Family Camps at YMCA Camp Campbell

Keeping Families Strong and Creating Memories.

Family Camp weekends remove distractions and allow families the freedom to focus solely on one another – creating memories that last a lifetime! 

Bring your family closer together through outdoor fun and teamwork. Enjoy cabin accommodations and a variety of activities in the heart of the redwoods – an ideal way to foster connections in a safe, beautiful and supportive environment. Families of all forms are welcome at the Y, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-families, single parents, LGBTQ+ families and more.

MAKE A DONATION

Camp needs your support more than ever. Join us for a program or make a donation. 

2024 Family Camps

Winter Family Camp Jan 19-21, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Father Child Weekend February 16-18, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Mother Son Weekend March 22-24, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Women's Wellness Weekend (Spring) April 19-22, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Mother Daughter Weekend May 10-12, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Memorial Day Family Camp May 24-27, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Camping and Kayak Trip June 14-16, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Learn to Camp Weekend June 28-30, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Independence Day Family Camp July 5-7, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Camping and Canoe Trip July 12-14, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Labor Day Family Camp August 31 - September 2, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Mother Son Weekend September 20-22, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Mother Daughter Weekend October 18-20, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Women's Wellness Weekend (Fall) November 1-3, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Rainbow Family Camp November 8-10, 2024 REGISTER TODAY
Homemade for the Holidays December 7-8, 2024 REGISTER TODAY

 

HEALTH INFORMATION

What should my family do before coming to camp?

We expect families to complete the following health checks before arriving to camp;

  • Self-monitor your health. Every family member should have their temperature checked before leaving for camp. If a family member has a fever, please do not attend. If you feel symptoms of COVID-19 you are encouraged to stay home.
  • We highly recommend parents/legal guardians of higher-risk campers to consult with medical providers to assess their risk and determine if attending is appropriate.
What procedures will be in place to keep families safe each day?

Parents and staff are expected to monitor all participants for signs of illness;

  • Illness - unable to participate in routine activities or need more care than staff can provide.
  • Fever with behavior changes, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled coughing, unusually tired, persistent crying, etc
  • Diarrhea (within 24 hours after)
  • Vomiting (within 24 hours after)
  • Open sores, rash, signs of infection, etc.
  • Runny nose with colored mucous.
  • New loss of taste or smell

We ask parents/guardians to agree to depart camp if a family member shows any symptoms during program. This statement will require a documented signature during check in. 

The following hand washing protocols will remain in place:

  • Upon wake up 
  • Before meals 
  • After meals 
  • Between program activities 
  • End of Day-along with daily showers 

Sanitizing and cleaning 

  • All hard surfaces will be cleaned at least four times per day. Tables will be wiped down before and after use in the dining area and every program area.
How will meals work?

Family Camp meals will be served buffet style. Meals are only served during designated meal times. Weather permitting meals will be eaten outside.

Cleaning/Sanitizing During Meals:  

  • At the conclusion of each meal, the area will be cleared and the tables will be sanitized.  
  • All plates, cups, silverware, trays and serving utensils will be cleaned and sanitized in the dish room.
What is the refund policy?

If the YMCA initiates the cancellation of a program you can choose to donate your paid amount to support our community support programs, transfer to a future program, maintain a credit on your account, or request a full refund. These options are available to anyone who is actively registered for the program at the time of cancellation. 

If you choose to cancel for any reason, our refund policy is listed below: 
Fees are nonrefundable and non-transferable. Payment in full is required at time of registration. We will refund program fees for cancellations made 30 days prior to the start of the session (less a 25% cancellation fee) or in the event of illness or injury verified by a physician’s statement.

What if someone in my family gets sick while at camp?

We ask that our guests constantly monitor their health before and during the camp program. If you have a fever or show symptoms of COVID-19 you may be asked to leave camp to keep camp staff and guests safe. 

 

Family campers

Family Camps

Family Camps provide you with a fun-filled family getaway without the distractions of daily life. We bring you closer together as you enjoy the outdoor environment. A weekend at camp allows you to be a kid again with your kid! Show them how you have fun, get silly and excited about new activities and adventures. Let us take care of you while you focus on each other. Y staff create the schedule, provide the activities, and cook the meals so you can relax and focus on quality family time.

A Family Camp Weekend includes hot meals, cabin accommodations for your family, and a full schedule of activities ran by our Y staff including but not limited to Archery, Climbing Wall, Swimming, Arts and Crafts Projects, Campfire, Outdoor Cooking Projects, STEM projects and more! Each cabin will also come with basic supplies such as a basketball, soccer ball, and simple arts and crafts supplies.

Sample Family Camps Include: Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July Family Camp Week, and select spring, summer and fall weekends.
Adventure

Adventure/Specialty Camps

Adventure and Specialty Family Camps are the perfect opportunity to discover a new family hobby, get outside of your comfort zone, and explore the outdoors together. Our Adventure and Specialty Family Camps cater for both entire families and parent-child. See the FAQs below for more information.

Sample Adventure Camps Include our Camping and Kayak Weekend, Camping and Canoe, and Learn to Camp Weekend.

Sample Specialty Family Camps Includes our Homemade for the Holidays Overnight Camp.
Camp view

Adult Weekends

Build the weekend experience you need from any number of activities focused on mind, body, and spirit. Whether your goals are to develop a love of fitness, learn ways to find balance in your life or discover a new hobby, our Women's Wellness Weekend has something for you. Build new relationship, enjoy time in the outdoors, and explore some new adventures through a variety of different activities. This weekend is designed to help bring adults of all ages to enjoy time in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains to discover new passions, purpose, and priorities. With so many opportunities we hope you can join us to find your adventure.
Family campers

Parent Child Weekends

Looking for a weekend to create special memories with your son or daughter? Look no further than our Parent/Child Weekends-where the focus is to strengthen and grow together.

A Family Camp Weekend includes 5 hot meals, a cabin shared with other registered families, and a full schedule of activities ran by our Y staff including but not limited to Archery, Hiking, Arts and Crafts Projects, Campfire, Outdoor Cooking Projects, STEM projects and more! Each cabin will also come with basic supplies such as a basketball, soccer ball, and simple arts and crafts supplies.

Sample Parent/Child Weekends Include: Mother Daughter and Mother Son.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
What are your accommodations like?

At YMCA Camp Campbell all of our cabins have bunk beds with twin sized mattresses, electricity, heating, and bathrooms. We have two villages at camp, Brandenburg Village (formerly Treetop) and 49er Village.

Treetop Cabins
ADA accessible cabins located high among the redwood trees
Each heated cabin sleeps 14 people, bunk bed style
Equipped with private showers and electricity

49er Cabins
ADA accessible cabins 
Enjoy our heated circular cabins, sleeping 18 people bunk style
Equipped with private showers and electricity

Are accommodations shared with other families? Can I share a cabin with specific friends or another family or ensure that only my family stays in one cabin?

Yes, cabins are shared between multiple registered families. You are able to request to share cabins with other families you know who are registered for the same weekend. All family members that you register with will be placed in the same cabin.

What should I pack?

We will send out a recommended packing list via email at least one week ahead of camp. This email will also include additional details about your camps. We recommend that you plan to dress in layers because temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, it can rain unexpectedly at camp so rain gear is always recommended. Because we are located among the towering redwoods, please pack clothes and items for possible rain. You will also need to bring warm bedding (sleeping bags, warm blankets, and/or), reusable water bottles comfortable closed-toed shoes, a flashlight, and a positive attitude. Please leave electronics, valuables, and any drugs or alcohol at home. We also recommend labeling your belongings, as many families bring similar looking items.

Where is YMCA Camp Campbell located?

We are located at 16275 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006, about 45 minutes away from San Jose. Most internet map directions, smart phones or in car GPS devices will direct you to use Bear Creek Road. While this route is faster by a few minutes, the road is very narrow and winding and is sometimes closed. We recommend taking the Highway 17 route or the Highway 9 via Saratoga. 

Where do I park when I arrive at YMCA Camp Campbell?

Upon arriving to camp please park in our main lot and observe a site wide 5 mph speed limit. Parking is allowed only in designated spots. Our parking lot is big enough to allow for social distancing room between cars. Please keep this in mind when finding a parking spot in the lot. During check-in hours staff will be on hand to guide you to a parking spot. Please remain in your car and a staff member will come and check you in. Cars must remain in the main parking lot for the weekend. Please plan to move luggage between the parking lot and the cabin. We encourage you to pack only what you can carry or move with a luggage cart. Our parking lot is not next to cabins and you may not drive to the cabins.

What time is check in and check out?

Families will have designated check in times to arrive at camp, so that arrivals are staggered and congregation at the check in area is kept to a minimum. The first check in window will begin at 4:00 pm. In order for our maintenance staff to clean the cabins for our next group's arrival, please plan to have all of your belongings out of your cabin by 10 am on the last day of camp. We cannot accommodate early check-in or late check-out. On the last day of camp during family camp weekends activities will run until 12 pm unless otherwise specified in your welcome email. 

Do you accommodate special dietary needs?

We offer nutritious, family-friendly meals, served buffet-style at designated times. Please be sure to visit our dining area during meal times, as we do not serve food at other times. We can accommodate vegetarian/vegan, lactose free and gluten-free diets; however, we do not have the capacity to prepare special individual meals or take meal requests. If you or your family has any special dietary needs or allergies, please let us know when you register. Our meals are peanut-free, but may contain wheat, soy, egg, dairy or other allergens.

Will my cellphone or tablet work at camp? Is there wifi?

There is minimal cell phone service in camp. There are some carriers that have some signal in portions of the parking lot but generally cell phone service is limited at camp. Wi-Fi is available outside of our Sommer Lodge and Swenson Lodge buildings. Please ask a staff member for assistance. To protect your valuables, we do not recommend bringing expensive electronics, and we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. We do recommend taking the opportunity to unplug, disconnect and enjoy the outdoors.

Are medical services available at camp?

Our camp staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR and can assist with minor medical needs. Several medical centers also are within driving distance of camp, including Kaiser and Sutter Urgent Care options in Scotts Valley, and Dignity Health Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. During the weekend, our health cottage is not open or staffed.

What if there is an emergency at camp?

In case of emergency, please be aware of the following procedures:

  1. An alarm will announce the emergency.

  2. When you hear the alert, everyone should go directly to the brick patio/Garden Side of the Dining Lodge.

  3. We will direct you in the next steps.

If you have an emergency, please contact a staff member immediately.

Does camp have quiet hours?

The Boulder Creek community has mandated quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am seven days a week. Observing their guidelines, things like amplified music, drumming, and loud talking or singing are not permitted during these hours.

Should I bring money to YMCA Camp Campbell?

Money is not required for any activities during camp however the Camp Store may be open during your stay. The Camp Store excepts cash, check or major credit cards. If the Camp Store will be open during your stay that will be communicated at least one week prior to your arrival. 

What are your YMCA Camp Campbell guidelines?
  • Smoking (cigarettes only) is only permitted in designated areas of camp and never in cabins.

  • Please do not move furniture from cabins to any other building.

  • Campfires are only permitted in designated areas.

  • Pets, firearms and fireworks are not permitted at camp.

  • For sanitary reasons, cooking and food storage is not encouraged in the cabins.

  • Alcohol and drugs (including vaping) are prohibited at all YMCA facilities.

About Family Camp Weekends
What are Family Camp Weekends?

Family Camp Weekends at YMCA Camp Campbell both provide the opportunity for you to strengthen your family bonds in a natural, outdoor setting. 

Family Camps provide a full program schedule of activities so that once your family arrives at camp we take care of the rest.

What is included during a family camp weekend?

A Family Camp Weekend includes 5 hot meals, a shared cabin between multiple registered families, and a full schedule of activities from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. Activities are led by our trained Y Staff and include but are not limited to Archery, Climbing Wall, Swimming, Arts and Crafts Projects, Campfire, Outdoor Cooking Projects, STEM projects, S’mores and more! Each cabin will also come with basic supplies such as a basketball, soccer ball, and simple arts and crafts supplies.

Who typically attends family camp weekends?

Families come in all shapes and sizes and from all backgrounds. At the Y, we welcome everyone. Our family programs are open to all ages. We are happy to have your family join us.

How does supervision of children work at a family camp weekend?

Supervision of children is ultimately the responsibility of the adult guardian. We encourage our families attending camp to take this time to focus on your relationship to one another and spend activity time together around camp. Our activities are designed to engage both children and adults in quality time together.

Adventure Family Camps
Where do Adventure Family Camps take place?

We typically have three Adventure Family Camps please check the registration page for updated program listings. The Camping and Kayak Weekend (June 24-26, 2022) will take place at Sunset State Beach Campground around 30 minutes south of Santa Cruz. Our Learn to Camp Weekend (July 8-10, 2022) will take place at Henry Cowell State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our Camping and Canoe Weekend (July 22-24, 2022) will take place in Forestville along the Russian River in Sonoma County. 

Is transportation provided?

To allow each family joining us to have more flexibility, comfort, and convenience with your travel plans, we are asking families to meet us directly at the designated campground. This way it allows our camp staff to get to the campground earlier in the day and have it set up for families arriving. We hope that this allows your family more convenience in travel. It will also give you the flexibility to choose the time of your departure on Friday and also Sunday, giving you the option to stay and explore the area for the day after our staff pack up the campsite to go back to Camp Campbell. 

Do families have to provide their own tents and food throughout the weekend??

Camp Campbell will provide and set up tents for the weekend. Families are responsible for providing their own bedding and pillows. A full packing list will be sent out two weeks before the program. To help with your enjoyment throughout the weekend and let you put your feet up Camp Campbell will be providing and cooking all meals during your weekend. This includes dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. We will also be providing some snacks throughout the weekend but please feel free to bring your own personal snacks to meet your specific family needs.

Registration
When should I register?

Registration for year-round Family Camp Weekends is now open. REGISTER HERE

How do I register?

Registration can be completed online following the below instructions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For Family Camps once you have selected the adult cabin continue answering the questions and signing the waiver for that person. When you are on the check out page click on Continue Shopping to add the child/adult etc. to your cart.

How will I know when my registration is processed?
Once you register online, you’ll receive an automated email from our online registration system. This is your official confirmation. Please check your Junk or Spam folder if you don’t see an email reply from our online registration system. We will send more details about the camp you registered for via email at least one week prior to the camp’s start date.

How will I know when my registration is processed?

Once you register online, you’ll receive an automated email from our online registration system. This is your official confirmation. Please check your Junk or Spam folder if you don’t see an email reply from our online registration system. We will send more details about the camp you registered for via email at least two week prior to the camp’s start date.

What are your cancellation and refund policies?

If the YMCA initiates the cancellation of a program you can choose to donate your paid amount to support our community support programs, transfer to a future program, maintain a credit on your account, or request a full refund. These options are available to anyone who is actively registered for the program at the time of cancellation. 

If you choose to cancel for any reason, our refund policy is listed below: 
Fees are nonrefundable and non-transferable. Payment in full is required at time of registration. We will refund program fees for cancellations made 30 days prior to the start of the session (less a 25% cancellation fee) or in the event of illness or injury verified by a physician’s statement.
 

Camp Programming & Activities
What programming and activities are available?

YMCA Camp Campbell offers amazing opportunities to reconnect with family and enjoy adventures together. We offer a variety of active, outdoor activities for each camp session, with specific programming changing from weekend to weekend.

Common Family Camp weekend activities include archery, climbing wall, outdoor cooking, the pool, gaga ball, arts and crafts, tie dye, campfires, night activities and more. While most of our programming is open to all ages, for everyone’s safety, some require minimal ages or sizes to participate.

For all activities, children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. All of our programming is designed for adults and children to participate together. Get ready to have silly fun, laugh out loud, and be creative

What does a typical family camp schedule look like?

Sample Family Camp Schedule (for Family Camp Weekends only)

Friday
5:30-6:60 pm Check in and move into cabins
6:30-7:30 pm Dinner
7:30-8:00 pm Orientation
8: 00-8: 30 pm Scavenger Hunt 
8:30-9:30 pm Trivia!

Saturday
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am- 12:30 pm Activity session blocks
12:30 pm-1 :30 pm Lunch 
1:30-6:00 pm Activity Session blocks including Pool Time
6:00-7:00 pm Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm S’mores
8:30-9:30 pm Family Campfire (families and staff perform)

Sunday
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast 
9:00-9:30 am Move Out of Cabins 
9:30 am-Noon Open Activities
Noon Check out — see you next time!

When is the pool open? What is a swim check? When is the waterslide open?

The pool will be open during our fall and summer seasons at specific times during camp weekends. Both are closed during the winter. Families will be given designated swim times during Family Camp Weekends.

For safety, children ages 12 and younger will be required to complete a swim check prior to getting in the water. Swimmers that do not meet these requirements, or do not complete the swim check will receive an orange wristband. Orange bands must swim with a parent or guardian (15 years or older) in the water. Parents or guardians must remain within arm’s reach, in the water and can have no more than 2 orange band swimmers.

The swim check consists of two parts:

  1. The swimmer must enter the pool unaided into the shallow water, recover to an upright position, swim the width of the pool twice (there and back, 25 yards), and climb out of the pool. This will gain the swimmer access to the shallow end of the pool up to 3.5 feet mark.
    * In order to qualify for the shallow water wristband, swimmers must be at least 48” tall. If swimmer does not meet the height requirement, they can complete the deep end swim check alternatively.
  2. In order to successfully pass the deep water swim check, swimmers must swim 25 yards with face in the water (without assistance). Then, recover to a back float position and hold for 10 seconds, tread water for 1 minute (head up), and climb out of the pool. Swimmers must also understand pool guidelines.

At the Y, safety is our number one priority. We believe in the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, so please be considerate of others. Please help us by following our pool guidelines and listening to our lifeguards, who have a responsibility to prevent and respond to emergencies. Running, diving, horseplay, and inappropriate language or behavior is not acceptable.