Summer Resident Camp
We work to instill the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all our campers and staff through everything we do and how everything is structured. Campers are grouped according to age and live in cabins with 7 to 9 other campers and two counselors. Campers choose from a wide range of activities that foster healthy, outdoor fun. Campers learn to make individual and group decisions with the help of their friends and their counselors. Daily activities are designed to build character, promote independence and sharpen skills, all in a safe, and healthy environment. Please see our daily schedule page.
Activity Choices Include:
- Arts & Crafts, Alpine Tower. Archery, Basketball, Canoeing, Dance, Fishing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Outdoor Skills, Riflery, Rock Climbing, Rocketry, Swimming, Horseback Riding *
Mini Camp
Mini Camp is a wonderful way to introduce younger campers to camp. (Ages 7 - 9)
This half-week program gives campers an opportunity to explore new skills while under the supervision of specially trained staff. These kids experience camping away from home with lots of individual attention, but without the extended stay. Offered during Sessions 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Minis check-in for "A" sessions from 2:00-3:00 PM on Sunday. Check-out is at 9:15 AM on Wednesday. If your mini A camper likes camp and space permits, then s/he can stay the rest of the week.
Minis check-in for "B" sessions from 2:00-3:00 PM on Wednesday. Check-out is on Saturday at 9:15 AM right after Chapel. Parents are invited to attend closing Chapel around 8:45 AM. Register Online
Teen programs
Main Camp Teens
With our focus on individual growth and building self-confidence, nobody does teen adventure like the YMCA! Whether you have been coming for years or this is your first time here, the Flat Rock Teen program is an exciting way to spend part of the summer!
Through the flexibility to help design their own schedule, our teens have the freedom to do all the best Flat Rock has to offer! Some of the most popular activities include rock climbing, rappelling, riflery, mountain biking, outdoor cooking, tubing or kayaking down the river, low ropes course elements, and climbing the Alpine Tower.
The teens live in cabin with bathroom facilities. Nightly fireside chats, a closing banquet, and other special events are also planned. Our teens do an overnight camping trip at our Whispering Springs campsite. The staff are carefully selected and work well with teens. They are positive role models who are trained to help build character and provide quality programs in a safe atmosphere.
Counselor In Training (Age 17)
The CIT program is designed to introduce teens to the knowledge and techniques they will need to work with children at camp and in other settings. CITs will focus on listening to children, role modeling values, positive discipline, teaching new skills, leading group games, and building respect. These lifelong talents will benefit them and all the children they serve as volunteers, mentors, employees, or as future parents. Through leading hildren and serving as role models, CITs will find and develop their own strengths. They live in cabin groups with the other teen campers and participate in many of the teen special events.
The goal of this two week program is to provide training to teens who sincerely want to improve their skills and become outstanding leaders - not to create future Flat Rock staff members. Teens interested in being a CIT must submit a CIT application and three written references, participate in a phone interview, and be selected. The registration materials will be sent out following acceptance as a CIT.
The application forms are available on the Forms page. Parents must pick up their CITs on the weekend between the program weeks.
Equestrian Programs
Horseback riding can be an exciting addition to a camper's overall experience and can be a real highlight of his/her stay. To insure a safe, positive and fun experience, we offer different opportunities for various ages.
Ranch Camp Program (Ages 11 - 16)
Our focus on the responsibility and delight of caring for horses is the heart of our program. When you are open to learning about and relating to horses, you cannot help but be affected by them. Half of your program day is spent at the Ranch. Our program includes both lessons and trail rides and is for anyone that wishes to learn more about horses and riding regardless of previous experience. The lessons are structured to improve each rider's equestrian skills.
Ranchers will be assigned to a horse and placed in a riding group on par with their experience. They will be able to change groups as their skills progress. Our program follows the guidelines of the Horsemanship Safety Association. Having a certified Riding Instructor providing the leadership to our Ranch staff and program is something we are proud of here at Flat Rock.
These campers spend the other half of the day participating in other camp activities such as swimming, archery, etc. They will also ride out to a remote part of our campsite for a picnic.
Wrangler in Training
(Age 17 or entering Senior year by the start of summer) WIT is for those who already have intermediate riding and horse care skills and who now want to learn to use their training in an equestrian program. For two weeks, WITs will be trained on how to teach riding lessons, run trail rides, and work on a ranch. They will shadow the ranch staff and develop essential leadership skills to work with children in a variety of equestrian sites. This program emphasizes decision making skills, effective instruction, assuming responsibility, leading by example, and working as a team. WITs will live with other ranch campers and join in with CITs in leadership sessions and special teen events.
This program is for teens interested in becoming better at working with children and horses in any setting. Success as a WIT will provide lasting skills but it does not mean a participant will be hired or asked to volunteer at Flat Rock. To participate, teens must apply, submit three written references, and have a phone interview. The application forms are available on the Forms page. Parents must pick up their WITs on the weekend between the program weeks.
Trail Rides for Main Camp Campers (Ages 10 & up)
Trail Rides provide an opportunity for campers to enjoy our horses. Trail Rides are offered in single or double blocks and the cost must be paid with registration. Campers will ride through woods, along the Flat Rock River, or through rolling fields.
Riding Lessons for Main Camp Campers (Ages 8 - 13)
Lessons are available for those wanting a week of beginning or intermediate instruction in western riding and horse care. All lessons are geared toward the rider's abilities. The program includes five sessions of riding, ground lessons, and instruction. The cost must be paid with registration.
Camp Office - 888-828-9622