YMCA Camp Shaver

Howdy, New Mexico families! As the summer months approach and school breaks loom large, many of us start thinking about enriching experiences for our children. From fostering independence to building new skills and making lifelong friends, summer camps offer invaluable opportunities for growth. In the heart of our stunning Jemez Mountains, YMCA Camp Shaver has been a long-standing institution, aiming to provide memorable and character-building experiences for youth.

For generations, the YMCA has been synonymous with positive youth development, and YMCA Camp Shaver strives to uphold this legacy amidst the natural beauty of New Mexico. While the primary focus of this "campground" is indeed a structured youth camp, it's important for local families to understand what this unique setting offers and what to expect. It's a place designed to push boundaries, encourage camaraderie, and foster a deeper connection with the outdoors. Let's delve into the details of YMCA Camp Shaver, keeping in mind that, like any experience, individual outcomes can vary.

YMCA Camp Shaver is located at 22900 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA. This address places it directly along the scenic New Mexico State Highway 4, nestled within the picturesque Jemez Mountains. This location offers a beautiful and unique setting, surrounded by the natural landscapes that define our region.

Accessibility to Camp Shaver is relatively straightforward via NM-4. For families traveling from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or other parts of New Mexico, the drive offers stunning views of the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the surrounding Santa Fe National Forest. The camp generally opens its gates for camper drop-off on Sundays during specific arrival windows (e.g., 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM), with staff on hand to direct traffic and assist with check-in. While it's accessible by road, the camp retains a sense of being immersed in nature, making it a true mountain escape. However, as with many remote mountain locations in New Mexico, cell phone service can be unreliable or non-existent, which parents should be aware of for communication purposes during their child's stay. The camp aims to provide a "rustic facility with open-air cabins for campers and staff," integrating the natural environment into the camp experience.

YMCA Camp Shaver's services are primarily geared towards providing a comprehensive residential summer camp experience for children and teens, with a strong emphasis on structured programs and activities.

• Residential Camp Programs: The core service is week-long (Sunday to Friday) overnight camp sessions for campers typically aged 7 to 13. They also offer Resident Teen Leadership Programs for older campers (14 and 15-year-olds), including Leader-In-Training and Counselor-In-Training programs.
• Cabin Accommodations: Campers are assigned to "open-air cabins" which can accommodate up to twelve campers with two staff members. Cabin assignments are generally based on age.
• Meals Provided: The camp provides meals for registered campers, with the first meal usually on Sunday evening. They are attentive to dietary needs, asking for food allergies to be brought to the attention of the nurse during check-in.
• Wide Range of Activities: A broad array of activities are offered, designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and skill development. These include, but are not limited to, archery, climbing, drama, fishing, hiking, arts, crafting, riflery, creative writing, culinary/cooking, music, and wilderness survival.
• Health Care Management: A Health Care Manager is available during check-in to receive medications and medical instructions for campers requiring special attention.
• Staff Supervision: The camp emphasizes direct supervision by counselors and staff, with a primary focus on camper safety and leading activities.
• No Public Campground Access: It's important to clarify that YMCA Camp Shaver is a youth residential camp, not a public campground where individuals or families can rent sites for independent camping. Access and services are for registered camp participants and their families during specific drop-off/pickup times.
• Limited Bathroom Facilities: While the goal is cleanliness, past reviews have indicated challenges with bathroom upkeep ("bathrooms had poop everywhere") and access ("group leaders were too lazy to walk to boys to the bathroom, and instructed them to go in the woods"). The facility is described as "rustic," and experiences with hygiene and access to showers ("only able to take two showers during the entire week") may vary.

The services are focused on delivering a structured, educational, and fun summer camp environment.

YMCA Camp Shaver highlights its commitment to youth development and providing a unique outdoor experience.

• Character Development Focus: The camp's programs are designed to develop and reinforce core YMCA values such as "responsibility, respect, caring, and honesty," aiming to build self-esteem, character, and teamwork.
• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: Positive reviews praise the "camp counselors," "CIT Ocean," "Chris P Cream," and "Travis Merrill the camp Director for your hard work and dedication to providing kids with a fun, healthy and memorable experience."
• Diverse Activities for Engagement: The wide variety of activities ensures that campers can learn new skills, try different experiences, and find something they enjoy, fostering both physical and mental engagement.
• Natural Setting in Jemez Mountains: The beautiful and unique setting provides an inspiring backdrop for outdoor activities, encouraging a deep respect for nature. Campers "play in the creek, and reconnecting with the natural world."
• Opportunity for Independence and Growth: For many children, this is their first time away from home, fostering independence and building confidence through new challenges and friendships.
• Leadership Programs: The inclusion of Leader-In-Training and Counselor-In-Training programs offers pathways for older teens to develop leadership skills and contribute to the camp community.
• Potential for Memorable Experiences: When operations are successful, the camp aims to create "memories that last a lifetime" and a "transformative residential camp experience."

It's important to acknowledge that while many highlights are promoted, some "traumatizing and filthy" experiences, including alleged bullying, neglect, and unhygienic conditions, have been reported by some families, indicating variability in the actual camper experience.

For detailed information, registration, or to address any concerns regarding YMCA Camp Shaver, direct contact with the YMCA Central New Mexico organization is recommended.

Phone: (575) 829-3572

Mobile Phone: +1 575-829-3572

Address: 22900 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA

Additional Contact Numbers/Emails from Search Results:

• (505) 595-1515 (General YMCA Central New Mexico number, sometimes listed for Camp Shaver)
• (505) 595-1515 ext 5100 (For Travis Merrill, Camp Director)
• tmerrill@ymcacnm.org (Email for Travis Merrill)
• pbeam@ymcacnm.org (Email for Phil Beam, another listed Director)
• (505) 480-7417 (Another listed contact number)

It is highly advisable for prospective families to reach out directly to the camp administration with any questions about facilities, staff-to-camper ratios, hygiene protocols, and disciplinary policies, especially in light of the mixed reviews. Visiting the official YMCA Central New Mexico website and reviewing their parent handbooks is also crucial.

For New Mexico locals, YMCA Camp Shaver represents a well-established opportunity for children and teens to engage in traditional summer camp experiences within the beautiful setting of the Jemez Mountains. While there are noted discrepancies in camper experiences, its long history and foundational mission make it a consideration for families seeking youth development programs close to home.

This camp is suitable for locals who are:

• Seeking Structured Youth Programs: Families looking for a residential camp that offers a diverse range of activities and aims to build character, leadership, and independence for their children aged 7-15.
• Desiring an Outdoor Mountain Experience: The camp's location in the Jemez Mountains provides a natural backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and connecting with nature, an appealing aspect for New Mexicans.
• Interested in YMCA Values: Parents who align with the YMCA's core values of responsibility, respect, caring, and honesty and wish for their children to develop these traits in a group setting.
• Comfortable with Rustic Facilities: Families understanding that the camp describes itself as "rustic" and that amenities may not be on par with modern, fully-equipped facilities, and who are prepared for a more basic living experience for their children.
• Local Community Support: Choosing a local YMCA camp helps support community programs and youth development initiatives within New Mexico.

YMCA Camp Shaver can offer a valuable experience for many New Mexico youth, providing a chance to learn, grow, and create memories in a beautiful natural environment. However, due diligence is highly recommended. Prospective parents should thoroughly research current conditions, directly communicate with camp leadership regarding concerns, and consider the varying feedback to determine if the camp's offerings and operational standards align with their expectations for their child's well-being and development. When positive, it offers a transformative experience.

YMCA Camp Shaver

22900 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA