What is Camp?

You may think, me dear, when you grow quite old
You have left camp days behind.
But I know the scent of wood-smoke
Will always call to mind
Little fires at twilight
And trails you used to find.

You may think some day that you have quite grown up,
And feel so worldly wise.
But suddenly from out of the past
A vision will arise,
Of merry folk with brown, bare knees
And laughter in their eyes.

You may live in a house built to your taste
In the nicest part of town.
But some day for your old camp toys
You'd change your latest gown
And trade it all for a balsam bed
Where the stars all night look down.

You may find yourself grown wealthy
- Have all that gold can buy.
But you'd toss aside a fortune
For days 'neath an open sky
With sunlight on blue water
And white clouds sailing by.

For once you have been a camper,
Then something has come to stay
Deep in your heart forever,
Which nothing can take away.
And heaven can only be heaven
With a camp in which to play.

- Author unknown -

Camp Arbolado is nestled within California's beautiful San Bernardino National Forest at approx. 6600 foot elevation. With the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Jenks Lake at its back door, Camp Arbolado offers the ideal setting for a wide range of year-round, diverse activities. Camp Arbolado has a long history (over 75 years) of quality leadership and commitment to youth, rich with traditions and Christian values. Camp Arbolado has always been and continues to be a cherished spot and place of healing and love for countless youth and adults. The primary goal of Camp Arbolado is to provide, through camp and YMCA related activities and programs, opportunities for all ages to grow spiritually, socially, mentally and physically, achieve their fullest potential, and have fun.

Use the menu on the left under "YMCA Camp" to access the many details and resources available about Camp Arbolado.