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Group & Family Camping - Recreation Activities

Archery
Experience the thrill of scoring a bulls-eye at our archery range. Using re-curve & compound bows participants learn shooting techniques and range safety. This activity is fun for all ages.

Time: Open
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring (weather permitting)
Staff: Certified Camp Instructor
Ages: All ages (under 6 must be accompanied by an adult)

Candle Dipping
This modern interpretation of an American Pioneer craft is a fun activity for young and old. A popular indoor activity, candle dipping is a creative way for parents and children to spend time together using their imaginations and creativity to make a one of a kind memento. Younger ages require adult supervision.

Time: 25-40 min
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Staff
Ages: All ages (under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)

Canoeing
Our cozy pond provides visitors an opportunity to learn the sport of canoeing. One of our most popular activities, canoeing offers participants invigorating exercise or a leisurely chance to observe the natural world from a new perspective. The pond is open daily and supervised by a certified lifeguard with the experience to assist beginners with canoeing techniques.

Time: Open
Seasons: Fall & Spring (weather permitting)
Staff: Camp Staff
Ages: All ages (under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)

Dream Catchers
Using contemporary materials, participants create individualized dream catchers. This craft project recreates the Native American totem, protecting its holder from bad dreams. This activity is an ideal indoor alternative. Younger aged children require adult supervision.

Time: 45-60 min (depends # of people)
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Staff
Ages: All Ages

Frisbee Golf
Hit the links on one of our two nine-hole championship Frisbee golf courses. Play from the beginnerÁs tee or from the advanced tee for an extra challenge. This activity is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors for golfers, Frisbee enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a fun activity to play with friends.

Time: One-two hours
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: None
Ages: all

Hiking
Hiking along our many groomed trails through the woods and fields is a fun and entertaining way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural surroundings of YMCA Camp Bernie. Bring along identification guides and explore the wonders of the forests and meadows around camp. Hiking is fun any time of the year! We recommend that no one ever goes hiking alone. Bring along some friends to make a safe and exhilarating experience. We further suggest that you inform the Group and Family Camping Director before setting out on an unplanned hike, in case of an emergency. Listed below are a few popular hikes:

The Orange Trail - A self-guided nature trail takes you through varying types of forests and habitats. Trail markers help you navigate the trail and signs help the hiker identify interesting points along the way. A guide booklet is available. This is a great hike for group leaders to run themselves though a Camp Bernie Staff member can be provided upon request.

Point Mountain Hike - A two-mile walk culminating at a scenic overlook of the Musconetong River Valley. Trail maps are available for self guided hikes. Call ahead to arrange a guided hike for your group with one of our Camp Bernie Naturalists. Time: One and a half hours.

Alternate Hikes - Trail maps are available to all participants to create hikes of their own. For Birders an early morning hike is nice to spot some of the many species of migrating birds at Camp Bernie. Shorter Discovery Hikes for younger children can be arranged by contacting the Group and Family Camping Director in advance.

Horseback Trail Ride
Take a thirty-minute trail ride with a fifteen-minute equine orientation. An additional fee of $20.00 and advanced registration is required for all trail rides. Our guided trail ride winds through our 248 acres of picturesque woodland. This is an excellent activity at all times of the year. Rides are occasionally limited to one per person. * Ring Rides are available for participants under 8 years of age and less than 48 inch height.

Time: 9 participants per session
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Camp Horseback Riding Instructor
Ages: 8 + up and min. 42 inch height req.

Ice Skating
When the ice conditions permit (minimum of 6 inches thick for safety), participants can skate in a winter wonderland of fun on our frozen pond. Camp Bernie staff supervision is required for safety purposes. Camp Bernie provides ice skates for children and adults. Participants may also bring their own skates from home.

Time: Open
Seasons: Winter (ice conditions permitting)
Staff: Camp Staff
Ages: All

Snow Tubing
Camp BernieÁs snow tube run will be open every weekend when snow conditions permit. Have fun swooshing down our tube run under the supervision of a Camp Bernie staff member. Camp Bernie provides snow tubes for all our participants. Guests are welcome to bring their own tubes, however, please do not bring toboggans or sleds with runners.

Time: Open
Seasons: Winter
Staff: Camp Staff
Ages: All

Sports
Camp Bernie provides all the necessary equipment for a variety of sports and recreational activities. Your group just has to provide the players and enthusiasm for a fun game. These activities are available throughout your visit, for scheduled periods or for informal pick up games. Sports include Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Hockey, & Ultimate Frisbee.

Time: Open
Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring
Staff: Group Leaders
Ages: All

Swimming
During warmer months, our swimming pool offers participants a well maintained and centrally located place to relax, cool off or just have fun. The poolÁs depth ranges from 4 to 10 ft (diving prohibited). Pool hours are preset as arranged by the group with the Group and Family Camping Director. Hours of operation generally range from late morning to late afternoon, except during lunch or inclement weather.

Time: Open
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Staff: Camp Lifeguard
Ages: All

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.