Family Programs
One Camp, Two Distinct Properties
Camp Jewell features two separate, full-service properties within our 540 acres. Hide-A-Way Ranch, located across the lake from Camp Jewell, is a secluded facility, perfect for smaller groups of 100 or less. Camp Jewell, with capacity for over 500, is ideal for larger groups and events. Each property has it's own dining hall, group accommodations, chapel, conference spaces and charm.
Our facilities enable us to serve thousands of visitors each year who enjoy our beautiful 540 acres, friendly staff, and innovative programs. During the summer, campers and staff come together to form a vibrant camp community. In the Fall, Winter, and Spring, Outdoor Center guests come to enjoy camp through our conference, teambuilding, and outdoor education programs.
Exciting Activities For All
Camp Jewell has several exciting activities all year long! Summer activities include horseback riding, swimming, archery, mountain boarding, rock climbing, kayaking, pottery, guitar, high ropes, hiking, fishing, soccer and many more! Winter activities include snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice golf, broomball, cross-country skiing, candlemaking, arts & crafts, bbs, archery and other fun indoor programs. We even have our own snowmaking system! See pictures!
Family Programs
Please select a program of interest from the list below.
YMCA Adventure Guides
A weekend at Camp Jewell is oftentimes described as the pinnacle experience for regional YMCA Adventure Guides groups. Parents and their children spend quality time together enjoying all that Camp Jewell has to offer. Exciting daytime activities are coupled with Adventure Guides ceremonies, games, campfires, and special programs in the evening.
Seasonal activities at Camp Jewell include: hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, archery, candle making, leather craft, bouldering, arts and crafts, the mini-farm, group games, campfire, giant slide, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, broomball, and pretzel making. See pictures!
Who participates?
YMCA Adventure Guides is for parents and their children, ages 5-9. An adult and child attend their activities together.
What does it mean to be a member of YMCA Adventure Guides?
As a member of the YMCA Adventure Guides you will have the opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with your child by joining a unique “Circle” with whom you’ll participate in activities like games, camping, trips, ceremonies, and family adventures. You and your child will take a journey of discovery and learning. Throughout this journey Adventure Guides compass points – family, nature, community, fun, and the YMCA character development values – provide a sense of direction and inspiration for activities.
As a member, you will be able to participate in large scale group activities such as weekend campouts, parties, and parades. Conducting group exercises in the Circle fosters leadership, problem-solving, group work skills, and a sense of a commitment to a larger community – all of which reinforce the YMCA’s pledge to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
"Friends Forever"
The immediate gain is evident – spending time together – but the long-term gains are even more significant. Not only will you build a solid foundation for a friendship that will last a lifetime, but you will also be helping to build and develop a set of skills and patterns that your children will carry with them into adulthood.
Which YMCA Adventure Guides groups attend Camp Jewell?
Charles River YMCA
Farmington Valley YMCA
Fairfield YMCA
Glastonbury YMCA
Hamden YMCA
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
Marlborough YMCA
New Canaan YMCA
Old Dairy
Ridgefield
Southern Saratoga
Tri-Town YMCA
Waterbury YMCA
West Hartford YMCA
Westport YMCA
Wethersfield
Wilton YMCA
How does an Adventure Guides group leader arrange an experience at Camp Jewell?
Please contact Katie Jilek, Outdoor Center Director, katie.jilek@ghymca.org or 888-412-2267 to register or for more information.
How do I join an Adventure Guides group at my local YMCA?
Contact your local YMCA branch and ask for assistance.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by Mail/Fax
Family Camp
Family Camp provides a great experience for everyone in your family! Parents get the benefit of their family staying in a safe, wholesome environment, surrounded by caring staff members and plenty of fun activities. Children enjoy participation in challenging activities and games, while having fun with their parents. Everyone gets to make new friends! With Camp Jewell staff hosting, organizing, and facilitating the weekend, the only thing left to worry about is what fun activity to do next!
Our goal is for your family to share a unique camp experience that will:
Activities at Family Camp include archery, arts & crafts, climbing, candle-making, hiking, general sports, fishing, and seasonal activities such as snow-tubing, cross country skiing, ice skating, swimming, kayaking, and boating, just to name a few! Family campers also enjoy both our low and high ropes courses and horseback riding (seasonal). See pictures!
To find out more about Family Camp, including rates and dates, please click here.
To register for Halloween Harvest Festival Family Camp, please click here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Family Reunions
Camp Jewell is the ideal location to reunite and celebrate special occasions with your family and friends for a day or for the weekend. Get away from the television, computer, laundry and cell phones to spend quality time together. There are numerous seasonal activities for children of all ages to participate in. The shared living spaces in our cabins provide a place to spend quality time with family and friends playing board games and telling stories by the fire. Meals are provided by the dining services staff so there is no need to stress about preparing a meal for you and your family. Exciting activities are available by request. See pictures!
For more information, please contact Katie Jilek, at katie.jilek@ghymca.org or call 888-412-2267.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by Mail/Fax
Family Volunteer Work Weekends
Camp Jewell serves over 20,000 people annually on a 540 acre site that continually needs to be updated, renovated, and repaired. Your family can join our family as Camp Jewell supporters who give their time to make camp even better!
Each year camp hosts two volunteer weekends open to anyone who wants to lend a hand to help camp.
Of course the weekend isn’t all work, we play as well! Several program areas are open for the whole family to enjoy, including a host of special evening activities. While adults are out working on their volunteer projects during the day, children between 3-12 years of age are supervised by Camp Jewell staff members and enjoy special activities and fun! See pictures! There is no charge for the weekend and spaces fill quickly!
Fall Woodcutter's Weekend 2012
November 9th-11th
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
Spring Work Weekend 2012
April 13-15th
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact the camp office at 888-412-2267 or camp.jewell@ghymca.org.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by fax/mail
Mother & Daughter Riding Weekend
The Camp Jewell Mother-Daughter Riding Weekend is designed to strengthen the relationships of mothers and daughters through horse related activities. Participants in this weekend share lifelong memories and discover new things about one another. This weekend at Camp Jewell offers the opportunity for a mother and daughter to spend special time together away from the rest of life's distractions as well.
The Mother-Daughter Riding Weekend will help you grow in spirit, mind and body. Our diverse range of activities allow for personal challenge, skill building, and relaxation. At the start of the weekend mothers & daughters will have the opportunity to participate in a lesson to get them comfortable around the horses and back in the saddle. The weekend is designed for inexperienced as well as experienced riders, all are welcome.
Activities include:
May 4-6
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
Fall 2012
September 21-23
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Father-Daughter Riding Weekend Register by fax/mail
Start a new tradition- the Daddy-Daughter date neither will forget! The Camp Jewell Father-Daughter Riding Weekend is designed to give fathers and daughters the opportunity to spend special time together. Participants will ride horses, and enjoy all of the activites that Camp Jewell has to offer.
At the start of the weekend fathers and daughters will have the opportunity to participate in a lesson to get them comfortable around the horses and back in the saddle. The weekend is designed for inexperienced as well as experienced riders, all are welcome.
Activities include:
October 12-14, 2012
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mother-Son Riding Weekend Register by fax/mail
The Camp Jewell Mother Son weekend is designed to celebrate and nurture the unique relationship between a mother and her son. The weekend at Camp Jewell is designed so you can forget about answering the phone, preparing meals, washing dishes and running kids all over towm. Camp Jewell is a place where Moms can put aside all the distractions of life and focus on the opportunity to spend with just your son.
Choose from a variety of activities – hiking, trail rides, archery, BB’s, canoeing, kayaking,and so much more. Get ready to have a good time and build lasting memories with that speical young man in your life.
Activities include:
Spring 2012
May 11-13
Friday 6pm – Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weddings
Celebrate your special day on the shores of Triangle Lake!
Camp Jewell’s two picturesque outdoor chapel areas provide a beautiful backdrop for an intimate or large wedding ceremony. Camp can provide an indoor or outdoor venue for your reception. Our dining services staff are happy to put together a menu to suit your unique needs. See pictures of Hide-A-Way Ranch!
On site lodging and year-round recreational activities offer you and your guests an authentic and affordable New England experience.
For more information, please contact Katie Jilek, at katie.jilek@ghymca.org or call 888-412-2267.
Camp Jewell features two separate, full-service properties within our 540 acres. Hide-A-Way Ranch, located across the lake from Camp Jewell, is a secluded facility, perfect for smaller groups of 100 or less. Camp Jewell, with capacity for over 500, is ideal for larger groups and events. Each property has it's own dining hall, group accommodations, chapel, conference spaces and charm.
Our facilities enable us to serve thousands of visitors each year who enjoy our beautiful 540 acres, friendly staff, and innovative programs. During the summer, campers and staff come together to form a vibrant camp community. In the Fall, Winter, and Spring, Outdoor Center guests come to enjoy camp through our conference, teambuilding, and outdoor education programs.
Exciting Activities For All
Camp Jewell has several exciting activities all year long! Summer activities include horseback riding, swimming, archery, mountain boarding, rock climbing, kayaking, pottery, guitar, high ropes, hiking, fishing, soccer and many more! Winter activities include snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice golf, broomball, cross-country skiing, candlemaking, arts & crafts, bbs, archery and other fun indoor programs. We even have our own snowmaking system! See pictures!
Family Programs
Please select a program of interest from the list below.
- Adventure Guides
- Family Camp
- Family Reunions
- Family Volunteer Work Weekends
- Mother & Daughter Riding Weekend
- Father-Daughter Riding Weekend
- Mother-Son Riding Weekend
- Weddings
YMCA Adventure Guides
A weekend at Camp Jewell is oftentimes described as the pinnacle experience for regional YMCA Adventure Guides groups. Parents and their children spend quality time together enjoying all that Camp Jewell has to offer. Exciting daytime activities are coupled with Adventure Guides ceremonies, games, campfires, and special programs in the evening.
Seasonal activities at Camp Jewell include: hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, archery, candle making, leather craft, bouldering, arts and crafts, the mini-farm, group games, campfire, giant slide, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, broomball, and pretzel making. See pictures!
Who participates?
YMCA Adventure Guides is for parents and their children, ages 5-9. An adult and child attend their activities together.
What does it mean to be a member of YMCA Adventure Guides?
As a member of the YMCA Adventure Guides you will have the opportunity to develop a stronger relationship with your child by joining a unique “Circle” with whom you’ll participate in activities like games, camping, trips, ceremonies, and family adventures. You and your child will take a journey of discovery and learning. Throughout this journey Adventure Guides compass points – family, nature, community, fun, and the YMCA character development values – provide a sense of direction and inspiration for activities.
As a member, you will be able to participate in large scale group activities such as weekend campouts, parties, and parades. Conducting group exercises in the Circle fosters leadership, problem-solving, group work skills, and a sense of a commitment to a larger community – all of which reinforce the YMCA’s pledge to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
"Friends Forever"
The immediate gain is evident – spending time together – but the long-term gains are even more significant. Not only will you build a solid foundation for a friendship that will last a lifetime, but you will also be helping to build and develop a set of skills and patterns that your children will carry with them into adulthood.
Which YMCA Adventure Guides groups attend Camp Jewell?
Charles River YMCA Farmington Valley YMCA
Fairfield YMCA
Glastonbury YMCA
Hamden YMCA
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
Marlborough YMCA
New Canaan YMCA
Old Dairy
Ridgefield
Southern Saratoga
Tri-Town YMCA
Waterbury YMCA
West Hartford YMCA
Westport YMCA
Wethersfield
Wilton YMCA
How does an Adventure Guides group leader arrange an experience at Camp Jewell?
Please contact Katie Jilek, Outdoor Center Director, katie.jilek@ghymca.org or 888-412-2267 to register or for more information.
How do I join an Adventure Guides group at my local YMCA?
Contact your local YMCA branch and ask for assistance.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by Mail/Fax
Family Camp
Family Camp provides a great experience for everyone in your family! Parents get the benefit of their family staying in a safe, wholesome environment, surrounded by caring staff members and plenty of fun activities. Children enjoy participation in challenging activities and games, while having fun with their parents. Everyone gets to make new friends! With Camp Jewell staff hosting, organizing, and facilitating the weekend, the only thing left to worry about is what fun activity to do next!
Our goal is for your family to share a unique camp experience that will:
- Strengthen bonds and relationships between all members of your family
- Improve communication skills
- Challenge you and your family to try something exciting and new
- Slow down the pace of everyday life and live simply for a few days in each others company
- Enable all in your family to have fun!
- Cardboard Boat Regatta
- Pumpkin Smashing
- Gold Rush
- Movie on the Hill
- Square Dancing
- Yule Log Hunt
Activities at Family Camp include archery, arts & crafts, climbing, candle-making, hiking, general sports, fishing, and seasonal activities such as snow-tubing, cross country skiing, ice skating, swimming, kayaking, and boating, just to name a few! Family campers also enjoy both our low and high ropes courses and horseback riding (seasonal). See pictures!
To find out more about Family Camp, including rates and dates, please click here.
To register for Halloween Harvest Festival Family Camp, please click here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Family Reunions
Camp Jewell is the ideal location to reunite and celebrate special occasions with your family and friends for a day or for the weekend. Get away from the television, computer, laundry and cell phones to spend quality time together. There are numerous seasonal activities for children of all ages to participate in. The shared living spaces in our cabins provide a place to spend quality time with family and friends playing board games and telling stories by the fire. Meals are provided by the dining services staff so there is no need to stress about preparing a meal for you and your family. Exciting activities are available by request. See pictures!
For more information, please contact Katie Jilek, at katie.jilek@ghymca.org or call 888-412-2267.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by Mail/Fax
Family Volunteer Work Weekends
Camp Jewell serves over 20,000 people annually on a 540 acre site that continually needs to be updated, renovated, and repaired. Your family can join our family as Camp Jewell supporters who give their time to make camp even better!
Each year camp hosts two volunteer weekends open to anyone who wants to lend a hand to help camp.
Of course the weekend isn’t all work, we play as well! Several program areas are open for the whole family to enjoy, including a host of special evening activities. While adults are out working on their volunteer projects during the day, children between 3-12 years of age are supervised by Camp Jewell staff members and enjoy special activities and fun! See pictures! There is no charge for the weekend and spaces fill quickly!
Fall Woodcutter's Weekend 2012
November 9th-11th
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
Spring Work Weekend 2012
April 13-15th
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact the camp office at 888-412-2267 or camp.jewell@ghymca.org.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Register by fax/mail
Mother & Daughter Riding Weekend
The Camp Jewell Mother-Daughter Riding Weekend is designed to strengthen the relationships of mothers and daughters through horse related activities. Participants in this weekend share lifelong memories and discover new things about one another. This weekend at Camp Jewell offers the opportunity for a mother and daughter to spend special time together away from the rest of life's distractions as well.
The Mother-Daughter Riding Weekend will help you grow in spirit, mind and body. Our diverse range of activities allow for personal challenge, skill building, and relaxation. At the start of the weekend mothers & daughters will have the opportunity to participate in a lesson to get them comfortable around the horses and back in the saddle. The weekend is designed for inexperienced as well as experienced riders, all are welcome.
Activities include:
- Introduction lesson
- Several trail ride options
- Off-horse lesson
- Kayaking
- High Ropes
- Candle making
- Hiking
- Cupcake decorating
- Leather craft
- Tie-dye
- Crafts
- Hayrides
- Mother-Daughter movie
May 4-6
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
Fall 2012
September 21-23
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Father-Daughter Riding Weekend Register by fax/mail
Start a new tradition- the Daddy-Daughter date neither will forget! The Camp Jewell Father-Daughter Riding Weekend is designed to give fathers and daughters the opportunity to spend special time together. Participants will ride horses, and enjoy all of the activites that Camp Jewell has to offer.
At the start of the weekend fathers and daughters will have the opportunity to participate in a lesson to get them comfortable around the horses and back in the saddle. The weekend is designed for inexperienced as well as experienced riders, all are welcome.
Activities include:
- Introduction lesson
- Several trail ride options
- Off-horse lesson
- Kayaking
- High Ropes
- Candle making
- Hiking
- Leather craft
- Tie-dye
- Crafts
- Hayrides
- Father-Daughter movie
October 12-14, 2012
Friday 6pm to Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mother-Son Riding Weekend Register by fax/mail
The Camp Jewell Mother Son weekend is designed to celebrate and nurture the unique relationship between a mother and her son. The weekend at Camp Jewell is designed so you can forget about answering the phone, preparing meals, washing dishes and running kids all over towm. Camp Jewell is a place where Moms can put aside all the distractions of life and focus on the opportunity to spend with just your son.
Choose from a variety of activities – hiking, trail rides, archery, BB’s, canoeing, kayaking,and so much more. Get ready to have a good time and build lasting memories with that speical young man in your life.
Activities include:
- Trail Rides
- Kayaking
- High Ropes
- Hiking
- Leather craft
- Archery
- BB’s
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
Spring 2012
May 11-13
Friday 6pm – Sunday 1pm
For more information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Director, at jodi.gove@ghymca.org or call (888) 412-2267.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Weddings
Celebrate your special day on the shores of Triangle Lake!Camp Jewell’s two picturesque outdoor chapel areas provide a beautiful backdrop for an intimate or large wedding ceremony. Camp can provide an indoor or outdoor venue for your reception. Our dining services staff are happy to put together a menu to suit your unique needs. See pictures of Hide-A-Way Ranch!
On site lodging and year-round recreational activities offer you and your guests an authentic and affordable New England experience.
For more information, please contact Katie Jilek, at katie.jilek@ghymca.org or call 888-412-2267.
