YMCA Camp Timbers — Local services in Foster Township

As a family, we have been processing, celebrating and reflecting on two of our kid’s camp experiences for the past few days, post pick-up. We really wanted to let it all soak in, hear the stories and songs, check out the crafts, look through pictures and mindfully observe as they readjusted to home, before sharing our thoughts on our overall camp experience from both a parents perspective and our campers.

The bottom line, if you are on the fence about signing your children up for camo, don’t wait another second! If you are thinking of joining the staff, go for it, you won’t be disappointed!

The pre-camp experience was more than exceptional. From my inquiries of obtaining general information, to follow-up phone calls and emails from the Camp director, registration, cost, a private camp tour, camp literature (packing list and parent information), and last-minute questions from a nervous parent ;), YMCA Camp Timbers nailed it all!

We are a home-school family, our kids who went to camp are 9 and 12 years old. While we are involved in plenty of youth programming at home, they are not away on overnights or from the house for extended periods of time often. The pre-camp videos, tour, and mail-outs really helped them gear up with excited energy and allowed them to go into the week with only good vibes and excitement!

The drop -off process was flawless and very efficient, staff was warm and welcoming, and it was very apparent safety and professionalism are at the top of the priority list as an overall organization.

My husband and I missed them terribly and probably carried much more nerves on not having them at home than they did being away. The camp app was such a wonderful resource to be able to have daily up-dates, see photos of our kiddos, staff and programming and even had a feature so we could send or receive some messages, telegram style. In addition, the Camp Director sent out a couple mass emails between drop off and pick up that were very welcomed check-ins, letting parents know all was well and the week was running smoothly.

The pick-up process appeared to run like a well-oiled machine, much like the drop off. Safety/security measures were in place and it was clear all staff knew their roles to keep things moving while letting parents and kids celebrate seeing each other again.

Pulling into the pick-up-circle was a goosebumps moment. You could hear the kids all singing different camp songs, yelling loved filled goodbyes to their new friends, campers and staff alike with sun kissed faces, messy hair, and maybe slightly more disheveled energetic bodies than when the week started, making it clear they laid it all out during the week, giving everything they had to camp and our kids.

The icing on top was our two-and-a-half-hour drive home with these exhausted camp kids who were safe, healthy, beyond well fed for the week and filled with songs, stories and joy. They loved every minute of their camp experience and are already looking forward to their next adventure at YMCA...

I was a camper at Camp Timbers for 3 years. I originally experienced camp through a 6th Grade school trip which was the worst 4 days of my life due to my school. I knew Camp Timbers was a great place so I decided to do summer camp. The 1st year and 2nd year I went for a week as an LIT. Both times, I had incredible experiences, I made some AWESOME new friends whom I'm still close with today and I grew TREMENDOUSLY. I went back last year for a week as a CIT and I had the same great experiences as I did as an LIT. This year I debated on going on staff, knowing that my summer was already going to be crazy busy. Although I couldn't live with the thought of a summer without camp. In the 1st 2 weeks on staff I have had a blast. The staff team is very much like a family, and we all do whatever it takes to make sure campers have a great time at camp. I have always struggled to fit in, and at camp that's never been a problem for me. As I was reading some reviews I saw concerns about cleanliness, medical treatment and food. At camp there are 3 meals a day along with 2 snacks. No child leaves a meal without eating something. (even if that means they have an alternative meal because they don't like something.) There are several food choices and counselors ensure that each child gets something to eat. Are Health Officers are well trained and care about each and every camper. They ensure that all concerns are treated for. Without a doubt, each camper's health is well taken care of . Camp is also a very beautiful place. Facilities and Cabins are cleaned regularly. I have never experienced any uncleanliness at Camp Timbers. Thought I know that if there was an issue, it would be taken care of right away. Camp is like a 2nd home to me, it has become apart of me. I am addicted to my phone and the 3 weeks I spent at camp without my phone was the best 3 weeks of my life. I also have a very busy and stressful life, but at camp I feel free, happy and safe. Camp Timber's has helped me through some very difficult times in life by just being able to have fun and be myself. Camp Timbers is by far the best camp around. I would HIGHLY recommend...

I was here about a week ago as a part of Columbia Central HS Bandcamp and as a camp it was awesome. There is a ton to do for campers, the staff is very engaging with students and faculty, the cabins are simple and nice, and the entire area is scenic and beautiful while also being fully off grid (besides a couple wifi spots if absolutely needed). I think this camp's true value is in church camp programs. If you're looking for a place to hold church or youth camps/events I would definitely look this place up.

It's good for marching bandcamps, too, but it wouldn't be my first choice mainly for the fact that it's a solid 10-15 minute walk to the field from most cabins and the mess shall, meaning if someone leaves something behind then that person misses out on a full 20-30 minutes of instructional time, and in general too much time is lost just to transitions. Unlike a youth or church camp where the goal is to slow down and reflect, a Bandcamp should be all about working on the music and drill. Of course, fun and reflection is also to be encouraged, but the "workshop" should be right at your fingertips. There is also the issue of dust and sand. For a normal camp it's a little bit of an annoyance, but for instruments it could mean significant damage if not immediately addressed.

In spite of my thoughts on this camp as a marching bandcamp site, it is an incredible destination and that is what should be taken from this review. If you have a chance to visit this place as a part of a church camp, individual music camp, summer camp, or otherwise (as a student or a chaperone) then I would really encourage...