On 220 acres of forest, fields and wetlands, Camp Davern offers a natural setting that is perfect for camp activities and adventures like outdoor living skills, environmental exploration, adventure programs (rock climbing, high hopes and low ropes), Y swim lessons, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, and drama.
Camp Davern offers a variety of fun and age appropriate programs and activities that are guided by the Y’s four core values – caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Everything we do at camp is designed to be safe and fun while nourishing cooperation, creativity, imagination, challenge, leadership, positive growth and development for each camper.
Davern girls participate in both cabin activities and personal choice activities. Here's a sample of some of what camp has to offer.
Outdoor Living Skills
Learn how to set up a shelter, identify edible wilds, cook a delicious meal in the outdoors, set up camping areas, fire-building, low-impact camping and much more in this great program. Campers will gain outdoor skills through instruction, games and activities.
Learn how to set up a shelter, identify edible wilds, cook a delicious meal in the outdoors, set up camping areas, fire-building, low-impact camping and much more in this great program. Campers will gain outdoor skills through instruction, games and activities.
Environmental Exploration
Taking full advantage of our natural setting, campers will participate in a program that teaches them about their surroundings through games, activities and exploration. Campers learn the connection they have to the earth and what they can do to make a difference.
Taking full advantage of our natural setting, campers will participate in a program that teaches them about their surroundings through games, activities and exploration. Campers learn the connection they have to the earth and what they can do to make a difference.
Adventure (Rock Climbing, High and Low Ropes)
Progressing from initiative games, low ropes and the climbing wall to climbing on our vertical playground, campers gain confidence and learn new skills such as choosing a proper harness and helmet, knot tying, climbing skills, teamwork and cooperation. The program is designed to meet the needs of individual camper levels and experience, so there is always something to learn!
Please note: Rock climbing is available for camper 8 years +, Vertical Playground 11 years +.
Swimming Lessons
YMCA National Award Levels from learn-to-swim to Star 6 are offered to campers who are looking to improve their swimming skills. Our staff are certified instructors and through safe, fun and interesting lessons, campers can choose to work on a level during their personal choice activity. LIT Campers will work on their Bronze Medallion Certification.
A note about swimming: All campers will perform a swim test on the first day of camp and receive a colored bracelet based on their comfort and skill in the water. Swim lessons for non-swimmers are recommended.
YMCA National Award Levels from learn-to-swim to Star 6 are offered to campers who are looking to improve their swimming skills. Our staff are certified instructors and through safe, fun and interesting lessons, campers can choose to work on a level during their personal choice activity. LIT Campers will work on their Bronze Medallion Certification.
A note about swimming: All campers will perform a swim test on the first day of camp and receive a colored bracelet based on their comfort and skill in the water. Swim lessons for non-swimmers are recommended.
Canoeing
Campers learn skills such as basic forward stroke, the J Stroke, T-Rescues, Sculling and much more in Davern’s canoeing program. Campers will be divided into groups according to skill level and experience. From getting into a canoe to refining her soloing skills, Davern girls will always have something new to learn!
Campers learn skills such as basic forward stroke, the J Stroke, T-Rescues, Sculling and much more in Davern’s canoeing program. Campers will be divided into groups according to skill level and experience. From getting into a canoe to refining her soloing skills, Davern girls will always have something new to learn!
Kayaking
Camp Davern offers flat-water kayaking as a personal choice activity. From straight line paddling, becoming comfortable in the boat to building more strokes, rolling and advanced paddling techniques there is something fun for everyone. Every summer girls can work on a new skill level through games, activities and instruction.
Camp Davern offers flat-water kayaking as a personal choice activity. From straight line paddling, becoming comfortable in the boat to building more strokes, rolling and advanced paddling techniques there is something fun for everyone. Every summer girls can work on a new skill level through games, activities and instruction.
Drama
Through theater games, improvisation and activities, campers develop confidence and self-awareness and performance skills. This program includes developing and performing plays, skits, singing, dance and of course fun costumes.
Crafts
Campers practice and develop their creativity, imagination and individuality in Davern’s craft program. Crafts are designed to meet the interests and skills of all of our campers. From pet rocks and sketching to painting, tie-dying and bracelet-making Davern girls will have the opportunity to create.
Campers practice and develop their creativity, imagination and individuality in Davern’s craft program. Crafts are designed to meet the interests and skills of all of our campers. From pet rocks and sketching to painting, tie-dying and bracelet-making Davern girls will have the opportunity to create.
