Thinking about a summer getaway that the whole family — from toddlers to grandparents — will actually love? Here’s what to expect at YMCA Camp Arbolado’s Family Camp.
Summer vacations have a way of sounding better in theory than they turn out in practice. Long drives, overpriced hotels, kids glued to screens in the back seat, and parents exhausted from trying to orchestrate “quality time” that never quite comes together. What most families are really looking for — even if they can’t name it — is a place that does the planning for them. A place where everyone unplugs, everyone participates, and everyone goes home closer than when they arrived.
That’s exactly what YMCA Family Camp at Camp Arbolado is designed to be.
Where Is Camp Arbolado?
YMCA Camp Arbolado is nestled in the stunning San Bernardino National Forest, just a couple of hours from Whittier. The moment you leave the freeway behind and wind up into the trees, you’ll feel the shift. No traffic, no noise, no notifications — just clean mountain air, towering pines, and the kind of quiet that reminds you why getting away matters.
The location alone makes it worth the trip. But what happens once you’re there is what families remember for years.
What Does Family Camp Actually Look Like?
Unlike youth camp, where kids go without their parents, Family Camp brings everyone together. It’s a structured yet relaxed experience where families move through activities side by side — kids and adults, grandparents and toddlers, all sharing the same adventure.
Expect days filled with outdoor activities, campfire evenings, and the kind of spontaneous, screen-free connection that’s nearly impossible to manufacture at home. The camp environment strips away the usual distractions and replaces them with simple, meaningful experiences: hiking through the forest, making new friends around a fire, laughing over a shared meal, and discovering that your family is actually really good at having fun together when given the space to do it.
The 100 Year Celebration: A Special Reason to Go This Year
This year carries extra significance for Camp Arbolado — the camp is celebrating its 100th anniversary. That’s a century of Whittier families building memories in these mountains, and the YMCA of Greater Whittier is marking it in style.
As part of the centennial celebration, an Alumni Weekend runs September 12th – 14th, welcoming former campers and their families back to the forest for a weekend of fun activities, adventure, and reuniting with old friends. Whether you attended Camp Arbolado as a child decades ago or you’re bringing your family for the very first time, this is a once-in-a-generation moment to be part of something bigger than a single summer.
Who Is Family Camp For?
The short answer: everyone. Family Camp at Camp Arbolado is designed to work for families of all shapes, sizes, and ages. You don’t need to be an outdoorsy family to enjoy it — the camp provides the structure, the activities, and the environment. You just need to show up.
It’s a particularly great fit for families who feel like the daily grind has been pulling everyone in different directions, parents who want their kids to experience something real and unplugged, and anyone who simply needs a reset.
What Should You Bring?
Packing for family camp is simpler than most vacations. Think layers for cool mountain evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a genuine willingness to disconnect. Leave the itinerary anxiety at home — camp has that covered.
