Summer Resident Camping is a YMCA tradition without equal. We offer a traditional Summer Resident Camp program with all of the classic Summer Camp activities. Children learn about the outdoors, build meaningful and lasting friendships, and develop memories that will last through the years.
2023 Camp Oakes Session Dates - Saturday 6/24/23 - 7/1/23
Registration Updates:
Spots Available:
Boys Leadership 1 - Almost full (less than 3 spots remaining)
Boys Leadership 2 - Almost full (less than 3 spots remaining)
Girls Leadership 1 - Almost full (less than 2 spots remaining)
Girls Leadership 2 - Almost full (less than 2 spots remaining)
Full with Waiting List: To get your child on the waiting list, register the child as normal (no deposit will be taken), and we will contact you as when/if a spot opens up for your child.
Girls Campers - Full (waiting list)
Boys Campers - Full (waiting list)
Register Online for Camp Oakes
Camp Oakes
Camp Oakes, located in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear City, features the best in resident camping with swimming, canoeing on the lake, archery, nature lore and low and high Ropes courses to teach teamwork and self-confidence. All campers join in the fun at Camp Oakes' famous Campfire program with songs, skits and crazy stunts.
Ages: 8-14
Fees: $650 Members / $670 Non-Members
Camp Oakes Leadership
The West End Y's Leadership Training program offers younger teens the opportunity to learn leadership skills in a resident camp setting. Leadership campers participate in all regular camp activities while learning about leadership techniques, problem solving, and camp skills. These programs are a great stepping stone for future camp counselors.
Ages: 14-16
Fees: $650 Members / $670 Non-Members
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance (Open Doors) is available to assist families who qualify in managing the cost of camp fees. Please download (or pick up at a West End YMCA Branch) the Camp Oakes Open Doors form and submit it to a West End YMCA branch (Upland or Chino). For your child to be considered, the application must be turned in no later than May 15th, 2023.
General Information
Departure & Return: Campers will depart from and return to a central location within the West End YMCA service (location TBA). We travel to Camp Oakes via Charter Bus.
Camp Staff & Cabin Groups: Campers are organized in Cabin Groups with approximately 8-10 other children of a similar age. Each cabin is supervised by a Counselor and Counselor In Training (CIT). All staff members are trained volunteers and must complete a drug test and background check where appropriate.
Camp Facilities: Campers sleep in Adirondack (3 walled) cabins (perfect for increased airflow). The grounds are well maintained and feature a large swimming pool, a lake for canoeing and fishing, a cozy, historic Dining Hall and outdoor dining area, a staffed Nurses office, a large campfire ring, and program areas for all of the different activities.
Program & Activities: Our program is designed to keep your child active and engaged at all times. From the start, we establish a routine that includes a set wake-up time followed by a non-denominational chapel, breakfast, morning program activities (archery, swimming, etc), lunch, a rest period (they'll need it!), afternoon program activities, dinner, twilight activity and a nightly campfire. Many of our meals have special themes which can involve decorations and costumes. The campers attend all of the program activities together as a cabin group, which helps build great friendships.
Food & Meals: Campers have a regular meal schedule with 3 meals per day prepared by professional camp kitchen staff. Many special food needs can be accommodated if we are notified in advance.