This Summer Camp Offered By The National Park Service Is An Amazing Experience For Kids

The National Park Service and YMCA have joined forces since 2015 to create the Bringing Youth Outdoors Together Summer Camp Program. This program offers a vibrant initiative that opens the wonders of America's national parks to thousands of children across the country. The partnership connects 16 local YMCAs with nearby national parks, offering week-long adventures for kids aged 5-15. The program is centered on recreation, conservation, and service, and is able to deliver unique outdoor experiences, hands-on learning opportunities about nature and history, and opportunities for growth through meaningful projects. It also engages teens aged 16-18 in leadership roles as camp counselors and provides jobs and internships for adults aged 18-25 in order to foster skills that last a lifetime. 

The program has shown tremendous growth over the years, and has been able to serve over 100,000 to date. Its success stems from the dedication of the YMCA branches and the national parks they partner with, who have doubled participant goals and matched funding in order to ensure accessibility for anyone interested.

With 592 YMCAs within 10 miles of a national park, 336 within five miles, and 87 within one mile, kids from diverse communities are able to explore the natural wonders of these areas close to home. Two YMCA branches even reside within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, deepening the access and connection participants experience in these treasured spaces. This partnership sparks joy and curiosity in both attendees and volunteers, and successfully blends fun with education, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for some of the best dreamy outdoor playgrounds.

The NPS-YMCA Summer Camp Partnership Program immerses youth in exciting outdoor experiences, and brings national parks to life through hands-on exploration. At Zion National Park, the YMCA of Southern Nevada held an event welcoming veterans, active military, and their families to discover the unique red rock geological formations and landscapes, with many kids stargazing and experiencing the park for the first time.

In Biscayne National Park, the YMCA of South Florida guides campers on boat rides for exciting educational eco adventures through the watery wonders of one of the largest great barrier reefs in the world. For many of these intrepid explorers, this was their first time on a boat, and for others, their first time seeing fish. These moments are what this program strives for, to fill children with awe, introduce them to the beauty of nature, and ignite a passion they can share with their families. 

The program also offers service-learning projects that deepen engagement. Take for example the teens from the YMCA's Youth Government program that recently partnered with the NPS and gathered in Washington D.C. for the Y-USA Governors Conferences. They dedicated a day to cleaning up Anacostia National Park, after understanding the value of preserving public spaces. With 216 YMCAs within three miles of a national park, the program ensures inclusivity, welcoming kids from underserved communities and with a range of abilities. These experiences plant seeds of curiosity, and encourage families to explore the magic of the national parks together. 

The NPS-YMCA Summer Camp Program equips kids with practical skills and fosters strong community ties through meaningful activities. Campers participate in service projects like trail maintenance and park upkeep, learning teamwork and environmental stewardship. Certain programs engage in tasks that teach park history and ecology, earning badges that symbolize participants' commitment.

Teens as counselors are able to develop leadership skills by guiding younger campers. This can foster development of confidence, understanding of group dynamics, and supporting youth from all walks of life, encouraging their ability to engage with diversity and learn about inclusivity. This helps them gain professional experience that will shape their future careers in deeply meaningful ways. 

In order to get involved with the NPS-YMCA Summer Camp Partnership Program, families can visit their local YMCA or use the StoryMap tool on the NPS or YMCA's website to find a camp near a national park. With scholarships available, the program aims to be as inclusive as possible, for people from all walks of life. The YMCA's community roots, located in more than 120 countries worldwide, make participation accessible, fostering connections that aim to inspire lifelong engagement with nature. Don't forget to check out the National Park Service's B.A.R.K. Ranger Program, or what it means when park rangers refer to their favorite national park as a 'sleeper park'.