History of camp soles camp soles is a 236 acre YMCA resident camp in the Laurel Highland Mountains of south western Pennsylvania. Through the dedication and leadership of YMCA leaders. T. Frank Soles and Walter C.Shaw, Camp Soles opened on May 22, 1955 as an outreach to the youth of McKeesport, PA. Along with the creatinon of Camp Soles also came the creation of Lake Tris, an 18 acre man-made lake, ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Through the years camp soles has offered a variety of activities from horseback riding and snow skiing on the slopes of "Skunk Hill" to a zip-line and mountain biking. And plenty of home cooked meals in the dining hall of the beautiful and rustic "Shaw Lodge".

As the number of "Soles" that come to the camp continue to increase so does our alumni. From doctors and lawyers to farmers and homemakers and even international Diplomats, the traditions and history of camp soles is being passed down from generation to generation. While camp soles may change in ways as times go by, the memories always seem to come alive when campers of any age gather at camp soles.

Our Goal and Philosophy - While camp activities may seem to be the focus of camp it is actually only the medium we use to teach the campers about becoming responsible adults and making lifelong friendships. Our focus is to instill the core values of the YMCA - Caring, Honesty, Respect and responsibility, into the character of every camper.