During Camp

We are able to accommodate different dietary needs, including peanut/tree nut allergies, gluten allergies, dairy intolerance, and vegetarian and vegan diets. While YMCA Camp Ernst staff works closely with families regarding excellent accommodation of food allergies, please note that ours is not a peanut-free or gluten facility and, thus, the possibility of exposure does still exist.  None of our main meals contain peanuts or tree nuts in their ingredients.

If your camper has special dietary needs, please submit this form at least two weeks before your camper’s week.

Campers will have mail call every day after lunch or dinner. We encourage both campers and parents to write! Many parents will drop off camper mail labeled for each day of the week on Sunday during check-in rather than trying to mail them all ahead of time. This is a great method! The mail can be dropped off in each unit and will be taken to the office to be sorted with all the other camp mail. Make sure each piece of mail is labeled with:

• Camper’s name
• Camper’s cabin
• Week attending
• Day you would like it delivered

You can also mail or drop off letters and packages.

By Mail – Address the envelope or package as follows:
Your Camper’s Name
Cabin # or Letter, Week #
YMCA Camp Ernst
7615 Camp Ernst Road
Burlington, Kentucky 41005

We also have in-camp care packages you can order online: https://ymcacampernst.square.site and bunk notes/emails you can send to your campers at this link: https://myycamp.org/message-your-camper/ 

Drop Off

You can drop these off on Sunday on the drive out or during the week at the office. All weekday deliveries need to be made by 10am in order to ensure same day delivery.

Phone Calls

Campers do not have access to telephones. A staff member will initiate a call when appropriate. If a camper needs to be reached in an emergency, the camp office will make the necessary arrangements. Cell phones are not permitted.

Safety is our top priority and we design our activities with safety features. Staff is trained in risk management. We are accredited by the American Camp Association, the standard of the industry, for safety practices.

We have two licensed registered nurses (or above) on duty at all times. The nurse or health care assistant will handle all medications (prescription & non-prescription), minor illnesses and injuries. Parents will be notified at the discretion of the nurse: if there is a significant health problem, a continuing fever of 101+, or if camper needs treatment beyond our health center. In the event of an emergency, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence is only 10 minutes away.

All medication will be checked in during the check-in period on Sunday with one of our camp nurses. If you wish to speak with the nurse about your camper’s needs, or there is a medical need that may require special attention (for example, diabetes), please contact the camp office two weeks prior to your camper’s session.