Every adventure, every memory—the full Camp Bernie experience.
Immerse your child in the full Camp Bernie experience with our Overnight Camp—a natural extension of Day Camp. Open to youth entering grades 1–11, each session offers an even greater array of adventures, skill-building opportunities, and unforgettable moments. Overnight Camp is more than just a vacation; campers become part of a welcoming community that celebrates their unique character while learning responsibility, independence, and the joy of forming lifelong friendships.
Whether seeking new challenges, meaningful friendships, or simply the freedom to be themselves, Overnight Camp is where campers can grow, thrive, and, most importantly, have fun!
overnight camp programs
Grades 1-6
Grades 1–6 dive into camp life with caring counselors who guide them through fun instructional activities, imaginative free play, and exciting all-camp events. In these close-knit groups, campers build friendships, discover new skills, and grow in confidence. With traditions and camp magic woven in, every day is an adventure to remember.
Grade 7-10
Grades 7–10 experience camp in a way that fosters independence, leadership and fun. Teens take on bigger challenges through activities, free time with friends, and high-energy camp events. This stage of camp encourages responsibility, teamwork, and self-discovery—all while enjoying the spirit and traditions of camp.
Grade 11 CITs
The 4-week Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is a progressive training experience. Week 1 focuses on acclimating to camp, weeks 2–3 build leadership skills, and in week 4, CITs put their training into action assisting staff in leading activities. Overnight CITs play a significant role in leading our spirited and caring camper community!
Camp activities
There’s so much to explore! With activities ranging from outdoor adventures to arts & crafts, sports, recreation, STEM, nature and ecology, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Click below to see the full list and start planning your adventure!
Accommodations
Cabins
Campers are grouped by gender and grade level to provide optimal living and learning experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Lodges and cabins are equipped with bunk-style beds, storage areas, indoor toilets and showers. All cabins have exterior fire pits for evening cabin activities.
The Nation
Our small, semi-secluded village of rustic cabins nestled in the woods has been a favorite of campers since it was built in 1961.
Complete with simple screened wooden cabins and a central bathhouse, the Nation serves as housing for boys in grades 7-10.
Overnight Camp Dates
The longer you stay, the more you play! If you’re signed up for multiple sessions, you can stay through the weekend and have the camp all to yourself! Holdover is also a great late pick-up option for families who have difficulty getting to camp on the scheduled Saturday. Specialized activities, meals and even off-camp trips or on-site entertainment is included.
| OVERNIGHT CAMP | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | THEME | HOLDOVER* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | June 27 - July 9 | June 27-July 4 | Wild, Wild West | Dorney Park |
| Session B | July 11- July 23 | July 11-July 18 | Camp Carnival | Liberty State Park |
| Session C | July 25 - Aug 6 | July 25-August 1 | Color Wars | |
| One week sessions take place the first Sunday to Sunday of the 2 week sessions. | ||||
| *Holdovers take place during the weekends between sessions A + B and B + C | ||||
Evening Programs
Below are examples of evening programs. Schedules will vary.
Opening Campfire
Campers gather for songs, skits, and laughs as we kick off an unforgettable week together!
Cabin Night
A night of games, icebreakers, and team-building fun where campers bond with their cabinmates and new friends!
Community Night
Campers come together for exciting adventures, quests, and activities that build friendships, community and camp spirit!
Camp Out
Sleep under the stars with your cabin and soak in the magic of camp! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the fun moves inside with trivia, karaoke, and games.
Dance
Campers hit the floor and dance to their favorite tunes—songs they’ve been adding to the playlist all week long!
Closing Campfire
A heartfelt tradition where campers celebrate their accomplishments, share reflections, and say “see you next time” under the glow of the fire.
Add-ons
Enhance your time at camp with add on adventures and services. Prices below.
Holdovers
Spend weekends between sessions enjoying adventures on or off site!
Whitewater Rafting
Grades 8–10 campers can experience thrilling Class I & II rapids. Advanced registration is required.
Transportation
Take the hassle out of getting to camp! Transportation available from Ridgewood, NJ and local airports.
Laundry
Available for campers staying back-to-back weeks, Laundry will be picked up on Friday mornings and returned Saturday evenings.
2026 Overnight Camp pricing
| Week | 2027 Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $1,400 |
| 2 Weeks | $2,500 |
| 4 Week CIT Program | $3,500 |
| Add On Item | 2027 Rate |
|---|---|
| Holdover Weekend | $250 |
| Rafting Trip | $150 |
| Transportation to/from Ridgewood YMCA | $80 one way/$115 round trip |
| Airport transfers available upon request | |
| Laundry | $35 |
Registration Fees
A minimum deposit of $175/single week or $300/two weeks (per session) is due at the time of registration to secure your camper’s spot. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable for all programs.
Remaining balance payments can be split up and charged on a monthly basis if desired. Payment plans are set up through online registration. If you need assistance setting up a payment plan, please email info@campbernieymca.org.
Balances are due by June 1st.
Summer Camp for All: Financial Aid
We believe the opportunity to gain personal growth from summer camp should be accessible to all children regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. Our Summer Camp for All program ensures that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day at camp look like?
7:00am-8:30am
8:00am-9:00am
9:15am-10:45am
10:45am-12:15pm
12:30pm-1:30pm
1:30pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-4:00pm
4:00pm-5:30pm
5:45pm-6:00pm
6:00pm-7:00pm
7:00pm-7:30pm
7:30pm-8:45pm
8:45pm-9:30pm
9:30pm-10:00pm
10:00pm-11:00pm
Wake up/Cabin Clean-Up
Breakfast
Activity Block A (choice)
Activity Block B (choice)
Lunch
Rest Hour + Camp Store Open
Activity Block C (choice)
Activity Block D (Smorgasbord)
Flag Pole
Dinner
Community Time
Evening Activity
Getting Ready for Bed
Daily Reflection
Lights out by Unit
7:00am-8:30am
Wake up/Cabin Clean-Up
8:00am-9:00am
Breakfast
9:15am-10:45am
Activity Block A (choice)
10:45am-12:15am
Activity Block B (choice)
12:30pm-1:30am
Lunch
1:30am-2:30pm
Rest Hour + Camp Store Open
2:30pm-4:00pm
Activity Block c (choice)
4:00pm-5:30pm
Activity Block D (Smorgasbord)
5:45pm-6:00pm
Flag Pole
6:00pm-7:00pm
Dinner
7:00pm-7:30pm
Community Time
7:30pm-8:45pm
Evening Activity
8:45pm-9:30pm
Getting Ready for Bed
9:30pm-10:00pm
Daily Reflection
10:00pm-11:00pm
Lights out by Unit
What are the check-in and check-out times/locations?
Check In:
Sundays from 1pm-3pm at the Upper Pavilion. Families can arrive anytime within this drop off window. Campers will eat at 6pm on Sunday so please ensure they eat lunch prior to arriving to camp.
Check Out:
1 week sessions – Sundays between 10am and 11am.
2 week sessions – Fridays 10am-11am.
For transportation information please visit our Transportation FAQ page.
What is your refund policy?
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable for all programs.
Once full payment is made, families who need to withdraw will be eligible for a refund until June 1st (excluding deposit).
Inability to attend camp due to extenuating circumstance (including but not limited to illness, injury, family emergency or health challenges) will be considered for refund on a case-by-case basis with written documentation.
Does Camp Bernie offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Applications for Camp Scholarships are considered on a rolling basis as long as funds remain available. The first round of applications are reviewed on March 1st. Only complete applications can be considered. Scholarships are awarded for up to 60% of the full tuition rate. Amounts awarded are based on financial need.
Full details about Financial Aid options can be found here: Fees + Financial Aid
Can one-week campers decide to stay for additional weeks?
Yes! We will be in contact with guardians if a one-week camper expresses interest in staying additional weeks. Adding multiple sessions is a simple process and laundry service is available if a camper needs it.
What is the Camp Store?
The Camp Store is stocked with snacks, drinks, clothing items and souvenirs. We also carry a supply of toiletry items that campers may have forgotten. Campers have the opportunity to visit the camp store on a daily basis. As our camp store is cashless, money can be added to your camper’s online account throughout the session. The camp store is not just for campers, the store will also be open during check-in and check-out for families to purchase items.Families are encouraged to register for their camp weeks as soon as possible to guarantee their camper’s spot. A waiting list will be created if camper units reach capacity. Registration officially closes at 5 p.m. the Wednesday prior to each week of camp.
What happens to my unspent Camp Store money?
What do you do to make first-time campers feel comfortable?
From the moment your camper checks in, staff will play games and getting-to-know-you activities that are designed to help your child feel more comfortable at camp and build ccamp culture. Once check-in has concluded, campers will be provided with a camp orientation and tour. Additionally, if needed camp staff will work together on a game plan for how we can best help struggling campers with guardians.
Can my child be grouped with their friend?
Campers are grouped by grade. Groupings are generally as follows: Kindergarten are Lions, 1st grade are Tigers, 2nd-3rd grade are Foxes, 4th-5th grade are Bears, 6th-8th grade are Wolf Pack and 9th-11th grade are O.W.L.s. Based on ratios and registrations, campers closest to the date of birth of another group may be moved up or down in a unit group.
We accept two requests per camper and children must request each other. With an age gap, we prefer to avoid mixing ages in groups, but when exceptions are made, the older child will be placed in the younger group.
Do campers pick their own activities?
Campers will receive an orientation on program offerings and will sign up for the 1 program activity they are interested in as a free choice activity block. (We will do our best to accomodate campers first few choices based on interest and demand). These activities are your more traditional camp activities which include but are not limited to: canoeing, archery, swim, arts and crafts and more. The other activity blocks will be on a scheduled per-selected rotation
Ocassionally campers will get the ability to have a free choice special activity AKA “Smorgasbord”. These activities are more fluid, niche and “silly” in nature and could range from things like: L.A.R.P, Tye-dye, Capture the Flag, nature hike, ultimate frisbee and more.
Where do campers shower and use the bathroom?
Bathrooms are accessible all around camp including in the dining hall, main camp and the wellness center. Campers who are not stying in the Nation will stay in cabins with shower stalls and bathroom stalls. Campers in the Nation will utilize a centrally located bathhouse.
What do you do on rainy days?
If weather is mild to moderate, camp activities will proceed as scheduled. It is recommended that campers pack rain gear. For heavy rain, we run special, pre-planned indoor activities. During a thunderstorm, all campers and staff will immediately be brought indoors to shelter-in-place for “Thunder Call”. The immediate surrounding 10 miles must be clear of thunder and lightning for a total of 10 minutes to conclude “Thunder Call”. If at any point during a “Thunder Call”, ” lightning or thunder is detected within the immediate area, the clock will reset.
What are your medical procedures?
Our camp contracts through AMN Healthcare (American Mobile Nurses) for a vetted licensed RN or LPN for the entirety of the summer. If the Camp Nurse is ever off property, there is an assigned health officer on property. Medication is stored and administered by the Nurse. If there is an emergency that requires medical transport, Hackettstown Regional Medical Center is 20 minutes from Camp. All staff are trained in emergency procedures. Many staff are also certified in Basic First Aid and AED/CPR. If a child sustains an injury or is feeling unwell, the camp staff will assess the injury and transport the child to the wellness cabin for further observation and care if necessary. Upon initial care and observation, if extensive care or isolation is needed, the Camp Nurse or Health Office will contact the guardian for a continued care plan.
My child has special health needs, is camp right for them?
We firmly believe that camp is for ALL. We also recognize that each child is unique and some may require additional physical or behavioral support. While we will make every effort to accommodate our campers and families, we also recognize that sometimes due to the environment or staffing structure that your child may need support that is beyond our scope. When registering your child, please ensure that you complete the “Camper Profile Sheet”, “Health History” and if applicable “Medication” information in full. Additionally to find out if YMCA Camp Bernie is the right fit for your family, you are always welcome to call us and speak with our Administrative team to collaborate on a plan for your child’s success during their time here.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
Eighty percent of counselors are 18 and up; mostly college students. Counselors have at least two interviews, have a minimum of three references checked and must clear a criminal background screening both through Praesidium (which includes the national sex offender public system) and the CARI state background check system. Staff are also fingerprinted by the state of NJ. Prior to camp, staff attend 2 weeks of in-person training, as well as online training courses through the Redwoods Group and the state of NJ. Head Counselors, Unit Leaders and specialists attend additional trainings.
Specialists have trainings and certifications relevant to their program areas as well as American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certifications. Lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross. Staff Trainings include topics required by the American Camping Association as well as the state of new Jersey that range from emergency procedures, handling homesickness, engaging programming, child abuse prevention, inclusion, youth development, and much more.
How do I contact my child?
Families can send e-mails via their camper’s online accounts. Mail is delivered to the campers each weekday during dinner. We also encourage families to send letters through the postal service. YMCA Camp Bernie does not permit cell phones. Campers are not accessible via phone with the exception of extenuating circumstances. Campers are encouraged to pack pre-posted envelopes and stationary if they would like to write letters to family or friends to send back home. If a camper has a letter to send home, campers can put them in the mailbox across from the camp store. Letters will be sent out by the following business day.