YMCA CAMP GLACIER LAKE

GET TO KNOW YMCA CAMP GLACIER LAKE

Serving the Greater Canandaigua Area, YMCA Camp Glacier Lake is hosted at Onanda Park, offering campers a wide range of outdoor activities, waterfront adventures, and more. This beautiful location allows us to expand our offerings while still providing classic camp favorites. With direct access to the waterfront, campers can enjoy swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, along with plenty of space for games, arts and crafts, and many other fun activities.

RELATIONSHIPS

At Camp Glacier Lake, we ensure a personalized and engaging experience by grouping campers based on the grade level they are entering in Fall 2025. Our mixed-gender groups follow OCFS ratios tailored to each grade range, allowing for a supportive environment where friendships can flourish. Each group adheres to a set schedule filled with daily activities designed to match their unique interests and developmental needs. 

Camp Glacier Lake is divided into 2 main villages plus we offer additional camp offerings.   

• Our Jr. Village units are (Cayuga, Seneca)  

• Our Sr. Village units are (Onondaga, Daigua) 

• In addition, we offer a CIT Program. 

ACHIEVEMENT

Our Traditional Day Camp programming follows a progressive model, meaning that age and unit requirements are applied to various activities throughout the camp. Some traditional camp activities may require additional testing, such as the Deep End Test, to ensure safety and readiness.

In our Jr. Village Units, campers follow a pre-assigned schedule of Mastery activities designed to foster skill development.

Meanwhile, campers in our Sr. Village Units have the exciting opportunity to choose their own Mastery Activities, allowing for a more personalized and engaging experience.

This structure helps ensure that all campers participate in activities that are both appropriate for their age and aligned with their interests.

BELONGING

Our counselors are not just exceptional role models; they are superheroes to our campers! They help kids disconnect from technology by encouraging them to appreciate the natural beauty of camp and to take pride in who they are as individuals, rather than just a virtual version of themselves on social media. 

All our camp staff undergo a mandatory two-week training program prior to the summer, totaling over 40 hours of in-person training. During this training, we cover a variety of important topics, including: 

• Mandated Reporter Training 

• CPR/First Aid Certification 

• Behavior Management Techniques 

• Youth Development & Appropriate Camper Interactions 

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training 

• NYS Sexual Harassment Training 

• Daily Camper Interactions Training 

• Safety Around Water Training 

• Risk Management Training 

• NYS Foundations of Health & Safety 

• And more! 

Our leadership team consists of individuals who are all at least 21 years old, ensuring a high level of maturity and experience. We are proud to have a camp staff with an impressive retention rate of 79%, with many returning for multiple summers. We take great pride in hiring staff from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to enhance the camp experience for all our youth. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Transportation

• Transportation to and from YMCA Camp Glacier Lake will be available for those who  register for it.
• NEW THIS YEAR: We offer transportation options to and from the Sands Family YMCA. In  the morning, a bus to Camp will depart at 7:15 am and 8:15 am. In the afternoon, a bus will return to the YMCA at 4:15 pm and 5:15 pm.
• There will be NO AM or PM care at the YMCA. Please plan on dropping off and picking up your camper at the designated bus time.

Drop off and Pick up

• Parents can drop off their children directly at YMCA Camp Glacier Lake in Onanda Park starting at 7 am, and pick up from YMCA Camp Glacier Lake no later than 6 pm. 

Partnership with the Town of Canandaigua

• We are proud to partner with the Town of Canandaigua to offer this exceptional YMCA camp experience at the historic Onanda Park. Town of Canandaigua residents can receive a benefit from this partnership with a discount of $40 per week, per camper, while all campers benefit from the full outdoor summer camp experience where everyone will unplug and connect.

For more information about YMCA Camp Glacier Lake Contact Us:  

CONTACT US

585-396-8770

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