Camp Jackson

Since 1916, YMCA Camp Jackson has been providing campers with high quality programming focused on helping youth become more confident and developing character by learning new lifelong skills, forming relationships and building a healthy community.

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6/17/20

Good morning,

We hope this message finds your family healthy and enjoying your summer.

Although camps did get the Governor's approval to open on Monday, the guidelines from the CDC are still in the draft phase and will not be complete until the week of June 22nd.

Because of the delays in opening and the lack of guidance regarding health care, we feel like the most prudent step to take is to cancel YMCA Camp Jackson for the summer of 2020. This will include all sessions in July and August.

We know that this is devastating news for many of you, as it was for us. We understand this adds to a long list of changes you and your family are facing this year, but we want to continue to work with you to the best of our ability. Below are your options for the fees you’ve already paid toward your camp experience.

Roll-over to 2021: We plan on twice the fun in 2021 and would love to have you reserve your spot for next summer.
Refund: We know some of our families will need the deposits returned and we want to work with you.
Sustainability Fund: This unrestricted fund will help Camp Jackson operate through the remainder of the year and ensure we can continue on into the future.

Please let us know which decision is best for your family by emailing [email protected] and we will get those changes made.

While we wish we did not have to make this decision, we feel that it is the only one left to us. Please know we will miss the friendships, growth, laughter, and memories of camp.

Sincerely,

Douglas Lauritzen
Executive Director of Camping
YMCA Camp Jackson

Resources
We know this is a difficult message to read, and we are deeply saddened to deliver it. Below are ideas to help with conversations with your campers:

Talk with your child about the cancellation of camp. When talking to your child about this or any difficult news, first remember that you know your child best. Try to digest the news yourself before talking to your camper. Below are some tips that can help guide you.

Acknowledge their feelings. Ask open-ended questions and Expect a range of emotions, including disappointment, anger, sadness, grief or even relief. Most of us, including our children, have experienced a lot of canceled plans, and adding yet another disappointment to the list may feel overwhelming. Acknowledge that it is frustrating to suffer yet another loss.
Ask: What would help? When your camper is ready, ask them to think about what they can do to cope. What are some things that your child can do to share their favorite parts of camp with your family? Maybe they can teach you a game from camp or camp song. Is there a camp meal you can make at home? Not every child will feel better by doing camp activities at home, so let them be the guide. Remember, it may take time for your child to process their feelings to get to a place where they can think about pro-actively moving forward.
Check-in again. Over the next few days, gently ask how they’re doing and see if they need more support. Try to remember to ask again as you get closer to the days when camp would have started.

This article offers help with one of the biggest challenges of parenthood, explaining bad things in the world. How to talk to your Children When Bad Things Happen

At Camp Jackson, our goals are centered around helping each camper: learn to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle, learn about social responsibility through environmental stewardship, community living and working with one another in a group setting, develop and learn new skills to help improve their sense of self worth and confidence and develop new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Campers choose their sessions based on age and interest. Campers eight to 12-years-old campers will participate in traditional Base Camp while those campers 13 to 17 can choose from Teen Base, Adventure or Leadership Programs.

Rules and Expectations:

Welcome to Camp! Please respect all rules and expectations while you are on YMCA Camp Jackson property. All rules and expectations apply whether you are staying in our cabins, in your RV or Camper, or at your tent site.

Driving and Parking: Driving is not recommended after you have moved into your cabin or campsite. While on camp property, we recommend that you walk because of the blind turns and to respect the other participants.

No Fires: Due to the current fire ban, there are no fires of any kind allowed. There are also no fireworks or sparklers.

Smoking: Due to the state of the current fire ban, all smoking must happen in your car. Smoking is not permitted outside or in camp buildings.

Alcohol: Alcohol must be kept to a minimum and strictly social. Any person who is under the influence and disruptive will be asked to leave.

Cooking: All camping cooking must happen outside over a stove with a shut off valve. To keep wildlife out of camp, please do not store food outside or leave it sitting around. All food should be kept inside your cabin or RV or in a bear bag.

Leave No Trace: All human waste needs to be disposed of using the bathhouse or utilizing proper LNT techniques.

Firearms: Please do not bring your personal firearms to camp. We will provide .22 rifles at the shooting range during scheduled times.

Hiking: Before hiking, please check-in at the Dining Hall to let us know where you are headed.

Photos: Photos should be of your group only. Please do not photograph other participants.

ATV’s: ATVs are allowed on roads, but please be respectful of people who are out hiking. Trails are not accessible by ATV. The speed limit on camp property is 5 MPH.

Pets: All pets must be controlled on a leash.

Wildlife: Camp Jackson has various wild animals that might wander onto camp property. Remember to give them space and respect them because you are in their home.

Onboard Temperature Checks and Pre-Screen: When you arrive at Camp Jackson and every morning before breakfast, we will do a pre-screening and temperature check before anyone enters the Dining Hall.

COVID-19: Please maintain the 6’ social distancing at camp and stay with your family during meals and activities. If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please check out immediately and we will refund your money on a prorated basis.

Thank you for choosing Camp Jackson
Enjoy your stay in the Mountains!

2020 Summer Family Camp

Camp may have been canceled but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy Camp Jackson! Explore our beautiful property with your family this summer! We are now offering tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Sign up for activities, meals, and get the camper experience as a family.

The bus runs to and from YMCA Camp Jackson every Sunday and Friday for $15 each way. Leave the YMCA of Pueblo at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and return on Friday at 6:00 p.m.

**Want to make it a two-week program? Choose our one-week camps July 5th-10th and 12th-17th or July 19th-24th and 26th-31st. Register for the holdover and your one-week session becomes a two week!

Base Camp (Ages 7-14)

Base Camp Ages 7-12

Our traditional Base Camp is for campers ages 7-12 and this is where your child's camping traditions begin. Campers that sign up for our Base Camp program will be put into gender specific cabins with 8-12 children of similar ages/grades and will enjoy age appropriate activities led by their two counselors. As your child progresses in age, the camp program will progress along with them; adding adventures and challenges along the way.

Mornings are spent learning new skills in our Creative and Skills Blocks. These blocks are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Please register early! The afternoons are spent as a cabin group trying new activities and experiencing the great outdoors. On Wednesday night, every cabin will go on our "Packout" where they sleep under the stars and cook over a campfire.

$500 Y Member / $600 Non-Member

Weekly beginning on Sunday, July 5th – August 14th

Teen Base Camp Ages 13-14

This program is for those campers ages 13-14 who are beginning to shift from Base Camp into Adventure Camp. While these campers follow the Base Camp schedule, and will select both a Skills and Creative Block, they will be sleeping in the Teen Center. They'll also participate in select "teen only" activities. Thought of the day, cabin activities and evening devotions are co-ed and age appropriate for young teens.

$500 Y Member / $600 Non-Member

Weekly beginning on Sunday, July 5th – August 14th

Home School Mini Camp Ages 7-15

This program is intended as an introduction to the camping world. These campers will have an opportunity to try each Skill Block as well as rotate through the Creative Blocks. This program will have all the adventure of traditional base camp without the Wednesday night packout. The teen program will be co-ed and will utilize the high and low ropes course. The Adventure Camp will try their hand at basic rock climbing and white water rafting, while interacting with campers their age. Devotions, campfire and thought for the day will provide campers a chance to bond with other campers who are in the same phase of life.

Home School Mini Camp

$250 Y Member / $300 Non-Member

CANCELED for 2020 season

Adventure Mini Camp

$300 Y Member / $350 Non-Member

CANCELED for 2020 season

Skills Blocks

Learning new skills is one way that campers at YMCA Camp Jackson will grow in confidence and character. When registering, please indicate your first and second choice so that we can best place your camper. These Skills Blocks are on a first come, first serve basis.

Survival - These campers will spend time learning the basic skills required to survive in the forest. They will cover shelter building, fire starting, water purification and basic hiking first aid. This skill block will also cover Leave No Trace principles such as: know before you go and minimum impact camping.

Horsemanship - This program is designed to introduce campers to Western horsemanship and the responsibilities of care for large animals. Campers in this program will split their time between lessons in the arena and trail rides throughout the property. Be sure to send your camper with extra pants and a pair of good closed-toed shoes.

Marksmanship - With an emphasis on safety and responsibility, both on and off the range, this program uses: BB guns, .22 rifles and archery equipment to teach basic marksmanship skills using methods such as breath control and aiming techniques. Campers will also learn about proper care of equipment and target scoring. All instructors are top quality and certified by an NRA Range Safety Officer.

Mountain Sports - Campers spend time at Lake Beckwith canoeing and rock climbing toward Crockett Falls, and orienteering. Backpacking and camping skills will be taught based on the Leave No Trace ethics. This is the ultimate Skills Block for outdoor enthusiasts.

Creative Blocks

In addition to Skills Blocks, YMCA Camp Jackson offers campers time in Creative Blocks where they can focus on self expression and personal interests in a less structured setting.

The Arts - This is for all those campers who love to express themselves artistically. Daily choices may include arts and crafts, dance, drama or skits. You may find yourself in the middle of a flash mob or spending quiet time doing nature sketching. Whatever you're doing, it'll be fun and creative!

Group Games - For all those campers who would rather be moving and doing, this block will keep you busy at all times. Choose between the Gaga Pit or a rousing game of Ultimate Frisbee. If you're feeling medieval, you may opt to build cardboard armor and do some Boffer jousting. You might even create your own game!

Science and Ecology - Want to learn more about our environment and where we fit in? Do you love asking questions and finding answers? This creative block is for all the upcoming scientists who enjoy doing hands on activities. You can build sand volcanoes and watch them erupt, go on a hike to find geodes and break them open and build catapults and launch sponges.

Pioneers - Campers will choose from activities that will make them feel like pioneers. A day may include an exploration hike with fort building or choose to learn about animal tracking. These campers can go rock climbing, pan for gold or shoot sling shots. You never know what your day will bring, but be ready for anything!

Adventure Camps (Ages 13 - 17)

Teen Adventure Ages 13-15

Teen Adventure Camps at YMCA Camp Jackson are designed to help our young people grow into responsible adults. Social responsibility, self confidence, community building and character development are at the root of all of our Teen Programs. Tailored for the older camper, Adventure Camps are a natural extension of the Base Camp experience. Adventure programs recognize the developing needs of teens for more adventure and challenge. This is a unique camping experience, enhancing the development of: outdoor living skills, natural awareness, and close relationships with others. With our wide variety of activities, there's bound to be something for everyone. Options for Teen Adventure Camps are Rafting, Climbing, Horsemasters, Survival or Combo.

High School Adventure Camps Ages 15-17

High School Adventure camps are a unique experience intended to take our Teen Adventure programs to the next level. Using the same activities and schedule as Teen Adventures, we tailor this program to focus specifically on teens in high school and the challenges that they face. Leadership, self-esteem and group work are just a few of the areas that campers will explore and grow in. Daily activities provide youth an opportunity to tackle new skills and take healthy risks that will inherently build confidence and assurance. Campfires, devotions and thought for the day are all times where campers can develop the deeper relationships necessary to feel connected and understood in their community. Options for High School Adventure Camps are Rafting or Climbing.

Rafting

Our Rafting Adventure Camp features a two day white water rafting experience that is sure to suffice for teens seeking adventure. Campers spend two days rafting down the Arkansas and will camp overnight on its banks. These campers will experience the chilling spray from classic rapids that leave them soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear. Paddlers will also participate in our high ropes challenge course and learn basic rock climbing techniques.

$600 Y Member / $700 Non-Member

Ages 13-15: July 19th - 24th and August 9th - 14th

Ages 15-17: July 5th - 10th

Climbing

The Climbing Adventure Camp is filled with climbing, climbing and more climbing. Campers begin to learn the basics of top roping on Camp Jackson property and advance to an over-night packout where they will descend into Goliath Gorge in the San Carlos area to climb on the "The Slab." This rigorous climbing adventure will be led by experienced staff whose first priority is your campers safety. Campers will also participate in a half day rafting trip, high and low ropes, as well as traditional camp activities.

$550 Y Member / $650 Non-Member

Ages 13-15: July 26th - 31st and August 2nd - 7th

Ages 15-17: July 12th - 17th

Horsemasters

For those campers who can't get enough of horses, the Horsemasters participants will get in at least one ride every day. Campers will spend time receiving basic riding instruction in the arena, as well as take to the trails. For pack out, riders will load their gear onto their horses and hit the trail for their campsite where humans and horses will spend the evening together under the stars. Horsemasters will also spend time on the high and low ropes challenge course learning team-building skills, as well as join in with camp to participate in activities such as evening programs and campfires.

$600 Y Member / $700 Non-Member

Ages 13-15: July 26th - 31st

Combo

Combo Adventure Camp puts them all together in a two-week challenge that offers rafting, climbing, and riding as well as our traditional activities in a back-to-back session. Campers in this program should be prepared to do THREE overnight trips; one on the river, one climbing, and a weekend trek.

$1,000 Y Member / $1,100 Non-Member

Ages 13-15: July 5th - July 17th

New This Year! - Survival Camp

Because our Survival Skills block has been such a huge hit, we're adding an Adventure Program based on the same theme. The first half of the week, this program will take shelter building, water purification, and orienteering to the next level of instruction. On Wednesday morning, they will head on pack out where they will go "off-road" into the forest where they must rely on their new skills as they are placed in "situations" that they must contend with. They will also learn some basic first aid that can be critical when spending time in the wilderness. Campers will also participate in high and low ropes, as well as traditional camp activities.

$500 Y Member / $600 Non-Member

Ages 13-15: July 19th - 24th and July 26th - 31st

Leadership Camps (Ages 13-17)

Leaders In Training Ages 14-15

This is the first step of our leadership ladder. This program introduces teens to interacting with groups and teaches them how to bring a group of individuals together to work towards an agreed-upon goal. Their first week is spent learning about their leadership style, how they work with others, and what their passions are.

During their second week at camp, they will put their skills into action as they work with the younger cabins and lead activities, campfires, or games. LIT's will learn about group dynamics as they work together to brainstorm, plan, and complete a service project. We hope that you will be amazed at the growth of your camper when they return from their two-week adventure! These campers will participate in low and high ropes as well as evening programs. They must be prepared for three packouts during their two-week stay.

$800 Y Member / $900 Non-Member

July 5th - 17th

Counselors In Training Ages 15-17

The Counselors In Training program is step two on the ladder and is designed to train young men and women for potential future employment as a counselor with YMCA Camp Jackson. Our training will emphasize understanding children, respecting diversity, developing leadership, and teaching values. CIT's will spend their first week learning about counseling skills and the different activities that camp offers. In their second week of the program, CIT's will shadow counselors and assist in working with campers in a cabin.

The CIT's complete the passage into leadership with a 3-day, 2-night trek to the summit of Greenhorn Mountain. Our intention is that these campers return from the CIT program prepared to be leaders in their community. These campers will participate in low and high ropes as well as evening programs. They must be prepared for three packouts during their two-week stay. To participate as a 15-year-old, campers must have completed the LIT program.

CIT CERTS: This 2-week session focuses on the Certifications and in-depth training you will need to become a counselor at YMCA Camp Jackson. By the end of the first week, you will be certified in First Aid/CPR, Child Abuse Prevention, Belaying, Blood Borne Pathogens, and OSHA Safety. The second week will be spent in the cabins assisting counselors and applying your training. CIT's must be 16 or have completed the LIT training to register.

$800 Y Member / $900 Non-Member

August 2nd - 14th

CIT P&P: This two-week session focuses on the Principles And Practices behind working with youth. We will discuss driving camp culture, the best practices for youth development, and how to best utilize your leadership style when working with groups of campers. The second week is spent in cabins assisting staff as you learn how to become a camp counselor. CIT's must be 16 or have completed the LIT training to register.

$800 Y Member / $900 Non-Member

July 19th - 31st

CREW Ages 16-17

The third step to our leadership ladder is the CREW program. To participate in CREW, prior completion of TWO LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS is required. This program can be a life-changing experience for high school students as it opens their eyes to their world. By focusing on service to others, campers develop emotional maturity and responsibility.

By focusing on service to others, campers develop emotional maturity and responsibility. Each camper spends their day assisting in every aspect of camp, learning what it means to serve others, and making huge impacts on the lives of younger campers. CREW members receive evaluations and critical feedback as they are mentored by the leadership staff at Camp Jackson to be a champion for youth development.

By the end of this two-week program, CREW members who are interested will now be prepared to return the next summer as a volunteer counselor!

$200 Y Member / $300 Non-Member

July 5th - 17th and July 19th - 31st and August 2nd - 14th