YMCA Frost Valley
YMCA Frost Valley
Located on over 5,000 acres in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA is a camp, retreat destination, and environmental education center offering people enriching outdoor experiences.
Age Range:
Must be 16 years old by start of program
Location:
Catskill Mountains
Trip Duration:
4 weeks
Dates:
Session 1: June 29 - July 25, 2025
Session 2: July 27 - August 22, 2025
ID Needed:
School ID
participation Requirements
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The deadline for this application is 2/15. Applications can be completed online here. You will need to submit two references with your initial application. Once you submit an application, you will receive instructions as to your next steps in a confirmation email.
Next, you will need to set up and complete a 15-minute interview with the Camp Henry Hird Director BEFORE 3/1.
Then, YMCA Frost Valley will send you an email with instructions on how to accept and enroll into CampBrain. You will need to use a coupon code which YMCA Frost Valley will include in your acceptance email. Once your profile is created, you will be able to submit all required camper paperwork.
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You will need to fill out a number of required forms in your CampBrain account. Required enrollment forms include:
Transportation choices (you will complete this when you enroll into CampBrain)
Camper Information Form
Medical Forms
Doctor's signature
Immunization Form
Camper Physical
Medical insurance card
Photo of yourself
Two references are required for this program. You can ask a teacher, a supervisor, a coach, or you mentor!
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Once you have submitted your application, you should immediately email ccoombs@frostvalley.org to set up an interview time. You must complete your interview by 3/1. You will receive notification of your acceptance into this program by email.
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There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience, however, you are strongly encouraged to attend one of YMCA Frost Valley’s virtual Overnight Camp Information Sessions. You can register for those here or on our Events Calendar.
Make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
About the Program
In-Training Programs
The Frost Valley YMCA in-Training Programs are for campers who have demonstrated responsibility, maturity, and an interest in learning how to take more of a leadership role at camp. In this program, you will focus on leadership training, team building, skill development, service to camp, and personal growth. Participants will receive a $500 stipend upon program completion.
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The Overnight Camp Counselor/Adventurer-in-Training month-long program is offered twice per summer. It gives participants a well-rounded overview of the entire Frost Valley Camp Counselor experience. Campers participate in workshops and get firsthand experience working with children. They go on a wilderness trip where they learn to plan meals, set-up, and break-down camp, and use resourcefulness to overcome obstacles. This program gives campers the experience needed to become a camp counselor.
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YMCA Frost Valley offers bus transportation to and from camp and leaves from three locations. The cost each way is covered by Summer Search!
1) Brooklyn, NY - Behind the Whole Foods Market on 3rd Ave. and 3rd St. (across the street from the Al-Madinah School - 383 3rd Ave.)
Check-In @ 10:30AM, Check-Out around 3-3:30PM
2) Manhattan, NY - West Side YMCA, 5 W. 63rd St.
Check-In @ 11AM, Check-Out around 2-2:30PM
3) Montclair, NJ - Montclair High School (George Inness School), N. Fullerton and Chestnut Street
Check-In @ 10:30AM, Check-Out around 2-2:30PM
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Counselors in Training live in the Leadership Lodge. The Leadership Lodge does have electricity and heat, and bathrooms are located inside the lodge. YMCA Frost Valley also offers a laundry service. Adventure CiTs spend more time on overnights in tents/yurts.
Three meals per day are provided in the dining hall.
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This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at camp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.
Mail is sorted and delivered to campers daily by your Village Chief and Counselors (when the local post office is open).
Parents/Guardians can also email campers with YMCA Frost Valley’s personal one-way email system. To register, click here and choose the option “email”. Free postcards are available upon request and password-protected blog/camp photo updates will be available. Learn more about your options here.
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We recommend bringing $100 for personal spending. You may want to do laundry or buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!
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This will be updated in March 2024. Check back in then!
“Representation also matters. [Kids] get to see someone like them doing this work outdoors. At first it seems so foreign to them, but now they see that as like oh I can do that too, you know, they believe in themselves, and they see themselves. ”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Summer Experience Support Resources
