Two campers in canoe on lake

Camp Bernie's Outdoor Education staff is committed to providing participants of all backgrounds and abilities with opportunities for environmental connections, personal growth, and community building through the facilitation of unique outdoor experiences.

At YMCA Camp Bernie, we offer both day and overnight programs to enhance your school’s curriculum and give your students a hands-on educational experience that they will treasure for a lifetime.

Outdoor Education programs are available throughout the year, encompassing all seasonal variations. The overall curriculum is diverse, flexible and relevant to students of all ages, and has been aligned with the NJ State Core Curriculum Standards. Many of our activities are also adaptable for teachers and other adult professionals.

Staff

Our full-time, professional Outdoor Education staff is dedicated to working with you from the moment you begin the planning process to the time we wave goodbye to your students. We will visit your school, attend parent information meetings and work with your staff to plan your YMCA Camp Bernie experience, with the goal of helping you to design the outdoor education experience that is right for you.

Activities

YMCA Camp Bernie offers over 30 Outdoor Education programs encouraging a greater understanding of ourselves, our relationships, our environment and the responsibility we all share in protecting our resources. On-site OE professionals work closely with schools and organizations to provide students with specific activities to gain insight into our environment, as well as the importance of teamwork and group interaction. Please see our complete activity list and list of outside presenters for current program offerings.

See All Activities

Sample Schedule

We work closely with you throughout the planning process to customize a schedule based on your needs. These schedules are examples, but can be adjusted for your length of stay.

Time

Activity

8:45a Arrival/Orientation
9:00-10:30a Activity 1
10:30-10:45a Restroom/Water Break
10:45a-12:15p Activity 2
12:15-1:30p Set-up & Lunch
1:30-3:00p Activity 3
3:00-3:15p Restroom/Water Break
3:15p-4:45p Activity 4
4:45-5:00p Restroom Break/Board Busses
5:00p Depart

Request Trip Dates

Complete the form below when you're ready to schedule your trip.
Please note, we have limited availability May through August, and spots fill quickly.