Camp Mission

Our camp community is globally diverse. While 90% of our children come from the 5 boroughs of New York City, in 2008, 26 countries were represented in our camp community. In this peaceful, globally diverse community, campers find a place where they “really belong”. Being in a place where they can be fully who they are in a safe supporting community, allows great growth to occur from a foundation of personal self acceptance.

Self-esteem is fostered through skill development in many new camp activities. Community living skills are learned by living in a close-knit cabin group with children of their own age.

Safety is our number one priority in all we do at camp. Children are continuously engaged in safe adventures that create unmistakable inner feelings of joy.

Staff training emphasizes personal safety and the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Our camp is known for being a "Bully Free Zone.” We partner with nationally known bully prevention expert, Dr. Joel Haber, to thoroughly train our staff with observation and intervention skills to create our bully-free community.

Observing our globally diverse community is almost like looking at a “children’s United Nations.” Living the YMCA core values creates a “unique camp spirit” that supports positive behavior in our camp community.

Core Values

The New York YMCA Camp has four core values, caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our camp community is built upon practicing and exemplifying the values with everything we do.

Caring

Honesty

Respect

Responsibility