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At Bear Valley YMCA Resident Camp, adventure meets personal growth. Nestled in the Sierra, our overnight camp gives kids and teens the chance to unplug from screens, explore the outdoors, and build independence in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Campers spend their days hiking, swimming, playing games, practicing outdoor skills, and joining in camp traditions that create lasting memories. Evenings around the campfire bring songs, laughter, and a strong sense of community. Along the way, campers learn the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, while gaining confidence and lifelong friendships.
Whether it’s their first time away from home or their favorite summer tradition, Bear Valley YMCA Resident Camp is a place where kids discover who they are and all they can achieve.
About Bear Valley
Bear Valley YMCA Camp has been creating adventure and memories in the High Sierra for over 80 years. Located near Emigrant Gap, our camp offers safe, life-changing experiences for kids ages 8–13 (Traditional Camp), teens 14–16 (Counselor in Training), and families of all ages (Family Camp).
At Bear Valley, campers build confidence, make lasting friendships, explore nature, learn responsibility, discover new skills—and, of course, have fun!
Meals: Nutritious, kid-friendly meals are served family-style in our historic dining hall, reviewed by a dietitian and prepared by a certified cook. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
General Store: Campers can pick up healthy snacks, drinks, apparel, and essentials throughout the week.
Financial Assistance: Through Y-Assist, the YMCA ensures every child has the chance to experience camp, regardless of income or background.
Questions? Contact Camp Director Milo Gray at mgray@ymcasuperiorcal.org.
Summer 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.
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. Whatever your financial situation, we will work with you to ensure that you and your family receive the opportunity to participant at Bear Valley Resident Camp, to help you reach your highest potential.
2025 Information
In 2025, Bear Valley YMCA Resident Camp continues its 80+ year tradition of adventure in the High Sierra with five week-long summer sessions for kids ages 8–13, Counselor-in-Training programs for teens 14–16, and volunteer junior counselor opportunities for age 17. Families can also enjoy two special weekends in September—a classic Family Camp and a Halloween-themed Spooky Camp. Campers unplug, explore nature, build friendships, and grow in confidence through unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Dates, Rates, & Registration for 2025
Open to Ages:
- 8-13 years old (Traditional Camp)
- 14-16 years old (Counselors-in-Training)
- 17 years old (Volunteer Junior Counselor)
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Open to Ages:
- 8-13 years old (Traditional Camp)
- 14-16 years old (Counselors-in-Training)
- 17 years old (Volunteer Junior Counselor)
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Open to Ages:
- 8-13 years old (Traditional Camp)
- 14-16 years old (Counselors-in-Training)
- 17 years old (Volunteer Junior Counselor)
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Open to Ages:
- 8-13 years old (Traditional Camp)
- 14-16 years old (Counselors-in-Training)
- 17 years old (Volunteer Junior Counselor)
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Open to Ages:
- 8-13 years old (Traditional Camp)
- 14-16 years old (Counselors-in-Training)
- 17 years old (Volunteer Junior Counselor)
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Family Camp
Your Family’s Next Great Adventure Starts Here!
We can't wait to spend a few days with you this summer! The family camp schedule is designed to offer your family time to relax, and enjoy our beautiful camp atmosphere in the Sierras! We hope you will take the opportunity with your family to try new things and meet new people.
2025 Information
Family Camp at Bear Valley invites families to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the Sierras together. With a schedule designed for both relaxation and adventure, families can try new activities, meet new people, and create lasting memories in a welcoming, supportive environment.
At the Y, we believe every family deserves this experience, regardless of age, income, or background. Through our Y-Assist program, financial assistance is available so that all families can share in the joy and growth of camp.
Dates, Rates, & Registration for 2025
Open to ALL Ages!
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
This session has concluded and registration is no longer open.
Spend a spooky weekend in the Sierras! You and your family can join in a variety of Halloween-themed activities throughout each day. Saturday night will include a costume contest and trick-or-treating throughout the camp.
Open to ALL Ages!
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
Explore Our Property
Conferences, Retreats, and Celebrations
The peaceful atmosphere of Bear Valley Camp is the ideal location for retreats, workshops, seminars, and weddings. We offer weekend and weekly accommodations for groups of all sizes.
Our facility has ample indoor space for meetings, classes, and program activities, along with an outdoor campfire and amphitheater area, open fields for games and activities and nearby hiking trails.
Come see for yourself! We encourage all interested parties to schedule a tour of our facility.
Contact us at mgray@ymcasuperiorcal.org to learn more!