"I consider camp a part of my family"

73 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Read Ally's story about her transformation from shy camper to confident counselor:

Seven years ago, I was a shy 10-year-old who never spoke out. Then my mom decided that I should try YMCA Camp. I was terrified, but she assured me that if I did not like it, I would never have to go back.

When I arrived at Pilgrim Cove, I was so intimidated. I knew no one, had never been away from my family for more than a day, and there were all of these enthusiastic people talking to me. These were the counselors.

In my eyes, the counselors were the epitome of what I wanted to be, but I felt like that was so out of reach. To my surprise, a few days into camp I had made friends and I found myself talking more than I ever had before. I already loved camp. By the end of the week, I knew what my goal was — to become a counselor.

When I got home, my mom asked me if I would like to go back next year and I immediately said yes. My camp life had just begun — how could I not go back?

Throughout the next five years of being a camper, L.I.T. and C.I.T., I began to pick up the mannerisms of the counselors and realized that I had become outgoing, confident and who I truly am. 

As a second-year counselor, I have the foundation that I need to become a role model for my campers, and I feel like I have been building on that for years. Camp and the staff helped me become who I am, and for that I am forever grateful. I consider camp a part of my family, and I never want to give that up. Hopefully I can encourage my campers to feel that way, too.

"An amazing experience"

74 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Some of our campers attend resident camp for the first time as teens. In Sean's case, his first YMCA Camp experience was as a Leader-in-Training (LIT); in subsequent years, he advanced to Counselor-in-Training and Assistant Counselor. Here's what he had to say about his four years with YMCA Camp:

I found out about Y Camp through my best friend, Michael. He said how much fun it was to be a camper and how much he enjoyed the counselors. As I drove up with Michael and his brother and sister, all three of them talked about their favorite counselors and their best experiences. I knew I would have the time of my life up at camp.

As I arrived in Pilgrim Cove for the first time, I was shocked to see how many kids there were. As I walked over, so many campers and staff were willing to accept me and welcome me into this new place.

The camp was an amazing experience. There were so many activities to choose from, and so many people who were there for the same reason — to have fun and meet new people.

I love being a mentor and someone for the kids to look up to. Camp has really allowed me to find myself and learn who I am and what I want to become.

YMCA Camp Teen Adventure Series: Survivor!

75 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

YMCA Camp: Teen Adventure Series' Survivor! resident camp is all about wilderness survival and having fun while learning the skills it takes to do so. 

Fire building/starting techniques, catching food, collecting and purifying water, building/finding natural shelter and navigation by multiple means are just some of the practical, life-saving skills campers will learn on this trip.

As the week progresses, we will slowly “deprive” ourselves of technology as we learn to do more with less. Our end goal will be to survive with a minimum of gear by utilizing the natural resources around us. 

To spice things up a bit, the group will be split in two and complete group challenges to practice the skills they are learning. Utilizing the great variety of terrain across the 400 acres of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, campers will learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy and find their way to help should they ever get lost in the wilderness.

On their final night, campers will take the survival challenge with their group and an instructor. To complete the challenge, under the supervision of their instructor the group will have to build a fire to prepare dinner, collect and purify water, and create a shelter to spend the night in.

TRIP ITINERARIES:

Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers.

For more information on Survivor!, including age range, price, camp dates and registration, click HERE.

YMCA Camp Teen Adventure Series: Fishing Frenzy!

78 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Whether your child already loves to fish or is just getting interested in this fun pastime, YMCA Camp's Fishing Frenzy! Teen Adventure Series resident camp will be the highlight of their summer!

Campers will learn how to identify fish, choose bait/tackle/line, select a fishing spot, cast, remove hooks and how to safely travel around different water bodies. Base camp will be established at Horsethief Reservoir, a trout-stocked reservoir and home of our new resident camp, where campers can fish every free moment they have! 

Daily trips to Cascade, Warm Lake, Deadwood Reservoir and the McCall fish hatchery offer opportunities to fish different types of water, fish and trolling vs. shoreline fishing. Catch and release will be practiced for most of the week, but one night we’ll get the fire roaring for a good old fish fry! All campers will improve their fishing skills and knowledge through time spent with our staff and volunteers who live to fish and line up to lead this trip.

TRIP ITINERARIES:

Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers.

For more information on Fishing Frenzy!, including age range, price, camp dates and registration, click HERE.

YMCA Camp Teen Adventure Series: Choose Your Adventure!

79 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Choose Your Adventure! is YMCA Camp's introductory Teen Adventure Series camp, specifically for those who don’t have a specific area of interest but want a chance to experiment and perhaps find a new passion. 

Whether you choose the short version or the full week, you will learn lots of new skills and have a blast. This camp is based at Horsethief Reservoir with at least one overnight outside camp to practice the camping skills learned throughout the week.

Climb, bike, hike, fish, kayak, rappel and more during a high energy week in the outdoors! Campers on this trip will split their days between learning new skills and practicing those skills under the guidance of our well-trained, knowledgeable trip leaders. Your child will leave this camp with a basic knowledge of all the activities taught and an in-depth understanding of how to camp safely, sustainably and responsibly.

TRIP ITINERARIES:

Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers.

For more information on Choose Your Adventure!, including age range, price, dates and registration info, click HERE.

YMCA Camp Teen Adventure Series: Climb On!

80 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

Recently ranked in the Top 5 best places to live for rock climbers by Rock & Ice magazine, Idaho offers an incredible setting for Climb On!, one of YMCA Camp's high-adrenaline Teen Adventure Series resident camps.

Beginning right on site at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, home to a spectacular array of bouldering problems and some great top-rope climbs, campers on this trip will learn safety, equipment and fundamental climbing skills. Then they will explore the state for bigger, better, more thrilling climbs of all varieties.

This trip is all about climbing, and there will be no shortage of time on the rock as campers practice bouldering and top-rope climbs of varying difficulty. We also throw in some rappelling and slack-lining to spice things up a bit!

Because not many folks can climb 8 to 10 hours a day for a week, campers will take breaks to swim, play games and learn skills like navigation to help them locate great climbs. All campers will also earn a belay certification recognized by Treasure Valley Family YMCA facilities. 

Possible destinations on this trip include YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, Stanley, Twin Falls, City of Rocks and spots right outside Boise. Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers.

For more information on Climb On!, including age range, price, camp dates and registration, click HERE.

Amazing Race, Y Camp style

81 DAYS UNTIL HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR GRAND OPENING!

The Amazing Race Camp, part of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir's Teen Adventure Series, is the most exciting, longest scavenger/treasure hunt your child will ever go on — unless of course they are lucky enough to get on the TV show of the same name!

Upon arriving at our new facility at Horsethief Reservoir, campers will gear up with the necessary equipment for the week, then it’s off to the races.

A first clue will guide them to a challenge somewhere nearby, and from there on the adventure never stops! Campers will have to decipher clues, find their route on the map and then complete creative physical and mental challenges to earn clues that will continue the journey. Rafting, climbing, rappelling, hiking, biking, treasure hunting, quizzing locals ... you never know what the next adventure might be. 

Campers will learn all the sustainable camping skills that TAS campers do, and we guarantee everyone will come home with incredible stories to tell! If you are looking for a fun-filled adventure with great opportunities for personal growth and a chance to see more of our great state, this is the camp for your child!

TRIP ITINERARIES:

Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers. Specific itineraries for Amazing Race are given to parents at check in. We don’t want to ruin the surprise!

For more information on the Amazing Race Camp, including age range, price, dates and registration, click HERE.

YMCA Camp Teen Adventure Series!

YMCA Camp's Teen Adventure Series (TAS) is designed to offer a different type of experience for the more adventurous campers out there.

These camps travel throughout Idaho teaching campers exciting new skills like rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering, tent camping and more in safe, well-supervised and beautiful outdoor spaces.

TAS camps runs the gamut of outdoor activities, including:

• Rock climbing

• Rappelling

• Kayaking

• Mountain biking

• Backpacking

• Hiking

• Fishing

• Survival

• Rafting

• Many more!

In addition to the specialized skills campers will practice in each particular camp, all TAS campers will also learn responsible camping skills. Because we wish to educate and prepare campers to help protect and preserve our wild lands, we practice Leave No Trace camping. Adventure Series campers also get involved and take responsibility by learning to set up their own tents, cook meals, build a campfire, gather and purify water, and maintain a clean low impact campsite.

SCHEDULES:
TAS camps all begin at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir with our resident camps, and some will spend 1-2 nights on camp. Most however, hit the road on Day 2 and return to camp for closing campfire on Friday.

There is no hour-by-hour schedule for these camps like our resident camp program; however, all campers will spend time resting and playing each day, as we find it very important to stay healthy and well-rested in the outdoors. Whenever possible, we also like to offer choices each day so the campers can be a part of planning their week. All TAS campers will also receive a journal and spend time writing about their learning and experiences each day.

TRIP ITINERARIES:
Many locations are set for our trips, but some cannot be finalized until the spring. Winter weather will often affect early camps and potential camping locations. Also, some camps like Amazing Race have an element of surprise that is intended for the camp. For these reasons, detailed itineraries, including all camping locations and activities, will not be available until May 1. These will be mailed to all campers.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
These camps utilize regular camping tents that the campers learn to set up on the first day. Tent groups are split by gender and staff stay in their own tents in the center of the camping area.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Unless specifically listed as required for a camp, all the group gear is provided by the YMCA. This includes tents, stoves, pots and pans and most specialized equipment for activities. Campers are generally only responsible for their personal equipment such as sleeping bags, clothing, eating utensils and backpacks. The YMCA also has some equipment available for loan.

Keep checking back for blog posts on the five different Adventure Series camps! For more information on the Teen Adventure Series, including registration, click HERE.

Horsethief Reservoir Ranger Camp video!

Watch a great video on YMCA Ranger Camp kids learning outdoor skills and giving something back while they work on Horsethief Reservoir HERE!

The video is part of the Idaho Children and Nature Network's Be Outside campaign. The Idaho Children and Nature Network is a coalition of diverse agencies and organizations united in the common cause of empowering all Idahoans to lead healthy lives by developing a sense of place in Idaho's outdoors. Learn more HERE.

"Camp didn't just bring me closer to my own family — it gave me a new one"

Growing up the middle child in a family of five children, longtime YMCA camper Megan says she didn't always feel independent and unique, and often quarreled with her sisters. That changed with her first trip to YMCA Camp:

I first came to camp when I was about 6 years old. My older sisters had gone for several years, and I was eager to see what all the excitement was about.

My first counselor was named Josie, and I had the time of my life that week. What was interesting was the drastic change in my relationship with my older sisters. We all went during the same week, and during that time it seemed like I couldn't get enough of them.

With independence that I had never had before, I was able to try my own things and make my own friends, not assisted by teachers, parents, neighbors or siblings. Seeing my sisters as I roamed the grounds with my new friends was a treat, not only for me but for them as well. There's a bond among siblings that is irreplaceable, but sometimes hard to find. Camp helped us find and foster that bond.

Now, 12 years later, my sister and I (the one I always fought with) are best friends. My other sister and I are much closer than we would have ever been as well. When I was old enough to receive leathers, I chose one of my sisters to tie my first, the triangle, and the other one to tie the second, the square.

Camp didn't just bring me closer to my own family — it gave me a new one. Every year, I meet new people and make new friends. As people come and go over the years, the Y Camp spirit remains and is the underlying theme in every camper's experience.

Become a leader at Horsethief Reservoir

Is your teen showing leadership qualities or a desire to serve? YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir has multiple resident camps for burgeoning leaders.

Ranger Camp, Leader-In-Training and Counselor-In-Training are resident camp programs designed to give teens practical, hands-on experience in leadership.

Our programs develop leadership skills in our campers that they can use throughout their lives to help others and themselves identify and achieve goals. Our programs are a valuable learning experience for any teen who wants to develop and practice their leadership skills. Additionally, CIT's learn to effectively lead and work with children.

These programs provide an excellent foundation for those who are interested in becoming a part of our resident camp staff. Give your child an experience that will last a lifetime! To learn more about the individual camps, click HERE.

From camper to counselor: "I wanted to come back every year"

Many of our YMCA Camp staffers were once campers themselves. Here's Horsethief counselor Althea's story of that journey:

I first came to camp on a recommendation from a friend. She'd been going since she was 7 years old and had always wanted me to come and see the magic.

The first summer I came to camp, I was 11. I was so amazed at how the counselors and staff treated me like an adult, not a little kid. We got to pick the activities we would do all week and there was free time that was actually free. This was so different from camps I had attended in the past. I wanted to come back every year.

I later attended Teen Camp, where I met the most amazing people. My cabin was full of the kindest, most loving girls, and the boys that week were full of fun. We made life-long friendships that week.

At Teen Camp, I started my journey to becoming staff as an L.I.T. Being an L.I.T. was such an amazing experience. I learned all about becoming an effective leader and I got my first real taste of being able to positively change someone's life. It was the best feeling in the world.

I'm finally staff this year at a new location. I am part of an amazing team of people that will make history, and I couldn't be more excited. It's my turn to make magic for my campers, and if I can give them even half the amount of fun I have had at camp, I'll consider my job well done.

All about Youth Camp at Horsethief Reservoir

Got a youngster who's curious about Y Camp, or one you want to introduce to the resident camp experience? Here's all you need to know about Youth Camp at Horsethief Reservoir.

Youth camps are how it all began, and though they have changed a lot:

• We now serve girls as well as boys.

• Campers sleep in cabins, not tents. 

• We offer new, exciting activities.

What hasn't changed is the foundation. We operate based on a set of values that have been in place since we started in 1905. We work hard to train our camp staff, who create a safe, positive and fun environment where campers can grow, learn and build positive relationships. Our emphasis on the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility drives our mission to provide the best camping experience possible.

Camp staff work (with their campers) to plan a daily schedule that fits the needs and desires of the group. We stress democratic living and encourage new ideas in our camp program. Backed by over 100 years of YMCA camping experience, we can provide an experience of a lifetime for your camper this summer!

Youth Camp activities include:

• Hiking

• Canoeing

• Kayaking

• Drama

• Swimming

• Arts and crafts

• Music

• Fishing

• Sports

• Archery

• Guitar lessons

• Games

• Mountain biking

• Lacrosse

• Snorkeling

• Obstacle course

Each camper will attend two or three of their top choices for the entire week. Camp activities, known as Camptivities, are designed to be both fun and educational. Campers will spend a total of four hours at each activity learning the basic skills involved, safety concerns, how to use equipment properly, practicing the skill and just participating in the activity — i.e. having fun!

Cabin groups spend quality time together in the afternoon playing, learning and getting to know one another better.

As the evening arrives, campers come back together for large group events like campfires, Capture the Flag, special events and games.

As with all Y Camp programs, campers are encouraged to meet new friends, try new activities and stretch themselves under the careful supervision of our camp staff.

Give your child an experience that will last a lifetime!

For more information, including age range and pricing, visit our Teen Camp page HERE.

From Y Camp to the Marine Corps

YMCA Camp counselor Shane has gone from the woods of Idaho to the war zone of Iraq, and the lessons Shane learned as a camp counselor had an impact overseas as well:

"Most Marines have only three core values — God, Country, Corps — but I have seven: God, Country, Corps, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Caring. These core values I took over with me in my two tours in Iraq, and with over 1,000 combat missions under my belt, I never once let any of those core values stray from my conscience.

"I feel that because of some of things I learned at camp, me and the majority of my squad came home. I also take pride that because of the foundation that was instilled in me, I know I also saved a lot of Iraqis' lives who I knew if I met under different circumstances could have had a different outcome."

All about Teen Camp at Horsethief Reservoir

If you're a parent of a teenager, you surely hear "I'm bored" when summer rolls around. Here's the cure: Teen Camp at Horsethief Reservoir.

YMCA Teen Camp is the ultimate summer camp experience for teens! This is the camp our youth campers look forward to as they near the teenage years and the camp our former staff often return to volunteer for because it is such a blast!

Our Teen Camp staffers are hand-picked for their ability to work with teens, create a fun, safe, caring camp environment and be excellent role models! Some of the activities have changed over the years, but our focus is still the same — build stronger, more thoughtful teens who are better equipped to navigate the world around them. In a too-often turbulent world, camp is still the one place where every teen is accepted and every person valued. We strive to help campers develop character and build assets through a variety of fun, challenging activities. Our staff work hard to make this a safe, fun and well-supervised week in the mountains with activities and events specifically geared to the teens we serve.

Teen campers have the opportunity to choose from a variety of all-new exciting activities each year. Some of the activities our campers can try include:

• Mud Fight

• Tubing

• Block Party Dance

• Talent Shows

• Cabin Competitions

• Color Wars

• Cardboard Boat Brigade

• Invention Competitions

Plenty of time is scheduled for teens to hang out with new and old friends during free time and camp store. Lots of swimming, canoeing, tie dye and lanyard making happen during free time. Cabins then regroup to spend quality time working together and getting to know each other better. As with all Y Camp programs, campers are encouraged to meet new friends, try new activities and stretch themselves under the careful supervision of our camp staff.

For more information, including age range and pricing, visit our Teen Camp page HERE.

"The most influential counselor I ever had"

Longtime YMCA Camp resident camper Jenn first attended camp when she was 7 years old, and like many young campers, at first she was shy and uncertain. But that soon washed away with the help of her counselor, Christina.

"Christina was probably the most influential counselor I ever had. It wasn't what she said to me that made me feel like my own person, but it's what she did. She opened her arms and heart and let me in. Never in my life had I felt so a part of a family other than my own until then. That entire first week of camp was the first time that I felt independent."

All about the Treasure Valley Family YMCA's resident camps at Horsethief Reservoir

So, you want to know about resident camp ... Read below for general information on the YMCA Camp experience, then check back for detailed descriptions of our various resident camp options!

Like all YMCA programs, our camps are driven by the YMCA mission. YMCA camps:

- Provide the safest (physical and emotional) environment for your child to grow and learn.
- Build healthy spirit, mind and body.
- Offer a place to belong, people who care and a place to have fun.
- Build developmental assets in youth.

Since 1905, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA has been offering a traditional resident camp experience for the youth of Idaho. In over a hundred years of camping, we have learned a thing or two about how to provide the best camping experience possible.

It all begins with the best camp staff anywhere in Idaho. Most of our staff are former campers who have learned through our excellent Leadership Camps what it means to be a role model of the character values and keep your children safe in the beautiful outdoors.

The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is proud to offer the following resident camps:

- Youth Camp (Ages 7-12)

- Teen Camp (Ages 13-17)

- Leadership Camps (Ages 13-16)

- Ranger Camp (Ages 13-17)

General information:

- During their week-long stay, campers sleep in same-gender cabins of 12 (or fewer) campers with two counselors.
- Cabin groups have no more than a one-year difference in camper ages.
- All camps are co-ed.
- We have a registered nurse or EMT on staff every week.
- Resident camps are based at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.
- Traveling camps have various destinations throughout Idaho but will all start and end their week at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.
- All YMCA camps emphasize the importance of our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

How do I register my child for YMCA Camp?

Registration is now available for a memorable summer camp experience during this historic year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

Whether you choose to register online, through the mail or in person, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA has made the process a simple one for returning campers and newcomers alike.

To start, visit http://www.ycampidaho.com/registration.php.

There you will find all the info you need to know about YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir and the registration process.

Registration can be completed entirely online. Simply click on the "start online registration" button, select the week you want to send your child to camp and follow the instructions.

If you prefer to register via snail mail or in person, start by clicking the "Download the 2010 Registration Form" button. Once you have downloaded the form, follow the instructions listed on the form.

The navigation bar on the registration page also has important information such as cancellations and refunds, check-in, directions, packing list, etc. You can also call (208.344.5502, Ext. 253) or email (laura.mahan@ymcatvidaho.org) us if you have any questions.

If you would like to learn more about Horsethief Reservoir resident camps before registration, click HERE.

See you this summer!