2015
Family Camp Program Guide
Camp Speers YMCA
Family Camp Program
Revised By: R. Bentley 2015
Contents (Click Headers Below to Skip to that Section)
Welcome Family Campers ....................................................................................................................2
About Us ................................................................................................................................................3
Our Facility ............................................................................................................................................3
Sample Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Weekend Schedule ................................................................................................................................ 4
Special Programs ..................................................................................................................................6
Packing List and Just in Case..............................................................................................................6
Directions to Camp and Camp Map ...................................................................................................7
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Welcome Family Campers
Welcome to Camp Speers YMCA:
Thank you for choosing Camp Speers YMCA’s Family Camp
program. This year’s family camp will provide you and your loved ones
an opportunity to enjoy a remarkable family adventure in a pristine
natural setting, and experience a wide range of camp programs.
We strive to make sure every family leaves camp with wonderful
memories that will last a lifetime. We are so excited that you and your
family will be here to share this wonderful experience with us. Those of
you that are new to our camp family, Welcome! And to those who have
been coming to camp for years, Welcome Back!
The following pages will provide you with all the information you will
need to make the most of your Family Camp Experience. If you find that
you have any additional questions or concerns prior to this weekend
please feel free to give our office a call at 570-828-2329.
I look forward to seeing you and your family soon.
Sincerely,
Bob Bentley
Director of Groups & Retreats
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About Us
Our 1,100 forested acres surrounding the private 40-acre Lake Nichecronk, provides an
unspoiled natural environment to explore and enjoy. Since our establishment in 1948, as
the first YMCA camp to accept children of all ethnic groups, races, economic backgrounds,
religions and nationalities, Camp Speers YMCA has provided world-class camp experiences
for thousands of children and adults from the US and beyond.
Our Facility
Eljabar Village Cabins
The Eljabar Village has modern heated cabins featuring in-cabin bathrooms and showers.
 Eljabar Lodges sleep 28 people with 14 beds on each of two sides. The most
popular lodging facilities on camp, the lodges also feature spacious common rooms
with table & chairs.
 Eljabar Cottages sleep 8 people each and have a small
gathering area with a table & chairs.
Speers Village Cabins
The Speers Village has cabins are located right on the shores
of Lake Nichecronk. The covered porches are the ideal spot to
enjoy the sunrise or spend an evening sitting on the porch and
simply enjoying the view. Bathrooms are conveniently located
in nearby clean, modern blockhouses.
Dining Halls
Well Balanced, hearty, and delicious meals are served in our spacious dining lodges. Meal
times are fun-filled experiences for campers of all ages!
Click Here to Take a Virtual Tour of Camp!
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Sample Menu
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Waffles
Bacon
Fresh Fruit & Dairy Bar
Cereal Bar
Pizza & Wings
Salad Bar
Homemade Soup
Fresh Fruit
Lasagna
Salad Bar
Garlic Bread
Green Beans
Dessert
Coffee/Tea, juice and ice water is available throughout the day.
All special dietary needs, including vegetarian requests, must be sent to our Retreats
Director, Bob Bentley ([email protected]), two weeks prior to the trip. If there are any
birthdays in your group/family please let us know so we can celebrate camp style at one of
the meals during your stay.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, May 22
5PM
5-7PM
7-9PM
Check-In begins at the Hay Center
Dinner is available in the Hay Center
Camp Store is Open
Night Hike & Snacks in the Hay Center
Saturday, May 23
7AM
8AM
9AM
9AM-12PM
12:30PM
1:30-5PM
5:30PM
7:00PM
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Polar Bear Plunge And Cowboy Breakfast (Additional Fee Applies)
Breakfast in the Hay Center
City Slickers Brunch (Additional Fee Applies)
Program Areas Open
 Archery & Marksmanship
 Mountain Biking
 Waterfront Activities
 Climbing Tower
 Kid-Zone
 Horseback Riding (Additional Fee Applies)
 Low Ropes
 Nature Hike (Departs Hay Center at 9:00AM & 10:30AM)
Lunch in the Hay Center
Program Areas Open
 Archery & Marksmanship
 Waterfront Activities
 High Ropes
 Horseback Riding (Additional Fee Applies)
 Low Ropes
 Arts and Crafts
 Climbing Tower
BBQ in the Meadow (Hay Center Rain Loaction)
Dance Party in the Meadow (Hay Center Rain Location)
Sunday, May 26
7AM
8AM
9AM-12PM
12:30PM
1:30-5PM
5:30PM
7:00PM
Polar Bear Plunge And Cowboy Breakfast (Additional Fee Applies)
Breakfast in the Hay Center
Program Areas Open
 Archery & Marksmanship
 Mountain Biking
 Waterfront Activities
 Climbing Tower
 Horseback Riding (Additional Fee Applies)
 Low Ropes
 Nature Hike (Departs Hay Center at 9:00AM & 10:30AM)
Lunch in the Hay Center
Program Areas Open
 Archery & Marksmanship
 Climbing Tower
 Meadow Games
 Kid-Zone
 Low Ropes
 Horseback Riding (Additional Fee Applies)
 Arts and Crafts
Dinner in the Hay Center
Campfire in the Eljabar Amphitheatre
Monday, May 27
7AM
8AM
9AM-12PM
12:30PM
1:30PM
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Polar Bear Plunge
Breakfast in the Hay Center
Program Areas Open
 Archery & Marksmanship
 Mountain Biking
 Waterfront Activities
 Climbing Tower
 Horseback Riding (Additional Fee Applies)
 Low Ropes
 Nature Hike (Departs Hay Center at 9:00AM & 10:30AM)
Lunch in the Hay Center
Depart for Home
Special Programs
The Camp Speers Mystery with Scooby and the Gang
Sunday afternoon help Scooby and the Gang collect clues and solve the Mystery of Camp
Speers. Program areas will also be available for anyone interested in traditional camp
programming.
Kid Zone
Children will be doing their own activities during the morning session Saturday and during
the afternoon session on Sunday under the caring supervision of our staff. Not only are the
staff tons of fun, but so are the activities! You can drop your child off at the beginning of
the session at the Hay Center and pick them up at the Hay Center at the end of the session.
Cowboy Breakfast and City Slicker Brunch
We are offering 2 Cowboy Breakfasts and a City Slicker Brunch! Each is a trail ride to one
of our campsites for a good ol’-fashioned campfire meal. Sign-up required. Riders must be
at least 8 years old and 52 inches tall. $35 fee per rider is required.
Horseback Riding
Sign up at the check-in table for one of our hour-long Horseback Riding Lessons or Trail
Rides. Participants must be at least 8 years old and 52 inches tall. $30 per ride fee is
required. Trail Rides are offered for riders who demonstrate comfort in the saddle and
general control of their assigned mount. Pony rides will also be available for $5.
Sleepy-Time Suzie
Sign up at the check-in table to have one of our staff members come to your cabin and read
your children a bedtime story.
Packing List and Just in Case
Packing List
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Sheets and Blanket or Sleeping Bag
Laundry Bag/Plastic Bag
Pillow & Case
2 Towels
1 Wash Cloth
Sneakers/Boots (at least 2 pair)
Soap (in plastic container or soap dish)
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Comb
Tissues, Chapstick, Sunscreen, etc.
Insect Repellent
Pajamas
1-2 Pairs of Shorts (Seasonal)
2-3 Pairs of Long Pants
Gloves or Mittens (Seasonal)
3-4 Shirts
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Hat & Scarf (Seasonal)
Underwear
Several Pairs of Socks
2 Sweatshirts or Sweaters
Flashlight
Refillable Water Bottle
Personal Snacks and Beverages in a Pest Proof Container
Just In Case
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Raincoat or Poncho
Rain Hat
Waterproof Boots
Warm Coat or Jacket
We Advise Not to Bring
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Fireworks
Weapons
Expensive Items
Notes:
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Be sure to label everything that you bring. We are not responsible for lost, broken
or stolen belongings.
Pack sleeping bag/sheets and blanket in a plastic bag to keep them dry.
Directions to Camp and Camp Map
Camp Speers YMCA is located in the scenic Pocono Mountains; less than 3 hours from New
York City and Philadelphia. You can get customized directions to our camp, and view our
Camp Map by clicking on the link provided. Directions to Camp Speers
Please note that if you are using a GPS to find the Camp, you must enter the intersection
of Nichecronk Rd. and Route 739.
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