Under the aegis of the National Park Service, a summer camp provision offers an engrossing adventure for children.
Bringing Youth Outdoors Together: A Unique Summer Camp Experience
The Bringing Youth Outdoors Together Summer Camp Program, a collaboration between the National Park Service (NPS) and YMCA, offers an immersive outdoor adventure for children aged 5-15. Since its inception in 2015, this program has been providing week-long camps focused on recreation, conservation, and hands-on learning about nature and history.
The program's success is due to the dedication of both the YMCA branches and the national parks they partner with. This partnership has doubled participant goals and matched funding to ensure accessibility for a diverse range of youth communities.
The camps take advantage of the national parks' natural resources, offering unique experiences such as stargazing at Zion National Park. Campers can also participate in service projects, including trail maintenance and park upkeep, to learn about environmental stewardship.
Older youth and young adults have growth opportunities through leadership roles. Teens aged 16-18 can develop leadership skills by guiding younger campers, while adults aged 18-25 can secure jobs and internships within the program.
With over 592 YMCAs within 10 miles, 336 within five miles, and 87 within just 1 mile of a national park, finding a camp near a national park is made easy. Families can start by searching for YMCA summer camps affiliated with national parks in their region since this program is operated through local YMCAs in partnership with the National Park Service.
The program encourages the development of confidence, understanding of group dynamics, and a commitment to the environment. Campers can even earn badges that symbolize their involvement and dedication to the program.
Since its inception, over 100,000 children have been served by the program. The YMCA's community roots, located in more than 120 countries worldwide, make participation in the NPS-YMCA Summer Camp Program accessible to a global audience.
For more information on finding a camp near a national park, families can visit their local YMCA or use the StoryMap tool on the NPS or YMCA's website. The Bringing Youth Outdoors Together Summer Camp Program is more than just a summer camp—it's an opportunity for children to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and make lasting memories.
[1] Data source: National Park Service and YMCA statistics as of 2022.
Travel guides can help families find a Bringing Youth Outdoors Together Summer Camp Program near a national park, as there are over 592 YMCAs within 10 miles, 336 within five miles, and 87 within just 1 mile of a national park. This program, a unique collaboration between the National Park Service (NPS) and YMCA, also provides educational resources and badges for campers to learn about environmental stewardship, nature, history, and other aspects of travel. The camps, which offer leadership roles for older youth and young adults, aim not just to provide a summer recreational experience, but also to foster learning and personal development in the areas of lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and travel.
