August 08, 2012

Every bit counts...

by Brent Ayers

At the end of every session, campers who are checking out have the option of having their leftover camp store money refunded to them or they can choose to donate it back to camp. Once donated, the money is tallied and then designated to be spent improving camp programs. In previous years we've been able to purchased a n ...more

July 23, 2012

Friday Night Staff Surf

by Brent Ayers

It's a pretty well known tradition around YMCA Camp Surf that on friday night, after the campers have left for the week, the staff go SURFING! The staff work hard all week pushing kids on waves, singing songs, and being great role models...we think they should get a chance to play as well. Some Friday nights it can get p ...more

May 25, 2012

Feeding the Horses in the Early Morning

by Laura Pauli

At Raintree Ranch Summer camp, campers once a week have the responsibility to rise early and feed the horses. For most it’s groggy walk down the barn at 5:30am and they are usually in their pajamas and cowboy boots. Campers help distribute hay and fill hay nets. This only takes about 20-30 minutes and then we go ba ...more

May 09, 2012

A Camp Surf Moment

by Brent Ayers

This shot doesn't display our typical "fun in the sun" scene but it's soooo cool we just had to share it with you. Occasionally, we do get visits from sea lions on our jetty and we also get some pretty spectacular sunset and waves as well. Well this time Chas, Camp Surf's Outreach Coordinator during the school year and ...more

April 12, 2012

The Marston Climbing Experience

by Simon Hansen

An important part of our camp mission is "to help all people realize their fullest potential". One of our favorite ways to help people do that is through our Climbing Tower.Cabin groups come together to climb the wall almost every day of the week. People of all ages step up to challenge themselves, to try their hardest, and ...more

April 08, 2012

Surf Tiki Award

by Nat Corrall

The Tiki award at YMCA Camp Surf is not just a honor table award, but a statement about teamwork and respect. At every breakfast and dinner we honor a hard working cabin group with the Tiki award. They proudly stand up, sing their cabin cheer, and place the hand-carved, one of a kind, award at their table ...more

April 05, 2012

Mini Surfboard Craft

by Brent Ayers

Arts and Crafts is a staple at camp but maybe not for the reasons you're thinking of. It's a great opportunity to slow down and have campers work on their interpersonal skills. Campers actually have great conversations while working on a project together. A former camper asked us what use to make our mini surfboard necklaces s ...more