supplies.

If your child is taking any prescription medications, please give all medications to the health supervisor in the original container that identifies the prescribing physician, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration. Do not pack any medication. All prescribed and over-the-counter medication must be turned in to the Health Center at check-in.

WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO DO CHORES AT CAMP?

Yes. YMCA Camp Roger encourages participants to share in the responsibilities of keeping camp beautiful and being part of the camp family through the ownership of maintaining the camp. This is done by sharing in daily chores which require about 45 minutes a day. These include dishwashing, cleaning up the lodge after meals, picking up around camp, cleaning the bathrooms and mucking the corral. We believe this is not only a great occasion to come together as a team and share through service, but it ensures everyone can gain pride and ownership in their camp experience.

HOW DO I CLAIM LOST & FOUND ITEMS?

The counselors do their best to ensure that no items are left in each cabin at the end of the week, but there are often articles of clothing left in conspicuous places. We place a Lost & Found table to search through near the lodge on Check-out days, and we encourage you to look through it. If your camper is taking the van don’t worry our staff attempt to find the appropriate owners for all items before campers get on the bus and depart for home. Any unclaimed items are usually donated by the following Monday evening. If you find you’re missing something over the weekend, email a description (color, size, any details) of the item lost, camper name and session attended to jgreen@ymcautah.org.