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Author: Megan Miles

November Newsletter

Posted on by Megan Miles

 Registration Now Open!

Winter has arrived at camp, with cold temperatures and snow on the ground, but beautiful as ever. Although camp itself quiets down during winter and early spring, things are heating up with 2024 Early Bird Registration!

In our first few weeks of registration, we have seen about a 25% increase in signups for Summer Camp, Family Camps, and Women’s Wellness Weekend. Make sure to secure your spot in your session of choice and take advantage of receiving $40 off any summer overnight camp program by December 1.

Payment plans and financial assistance are available. If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to our Camp Registrar, Libby. 

REGISTER TODAY

Y Camp Staff On The Road

A few of our full-time Y Camp Staff got to head out this month and attend some great trainings and conferences! Debi, our Outdoor Education and Retreats Director, was able to attend a Level 2 Training for Challenge Course Facilitation with our training agency at Camp Tilikum in Oregon.

And Lincoln, our Associate Executive Director, was able to attend the Western Camping Conference at YMCA Camp Colman in Washington, which brings together camp professionals all across the west coast for three days to share and learn ways to continue improving the camp experience!

We can’t wait to see and hear about the knowledge and ideas Debi and Lincoln bring back to Horsethief!

Upcoming Events & Y Camp Deadlines

  • Dec 1: Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59pm reserve your spot now.
  • Work at Y Camp this summer! Applications for Summer Staff are now open for 2024. Apply Here.
  • Dec 17: Give The Gift of Camp special promotion ends
    • Everyone who registers by Dec 17 receives a free & extremely cozy Y Camp Beanie! (Photo is a rendering, updates to come)

October Newsletter

Posted on by Megan Miles

Early Bird Registration Opens November 1!

It’s never too early to start daydreaming of evenings around a campfire, swimming in the lagoon, racing down the zip line, making new friends and reuniting with old, or singing your favorite camp song at the top of your lungs. That’s why we are so excited to be able to announce that early-bird registration for summer 2024 is coming November 1! Registration for all of our 2024 programs will be open online, including Summer Overnight Camp, Family Camp, and Women’s Wellness Weekend.

Register between November 1 and December 1 to receive our early-bird rate of $40 off the 2024 camp price. This offer applies only to Overnight Summer Camp programs.

We expect all of our programs to fill quickly! Make sure to sign up early to get your session of choice and join us for Y Camp’s best summer yet!

REGISTER TODAY

Outdoor School at Camp

This summer YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir became one of the newest host sites for a Think Make Create STEM Trailer.

This is part of a state-wide project to bring together educational programs, sponsors, and state agencies to bring high quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning to more of Idaho’s rural and underserved populations.

We are partnering with the Cascade Afterschool Program to develop an “Outdoor School on Wheels” curriculum so we can bring a piece of YMCA Outdoor School to youth programs and schools that may not have the resources to come and experience outdoor school at camp.

This year we will be expanding on the existing activities for the TMC trailer to include more natural sciences and outdoor-focused inquiry projects.

Upcoming Events & Y Camp Deadlines

  • November 1- December 1: Early Bird Registration
  • Dec 2-17: Give The Gift of Camp promotion

Photo Gallery

Fall at Y Camp has been an exciting adventure full of Family Camps and Rental Groups exploring camp and forming new bonds and friendships!

Groups from all over Idaho have come and made camp their second home including students from Boise State, College of Idaho, local church groups, Leadership Boise, and many, many more!

Bikes-min

Live, Work, and Play in the Great Outdoors

Posted on by Megan Miles

Join us in building the magic of Y Camp!

Stunning wilderness and beautiful facilities alone couldn’t make Y Camp the place that so many see as a home away from home. Here at the YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir, the magic of making friends, exploring interests, and finding inner strength is woven into every interaction. Being a part of Y Camp is as simple as committing to loving nature, building character, and developing self-reliance in yourself and those around you. If you’re up for the challenge, we can’t wait to connect with you!

Meghan’s Y Camp Staff Story 

“Two years ago, I started working at Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir in Cascade as program staff, specifically working the ropes/challenge course. Walking into it, I had no idea just how much this job would mean to me or how big of an impact it would have in my life. Growing up, I didn’t have the best experience with people, and to be honest, never really felt like I had a true home. I found that home at the Y-camp, and I discovered what being part of a close family truly feels like. Working at the Y helped me find a place where I could not only be welcomed and accepted but a place where my voice would be heard and where I could really make a difference in the lives of kids who may be having similar struggles I did.”

Camp staff on the zip line
Apply Today!

Andrew's Y Camp Staff Story

Learn More

Mother’s Day Camp, May 6–8

Posted on by Megan Miles
Graphic about Mother's Day Camp

Join us for a family camp on Mother’s Day Weekend! We’ll prepare the food and plan the adventures. What a treat for mom!

Look at this deal!

Adult 18+:

Member $85 | Non-member $115

________________________

Junior (Ages 13–17):

Member $70 | Non-member $95

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Youth (Ages 5–12):

Member $55 | Non-member $80

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Child (Ages 0–4):

Member FREE | Non-member FREE

Cabins: $379            Yurts: $309

Family at Y Camp
Register today!
Parent and child at Y Camp

Summer Resident Camp registration is also open for grades 2-12.

Financial Assistance is available.

Summer Resident Camp

Win a Paddleboard!

Posted on by Megan Miles

Enter to win Y Camp prizes when you register for Summer Resident Camp before Jan 31, 2023!

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir Associate Executive Director Lincoln McLain.

Enter to win 1 of 3 AWESOME Y Camp Giveaways when you register for 2023 Summer Resident Camp at YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir.

Grand Prize Winner = 1 FREE Glide Paddleboard, courtesy of Idaho River Sports!

Entries close Jan 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM MST and 3 winners, randomly drawn, will be announced early February! Registration for the 2022 Summer Resident Camp is necessary to enter.

Learn More and Register

Summer Camp immerses children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged, and discovering inner strength is guaranteed. The Y offers three types of summer camps at Horsethief Reservoir.

Two people posing with a paddleboard

The Grand Prize Glide Paddle Board, pictured above, has been generously donated by Idaho River Sports.

This giveaway is sponsored by the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and Idaho River Sports. Entrants must be 13 years or older and must register for the 2023 Summer Resident Camp. Giveaway Entry closes at 11:59 PM MST on Jan 31, 2023. The winner must be able to pick up their prize at Idaho River Sports or the West Boise YMCA. This contest is not sponsored by Instagram.

ENTRANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 13 YEARS OLD (AND IF A MINOR, HAVE CONSENT FROM THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN) TO ENTER. 1 ENTRANT IS DEFINED AS THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN REGISTERING THEIR CHILD FOR A SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP. A MINIMUM PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2023 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION AT THE YMCA CAMP AT HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN A PRIZE IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. MULTIPLE PURCHASES WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

ENTRY VIA ONLINE 2023 SUMMER CAMP AT THE YMCA CAMP AT HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR REGISTRATION ONLY.

Give the Gift of Adventure!

Posted on by Megan Miles

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Give a week of Summer Resident Camp at YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir!

Register before Dec 13 and get a FREE Y Camp Beanie to gift your camper this holiday season! 

Summer Resident Camp runs every week from Jun 12 through Aug 5. 

$60 OFF Early Bird Registration for 2022 Summer Resident Camp!

*Limited Time Offer. Promo Ends Dec 13, 2021

After you complete your registration, you can either: 

  • Pick up your Y Camp Beanie at the Y Camp Holiday Caroling Event. See details below. 

    • TIME: Friday, Dec 10 | 4:30-6:30 pm

    • LOCATION: West Boise YMCA & Boise City Aquatic Center

  • OR Have your Y Camp Beanie mailed to the address used for registration.

REGISTER TODAY
Y Camp knit hat
FREE Y Camp Beanie!

Summer Camp immerses children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged and discovering inner strength is guaranteed.

Summer Resident Camp runs every week from Jun 12 through Aug 5. 

Grades 2–12.

Find a Summer Camp they’ll LOVE:

Y Campers on a fence
LEARN MORE!

If you have any questions, please contact our Camp Registrar! 

Phone: 208 344 5502 ext 250

Email Camp Registrar

See What Y Camp Offers Youth

Early Bird Registration Open Now!

Posted on by Megan Miles

Summer Camp immerses children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged and discovering inner strength is guaranteed. The Y offers three types of summer camps at Horsethief Reservoir: 

  • Resident Camps
  • Adventure Camps
  • Leadership Camps

Y Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is positively the best way to change a child’s life. Registration for 2022 Summer Resident Camp is open NOW! Save $60 through Dec 13!

Financial Assistance is available.

Teens at Y Camp
Dragonfly discovery
Y Camp zip line
Y Camper mountain biking
Y Campers with counselors
Y Camper practicing plank bridge skills
Swimming at Y Camp
Click here to register!

2 Week Camp

Posted on by Megan Miles

Would you like to extend your camper’s experience? 2 Week Camp will be offered once in 2024! 

To take advantage of this opportunity please register for one of the following sessions:

2 Week Session:
Dates: July 7 – July 19

  • Grades: 5th-7th
  • Members: $1499
  • Non-Members: $1719
  • Weeks: 4/5

Available Camptivities Include:

Archery, Arts & Crafts, BMX and Mountain Biking, Court Sports, Drama, Field Sports, Music, Fishing, Boating, STEAM Activities, and Swimming to name but a few! 

Campers will remain at camp over the weekend and will have access to free laundry facilities.

Have a question? We are happy to help!

REGISTER NOW!

Y Camp Safety Guidelines & FAQ’s

Posted on by Megan Miles

Hi Y Campers & Parents,

As we prepare to open YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir for operation this summer, we are committed to ensuring that the safety of all Y campers and staff remains our utmost priority. We take the unique challenge that this year presents seriously and are following all safety guidelines from our government health authorities as a minimum.

As things continue to change, we will keep you updated. In the meantime, we are continuing to diligently implement responsible safety precautions, especially as they pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic, and train our staff with updated sanitation procedures so that we can keep the soul of Y camp intact as we navigate these times.

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of anticipated questions that you may have for us as you prepare your camper for Y camp and provided the answers in the FAQ’s below!

We are committed to making sure that your camper has a fun and safe summer. If you have any other questions not listed below, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by visiting our Contact Page or consult our COVID-19 Safety Updates Page for more information!

Sincerely, 

Lincoln McLain 
Associate Executive Director
208 344 5502 ext 813

Y Camp Safety FAQ's

We are strongly recommending that staff and members wear masks in YMCA facilities and programs regardless of vaccination status.

 

Our goal is to have as much fun as possible while keeping campers safe. This means limiting the overlapping times between cabin groups as much as possible. Cabins groups will move individually together through the week and their programs. Anytime we come together as a camp, we’ll spread out our cabin groups so that we can maintain physical distancing. The majority of other changes will happen behind-the-scenes as our staff work diligently to keep our surfaces clean throughout the day and coordinate to spread groups out. 

As we get closer to summer we will no doubt learn more. As we aim to balance both safety and fun, we may need to change our plans. If we find that any significant changes must be made, you will be notified. If you ever have a question, you can always give us call or email! For contact information, visit our Contact Page.

If campers feel ill at camp, our team of nurses and health staff will be vigilant and maintain the same high standard of quality care that we uphold every year at Y camp. Our onsite medical team will carefully assess their symptoms and treat them accordingly so that, whenever possible, they can safely get back out there! If a camper presents symptoms of COVID-19, we will follow all up-to-date protocols so that they may be safely physically distanced from others while we work with you for the best next steps. 

If it is convenient to get a COVID-19 test right before coming to camp, we would greatly appreciate it! We realize, however, that this may not be possible for everyone. If that is not convenient, then we ask that you limit your camper’s potential exposure opportunities for up to 2 weeks before your child comes to camp and monitor your camper’s health during that time. Thank you for doing your part to ensure the safety of all our Y campers and staff! 

For more resources, visit our COVID-19 Safety Updates Page

GET TO KNOW Y CAMP’S NEW ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR! A LETTER FROM LINCOLN MCLAIN

Posted on by Megan Miles
Lincoln McClain
Lincoln and Sarah McClain

Hi Y Campers!

As a lifetime lover of the outdoors, I deeply believe that the world would be a better place if we all went to Y Camp.

Empathy does not happen accidentally and camp is the best place to learn about each other’s differences and grow together. As a child, I went camping on the shores of Lake Tahoe where I learned that there is nothing better than waking up to the smell of the pines blowing through my tent flaps. After traveling and college, I discovered that camping could be a career and I haven’t looked back since. Sticking with YMCA Camps, I have made my way across the country developing leadership skills, meeting my wife Sarah, and learning the nuances of the summer camp industry. 

Through my experiences, I have never lost humility to the uniqueness of each moment and place while also bringing knowledge and experience to drive our camp forward. I am passionate about learning reverence for the outdoors, celebrating together, singing camp songs around a campfire, and blossoming our individual character values. Ultimately, making the world a better place through camp.

I look forward to seeing all of you at YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir this Summer as we rediscover the Great Idaho Outdoors together!

Warm Regards,

Lincoln McLain

Associate Executive Director

YMCA CAMP AT HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR | TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

To learn more and register for camp TODAY, click the links below!

SUMMER CAMP
FAMILY CAMP

Summer Camp 2021 Safety Updates

Posted on by Megan Miles

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is excited to serve you and your families this summer. After the difficult year that the coronavirus pandemic has dealt us, we recognize that there has never been a greater need for youth to reconnect with nature, one another, and the exemplary role models and mentors that Y Camp has to offer. We believe there is no higher priority than the safety of our campers, families, and guests, and will thus continue to provide the utmost duty of caution and care. 

We have consulted with medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and local health department to ensure that our cleaning procedures not only meet expectations but far exceed them. 

Here are some of these changes, all of which are effective immediately. 

As part of our summer camp check-in process, we will be taking the temperature of all campers and staff attending. If any camper or staff member has a temperature above 100.4℉, they will not be allowed to attend Y Camp until they have been fever-free for 24 hours. Group leaders will ask campers who are not feeling well to stay home.

Mask use indoors is strongly encouraged for people who are not fully vaccinated including children.

Dining Hall
We have installed hand sanitizer stations outside the entrance of the dining hall. In addition, hand sanitizer will be used by all campers and staff before entering the buffet line. Cabin groups will eat all meals together. All tables will be spread out 10 feet apart with the additional use of outdoor eating spaces. All tables will be wiped down after each meal with a bleach/water solution.

Cabins & Event Spaces
We will continue our regular cleaning schedule of cabins and event spaces. Every cabin, yurt, and building will also have hand sanitation stations installed at all entrances. All cabins, yurts, and meeting spaces are thoroughly cleaned after each groups’ stay.

Physical distancing in cabins and yurts is being addressed by not filling the spaces to full capacity. We are limiting all cabins and yurts to 10 campers and 2 staff.

Bunk beds in cabins have been placed 6 feet apart and everyone is instructed to sleep head to toe on each separate bunk bed. In the yurts where beds cannot be placed 6 feet apart, a clear partition has been installed floor to ceiling and will be sanitized daily.

Activity Areas
Cabin groups will rotate between activity areas as a group. Campers and staff will be asked to use installed handwashing stations before and after each activity. Equipment in high use areas, including lifejackets and archery bows, will be sanitized after each use.

In addition to our cleaning practices around camp, we are following the guidance from the CDC, Y of the USA, and the American Camping Association for physical distancing in cabins, yurts, and meeting spaces.

If your group must cancel an event, we encourage your group to consider rescheduling your event for a date later in the year.

We are excited to continue to serve our guests and prepare for an amazing summer for our campers. With the changes we’ve made, we believe this will be the cleanest, safest, and best summer yet at Y Camp!

Thank you for your support, confidence, and faith. We are all stronger together.

Post updated: 04/19/21

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir Will Open Camps This Summer

Posted on by Megan Miles

(BOISE, ID) – YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is planning to host campers this summer with camps running from June 14 to August 7, 2020. Camp leadership has initiated several changes in camp guidelines to increase safety, including cleaning protocols and physical distancing.

As part of our summer camp check-in process, we will be taking the temperature of all campers and staff attending. If any camper or staff member has a temperature above 100.3 they will not be permitted to attend Y Camp. Additional hand sanitation stations will be available for all throughout the facilities. An increased cleaning regimen is in place and high-use areas will be sanitized daily.

“Y Camp counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is a safe and healthy experience for every camper,” said David Duro, Treasure Valley Family YMCA President and CEO. “Now, camp is more important than ever. It teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors amidst the fun of campfires, rock climbing, canoeing, archery, and building meaningful relationships.”

To achieve physical distancing guidelines in cabins and yurts, capacity will be limited to 8 campers and 2 staff. Bunk beds have been placed 6 feet apart and everyone is instructed to sleep head to toe. In the yurts where beds cannot be placed 6 feet apart, clear partitions have been installed floor to ceiling and will be sanitized daily.

Y camp is hiring male camp counselors and housekeeping staff. For more information on Y camp registration, safety guidelines, or open positions please visit ycampidaho.org.

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ABOUT THE TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

Established in 1891, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA (the Y) is a cause-driven, nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the foundation of our community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living, and instilling a commitment to social responsibility. Annually, it operates over 100 programs that serve 110,000 youth and families throughout its 4 facilities, 440-acre summer camp, and 24 child development sites. The Y believes all people deserve the chance to achieve their highest potential; therefore, it does not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA provides over $4 million in financial assistance every year so all may participate in our life-changing programs and services. www.ymcatvidaho.org

NEW Color War Weekend

Posted on by Megan Miles

Would you like to extend your camper’s experience? Extend 6 days of camp to 8 days or 2 weeks!

New this year, Y Camp offers Color War Weekend Sessions to combine two consecutive weeks of camp! Color War Weekend Sessions allow campers to relax and refuel in preparation for their next fun-filled week of Y Camp. During Color War Weekend Sessions, campers stay in cabins with Camp staff and experience unique activities, challenges, and excursions only offered during these special weekends.

Transportation Note: If you elect to extend to an 8-day session you must provide transportation home to your camper. Check out for 8-day session camper will take place Sunday 1–2pm at Y Camp.

To take advantage of this opportunity please register for the consecutive sessions and weekend session in between the two.

Sessions 3-4:
Dates: June 28–June 30
Price: $50
Youth Campers, Ages 10-12

Sessions 6-7:
Dates: July 19–July 21
Price: $50
Youth Campers, Ages 10-12
Teen/ Leadership Campers, Ages 13-15
Teen campers taking part in our Color War Weekend Sessions will transition from our Teen Camp program into either our Aspiring Leaders (AL) or Leaders In Training (LIT) programs. 

Have a question? We are happy to help!

happy campers playing games outdoors
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