YMCA Tepeetonka Explorers for 12-16 Year Olds

Dear Parent, Guardian and Camper,

The Sioux Falls Family YMCA's Tepeetonka EXPLORERS is an EXTREME SUMMER TRAVEL CAMP that brings exciting experiences to campers 12 to 16 years of age. It is designed for the camper who wants just a little bit more than the average camping experience. These trips give kids the opportunity to see the country, explore unique opportunities, challenge themselves, and have a blast with wonderful friends and a supportive staff. The trips range from the thrill of riding on a roller coaster at 120 miles per hour to a relaxing, gentle horseback ride. From swinging 125' in the air at 60 miles per hour to slowly floating down a lazy river. Even travel time is filled with entertainment, games and stops along the way. We own a commercial motor coach with the comforts of air conditioning, built in video monitors, Nintendo Wii, DDR, Karaoke, enclosed storage, reclining seats, large tinted windows, a restroom and much, much more!!!

Each year we are faced with ever-rising prices for fuel, supplies, meals, attractions, lodging, etc. Every effort is made to obtain the lowest prices possible from these outside agencies. However, we realize that some may not be able to afford these trips, so this year we have worked hard at developing a scholarship fund. Please read the details on the bottom of this page for more information. The cost of each trip is "all-inclusive". Kids may bring along additional spending money. We strongly encourage that "Camper Cash" be turned in. They have several opportunities to check money out while on the trip.

ALL medications (Rx and OTC) MUST be turned in.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, are not necessary on these trips, but if your child chooses to bring them, they are not our responsibility and we will not cover losses or damages to these devices.

Whether your child has been on one of these trips before, or is going for the very first time, my staff and I look forward to having your son and/or daughter join with us on any of these activity-packed trips. Should you have any questions about the program, please call me at the YMCA (336-3190 ext. 326), on my cell phone (212-2807), or e-mail me at aconrad@siouxfallsymca.org.

Blessings,

Mission Statement

The Tepeetonka EXPLORERS program has been developed so that each individual can see and learn about the regions of this country that surrounds him or her. We are here to bring children together in an environment that invites the individual child, small group and entire camp to share basic traditional values in many unique settings. We strive to improve each person's spiritual, mental and physical development with challenges that are planned to raise each to a new height of awareness.

Can I Have Your Attention Please!!!

VALLEYFAIR DAY

Trip #99: 1 Day, May 24;
Cost: $85 for all participants & must be paid in full at time of registration.

As always, we start out our summer's travels with one day of fun at VALLEYFAIR. In addition to roller coasters like CORKSCREW, WILDTHING & RIPTIDE, there is RENEGADE! It was NEW in 2007! Experience a two minute adventurous ride including a never-before-experienced twisting 91' first drop, a low-to-the-ground high-speed S-turn and a high-speed station fly-by. There is also XTREME SWING, where you swing back and forth, 125' high, at 60 miles per hour. It is certain to be a full day with the bus leaving Sioux Falls at 6:00am and returning after midnight!!!

KANSAS CITY ADVENTURE

Trip #100: 6 Days, June 8-13;
Cost: YMCA Membership: Family $295; Youth $335; Non-member $345

We start our trip with OMAHA'S HENRY DOORLY ZOO. While there we go on a night hike, have time to explore the ZOO and then we get to stay the night within the SCOTT AQUARIUM. We then make our way to YMCA CAMP MARVIN HILLYARD. It will be our base of operation. There will be swimming, horseback riding, kayaking and other adventures. Day four will be spent on 170 acres of rides and roller coasters at WORLDS OF FUN. Day five is a full day of activities, which include OCEANS OF FUN, SCIENCE CITY, and a game with the KANSAS CITY ROYALS. The last day, we depart camp and visit PATEE MUSEUM, JESSE JAMES HOUSE and GLORE PSYCHIATRIC MUSEUM before returning to Sioux Falls. THIS IS ALL IN ONE WEEK!!!

ROLLER COASTER INSANITY

Trip #101: 7 Days, June 22-28;
Cost: YMCA Membership: Family $430; Youth $470; Non-member $480

WOW! 4 theme parks, 40 roller coasters and over 150 other rides all in one trip! We will drive to YMCA CAMP MACLEAN where we will have supper and spend the night. While there, we will spend time on the HIGH ROPES COURSE, ARCHERY RANGE and BOATING on a beautiful lake. The next morning we head toward Chicago and spend the day at SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA. The next day, ride the world's tallest, longest and only looping wooden roller coaster at PARAMOUNT'S KING'S ISLAND. Our next adventure is at GEAUGA LAKE home of X-FLIGHT, one of the world's first flying roller coasters. The final theme park of the trip is CEDAR POINT, the coaster capital of the world, with 400' high, 120 mph TOP THRILL DRAGSTER. While in Ohio, we will be spending our nights in conveniently located YMCA Camps and Hotels.

GET READY FOR THE BEST WEEK OF YOUR ENTIRE YEAR!!!

Go-CARTS, COASTERS, WHEELS & WAVES

Trip #102: 5 Days, July 13-17;
Cost: YMCA Membership: Family $275; Youth $315; Non-member $325

Look at what is packed into this 5-day adventure in Wisconsin Dell's- - - a bit of everything to satisfy your adventurous side. RIVERVIEW PARK & WATERWORLD: A variety of go cart & mini-Indy car tracks; a 50' water slide; inner tube rides & wave pool. CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM: Animal shows; circus exhibits & performers. WISCONSIN DUCKS: excitement on wheels & waves; fun & adventure on land & water. TOMMY BARTLETT EXPLORATORY: 150 hands-on activities to keep you guessing, thinking & exploring the secrets of science, space & technology. TOMMY BARTLETT THRILL SHOW: A live spectacular show featuring high-powered boats & fast-paced water-skiing. MT. OLYMPUS WATER & THEME PARK: A variety of go cart tracks on which you drive; ride on underground & water roller coasters, and NEW last summer - a surf pool with the world's tallest wave soaring at 9' tall. We will be staying at a nearby YMCA CAMP. PREPARE TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!!

NATIONAL TREASURE: HUNT THE MIDWEST

Trip #103: 6 Days, July 20-25;
Cost: YMCA Membership: Family $255; Youth $295; Non-member $305

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? You get the chance to explore all of the hidden treasures of this region! We will be going to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Homestead and EVAN'S PLUNGE - the world's largest natural warm-water indoor pool! Next we hit up WIND CAVE, the COSMOS MYSTERY AREA where the laws of nature have gone berserk - you can stand on a wall! We will then go to MAMMOTH SITE, CRYSTAL CAVERNS, and BIG THUNDER GOLD MIND where you will get to pan for gold!! We will also go to the historic MT. RUSHMORE and JEWEL CAVE! We will go to BEAR COUNTRY and get up close and personal with Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions and Arctic Wolves. Next we will go see the WORLD'S ORIGINAL INDOOR JUNGLE!! We will get a chance to explore the beautiful Badlands of South Dakota, the 1880 Train, the Minute Man Missile, and HUNT AROUND the oldest historic museum of the Black Hills - the Adam's Museum and House. We will be staying at camp grounds and hotels and then we will end our trip with a...

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA!!

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS AMAZING AND UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY!!!

Staff and Safety

The Tepeetonka EXPLORERS is operated by a mature staff experienced in YMCA camping programs. The safety of each child participating in our travel activities is of primary concern.

Staff members are trained in CPR, first aid and all travel safety concerns.

Motor coach drivers are at least twenty-one years of age and SDDOT certified.

Camp Committee

Chairman: Tate Profilet

Program Directors: Chuck Bennis, Josh Janssen, Amanda Conrad, Phil Olson, & Peggy Van Alyne

Youth Program Coordinator: Susan Propst-Olson

Committee Members: Tam Baker, Susy Blake, Nate Dally, Bob Hazard, Jeff Hazard, Jeff Holcomb, Joelle Johnson, Camille Lewis, Scott Rysdon, Al Schoeneman, Phil Rysdon, and Nancy Van Otterloo

Give The Gift Of Camp!!

Many children in our community are unable to afford to participate in our wonderful camping programs. The Sioux Falls YMCA Camping Programs provide character building, leadership training, social skills, and camping experiences to children in our community. Please help us to provide financial assistance to the families of children who cannot afford this experience so they too can have an experience to be remembered a lifetime.

Earn Money For Your Trip!!

If you are in need of financial assistance, have we got a deal for you!! All you have to do is join our EXPLORERS YOUTH COMMITTEE. Our committee works hard to raise funds together as a group in ways such as helping with: A Carnival, Placing Door Hangers, Selling Pizza at other YMCA Events, and many other simple ways.

Please contact Amanda Conrad if you are interested and COME JOIN THE FUN!!

Important Documents

Tepeetonka Explorers Camp Application

Direct questions to Amand Conrad, (605) 336-3190, ext 326 or aconrad@siouxfallsymca.org.