CAMP TIMBER AT BRIDGEWATER YMCA
Camp Timber at Bridgewater YMCA offers so many wonderful camp options. We have something for every kind of child at every age with both traditional multi-activity and specialty camp options. Mix and match from traditional and STEM camp options! And no matter which camp(s) you choose, you can feel great knowing that your campers are getting the quality day camp experience they expect from the nation’s largest nonprofit child care provider.
Our camp directors have been hard at work whipping up a memorable experience for all our campers. Get ready to enjoy the familiar, fun, and exciting summer day camp experience you’ve come to expect from the Y, including:
- A 10-week program that runs 5 days per week, Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 30th
- For campers entering Kindergarten – 10th grade in September 2024
- Regular camp hours: 9:00am-4:30pm
- Before care hours: 7:30am -9:00am
- After care hours: 4:30pm-6:00pm
- Camp location: Bridgewater YMCA, 601 Garretson Rd, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807
2024 DAY CAMP OPTIONS
KINDERCAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Camp Timber’s KinderCamp is an indoor/outdoor multi-activity traditional camp for children entering Kindergarten in September 2024
- KinderCampers feel like true members of the camp community as they take part in the full spectrum of activities that engage and entertain campers, including theme days and daily performances here at Camp Timber, while still having a separate age-appropriate schedule
- KinderCampers gain the courage and confidence as life-long swimmers through their participation in daily swim lessons and daily recreational swim time in our indoor pool, included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- Through our inclusive day camp experience, KinderCampers develop social skills and make new friends
- KinderCamp includes an educational portion to the camp day with activities are designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills. Our goal is to help get KinderCampers ready to enter the public schools in September!
- Kinder Campers have the option to attend the weekly camp trip each Wednesday.
- Weekly theme days also add something special as a core concept or celebration day is woven across the entire camp day.
2024 WEEKLY CAMP TRIPS (each Wednesday)
- WEEK 2: Funplex
- WEEK 3: Tomahawk Lake
- WEEK 4: Branchburg Sports Complex
- WEEK 5: Liberty Science Center
- WEEK 6: Turtle Back Zoo
- WEEK 7: Iron Peak
- WEEK 8: Crayola Factory
- WEEK 9: Chuck E Cheese
- WEEK 10: Kid Street
SAMPLE WEEKLY THEMES
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Week 1: DISNEY (6/24-6/28)
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Join us for a magical week at the Y where campers will experience the world of Disney right here at camp! Campers & Counselors are invited to dress up in their favorite Disney costumes, t-shirts, and/or makeup to celebrate. Activities include crafts, games, outdoor adventures, and more. Don’t miss this enchanting experience!
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Week 2: Melody Mania (7/1-7/5)
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Discover the rhythm of fun at the Y! Campers will explore the world of music through interactive activities, instrument exploration, group sing-alongs, and creative expression. Every day will feature a different style of music. Join us for a week filled with musical magic and memories!
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Week 3: Jersey Shore (7/8-7/12)
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Dive into a week of sun, sand, and surf at the Y’s Jersey Shore/Beach Themed Camp Week! Campers will engage in beach games, seashell hunts, and explore marine life through exciting activities. Join us for a sun-soaked adventure celebrating the beauty and magic of the Jersey Shore!
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Week 4: Superheroes vs. Villains (7/15-7/19)
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Join us for an epic battle of good versus evil at the Y’s Superheroes vs. Villains Themed Camp Week! Campers will embark on a heroic adventure filled with games, challenges, and activities inspired by their favorite superheroes and villains. On our Theme Thursday, Campers will dress up as Superheroes and Villains and compete in camp wide games. Unleash your inner hero and join the fun!
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Week 5: Sports (7/22-7/26)
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Get ready to score big! Campers will immerse themselves in a world of athletic excitement. They will play both team and individual games, as well as participate in small tournaments and tiebreakers. A new sport will be highlighted every day, they’ll improve skills, and learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. At the end of the week, there will be a camp wide competition of Capture The Flag! Don’t miss this action-packed week of fun and fitness!
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Week 6: Holidays (7/29-8/2)
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Celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of holidays at the Y! Campers will immerse themselves in the spirit of the season as we explore and educate ourselves about a different holiday each day. Engage in festive activities, crafts, and games, celebrating the diversity of holiday traditions. Join us for a week of joyful holiday exploration and discovery!
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Week 7: Carnival Craze! (8/5-8/9)
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Gather ‘round everybody! The circus/carnival is headed to camp! Step right up and see your favorite acts! Grab some popcorn and water as we clown around and create the carnival show of the century! Campers will be immersed in show stopping games and activities and make the greatest crafts the world has ever seen! Get ready for a show you’ll never forget!
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Week 8: Color Clash (8/12-8/16)
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Get ready for an explosion of color at the Y! Each camper will be assigned a color and compete head-to-head in camp-wide games and challenges. Cheer on your team as you strive for victory in the daily activities, leading up to an epic end-of-the-week showdown to crown the ultimate color champion. Join us for a week of spirited competition and camaraderie!
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Week 9: Blast from the Past (8/19-8/23)
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We’re turning back the clock! Take a trip with us back in time! Campers will collaborate within their groups to choose and re-create an Era (50s, 60’s, 70s, 80’s or 90s) through Fashion, Music, Lingo and Pop Culture. Get ready for Fashion Shows, Dance Battles, and Trivia for an Epic battle of the Eras.
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Week 10: (8/26-8/30)
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We are still ironing out the details here!
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TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
- Traditional day camp is for campers entering grades 1-7 in September 2024
- Camp Timber’s popular, traditional multi-activity outdoor camp offers a broad array of activities that engage and entertain campers, including theme days.
- Register for one or more weeks Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 30th
- Campers are divided into groups for age-appropriate fun and engagement all summer long:
- 1st-2nd: Discovery
- 3rd: Trailblazers
- 4th-5th: Rangers
- 6th-7th: Adventurers
- Campers build social skills and long lasting friendships through participation in individual and small group activities in the areas of Arts & Humanities and Sports & Games.
- Daily swim time in our indoor pool is included at no additional cost. Children should bring a bathing suit and towel each day.
- Unique to Camp Timber is our on-site archery range, where campers learn daily from our certified instructors about the mechanics of aiming and shooting, the different types of archery apparatuses, as well as the responsibility of properly handling highly specialized equipment.
- At Camp Timber, we proactively address the dreaded academic summer slump by including an educational portion to the camp day with activities designed to stimulate and encourage grade level-appropriate critical thinking skills.
- Weekly themes also add something special woven throughout the camp week.
2024 WEEKLY CAMP TRIPS (each Wednesday)
- WEEK 2: Funplex
- WEEK 3: Tomahawk Lake
- WEEK 4: Branchburg Sports Complex
- WEEK 5: Liberty Science Center
- WEEK 6: Turtle Back Zoo
- WEEK 7: Iron Peak
- WEEK 8: Crayola Factory
- WEEK 9: Chuck E Cheese
- WEEK 10: Kid Street
SAMPLE WEEKLY THEMES
- Week 1: DISNEY (6/24-6/28)
- Join us for a magical week at the Y where campers will experience the world of Disney right here at camp! Campers & Counselors are invited to dress up in their favorite Disney costumes, t-shirts, and/or makeup to celebrate. Activities include crafts, games, outdoor adventures, and more. Don’t miss this enchanting experience!
- Week 2: Melody Mania (7/1-7/5)
- Discover the rhythm of fun at the Y! Campers will explore the world of music through interactive activities, instrument exploration, group sing-alongs, and creative expression. Every day will feature a different style of music. Join us for a week filled with musical magic and memories!
- Week 3: Jersey Shore (7/8-7/12)
- Dive into a week of sun, sand, and surf at the Y’s Jersey Shore/Beach Themed Camp Week! Campers will engage in beach games, seashell hunts, and explore marine life through exciting activities. Join us for a sun-soaked adventure celebrating the beauty and magic of the Jersey Shore!
- Week 4: Superheroes vs. Villains (7/15-7/19)
- Join us for an epic battle of good versus evil at the Y’s Superheroes vs. Villains Themed Camp Week! Campers will embark on a heroic adventure filled with games, challenges, and activities inspired by their favorite superheroes and villains. On our Theme Thursday, Campers will dress up as Superheroes and Villains and compete in camp wide games. Unleash your inner hero and join the fun!
- Week 5: Sports (7/22-7/26)
- Get ready to score big! Campers will immerse themselves in a world of athletic excitement. They will play both team and individual games, as well as participate in small tournaments and tiebreakers. A new sport will be highlighted every day, they’ll improve skills, and learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. At the end of the week, there will be a camp wide competition of Capture The Flag! Don’t miss this action-packed week of fun and fitness!
- Week 6: Holidays (7/29-8/2)
- Celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of holidays at the Y! Campers will immerse themselves in the spirit of the season as we explore and educate ourselves about a different holiday each day. Engage in festive activities, crafts, and games, celebrating the diversity of holiday traditions. Join us for a week of joyful holiday exploration and discovery!
- Week 7: Carnival Craze! (8/5-8/9)
- Gather ‘round everybody! The circus/carnival is headed to camp! Step right up and see your favorite acts! Grab some popcorn and water as we clown around and create the carnival show of the century! Campers will be immersed in show stopping games and activities and make the greatest crafts the world has ever seen! Get ready for a show you’ll never forget!
- Week 8: Color Clash (8/12-8/16)
- Get ready for an explosion of color at the Y! Each camper will be assigned a color and compete head-to-head in camp-wide games and challenges. Cheer on your team as you strive for victory in the daily activities, leading up to an epic end-of-the-week showdown to crown the ultimate color champion. Join us for a week of spirited competition and camaraderie!
- Week 9: Blast from the Past (8/19-8/23)
- We’re turning back the clock! Take a trip with us back in time! Campers will collaborate within their groups to choose and re-create an Era (50s, 60’s, 70s, 80’s or 90s) through Fashion, Music, Lingo and Pop Culture. Get ready for Fashion Shows, Dance Battles, and Trivia for an Epic battle of the Eras.
- Week 10: (8/26-8/30)
- We are still ironing out the details here!
DAILY SCHEDULES
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DISCOVERY (SAMPLE)
- 9:00am-9:15am – Opening Circle
- 9:15am-10:00am – Team Building / Theme Week Activities
- 10:00am-10:15am – Morning Snack
- 10:15am-11:00am – Arts & Humanities
- 11:00am-11:45am – Sports & Games
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-12:45pm – CATCH Games or SEL Activities
- 12:45pm-1:00pm – Changing for Swim
- 1:00pm-1:30pm – Swimming Lessons
- 1:30pm-2:00pm – Free Swim
- 2:00pm-2:15pm – Changing out of Swim
- 2:15pm-2:30pm – Afternoon Snack
- 2:30pm-3:15pm – Archery / GAGA
- 3:15pm-3:45pm – CIT-Run Game or Activity
- 3:45pm-4:15pm – Theme Week Related Activities
- 4:15-4:30pm – Closing Ceremonies
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TRAILBLAZERS (SAMPLE)
- 9:00am-9:15am – Opening Circle
- 9:15am-10:00am – Team Building / Theme Week Activities
- 10:00am-10:15am – Morning Snack
- 10:15am-11:00am – Archery / GAGA
- 11:00am-11:45am – Arts & Humanities
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-12:45pm – CATCH Games or SEL Activities
- 12:45pm-1:00pm – Changing for Swim
- 1:00pm-1:30pm – Free Swim
- 1:30pm-2:00pm – Swimming Lessons
- 2:00pm-2:15pm – Changing out of Swim
- 2:15pm-2:30pm – Afternoon Snack
- 2:30pm-3:15pm – Sports & Games
- 3:15pm-3:45pm – CIT-Run Game or Activity
- 3:45pm-4:15pm – Theme Week Related Activities
- 4:15-4:30pm – Closing Ceremonies
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RANGERS (SAMPLE)
- 9:00am-9:15am – Opening Circle
- 9:15am-10:00am – Team Building / Theme Week Activities
- 10:00am-10:15am – Morning Snack
- 10:15am-11:00am – Sports & Games
- 11:00am-11:45am – Archery / GAGA
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-12:45pm – CATCH Games or SEL Activities
- 12:45pm-1:00pm – Changing for Swim
- 1:00pm-1:30pm – Free Swim
- 1:30pm-2:00pm – Swimming Lessons
- 2:00pm-2:15pm – Changing out of Swim
- 2:15pm-2:30pm – Afternoon Snack
- 2:30pm-3:15pm – Arts & Humanities
- 3:15pm-3:45pm – CIT-Run Game or Activity
- 3:45pm-4:15pm – Theme Week Related Activities
- 4:15-4:30pm – Closing Ceremonies
CATCH = Coordinated Approach To Child Health
SEL = Social Emotional Learning
COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM
Traditional Multi-Activity Camp
Teen Option
- Camp Timber’s signature Counselor in Training (CIT) program is for participants entering grades 8-10 in September 2024
- Offered Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 16th
- Choose from one 1-week session and four 2-week sessions
- The CIT program is designed for teens who are looking to develop skills as future leaders–with a special focus on the unique skills needed to become a camp counselor.
- Program participants will engage in select experiential opportunities such as leadership training and social responsibility projects.
- CITs gain valuable firsthand experience working with children of various ages, become skilled in behavior management, and gain a real-world perspective on what it means to run a quality camp day.
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
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COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT)
- 9:00am-9:15am – Opening Circle
- 9:15am-10:00am – Team Building / Theme Week Activities
- 10:00am-10:15am – Morning Snack
- 10:15am-11:45am – CIT-Specific Activities
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-12:45pm – CATCH Games or SEL Activities
- 12:45pm-1:00pm – Changing for Swim
- 1:00pm-2:00pm – Free Swim
- 2:00pm-2:15pm – Changing out of Swim
- 2:15pm-2:30pm – Afternoon Snack
- 2:30pm-3:45pm – CIT-Run Game or Activity
- 3:45pm-4:15pm – Theme Week Related Activities
- 4:15-4:30pm – Closing Ceremonies
CATCH = Coordinated Approach To Child Health
SEL = Social Emotional Learning
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Payment schedule
When you register for camp a $50.00 deposit will be required for each camp session that you choose. These payments will be made through our online system and require the use of a credit card. This credit card will be kept on file and used to draft the camp balances automatically on the due dates listed in your camp handbook.
Refund details
- Prior to May 1, 2024: A full refund will be given for any cancellations.
- After May 1, 2024: There will be no refund of the $50 deposit. A refund of a camp balance that has been paid will only be given if your child’s spot can be filled by another child.*
*The only exception to the refund policy is for a cancellation due to a medical reason that has been documented by a doctor.
Greater Somerset County YMCA Financial Assistance
In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.
Not a Y member?
Join the Y online and enjoy member pricing today! It’s easy. Visit gscymca.org/join and select your Bridgewater YMCA membership type to get started. Need additional assistance? Email or call our Welcome Center at 908 526 0688 ext. 1 and we’ll be happy to help!
SPOTLIGHT ON: S.P.A.C.E. FOR ALL
What is S.P.A.C.E.? It stands for swimming, play, art, community, and enrichment. We embed these signature elements across our entire camp program to create a truly holistic day camp experience for each child. It’s just one of the many ways the Y comprehensively supports the development of the whole child while they are here with us.
SPOTLIGHT ON: OUR CAMP COUNSELORS
Every one of our camps is staffed with counselors who are not only well trained and qualified for child supervision, but love being part of camp just as much as our campers. In fact, many of our campers later pursue our Counselor-in-Training camp and then become counselors and full time Y staff members.
WHY CHOOSE THE Y
American Camp Association Accredited
We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) which sets the highest standards or day camps in the nation. This important seal of approval means we comply with up to 300 health, safety, and program quality standards set by the ACA. We have gone to great lengths to provide a safe and quality environment.
Caring, Well-Trained Staff
Our staff is comprised of caring, nurturing individuals who are required to complete a minimum of twelve hours of on-going training on an annual basis and are certified in First Aid and CPR.
Committed to Your Child’s Safety
In an effort to continually improve the safety and security of our YMCA, we utilize a system called Raptor which instantly screens visitors against registered sex offender databases in all 50 states. This is in addition to sex offender screenings the Y regularly conducts on all members, participants, and staff. All authorized pick-ups must present a state or government issued photo ID every time when picking up a child.
For the Best Summer Ever
Give your kids a life-changing experience! Each summer, the Y inspires kids with countless opportunities to laugh, lead, and make lasting friendships. Together, our proven programs and trained counselors deliver meaningful and memorable camp experiences that keep families coming back year after year. Our day camps welcome all kids to discover who they are and imagine who they can be, with programs that foster lifelong skills, build self-confidence, and create friendships.
Well-Rounded Structure
At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish things, make friends, and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected, and supported. We focus on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accomplished and enjoyed, that they can’t wait to come back the next day.
Y For All
We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. In addition to any community subsidies families may qualify for, the Y also provides direct financial assistance to qualifying families enrolled in our child care programs—made possible through the generosity of our Y’s Annual Campaign donors and proceeds from special fundraising events. Visit gscymca.org/fa to learn more.
THE Y: WHERE MEMBERSHIP MEANS MORE
The Y isn’t a building. It’s people from all backgrounds and walks of life who come together to improve their lives, nurture their families and strengthen their community, together.