Overnight

Camper Weeks

Ages 6 to 12

Welcome to Our 77th Summer at SJYC!

Dear Families,

I am thrilled to welcome both new and returning campers to the place where adventure, friendship, and lifelong memories come to life. For more than seven decades, SJYC has been a home-away-from-home where kids can unplug, explore the outdoors, and discover the best parts of themselves.

Our Overnight Camps for campers ages 6–12 are still the heart of what we do. Each week is filled with cabin life, campfires, songs, games, and plenty of time to hike, kayak, and try something new. Along the way, campers build confidence, learn teamwork, and form friendships that last long after summer ends.

Last summer we saw incredible interest in our programs, with many weeks filling quickly and waitlists forming. If you are thinking about camp this year, we encourage you to reserve your camper’s spot soon.

I cannot wait to hear the sound of laughter across camp, watch campers gather around the fire for s’mores, and see the joy on their faces as they experience camp magic for themselves.

See you at camp,
Sarah
Camp Director

4 Boy campers holding up their name tags and smiling

Camper Weeks: Our Traditional Adventure in the Pines

Our traditional camper weeks are the heart of the SJYC experience. During their 7-day, 6-night stay, campers ages 6 to 12 live in cozy cabins, make new friends, and fill their days with classic camp adventures.

Each week includes favorites like horseback riding, archery, kayaking, and campfire nights, along with creative arts, games, and plenty of time to explore the outdoors. Campers also dive into hands-on STEAM activities, outdoor education, and opportunities to practice teamwork and communication in a fun, supportive setting.

While your camper is having the time of their life, you can feel confident knowing they are safe, cared for like family, and surrounded by staff who are passionate about creating a positive, welcoming camp community.

Looking for other information?

2026 Season: Rates & Dates

  • Catholic Week (Week 2): June 14 - 20, 2026 (Ages 6 - 12) | Note: You must be Catholic to attend this week.

  • Week 3: June 21 - June 27, 2026 (Ages 6 - 12)

  • Week 4: June 28 - July 4, 2026 (Ages 6 - 12)

COST: Coming soon!

Registration opens October 1, 2025! Join our waitlist today so you’ll be first in line to grab a discounted spot on day one.

Enjoy exclusive savings with our Early Bird discount ($50 off) through 1/5/26! And score more camp fun for less with our Camper Referral Program. Payment plans are available to select during registration. We are ESA-friendly.

What’s Included?

  • All lodging and meals

  • Arts & Crafts, Horseback Riding, Archery, Hiking, Kayaking, Campfire and S’mores, Capture the Flag, Skit Night, Astronomy, and much more!

  • Transportation from Phoenix to Camp and Camp to Phoenix

  • Camp video & pictures

  • Catholic Week only: Holy Mass, Confessions, Catechism, Bible Studies, and Making & Praying the Rosary

  • Expert, fun, and background-checked staff, with CPR/First Aid/AED training and Camp Nurse, available 24/7

  • LOTS of fun and memories!

Check Out Some of Our Campers’ Favorite Activities!

Hiking

People participating in a painting craft activity at a table covered with paint bottles and brushes, with a woman in a black shirt and glasses focused on painting.

Arts & Crafts

Kayaking

Group of teenagers gathered around a campfire at night, with one girl in the center wearing glasses and a Chicago Blackhawks hoodie, looking up with a curious expression.

Campfires & S’mores

Archery

Horse Riding

Group of young women wearing safety goggles working together on a science experiment, with one woman holding a container with steam or vapor rising from it, in a science classroom or lab setting.

Astronomy

Children playing tag in a forested area on a rainy day, some wearing capes and holding toy swords.

Capture the Flag

A Day at Camp

From the time campers wake up to when they hit the pillow at night, their day is filled with non-stop action and adventure. One thing is sure: boredom simply doesn't exist here. With a carefully curated schedule that balances excitement and skill-building, our campers are exposed to a wide array of activities that challenge and inspire them. Here’s a sample day at SJYC:

7:30 am: Wake Up

8:00 am: Raising the Flag

8:15 am: Breakfast

9:30 am: First Activity Block

11:00 am: Second Activity Block

12:30 pm: Lunch

1:30 pm: Cabin Rest

2:30 pm: Third Activity Block

3:30 pm: Fourth Activity Block

4:30 pm: Fifth Activity Block

5:30 pm: Dinner

6:30 pm: Camp Store and Organized Free Time

7:30 pm: Night Activity

9:00 pm: Prepare for Bed

9:30 pm: Lights Out!

What Our Campers Think about SJYC

  • When we went kayaking, I loved learning to row a boat. I loved the Movie Night and I made a friend named Josh.

    Christopher, 2024 Camper

  • My top 4 favorite parts of camp were tie-dye, ice cream making, horseback riding, and kayaking. It was so fun. I was shy at first but I made friends so quickly. I love this camp.

    Anna, 2024 Camper

  • I loved this camp, and I love the people here. Campfires are always fun and I will have the songs stuck in my head forever!

    Olivia, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was hanging out with my cabin during the cabin rests, especially making a fort. I would tell someone thinking of coming to camp that you will have so much fun that you barely miss home. I will remember this week of summer camp unlike any other.

    Story, 2024 Camper

  • This camp is the best! I will be back next year. I thought it would be boring but I had fun.

    Layla, Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was getting to know my counselor. Also, capture the flag and kayaking.

    Roel, 2024 Camper

  • I enjoyed all the horseback riding, kayaking, and archery.

    Jaxson, Camper

  • I learned how to make homemade ice cream.

    Delaney, Camper

  • My favorite part of camp was the campfires.

    Emily, Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was doing blocks as well as the campfire.

    Jackson, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was playing Hunker Down and Gaga Ball. I would tell someone thinking about coming to camp it was an amazing way to be independent and meet new people.

    Iliana, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was having fun with my cabinmates and horseback riding, and practicing the skit.

    Emma, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part of camp was everything! Everything was so fun, new, and amazing. I would tell someone thinking about coming to camp that it's so fun and that you should come here!

    Penny, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part of camp was riding horses, kayaking, hiking, and chillin' in our cabin.

    Tristan, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part of camp was making new friends and meeting new people. I also got to learn how to make and do things I didn't know how to before.

    Anya, 2024 Camper

  • My favorite part about camp was horseback riding and the yummy high-quality food. It was a very fun experience coming here and the activities were very well planned.

    Mayrelia, 2024 Camper

  • It's very fun and a good way to make new friends and go outside more.

    Dayla, 2024 Camper

Campers and counselors roasting s'mores over fire

96%

of our 6-12-year-old campers want to return to camp next summer.*

*Source: 2021 Camper Surveys

Have questions about our OVERNIGHT Camps?

Contact us!