West Essex YMCA
Summer Pioneer Trails Day Camp
Registration Now Open!
To pay your balance:
- Click here and log into your online account
- Visit your branch’s Welcome Center
- Call our Remote Welcome Center at 973-758-9039
ALL CAMPS: Starting February 1, a $35 administrative fee will be added for changes to your camp experience. April 1 - Final day for camp deposit refund.
Pioneer Trails Day Camp offers campers an opportunity to discover new interests and gain a sense of achievement through progressive, age-appropriate activities and experiences. Teamwork, problem solving, curiosity, self-confidence and the Y values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility are emphasized throughout our camp program.
Location:
Caldwell University
Ages:
Grades K-entering 8
Day and Time:
June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)
8-6pm (includes bussing to location)
Rates:
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Pioneer Trails Day Camp
|
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| Down Payment | $100/week |
| Member Fee | $760/week |
| Community Fee | $788/week |
| Save 10% of listed rates with a Family Membership | |
| No Camp July 4th |
Camp Options:
Cougars - Kindergarten
Y’s - entering grades 1-4: Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4
M’s - entering grades 5 and 6
O’s - entering grades 7 and 8
CIT’s - entering grades 9 and 10 - application required
More Info
What Should My Camper Bring?
- Tote bag or backpack
- Swimsuit and towel (To speed up the changing process we recommend all campers wear their bathing suit (boys) or under their camp clothes (girls) whey they come to camp in the morning - don't forget to put underwear in their backpack!)
- Plastic bag (for wet bathing suits)
- Hat
- Lunch and snacks
- Sunscreen lotion or spray. If your camper needs help applying their sunscreen after swimming, we ask that you kindly put this request in writing.)
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Water bottle - reusable so we can refill through the day.
Camp Activities and Clubs:
Each week of camp has a special theme along with corresponding activities for the week. Our Specialists provide age appropriate instruction in Arts and Crafts, Archery, Performing Arts, STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Math), Indoor and Outdoor Sports, and Swimming.
Club Time gives our campers from Y1 – O’s the opportunity to choose an activity to explore for the week. Club offerings change from week to week. Club Time activities include: Art Club, Sports Club and special interests such as Creative Writing, Music or Science based clubs.
M’s and O’s enjoy Extended Clubs in weeks 2 and 4 of camp, an opportunity to dive deeper into an area of interest. Previous options have included Lego Engineers club, Gym and Swim and Abstract Art Club.
Special Events:
Every week of camp includes either a field trip or special event such as an on-site educational or instructive program to keep camp fresh throughout the summer. Parents receive advance notification through the camp calendar and weekly emails about upcoming camp events.
Previous special events include Corey the Dribbler, the Frisbee Guy, Circus Workshops.
Traditions:
Pioneer Trails brings back many traditions year after year to the delight of our campers and staff. Highlights include the Camp Olympics, the Talent Show and the end of Camp Carnival.
Camper-to-Staff Ratio: K – 6 to 1, Grades 1-3: 8 to 1; Grades 4 & up: 10 to 1.
Bus Transportation:
Bus Transportation is provided from the surrounding school districts including Livingston, West Orange, and the Caldwells. All campers are supervised by our Y staff on their trip to and from camp.
Morning bus pick up is typically between 8am-8:30am. Afternoon bus pick up is typically between 4:15pm-4:45pm.
| Bus 1 | Caldwell/Roseland |
| Gould School | |
| Washington School, W Caldwell | |
| Wilson School, W Caldwell | |
| Bus 2 | Livingston |
| West Essex YMCA | |
| Mount Pleasant Elementary | |
| Harrison School Livingston | |
| Bus 3 | Montclair |
| Nishuane (Montclair) | |
| * loading will start at 7:55am | |
| Bus 4 | West Orange |
| Hazel | |
| Gregory | |
| St Cloud School | |
| West Orange High School (AM)/ | |
| Kelly Elem (PM) | |
| Redwood School |
WEY Camp Registrar: Zachary Gurmankin, 973-992-7500 Ext 1719
Y Membership:
A current West Essex YMCA membership throughout the length of camp participation is required at the time of registration to secure membership rates, otherwise the Community Member rate will apply. Join today!
Meet the Staff
Brian Mateer
Brian Mateer is thrilled to join the team at the West Essex YMCA as the Youth Development Director, bringing his passion for working with young people with previous experience running a Day Camp. Growing up, Brian loved attending summer camp at YMCA Camp Kanata, where he went from being a camper to a counselor and eventually taking on leadership roles. After receiving a degree in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, Brian wanted to continue his work with the YMCA full time. He spent two years as the Day Camp Director at Camp Kanata, where he built a safe and inclusive environment where campers could take a break from technology and make new friends. Brian is excited to bring his energy and experience to all West Essex YMCA programs. He is eager to start creating some amazing memories and help kids grow.
