Two Great Camps In One

With two complete camp villages, Camp Eljabar and Camp Speers are structured to meet the unique needs and interests of all campers regardless of age and/or experience.

Camp Eljabar, home to campers entering grades 3 – 7 is perfect for the first time as well as the young camper who has several year of camping experience.  Camp Eljabar features a traditional camp program within a safe, supportive environment, providing almost limitless opportunities for young campers to explore a wide variety of activities.  Strong, positive relationships between campers and staff form the foundation upon which Eljabar Campers confidently explore activities, develop skills and form lasting friendships.

Camp Speers provides traditional and speciality programs for campers entering the 8^th – 11^th grades. Camp Speers provides exciting opportunities to experience an assortment of activities ideal for older campers. Challenging and advanced level instruction keeps them enthusiastic about discovering new skills and abilities while building upon skills gained from previous camp experiences.  Our focus on developing the important character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility will stay with the Speers camper for a lifetime.

Special Interest Programs

Speers Leaders In Training (LITs) Grades 9 or 10

Campers who have completed 9^th grade may select this special camp program to focus on and develop leadership skills. LITs enjoy a mix of traditional camp activities as well as leadership development activities such as communication techniques, coaching, personal growth, group dynamics and effective teaching skills. LIT’s also participate in community service projects. Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA Leader’s In Training program is for motivated individuals who are ready to work and play hard and who demonstrate additional responsibility and maturity in accepting the challenges of leadership.

Speers Counselors In Training (CITs) Grades 10 or 11

CITs participate in a practical, hands-on- program for four weeks focused on the continued development and enhancement of leadership skills, teambuilding, and understanding of child development. CITs put their knowledge and skills to the “test” as they work with younger campers under the supervision of camp staff. To complete the registration process, CIT candidates must also complete an additional application and interview with the Camp Program Directors. A CIT candidate packet will be mailed following receipt of the camper registration. Space is limited

Performing Arts Camp Grades 8-11

Through theater games, exciting scenes, improvisation and intense character exploration, campers will expand their acting skills through this new program. This half day program will enable campers to learn and polish the language, skills and approaches used by professional actors, while staging their own “bring down the house” show at the conclusion of the two week session

Horseback Riding

Speers/Eljabar Horseback Riding Lessons: Beginning through advanced riders can add 5 one-hour lessons in either English or Western styles to each week of camp enrollment.

Eljabar Ranch Camp: For those Eljabar Campers who seem to constantly ask, “Can I have a horse?”- this one week 3 hour a day program provides them with English or Western style riding lessons as well as opportunities to learn about and practice horse and barn care.

Speers Equestrian Camp: Horse lovers advance their riding skills through progressive riding lessons offered in English and Western Styles.  They expand upon their knowledge and practice of horse care with grooming, tacking, feeding, and stable chores. A special event (i.e. starlight ride, gymkhana…) is a feature of each two week session. Equestrian Campers spend 3-4 hours per day at the Stables.

Staff

A 1:6 staff to camper ratio is maintained within the cabin group. Counselors are typically college students and/or recent college grads who have studied and worked in education, recreation and/or a related field. Staff are selected for their experience in working with children/teens, good character and knowledge of camp programming.