Overnight Summer Camp

We believe every child deserves a summer at camp. Experience Scholarships are available for families in need; please see our Experience Scholarship section to learn more.

Two-Week Sessions:

One-Week Sessions:

Wilderness Programs – Adirondack Wilderness Explorers:

Counselor in Training:

Sampler Opportunities:
Available August 16-21

• To change or cancel your existing registration: Please contact our staff at campgorham@rochesterymca.org. All changes to enrollment must be made in writing.
• At the time of registration, a 10% deposit is due to enroll. Any balances owed will be automatically charged to the card on file on May 15, 2026. Alternate payment plan options are available by calling the office at 315-357-6401.
• Refunds will be made in full upon cancellation prior to May 15, 2026. After May 15, refunds minus your deposit will be issued or if cancellation is more than 2 weeks prior to your session. Refunds will not be issued if cancellation is within 2 weeks of your session starting.
• No refunds are given when a camper’s behavior warrants dismissal from the program or for instances when the parent voluntarily withdraws the child from camp for any reason. Refunds will be given for medical purposes (with a doctor's note) prior to the start of camp in full. During camp, pro-rated refunds will be granted for medical purposes.
• Completion of all forms and payment in full prior to my child attending camp are required for camp participation.

Traditional Camp Programs (Entering Grade 2-10)

Two-Week Camp: What To Expect

Camp Gorham offers a structured and enriching two-week overnight camp experience designed to foster belonging, independence, achievement and friendship. Here’s what you can expect from our program:

Two Weeks of Adventure: Our two-week format allows campers to immerse themselves fully in camp life, building lasting friendships and mastering skills in their chosen specialty tracks. With a variety of activities each day, every camper will have the opportunity to explore and grow.

Dynamic Programming: Our afternoon and evening activities rotate throughout the two weeks, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience every day. From exciting games like Gold Rush, Wells Fargo and Commando to creative projects like Ham Jam and Carnival, there’s always something new to look forward to.

Age and Gender Grouping: Campers are assigned to cabins based on grade and gender identity. Camp will honor up to two reciprocal roommate requests. 

For any questions, please reach out to our Camp Director, Paul, at Paul.Davidson@RochesterYMCA.org

One-Week Camp: What to Expect

A Week of Fun and Discovery: Our one-week program is designed to give campers a taste of camp life, with a variety of activities and experiences packed into their stay. This option is ideal for those looking to explore camp while enjoying a full range of activities. One-week campers participate in activities along with our two-week campers.

Special Highlights:

Session “A” Campers: Enjoy a memorable opening campfire that sets the tone for the week and creates lasting camp traditions.

Session “B” Campers: Participate in the exciting Gorham Games, a camp-wide event that encourages teamwork and friendly competition, followed by a closing campfire to celebrate the week’s adventures.

Depending on availability, one-week campers may have the opportunity to extend their stay for an additional week, allowing them to continue their camp experience and dive deeper into the activities and friendships they’ve started to build.

For any questions, please reach out to our Camp Director, Paul, at Paul.Davidson@RochesterYMCA.org

Adirondack Wilderness Explorers (Entering Grade 2-10)

• The Adirondack Wilderness Explorers program is designed for adventurous campers entering grades 5-10 who are ready for an immersive and challenging experience. Over two weeks at Camp Gorham, participants will discover the beauty and thrill of the Adirondacks while developing essential outdoor skills. 

Week One: Foundations and Exploration 

• Skill Building: Campers will engage in a range of exciting activities, including rock climbing, archery, arts and crafts. They will also learn practical skills such as backpack packing, tent setup and fire-starting. 
• Exploration: Participants will explore Camp Gorham’s expansive 1,500-acre property by mountain bike, canoe and on foot, gaining hands-on experience in navigating diverse terrains and environments. 

Week Two: The Ultimate Wilderness Trip

• Grades 5-7 Backpacking Trip: The highlight of the program is a 3 night, 4 day backpacking trip
• Grades 8-10 will get to choose between a 4 night, 5 day canoe or backpack trip
• The journey challenges them to test their abilities, foster teamwork and deepen their connection with nature

The Adirondack Wilderness Explorers program offers a perfect blend of skill development, adventure and personal growth, providing teens with an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. 

It's not all time spent in the woods for our Adirondack Wilderness Explorers campers, though. Our Adirondack Wilderness Explorers are part of our Leadership Village, which includes our Counselors in Training. Together, this village demonstrates what it means to be a leader at Camp Gorham by tackling a service project and leading an evening program for the rest of the Camp. 

Leadership and Fun for 16-Year-Olds

Camp Gorham’s CIT program is designed for 16-year-olds entering 11th grade who are eager to develop leadership skills while enjoying a memorable camp experience. This program offers a unique blend of training, community service and camaraderie.

What to Expect:

Staff and Leadership Training: CITs will engage in comprehensive counselor training, learning essential skills such as group management, effective communication and conflict resolution.

Community Service: Participants will have the rewarding opportunity to give back through service projects, making a positive impact on the camp community. Campers will gain 40 hours of community service.

In-Cabin Experience: CITs will bond with fellow trainees during their in-cabin experience, creating lasting friendships and a supportive network.

Wilderness Experience: CITs will participate in a three night, four day backpacking experience on Camp Gorham property.

Registration: The path to becoming a Counselor-in-Training begins with our application and interview process. Candidates are selected based on this initial step.

Please email campgorham@RochesterYMCA.org if interested in learning more or to apply.  

New for 2026!

We’ve added an extra week of camp! These shorter sessions provide the perfect "test drive" for new campers or those looking to explore a new specialty. Rooted in our core values, these sessions are designed to help every camper walk away with a sense of independence, achievement, belonging, friendship and wonder.

The Classic – Traditional Sampler

Camp Corral is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of children of this nation’s wounded, ill and fallen military heroes. Camp Corral is proudly sponsored by its founding sponsor, Golden Corral Corporation and other generous donors. YMCA Camp Gorham is one of 22 sites in the nation selected to host Camp Corral. For the children who participate with Camp Corral, they experience adventure, test their limits, challenge their fears, celebrate their accomplishments and make friendships that remind them they are not alone. Your camper will spend the week outdoors enjoying the many traditional overnight camp activities Camp Gorham has to offer: swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boards, mountain biking, fishing, archery, high ropes, zip line, hiking, wilderness and more! 

Registration is now open. Enrollment space is limited so apply early!

YMCA Camp Gorham also partners with Camp Corral to host Family Camp Weekend. Family Camp Weekend is a two-night family camp experience. It runs from Friday night to Sunday morning. With comfortable sleeping quarters with motel-like amenities, engaging activities and delicious meals served, families can spend more time together and less time worried about the logistics. 

Camp Corral has chosen YMCA Camp Gorham as one of six camps to partner with for the SALUTE Program. The SALUTE Program is the highly selective, two-year teen leadership program sponsored by Camp Corral. SALUTE participants participate in virtual meetings throughout the year and attend camp in the summer. All SALUTE participants are chosen in partnership between YMCA Camp Gorham and Camp Corral.

• Who can attend? Children ages 8-15 with a veteran parent who is wounded, ill or fallen (combat or non-combat related).   
• How does my camper apply? The camper’s parent or legal guardian can apply on Camp Corral’s website.
• What happens after I apply? YMCA Camp Gorham will review applications to ensure your camper meets the established guidelines. Once accepted you will receive instructions directly from YMCA Camp Gorham, with information like parent/medical forms, what to bring, arrival and departure times, etc. 

Traditional Camp Activities

Our specialty tracks are categorized as being Land, Water, and Creative activities.

LAND

Archery

Campers can learn or improve the skills necessary for shooting a bow and arrow. Throughout the week, campers will learn the different parts of a bow as well as the proper firing technique. Campers will be able to use their skills with a few unique challenges that take place on our main archery range as well as our field archery range. New this year! Campers will be able to put their skills to the test and compete in the archery challenge to win the coveted golden arrow!

Sports and Games

If you like being active and having a chance to compete at the same time, then Sports and Games are for you! In the Sports and Games track, campers will have the chance to play a number of different athletic games. Campers will begin each session with a group stretch to warm up and then put their athletic skills to use. This year, campers will play games such as kickball, ultimate frisbee, World Cup soccer and pickleball. While this activity does focus on competitive games, campers are still reminded each day to practice good sportsmanship and focus on the fun.

Mountain Biking

Hit the trails with us in the Mountain Biking specialty track. Throughout the week, campers will learn the basics of mountain biking by learning the different parts of the bike, practicing bike control and learning about riding safety. Day One will have campers practicing on a small obstacle course that will help improve riding control and by Day Five, campers will be testing their skills through time trials out on the trails.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is an exciting activity that provides campers with the opportunity to push themselves to new heights. Goal setting is highly encouraged with our campers in this activity and our trained staff will help campers achieve or even surpass them. The week starts off with learning about the equipment that is used for rock climbing and how it keeps us safe. Each day, campers will have the chance to scale our rock wall, climb the cargo net, soar on the flying squirrel and coast down our zipline. This is the perfect activity for those looking to step outside of their comfort zone. Remember, closed-toe, sturdy shoes are required for this specialty track.

ADK Life

Here at Camp Gorham, we like to put an emphasis on enjoying the outdoors and our ADK Life specialty track is the perfect activity to do so. In this activity, campers will have the chance to explore different parts of camp while learning some essential skills that can be used in the wilderness. Campers will hike to Lunar Falls, learn how to build a fire, build their own survival shelter and play fun wilderness games like camouflage. Be sure to bring your hiking boots!

Horseback Riding
At additional charge

Horseback riding has a long tradition at Camp Gorham! Campers who register to take horseback riding as one of their three electives will begin with riding lessons, building to a trail ride. Campers are grouped by ability level with lessons being tailored to maximize the experience for each camper. Campers not in this elective may still be able to experience the horses either by assisting with barn care or may take part in a scheduled cabin ring ride in our arena. Helmets are provided; campers registering for this program must bring riding boots/shoes with a pronounced heel and long pants that come to the ankle for riding. Lessons are with equestrian staff. After assessments, riders are grouped into beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Camp Gorham is proud to be accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association. Campers registering for riding lessons must be at least 10 years old.

WATER

Boating

Darts Lake at Camp Gorham is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the water. In boating, campers will have the chance to explore parts of our 400-acre private lake. Whether you are an experienced paddler or have never been in a boat before, this activity is a fun way to be on the water. At the beginning of the week, campers will start with the basics by learning the different parts of the boats and paddling techniques. Campers will later get to paddle the lake via canoe or kayak and even practice the safety skills of what to do if your boat capsizes. If you want the full Adirondack experience, then boating should be on your schedule.

Fishing

Nothing beats relaxing with friends and casting a line into Darts Lake. In the fishing specialty track, campers will learn about our aquatic wildlife, learn how to string a fishing pole and bait their own hook. Our fishing is on a catch-and-release basis with an emphasis on the importance of respecting wildlife. This year, campers will have the opportunity to try fishing at different locations on camp to see where the best fishing can be done here at Gorham.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a favorite amongst campers here at Gorham. If you have never tried a SUP, then we highly recommend this activity. It’s like surfing but without the waves and you use a paddle to propel yourself. Campers will start the week by learning the basics of paddling and how to gain balance on the SUP. As the week progresses, campers will practice paddling out on the lake while playing some fun games. New this year! Campers will have the chance to try our new Corcls! These are floating disks that work similarly to a SUP and provide a fun challenge.

Splash-a-palooza

Splash-a-palooza is for campers who want to spend extra time playing in Darts Lake! Campers in this activity will enjoy our water inflatables, play plenty of games in the swimming area, lounge on water floats and see how long they can last with log rolling. For safety purposes, campers must pass our swim test to participate in the swimming specialty track. Please feel free to contact us with any questions on the swim test.

Waterskiing
At additional charge

Whether you are looking to try waterskiing for the first time or to enhance your skills further, there is no better location for your child to waterski than on our beautiful private lake. Our experienced instructors will tailor their approach to the level of your camper ensuring they get a memorable and meaningful waterski experience. Campers taking waterski lessons must be able to pass our swim test and be at least 10 years old.

CREATIVE

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are a great way to put your creativity on display! Campers will participate in several fun and creative craft projects. Campers who participate in this activity can expect to make tie-dye clothing, practice wood burning and make their own candle. Tie-dye shirts are provided to campers. Campers will be able to bring their crafts home at the end of the week so they can be displayed for all to see!

The Dart

The Dart specialty track is for writers and creators who want to share their love of Camp Gorham with the outside world! Every two weeks, we’ll publish an issue of The Dart and share it with families, friends and the world! Choose this specialty track if you like to write, draw, take photos and want to learn a little bit about assembling media!

Fort Building

Fort Building is a deep dive into the science and art of creating wilderness structures! Choose this specialty track if you’d like to learn building techniques for fairy houses, forts and shelters created from natural materials.

STEM

Put your science, technology, engineering and math skills to work in our tinkering lab! Each day will bring a new STEM challenge for participants in this specialty track.

Outdoor Cooking

Everything tastes better when cooked over a fire! In Outdoor Cooking, campers will learn a series of simple and delicious recipes that can be cooked over a campfire. The week will start with demonstrating how to build a campfire that can be used for cooking. Throughout the week, campers will make dishes such as freshly popped popcorn, cobbler, brown bears, quesadillas and banana boats. Campers will also learn how cast-iron pots and pans can be helpful with campfire meals and practice proper care of the cast-iron equipment.

Available only for Traditional Camp Programs. 

Waterski Programs, age 10 and up: Whether you are looking to try waterskiing for the first time or to enhance your skills further, there is no better location for your child to waterski than on our beautiful 400-acre private lake. Our experienced instructors will tailor their approach to the level of your camper ensuring they get a memorable and meaningful waterski experience. Campers taking waterski lessons must be able to pass our swim test.

Horseback Riding: Campers who select horseback riding as one of their three electives have the opportunity to explore our 1,500-acre property and extensive trail system. The program is led by our equestrian staff and begins with skill assessments to place riders into beginner, intermediate or advanced groups. Lessons focus on building foundational skills, eventually progressing toward trail rides tailored to each group's ability level. For those not enrolled in the elective, opportunities to interact with the horses are still available through assisting with barn care or participating in scheduled cabin ring rides in our arena. 

Our equestrian program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). This accreditation ensures that Camp Gorham meets the highest industry standards for safety, education and animal welfare. The CHA certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of our site, program content, staff qualifications and equine management practices. 

To ensure safety and comfort, helmets are provided for all participants. Campers registered for the horseback riding elective are required to bring long pants that reach the ankle and riding boots or shoes with a pronounced heel. 

• Cabin Groups: Our cabins are home base for campers, both in terms of space but more importantly in terms of people. After each day, campers always come back together in their cabin and participate in Evening Embers, a chance to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Cabin life is designed to build new friendships in a caring supportive environment. Campers are active participants in the Camp Community taking responsibility for the cleanliness of their cabins; keeping track of their personal belongings; putting away equipment after activities; and clearing tables after meals in the dining hall. Camp will honor two reciprocal roommate request. Each cabin is staffed with two Cabin Counselors who live in the cabin with their campers. Parents can meet their child’s counselors at check-in and again during pick up at the end of your camper’s session.
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• Village Groups: Cabins also make up different villages at Camp Gorham. Our Villages give campers something to be part of and proud of within the overall Gorham community. Campers are assigned a village based on age and gender. Each has a distinct identity. Throughout the summer, campers have many shared experiences within their village but also aim to be the loudest and proudest within camp! Campers are encouraged to bring clothing in their village color to exhibit their pride. Staff create a dynamic environment focused on five key elements: Safety, Friendship, Adirondack Experiences, Character Development and Fun!
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• Loon Village: Coed with gender specific housing entering Gr. 2-4 (Village Color Purple)
• Adirondack Village: Girls+ Entering Gr. 5-7 (Village Color Green)
• Big Moose Village: Boys+ Entering Gr. 5-7 (Village Color Red)
• Frontier Village: Girls+ Entering Gr. 8-10 (Village Color Yellow)
• Lumberjack Village: Boys+ Entering Gr. 8-10 (Village Color Blue)
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• Meal Time: All meals at Camp are served family style in our dining hall; a cereal bar is available in the morning and a salad bar is available at lunch and dinner. Campers who require special diets for medical reasons can be accommodated with advance notice. Fruit is always available for campers and mealtimes and for snacks throughout the day. Cabins take turns being table setters for each meal to help set up the dining hall. Prior to the meal camper’s gather together in the game zone in front of the dining hall enjoying gaga ball; basketball; carpet ball and the jumping pillow. Just prior to the meal, campers line up in cabin groups and are called up to the dining hall one group at a time. This line up time includes our lost and found game as well as some cheers; songs; and quick role-playing games! The fun continues in the dining hall with spontaneous songs and cheers throughout the meal.
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• Cabin Placement: Camp Gorham's Cabins are gender specific, which means:
• • Girl+ Cabins are a space for girls, trans and non-binary campers who feel  most comfortable living with girls
  • Boy+ Cabins are a space for boys, trans and non-binary campers who feel most comfortable living with boys 
• For any questions regarding our cabin placement or inclusion policies, please reach out to our Camp Director, Paul, at Paul.Davidson@RochesterYMCA.org. 
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Overnight: What’s better than an overnight camping trip? An overnight camping trip with your best camp friends! Campers in our two-week sessions hike or paddle to a Camp Gorham lean-to site for an evening under the stars. Campers sleep in tents, cook dinner over the campfire and enjoy an Adirondack summer night.

Gorham Games: Imagine the sights and sounds of 150 campers dressed in red, blue, green or yellow while they sing, cheer and shout for their Village. That’s how the Gorham Games begin! After cheer-off at Coliseum, campers head to the A-Field for the final showdown – often a game of 4-way capture the flag - to earn the title of their session’s Gorham Games Champion. The winning village is revealed at Closing Campfire, and the village’s name is immortalized on a plaque hung in the Dining Hall.

Coliseum: Every day after dinner, we enter the fun zone of the Coliseum a space and time where all of camp comes
together to show camp spirit, become victorious in a game of gaga and eagerly await which all camp evening program will be announced.

Closing Banquet and Campfire: On the last day of each session, campers gather in the dining hall for a spectacular meal prepared by our professional chef. Staff all dress for the occasion and campers are encouraged to bring a nice outfit to wear to dinner that night. The banquet sets the stage for our closing campfire with wood chip ceremony. Campers receive a bracelet at closing campfire symbolizing their specific year at camp. The Adirondacks have long been a destination for friends and families where historically people would “dress” for dinner and gather in large dining halls for family style meals. Gorham celebrates the past of the Adirondacks with our closing banquet tradition as well as celebrating and giving thanks for the new friendships and experiences enjoyed during your camper’s session.

Golden Horseshoe: Our wonderful team of horses are expertly taken care of by our Equestrian staff but they always welcome extra help. Each morning campers can help to bring the horses in from the pasture and get them fed and ready for the day. The dedicated volunteer campers who join the equestrian staff every day are awarded the Golden Horseshoe in recognition of their efforts.

Polar Bear: Each morning, with the mist in the air and Darts Lake smooth as glass, the bravest campers and cabins head down to the waterfront to participate in what Gorham Campers have been doing since 1963, the polar bear plunge! Campers who plunge into the lake every morning are awarded the polar bear award at closing campfire but even if you only do it once, one thing is for sure, no Gorham experience is complete without the polar bear plunge!

Learn more about our staff and career opportunities here!