PATHFINDERS TRADITIONAL CAMPS

Option 1: Future Mountaineer Pathfinders Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

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

If your camper is looking to become one with the outdoors and develop their independence, Future Mountaineer Pathfinders Camp will really light their campfire. Campers learn the foundations of backpacking and survival skills through activities, such as shelter-building, plant identification and hiking, and cooking over backpacking stoves or a campfire. On top of our classic sleepaway camp experiences — think swimming and tie-dying, s’mores and color wars — this camp is perfect for fledgling adventurers who are looking to develop outdoors skills, like top-roping skills at the crag (no prior climbing experience required). Weather permitting, Pathfinders will have the chance to sleep under the stars for two nights on basecamp.

This program prepares campers for YMCA Camp Santa Maria’s backcountry programs and gives them tools, mentors and experiences to foster resilience, confidence and lifelong friendships. Campers will also revel in camp traditions, including Breakfast of Champions, opening and closing campfires and a bead ceremony.

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 2: Waterfront Pathfinders Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

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

Come on in, the water’s fine! During Waterfront Pathfinders Camp at YMCA Camp Santa Maria, campers suit up, dive in and spend the week in the water! Our Pathfinders work daily on the foundations of confident kayak, paddleboard and canoeing skills, from boat safety to efficient paddling to refining their steering techniques. On top of savoring classic camp activities — like hiking, archery, tie-dying and color wars — they will also have a chance to cool off in the pool with friends and enjoy an iconic view of the valley. Weather permitting, campers can look forward to night canoeing and s’mores on the lake.

Surrounded by a welcoming community, campers experience magical camp traditions — including Breakfast of Champions, opening and closing campfires, battle for the paddle and a bead ceremony — and leave Camp Santa Maria with nurtured confidence and countless friendships. Curiosity and determination are required; previous waterfront experience is not. 

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 3: Naturalist & Astronomer Pathfinders Camp - 6 days, 5 nights

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

During Naturalist and Astronomer Pathfinders Camp, campers gain a deeper understanding of what goes on in the natural world beyond what they see with the naked eye. Thought-provoking experiments with their friends will keep campers curious, engaged with their outdoor surroundings and excited for each day, creating an environment that is ripe for building confidence and community. Our young naturalists will explore more challenging terrain on their hikes and learn about local ecology through the identification of plants and wildlife. These activities expand on their existing Leave No Trace knowledge and invite them to discover the real-world implications of these guiding principles. Weather permitting, campers can anticipate an island cookout on the lake with healthy recipes of their creation as well as a meadow camp out in the company of the cosmos after an evening of more advanced astronomy with high-powered telescopes guided by an expert. And never fear, campers will also have plenty of opportunities for classic camp experiences, including swimming, color wars, archery, tie-dying and pool time, as well as beloved YMCA Camp Santa Maria traditions: Breakfast of Champions, opening, battle for the paddle and closing campfires and a bead ceremony.

Sample Daily Schedule

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