West Essex YMCA

Summer Pioneer Trails Day Camp

Registration Now Open!

At the Y, we let you pay your summer camp balance in a way that works for you! When you sign up, you'll need to provide payment information, but you stay in control. As long as you pay each installment before the due date listed on your receipt, no automatic payment will be processed. If you partially pay early, only the remaining balance will be charged. You can make payments anytime from registration until each installment’s due date, at any frequency.
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.

PIONEER TRAILS CAMP TOURS

REgister Now

Open Houses

Camp guide

Location:

Caldwell University

Ages:

Grades K-entering 8

Day and Time:

June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)
8-6pm (includes bussing to location)

Rates:

Pioneer Trails Day Camp
 
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

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More Info

Calendar and Themes


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.)
  • 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 
 
In order for our busses to stay on schedule, please arrive 5 minutes early at your stop for drop off and pick up. Busses will not wait beyond pick up time in the morning, go to the next stop or bring camper directly to camp. If a camper is not picked up within 5 minutes of drop off time in the afternoon, the bus counselor will contact the Camp Office, keep the camper on the bus and move to the next stop. 
 
Campers must be supervised at the stop by an adult until the bus arrives. Counselors are on each bus to ensure the safety and supervision of campers. 
 
No food or drinks to be consumed on the bus. All campers and staff are required to wear a mask on the bus. 
 
Questions regarding the bus schedule - please call the West Essex YMCA at 973-992-7500 before the camp season. 

 


WEY Camp RegistrarZachary 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!

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Contact Us

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.


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