Overnight Camps FAQs

Yes, campers can request up to two cabinmates on their supplemental registration forms on Playerspace. Cabinmate requests must be submitted two weeks prior to your camp session, and be mutual, meaning both parties must submit a request for them to be honored. We do not accept cabinmate requests through email. Due to the volume of cabinmate requests we receive, it is possible that your request may not be granted. Although we try our best to fulfill as many as possible, please prepare your camper for the fact that their request may not happen. Once cabin assignments have been completed, no changes are possible.

Recommended talking points at home:

1. Shared experiences build strong bonds: Even if your camper doesn’t get their requested cabinmates, they’ll still be surrounded by kids their age, doing the same activities and sharing meals, games, and adventures. These shared experiences often lead to fast friendships.
2. Choice Activities: Your camper will be able to choose activities and can coordinate with their friends to spend time together during activity blocks.
3. Counselors foster connection from the start: Icebreakers, name games, and team-building activities happen right away to help campers feel comfortable and connected. No one is left out, and friendships form quickly.
4. Camp friendships often last beyond summer: Many campers return year after year and stay in touch with friends they met in cabins. Sometimes, the best camp memories come from meeting someone totally new!

Unfortunately, no. Cabinmate requests are often feel important to campers and their families, and we don't prioritize any family over another. Cabinmate requests are just that, requests, and we try our very best to fulfill as many as possible. We do not accept cabinmate requests through email, and no changes can be made to assigned cabins. 

• Age: Often our cabins are made up of campers who are the same age, or very close in age. We cannot make exceptions for siblings or family members who are different ages.
• Number of Requests: If the number of requests for your campers age group is high, we may not be able to fulfill all of the requests.
• Non-Mutual Requests: In order to be placed together, the request must be mutual in our system.
• Large Group Requests: Our maximum for requests is 2 campers, beyond that and it is very difficult to fulfill, and can throw of the dynamics of the cabin.
• Email Requests: We do not accept cabinmate requests through email. We receive a large volume of emails during the summer months, and require all cabinmate requests to be made through our supplemental forms in Playerspace to help our team stay organized and on top of important emails. 

You will find out at check in if your cabinmate request was able to be fulfilled. Due to this, please prepare your camper with the talking points above that there is a possibility that their request was unable to be fulfilled. No changes can be made to cabin assignments at check in. 

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 at [email protected].

We're here to help ensure your camper has a safe, healthy, and fun experience!

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.

Campers will choose from 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 (11+)
Gaga Ball
Gardening 
Hikes 
Field Games 
Low Ropes 
High Ropes (11+)
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor/Adventure Skills
Shelter Building 
STEAM Projects
Soccer
Street Hockey
Swimming
Tie-Dyeing 
Water Games
Dance
Yoga 
Woodshop
Drama
Ultimate Frisbee
Axe Throwing (13+)
Slingshot Course (11+)
Teambuilding Games

We strive to make it a special day for every camper who has a birthday at camp. We announce birthdays at our morning flag meetings for the whole camp, and have them sing a camp themed happy birthday jingle. Often, individual cabins will do special things for their fellow cabinmates with birthdays as well.

6 Day Mini Camps & Traditional Overnight Camps
7:30AM – Wake Up 
8:15AM – Morning Flag
8:30AM – Breakfast
9:15AM – Activity Block 1
11:00AM – Activity Block 2
12:30PM – Lunch
1:15PM – Rest Hour
2:30PM – Activity Block 3
3:45PM – Snack
4:15PM – Cabin Program Block
5:45PM – Evening Flag
6:00PM – Dinner
7:15PM – Evening Program
8:45PM – Reflection & Bedtime Routine
9:30PM – Lights Out

Teen Adventure Camp – Classic
When on-site, this program will follow the traditional overnight camp schedule above. Their trips off-site include:
Hiking & camping at a local state park and campground
Rock climbing at Castle Rock
Rafting on the America River with Beyond Limits
When camping off-site, participants will camp “cowboy style” under the stars and learn to cook their own food with the support of counselors and the Teen Adventure Camp leadership team.

Teen Adventure Camp – Waves & White Water
When on-site, this program will follow the traditional overnight camp schedule above. Their trips off-site include:
Rafting on the America River with Beyond Limits
Surfing and camping at Manresa State Park with Club Ed Surf School
Kayaking with Kayak Connection
When camping off-site, participants will camp “cowboy style” under the stars and learn to cook their own food with the support of counselors and the Teen Adventure Camp leadership team.

Teen Adventure Camp Mini – Classic
When on-site, this program will follow the traditional overnight camp schedule above. Their trips off-site include:
Hiking and camping at a local state park and campground
When camping off-site, participants will camp “cowboy style” under the stars and learn to cook their own food with the support of counselors and the Teen Adventure Camp leadership team.

Teen Adventure Camp Mini – Beach Waves
When on-site, this program will follow the traditional overnight camp schedule above. Their trips off-site include:
Surfing and camping at Manresa State Park with Club Ed Surf School
When camping off-site, participants will camp “cowboy style” under the stars and learn to cook their own food with the support of counselors and the Teen Adventure Camp leadership team.

Coming Soon - Leaders In Training (LIT)
Coming Soon - Counselors In Training (CIT)

Yes! While most activities at camp are open to campers of all ages, we do have a few exceptions:
• Rock-climbing wall is for campers who are 11+ years old.
• High ropes course is for campers who are 13+ years old.
• Axe throwing activity is for campers who are 13+ years old.
• Slingshot course is for campers who are 11+ years old
• Water slide is for campers who pass the swim test, and do not have any metal on their swimsuit (this can damage our slide).

We have over 50 staff that work at camp each season! 

• Junior Camp Counselors: These are teens who are 16-17 years old and have gone through our Teen Leadership program and are learning how to be camp counselors.
• Camp Counselors: These staff are 18+ years old, have previous experience working with youth, and are excited to be the main caretakers for our campers during their stay with us.
• Unit Leaders: These staff are usually 21+ and have previous summer camp experience. They are members of the camp leadership team and directly supervise our counselors. They provide endless support to our camp community.
• Assistant Directors: We have several Assistant Directors at camp, that all support a different area of our programming. These staff are 21+ and have previous camp leadership experience. They support the Camp Director in making sure camp is running smoothly.
• Camp Director: We have a year-round Camp Director who is passionate about camp and committed to making sure each camper that visits YMCA Camp Campbell has a magical experience. She supervises all of our overnight camp programs and preps all year to ensure smooth camp operations. She can be reached at [email protected]

You must be 18 years old to work at camp, but we invite our 16-17 year olds to join our Teen Leadership Program as a Leader in Training, Counselor in Training, or Junior Counselor. For more information, please reach out to our Camp Director at [email protected].

All of our staff attend 1-2 weeks of staff training, depending on their role, and are all certified in CPR. Some roles require additional certifications, such as our lifeguard, ropes team, and teen adventure camp team.

All new and returning staff are interviewed by our year-round team, undergo a background check and fingerprinting, and submit 5 references. We take camper safety seriously, and these steps help us make sure we're hiring the right folks to make summer camp safe, fun, and inclusive for all campers. 

Please feel free to visit our careers page here.

If you have any questions about open roles, please reach out to our Camp Director at [email protected].

For the safety of our campers and staff, we do not allow the exchange of contact information, including social media handles between staff and campers. 

We do not allow our camp staff to babysit campers unless you have a prior existing relationship with them before your camper attended Camp Campbell. 

Follow this YMCA Camp Campbell Packing List

• Sleeping bag/bedding
• Pillow
• Sweatshirt and/or jacket (nights can be chilly)
• T-shirts
• Long Pants
• Shorts
• Underwear
• Socks
• One pair of hiking boots or one pair of tennis shoes (all shoes must be closed toe)
• Flip Flops (for shower time and pool only)
• Pajamas
• Swim Gear
• Sun hat
• Towels (for shower and pool)
• Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hairbrush, and other personal care items
• Lip balm
• Sun block
• Bug repellant (no aerosol or DEET)
• Water Bottle
• Backpack
• Flashlight
• Camera (disposable is best)
• Journal
• Formal wear for end of camp dinner (Last Thursday of camp)
• Positive Attitude! 

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. An exception can be made for Kindles, as long as they are not connected to the internet and have no camera. 
 

No, cell phones and smart watches 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 and smart watches at home. Possession of a cell phone or smart watch during camp may lead to dismissal without a refund.

Our Teen Adventure Camp participants should bring all of the items listed above for traditional camp, as well as the following.

• Hiking boots AND tennis shoes (broken-in is best - no one wants blisters!)
• Extra socks
• Base layers
• Long pants
• Trekking poles (if you have them - recommended but not required)
• Dry bag (if you have one - recommended but not required)
• Backpack (if you have one - we have extra if your camper needs to borrow one)

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's first and last name, session dates and cabin name when sending your camper mail. Campers receive mail daily, and the cut-off time to send mail by email is by 10:00AM on the last Thursday of each session.

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 include the camper's first and last name, session dates and cabin name. 

Please do not send food. Campers are not allowed to have it in their cabins.

We will send out drop off and pick up instructions to guardians two weeks 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 recommendation 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 their proper owner.
 

We sell souvenirs, such as hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, flashlights, water bottles, and toiletries. We do not sell food, candy or drinks. The camp store is not open during campers stay but will be open during camper drop-off. Visit the store together to pick something out or grab a gift on your way out to surprise your camper with at pick up!

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.