What are the benefits of STEM summer programs for teens. How can YMCA Camp Frontier in Snow Camp, NC provide unique STEM experiences. Why are specialized STEM programs for girls important in bridging the gender gap in STEM fields.
The Rise of STEM Summer Programs: Nurturing Future Innovators
In recent years, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summer programs have gained significant popularity among teenagers. These programs offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, providing students with hands-on experiences in various scientific disciplines. YMCA Camp Frontier in Snow Camp, North Carolina, is one such destination that has embraced this trend, offering exciting STEM-focused activities for young minds.
STEM careers currently boast the highest number of job openings and offer impressive entry-level salaries for college graduates. In fact, these positions typically command salaries about 30% higher than average. This growing demand has led to an increase in pre-college summer programs, many of which take place on college campuses, allowing middle and high school students to get a taste of college life while exploring potential STEM career paths.
Why Choose a STEM Summer Program?
STEM summer programs for teens serve multiple purposes:
- They help develop a deeper understanding of core subject areas
- They spark curiosity in students who may only have a marginal interest in STEM subjects
- They provide hands-on experience in scientific concepts and methodologies
- They offer exposure to potential college majors and career paths
These programs are designed not only to educate but also to engage and excite participants, making learning an enjoyable experience.
Exploring the Four Pillars of STEM at YMCA Camp Frontier
YMCA Camp Frontier in Snow Camp, NC, offers a diverse range of STEM-focused activities that cover all four pillars of the STEM framework. Let’s delve into each area and explore the unique opportunities available to campers.
Science: Unleashing Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Science-focused programs at YMCA Camp Frontier aim to enhance students’ grasp of critical scientific concepts through hands-on experiences. These programs emphasize the scientific process, teaching participants how to formulate and test hypotheses effectively.
What scientific disciplines are covered in these programs? Some popular topics include:
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Forensics
- Neuroscience
- Pre-med studies
Technology: Preparing for the Digital Future
In our increasingly digital world, technology-focused STEM programs play a crucial role in boosting teens’ tech proficiency. These programs provide a broad foundation in technology while preparing students for future college studies and potential careers in the field.
What areas of technology are explored at YMCA Camp Frontier? The camp offers programs covering a wide range of topics, including:
- Computer Science
- Coding
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Graphic Design and Web Development
Engineering: Building the World of Tomorrow
Engineering-focused programs at YMCA Camp Frontier are ideal for high school students interested in designing and building things. These programs introduce participants to various engineering disciplines and their real-world applications.
What types of engineering are covered in these programs? Some popular areas include:
- Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Software Engineering
Mathematics: The Foundation of STEM
Mathematics forms the backbone of all STEM fields. YMCA Camp Frontier’s math-focused programs aim to enhance students’ mathematical skills through innovative teaching techniques and practical applications.
How do these programs incorporate mathematics? Math is integrated into various STEM activities, including:
- Physics experiments
- Data analysis in scientific studies
- Coding and algorithm development
- Engineering design calculations
Bridging the Gender Gap: STEM Programs for Girls at YMCA Camp Frontier
Historically, STEM fields have been dominated by men. However, this trend is gradually changing, with more women entering these disciplines. YMCA Camp Frontier recognizes the importance of encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers and offers specialized programs to address this need.
Why are STEM programs for girls crucial? These programs serve several purposes:
- They challenge stereotypes about who can succeed in STEM fields
- They provide role models and mentors for young women interested in STEM
- They create a supportive environment where girls can explore STEM subjects without feeling outnumbered or intimidated
- They help build confidence and skills necessary for future success in STEM careers
YMCA Camp Frontier’s girls-only STEM programs offer young women the opportunity to explore various STEM fields in a supportive and encouraging environment. These programs aim to lay the foundation for future careers in STEM areas by providing hands-on experiences and exposure to diverse scientific disciplines.
The YMCA Camp Frontier Experience: More Than Just STEM
While STEM programs are a significant focus at YMCA Camp Frontier, the camp offers a well-rounded experience that goes beyond academic enrichment. The camp’s location in Snow Camp, North Carolina, provides a unique backdrop for outdoor adventures and team-building activities.
What additional benefits does YMCA Camp Frontier offer? Campers can enjoy:
- Outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, swimming, and sports
- Team-building exercises that foster leadership and communication skills
- Arts and crafts programs to encourage creativity
- Environmental education programs that complement STEM learning
- Opportunities to make lasting friendships with like-minded peers
This holistic approach ensures that campers not only develop their STEM skills but also grow as individuals, fostering personal development and social skills alongside academic enrichment.
Preparing for College and Beyond: The Long-Term Benefits of STEM Summer Programs
Attending a STEM summer program at YMCA Camp Frontier can have far-reaching effects on a student’s academic and professional future. These programs provide valuable experiences that can enhance college applications, inform career choices, and develop essential skills for future success.
How do STEM summer programs benefit students in the long term? Some key advantages include:
- Strengthening college applications by demonstrating a commitment to academic pursuits outside of school
- Helping students make informed decisions about college majors and career paths
- Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any field
- Building a network of peers and mentors in STEM fields
- Gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies and methodologies
By participating in these programs, students gain a competitive edge in college admissions and are better prepared for the rigors of higher education in STEM fields.
The Role of YMCA Camp Frontier in Shaping Future STEM Leaders
YMCA Camp Frontier plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals. By providing engaging, hands-on experiences in a supportive environment, the camp helps ignite passion for STEM subjects and empowers young people to pursue these fields with confidence.
What sets YMCA Camp Frontier apart from other STEM summer programs? Some key factors include:
- A diverse range of STEM programs covering all four pillars: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Experienced instructors and mentors who are passionate about STEM education
- State-of-the-art facilities and equipment for hands-on learning
- A beautiful natural setting that encourages exploration and discovery
- A focus on inclusivity, with specialized programs for girls in STEM
By combining academic rigor with fun, engaging activities, YMCA Camp Frontier creates an environment where young people can discover their potential and develop a lifelong love for STEM subjects.
Navigating the Application Process: How to Join YMCA Camp Frontier’s STEM Programs
For students interested in participating in YMCA Camp Frontier’s STEM summer programs, understanding the application process is crucial. While specific requirements may vary depending on the program, there are general steps and considerations to keep in mind.
What should prospective campers know about applying to YMCA Camp Frontier’s STEM programs? Here are some key points:
- Application deadlines: Be sure to check the camp’s website for current application deadlines, as they may vary by program and can fill up quickly.
- Age and grade requirements: Different programs may have specific age or grade level requirements. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying.
- Required materials: Prepare any necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, or personal statements.
- Financial aid: Inquire about scholarship opportunities or financial assistance programs if needed.
- Program selection: Choose the program that best aligns with your interests and goals in STEM.
Early preparation and careful attention to application requirements can increase your chances of securing a spot in these competitive programs.
Tips for a Successful Application
To strengthen your application to YMCA Camp Frontier’s STEM programs, consider the following advice:
- Highlight your passion for STEM subjects in your personal statement or essay.
- Showcase any relevant extracurricular activities or projects you’ve participated in.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to your abilities and interest in STEM.
- Be honest and authentic in your application materials.
- Start the application process early to ensure you have ample time to gather all required materials.
By putting your best foot forward in the application process, you increase your chances of joining the exciting STEM programs offered at YMCA Camp Frontier.
The Impact of STEM Summer Programs on Career Choices
Participating in STEM summer programs at YMCA Camp Frontier can have a profound impact on students’ future career choices. These programs provide valuable insights into various STEM fields, helping students make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.
How do STEM summer programs influence career choices? Consider these factors:
- Exposure to diverse STEM disciplines: Students gain firsthand experience in multiple areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, helping them identify their strengths and interests.
- Interaction with professionals: Meeting and learning from experts in STEM fields can provide valuable mentorship and inspiration.
- Real-world applications: Understanding how STEM concepts apply to real-world problems can spark interest in specific career paths.
- Skill development: Acquiring practical skills in areas like coding, data analysis, or lab techniques can build confidence and competence in STEM subjects.
- Networking opportunities: Connecting with like-minded peers and professionals can open doors to future internships or job opportunities.
By participating in these programs, students can better understand the vast array of career options available in STEM fields and make more informed decisions about their future academic and professional pursuits.
Success Stories: YMCA Camp Frontier Alumni in STEM Careers
Many former participants of YMCA Camp Frontier’s STEM programs have gone on to pursue successful careers in various STEM fields. These success stories serve as inspiration for current and future campers, demonstrating the long-term impact of these summer experiences.
What kinds of careers have YMCA Camp Frontier alumni pursued? Some examples include:
- Research scientists in fields like biotechnology and environmental science
- Software engineers at leading tech companies
- Aerospace engineers working on cutting-edge projects
- Data scientists analyzing complex datasets for business insights
- Medical professionals applying STEM knowledge to improve patient care
These success stories highlight the potential long-term benefits of participating in STEM summer programs at YMCA Camp Frontier.
Continuing the STEM Journey: Resources for Further Exploration
The journey into STEM doesn’t end when summer camp concludes. YMCA Camp Frontier encourages participants to continue exploring STEM subjects throughout the year. To support this ongoing learning, the camp provides resources and recommendations for further study and engagement in STEM fields.
What resources are available for students to continue their STEM exploration? Some options include:
- Online courses and tutorials in various STEM subjects
- Recommended reading lists for different STEM disciplines
- Information about local STEM clubs and organizations
- Guidance on science fair projects and competitions
- Mentorship programs connecting students with STEM professionals
By providing these resources, YMCA Camp Frontier helps students maintain their enthusiasm for STEM subjects and continue building their knowledge and skills long after the summer program ends.
Staying Connected: The YMCA Camp Frontier STEM Alumni Network
To further support ongoing engagement in STEM, YMCA Camp Frontier maintains an active alumni network for past participants of its STEM programs. This network serves as a valuable resource for continued learning, networking, and career development.
What benefits does the alumni network offer? Some key advantages include:
- Networking opportunities with fellow STEM enthusiasts and professionals
- Access to webinars and virtual events featuring STEM experts
- Information about internship and job opportunities in STEM fields
- A platform for sharing experiences and seeking advice from peers and mentors
- Opportunities to give back by mentoring current camp participants
By fostering this sense of community, YMCA Camp Frontier extends its impact beyond the summer months, creating a lasting support system for young people pursuing STEM careers.
STEM Summer Programs – TeenLife
STEM Summer Programs for Teens
Careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) currently have the most job openings and offer the best entry-level salaries for college grads—estimated to be 30% more than average.
We have researched and curated the largest online collection of summer STEM programs for students in grades 7-12, many of them pre-college summer programs that take place on college campuses. Attending one of these summer STEM programs is a great way for middle and high school students to experience college and learn more about potential STEM career paths.
Why Attend a STEM Program This Summer?
STEM summer programs for teens allow high schoolers to develop their understanding in core subject areas that will matter to them now and in the future. Because summer STEM programs for Teens are created not only to educate but also to be fun, teens who are only marginally interested in STEM subjects will find their curiosity sparked by these kinds of programs.
SCIENCE
Summer STEM programs for teens in the sciences offer hands-on experience designed to increase a students’ ability to grasp critical scientific concepts. Great teen summer science/STEM programs focus on the scientific process and how to formulate and test hypotheses, allowing students to significantly improve their scientific knowledge.
Some example topics for science-related STEM summer programs include:
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Forensics
- Neuroscience
- Pre-med
Jump down to our full list of STEM summer programs
TECHNOLOGY
Summer STEM programs for teens with an emphasis on technology can help teens boost their tech proficiency, both giving them a broad foundation in technology and helping them prepare for future college studies and even careers.
Technology can refer to a huge range of potential studies, covering things as varied as the development of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer hardware and software, drones, robotics, and a lot more.
Some example topics for technology-related STEM summer programs include:
- Aerospace
- Computer science
- Coding
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Electronic Media
- Energy
- Graphic Design Web Design / Video Game Design
- Information systems management
- Machine Learning
ENGINEERING
Summer STEM programs for teens with an emphasis on engineering can be great for high school students who think they may want to work designing and building things.
Engineering can be useful not just in industrial scenarios, like working on an oil rig or a car plant, but also for design-related needs, where an engineer helps the function of an object work within the form imagined by a designer. In some cases, engineers work with inspectors to help them better understand the objects they inspect, sharing both practical and design knowledge.
STEM summer programs with an engineering focus can be a great way for young people who are curious about a future career designing and making things to test the waters, and see if these kinds of studies are a good fit for them.
Some example topics for engineering-related STEM summer programs include:
- Computer engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Software engineering
MATH
Summer STEM programs for teens with a math focus can increase a student’s math skills through study and unique teaching techniques. Teen summer math/STEM programs emphasize one of the most important foundational skills a student can have—mathematics!—while also preparing them for future careers that might involve math.
Some example topics for math-related STEM summer programs include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Physics
- . . . many of the other programs listed above, since math is a key skill required for the majority STEM fields
SUMMER STEM PROGRAMS FOR GIRLS
Historically, far more men than women enter STEM fields.
Why is that?
Because the stereotypical image many people have in their head when asked to picture the kind of person that might work in a STEM field—a person wearing a lab coat, for instance, holding beakers or dealing with complicated computations—is of a man.
But things are changing. More and more women are entering STEM fields. Lana Verschage, director of
Women in Computing at the Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology, says that the number of women in her school’s incoming class has nearly doubled since she started in the position in 2014.
One big thing that is helping include more women in STEM fields is outreach—simply letting women know that there are opportunities out there for them.
Part of this effort has included the growth of STEM summer programs just for girls. These programs offer young women the chance to try out different STEM fields when they’re young, laying the foundation for future careers in STEM areas.
There are also several organizations out there that are empowering young women and encouraging them to enter careers in technology and STEM-related fields.
STEM VS. STEAM
You may have heard of STEM but have you heard of STEAM?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—and it’s the addition of that A for Art that sets STEAM apart from STEM studies.
STEAM summer programs focus not just on developing core STEM skills but also on incorporating creativity into those pursuits.
Research is starting to show that embracing art and adding it to more traditional STEM subjects can help students get excited about subjects they may not have been interested in previously, as well as helping students find creative ways to approach complex problems.
Read more about the benefits of STEAM programs or start browsing our programs today!
NCpedia | NCpedia
The following is excerpted from Camp Bragg and Fayetteville: Sketches of Camp and City. The publication was designed to record the history of the operations of Camp Bragg during World War I.
In the late spring of nineteen hundred and eighteen a commission from the War Department, at the head of which was Major General Wm. J. Snow, visited Fayetteville, North Carolina, and after several days spent in touring the adjacent country, recommended the purchase or lease of land comprising 209 square miles, or 133,760 acres, 184.
3 miles, or 118,000 acres, of which were subsequently acquired and have been converted into an artillery reservation, school and firing range.
Many natural advantages determined the commission upon the adoption of this site, among them and perhaps the most important being the superb climate….
[After the contract was signed] A huge army of workmen flocked to the camp site from all parts of the United States. At first the men were quartered in Fayetteville and the first mess hall serving breakfast and supper was established there. A long train from the city to the siding ten miles north left every morning and returned every evening. Although accommodations at first were perhaps the crudest known to present day railway practice, antequated cattle cars being used, the journey was short and scarcely ever was a complaint heard while the exchange of homely repartee and good natured badinage enlivened each trip.
In a few weeks the bunk houses were completed and a number of mess halls opened on the grounds so that the hardships of the trip to and from Fayetteville no longer had to be endured.
From the start the commissary has been good though plain and for a moderate amount the men have been supplied with good wholesome food. Each of the fifty four bunk houses is one hundred and fifty-four feet long by twenty feet wide and is capable of housing comfortably seventy men. A single iron cot with mattress and springs was allotted each man and the company provided as many blankets to the individual as he required.
The winter having been a mild one, even for this climate, and the bunk houses being supplied with adequate heating facilities, there was practically no suffering on account of the cold. Also, from the very beginning there has been a notable absence of illness and very few deaths, no epidemics and only sporadic cases of pneumonia and other diseases, which speaks volumes when the great wave of influenza that swept over the country is remembered.
For the most part, the character of the men was the best to be found anywhere upon the American continent. A large percentage came from nearby farms and small localities in North Carolina and contiguous states.
Many a farmer left his home after harvest and passed the winter in profitable endeavor. A large number also came from the great labor centers of the north, and these were found to be enterprising and moral. They were for the most part men desirous of spending a delightful winter away from the scenes of vice and lawlessness, with the attendant opportunities for saving the greater part of their earnings. The isolation of the camp ten miles from the nearest town, Fayetteville, enabled comparatively easy enforcement of the prohibition law and there was as a consequence, a minimum of violence and crime. No agitation occurred to mar the peaceful pursuit of the work. This is a remarkable record when the paucity of the military and the almost entire absence of civil authority is considered in the control of a somewhat heterogeneous force of over seven thousand men. There were no tragedies.
Notwithstanding the class of American labor which migrated to the fields of construction in the various localities of the south in an endeavor to take advantage of the increased rates which were being offered by the numerous contractors for common labor, it was found that the supply was utterly inadequate to meet the requirements of the work.
In their dilemma the contractors were forced to obtain labor from foreign fields, such as the Mexicans, Porto Ricans, Spaniards, Cubans, and even, in some cases, the Asiatic races. This forced a condition unexpected and at the same time embarrassing to the contractors, owing to the fact that some of these laborers were diminutive in size, unacclimated and unable to meet in many cases what proved to them conditions to which they were unaccustomed, and could not adapt themselves. After experimenting with this class of labor at great loss of time and money, the contractors were forced to release them and proceed to make arrangements whereby they could send recruiting agents out to points where labor was concentrated, for the purpose of selecting, as far as possible, such men as might appear to be best fitted for their requirements, and even this course in most instances failed to produce adequate results.
At first there was no means of providing the more conventional entertainments and so diversions were impromptu and spontaneous, but after the necessary buildings were completed, the Knights of Columbus and Y.
M. C. A. huts were erected and became established to the grateful appreciation of the enormous crowds who benefitted by them religiously and socially.
Every night the auditoriums of these two noble institutions were filled with happy and enthusiastic audiences and the entertainments were both elevating and recuperative. The best of the screen world could be obtained merely for the effort of attendance.
On May 4th, 1919, the new Liberty Theatre was informally opened. This is the most substantially constructed building in the cantonment. Its capacity is thirty-five hundred and it is without doubt the finest lecture hall and place of amusement in any camp in the United States. A high roof and numerous means of exit along three sides provide excellent ventilation. The stage is large enough to show the most elaborate productions. A pitch of about ten feet insures perfect vision even to the most distant spectator while the lighting and accoustic properties are unexcelled. It is intended by the War Department to have here a series of entertainments two or three times a week throughout the year, besides during the day instructive discourses upon an endless variety of subjects will be given the men who are fortunate enough to be stationed at Camp Bragg.
In the early days all material had to be unloaded from the cars a distance of nearly two miles from the center of administration. This necessitated the clearing of wide spaces through the woods and uprooting of stumps and leveling of some parts to enable the hundreds of mule teams to haul lumber and supplies. Immediate preparations were made and work commenced for the furnishing of an adequate supply of water from McFayden’s lake on the reservation and pumping it into large tanks which were placed on towers about fifty feet from the ground. This supplied enough water for use until the installation of the permanent supply was completed. A large dam across Little River deflects a sufficient amount of pure fresh water into a filtration plant through which it is pumped to a large reservoir three miles away, the location chosen on account of its elevation, and from there distributed over the entire camp. By actual government analysis the raw water was found to be 99 plus per cent. pure and yet the authorities required its filtration and chemical treatment before being used by the soldiers.
The best of Redwood pipe was sent from the Pacific coast for underground conduits. The amount of water thus obtained is adequately sufficient to supply the six brigade camp originally planned and in addition would furnish enough water in excess of these requirements for a city as large as Fayetteville.
With the introduction of an adequate water supply the question of plumbing and heating arose. The Fred Cantrell Company of Chattanooga, Tenn., and H. Kelly Company of Minneapolis, Minn., combined forces for the execution of this work. So rapid yet so thorough was their work accomplished that before cold weather had permanently set in all the main buildings were equipped with running water and the wood stoves removed and supplanted by steam heating systems. A large bath house serves every two of the barrack buildings so that the soldier can drop in at any hour of the day or night and indulge in a refreshing shower of hot or cold water.
The road and street paving contracts were given to T.
H. Gill & Co. of Binghamton, N. Y., Southern Paving Co. of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Simmons & Whitten of Charlotte, N. C. The absence of mud makes for fairly good natural roads if traffic is not too heavy, but this factor is to a large extent counterbalanced by the yielding character of the sandy surface, so with the influx of heavy army trucks and the increasing number of artillery, solid concrete roadways were constructed between the principal parts of the camp.
The Pierce Electric Company of Chicago, Illinois, secured the contract for interior lighting and The Perritt Iron & Roofing Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., were awarded the contract for all sheet metal work on the barracks and buildings for camp administration.
The fire protection system is excellent, although so far it has fortunately never been put to a severe test. There are two high power pumping engines in use and a street hydrant situated every few hundred yards furnishes an adequate force of water when occasion may require.
The crowning work of the contractors is the permanent 500 bed Base Hospital. This consists of a group of twenty two buildings and is located upon a slight eminence in section 30 commanding a fine view over the rest of the camp and the surrounding country. Its construction is of hollow tile and cement stucco, the latter work being done by the Zanzer-Reim Company of Chicago, and its total cost when completed will be over $1,000,000. It is intended by the government to equip it with every modern appliance and convenience known to modern medical science….
As a training camp for the newly recruited artillery-man and the embryonic aviator the reservation contains miles and miles of rolling country over which manoeuvring can take place and theoretical problems in the practice of war tried out. There is wood land and open field, steep incline and deep ravine, fordable streams and gentle slope, placid lakes and a rushing river. Topographically any variety of surface formation exists except the extremely rugged and inaccessably mountainous.
Artificially the hand of man has created in the very brief space of time since the inception of the camp all that the soldier needs for his comfort, welfare and advancement in his calling….
The population of Fayetteville in 1918 was about ten thousand. Since the acquisition by the Federal government of the Camp Bragg Military Reservation and the immediate commencement there of immense building operations attracted such a precipitous influx of immigration as to already effect a permanent increase to the city of about fifty per cent. With a fluctuating force of soldiers at the camp averaging twenty thousand men and with Fayetteville the sole and only center for trade and recreation the future growth of the city is absolutely assured. New hotels and restaurants are in process of construction. Many new retail stores have been established and several of those already in existence have been compelled to enlarge their space and expand their facilities. And with all this the new era in Fayetteville’s commercial life has only just begun.
Camp Bragg and Fayetteville: Sketches of Camp and City (Richmond: Central Publishing Co., 1919).
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock | World Camps
Mount Washington, Massachusetts
Overnight Camp
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Welcome to YMCA Camp Hi-Rock
Established in 1948, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is a co-ed overnight camp and adventure destination set amid over 1,000 acres of forest in the Berkshires of Massachusetts with private lake of 90 acres. Camp Hi-Rock is accredited by the American Camping Association and strives to create a place where campers feel safe, empowered, supported and challenged.
Why we love him
Amazing location with private lake
Self-confidence programs
Caring and knowledgeable staff
Strong friendships
Good to know
Night camp
7 to 16 years old
For girls and boys
Founded in 1948
$1,170 – $2,545 (additional financial assistance available upon request)
Maximum 330 campers
June to August
English as main language
Established in 1948, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is a co-ed overnight camp and adventure tourism center set amid over 1,000 acres of forest in the Berkshires of Massachusetts with a 90-acre private lake.
Camp Hi-Rock is accredited by the American Camping Association and strives to create a place where campers feel safe, empowered, supported and challenged.
At Hi-Rock, your child can choose from over 30 programs, including archery, basketball, canoeing, creative crafts, creative writing, dancing, digital photography, fishing, hiking, kayaking, outdoor skills, paddleboarding, rock climbing, rope course, sailing, singing, football, swimming, ukulele, water skiing and more! Our main philosophy at Hi-Rock is that every child is an individual and is treated as such.
Our staff is committed to identifying areas in which every child excels and to help children feel good about themselves. We provide reliable role models through an empathetic, knowledgeable and professional staff who focus on helping children develop strong friendships and build self-esteem at camp. The self-confidence that is developed during a child’s stay at Hi-Rock stays with him long after he leaves the camp.
Camp Hi-Rock also offers BOLD & GOLD outdoor leader expeditions. On our trips, young people develop their leadership potential as positive multicultural leaders. Our small groups (eight participants and two instructors) go to the most beautiful places in the northeast. Using breathtaking wildlife classes, our participants return from our programs knowing that the confidence, strength, and friendships they have developed will help them face any challenge in the classroom or at home in their communities.
Accommodation
Camp participants live together in houses with separate baths. Each cabin accommodates 7-11 people and 2 employees. Cabins are distributed depending on the age and gender of the camp participants. As a rule, the age of vacationers in one camp does not exceed 1 year. Each lodge is part of a large unit of 4-6 units that share a bath and are led by an experienced staff member, unit director, who assists campers and staff, schedules programs, and is the main point of contact for families during their child’s stay at camp.
Squads are also divided by age and gender. Campers can only enter their own squad.
The section for the youngest boys, primary school age, is slightly different from our other cabins and has bathrooms.
Shared bedrooms
Maximum 11 people per room
Separate bathrooms
Bathrooms without suite
Bathrooms
Room with bathroom
Amenities
Dining room
Laundry
Art room
Library
Tennis court
Football court
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Archery
Activities
Archery
Arts and crafts
Basketball
Canoeing**
Cooking
Creative writing
Dancing
Digital photography
Drama
Fishing
Fitness
Flag Football
Frisbean Games
Gaga Ball
Gardening
Rope course*
Hiking
Juggling
Kayaking**
Kickball
Low ropes
Orienteering
Outdoor skills
Sleepover camping
Rock climbing
Boating**
Sailing**
Scientific research
Football
Stand -Up Paddle Boarding**
Swimming
Tennis
Ukulele
Voice
Volleyball
Wakeboarding**
Water skiing**
and more!
* Ropes course participants must be over 12 years old
** Some water activities require advanced swimming
Academic courses
Contact camp
+1-413-528-1227
Visit site
YMCA High Rock Camp
Directions
Address: 544 East Street, Mt Washington MA 01258
Nearest airport: Albany International (ALB)
Airport pick up: available from Kennedy Airport
What you need to know
Cancellation Policy
The deposit is non-refundable as it covers the administrative costs associated with registration and cancellations.
Any other payments will only be refunded if the camp office receives written notice of cancellation by June 1st. Refunds may take up to 90 days, regardless of the amount. If the participant is unable to come to the camp due to an accident or illness, payments are refundable, provided a doctor’s certificate is provided. Refunds are also provided in case of cancellation of the camp due to COVID-19. No refunds will be given to those who choose not to end their camp stay due to homesickness or dislike of our programs, or to those who were expelled from the camp due to non-compliance with the Camp Code of Conduct.
Covid measures
Vaccination against COVID is highly recommended. COVID testing policy and other measures to reduce COVID transmission, such as increased ventilation, will be determined by May 2023 based on the current state of COVID at that time. CDC recommendations will be followed.
Health and safety
1. Daily medical care is provided by medical staff in accordance with the standing orders of our consulting medical practice, Macony P.
C. Our medical staff is available 24 hours a day. From time to time during the day, a sickness fund operates for the slightly ill inmates of the camp. First aid kits are kept in the program areas and living quarters of the camp. They are also taken with you on hikes and overnight trips. In most cases, first aid is provided by medical personnel. The general staff provide first aid if necessary. First aid providers have at least basic qualifications. Employees will seek help in any situation where the course of action is not clear. 2. Medications of any kind, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, may only be taken with a current and completed YMCA Camp Hi-Rock Medication Administration Release form signed by the parent/guardian and prescribing physician. All medicines will be stored in the camp infirmary. Medicines will be taken under the direct supervision of the camp’s medical staff. If the medication must be carried, the doctor must provide written permission to keep the medication with the traveler at all times (usually albuterol or epinephrine).
Camp High Rock YMCA has a standing order to dispense some of the typical over-the-counter medications our medical staff deem necessary, including Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Benadryl, Milk of Magnesia, Oxygen, VoSol (ear drops), Glucose, Chloraseptic, Activated Charcoal and others as deemed necessary by our consulting physician. Medicines dispensed under standing orders do not require a drug authorization. 3. Emergency medical care is provided by medical staff and, if necessary, vacationers will be taken to a hospital or doctor’s office for further treatment. In the event that the camp ambulance does not meet the needs of the patient, or in any other case that the camp staff deems necessary, the ambulance system will be activated. 4. The camp must comply with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and be licensed by the local Board of Health. 5. Copies of our background checks, full health and discipline policies, and complaint procedures are available to parents upon request.
