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Tri Y Camp Frequently Asked Questions

You asked, we answered!

Some common questions by our incoming campers and families:

What are the counselors like?

Our counselors, like our campers, come in all shapes and sizes. Usually about one half of our counselors have worked here for multiple years and about a dozen are international. They come from all walks of life, have a variety of skills, and love camp (some are even former campers)! Every staff is background checked, goes through a staff training, and is certified in CPR and First Aid.

What sort of housing do we stay in?

Campers will stay in cabins. Our cabins have electricity, heat and air conditioning. Each cabin will have two staff members in with the campers and will be supervised by a Unit Director. Cabins are rustic by design and organized into age group villages. Each village will use a central bathhouse.

How many other campers will be in my cabin?

Typically there are about 6-9 other campers in your cabin.

What kind of other campers will I meet at camp?

Campers, like counselors, are difficult to describe in any one sentence. The typical camper has a lot of energy, wants to meet other campers, and is always looking to have fun. While many of our campers have been coming for many years, a lot of our campers are first-timers. Most campers start as strangers and end up as great friends by the time they leave.

What is the food like?

Our kitchen staff prides itself in creating delicious dishes and providing variety- you will never have a repeat meal in your week at camp! From tacos to pasta to sweet and sour chicken, our food comes from all over the world. We can accommodate most dietary needs, have our salad bar available at lunch and dinner, and a cereal and oatmeal station at breakfast. There is always enough food to go around. There will also be cookouts or picnics in the units on evenings when we are doing small group activities.

How do I get a hold of my parents at camp?

With the exception of emergencies and sickness, campers rarely talk to parents throughout the week. We seek to help campers emotionally develop and our staff are trained to work through tough emotional times.

If necessary, a Triangle Y Ranch senior staff will always be the first to call parents and work with parents to determine the next course of action. We do, however, encourage families to send packages, emails, and letters. All campers are given the opportunity to write letters home.

What is the weather like?

In June it remains dry with clear skies and no humidity. Days are typically in the mid-to-upper-90’s and nights are in the mid-70’s. Early to mid-July is when monsoon season starts here. It is very similar weather to June, except there is a chance of pop-up storms many of the days.

You can always check out the weather on our Camp Weather station at https://tucsonymca.org/triyweather/

Should I bring my phone?

No. It won’t make calls, receive data, and wifi is unavailable in the cabins. Bringing a phone puts you at risk of somehow losing or breaking it. We have an on-site photographer, so don’t worry about pictures being available.

Can I request a cabinmate?

Many people request their cabin mates on the Camp Doc forms. Our senior staff put a lot of work into assigning cabins and will honor the requests that they can. Cabin requests should be of the same age/grade.

When is payment due?

A deposit is due upon registration. The remainder is due 2 weeks prior to the start of camp. Campers with an outstanding balance will not be admitted to camp.

Is financial aid or scholarships available?

Yes! See our Scholarship page here.

When and where is registration and pickup?

Parents drop off and pick up campers during Check-in and check-out at Triangle Y Ranch Camp. All are encouraged to meet the staff and tour the facilities. Check-In is at 1:00pm MST.

Check-Out is at 4pm Friday afternoons.

How do I get to camp?

Google Maps will bring you right into Camp and up to the office. Click here for our listing

Is there a transportation service?

There is currently no transportation being offered.

How do I know what activities I will do?

Cabin groups will travel in cohorts from activity to activity. There will be some free choice for the groups to work out with their counselors.

Do some activities require me to bring supplies?

Nope! We have everything here that you would need for any activity, but feel free to bring your own sports equipment (like baseball gloves, basketballs, hackie sacks, etc) costumes, and any other fun items that you might want!

Packing List

The following list is a time-tested checklist of the vital items you should bring to camp:
DO NOT BRING any valuables, cell phones, snacks, or important electronics. Triangle Y Ranch is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items brought to camp. A complete is on page 12 of the Parent Handbook

  • Sleeping bag or twin sheets and blankets
  • 2 towels
  • Pillow and case
  • Washcloth
  • Laundry bag or old pillow case
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and soap
  • Pair of walking shoes or sneakers
  • Pair of shower sandals
  • Deck of cards, pen/paper, reading book, etc.
  • Flashlight
  • Pair of hiking boots (optional)
  • Jeans or long pants (that can get dirty)
  • Musical instrument (optional)
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • shorts
  • t-shirts
  • Backpack
  • underwear
  • socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Raincoat
  • Water bottle