Day Camp at YMCA Camp Bernie is a thrilling, active program for all children entering grades K-11. Our weekly sessions allow campers to enjoy and explore everything our beautiful 285-acre facility has to offer. We believe that a camp experience provides children with the unique opportunity to try new things and discover who they truly are. We will help children to make new friends, build memories and to challenge themselves daily.
There’s so much to explore! 10 challenge elements, canoeing, sports, archery, arts & crafts, biking and so much more! Click for a full list!
Today’s children face more stressful situations than we can imagine. Kids often react by indulging in unhealthy behaviors. As parents and childcare providers, we feel the need to protect them, but we must remember that our goal is to prepare them to be happy and productive adults. YMCA Camp Bernie focuses on helping campers to build the 7 C’s: competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control in order to better deal with stressful situations. Together we can raise successful children who will make their unique and substantial contributions to the world.
Host an International Camper and your camper attends for FREE!
USA Immersion is a local not-for-profit organization offering fellowships to attend Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp for free to those families interested in participating in their international cultural immersion program. Local families benefit from this program when they welcome in their homes an international student attending Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp. In return, both the international students and our local kids benefit from the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures while attending Day Camp together.
If you would like to find out more about the USAI-Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp Fellowship, please call USAI at 845-876-7112. You can also contact them at info@usaimmersion.org
Children entering K-5th grades spend the week exploring our alluring programs. In small groups, campers participate in a wide variety of adventurous outdoor activities throughout the week. The program provides opportunities for campers to find what they enjoy most and do more of it as well as stretch their imaginations during All Camp Day every Wednesday. This is a unique, customized experience where campers are immersed with our weekly themes. Don’t miss the opportunity to dress up along with camp staff!
Teens & tweens entering 6th-8th grades experience all the fun of camp’s adventurous activities, plus some more advanced challenges! Campers explore adventure outside of Camp Bernie while under the watchful eyes of our trained staff.
These one week sessions focus on our most advanced challenge elements and other advanced camp activities, as well as some leadership opportunities--it’s all about excitement! O.W.Ls, or Outstanding Weekly Leaders, is our way to show our older campers that there’s a place for them here at Camp Bernie that allows them to make their mark on camp like never before!
The Wolf Pack has their own adventures on Wednesdays.
| Date | Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 21st | Dorney Park | Allentown, PA |
| June 28th | TBD | TBD |
| July 5th | NJ State Fair (Meadowlands) | East Rutherford, NJ |
| July 12th | Turtleback Zoo | West Orange, NJ |
| July 19th | Mountain Creek | Vernon, NJ |
| July 26th | Funplex | East Hanover, NJ |
| August 2nd | BSC, Bowling | Branchburg |
| August 9th | TBD | TBD |
| August 16th | Camelback Waterpark | Tannersville, PA |
| August 23rd | Dorney Park | Allentown, PA |
Lunch can be provided by our Food Service team for your camper for the week for an additional fee, but you MUST register for the program by the Wednesday prior to your session.
2023 Rate: $40/week
*Please note that menus are subject to change due to supply chain issues.
Regular Day Camp hours are 9am to 4pm. Need a little extra time dropping off or picking up your camper? We’ve got you covered! We offer multiple options for extending your child’s camp day & making it a blast! Along with our lesson programs, you can chose to add before & after or extended care to the day. Before Care operates from 7:00am until the start of the camp day, after care operates from 4:00-6:00pm and extended care begins at 8:00am and ends at 5:00pm. Great if you need just a little more time in the morning & evening! Campers will play group games, create new crafts & have the opportunity to join in on exclusive projects only offered during this time.
Please note: Bus transportation is not available with Extended Care. 2023 Rate: $75/week
Camp Bernie provides transportation to and from camp for an additional fee per family.
East Route
Pick-up Drop Off Location
7:55-8:00 4:55-5:00 Valley View School - Lebanon Township
8:15-8:20 4:35-4:40 Emmanuel Bible Church - Long Valley
8:30-8:35 4:15-4:20 Hackettstown Middle School - Hackettstown
West Route
Pick-up Drop Off Location
8:15-8:20 4:35-4:40 Franklin Township Elementary School - Franklin Township
8:30-8:35 4:25-4:30 Faith Discovery Church - Washington
8:45-8:50 4:15-4:20 Oxford Central School - Oxford
2023 Rate: $60/week per family
Available in weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, Thursday campouts are a great way to introduce your camper to the idea of Overnight Camp! Campers will experience staying in a cabin, eating meals in the Dining Hall, roasting marshmallows over a fire to make s'mores, and playing evening games that just can't be done with the sun up. Thursday Dinner and Friday breakfast are included.
2023 Rate: $60
What to Pack:
Host an International Camper and your camper attends for FREE!
USA Immersion is a local not-for-profit organization offering fellowships to attend Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp for free to those families interested in participating in their international cultural immersion program. Local families benefit from this program when they welcome in their homes an international student attending Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp. In return, both the international students and our local kids benefit from the opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures while attending Day Camp together.
If you would like to find out more about the USAI-Camp Bernie YMCA Day Camp Fellowship, please call USAI at (845) 688-2434. You can also contact them at info@usaimmersion.org
Our American Red Cross certified Lifeguards help children improve their swimming skills through the use of the National YMCA Swim Lesson program. Children are grouped according to skill level and guided through engaging activities to develop and improve skills. Swim Lessons are offered 4-5pm Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved in the event of cancelation due to thunder.
*This program is also open to children who are not enrolled in our summer camps.
2023 Rate: $92/week
*Please note: Bus transportation is not available after Swim Lessons.
Archery is a timeless sport, easy to learn and fun to master! Our USAA certified instructors will assess your child's skills and help them to improve their stance and techniques. Marksmanship games are incorporated to keep things fun and fresh. Archery Lessons are offered 4-5pm Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved in the event of cancelation due to thunder.
*This program is also open to children who are not enrolled in our summer camps. 2023 Rate: $92
*Please note: Bus transportation is not available after Archery Lessons.
Camp Bernie’s many miles of scenic trails offer the perfect spot to test your riding skills. Come join our experienced mountain bikes staff to explore what the woods of camp have to offer. We provide the bikes, safety gear and trails all you have to do is come ready to ride! Each day will feature new trails and opportunities to work on your riding skills. Designed for ages 8-17, basic riding experience required, but our instructors are here to help you improve. Rides are offered 4-5pm Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved for makeups due to thunder cancelations.
*This program is also open to children who are not enrolled in our summer camps. 2023 Rate: $92
*Please note: Bus transportation is not available after Bikes Lessons.
Campers going into grades 7 and above are eligible to sign up for Dirtbike Lessons at camp. No experience is needed! Lessons include safety, mechanics, and techniques of operating the equipment, and instruction takes place on our practice field and on camp trails. Dirtbike Lessons are offered 4-5pm Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved in the event of cancelation due to thunder. Safety equipment is provided, including helmet, pads, and gloves, but riders must have long pants, long-sleeves and boots with ankle support. Campers are encouraged to submit a Dirtbike Questionnaire.
*This program is also open to children who are not enrolled in our summer camps.
2023 Rate: $140
*Please note: Bus transportation is not available after Dirtbike Lessons.
| Grade | Group | 2023 Rates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Lions | $350/week | |
| 1st Grade | Tigers | $350/week | |
| 2nd-3rd Grade | Foxes | $350/week | |
| 4th-5th Grade | Bears | $350/week | |
| 6th-8th Grade | Wolf Pack | $415/week | |
| 9th-11th Grade | OWLs | $350/week |
*Please note: Registration closes at 5pm the Wednesday prior to the start of the session. $100 deposit per session is required to reserve a spot. Balances are due June 1st. Spaces may not be available for campers who have balances due after June 1st.
Launch yourself into Week 1 of Summer 2023! Play amongst the stars, dodge meteors, and hunt for aliens at YMCA Camp Bernie. Get ready for an astronomical amount of fun!
Blast into the past for week 2! Get ready hand jive, boogie, and hammer time through a week of camp fun!
Come one, come all to YMCA Camp Bernie! Join us under the big top for a week of carnival games and magic. You never know what we will pull out of our hat! Yes, there will be camp on July 4th!
Is that an elephant I hear? Quick! Grab the closest vine and swing on into Week 4! Welcome to the Jungle!
Ahoy, me matey! Climb aboard Week 5, sail the 7 seas, and search for lost treasure with new friends. Remember, "x" marks the spot!
Prepare to be enchanted at Camp Bernie during Week 6! Listen closely as the forest comes to life. Keep an eye out for fairies, trolls, unicorns, goblins, and more!
It's time for Camp Bernie's Annual Color Wars! Join up with your team to compete in games and complete challenges throughout the week. Who will emerge victorious?
Travel back in time to the fjords of Norway during Week 8! We will build ships to last in battle, practice our archery skills, and trade for goods. Grab your helmets and shields; we will see you there!
Week 9 is about to be a hot one! There is no better way to cool off in August heat than swimming, water balloons, sprinklers, and more. Prepare to get splashed!
Get out your hard hat and toolbelt because you are entering the construction zone for Week 10! We will stretch our creativity to design games, towering structures, and hopefully, some epic Rube Goldberg machines. Join us in building the last bit of summer fun at Camp Bernie!
Parents 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.
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 must agree to move down to the younger group. We do not allow more than two requests as this can lead to cliques and some kids feeling excluded.
We aim for campers to experience every program area at least once during their weekly schedule. Grades 2-8 participate in "Free Choice", where they chose program areas to spend more time at throughout the week. Campers sign ups take place on Monday morning with their units.
Every Monday begins with an orientation and team building games for campers to mix up any friend groups and get to know everyone! Campers choose activities based on their interests and staff are trained on creating inclusive environments.
Please label each item with your camper’s name to ensure that is returned to you if it gets misplaced.
⎯ Water Bottle (minimum 20 oz)
⎯ Swimsuit
⎯ Towel
⎯ Spray Sunscreen
⎯ Lunch Box with ice pack
⎯ Change of clothes including underwear
⎯ Closed-toe shoes (required)
Optional:
⎯ Goggles for swimming
⎯ Appropriate attire for inclement weather
⎯ Sunglasses
⎯ Hat
⎯ Bug spray
Electronic devices such as cell phones, handheld video games, and smart watches are not permitted.
Credits from prior years will not show online, only for Camp Administrators. Please add the new session(s) to your camper's account and DO NOT make a payment. Contact us to let us know you're ready to have a credit applied and we will do so manually. If you have a balance left after the credit has been applied, you can then pay that balance online. Call 908-832-5315 or email info@campbernieymca.org
Our units have limited spots available for campers based on state and ACA required ratios. Once those slots have filled with campers who have paid their deposit, the system will offer a waitlist option to campers still trying to register. Sessions have been filling earlier each year. If you are on a waitlist, we will contact you directly to offer you a spot only if someone else drops out and your camper is next on the list. Please email us at info@campbernieymca.org if you would like to be removed from a waitlist. Our system will not permit families to pay camp tuition for waitlisted sessions, so if a spot opens up, the new camper's tuition will need to be paid in order to secure that spot.
Also known as the Trading Post, our cashless Camp Store is where campers can purchase snacks and drinks daily, and souvenirs on Fridays. Parents can add money to their campers’ accounts online through Campwise or call our main office at 908-832-5315. Lions may choose to purchase a “snack pack” daily which includes a small snack and a juice, but will only visit the Camp Store on Fridays.
We do not give refunds after June 1st.
A licensed RN, LPN or Health Officer is on property 24/7. There are regular call times and medication is stored and administered by the Nurse. Hackettstown Regional Medical Center is 20 minutes from Camp. Many staff members are certified in Basic First Aid and AED/CPR.
Eighty percent of counselors are 18 and up; mostly college students. Counselors are interviewed, have a minimum of four references checked and clear a criminal background screening both through Praesidium (which includes the national sex offerder public system) and the CARI state background check system. Staff are also fingerprinted by the state of NJ. Staff attend in-person trainings of 1-2 weeks, depending on position, as well as online training courses through the Redwoods Group and the state of NJ.
Program staff members carry training or 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. On average, 1/3 of our counselors were campers at YMCA Camp Bernie helping them to relate to the children attending camp.
Here's a sample schedule:
7-9am Before Care
8:45-9 Check-in
9-9:10 Group Gathering/Flagpole
9:10-10:10 Canoeing
10:20-11:20 Swimming
11:30-12:30 Vertical Playpen
12:40-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Nature
2:45-3:45 Archery
3:45-4:00 Group Gathering/Check-out
4-5pm Extended Care & Community Lessons
5-6pm After Care
East Route
Pick-up Drop Off Location
7:55-8:00 4:55-5:00 Valley View School - Lebanon Township
8:15-8:20 4:35-4:40 Emmanuel Bible Church - Long Valley
8:30-8:35 4:15-4:20 Hackettstown Middle School - Hackettstown
West Route
Pick-up Drop Off Location
8:15-8:20 4:35-4:40 Franklin Township Elementary School - Franklin Township
8:30-8:35 4:25-4:30 Faith Discovery Church - Washington
8:45-8:50 4:15-4:20 Oxford Central School - Oxford
2022 Rate: $60/week per family
Yes! Applications for Camp Scholarships are considered on a rolling basis as long as funds remain available, but 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, for a maximum of 5 day camp weeks. Amounts are awarded are based on financial need.
