Summer Camp at Great Hollow
YMCA Great Hollow Wilderness School
225 Route 37
New Fairfield, CT 06812

From adventure to nature exploration, Great Hollow’s camp activities teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Many of the activities are challenging, and all of them are fun, but we never pass up an opportunity to reflect on the value of each experience. Campers participate in activities that challenge them and offer opportunities for growth, both individually and as part a group, in leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, and respect … all skills necessary for life.

Great Hollow’s Summer Camp Programs focus on Wilderness Skills, Teambuilding and Adventure Challenges. In developing each camp, Great Hollow has remained true to our roots in Adventure & Experiential Education. We maintain a small camper-to-staff ratio and focus on the power of teamwork and group support in a safe, noncompetitive environment.

Forms you'll need

Nature’s Chorus Camps:

Riversong (Half Day Program)
This week-long program has been designed to foster creativity and
compassion in the hearts and minds of young children. Using
the natural world, children will engage in nature exploration and
basic naturalist skills (animal tracking, shelter building, leaf studies, nature observation, etc.).
Ages: 5 to 7
Dates: July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August 1-5
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. [Extended Care 8:00-9:00 a.m.]
Fees: $175 per week [$25 per week for Extended A.M. Care]

Evergreen (Full Day Program)
Each week of camp has its own theme. Some themes include: fire making, identifying hazards, stream exploration, field guide use, camouflage, awareness games, bird language, shelter building, primitive tool making & craft, animal movement, plant uses & identification, outdoor cooking, storytelling and tracking. The last two weeks offer Evergreens an optional Thursday overnight campout, allowing for deeper exploration of these areas.
Ages: 8 to 15
Dates: July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August 1-5
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. [Extended Care 8:00-9:00 a.m. and/or 4:00-5:00 p.m.]
Fees: $300 per week Optional: $30.00 for the overnight


Wilderness Camps:

Young Adventurer’s Camp
All groups will participate in games & activities that allow them to explore issues of leadership, communication, trust, problem solving & positive risk taking. They will also participate in age-appropriate adventure programming which may include low and high ropes course elements, caving, orienteering, art, hiking, camping skills & safety, rock climbing, nature awareness & exploration. All activities are contingent on the weather.
Ages: 8 to 10
Dates: July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August 1-5
Times: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fees: $325 per week

Forms you'll need


T.E.A.M. Survivor Camp (Together Everyone Achieves More)
During each week of camp, campers will participate in high ropes, canoeing, caving, orienteering, hiking, art, camping skills, and teambuilding activities. The campers will learn and practice basic survival and traditional camping skills. Each day the campers will be given teambuilding challenges during which they work within their small groups for the successful completion of the challenge. Campers can also register for an optional overnight on Thursdays. All activities are contingent on the weather.
Ages: 11 to 13
Dates: July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August 1-5
Times: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fees: $325 per week (fee includes optional Thursday overnight)

For additional information about our Great Hollow Summer Camps, contact:

YMCA Great Hollow Wilderness School
Phone: 203-746-5852
Fax: 203-746-1232
Email: Karen Kellett