YMCA CAMP JACKSON where you belong Register online @ campjackson.com
WHY CAMP JACKSON INCLUSIVE Located on 320 acres of beautiful and diverse terrain that include rock outcroppings, mountain meadows and waterfalls, YMCA Camp Jackson is an all-inclusive camp that has welcomed campers from Colorado and beyond since 1916. Campers learn to respect differences and live together as part of a community through cabin life, group games, clean cabin and other activities. Hot, healthy meals are made from scratch and family style service reinforces the community lifestyle. Our kitchen staff will work with campers to accommodate most common food allergies. These needs must be addressed with the camp office prior to arrival. Camp Jackson utilizes the surrounding San Isabel national Forest and operates under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the state of Colorado. BUILDING COMMUNITY INTENTIONAL Through intentional programming, Camp Jackson works with every camper to promote personal growth and relationships while experiencing nature. Staff is carefully screened and must pass thorough background checks before being selected for their skills, experience and ability to serve as a positive role model. All staff must complete an intensive one week training prior to any youth supervision. ELECTRONICS: Camp is an unplugged lifestyle where campers connect with nature and each other. Please leave all electronics at home. For emergencies, campers can use the office phone.
BASE CAMP [AGES 7-12] The Camp Jackson Base Camp program is where your child s camping traditions begin! Campers that sign up for our traditional summer camping program will be put into gender specific cabins with 8-12 children of similar ages/grades and will enjoy age appropriate activities led by their two counselors. As your child progresses in age the camp program will progress along with them adding adventures and challenges along the way. Cabin groups spend time each day together building and strengthening friendships, learning new skills and participating in fun and challenging camp activities. Some of the activities your child may experience include archery, low ropes, rock climbing, canoeing, arts and crafts, devotions, team building and much more! On Wednesday night, every cabin will go on Packout where they sleep under the stars and cook over a campfire. TEEN BASE [AGES 13-14] This program is for those Base Campers ages 13-14 who are beginning to shift from Base Camp into Adventure Programs. While these campers follow the traditional Base Camp schedule and participate in Specialty Areas, their transition will include sleeping in the Teen Center and participating in select teen only activities.
Specialty Areas At YMCA Camp Jackson, we offer four Specialty Areas where campers spend eight hours learning the ins and outs of a skill they want to become better at. These Specialty Areas are filled on a first come, first serve basis. When registering, please indicate your first and second choice so that we can best place your camper. ECO-SURVIVAL SKILLS People learn about their environment by interacting with it. Campers are taught to develop a sense of caring and respect through hands on experiences in nature. Campers will spend time learning about our ecosystem and where we fit in. They will assist in the recycling program and spend time getting their hands dirty in the garden. While spending time outdoors, they will also learn basic survival techniques such as shelter building and fire starting. MARKSMANSHIP Our Marksmanship specialty area teaches respect and responsibility to campers while focusing on proper use of.22 rifles, BB guns and archery equipment. HORSEMANSHIP There is something special that happens when campers are introduced to the art and skill of horseback riding. Our Horsemanship specialty area is designed to introduce campers to horseback riding, care and maintenance. Campers in this program will spend mornings learning skills and taking trail rides throughout the property. Be sure to send your camper with extra pants and closed toed shoes. MOUNTAIN SPORTS An introduction to rock climbing and canoeing, each day offers its own adventure as your camper tackles some of the best challenges at camp. Our rock climbing routes are real slab located in the Crockett Falls valley. Canoeing is done at Lake Beckwith where we cover safety and paddling techniques.
Choice Blocks New this year, campers will register for a Choice Block time. This will provide campers the opportunity to spend time participating in a variety of activities in an area they are interested in while allowing counselors the flexibility for creative programming with small groups. The following are the Choice Block options with potential activities. These activities will change based on the week and group. It is recommended that campers not repeat their Specialty Area activities. Encourage them to try something new! ARTS AND CRAFTS Tie-Dye, Paper Making, Candle Making, Origami, Dream Catchers, Leaf Rubs, Sketching ECOLOGY AND SCIENCE Bubbles, Sand Volcanoes, Build and Float Boats, Water Goggles, Gardening DRAMA AND MOVEMENT Line Dancing, Yoga, Backyard Bands, Bag Skits, Zumba, Improv, Karaoke GROUP GAMES Gaga, Ultimate Frisbee, Boffers, Obstacle Course, Frisbee Golf, Kickball, Hiking Typical Day at Camp 7:30 Thought for the Day 7:45 Flag Raising 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Cabin Details 9:30 Specialty Area 12:00 Lunch 1:00 All Camp FOB 2:00 Store 3:00 Cabin Times 5:15 Flag Lowering 5:30 Dinner 7:00 Evening Program 8:30 Campfire 9:00 Reflections MOUNTAINEERS Fort Building, Animal Tracks, Bouldering, Exploration Hike, Canoeing, Rock Climbing TAKE AIM Rock Throwing, Sling Shots, Sponge Launch, Egg Drop, Archery, Riflery
TEEN ADVENTURE [AGES 13-17] Tailored for the older camper, Adventure Camp is a natural extension of the Base Camp experience. Adventure programs recognize the developing needs of teens for more adventure and challenge. This is a unique camping experience, enhancing the development of outdoor living skills, natural awareness, and close relationships with others. RAFTING features a two-day white water rafting experience that is sure to suffice for teens seeking adventure. Campers spend two days rafting down the Arkansas and will camp overnight on its banks. These campers will experience the chilling spray from classic rapids that leave them soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear. Paddlers will also participate in our high ropes challenge course and learn basic rock climbing techniques. CLIMBING is filled with climbing, climbing and more climbing. Campers begin to learn the basics of top roping on Camp Jackson property and advance to an overnight packout where they will descend into Goliath Gorge in San Carlos to climb on The Slab. This rigorous climbing adventure will be led by experienced staff whose first priority is your campers safety. Campers will also participate in a half day rafting trip as well as traditional camp activities. HORSEMASTERS get the complete horse experience and learn the responsibilities of horse ownership. From feeding and grooming, to doing work around the corral, campers will gain basic horse care knowledge while increasing their riding skills. Campers will spend time receiving instruction in the arena as well as take to the trails. Horsemasters will also spend time on the high and low ropes challenge course learning team building skills, as well as join in with camp to participate in activities such as choices, evening program and campfire. COMBO puts them all together in a two week challenge that offers rafting, climbing and riding as well as our traditional activities in a back to back session. Campers in this program should be prepared to do 3 overnight trips; one on the river, one at the climbing location and a weekend trek. HIGH SCHOOL ADVENTURE [AGES 15-17] All the adventures of Adventure Camps apply; but in an age appropriate and more advanced setting. These teens will learn in-depth techniques and have deeper discussion surrounding topics specific to their age group.
Leadership [AGES 14-17] CREW The CREW program is a life changing experience for high school students. Each camper spends their day assisting in every aspect of camp, learning what it means to serve others, and making huge impacts on the lives of younger campers. Each CREW member is mentored by the leadership staff at Camp Jackson to be a champion for youth development. Completion of the CIT program is required. LEADERS IN TRAINING (LIT) The Leaders in Training program introduces teens to interacting with groups of varying dynamics and teaches them how to bring a group of individuals together to work towards an agreed upon goal. These teens will work closely with campers and staff to learn the skills necessary to grow as future community leaders. During their second week at camp, they will assist counselors and specialists leading activities to allow for hands-on learning. Leaders in Training will also have the opportunity to plan and implement a choice time. We hope that you will be amazed at the growth of your camper when they return from their two week adventure! COUNSELORS IN TRAINING (CIT) The Counselors in Training program is designed to train young men and women for potential future employment as a counselor with YMCA Camp Jackson. Our training will emphasize understanding children, respecting diversity, developing leadership and teaching values. CITs will spend their first week learning about counseling skills and the different activities that camp offers. In their second week of the program, CITs will shadow counselors and assist in working with campers in a cabin. The CITs complete the passage into leadership with a 3 day 2 night trek to the summit of Greenhorn Mountain. Our intention is that these campers return from the CIT program prepared to be leaders in their community. In order to participate in CIT at 15, completion of LIT is required.
CAMPERSHIP PROGRAM The Y is all about Youth Development. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Scholarships are subsidized by the YMCA Annual Support Campaign. CONNECT WITH US! To learn more about our scholarship program along with current prices and promotions, stop by The Y: FAMILY CAMP Looking for a weekend getaway with family? YMCA Camp Jackson offers the perfect place for your family to reconnect-- away from the hectic pace of daily life. Learn all about our heated cabins, activities, pricing and more by visiting campjackson.com. 3200 E. Spaulding Avenue Pueblo, CO or Call us: (719) 543-5151 Paperless this year! Register online@ campjackson.com NEW THIS YEAR! WHAT IF YOU COULD GIVE A GIFT THAT NEVER ENDS? See you soon! Be part of the legacy. Learn more about our Camp Jackson Heritage Endowment Call: 719-543-5151 or visit: puebloymca.org/donate.