YMCA Camp Arbolado

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Nestled in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest and at the foot of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, YMCA Camp Arbolado is a Year-Round Wilderness Retreat that has brought and created friends together for exceptional outdoor experiences since 1925.

Located just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego counties, YMCA Camp Arbolado is ready and excited to design a Wilderness Week or Weekend Experience that fits your specific needs.

CAMP HISTORY

The Story of YMCA Camp Arbolado

YMCA Camp Arbolado’s roots began way back in the early 1920s when the YMCA of Greater Whittier decided to expand its activities by acquiring a lease from the US Forest Service in Big Tujunga Canyon (near Pasadena) for a camp.

Severe drought forced moving the camp to the Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains in April of 1925, where it occupied portions on both sides of Barton Creek and was bound on the north side by the old State Highway 28. The camp name was changed to Arbolado, a Spanish word meaning “wooded” or tree-covered.”

Shortly before 1932, the camp had to relocate again since the site was to be used for improving and widening State Highway 38. Camp Arbolado was formally moved in 1932 to its 16-acre present-day location, north of State Highway 38 and just across the highway from the Barton Flats US Forestry ranger station.

YMCA Camp Arbolado has made a positive difference in the lives of countless youth and adults for over 80 years. It’s rich history and legacy lives on in those who have walked its grounds and their children’s children.

Lions Lodge

A gift of the Whittier Host Lions Club, Lions Lodge is rich in tradition and history. It is much more than a place where campers, staff, and guests are fed, Lions Lodge is a living museum. A testimony to all who have been enriched by the Arbolado Experience since 1932. Generations have left their mark in the form of plaques that adorn the interior rafters and walls.

Facilities

YMCA Camp Arbolado offers amazing facilities for campers and staff

Bishop Lodge is a two-story building that serves as the conference/staff planning center for camp. The main room on the 1st floor boosts a large central gathering area with Projector capability, a ping-pong table, and a large stone fireplace. Bishop Lodge also provides a number of rooms for additional accommodations. It can comfortably sleep up to 21 people and provides two different restroom areas.

Our Lions Lodge was a gift from the Whittier Host Lions Club, and is rich in tradition and history. It is much more than a place where campers, staff, and guests are fed; it is a living museum. A testimony to all who have been enriched by the Arbolado experience since 1932. Generations and different outside groups across the decades have left their mark in the form of plaques that adorn the interior rafters and walls. We have a dining capacity of up to 220 people. We serve three nourishing, healthy, and balanced meals daily in family style dining. We can adjust meals for special dietary needs, and groups may bring their own food and use the kitchen facilities under camp staff supervision.

Our cabins are warm, comfortable, and cozy! Each cabin can comfortably sleep up to 12 people. And each cabin is heated and equipped with 115 VAC receptacles for powering electronic equipment. Fire and carbon monoxide alarms, plus fire extinguishers, are placed in each cabin for additional safety.

For larger groups, our Rio Hondo Dormitory can comfortably sleep up to 68 people. Each of our 4 housing sections are physically isolated from each other, and heated during cold weather. The entire building is equipped with 115 VAC receptacles for powering electronic equipment. Fire and monoxide alarms, plus fire extinguishers, are placed in each cabin for additional safety. Two large, central ADA accessible central indoor restroom / shower facilities serve all four sections.

Our Medical Center is ADA Accessible and provides us with the ability to isolate any child or adult. During all Kids Sessions, a Medical Technician is always working and living on-site.

YMCA Camp Arbolado Work Opportunities

Dates are for: July 28 – August 3 2024

You may opt to print the packet and return to a branch location, or download and email to  [email protected] 

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