Year-Round Programming FAQ's
What ages can attend the clinics, camps and programs?
Youth programs are for children ages 6–14 (Grades 1st–8th). High school programs are for ages 14–18 (Grades 9th–12th). Participants are typically further grouped by age and skill level at each program to ensure a fun, safe environment. We try to gauge the average experience and skill level for each group at a program to ensure we’re meeting the developmental needs of all our participants.
Are programs for all genders?
All our programs are for all genders and emphasize the inclusive nature of ultimate frisbee. We have both male-matching coaches (primarily from the Wind Chill) and other elite female-matching coaches at almost every program we offer.
Does my child need prior experience to attend?
No, your child does not need any prior experience for the majority of our programs. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, our programs are made for players of all skill levels. We try to gauge the average experience and skill level for each group at a program to ensure we’re meeting the developmental needs of all our participants.
What does a camp or clinic day look like?
While specific schedules vary by program (half-day vs. full-day), a typical full-day session follows this format:
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Focused skill development through drills, games, activities, competitions, and scrimmages.
Lunch Break: A supervised rest period for fueling up.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 or 4:00 PM): Focused skill development through drills, games, activities, competitions, and scrimmages.
When should my child get dropped off and picked up?
Drop off begins 15 minutes before the program start time. Please sign your child in with the Wind Chill staff to make sure we have everything necessary for your child, including a waiver. Parents do not have to stay the entire time, but if parents leave, we ask that parents arrive 10 minutes before the end of the program to ensure an on-time departure for our coaches and staff.
Who supervises the programs?
Your child will be in expert hands! Our programs are coached by current professional players from the Minnesota Wind Chill roster and other experienced male-matching and female-matching coaches from elite teams. There is also typically other support staff on site for each program to help the coaches and children throughout the duration of programs. We require our staff and head coaches to complete SafeSport, NCSI background check, CDC Heads Up, mandatory reporter, and Wind Chill coaches training.
What is the severe weather policy?
To prioritize the safety of all participants and staff, the Minnesota Wind Chill cancels programs in response to National Weather Service alerts for severe winter weather, tornadoes, and lightning. In the event of an unexpected emergency, everyone must follow facility procedures to seek immediate shelter or evacuate until an official "all clear" is given. These guidelines ensure a consistent and cautious approach to managing risks during inclement weather and fire emergencies. The Wind Chill will send parents an email if a program is canceled, delayed, or changed before the start of the program due to weather or other challenge that affects the entire group.
How will the Wind Chill contact me in case of an emergency?
We will call the primary phone number provided during your registration. If the primary contact is unreachable, we will call your listed emergency contact. Please ensure your child’s medical waiver is up-to-date with contact information and any allergy or medication information.
What should my child bring each day?
We will send out emails prior to each program that will outline exactly what you need to bring for that specific program. In general, your child should come prepared with athletic clothing proper for the weather, shoes proper for the playing surface (turf = cleats or tennis shoes, hard court = tennis shoes) and a water bottle. Your child may also bring snacks or lunch (for a full-day program), but we ask that everyone eats their own lunch to prevent food allergy reactions and cross contamination.
How do you handle food allergies and other accommodations?
Please make sure to share any allergies, injuries, or accommodations needed on the waiver prior to the program so the coaches and staff can be prepared to handle any situation that arises. We review these with our team prior to every program. If your child may require an epi pen or an inhaler, make sure they bring it with them each day of the program. Feel free to notify staff or coaches if something comes up that we need to be aware of.
What’s included in the program registration?
A Minnesota Wind Chill Pro Ultimate Frisbee is included with every full-week summer camp registration. Other Wind Chill surprises may be included in our other programs.
Elite Camp FAQ's
How is the elite camp different from other programs?
The Wind Chill Elite Overnight Camp at Macalester College is a high-performance immersive program designed to bridge the gap between youth play and competitive high school, college or professional ultimate. This camp is for experienced players (ages 13–18) who already have a strong grasp of the rules and fundamental skills. This is for the athlete who is currently playing on a middle school or high school team (usually for at least a couple years) and wants to be an elite player.
Is the program for all genders?
This program is for all genders and emphasizes the inclusive nature of ultimate frisbee. We have both male-matching and female-matching coaches to lead this camp.
Does my child need prior experience to attend?
Yes, this is not a beginner camp. We will train, compete, and learn in an immersive, high-performance environment designed for experienced players ready to elevate their skills. Athletes will be grouped and have opportunities to compete with players of a similar skill level, age, and gender to ensure the right level of challenge and growth.
What is the playing surface?
Athletes will train on outdoor grass fields as long as weather permits.
Overnight vs. day camp, which is right for my child?
Choosing between the day and overnight experience at Macalester College? Both options offer the same elite-level coaching during the day, and the overnight camp is designed for the player who wants the full, immersive experience. Although the overnight version is the more immersive, it may not be the best fit for your child if they need to sleep in their own bed, don't like sharing a room, don't do well with being away from family, or are not going to be comfortable living on their own for the duration of camp. Day campers need to be dropped off for breakfast between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and picked up before 9:00 p.m. each day.
What if my child is a day camper but wants to stay for the evening activities?
The evening activities are included for both camp packages. If your child is a day camper they will not miss any evening activities, games, or campers vs. coaches scrimmages as those are scheduled for 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
What are the rooming arrangements?
Campers are placed in shared rooms with other participants to foster a team environment and encourage them to meet new people. To ensure everyone feels comfortable, roommates are assigned by gender and similar age group. We will do our best to accommodate specific roommate requests for friends or siblings. Please send your request via email to tyler@windchillultimate.com.
Is there 24/7 supervision in the dorms?
Yes, your child will be mentored by the best in the sport! Our staff includes Team USA, Wind Chill, and elite club male-matching and female-matching coaches and players who are dedicated to improving each athlete's skills and game IQ. To keep everyone safe, our staff stays on the same dorm floors as the athletes. We conduct nightly bed checks at 10:30 p.m. and maintain a strict policy prohibiting campers from entering dorm rooms of a different gender. Furthermore, we require our staff and head coaches to complete SafeSport, NCSI background check, CDC Heads Up, mandatory reporter, and Wind Chill coaches training.
Will there be someone on-site for the duration of the camp in case of any injuries?
Absolutely. The safety and well-being of our athletes are our highest priorities. We will have a certified athletic trainer from TRIA on site for the duration of all practices, drills, and scrimmage sessions.
Is there a packing list specifically for the overnight stay?
Our suggested packing list includes: clothes to practice in, shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, cleats, tennis shoes, disc(s), sunscreen, bug spray, hat(s), a pillow, toiletries, showering shoes, pajamas, warm clothes for night or in case it gets cold (sweatshirt, long pants, jeans), water bottle(s), snacks (if desired), jerseys/discs/other swag to trade, a rain jacket or other rain gear (we will practice in light rain as long as it is not strong or lightning), and a fan. Macalester will provide a linen packet (top sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase, towel, wash cloth), blanket, pillow, and a trash can for each camper. There is no air conditioning in the dorms, so your child can bring a fan or can rent one from Macalester for $10 per week.
DO NOT BRING: The Wind Chill and Macalester College have a zero tolerance policy for any weapons, recreational or non-prescription drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes (including e-cigs). Any camper caught with the above mentioned items will be sent home from camp immediately. We also suggest not bringing expensive luxury items such as expensive jewelry or watches. We are not responsible for any theft or missing items at camp. Each camper is responsible for their own possessions and the key to their dorm room.
How are meals handled for campers with dietary restrictions?
Macalester College will be responsible for all the meals provided during the duration of camp, and will have options for those with dietary restrictions. Please make sure to state any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions, injuries, or accommodations needed on the waiver prior to camp so the Wind Chill and Macalester College can be prepared.
How do you handle medications?
Campers generally will be responsible for keeping track of any medication they need to take day to day. If there is a special need involved, such as dispensing medication, giving shots, or keeping medicine refrigerated, please contact tyler@windchillultimate.com
What does a camp day look like?
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Morning session
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 – 5:00 p.m. - Afternoon session
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. - Dinner
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. - Evening activities, games, or coaches vs. campers scrimmage
10:30 p.m. - Lights out and room checks
When does camp start/end?
Registration starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th. Camp ends at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd.
What happens at the Wind Chill game on Friday, July 3rd?
Pick up and check out will be on Friday, July 3rd at 12:00 p.m. and campers will be responsible for getting their own ride to Sea Foam Stadium for the Wind Chill game at 7:00 p.m. This will be a great way to bring their immersive experience to a close!
What’s included in the program?
The registration fee includes instruction, trainers, meals, practice fields, and rooming for overnight campers, plus a ticket to the Wind Chill game on Friday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Sea Foam Stadium. Everything your child needs to bring their ultimate game to the next level!
Who is my point of contact
We are here to ensure you and your athlete have the best experience possible. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to tyler@windchillultimate.com.
I cannot attend camp and need a refund.
We understand that plans can change so you are eligible for a 50% refund of your registration fees before June 1st. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds after June 1st.
