FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

YMCA MILL HOLLOW

QUICK LINKS

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

WHERE IS CAMP LOCATED?

YMCA Mill Hollow is located in the Mill Hollow Canyon, 20.25 miles southeast of Kamas, UT off Highway 35. Camp Address is: 7480 South Mill Hollow 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. 

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 2 weeks prior to your camp week. This includes those applying for financial assistance.

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?

The YMCA accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express). Cash is accepted if delivered to the YMCA office during business hours.

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.

HOW CAN I GET A REFUND?

If you notify the YMCA office at least six weeks prior to your camper'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.

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 ELIGIBLE 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 IS THE PROCESS?

You can easily review the process here. Please note we will need your income information. We will send you an email when you have been approved.

Note: We will only accept emailed or faxed documents with special permission.  Please call our camp office at 801-466-6299 if you are unable to use our website.

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 camp.

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

YMCA families that utilize financial assistance for overnight summer camp programs are able to 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 by connecting with us here. So, if your camper loves attending YMCA Mill Hollow and is approved for one session but would like to return for another, you will need to submit a help ticket.

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 MILL HOLLOW A SAFE PLACE?

YES! All staff at Mill Hollow are college-age or older with a clean/acceptable background. They participate in two weeks 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 Mill Hollow also ensure camper safety. While there are always risks being outdoors, the YMCA has made facility improvements to improve the safety of the camp. There are gates blocking visitors from entering property, four cabins have been renovated with more on the way, 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 Mill Hollow 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 guardians if the need arises. If you have an emergency message that you must get to your camper, please e-mail the director at cgurnicki@ymcautah.org.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CABIN LOOK/FEEL LIKE?

All cabins have sleeping space with 6 to 8 sets of bunk beds, electricity, and a small storage area. There is also a bathroom inside each cabin.

HOW MANY CAMPERS AND STAFF ARE IN A CABIN?

There are either one or two cabin groups in each cabin. Each cabin group is 2 staff and 8 to 12 campers.

IS THERE ELECTRICITY AND RUNNING WATER AT CAMP?

The buildings at the camp have electricity. Every cabin has at least one bathroom with sinks and there are showers in our newly renovated shower house and some of the cabins.

ARE THERE PRIVATE OR COMMUNITY SHOWERS IN THE BATHHOUSES?

The newly renovated shower house has ten private stalls for showers, with a closing door (with the top and bottom open to air for safety).

WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS AND BUGS ARE AT CAMP?

Remember Mill Hollow 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, porcupines, 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, our Director who lives on site has a German Shepard mix named Moose 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?

We focus on allowing your campers to explore the natural environment through play. Although play is a fundamental aspect of childhood development, we recognize that other pursuits may limit the amount of time children, and teens especially, get to actually play. At camp, we use nature, art, and friendship to allow kids to take a break, catch their breath, and enjoy pure childhood. We hope that your camper will leave camp inspired to spend more time outdoors, seek more opportunities to enjoy their youth, and learn more about how to live by the YMCA 4 Core Values: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

After breakfast and morning mindfulness, cabin groups will rotate through our activity areas at the beginning of the week, which are rotated each year to keep it fresh! 2026 will include: archery, boating, outdoor cooking, low ropes course, woodwork, team sports, and ninja school!

Afternoon activities include a wellness hour for rest, unstructured play time in the recreation area with a snack, and choices. Choices is a time where our counselors really shine. We hire incredible young people with a wide range of interests and each week and summer is never the same thanks to what they bring to the table! During choices, counselors will present activities and campers will choose which one to go to. Popular choices in 2025 included writing a camp newspaper, learning international dances, more time for GaGa ball, art projects, and foam sword practice!

After dinners, there are two evening programs which could be an all camp game, s’mores, the famous camp carnival, tie dye, night soccer, themed games, or campfire programs. After evening programs wrap up and your campers are ready for bedtime, the cabin group will come together for a reflection on the day.

CAN CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ATTEND?

Mill Hollow accepts all campers 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 camper has special needs, please adequately complete the registration form, health form, and camper information sheet so that we may best serve your campers. Mill Hollow has welcomed campers with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, epilepsy, as well as those living with mental illness and physical disabilities.

HOW DO I CONTACT MY CAMPER?

Attending Overnight Camp is a transformative experience for your camper as it allows them to be in a safe space to be away from home! When it comes to communicating directly with your camper, we promote the adage that “no news is good news”. This means that you may not get to hear from your camper while they are at camp - and that is good! However, we do understand that you may want to let them know what is going on at home (your favorite sports team won, your dog did something hilarious, etc). You can send a letter to your camper by sending them an email to millhollow@ymcautah.org with their name and cabin number as the subject line, and camp leadership will print them and distribute them to your campers at the following breakfast.

Additionally, traditional camp parents can expect a note from their camper’s counselors which will be emailed on Wednesday. The note will include information about what their cabin and campers have gotten up to so far that week!

WHAT TIME DO CAMPERS WAKE UP AND GO TO BED?

Campers wake-up at 7:30 am and have lights out at 10:00 pm at the latest. Each day is action-packed so campers have rest time during each afternoon to provide them with plenty of energy to enjoy all activities.

WATERFRONT PROGRAM SAFETY GUIDELINES?

Our pop-up waterfront program allows us to take our YMCA Mill Hollow campers to the Mill Hollow Reservoir for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing adventures! Typically, our campers hike over to the reservoir to take in the scenery, but this year, we're getting in the water and trying something new!

While this program is new to our YMCA, waterfront programming like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are prominent programs at YMCA camps across the country. We've relied on their expertise, our camp leaders, and general water-safety protocols to help us create a comprehensive safety plan to ensure that your camper is safe and secure in this new element!

A few of the many safety measures we have in place include:

• During each visit to the reservoir, we'll bring along a certified lifeguard, lookout, and point of contact. Additionally, we'll also have a leadership staff (program, or assistant) on-site during all water activities. These 4 staff, along with the cabin counselors for each group have received countless hours of training around the water and are ready to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency. 
• All staff are First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Administration, and AED certified. 
• Camper face counts will be checked every 10 minutes, and camper buddy checks will be called every 30 minutes by the lifeguard on duty. 
• All campers on the water will be required to wear a Coastguard-approved Life vest (PDF) at all times. 
• In the event of a weather emergency, all boating activities will be suspended until 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning 15 miles away. 
• The ratio of lifeguards to boaters is 1:10. If there is a lookout present, this ratio is increased to 1:20. A lifeguard can be responsible for no more than 20 boaters.
• Our fleet currently consists of 14 Lifetime Hydro 85 Kayaks and 7 Lifetime Wasatch 130 Canoes

WHY CAN'T MY CAMPER SWIM AT THE RESERVOIR?

We understand that it has been disappointing for some to hear that we do not have open swim time at the Reservoir. The reasons we do not have this in our program include:

• Climate: Due to the elevation and temperature of the area, the air and water do not reach a suitable swimming temperature all summer. Adult staff members who have ventured on the weekends can barely handle staying in for more than a few minutes, if at all. That being said, for children, especially those who weigh less, this poses great risk of hypothermia and possible shock upon entering the water. Additionally, it would not be beneficial to have campers only swim for a few minutes then shiver on the shore for the rest of the waterfront day and need to pack extra clothes, towels, etc. 
• Location: The reservoir we go to is a hot spot for camping and fishing. This makes it possible for foreign and sharp objects to be in the water where the children would be swimming. By staying in boats, kids are not put in direct contact with these possible items. 
• Permits: We do not have authority to rope off a "swim zone." This means that we cannot secure a safe area with ropes to ensure other boaters steer clear of campers in the water.

STAFF

HOW MANY STAFF WORK AT YMCA MILL HOLLOW?

There are approximately 30 staff members. This includes 16 counselors with varied areas of focus, 4 excursion instructors, a kitchen team, a health supervisor, maintenance workers, assistant and program directors, and camp director.

ARE THE STAFF WELL TRAINED?

All staff must attend a two-week training 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 and many are pursuing degrees related to childhood education or development.

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

There is at least one licensed medical professional, such as a CNA, LPN, RN, EMT 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 CAMPER GETS TO CAMP?

We will be posting on Facebook throughout the year leading up to camp “Meet the Staff” content that includes their name, a personally written bio, and a photo! You can also meet the staff & Camp Director at the yearly Open House. Upon check in, you will have the opportunity to go with your camper to their cabin and meet their counselors. We encourage you to use this time to get to know the staff and let them know any concerns or wishes for your camper that week.

IS YMCA MILL HOLLOW A RELIGIOUS CAMP?

Mill Hollow is a secular camp that welcomes campers 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 years of age of each other and in the same type of camp program. 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 CAMPER IS HAVING A GOOD TIME AT CAMP?

It is typical for first-time camp guardians to be worried about their campers, 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 your camper is registered for traditional camp and you provided your email address on the registration form, you will receive a general email update during your camper's week at camp. This can be a great assurance for guardians! If you are extremely concerned about your camper, feel free to contact the director Cali Gurnicki at cgurnicki@ymcautah.org. Please remember: no news is good news! The Camp Director will 100% reach out if your camper has a deeply negative experience or is experiencing anxiety about camp / missing home – we love letting our homesick campers check in with their parents for encouragement.

WHY ARE THERE NO PHOTOS OF MY CAMPER ONLINE?

Mill Hollow hires one photographer per summer. Although they try their best, it is possible that the photographer may not get a photo of every single camper as there are many kids, campers are spread out throughout the day, some campers jump in front of the camera more than others, and the photographer does not always want to interrupt camp magic by the clicking of the shutters. We understand that photos are a way for guardians to feel more connected with their camper's experience, but we also ask for the understanding that photos are a part of our culture that have become a way to disconnect from the present moment.

For campers on excursions, in the interest of saving weight—we do not send our guides with extra cameras. They will often utilize their own devices to capture photos for the YMCA to share with parents. Guiding 10 youth on trail can be a lot of work, and guides may only be able to capture a few photos among their other responsibilities.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS SERVED?

All meals offer several options to accommodate the camper's varying tastes and needs. Meals are prepared fresh daily to provide the campers with nutritionally balanced choices. Here is an example (a more detailed menu that more closely reflects the camp menu can be found in the parent packet).

• 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, 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.

CAN MY CAMPER BRING PERSONAL SNACKS?

It is highly discouraged to bring personal snacks to camp unless your camper has a medical or sensory reason. Snacks brought to camp outside of those reasons will need to be kept in the dining hall to ensure that no critters are attracted to our cabins to prevent the spread of disease and an uncomfortable experience as well as the protection of other campers who may have allergies or sensitivities. Most campers who have brought snacks in the past have not requested to go get a snack from their personal stash. That being said, Mill Hollow provides an afternoon snack to all campers and campers are always welcome to request additional snacks from the kitchen by speaking with their counselor.

WHAT IF MY CAMPER IS A PICKY EATER OR HAS MULTIPLE ALLERGIES?

Most children are pickier eaters than adults so our menu is planned with the campers in mind. We serve most food already separated out (noodles with sauce on the side, for example) and do encourage campers to try everything that is served-- 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 camper gets plenty to eat and if we have a camper that will not or cannot eat what is being served, the kitchen will supply them with an alternative. If your camper has specific dietary needs or restrictions we ask that you make sure that is included in your camper’s registration information so that we can plan accordingly and make sure their needs are met.

Please note: We are NOT a nut-free facility.

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

Mill Hollow has a fully stocked health center to tend to all of the typical medical needs of the campers. If your camper takes an 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 camper having a random headache or scrape, and you have approved the medications section on the health form, the health supervisor can supply them with the appropriate over-the-counter medication or bandage supplies.

If your camper 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 in your camper’s bags as they will be turned in upon arrival at camp. All prescribed and over-the-counter medication must be turned in to the Health Center at check-in.

WILL MY CAMPER HAVE TO DO CHORES AT CAMP?

Yes. YMCA Mill Hollow 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 30 minutes a day. These include keeping their cabin tidy, cleaning up the lodge after meals, picking up around camp, cleaning the bathrooms, and other tasks. 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 staff 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. The staff attempt to find the appropriate owners for all items before campers get on the bus and depart for home. The Lost 'n' Found bin will be placed outside for guardians to double check on pick up day.

Unclaimed items are stored at the YMCA office in Salt Lake City for convenience; email a description (color, size, any details) of the item lost, camper name and session attended to camps@ymcautah.org. Lost 'n' Found is donated one week after the session it was found during. Medication and high value items will be held onto until the end of September.