Big Cove YMCA Camp

Welcome to Big Cove YMCA Camp!

Big Cove YMCA Camp is an historic wilderness camp dedicated to providing youth with opportunities to develop leadership skills, enhance their self esteem and foster an appreciation of the natural environment in a safe, respectful community.

2012 Online Summer Camp Registration!

2012 Summer Registration Form Here!

"The Joy of Camping"

by Mike LeDuc

It was sometime in April of 1986. I was nine years old, March Break was a distant memory and the long haul to summer vacation had begun. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” was on the radio and I was pouring over my “What to Bring” list that had arrived at my house from summer camp. Sleeping bag, check. Two sweaters, check. Flashlight, check. Raincoat, check. I still recall that feeling during this time of year, knowing that thousands of children across Canada and the world are preparing excitedly for their camp experiences in the upcoming summer months.

Summer camp is a place that magic happens. Ask anyone who has attended or sent their children to camp year after year. Children come home stronger in mind, body and spirit, perhaps a little dirty behind the ears, and often inspired to new heights in their own endeavors. Growth happens from the first time a young boy or girl enters their cabin and takes up a bunk in the company of their peers.

The feeling of community increases as the camp routine is established and campers become comfortable with their counselors and other staff, who unlike their parents are youth mentors. Nothing is more inspiring than kids teaching kids. Although young adults, counselors, less than ten years older than their campers, are often the positive role model younger children need while trying to find their place in this world.

Camp combines laughter and learning; heavy on the laughter. Free of the gadgets and general bustle that clutters them, they can focus on gaining new skill sets, sharing good times, being social, accepting new challenges and having fun while doing it.

Whether attending a residential camp, day camp or skill-specific camp, the experience gained by children is truly beyond calculation. These days the choice for youth is tremendous. Children can enjoy camps ranging from science and engineering to arts and theatre; from circus and dance to film and animation, the selection is amazing. It is however, the subtle changes in self image and confidence, and little accomplishments that contribute to the positive feelings that last a lifetime.

Parents are always sad to see their sons and daughters leave home for the first time, but know that by letting them experience life from a safe place away from the nest, they all will be stronger and happier for it.

Since my first summer in 1986, camp has been a pillar of my personal development. The styles have changed a bit since then, but the joy inspired from camps everywhere has remained the same. Today I’m writing “What to Bring” lists as I make the final preparations before camp opens for another season, and children young and old rush out of school and into their camp clothes. For those going to camp for the first time, I wish you many great summers, and for those who are returning, welcome back. Don’t forget your sunscreen and bugspray!