At YMCA Camp Shady Brook, we understand the value of learning how to be an active and productive citizen of the community and the world. We want our campers to learn from and with people different than themselves. We take care in hiring a staff which reflects a wide range of backgrounds in order to expose our campers to an array of cultures and experiences.

In addition, our outdoor activities encourage campers to expand their sense of their own capabilities, while also helping them participate in the achievements of the group. We believe in making use of reflective activities to help campers incorporate their experiences into a larger worldview.

Our activities include values clarification and character development through our daily all-camp, non-denominational devotional called morning message, daily reflections each day called cabin, and other unit and all-camp ceremonies.

We also make sure our campers have tons of fun! Campfire time is filled goofy skits, stories and sing-alongs. Campers have lots of opportunities to be adventurous during games and activity times, to play, sing, splash, and have a great time while learning valuable skills.