Local YMCAs Host Summer Camp in Big Bear

The three branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are taking signups for their annual summer resident camp at Camp Oakes in Big Bear. Camp runs from July 6 through July 13.

The YMCA camp is for kids entering grades four through nine. Activities include climbing wall, zip line, fishing, canoeing, high ropes, low ropes, archery, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature hikes, disc golf, volleyball, field games, night observatory and evening campfires. Campers learn about plants and animals, ponds and lakes, wilderness survival and other outdoor nature topics. Throughout the camp experience, emphasis is placed on the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

YMCAs from around southern California have made Camp Oakes their official summer camp for over 50 years with multiple generations taking part in camp life at the Big Bear location as children. Campers are assigned cabins by age. Cabins sleep 12 and come with views of the natural surroundings. All staff members are Red Cross Certified and a certified health care coordinator is on duty around the clock.

Leader-in-Training (10 and 11 graders) and Counselor-In-Training (12 graders) opportunities are also available.

For more information and registration forms, contact one of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches: Conejo Valley YMCA, 805-523-7613, www.sevymca.org/conejo, Simi Valley Family YMCA, 805-583-5338, www.sevymca.org/simivalley or Yarrow Family YMCA, 818-707-9622, www.sevymca.org/yarrow.