Winter Program Guide
Check out our Winter 2024-2025 Program Guide & sign up for classes now!
Located only 45 minutes from Redlands Family YMCA and a mere two hours from Los Angeles, Camp Edwards offers a traditional overnight camp environment for all in the San Bernardino Mountains. Perfect for children and teens, Camp Edwards is a special place where memories of a lifetime are made and life-long friendships are formed.
Camp Edwards staff, volunteers and camp committee strive to maintain the highest standards in providing a quality camping experience for all ages. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and all camp counselors are CPR certified and receive training in first aid and lifesaving.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and is operated under special use permit with the San Bernardino National Forest.
Whether your camper has never been away from home or is on a quest to have a summer of adventure, the Y’s Camp Edwards has a session fit for them.
Camp Eddie week is perfect for your camper that has never been away from home. This shortened week is a 5- day, 4-night traditional camp experience with arts & crafts, archery, and more. Although there are adventures to be had, we provide many opportunities for rest and relaxation across our beautiful campsite as well as art and craft activities.
Grades
Whether you are looking to learn a new talent or hone your skill the Y Circus will be an adventure like no other! Learn basic skills such as tumbling, unicycling, diabolo, aerial, and so much more.
You don’t have to run away to join our Circus. The Great Y Circus® is a community circus that trains participants to perform out-of-this-world acts. Our Circus camp is perfect for those new to the Y’s Circus program and seasoned performers that want to sharpen their skills. Circus camp offers many of the camp activities, including rock climbing, and archery
Grades
For our campers looking for a big adventure, our traditional summer camp is the perfect fit! For students from 1st to 9th grade, our overnight summer camp is a 6-day, 5-night camp experience with arts & crafts, archery, and more. Although there are adventures to be had, we provide many opportunities for rest and relaxation across our beautiful campsite as well as art and craft activities.
Grades
Not a Y member? Don’t worry! You can sign up for a Youth Program Membership and register for Camp today! This annual membership allows youth ages 6 – 14 to register and participate in Y programs.
Ages
The tradition of the YMCA Rags began in 1914 here in California. It began when Thomas Caldwell, Boys Secretary of Oakland YMCA, began searching for a way to manage camp discipline. Many YMCAs at the time were rewarding campers for their athletic abilities. Caldwell considered this path, but ultimately decided against it due to the attendance of a handicapped boy, who Caldwell knew would not be able to win an award.
Looking for a solution, Caldwell decided to reward campers for their positive character traits: good health habits, promptness, cheerfulness, morals, trust, and helpfulness. To symbolize these qualities, Caldwell rewarded each camper a blue bandana, which later were referred to as “rags”. Caldwell explained that the rag is simple, essentially worthless, and held no value- except what each camper wanted it to. Thus, a tradition was started.
The rag today is now an outward representation of an inward goal or challenge. The program is designed to encourage campers to look into themselves, to identify their strengths and their weaknesses, and to challenge them to grow in mind, body, and spirit.
For campers 12+. There are seven stages of progression in personal growth. Every step involves peer counseling, so that campers are truly understanding the meaning of each step. Although these steps are traditionally rooted in Christian values, campers are not expected to follow the Christian Path. All campers are encouraged to put their own meaning and spirituality behind their rag. All campers and staff are encouraged to participate, but it is not a requirement.
Leathers, much like rags, are outward symbols of an acceptance of an inner challenge. The leathers program is designed to be a stepping-stone for our young campers into the Ragging Program. Each leather is supposed to broaden their thinking and self-confidence and prepare them to accept their rag when they are eligible.
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care.
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend to all- the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift.
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
Welcome to Camp Edwards!
My name is Autumn Lozano and I am the YMCA Camp and Community Program Director. I had the opportunity to work at Camp Edwards during my first year at the Y and I have been enamored ever since. I grew up camping with my family and have developed a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. I love being able to spread that love of nature with the youth of today.
It is my ultimate goal to create a safe, inclusive and caring environment for all of our campers here at Camp Edwards. I look forward to seeing you all soon!
If you have and questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at : [email protected]
Favorite Camp Song : Cool Cat
Favorite Camp Activity: Ragging and Leather Ceremonies
Favorite Camp Meal: Spaghetti and Meatballs
We believe that the camp experience is transformational. YMCA Camp Edwards gives kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and interact with nature. Our camp teach young people how to be more independent and contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.
YMCA Camp Edwards has been camping for over 90 years? And has been located in Angelus Oaks for over 80 years?
Give the gift of summer camp. By donating YOU HELP KIDS create lifelong memories, YOU TEACH CHILDREN to be stewards of the earth, and you give children of all ages and backgrounds values and skills that will strengthen their character and last a lifetime.
The YMCA of the East Valley is dedicated to providing a variety of opportunities for our communities to live, grow, and thrive. We believe everyone, regardless of income, deserves access to our services. Our membership team is available to answer questions and help families discover their true potential.
Camp Edwards is a non-profit residential summer camp and retreat. Enjoy traditional camp activities in a picturesque setting perfect to connect with the abundant beauty of nature. Located in Angelus Oaks, Camp Edwards offers 12 spacious cabins to fit the whole group. Enjoy some quality bonding with your family during group activities such as hiking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and canoeing.
Located only 45 minutes from Redlands Family YMCA and a mere two hours from Los Angeles, Camp Edwards offers a traditional overnight camp environment for all in the San Bernardino Mountains. Escape to Camp Edwards for a fun-filled retreat!
bringing people together
Camp Edwards offers 12 comfortable, heated cabins for your convenience. Each cabin can hold up to 12 people and comes with 6 twin-sized bunk beds. All cabins are equipped with electricity as well. In addition to our cabins, there are 7 standard showers and one handicap shower available for our guests.
Some of the camp activities include:
Nature Hikes, Campfire Activities,
Rock Climbing, Gaga Ball,
Archery, Sportsfield,
Zip-lining, & Seasonal Canoeing
An ideal site for any successful group camp, retreat, family reunion, teambuilding, or church group. We invite you to consider our unique facilities as you plan your next camp, company picnic, retreat, or meeting.
Offering a variety of activities, great food, and lodging options, our caring, professional staff will support your group from the initial planning all the way through to the final wrap-up after your event.
From rock-climbing to zip-lining, Camp Edwards is the ultimate hub for camp activities. Whether you’re looking for the chance to bond with family or grow as a team, Camp Edwards has activity options for everyone!
Camp Edwards offers full service dining for all three meals, with vegan and vegetarian options. With a variety of options, we strive to offer meals that work for your entire group. Our dining services are factored into the cost of facility rentals. For those with special dietary requests, please make note of it on your rental inquiry form so we can follow up on how our dining team can assist your group.
Check out our Winter 2024-2025 Program Guide & sign up for classes now!
Explore stunning homes and shop ‘til you drop at our Holiday Boutique, filled with unique treasures from local makers.
Bring your friends and family to this FREE event that's open to the community! Enjoy games, food, vendors, a car show, and check out our facility, classes, and programs!
The YMCA of the East Valley is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: #95-1684787
Our Mission: The YMCA of the East Valley is an association of people of all ages, ethnic groups, and religious affiliations founded on Christian principles and dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop spirit, mind, and body.