YMCA Camp West Mar fun for the kids

Danielle Ryan

(6/14) The YMCA of Frederick County is in the midst of their second year of summer camp being offered at their 72-acre residential camp located in the Catoctin Mountains.

YMCA’s Camp West Mar gives kids ages 6-14 a perfect opportunity to experience the great outdoors – something many may not be used to in the city. Campers enjoy pool time at the on-site pool, hiking, crafts, games, canoeing, archery and so much more! The camp has created an environment that promotes youth development and healthy living in both a positive and a fun environment.

Last year, the camp was great. For its first year, it was a success, and the kids that attended loved the experience, noted Camp Director Samuel Jackson. They hope to enroll even more kids this camp season, keeping the numbers growing every year.

During this year’s open house, held on May 31, Jackson noted that they had a great turnout of interested future campers. The open house gave parents and kids the opportunity to see the camp’s facilities, speak with camp staff, and walk the grounds, seeing some of the hiking trails they would be able to enjoy.

Camp West Mar offers stay-away camp as well as day camps throughout the summer. Nine weeks of stay-away camp are being offered, and for those campers who may just wish to try a taste of stay-away camp, parents can choose to add a one night overnight stay on Thursdays.

During the "off season" when camps are not in session, Camp West Mar hosts a variety of different groups, organizations and clubs who are able to rent the property for various activities. West Mar has recently welcomed Live Action Role Players (LARP) to use their facility as well as a "biker" group. Both groups vastly enjoyed their time spent there. The West Mar facility offers bunk houses, pavilions, a pool, a kitchen, wooded acres as well as open grassy areas, perfect for groups of all kinds looking for a great place to gather.

YMCA of Frederick County will be accepting interested campers throughout the summer, so if you thought you missed the sign-up, don’t fret, you can still register today! If you’re interested, please email west-mar@frederickymca.org to learn more or inquire about registration.