Overnight Camp is full of traditional outdoor activities like campfires, hikes, skits and the chance to sleep under the stars. Campers disconnect from technology and distractions of outside life, offering an unforgettable positive experience.
Here at camp, our number one priority is providing a safe, positive camper experience. We believe that campers are most successful when given the opportunity to push themselves out of their comfort zones and discover in themselves resiliency, responsibility and confidence.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page or view the Overnight Camp Parent's Guide.
(Ages 7-16) Our two-week program emphasizes growth and strengthening character values in all campers. Whether it is playing an all-camp game, learning new skills in an activity session, eating meals in the dining lodge, or dressing up, campers form meaningful relationships, try new things, and have tons of fun. Camp is full of traditional outdoor activities like campfires, hikes, skits and songs, cabin cheers and the chance to sleep under the stars. Over two weeks, campers disconnect from the technology and distractions of outside life.
(Ages 7-16) Not quite ready for a full camp session We offer a six-day, five-night program to introduce campers to camp and our program, and to get them ready for the full two weeks of camp. Campers spend their week doing fun activities, making lasting friendships, and living in a cabin with other campers of similar ages.
| Camp | Dates | Pricing (Y Members / Non-Members) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 5: 6-Day Mini-Camp | July 20-25, 2025 | $975 / $1,025 | CAMP FULL - JOIN WAITLIST |
| Session 6: 6-Day Mini-Camp | July 27 - August 1, 2025 | $975 / $1,025 | CAMP FULL - JOIN WAITLIST |
| Session 7: 6-Day Mini-Camp | August 3-8, 2025 | $975 / $1,025 | CAMP FULL - JOIN WAITLIST |
(Ages 13-16) Our classic adventure camp is for teens ready to take the next step in outdoor living during an action packed two-weeks. Campers will stay in our canvas platform tents during their time at camp and experience a range of outdoor activities including cowboy-style camping (sleeping under the stars), hiking, climbing and rafting. This program promotes responsibility for oneself and their environment all while making lifelong friends.
(Ages 13-16) Our waves and whitewater adventure camp is for teens who want to conquer the raging waters, and shred the gnar. This program centers around water specific activities that include surfing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Campers will stay in our canvas platform tents during their time at camp and experience a range of outdoor activities including cowboy-style camping (sleeping under the stars) during their time off-site. In order to participate in the program, campers must pass a swimming proficiency check.
(Ages 16-17) This skill-based training program prepares teens to work as camp counselors, while working on a service project to ensure all youth have the opportunity to attend camp. The first two weeks focus on camper development, communication, leadership, activity planning, safety and relationship building. In the second half, CITs get more involved directly with camp, including spending a week putting their newly developed skills into practice by working alongside our counselors with our young campers. Note: The 4-Week CIT program is comprised of two 1-week sessions and one 2-week session. This means your camper will have two breaks in the middle of the camp where CITs will need to be picked up and dropped off to return home for a weekend.
(Ages 15-16) Our Leader in Training program develops character and critical thinking skills for older teens. Teens will build confidence through developing leadership and teamwork skills. Leaders In Training (LITs) participate in team building, high ropes challenge activities, service projects to beautify camp, and workshops to hone goal-setting and self-reflection skills.
We are located at 16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, about 45 minutes away from San Jose.
We’re located in Boulder Creek, CA and it’s typically sunny with day temperatures between 80°F and 100°F. The mornings and evenings are usually cool. We recommend campers pack layers when attending camp.
Campers can receive mail two ways. Please make sure to include the camper first and last name, session dates and cabin name when sending your camper mail. Campers receive mail daily.
Physical mail can be sent to your camper at 16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA, 95006.
Campers can also receive mail via email. Email can be sent to your camper at [email protected], please ensure you put the camper first and last name, session dates and cabin name.
Please do not send food. Campers are not allowed to have it in their cabins.
Please remember to put your child’s first and last name, and session number on the mail. Send it to 16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006.
You may also email your camper at [email protected]. Please be sure to put the child’s first and last name, cabin number and session number in the subject of the email. Emails will be distributed daily, but campers are unable to email back.
Yes, campers may request a cabin mate on their supplemental registration forms. Cabin mate requests must be mutual to be honored. We will try our best to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee cabin assignments. Depending on the age of everyone enrolled in a given session, it is possible that a few months separation in age may be the difference in a cabinmate request being accommodated.
Camp will send out drop off and pick up instructions to parents the week before camp starts.
Although we appreciate your gratitude, please do not tip your child’s camp counselor. Instead, consider making a donation to our camp scholarship fund in the camp counselor’s honor. Our scholarship fund makes camp possible for children and teens from low-income families. Another option for a tip: write a letter of reference that the camp counselor can use for upcoming college or job applications.
No, we do not allow parents to visit during the camp session as it disrupts your child’s adjustment to camp. We encourage you to communicate to campers via letters or emails sent to [email protected].
For the most part, we do not allow calls home. Calls to home make a camper’s adjustment to camp more difficult. Parents may call camp to speak with camp staff about your child’s well-being. We encourage you to communicate with your child via letters or emails sent to [email protected].
Laundry services are not available for campers. Additionally please be sure to label all clothing and belongings so that we can return any misplaced items to its proper owner.
We sell souvenirs, such as hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, flashlights, water bottles, and toiletries. We do not sell food, candy, and drinks. The camp store is not open during the campers stay but care packages may be ordered by parents and delivered to campers during their stay at camp.
Camp does have a lost and found, during camp campers should ask their camp counselor for help identifying lost items. During check out please check our lost and found for your missing items. We strongly encourage families to label all personal belongings, bedding etc. before coming to camp to make it easier to return lost and found items.
If your child is waitlisted you will not be charged the deposit for camp. If/when a spot opens up and your camper is next on the waitlist we will send you an email confirming you are still interested in the camp. If you confirm your camper would like to attend you will be charged the deposit and billing will be set up.
Campers rave about the food at YMCA Camp Campbell! We serve three well-balanced meals daily, featuring a variety of options to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs. Our extensive salad bar is available at both lunch and dinner.
We offer gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan alternatives to ensure all campers have delicious and nutritious meal options. Our chef and kitchen staff work hard to create a menu that not only meets nutritional standards but also appeals to children and teens alike.
When filling out camp paperwork, please be sure to indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions. We serve thousands of meals each year and have a proven, well-established system in place to ensure the safety of all campers. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected]. Our food service director and camp nurse will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your child's needs.
Yes! At YMCA Camp Campbell, your child's health and safety are our top priorities. Our Health Cottage is centrally located and staffed 24 hours a day while campers are on-site. Our dedicated medical team is always available to provide first aid and administer any necessary medications.
If you have any questions or specific concerns about your camper’s health needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Email: [email protected]
We're here to help ensure your camper has a safe, healthy, and fun experience!
We do our best to accommodate every child’s needs while at camp. We frequently have campers with more involved medical conditions attend and have a great time. Please contact the Health Supervisor to discuss your child’s needs via phone or email.
Phone: 831-338-6382
Email: [email protected]
Please do not send over-the-counter (OTC) medications with your child unless they take them daily (e.g., allergy medication). The Health Cottage is fully stocked with commonly used OTC medications, and our staff is trained to administer them as needed.
Just be sure to indicate on the health form which medications you authorize for use. This helps us provide safe and effective care—no extra packing needed unless it's part of a daily routine.
Yes! If your child takes over-the-counter (OTC) medications regularly—such as daily allergy medication like Zyrtec—please send it with them in the original packaging. All medications, including OTC, must be turned in during the medication intake process at check-in.
Our Health Cottage staff will ensure your child receives their medication as prescribed and on schedule. If you have questions about specific medications or need special instructions followed, feel free to contact us in advance at [email protected].
Yes, potentially. All rescue inhalers must be turned in to the Health Cottage during check-in. This allows our medical staff to properly document the medication and be aware of your child’s needs.
From there, we make a case-by-case decision—in collaboration with parents—on whether the inhaler should stay with the camper for immediate access or be securely stored in the Health Cottage. Our goal is to ensure your child’s safety while supporting their ability to manage their health as needed.
We take severe allergies very seriously and have multiple EpiPens strategically placed throughout camp for quick access in an emergency. Campers’ personal EpiPens are stored securely in the Health Cottage to prevent them from being lost or damaged.
If your child is participating in an off-site activity, such as a hike, their EpiPen will be sent with a trained counselor who will be with them at all times. Our staff is trained to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and respond immediately.
At YMCA Camp Campbell’s Summer Camp, we do not serve nuts, and the majority of our food is sourced from nut-free facilities. However, please note that our kitchen is used for other programs, such as weekend retreats and weddings, where nuts may be present. While we follow strict cleaning and food safety protocols, we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment.
If your child is at risk for anaphylaxis, please be sure to send an EpiPen with their medication and indicate their allergy clearly on the health form. Our staff is trained to recognize allergic reactions and respond quickly to ensure your child’s safety.
Safety is our top priority—day and night. Each village is equipped with a two-way radio that allows staff to contact our healthcare team at any time. While our medical staff may not always be physically inside the Health Cottage, a trained healthcare provider is always on-site and on-call 24/7 to respond quickly to any medical situations.
If a camper needs care during the night, our team will be alerted immediately and respond promptly to provide the appropriate support.
Our top priority is your child’s health and well-being. If your child becomes ill while at camp, our healthcare team will evaluate whether they can safely remain at camp and continue to enjoy the experience without posing a risk to themselves or others. Whenever possible, we’ll treat them on-site with care and support.
Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis, and we will always contact you to keep you informed about your child’s condition and discuss next steps if needed.
Yes. Our healthcare staff ensures that all campers receive their medication as scheduled. Medications are typically administered during meal times and before bedtime, with additional doses provided as needed throughout the day. Campers are always reminded when it’s time to take their medication.
All medications are carefully documented and signed off in detailed medical logs to ensure accuracy, accountability, and consistent care.
Yes, we have a refrigerator in the Health Cottage specifically for storing medications that require refrigeration. Please ensure that any refrigerated medication is transported with ice packs or in a cooler to keep it at the proper temperature during transit to and from camp.
If your child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, they will not be able to attend camp that day. They may return after being fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. We will recheck their temperature upon return to ensure they are healthy enough to rejoin camp activities.
If your child is found to have lice, they must remain at home until it has been professionally treated and eradicated. Proof of treatment from a licensed professional will be required before they are allowed to return to camp.
Please do not send your child to camp if they have had a fever or vomiting within the 24 hours prior to arrival, even if symptoms have improved. This helps us keep all campers and staff safe and healthy.
The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, CA, located about 15 miles from YMCA Camp Campbell. In case of an emergency, local health services and ambulance support are just 3 miles—or about 5 minutes—away, ensuring a quick response if urgent care is needed.
Follow this YMCA Camp Campbell Packing List
Please refrain from sending your child to camp with cell phones, food or candy, knives/firearms, weapons, fireworks, personal sports equipment, pets or animals, aerosol sprays, hair dryers, curling irons, money, alcohol/drugs, cigarettes.
Please label all of your child’s belongings. Lost and found will be displayed on the last day of camp. We will hold lost and found for only two weeks at camp after the session ends.
Yes, we recommend that you bring a pillow and pillowcase, blankets, sheets, and a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are essential as all campers can choose to participate in an outside overnight experience.
No, camp is a place to develop friendships and enjoy camp activities. It’s not about playing with electronic gadgets. Additionally, in our natural outdoor environment, it is difficult to keep electronic equipment safe. For those reasons, be sure to leave your cell phone, iPods/MP3 players, pagers, and stereos at home.
No, cell phones disrupt the camp experience. Camp is about making new friends and enjoying personal, one-on-one interactions with staff and fellow campers. As such, be sure to leave cell phones at home. Possession of a cell phone during camp may lead to dismissal without a refund.
Campers will participate in a scheduled rotation of activities that include camp classics like Archery, Campfires, Swimming and Outdoor Cooking.
Additional Activities Include:
Archery
Arts and Crafts
Basketball
Campfires
Climbing Wall
Fire Building
Football
Gaga Ball
Gardening
Hikes
Field Games
Low Ropes
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor/Adventure Skills
Shelter Building
STEAM Projects
Soccer
Street Hockey
Swimming
Tie-Dyeing
Water Games
We strive to make it a special day for every camper who has a birthday at camp.
Click below to view sample scheduled from our Traditional (2-Week) and Mini (1-Week) Camp schedules.
