Captivating Critters
A live animal show allows participants get closer to nature. A Camp Bernie Naturalist displays live creatures explaining the unique qualities of these interesting and amazing animals. Participants will see, touch, smell, and hear these animals up close and in person. The program explains how animals keep warm, how bone structure determines diet, what a snake feels like, and what the difference is between a reptile and an amphibian. This program is also available as an evening program.

Time: One and a half hours
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Bernie Naturalist
Ages: All ages

Orienteering
Learn the skills of outdoor navigation using a compass. Using a preset course a Camp Bernie instructor teaches proper use of the compass, taking bearings, map topography and contour lines. Included in this program are additional navigation techniques using indicators found readily within the natural world.

Time: One and a half hours
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Bernie Naturalist
Ages: 6 - Adult

Sensory Development & Awareness
Participants are blindfolded and are lead along a roped trail through the woods of Camp Bernie. Through this activity participants explore the environment using all the senses except sight. Minor modifications and a brief orientation by Camp Bernie Staff makes this activity easily led by group leaders.

Time: One hour
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Bernie Naturalist
Ages: 6 - Adult

Wilderness Survival
In this activity participants learn how to prevent and handle wilderness emergencies. Shelter construction, warmth retention, fire building, rescue actions, and food & water collection are just some of the topics covered during this activity. Wilderness Survival is great any time of the year, but makes an ideal winter activity. Limited availability

Time: One and a half hours
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Bernie Naturalist
Ages: 6 - Adult

Evening Programs
YMCA Camp Bernie offers a variety of evening programs at no cost. Some additional programs may be arranged for an additional fee. Please make arrangements in advance if your group would like an evening program that requires and outside presenter. Evening Programs include: Campfire, Night Hike, Karaoke, Bingo, Story Telling, Square Dance, and Hayride.