YMCA Camp Big Bear

Accommodation

Camp Big Bear uses bunk-style cabins that are grouped by age and gender. At check-in, campers can request “bunkmates,” and staff make efforts to honor these requests when possible, though perfect matches aren’t guaranteed. According to the camp director’s parent guide, cabins are designed to foster community and independence with a safe, supervised structure. The rustic mountain setting gives the cabins a real overnight-camp feel.

Meals

Three meals a day are served in a dining hall, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner built into the camp routine. Campers clean up and then move into their activity periods, and there’s also time for rest during “camp siesta.” The Y emphasizes balanced nutrition — and while the publicly available materials don’t detail complete allergen protocols, parents are encouraged to communicate dietary needs during registration to ensure the camp can accommodate them.

Safety

Safety is a top priority at Camp Big Bear. The camp is American Camp Association (ACA)-accredited, which means it complies with a broad set of industry standards for health, supervision, risk management, and staff training. According to the “6 Key Questions” parent guide, staff interactions with campers are structured to be observable and interruptible, and there is a strict code of conduct. At least two counselors are in each cabin unit, and supervision is maintained throughout all transitions, activities, and overnight hours.

Health & Medicine

During check-in, campers undergo a health screening, including questions about recent illness and exposure to communicable diseases. All prescription and over-the-counter medications must be turned in at check-in; staff distribute them throughout the week under supervision, and the camp has a medical protocol for handling more serious issues. The director’s guide notes that the camp reserves the right to refuse admission to campers who arrive ill, emphasizing the importance of community health.

Camp Traditions

Camp Big Bear has a strong rhythm that builds tradition week after week. Each morning begins with awakening and “rise & shine,” followed by structured activity periods. Evenings bring a flagpole gathering, a special event, and a campfire or themed night — giving campers space to connect, perform, and reflect. “Cabin time” is built into the schedule nightly, so campers can debrief, talk, or quietly wind down with their bunkmates. The “Golden Broom Award” ceremony during the noon news segment rewards cabin cleanliness and camper responsibility, reinforcing shared values.

Camp Big Bear offers a balanced, engaging summer program. Throughout a typical day, campers participate in four activity periods, split between skill-based challenges, lake recreation, high-adventure elements, and free-choice electives. Activity periods are interspersed with rest (“siesta”) and community gatherings, creating a rhythm that lets kids recharge. Evenings are reserved for special events or campfire, followed by cabin time and reflection. This structure helps campers grow physically, socially, and emotionally as they experience nature and build friendships.