"By the end, nobody could keep me away"

Here's an excerpt from a camp essay by Brandon, a longtime YMCA Camp resident camper:

"My first year at camp was the longest I had been away from my parents in my life. That week, I was extremely shy and didn't feel like doing much of anything. I was scared at the beginning of that week, but by the end, nobody could keep me away." 

YMCA Camp video on YMCA YouTube page!

Want to see what the YMCA Camp experience is like? Do you have 3 1/2 minutes to spare today?

If you answered "yes" to those two questions, then you should visit the Treasure Valley Family YMCA's YouTube page and watch a great video on YMCA Camp.

Want the direct link? Ready, set, GO!

All about YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir

Want to know more about YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir? Read on!

Located approximately 6 miles east of Cascade, Idaho, YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir is 408 acres and includes 2,500 linear feet of water frontage on Horsethief Reservoir, a popular fishing and camping destination.

The landscape character of the campsite is rolling coniferous forest with semi-open areas of brush, meadows and wetlands. Elevations range between 5,146 feet and 5,364 feet above sea level. There are nearby mountain ranges and peaks of higher elevation that provide the site with tremendous off-site views.

Ambitious in scale and original in concept, the YMCA Camp and Outdoor Center at Horsethief Reservoir offers an awe-inspiring experience of the natural world shaped by the principles and values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The cornerstone of the development of our camp is the resident camping program. Resident camp has always been, and will continue to be, the most important program of our camping services. The term “Outdoor Center” refers to the ever-expanding program opportunities offered by YMCA camps outside of the summer season. This facility will eventually provide Outdoor Environmental Education programs and offer group and conferencing opportunities, allowing a more diverse participant base to have their lives touched by the mission.

Approximately 1,008 resident campers ranging from 7 – 18 years of age will be able to attend camp over an eight-week period this summer. In addition, we’ll be able to host 800 day campers each year – an option not possible at our previous site. The Camp is open to kids from all walks of life and from all regions of the state – from the Panhandle to Southern and Eastern Idaho.

Camp amenities include:

• Pathways and trails

• Waterfront docks

• Main lodge

• Cabins

• Yurts

• Multipurpose lodge/shower house

• Climbing tower

• Ropes course

• Covered pavilion

• Court sports arena

• Sports fields

• Archery range

• Wetlands bridges

• Campfire ring

• BMX track

• Tubing hill

Camp activities include:

• Campfires

• Rock climbing

• Swimming

• Fishing

• Wind surfing

• Rafting

• Waterskiing

• Mountain biking

• Arts and crafts

• Canoeing

• Tubing

• Treasure hunting

• Backpacking

• Survival skills

• Orienteering

• Archery

• Hiking

• Kayaking

• Capture the Flag

• Rappelling

• Water balloon battles

• New friends

• Many more!

YMCA Camp Alumni: Share your stories with us!

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.

"One Counselor's Story"

At YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir, the resident camp experience is a life-changing one not only for the campers, but for the counselors, too.

For some campers, particularly those experiencing resident camp for the first time, the newness of it all those first few days can be scary. Often, a young camper's first friend is a counselor who reaches out, provides a comfort zone and helps ease the transition. 

Interactions like these can be powerful for campers and counselors alike. To read about one such story from a counselor's perspective, click HERE.

"The Perfect Summertime Remedy"

Here's an excerpt from an essay written by Caroline, a longtime YMCA Camp camper:

"I’m not really sure why I returned to camp each summer, or why I feel that it has shaped so much of who I am, but I do know that without those magical summers, I would not be who I am today.  ... After being a part of a culture outside of my norm, I was able to fully realize the necessity of being a gentle mannered and accepting human being."

Read Caroline's full essay HERE.

Ben's "Most Valuable Lesson"

All I really need to know I learned at Y camp. The only place where you can show your true self.  The only place where you can pour out your emotions to anyone no matter how you feel, and they will listen. The only place where everyone is sad because they have to wait another whole year to come back, because it means so much to them. The only place where people, no matter their background or past experiences, will feel at home.

This is what I have learned: 

• Be yourself.  

• Don’t be afraid to get dirty.  

• Real men do cry.  

• Speak your mind.  

• You have the power to change the world. 

• Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty are four of the greatest values to live by.

• A night at campfire is a night to remember. 

• Friendship is everlasting.

• One tin soldier rides away… 

• Everyone is a winner. 

• Setting inner goals will truly help you succeed and progress in life. 

• Getting thrown in the lake isn’t so bad after all. 

• Get your sleep, you’ll need it.

• Look on the bright side.

• HAVE FUN!!! 

A while ago, I went up to a friend and asked him how he does it, always being so happy and cheerful. Here is what he told me. He said that when he wakes up in the morning, he has two options: He can either be in a good mood, or be in a bad mood; he chooses to be in a good mood. He said that when someone comes to him with a problem, he looks at it two ways: He can either agree with the person and complain with them, or look on the bright side and find ways to solve the problem; he looks on the bright side. Ever since I talked to him, I’ve chosen to live just like him, and always look at the bright side of things. If everyone were just like this friend of mine, the world would be a much happier place.