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
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!