Dispatches from Y Camp: Elia

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, Elia of Boise tells us about Teen Camp:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

My favorite thing was zip line, because it was awesome.

Did you try something new yesterday?

I tried to live in a yurt. It's cool because you sleep in a circle and there is a lot of floor room to relax.

What's one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

I learned many songs I didn't know. I have good counselors, James and Aaron.

Dispatches from Y Camp: Kaden

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, youth camper Kaden of Boise tells us about a fun day at camp:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

Making boats in my Camptivity, which was Crazy Creations. We raced the boats down the creek.

Did you try something new yesterday?

Crazy Creations. I went to the pavilion and saw it finished, because last year it wasn't done.

What's one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

I learned that team-building is important. I learned that teamwork is an important thing to have.

Dispatches from Y Camp: Gena

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, Leader-in-Training (LIT) camper Gena of Boise tells us about a fulfilling day working with younger campers:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

Helping the little kids with their Leather Ceremony. As an LIT, we get to practice leadership by leading these ceremonies and guiding campers through the experience.

Did you try something new yesterday?

Helping staff lead and sing songs. It was great.

What's one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

That there is no such thing as inhibitions, and I like that. I like feeling free to be myself.

Dispatches from Y Camp: Madison

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, Hailey resident Madison tells us about a fun day she had at camp:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

Swimming, because I love to play in the water.

Did you try something new yesterday?

Playing Counselor Hunt. I had never played that before. I had fun trying to find the counselors who were hidden.

What's one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

I learned that I can make friends easily after meeting new people on my first day. Everyone in my cabin has fun no matter what.

Dispatches from Y Camp: Noah

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, 10-year-old Noah gives us a glimpse into his day at camp:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

I liked playing Cougar Hunt because we had to sneak around all of the other activities without being seen. I also liked being with all the other campers because I got to meet new people.

Did you try something new yesterday?

I had never been rock climbing before camp, and now I know a lot about it. I know different climbing techniques, different types of climbing, how to tie climbing knots and how to use climbing gear correctly.

What's one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

Rock climbing helped me learn how to trust myself and others, and it gave me a lot of self confidence. I also learned a lot about wilderness, like how to purify water, build shelters and take care of the environment. I made a lot of friends, too.

Anything else you'd like to share?

There are a lot of choices at camp, too. We could swim or kayak or ride bikes. I really like it a lot here. It's a great experience and one of the most fun things I have ever done.

Dispatches from Y Camp: The CITs

During this historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, we are asking campers and staffers to share their experiences with parents, camp alumni, prospective campers and other blog readers. Today, the Counselors-in-Training (CITs) give us a look into one of their activities:

What was your favorite thing you did yesterday at camp?

We went on a camp-out and had a blast. We cooked over a fire and had an awesome bonding experience.

Did you try something new yesterday?

We all made a square to be made into a bigger quilt that will be auctioned off to help kids go to camp who can't afford to pay for it.

What’s one thing you learned about yourself or others today at camp?

We figured out in Devotions that a lot of us have the same views.

Horsethief Reservoir Grand Opening Photo Contest deadline is tomorrow!

The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is holding a photo contest for the YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir Grand Opening and Family Day, and the deadline to enter is Saturday, July 10!

If you were there at the Grand Opening on June 12 and have some great shots, you should enter the contest for a chance to have your photo featured on a commemorative Grand Opening poster! Other prizes will be announced shortly.

Amateurs and professionals are welcome to enter. For full details on the contest, click HERE.

"I have spent 12 years, two-thirds of my life, coming to camp"

Here's an excerpt from a wonderful essay by our counselor Heather on the special, sometimes hard-to-describe feeling one gets from experiencing YMCA Camp year after year:

I have spent 12 years, two-thirds of my life, coming to camp. Often times my friends will ask me why I keep returning to a place that on the outside appears to be the same every year. When I am questioned like this, a flood of memories spills into my thoughts — people, names, places and songs fill my mind.

Now, you would think that with all these wonderful memories buzzing around my head, I would be able to ramble for hours about the joys of camp, but often I find my response to be stuck inside my throat and I respond with a simple, "It's hard to explain; it's just a feeling that camp gives me."

While this does nothing to inform my friend about camp, I believe it is the most honest answer I can give, because this "feeling" is what makes camp different, and the beautiful thing is that it is different to everyone.

Think it's too late to register for resident camp? Think again!

Our historic Grand Opening year at YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir is underway, but that doesn't mean the fun is limited only to those who already have signed up and packed their bags.

In fact, we still have limited spots remaining for some resident camps. That's right, even if you haven't registered for camp and still want to go this summer, we might have a bunk for you!

Click HERE for our registration page, or click HERE for contact info if you want to talk directly to a YMCA Camp administrator. Right now we have limited openings for Ranger Camp, LIT and Teen Camp, but availability changes daily. We can let you know exactly which camps are still available when you call or email. Don't delay!

Have you entered the Horsethief Reservoir Grand Opening Photo Contest yet?

The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is holding a photo contest for the YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir Grand Opening and Family Day, and there's still plenty of time to enter!

If you were there at the Grand Opening on June 12 and have some great shots, you should enter the contest for a chance to have your photo featured on a commemorative Grand Opening poster! Other prizes will be announced shortly.

Amateurs and professionals are welcome to enter. The deadline to enter is Saturday, July 10. For full details on the contest, click HERE.

"My goal was to give back the same feeling that was given to me"

YMCA Camp counselor Geoff first came to resident camp as a 14-year-old Leader-in-Training, and he admits he did not expect to have fun or fit in. That all changed that first week, when he discovered a warm and welcoming group of people, and now he's one of our return counselors. Here's an excerpt from his story:

As an assistant counselor, my goal was and still is to give back the same feeling that was given to me. This will be my third year as a counselor, and I still want to show that no matter where you come from, who you are or what you may have been through, there is always someone who cares.