Are you ready for positive, life-changing experiences in the outdoors? With three unique overnight camps, look no further than Overnight Camps of YMCA of San Diego County, where all can “Make Friends, Be Yourself.” We combine the fun your children want with the growth experiences they need. Catch a wave learning to surf at our ocean-front YMCA Camp Surf. Adventure in the mountains at YMCA Camp Marston. Saddle up and ride horses at our cozy equestrian camp YMCA Raintree Ranch. Your child will build connections with others, learn about their self, and spend hours of quality active time in nature.

YMCA Camp Surf, one of 3 overnight camps with YMCA of San Diego County, is a spectacular ocean-front camp just south of San Diego, CA. This 45 acre treasure offers one-week and two-week overnight sessions for 3rd through 11th grades as well as one-week day camp sessions.

You’ll get the true SoCal experience of surfing, boogie boarding, and jumping waves on our very own beach. Then learn some skateboarding skills at our on-site skate park. Camp Surf is perfect for all skill levels! Combine these with traditional camp activities including archery, climbing tower, teambuilding, campfires, cookouts, and crafts. Two-week teen programs head off-site on short bike excursions and an overnight surf and camping trip to San Onofre State Park.

Our staff are committed to working with children and teens to help them develop the skills and relationships they will need to be confident, healthy, and connected as they grow. Camp Surf adds laughter, leadership, and lifelong memories to a host of activities. While the ocean is certainly a big draw and part of camp, we are not strictly a surf camp. The value and benefits of the YMCA Camp Surf experience extends far beyond that. Campers will develop strong friendships, spend great time outdoors, develop social and leadership skills, feel a sense of belonging, and exhibit increased confidence.

YMCA Camp Marston, set in the mountains of Julian, CA, is the oldest summer camp in San Diego County. For over 100 years Camp Marston has been a San Diego favorite for thousands of children and families. Camp Marston offers you adventure, fun, friendships, and great staff – all on a spectacular 236-acre site – with activities including archery, swimming, climbing, crafts, canoeing, and more. We also offer a 4 day backpacking excursion on Catalina Island for our more adventurous campers. You’ll find something for everyone!

YMCA Raintree Ranch, nestled next door in Julian, CA, is a wonderful, intimate, small specialty camp dedicated to western horseback riding. You’ll focus on horseback riding, caring for horses, and traditional camp fun! Our summer camp gives kids and teenagers (nine to sixteen years old) the unique experience of riding horseback, getting to know their horses’ personalities, and learning how to care for and feed their horse.

Friendly horses, multiple instructional arenas, and miles of trails all provide an excellent learning environment. No matter what skill level your young equestrian is at, the Bolo Program will help them improve! This horsemanship achievement program helps guide our campers through a natural skill progression, learning key lessons they need to succeed at more advanced levels of horseback riding.

Our camps add laughter, leadership, and lifelong memories to a host of activities. We teach kids how to make friends and provide positive staff role models to help them be successful at camp and connect with others while focusing on the YMCA’s core values.