Accommodation
Camp Marston offers several lodging styles, depending on the camper’s village. Most campers stay in lodge cabins, which house around 20 campers with shared toilets and showers — each lodge includes four toilet stalls and four shower stalls for privacy and convenience. Teen villages (Pathfinders, L.I.T.s) use canvas tents or yurts: the tents are semi-permanent and come with bunk beds and a community area (fireplace/pavilion), while the yurts provide a cozy, round structure for sleeping and gathering. Every overnight lodging is staffed with counselors, and adult supervision ensures camper safety all night.
Meals
Camp Marston provides three balanced meals a day in its dining facility. Menus include a variety of nutritious options designed to satisfy active campers — hearty breakfasts, fresh lunches, and warm dinners. Every meal emphasizes whole foods, fresh produce, and kid-friendly favorites to support energy and growth. For campers with dietary needs, the camp takes allergies and nutrition seriously, and staff are ready to accommodate vegetarian and other special diets and food sensitivities when notified.
Safety
Camp Marston emphasizes a safe environment through strong staff training, structured supervision, and risk-aware programming. Counselors and program staff are selected for both their experience and their ability to support youth development. For adventure activities — such as climbing, canoeing, or tower work — staff use proper safety gear, protocols, and continuous supervision.
Overnight supervision is always present: adults stay in the cabins or tent villages with campers. The camp also maintains emergency procedures, uses reliable communication tools, and has clear plans for first response in case of injury or urgent needs. Behavior policies reflect YMCA values of respect, responsibility, and inclusion, helping ensure a safe, caring community.
Health & Medicine
Camp Marston requires health forms to be completed before arrival. On-site, trained staff provide first aid and help manage daily medical needs, including medications, sun protection, and minor injuries. There is a system for secure medication storage, and staff monitor camper health and hydration throughout the week.
If a camper has a more serious condition, Marston is equipped to communicate with local medical services and coordinate appropriate care. The camp’s leadership ensures health needs are integrated into the daily schedule — rest, water breaks, and safety checks are built into the program to support overall well-being.
Camp Traditions
Community and ritual are significant parts of daily life at Marston. Every week, campers come together for opening and closing campfires, themed nights, and all-camp ceremonies — including a candlelight ritual on Thursday. Evening programs might include skits, songs, and storytelling, giving campers space to reflect and bond.
Leadership and service values are woven throughout. Older campers (like L.I.T.s) are encouraged to take responsibility, mentor younger peers, and lead activities. The camping villages create strong identities — each group has “mad skills” choices, special evening events, and chances to contribute to their village’s legacy. These traditions build belonging, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
