Get to know YMCA Camp Gorham. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains on the shores of our private lake in Eagle Bay, NY, YMCA Camp Gorham offers a premier overnight camp experience on over 1,500 scenic acres. Since our founding, our purpose has been simple yet transformative: to provide a safe, welcoming community where children unplug from screens and reconnect with what truly matters. Through outdoor adventure, shared traditions and hands-on skill-building, we empower campers to discover their independence, forge lifelong friendships and grow in confidence. Grounded in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and connection, Gorham is a place where every child belongs, feels valued and finds the wonder of the natural world.
At YMCA Camp Gorham, we believe that true growth happens when children step out of their daily routines into a supportive, nature-filled community. By unplugging from technology, campers challenge their boundaries, build resilience and discover their authentic selves. Everything we do is anchored in five core pillars that guide each camper’s journey from opening campfire to closing day.
Benefits of Camp: The Five Core Pillars
INDEPENDENCE:
Camp life empowers children to take ownership of their daily choices, navigate new routines and build self-reliance in a safe, encouraging environment.
BELONGING:
Every child has a place and a purpose at Gorham, fostering an inclusive community where everyone feels seen, respected and valued.
ACHIEVEMENT:
By stepping outside their comfort zones to master new skills and overcome challenges, campers develop lasting confidence and pride in their accomplishments.
FRIENDSHIP:
Shared cabin life and Adirondack adventures bring kids together across diverse backgrounds to form deep, lifelong bonds.
WONDER:
Our vast private lake and wilderness serve as an open classroom, inspiring curiosity, outdoor appreciation and a lifelong awe for the natural world.
The Gorham Journey: A Pathway of Growth
Summer camp is more than a single week away—it is a multi-year journey intentionally designed to grow alongside your child. As campers return each summer, our scaffolded progression presents new milestones, challenges and responsibilities that build lifelong confidence and character.
THE FOUNDATION (LOON VILLAGE) The journey starts with our youngest campers in Loon Village, where they build foundational friendships, explore new activities and discover the wonder of camp in a nurturing environment.
CHOOSE YOUR VILLAGE As campers mature, they tailor their summer experience by choosing between our classic, village-based Traditional Camp Track or the backcountry adventures and outdoor skills of our Adirondack Wilderness Experience Track.
THE CAPSTONE (COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING) Both paths ultimately converge in our leadership development programs, culminating in the CIT program where seasoned campers transition into confident mentors and community role models.
Commitment to Safety
Your child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being is our top priority. YMCA Camp Gorham operates under the highest national standards of health, risk management and youth development to ensure a secure and supportive environment for every camper.
American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited: We voluntarily meet or exceed up to 300 rigorous health, safety, program quality, and staff qualification standards established by the ACA.
Praesidium Certified: As part of the YMCA’s unwavering commitment to child protection, our staff undergo comprehensive background screenings and specialized Praesidium abuse prevention training.
Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Standards: Our equestrian program adheres to CHA safety protocols, ensuring trained instructors, progressive skill-building, and strict equine welfare and safety guidelines.
Trained Healthcare & Waterfront Staff: Our on-site health center is staffed around the clock, and our private waterfront is supervised exclusively by certified lifeguards with specialized open-water training.
Supporting Military Families & Camp Corral
YMCA Camp Gorham has a proud legacy of serving the brave service members and military families who dedicate their lives to our country. As part of the YMCA of Greater Rochester and the national Armed Services YMCA Movement, we are committed to providing accessible outdoor experiences and community support for military-connected youth. We are especially honored to be one of just 17 camp sites nationwide selected to partner with Camp Corral, hosting a dedicated, cost-free week of summer camp designed specifically to empower and celebrate the children of wounded, ill, disabled, or fallen military heroes.
For more information please visit Camp Corral or please email us at campgorham@rochesterymca.org. Visit our Military Outreach page for more information on our partnership with Armed Services YMCA.