Specialties
Camp Bernie runs overnight and day camp programs in the summer for children in grades K through 10 and a four-week overnight Counselor-in-Training program for 11th graders. Camp Bernie offers community lessons in Swimming, Archery, Horseback Riding, and Dirtbiking. They serve groups in the fall, winter, and spring for Outdoor Education and Retreat programs. Camp Bernie also runs events throughout the year including Father/Child Weekend, Mother/Child Weekend, Women's Wellness Weekend, Zombie Survival Training Camp, Family Camp, and Summer Camp Reunions.
Activities include Teambuilding, Climbing Tower, Giant Swing, Vertical Playpen, High Ropes, Zipline, Archery, Canoeing, Kayaking, Raft Building, Hikes, Stream Ecology, Orienteering, Geocaching, Apple Cidering, Sensory Hikes, Wilderness Survival, Nature Programs, Arts and Crafts, Campfire Cooking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Dirtbiking, and Sports.
History
Established in 1956.
YMCA Camp Bernie began as a working farm in 1872. In 1956, 248 acres were purchased by the Ridgewood YMCA. The property was then renamed YMCA Camp Bernie after Bernard Forester due to his endless work for the people of community and their children.
The Dining Hall was originally a barn, with the basement area being utilized as the stables and carriage area. The back chapel section was originally the chicken coop, with the recreation hall as the hayloft. In 1957, the barn was made into the Dining Hall with a fully equipped kitchen.
The Main House located in the center of YMCA Camp Bernie was a colonial style farmhouse built 1865 and first used as the Administrative Office in 1956. Today it is utilized as staff housing for employees.
The rustic area of YMCA Camp Bernie, now known as "The Nation," was constructed in 1961. Originally it consisted of wooden platforms that were used to pitch tents. In 1974 the area's bathhouse was constructed by the Ridgewood YMCA's Men's Club.