Applications can be completed online. First, you will need to fill out a Google registration form. Then, YMCA Frost Valley will create a CampBrain profile for you. Once your profile is created, you will receive and email from YMCA with your next steps.

You will need to fill out a number of required forms in your CampBrain account. This will include a Camper Information Form, Medical Forms, a doctor's signature, an Immunization Form, a Camper Physical, and a medical insurance card. You will also need to upload a photo of yourself and select a YMCA camp bus pick-up/drop-off location.

Two references are required for this program. You can ask a teacher, a supervisor, a coach, or you mentor!

Applicants will be contacted in January to set up an interview time for later in the month. You will receive notification of your acceptance into this program by mail before the end of February.

There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

We recommend bringing $100 for personal spending. You may want to do laundry or buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!

This will be updated in March 2024. Check back in then!