GET TO KNOW YMCA CAMP EASTSIDE
Welcome to Camp Eastside, where adventure and excitement await! Nestled directly on the camp property connected to the Eastside Family YMCA, Camp Eastside offers a high-energy, fun, and safe environment for campers to choose their own adventure through our engaging mastery classes. Our dedicated and trained staff focus on value-based confidence building, ensuring that every child has the support they need to be their best selves. Each day at Camp Eastside is filled with magic as campers learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories. Join us for a summer of fun and self-discovery!
RELATIONSHIPS
At Camp Eastside, 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 Eastside
Camp Eastside is divided into 2 main villages plus we offer additional camp offerings.
- Our Jr. Village units are (Farmhouse, Savannah, Outback)
- Our Sr. Village units are (Rainforest, Arctic, Desert)
- In addition, we offer a Sports Camp & Leadership Programs.
Village |
Units |
Grade Camper is Entering Sept. 2025 |
Jr. Village |
Farmhouse |
Pre-K Camp for 3–5 year-olds. |
Savannah |
Entering Kindergarten or 1st Grade |
|
Outback |
Entering 2nd or 3rd Grade |
|
Sr. Village
|
Rainforest |
Entering 4th or 5th Grade |
Arctic |
Entering 6th or 7th Grade |
|
Desert |
Entering 8th or 9th Grade (10th Grade based on age) |
|
Additional Camp Offerings |
Sports Camp |
Entering 3rd-6th Grade |
Leadership Program (CIT/LIT) |
Entering 10th or 11th Grade (Must be at least 13-15 years) |
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.
Mastery Activity | Farmhouse | Savannah | Outback | Rainforest | Arctic | Desert |
Archery | x | x | x | x | x | |
Arts & Crafts | x | x | x | x | x | |
Backyard Olympics | x | x | x | x | ||
Jumping Pillow | x | x | ||||
Movement & Music | x | x | x | x | ||
Movie Makers | x | x | x | x | ||
Outdoor Cooking | x | x | x | x | x | |
Rockwall | x | x | x | x | ||
Zipline | x | x | x | |||
Sports Zone | x | x | x | x | ||
STEM Adventures | x | x | x | x | ||
Wilderness Exploration | x | x | x | x | ||
Daily Theme Activity | x | x | x | x | x |
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 60%, 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
For More Information about YMCA Camp Eastside Contact Us:
585-341-4030
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