The Camp Abe Lincoln Compass Award is a progressive award that acknowledges campers for their achievement and participation in camp activities and demonstration of the four core values of the YMCA; Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

The goal of this program is to encourage resident campers to participate in a variety of camp programs and to reach new skill levels as they come to camp each year. This allows programs to be tailored to all campers regardless of skill level and offers incentives for returning to camp for multiple years.

Why a Compass? Like a compass can direct you, we want all campers to use our core values to guide them through life, both in Camp and out. Campers that have completed their first summer at overnight camp, and then return will receive their compass. This symbolizes that they found their way back to Camp.

Overnight campers will receive a year patch and a core value patch during their week at Camp. They earn the core value patch, awarded by their counselors, based on the value they displayed the most during their week of camp.

Program patches are given to one week or longer resident campers in recognition of participation in a camp activity. For example, if a camper participates in archery and canoeing, they will be awarded an activity patch for each activity if they complete all the skills. As a camper progresses through more advanced skill levels, they will receive an activity patch signifying the level of mastery attained.

Typical Camp Schedule:

Day Camp

DAILY DAY CAMP SCHEDULE

	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
7:00		Wakey Wakey	Wakey Wakey	Wakey Wakey	Wakey Wakey	Wakey Wakey
7:30		Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast
8:00
8:30		1st Rotation	1st Rotation	1st Rotation	1st Rotation
9:00						Klondike Race/ Adventure Race
9:30		2nd rotation	2nd rotation	2nd rotation	2nd rotation
10:00
10:30		3rd rotation	3rd rotation	3rd rotation	3rd rotation
11:00
11:30		Prep for lunch	Prep for lunch	Prep for lunch	Prep for lunch	Prep for lunch
12:00	Staff Meeting	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
12:45
1:00		Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 1	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 1	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 1	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 1	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 1
1:30
3:00	Check-in 3:00 PM	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 2	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 2	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 2	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 2	Cabin chill time/Cabin rotation Group 2
		Snack and Free Play	Snack and Free Play	Snack and Free Play	Snack and Free Play	Pack and Clean up
4:00	Camp orientation and swim tests	swim time	swim time	swim time	swim time	Check out 5:00 PM
4:30
5:00
5:30	Prep for Dinner	Prep for Dinner	Prep for Dinner	Prep for Dinner	Prep for Dinner
6:00	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner
6:45
7:00		Evening Inspiration Story	Evening Inspiration Story	Evening Inspiration Story	Evening Inspiration Story
7:30	Opening Camp Fire	All Camp Activity	All Camp Activity	All Camp Activity	Closing Camp Fire
8:00
8:30
9:00	Cabin Chat/campfire	Cabin Chat/campfire	Cabin Chat/campfire	Cabin Chat/campfire	Cabin Chat/campfire
9:30	shower	shower	shower	shower	shower
10:00	Lights out	Lights out	Lights out	Lights out	Lights out

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAP OF CAMP!

See below for more details about the core programs!

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Archery

Archery at Camp Abe Lincoln is a camper favorite. During archery, campers will learn the importance of RESPONSIBILITY as they follow all of the proper safety precautions and take care of the equipment. As with all activities, archery is led based on the skill and age level of each participant. As young beginners, campers will use a lightweight compound bow and eventually work their way up to the harder compound bows and finally the recurve bow. As campers progress through the skill levels, they will face with more challenging requirements including moving the target further away and improving accuracy.

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Understand the safety precautions in archery	Know point value of each target color and count own score	Demonstrate how to repair tips and fletchings of arrows
Demonstrate how to follow archery commands	Use a compound bow to score 40 points from 30' distance with 20 or less arrows	Teach a beginner how to shoot
Demonstrate proper form for shooting	Lead archery commands for a group of archers	Score 100 points at 15yds with 25 arrows
Create your own target, and hit it	Use a recurve bow to score 40 points from 30' with 20 arrows or less	Hit an arrow on each of the colors “rainbow” using 15 arrows
Hit the target 3 out of 5 attempts from at least 30 ft	Explain how two YMCA core values applies to archery	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to archery
Recite from memory the CAL Archery rules
Know the parts of a compound bow and arrow
Demonstrate the proper way of retrieving arrows
Explain how one YMCA core values applies to archery

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Arts & Crafts

Arts and Crafts is one of the more diverse programs at camp as campers experiment with different art forms from traditional mediums like painting and sculpture to new mediums including nature materials and duct tape.  Campers will learn how to express themselves artistically and RESPECT the artwork of others.  Essential to the arts and crafts program is participation in the Camp Abe Lincoln Art Show where campers get to proudly display their hard work throughout the week to friends and family.

 

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Know the colors of the rainbow in order & the primary colors	Understand and define the elements of art	Create an abstract tempera paint painting
Explain what art means to you	Display art at the camp art show two separate times	Create a landscape of camp using any medium
Make a friendship bracelet	Create 3 pieces of art using different mediums	Use all elements and principles in a painting or drawing of your choice and explain where and what you used
Make a piece of art from nature	Understand and define the principles of art	Have one of your art pieces on permanent display at camp
Create a painting using anything but a paintbrush	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to arts and crafts	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to arts and crafts
Create a self portrait/sculpture
Create something out of recycled items found at camp
Participate in the CAL art show
Explain how one of the YMCA core values applies to arts and crafts

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Athletics

Athletics at Camp Abe Lincoln is centered around self confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. While improving athletic ability is a natural component in this program, none of the requirements are awarded based on the talent or agility of the campers. Instead, the primary focus of this program is to teach the core values of CARING and HONESTY, where campers will learn how to take care of themselves, their teammates, opponents, and follow the rules of fair play. The requirements in this program are written so that campers can participate in any of the sports offered at camp (ex. soccer, court sports, water sports, gaga etc.)

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Explain fair play	Demonstrate proper care of sports equipment	Teach a beginner the basics of a sport
Explain in your own words “What is an athlete?”	Demonstrate how to run a set play for a sport	Explain the importance of athletics in society
Demonstrate proper technique in playing a sport	Demonstrate good sportsmanship and teamwork	Create your own rules for a new sport
Explain the importance of being healthy in sports	Explain the difference between amateur and professional athletes	Act as an official/referee for a game at camp
Compete in at least three games of one sport at camp	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to athletics	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to athletics
Discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down
Know the basic rules and positions of at least one sport
Explain sportsmanship and its relationship to the YMCA core values
Explain teamwork and its relationship to the YMCA core values

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Canoeing

Canoeing is a timeless camping activity and a Camp Abe Lincoln favorite. The canoeing program takes place in the Lincoln Lake and is led by a canoeing instructor and lifeguard. Campers will gain confidence in a canoe as well as learn proper canoeing techniques through fun games and challenges. At Camp Abe Lincoln, we believe canoeing teaches RESPONSIBILITY because following the safety precautions and taking care of the equipment are fundamental elements in the program.

 

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

 

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Know and explain CAL lake rules	Know safety afloat and the Reach, Throw, Go rescue	Explain what to do in a swamped canoe
Demonstrate how to properly hold a paddle and wear a lifejacket	Determine the current depth of Lincoln Lake	Demonstrate how to empty a swamped canoe in water using the “T” method
Know the parts of the canoe and the paddle	Be able to paddle the canoe backwards	Demonstrate how to properly enter a canoe after being tipped in the water
Know how to enter and sit in a canoe	Complete a canoe obstacle course backwards	Demonstrate how to properly portage a canoe 50yds
Explain and demonstrate the five different canoe strokes	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to canoeing	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to canoeing
Explain how to take care of the canoe equipment
Explain the importance of teamwork in canoeing
Complete a canoe obstacle course with a partner
Explain how one of the YMCA core values applies to canoeing

 

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Fishing

Canoeing is a timeless camping activity and a Camp Abe Lincoln favorite. The canoeing program takes place in the Lincoln Lake and is led by a canoeing instructor and lifeguard. Campers will gain confidence in a canoe as well as learn proper canoeing techniques through fun games and challenges. At Camp Abe Lincoln, we believe canoeing teaches RESPONSIBILITY because following the safety precautions and taking care of the equipment are fundamental elements in the program.

 

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

 

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Identify the parts of the fishing rod	Catch at least one fish	Demonstrate how to conduct first aid for fishing related injuries: embedded hook, cuts, sunburn, and dehydration
Demonstrate how to tie a hook on a line, and properly cast and reel	Explain how fishing regulations are used to maintain fish populations	Teach the basic fishing techniques for a beginner
Demonstrate the proper care of the fishing equipment	Demonstrate how to load line onto a spinning reel	Explain different environment factors that affect fishing
Identify five different fish that live in the QC Area	Explain three types of bait and when they are effective	Catch a fish and show how to clean and cook it
Know the different parts of a fish	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to fishing	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to fishing
Explain what it means to be a good sportsman as it relates to anglers
Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release
Make a can or bottle caster and use it to fish
Explain how one of the YMCA core values applies to fishing

 

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Music & Dance

Music/Dance at Camp Abe Lincoln is all about self expression and confidence. The requirements encourage teamwork and group/solo performances. The music/dance program focuses on the RESPECT core value as they learn to appreciate different music styles from around the world and the performances of their peers.  CARING is also an essential component to music/dance as campers learn to help others with songs and dances.  CAL also acknowledges dance as a physical exercise so campers will learn the importance of warm ups and practice.

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Define music in your own words	Discuss how music is a form of expression	Teach a beginner a camp song
Discuss the influence music has in your daily life	Explain the importance of practice and warmups	Teach a beginner proper technique on an instrument or dance
Discuss the importance of respecting different types of music	Perform a piece of music/dance from a different country	Choreograph/write a two minute song or dance
Find and discuss music found in nature	Lead a camp song/dance for camp	Play or dance a solo for camp
Demonstrate the use of rhythm	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to music/dance	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to music/dance
Participate in three sets of warm-up/cool down stretches
Perform a song/routine in a group
Write your own camp/cabin song
Explain proper technique in music/dance
Explain how one of the YMCA core values applies to music/dance

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Outdoor Living Skills

Outdoor Living Skills, one of our most popular programs, is the perfect program for campers wanting to make fires, learn how to find food, and be the ultimate nature survivalist. Because this program is outdoor based, there is also a nature education component so campers learn their RESPONSIBILITY for the outdoors. Campers will gain an appreciation for the outdoors through hikes, challenge courses, and other nature activities.

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Explain safety rules for a fire	Identify three different methods of water purification	Sleep out under the stars
Go on a one mile hike around camp	Cook a meal over a fire	Use a compass or GPS to navigate through an orienteering course
Explain the principles of “Leave No Trace”	Demonstrate how to navigate with a compass	Create a conservation project for camp and get it approved by the Executive Director
Find traces of five different kinds of animals at camp	Find and eat edible food in nature	Carry out your approved conservation project
Demonstrate how to make three different fires: teepee, log cabin, and lean-to and why each is used	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to OLS	Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to OLS
Make a shelter out of materials found in nature
Identify poison ivy, plus three more local plants
Demonstrate how to pitch a tent
Explain how one of the YMCA core values apply to OLS

 

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Equestrian

The horse program at Camp Abe Lincoln is through our Resident Horse Camp and Wrangler in Training
programs. The horse program is taught at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels so as to ensure the
program is fitted to each camper’s ability and comfort levels. Campers will learn RESPONSIBILITY as they take care of the horses and equipment and complete chores.

Want to earn your patches? See below on how!

Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Know the board and riding safety rules	Demonstrate the ability to adjust and tighten a girth properly	Help lead three trail rides at camp
Know the names and order of the brushes	Mount and dismount a horse without help	Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the western saddle and bridle
Groom a horse using all the brushes	Be able to fully tack and untack a horse with minimal help	Be able to demonstrate good transitions from a walk to a trot and a trot to a walk
Know the basic parts of the horse	Explain how two of the YMCA core values apply to the equestrian program	Teach a beginner about equestrian basics
Identify horse colors		Explain how the four YMCA core values apply to the equestrian program
Demonstrate how to pick up the front feet
Know the basic parts of the tack
Safely and correctly halter and lead a horse
Explain how one of the YMCA core values applies to the equestrian program

 

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Evening Activities

Just because the sun is going down does not mean that we are done for the day!  After dinner every night, we have a camp wide activity. During the day, campers primarily stay with their program peers, and their cabin mates. In the evening, they have an opportunity to interact with the whole camp, allowing your camper to create even more friendships and meaningful bonds!

Activities vary from week to week, but we always open Camp on Sunday night with our “Zany Campfire!” At this campfire, we encourage every camper and cabin to dress up wacky. This symbolizes that we are all unique individuals, but that we are all part of the same supportive community. At the campfire, they will get to meet all the staff and counselors, laugh at some silly skits, and hear a bit more about Camp.

 

During the week, we will have a couple different evening activities. We have had camp wide scavenger hunts, water games and slip and slides, “drive in” movies on the main field, night swims, carnivals, minute to win tournaments, and more!

 

 

Every Thursday night, we end with our Closing Campfire. This is where your camper will get a chance to say goodbye to their new friends and counselors, perform a skit or song with their cabin, partake in decades old traditions, and hear the Camp Abe Lincoln beloved story, “The Starfish Story.”