DISCOVERY TRADITIONAL CAMPS

Option 1: Outdoor Discovery Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

Session 3 (June 18-23), Session 7 (July 16-21), Session 9 (July 30-Aug 4)

During Outdoor Discovery Camp, children fully explore the property of YMCA Camp Santa Maria and connect with the land in the front country. Campers explore beginner hiking trails, learn canoeing basics on the lake and get their first taste of climbing at camp by learning on-the-ground basics and knots followed by a session of rappelling. They will learn Leave No Trace principles and apply them to campfire safety (weather permitting), respecting wildlife and preserving the land on which they recreate. This group will also participate in a sleep-out under the stars on basecamp (weather permitting).

Outdoor Discovery Camp is an accessible introduction for campers looking to harness their love for camping and the outdoors. Campers also soak in the camp traditions and favorites, including Breakfast of Champions, a bead ceremony, tie-dying, s’mores, swimming, archery and much more. Surrounded and supported by a welcoming community of staff and kiddos, campers develop invaluable life skills, including resilience, independence, responsibility and a sense of adventure. 

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 2: Naturalist & Astronomer Discovery Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

Session 2 (June 11-16), Session 4 (June 25-30), Session 8 (July 23-28)

As a part of Naturalist & Astronomer Discovery Camp, children explore the intersection of science and the natural world in an adventure setting. During the daytime, campers venture out on hikes on Camp Santa Maria’s extensive trail network guided by Leave No Trace principles and get their hands dirty as they dive into outdoor experiential education. They work with various mediums to craft keepsakes of their eco-experiences. In the evening, weather permitting, campers learn the fundamentals of astronomy, look through high-powered telescopes with their star charts and make discoveries that inspire their sense of wonder.

Campers ultimately learn what it means to take care of themselves, their friends and their environment. At the same time, they develop a sense of community, responsibility and adventure and nurture their confidence and resilience. Our adventurers also participate in camp classics, such as hiking, tie-dying, archery, swimming and s’mores, and revel in camp traditions, including Breakfast of Champions, opening and closing campfires and a bead ceremony. 

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 3: Fantasy Adventure Discovery Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

Session 1 (June 4-9), Session 6 (July 9-14)

During YMCA Camp Santa Maria’s Fantasy Adventure Discovery Camp, our creative campers follow a mythical narrative of heroes and villains that guide their activities and help them develop their sense of adventure and connect the camp community. In a legendary pursuit of adventure and greatness, campers participate in team-building programming through the lens of challenge by choice, including field sports, hiking, pool games, a canoe race and a cookout competition. They also have an opportunity to assemble a costume of their own creation and work together in a scavenger hunt sprawling across camp. In between their heroic quests, they enjoy classic camp activities — from hiking and capture the flag to swimming and archery — and find themselves uplifted by our welcoming camp community. If that didn’t offer enough magic, Breakfast of Champions, a bead ceremony and other camp traditions will help create community and connection for all.

Sample Daily Schedule

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PARENT RESOURCES

Review the parent handbook, drop-off/pick-up times, COVID policies, financial assistance, ePACT and more.

PARENT RESOURCES