Welcome to Bear Valley YMCA Camp!
Bear Valley YMCA Camp has been a destination for a summer adventure for more than 80 years. At Bear Valley, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the High Sierra in a safe and caring environment. Located near Emigrant Gap, Bear Valley provides kids with rewarding and life-changing experiences. Read below for camping opportunities for ages 8-13 (Traditional Camp), 14-16 (Counselor in Training), and all ages for Family Camp.
At Bear Valley, we encourage campers to...
- participate actively in a community where all are accepted
- develop positive relationships with other campers and counselors
- develop self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-esteem
- learn a sense of responsibility for the shared experiences of being part of a community
- appreciate nature in a beautiful High Sierra setting
- explore and expand new and existing skills
- HAVE FUN!
Healthy Food: Camp meals are served in the camp’s historic dining hall. Meals are healthy, balanced, and kid-friendly. The camp menu is reviewed by a dietitian, prepared by a certified cook, and served family-style. Sample meals include High Sierra Chicken, Miners Stew, and Gold Pan Spaghetti. Every evening meal includes healthy and delicious options. We strive to meet any special dietary needs of campers. Please let us know in advance if your camper has special requirements.
General Store: Each camper has an opportunity to purchase healthy snacks, drinks, and camp apparel at the Bear Valley General Store. The general store is open throughout the week and during camper arrival and departure times. The general store also stocks camper essentials that might have been forgotten such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc…
Y-ASSIST: At the YMCA of Superior California, we believe that everyone - regardless of age, income, or background - should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Because we believe that opportunity shouldn't be a privilege. Click here to apply for financial assistance.
TRADITIONAL CAMP: Ages 8-13
Traditional Camp at Bear Valley is provided in weekly sessions, packed full of excitement. Adventures include everything from swimming in the creek to archery, hiking, gold-panning, arts and crafts, games, and more! Evenings are spent playing camp-wide games, going on starlit hikes, singing around the campfire, and of course, s'mores!
At Bear Valley YMCA Camp, we believe every child should have the opportunity to splash in the water, camp under the stars, explore nature, follow a trail, and have fun in a safe place.
A typical day at camp:
Morning: Breakfast, Inspiration, Outdoor Activity Sessions
Afternoon: Lunch, Activity Sessions, All Camp Activity, Cabin Time
Evening: Dinner, Evening Activity, Camp Fire
SESSIONS:
- Session 1: July 9-14, 2023
- Session 2: July 16-21, 2023
- Session 3: July 23-28, 2023
- Session 4: July 30- August 4, 2023
- Session 5: August 6-11, 2023
COUNSELORS IN TRAINING: Ages 14-16
The Counselors in Training (CIT) program is for campers ages 14-16. It is a week-long leadership development experience for teens who desire to be future leaders at Bear Valley Y Camp. CITs help run evening activities, develop leadership skills, engage in team building, and learn all of the responsibilities of being a camp staff member. CITs are placed in cabins to assist cabin counselors and they participate in an evaluation at the end of the session.
CIT space is limited. All campers who are interested in the CIT program will go through an application and interview process.
Interviews for CIT staff will be scheduled in April!
SESSIONS:
- Session 1: July 9-14, 2023
- Session 2: July 16-21, 2023
- Session 3: July 23-28, 2023
- Session 4: July 30- August 4, 2023
- Session 5: August 6-11, 2023
VOLUNTEER JUNIOR COUNSELORS
Too old to be a CIT? Too young to be a Counselor? 17 year olds can volunteer at camp during the 2023 summer season as "Junior Counselors"!
Fill out the application below and send to alester@ymcasuperiorcal.org to apply as a Junior Counselor!
FAMILY CAMP
Bear Valley YMCA Family Camp, where parents can be kids, kids can be friends and friends can be family. Put away your cell phone, turn off the TV and enjoy a weekend in the High Sierra at Bear Valley YMCA Camp.
Family Camp features family-friendly activities such as hikes and campfires. Participate in planned activities or just enjoy the beautiful fresh air and setting that is Bear Valley. Whatever your family desires, we promise you'll enjoy priceless quality family time at Bear Valley.
Delicious, healthy meals are provided from Friday evening’s snack through Sunday’s brunch.
Stay in one of the camp’s rustic old miner’s cabins or pitch your family’s tent in the meadow.
Limited space is available!
SESSIONS:
- Session 1: June 16-18
- Session 2: July 1-3
- Cost: $450 per Cabin for up to 4 people and $50 per additional person up to 9 per cabin. $250 for up to 4 people and $50 per additional person up to 8 people for Tent Camping
There are 7 cabins available with sleeping rooms for 8 and 10 spots for tent cabins if you prefer.
Download 2023 Bear Valley Information Packet
Interested in more Family Camp options? The YMCA at Sequioa Lake has openings too!
BEAR VALLEY YMCA CAMP
