Overnight Summer Camp

Two-Week Sessions:

One-Week Sessions:

TEEN PROGRAMS

Adirondack Wilderness Explorers

Counselor in Training (Registration Begins Mid-October)

Non-Member Fee: $125

Horseback Riding & Water Skiing Cost: $300

Adirondack Wilderness Explorers

The Adirondack Wilderness Explorers program is designed for adventurous teens entering grades 8-10 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, and 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 Backpacking Challenge 

• Backpacking Trip: The highlight of the program is a three-day backpacking adventure, where campers will apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting. This 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. 

Counselor in Training

Our CIT program is perfect for 16-year-olds entering 11th grade who want to gain leadership experience and have fun at the same time! You'll have the opportunity to participate in counselor training, where you'll learn valuable skills like group management, communication, and conflict resolution. You'll also get to give back to the community through service projects and have the chance to bond with other CITs during your in-cabin experience. By the end of the program, you'll have a better understanding of what it means to work with kids and make a positive impact on their lives. CIT registration will open in Mid-October!  

• Family: 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 one 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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• Neighborhood: 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! Adirondack Village: Girls ages 7-12 (Village Color: Green), Big Moose: Boys ages 7-12 (Village Color: Red), Frontier: Girls ages 13-16 (Village Color: Yellow), Lumberjack: Boys ages 13-16 (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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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!

Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, is a free, one-of-a-kind summer camp for children of wounded, disabled or fallen military service members. Camp Corral is proudly sponsored by its founding sponsor, Golden Corral Corporation, and other generous donors. YMCA Camp Gorham is one of 17 sites in the nation selected to host Camp Corral. Registration now open. Enrollment space is limited so apply early! Providing positive, recreational experiences in the outdoors helps foster resilience, and Camp Corral has proven to be a ‘week of a lifetime.’ The week also encourages the campers to create friendships and bond with other kids who share similar family situations. 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!

• Who can attend? Any child, ages 8-15 of a military family may attend. However, registration priority is given to children of wounded, injured, ill, or fallen military service members.
• How does my camper apply? The camper’s parent or legal guardian must complete their camper’s Camp Corral application online on the Camp Corral website.
• What happens after I apply? YMCA Camp Gorham will review applications to ensure your camper meets the established guidelines. Once accepted you will be sent instructions on parent/medical forms, what to bring to camp, and arrival and departure times. 

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: With 1,500 acres of property, Camp Gorham offers the chance to experience any number of horse trails. Camp Gorham is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association. The CHA provides the accepted Standards for Equestrian Programs. CHA requires accredited members meet standards for safety, education and animal welfare through a detailed process which examines the site, program content, staff qualifications and equine management. 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 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.

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.

Learn more about our staff and career opportunities here!