Go on an Adventure this Summer!
NOTE: Unless mandated by the Department of Health, Frost Valley WILL NOT be requiring campers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 for Summer 2023, but we are STRONGLY RECOMMENDING parents get their children vaccinated. We will be working with the New York State Department of Health, CDC, and American Camp Association to stay updated on guidelines.
View the 2023 Summer Camp Catalog
Frost Valley YMCA’s adventure trips are all about character building, challenging yourself, and making lasting friendships whether on an adventure trip to beautiful and awe-inspiring places around the U.S. or on a service trip, experiencing first hand the difference you can make.
From these new experiences, campers discover in themselves newfound confidence and strength. They learn how to trust in themselves, and each other, as they work together to explore, problem-solve, and achieve common goals. An empowering experience for all!
Not sure which program is right for your child? Search by age and/or interest.
MAKE LASTING FRIENDSHIPS AND EXPLORE AMAZING PLACES!
Experience Trips
In our Experience Track, participants will be introduced to many different adventure activities throughout some of the most pristine places in the Northeast. Each of these trips are multi-sport trips and participants will begin to learn different camping skills like cooking over a camping stove or fire, setting of camp, or Leave No Trace Principles and Ethics. With support from our Trip Leaders and licensed guides, campers will be challenged to step out of their comfort zone to build confidence in themselves and develop a deeper appreciation for our outdoor world. By the end of the trip, participants will have learned something new and gained a deeper appreciation for nature. There is no prior experience for these trips but participants should have a strong desire to participate.
Maine Coast Trip (Grades 7-8)
West Virginia White Water Trip (Grades 8-9)
Vermont Voyager Trip (Grades 9-10)
Build Confidence And Develop Leadership Skills!
Leadership Trips
In our Leadership Track, participants will gain experience and confidence in the technical skills of backcountry camping while developing their leadership skills. From cooking a meal over a stove, reading a map and compass, or managing a campsite, participants will gain a deeper appreciation, comfort, and appreciation for nature and the outdoors. With guidance from our Trip Leaders, campers will begin taking on different roles amongst their trip mates and become decision-makers of the trip. These trips are for campers who have had experience with wilderness camping or have a strong desire to participate in it.
Adirondack Hike & Climb Trip (Grades 7-8)
Adirondack Paddler Trip (Grades 7-8)
Long Trail Backpacker Trip (Grades 8-9) – CANCELLED
White Mountain Hike & Climb Trip (Grades 9-10)
Adirondack Classic Trip (Grades 9-12) – CANCELLED
Make a difference. Serve the community.
Service Trips
Our service trips are for campers who want to make a difference and see the amazing impact that service can have on the world and on themselves. Campers who participate in our service trips will receive a signed letter recognizing them for at least 35 hours of service per trip.
Catskill Trail Builder Trip (Grades 9-12)
Adirondack Trail Builder Trip (Grades 9-12)
Maine Trail Builder Trip (Grades 9-12)
Young Women Soar in the Great Outdoors
Young Women’s Confidence Trips
Building off our successful Young Women’s Leadership trips, this set of trips is designed to build a camper’s self-confidence through wilderness challenges, growth experiences, and empowering interpersonal relationships with same-gender peers. We will also facilitate and engage in intentional conversations about gender roles in leadership and the outdoors.
*These trips are led by same-gender counselors and are open to any female-identifying camper.*
White Mountain Hike & Climb Trip (Grades 9-10)
Adirondack Hike & Climb Trip (Grades 9-10)
Maine Coast (Grades 7-8)
This trip in Acadia National Park is for the adventurer looking for the challenge of climbing, hiking, and paddling. Join us as we climb the Otter Cliffs, hike the highest peaks in the National Park, and kayak along coastal islands all with Certified Maine guides. Featuring full days of sea kayaking, campers will experience island hopping and exploring these incredibly beautiful and remote places. This trip offers a little bit of everything for any adventurer ready for a challenge. **Participants must be comfortable in water and know how to swim**
2023 Dates:
Session 2: July 9 – 21
Session 4: August 6 – 18
Tuition Fee: $3,100
West Virginia White Water (Grades 8-9)
On this trip, you will spend two weeks learning the art of whitewater rafting in the world-renowned New River Gorge of West Virginia. This trip is one of our most popular, having run for over 25 years, and is a great next step in the adventure experience. Participants will learn a variety of rafting techniques, do some spelunking, and hike and explore the stunning natural environment of the New River Gorge. **Participants must be comfortable in water and know how to swim**
2023 Dates:
Session 1: June 25 – July 7
Session 4: August 6 – 18
Tuition Fee: $3,100
Vermont Voyager (Grades 9-10)
The trip takes the adventure experience camper to their next big adventure on the stunning Lake Champlain in Vermont. Campers will learn to work as a team and master technical skills as we spend days sea kayaking and sailing. Join us on this trip as we create memories and lasting connections to friends and the outdoors. ** Participants must be comfortable in water and know how to swim *
2023 Dates:
Session 3: July 23 – Aug 4
Tuition Fee: $3,100
Adirondack Hike & Climb
(Entry Level)
The Adirondack Hike and Climb trip is an entry-level trip for the adventurer at heart. Campers will learn backcountry camping skills like orienteering, fire building and backcountry cooking. Campers will also test their limits and find the value of teamwork. They will spend half their time backpacking in the remote wilderness of the Adirondacks, summiting high peaks and camping by pristine lakes, and the other half of their time will be spent learning to rock climb on some of the Adirondacks’ most celebrated crags.
2023 Dates:
For Grades 7-8:
Session 4: Aug 6 – 18
Tuition Fee: $2,600
Adirondack Paddler
(Entry Level)
The Adirondack Paddler is for the water-loving adventurer looking to develop their paddling skills and their leadership. From paddling small streams to large lakes to whitewater this trip offers opportunities to build confidence and teamwork in addition to mastering paddling skills. Campers will get to experience rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Come join us for the experience of a lifetime making lasting memories and connections while calling some of the clearest waters in the country your home for two weeks. **Participants must be comfortable in water and know how to swim**
2023 Dates:
For Grades 7-8:
Session 1: June 25 – July 7
Session 3: July 23 – Aug 4
Tuition Fee: $2,600
Long Trail Backpacker – CANCELLED
(Intermediate Level)
If you are ready to take the next step on your Adventure leadership track this trip is for you! Hike a majority of Vermont’s pristine Long Trail with a small group of committed outdoor enthusiasts. With your counselors supporting you, you will start to navigate and make risk management decisions as a group of peers. This trip sets you up well for an AiT or month-long experience!
*Willingness and interest by the participant to be immersed in nature and the camping lifestyle. Camping experience at Frost Valley YMCA or similar experience with other programs required. Please reach out to the Adventure Director at adventure@frostvalley.org if you are unsure or interested. *
2023 Dates:
For Grades 8-9:
Session 3: July 23 – Aug 4 – CANCELLED
Tuition Fee: $2,600
White Mountain Hike & Climb
(Intermediate Level)
Travel to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire and experience some of the most amazing vistas on the east coast. Backpacking and climbing in the White Mountains will offer challenging experiences that will build confidence and character along with creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
2023 Dates:
For Grades 9-10:
Session 2: July 9 – 21
Tuition Fee: $2,850
Adirondack Classic – CANCELLED
(Advanced Level for Grades 9-12)
This trip, for the adventure camper ready to take on real leadership responsibilities, has it all; backpacking, climbing, and paddling in New York’s biggest state park. As a camper who has built up their leadership skills across other trips or programs, you will have the opportunity to make some of your own route, gear, cooking, and group management decisions while you bond with a small group of campers who will be life-long friends. This trip sets you up well for an AIT experience.
*Willingness and interest by the participant to be immersed in nature and the camping lifestyle. Camping experience at Frost Valley YMCA or similar experience with other programs required. Please reach out to the Adventure Director at adventure@frostvalley.org if you are unsure or interested. *
2023 Dates:
Sessions 2-3: July 9 – Aug 4 (4 Week Trip) – CANCELLED
Tuition Fee: $4,500
Adirondack Trail Builder (Grades 9-12)
Join us on an adventure that gives back to a place that we visit frequently: the Adirondacks. This is an amazing opportunity to help maintain the trails we use so often. This trip will entail different projects such as clearing brush, building bridges, and digging water dams. Campers will spend their days off hiking and climbing in the beautiful Adirondacks.
2023 Session Dates:
Session 4: Aug 6 – 18
Tuition Fee: $2,350
Catskill Trail Builders (Grades 9-12)
Join us in the Forever Wild Catskill Mountains as we help maintain our trails and complete service work for our local community. Campers will learn all about trail building and gain knowledge and skills in digging water trenches, clearing overgrown brush, creating vista points, and completing other projects on the nearby trails. On days off, they’ll explore the best vista points in the area and visit the local fire towers.
Session 2: July 9 – 21
Tuition Fee: $2,350
Maine Trail Builders (Grades 9-12)
Maine Trail Builders is for the adventurous camper who also wants to make a difference. On this trip campers explore the beautiful area of Acadia, Maine, as they help maintain trails and complete service work with the National Park Service. Campers will dig in the dirt, trim trees and complete various other projects around the park. On days off, they’ll climb cliffs above the ocean and hike the highest peaks with the best vistas in the National Park.
2023 Session Dates:
Session 3: July 23 – Aug 4
Tuition Fee: $2,600
Young Women’s Confidence Trip:
White Mountain Hike and Climb (Grades 9-10)
Travel to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire and experience some of the most amazing vistas on the east coast. Backpacking and climbing in the White Mountains will offer challenging experiences that will build confidence and character along with creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
2023 Dates:
Session 2: July 9 – 21
Tuition Fee: $2,850
Young Women’s Confidence Trip:
Adirondack Hike & Climb (Grades 9-10)
The Adirondack Hike and Climb trip is an entry-level trip for the adventurer at heart. Campers will learn backcountry camping skills like orienteering, fire building and backcountry cooking. Campers will also test their limits and find the value of teamwork. They will spend half their time backpacking in the remote wilderness of the Adirondacks, summiting high peaks and camping by pristine lakes, and the other half of their time will be spent learning to rock climb on some of the Adirondacks’ most celebrated crags.
2023 Dates:
Session 1: June 25 – July 7
Tuition Fee: $2,600
