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!