PIONEER CAMP

Ages 11-16

You will register for these programs individually. All campers in Pioneer Camps will stay in canvas tents or yurts while at main camp and in camping tents while in the backcountry or away from camp.

Outdoor Adventure Camp: Ages 11-15

YMCA Camp Santa Maria’s Outdoor Adventure Camp has been carefully planned for campers who are fascinated with nature and outdoor activities and want to learn many different skills while at camp.

Our Outdoor Adventure Camp campers spend their week learning a little bit of a lot of outdoor skills. These campers will be divided based on grade level and age. These campers do all of their activities on our property but will spend a majority of their time at camp away from main camp. OACs will get to climb rocks, backpack, spend time on our lake and learn wilderness survival skills and orienteering.

Teen Adventure Camp: Ages 14-16

YMCA Camp Santa Maria Teen Adventure Camp is designed for campers with an adventurous spirit, who want to learn a lot about their chosen activity and go on extended outings from camp.

Commonly referred to as TACos, our Teen Adventure Camp campers focus on developing technical skills in whitewater kayaking, backpacking, whitewater stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking or rock climbing while building leadership skills in a supportive, small group setting. These experiences emphasize communication, wilderness skills, “Leave No Trace” concepts and backcountry traveling skills. Almost all of our trips are run through a Buena Vista-based guide company, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, and our TACos spend three days, two nights with RMOC to learn technical skills and proficiency in the activity for which they register. Both of our backpacking trips are self-led in Pike National Forest. They are three-day, two-night trips as well.

While at camp, TACos will stay in Pioneer Village and participate in activities with the rest of our camp programs. With the exception of our backpacking programs, all Teen Adventure Camp programs are $20 more than our base rate to accommodate for guide fees.