Not doing anything this weekend? Volunteer at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

15 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Maybe you don't have Memorial Day plans but don't want to be bored. If that's the case, considering volunteering this weekend to help us get ready for the June 12 Grand Opening of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

If you're interested, get in touch with us this afternoon. RSVP to campworkday@ymcatvidaho.org or call Laura at 344-5502, Ext. 253.

YMCA Camp Alumni: We want to hear your stories!

16 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Attention YMCA Camp Alumni: 

We want to hear your stories! Whether you attended YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir or anywhere else in Idaho, chances are you have a great story from camp to share with our blog readers.

If you are interested in sharing a story, please visit the Alumni Page on ycampidaho.com HERE, then click on Alumni Registration. Once registered, you can fill out a questionnaire, including stories, memories and how Y Camp influenced your life.

Since its inception in 1905, Y Camp has provided thousands of children and adults with memorable experiences that have lasted a lifetime. These experiences have carried on into the personal lives of everyone who has attended or worked at the camp. 

For years, there have been discussions about re-acquainting and re-connecting past participants and friends of Y Camp and now is the time! The Alumni Page is dedicated to re-connecting past alumni, staff and friends of Y Camp. Here is your chance to find out whatever happened to your fellow counselor or best friend you made at camp.

As the new alumni database grows, we are creating the opportunity to return to your camp roots and get involved with what’s happening at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.

Win a trip to camp through KTVB Scholarship Essay Contest!

17 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Seven deserving kids age 7-17 will win a scholarship for a week at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir through KTVB Channel 7's Scholarship Essay Contest!

To enter, write an essay 150 words or less on why you are deserving of one of the seven scholarships! Click HERE to enter and for more information. Good luck!

"I didn't want to leave all my new friends"

18 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Talk to a YMCA Camp counselor, and he or she will likely tell you a personal story about how Y Camp changes lives. In many cases, the story involves an initial resistance to camp, or a hard time fitting in at first, but such experiences help to mold the youngsters and lead them on a path to becoming one of our great leaders. Chelsea is one of them:

When I turned 13, my mother asked me if I would want to try Y Camp. I had never been away from home before, so I was kind of nervous and scared. When I showed up for check-in day, I really didn't know what to think. I met my counselor and fellow campers and thought that I had made a huge mistake. When I got on the bus to begin the two-hour drive to camp, I cried all the way there and didn't talk to anyone.

The next two days were interesting. All of my cabin mates continuously tried to to get me to have fun and participate in the activities. After the third day, I finally let myself go and really started to have fun. As the week went on, I became more enthused to be at camp. I loved all my new friends and my counselor. 

On the last night of camp, our whole cabin took our sleeping bags outside and lied under the stars and just talked. That was the best night of the week. The next day, it was time to pack up and go home. I didn't want to leave all my new friends and the fun I had had behind, but they all assured me that they would be back next summer and I told them that I would, too. 

I don't know what made me change on that third day, but I'm glad I did because if I wouldn't have, I wouldn't be where I am right now. This will be my seventh year at camp, and I wouldn't give it up for the world! I work at camp to have fun and change people's lives. The relationships last a lifetime and so do the memories.

How to choose a summer camp

19 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Wow! We're under the 20-day mark for the Grand Opening of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, and the excitement keeps building. The beds keep filling, too, so if you're still thinking of attending resident camp or registering your child, better hurry!

If you've already decided on summer camp but don't know when and where, we recently found a great article from the National Camp Association about choosing the right summer camp. Read the full article HERE. Note the section on Cost, which opens with the sentence, "Nonprofit camps, such as Y Camps and Federation camps, are less expensive than private sleepaway." — another reason "Y" you should attend YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir this summer!

If you have specific questions or want to hear more about the resident camp opportunities at Horsethief from one of our YMCA Camp experts, contact us today!

YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir volunteer work days!

22 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir will be opening in a few short weeks, and we need help getting ready for camp!

If you'd like to help and, at the same time, have a little fun outdoors, join us for a couple of hours on one of our upcoming volunteer days!

Camp Work Days:

Saturday, May 22

Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31

RSVP to campworkday@ymcatvidaho.org or call Laura at 344-5502, Ext. 253.

'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' principles guided YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir development plan

23 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

When Erstad Architects and Jordan Wilcomb Construction, Inc. put together the plan for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA's new resident camp at Horsethief Reservoir, they looked to the future while keeping the past in mind.
 
Providing a traditional camp experience - the YMCA has been offering resident camps for more than 100 years - was paramount. But understanding that environmental stewardship is such an inherent part of 21st century camping, they developed a sustainable camp that incorporates new technology with recycled material that because of its small environmental footprint will allow many generations of children to experience all that Idaho and Horsethief Reservoir have to offer.
 
The 408-acre YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, the first YMCA Camp built west of the Mississippi in more than 60 years, features an environmentally-friendly sand filter water treatment facility. The facility treats water from Horsethief Reservoir for drinking and camp usage, and the excess water is delivered back onto the land and into the water table through sprinklers. Completing the cycle of "cradle to cradle" rather than "cradle to landfill" ensures the highest level of protection of the land, wetlands and groundwater.
 
Following the principles of LEED certification, camp structures are energy-efficient, incorporating sustainable materials and blending in with the environment in a minimally intrusive way. The camp structures are situated so that they "melt away when they become full with campers, visitors and users who are there to focus on developing relationships," said Laura Mahan, Treasure Valley Family YMCA Camp Director.
 
Green elements are used throughout the camp, including FSC-certified wood, low-flow plumbing fixtures, composting and recycling stations, solar lighting, occupancy sensors and drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plantings.
 
In keeping with "reduce, reuse, recycle" principles, YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir is utilizing 100-year-old joists in the Pavilion that were reclaimed from a former warehouse in Boise. "The Barn," which will serve as the lodge and shower house, started out as a donated pole barn kit. The stage at the campfire area is made of wood from the old Idaho Shakespeare Festival stage.
 
These and other camp structures are designed to accommodate Horsethief Reservoir's current camper capacity while allowing for future expansion of the facility as the YMCA adds programs and experiences for campers. Additions can be made to the villages, yurts, main lodge and other facilities without having to invest in additional infrastructure.
 
The new YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir - continuing the YMCA's tradition of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Visit ycampidaho.org for full description, resident camp schedule, registration information and more.

"I grew more in that week than in the entire previous year"

24 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

When Lauren first attended YMCA resident camp as a 12-year-old Leader-in-Training, she quickly found that her nervous and uncertain feelings were shared by others. It didn't take long that first day for Lauren's feelings to subside, and her first week at resident camp proved memorable:

Although I was pushed beyond my comfort zone, I grew more in that week than in the entire previous year. I allowed myself to be open with people — something that is not easy for me to do. But I can say that today I try to be as open and honest as possible with everyone. YMCA Camp helped me to realize that that was okay — and necessary. Although you may be nervous and afraid, there are always others feeling the same way. And that's okay.

Though I knew no one at the beginning of my first week, I grew to befriend, respect, admire and have fun with my fellow LITs and counselors, many of whom became such different people than what I had originally expected them to be. I learned the power of relationships, an aspect of life that I had not put much time or thought into.

Before that week, I had underestimated the importance of connecting with people — all sorts of people — and how that enriches your life. YMCA Camp helped me see that, and it gave me the confidence to pursue those connections. Thank you, Y Camp, for enriching my life.

"Becoming an LIT was a valuable experience"

25 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Many of YMCA Camp's leaders rise up through the ranks, starting on their journey as youth campers and continuing on through Teen Camp and our multiple levels of leadership camp. Hattie is one of them. Here is her story.

Becoming a Leader-in-Training was a valuable experience, partly because it taught me more leadership, but mostly because I was exposed to many people with issues that I had never encountered. I watched and learned how those problems were dealt with.

Last year was my first time being an assistant counselor. It was a blast and a half. All of my campers were really chill and got along very well. I learned how to balance being a friend and a leader to them.

I have grown and evolved so much since attending Y Camp for the first time eight years ago. I have grown into a leader and been exposed to many different things. Y Camp has definitely made an impact on my life.

Watch KTVB's feature on YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

26 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

In case you missed the original telecast last week, here's KTVB Channel 7's wonderful feature on YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.

You can also read Mark Johnson's article and view a photo gallery by clicking HERE.

Update on full and soon-to-be-full Horsethief Reservoir resident camp sessions

29 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Happy Friday! Another week down, another week closer to our June 12 Grand Opening for this historic year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

As promised, here is an update on the upcoming summer's resident camp sessions:

FULL SESSIONS

Youth Sessions Male:

July 12-17

July 19-24

Aug. 2-7

Aug. 9-14

Youth Sessions Female:

Aug. 9-14

Teen Adventure Series:

Amazing Race — June 21-26, Aug. 2-7

Survivor — July 9-14, July 19-24

Choose Your Adventure — July 7-10

CIT Male:

July 12-24

CLOSE TO FULL (10 or fewer spots left)

Youth Sessions Male:

June 28-July 3

Youth Sessions Female:

July 19-24

Aug. 2-7

REALLY CLOSE TO FULL (1-2 spots left)

Rangers Male:

July 28

July 12

July 19

Aug. 2

Rangers Female:

June 21

July 19

Aug. 2

LIT Female:

June 21

Aug. 2

LIT Male:

June 21

July 12

Aug. 2

For online registration and more information on YMCA resident camp at Horsethief Reservoir, click HERE.

"I have never been disappointed"

30 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Here's an excerpt of a story from longtime YMCA camper and leader, Evan:

I have been going to YMCA Camp for about 9 or 10 years, and I have never been disappointed. I kept coming to camp for the same enjoyment I had always received every week I attended.

Teen Camp was truly a revolutionary turn for me. It was a growing experience that changed my life, and for this reason, I felt it was my duty to give back what I soaked up from camp. I became an LIT, CIT, Assistant Counselor and now Senior Counselor.

Even when I try to give back, it always seems as though I still get to take back something from camp. I can only hope to serve this camp as well as it served me.

One month to go until Grand Opening!

31 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

It's May 12, and that means we're officially at the one-month-to-go point for the Grand Opening of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

So, we ask: Are you registered yet?

With only one month left, we've already sold out of some camps and continue to see the number of open bunks dwindle. If you or your child plans on registering for a week of camp this historic summer at Horsethief, you better do it soon!

Full registration information is available HERE.

Later this week, we will give you an update on sold-out weeks and camps with only a few bunks left.

A testimonial from a YMCA Camp Leader-in-Training

32 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Brenna, a high school sophomore and second-year volunteer counselor at YMCA Camp, recently shared with us what the Leader-in-Training (LIT) resident camp did for her:

Through the Leader-in-Training program, I was able to have an incredible experience with kids who had similar goals as me. 

We all wanted to learn how to be a leader and how to work well with others. I was able to connect with others my age who I probably never would have spoken to otherwise. Because of LIT, I was inspired to interview for a spot in my school’s communication leadership class. 

Through the skills I learned at YMCA Camp, I was able to portray a confident self image that not only others saw, but I saw in myself, too.  The LIT and communication leadership programs have encouraged me to continue putting my leadership skills to good use and to keep giving back to others.

Learn more about LIT and other leadership camps available at Horsethief Reservoir this summer HERE!

What is a typical day of camp like?

33 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

From the morning they wake up to the morning they go to bed, YMCA resident campers have a full schedule full of fun! 

Here is the typical daily schedule at Horsethief Reservoir:

7:00: Wake Up!

7:20: Flag Raising

7:30: Breakfast 1

8:15: Breakfast 2

9:00: Chapel

Chapel is a time devoted to learning about the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Chapels consist of songs, skits, stories and poems. It is a fun, educational time for campers and staff to discover what values and character mean to them. 

9:30: Cabin Activity

11:00: Lunch 1

11:45: Lunch 2

12:30: Toes Up

1:30: Camptivity 1

All campers have the opportunity to try new activities like archery, kayaking, rocketry, mask-making, video production and more! Youth and Teen campers pick their top choices on Monday and are assigned to two activities, which they attend each day for an hour. These activities have lesson plans and are intended not only to be fun, but also to teach new skills. 

3:00: Break

3:15: Camptivity 2

4:45: Flag Lowering

5:00: Dinner 1

5:45: Dinner 2

6:30: Evening Events (Campfire, Games, Skits, etc.)

9:30: Devotion

Devotion time is the daily closing when cabin members talk about their day and discuss concerns that they may have. 

10:00: Lights Out

Volunteers needed for Horsethief Reservoir camp cleanup!

36 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir will be opening in a few short weeks, and we need help getting ready for camp!

If you'd like to help and, at the same time, have a little fun outdoors, join us for a couple of hours on one of our upcoming volunteer days!

Saturday, May 15 — We will be getting the bunks staged into the cabins, trimming and chipping trees, installing fire pits, assembling shelves in the storage containers and placing picnic tables around camp. The work day will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  We promise you a good time and a wonderful break from the city. Please let us know as soon as possible when you will be able to join us.

RSVP to campworkday@ymcatvidaho.org or call Laura at 344-5502, Ext. 253. When you RSVP, please let us know if you plan to bring a chainsaw.

Additional Camp Work Days:

Friday, May 21 to Saturday, May 22

Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31

"All Children, Rich or Poor, Need Summer Camp"

37 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Never mind the fact that this letter to the editor was published in the New York Times in 1994; 16 years later, in this time of Nature Deficit Disorder, the message is even more relevant.

The letter, from Jay S. Jacobs, President of the New York State Camp Directors Association Woodbury, was in response to NYT articles on failing schools and the benefits of summer camp. Mr. Jacobs quotes the summer camp article, which states that "for many of the millions of children who fill the bunk beds in the cabins and learn the breast stroke on the waterfront each summer, camp has not only been a breath of fresh air, but a defining experience."

Here at YMCA Camp, we're inclined to agree. Read Mr. Jacobs' full letter HERE. Enjoy!

Better Homes and Gardens on the benefits of summer camp

38 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Keeping with this week's theme of the benefits of summer camp, this article from Better Homes and Gardens has answers to many common questions from parents about resident camp, plus a great story about a mother who discovered her 8-year-old daughter had come home from camp much more independent than she had left.

The article talks about how resident camp broadens social skills and heightens a child's awareness of the natural world. It also addresses concerns such as age appropriateness, homesickness and choosing the right camp.

Read the full article HERE.

Compassion, contribution, commitment and character

39 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

The YMCA has its four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, and those values have provided the foundation for the YMCA Camp experience from the start.

On its website, the American Camp Association also talks about the four C's of the camp community, and we liked them so much we thought we'd share this excerpt about the benefits of camp:

"Camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect — build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four 'C's' of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers' parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society."

8 Reasons Kids Should Go to Summer Camp

40 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Plenty has been written and said about the personal and social benefits of a week at summer camp. If you're considering sending your child to YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir this summer, the Y Camp staff can certainly speak on the merits of resident camp. Call (208.344.5502, Ext. 246) or email us any time!

But don't just take our word for it: Read these "8 Reasons Kids Should Go to Summer Camp" from the All Women's Talk blog!