Overnight Camps - YMCA of San Diego

Are you ready for positive, life-changing experiences in the outdoors? With three unique overnight camps, look no further than YMCA Overnight Camps of San Diego County, where all can “Make Friends, Be Yourself.” We combine the fun your children want with the growth experiences they need. Catch a wave learning to surf at our ocean-front YMCA Camp Surf. Ride a horse at our cozy equestrian camp Raintree Ranch YMCA. Or adventure in the mountains at YMCA Camp Marston. Your child will build connections with others, learn about their self, and spend hours of quality time in nature.

YMCA Camp Surf is a spectacular ocean-front camp just south of San Diego, CA. This 45 acre treasure offers one-week and two-week overnight sessions for 3rd through 11th grades as well as one-week day camp sessions.

You’ll get the true SoCal experience of surfing, boogie boarding, jumping waves, or playing with friends in the sand on our very own beach. Then learn some skateboarding skills at our on-site skate park. Camp Surf is perfect for all skill levels! Combine these with traditional camp activities including archery, climbing tower, teambuilding, campfires, cookouts, and crafts. Two-week teen programs head off-site on short bike excursions and an overnight surf and camping trip to San Onofre State Park.

While the ocean is certainly a big draw and part of camp, we are not strictly a surf camp. The value and benefits of the YMCA Camp Surf experience extends far beyond that. Campers will develop strong friendships, spend great time outdoors, develop social skills, feel a sense of belonging, and exhibit increased confidence.

Just picked my 8y/o daughter up from Camp Surf! She LOVED it! The camp counselors were very friendly and informative! They answered all questions and positive energy radiated off of them. The camp post daily pictures of your little ones while they’re away and it is password protected. I even gotten a post card from my daughters counselors telling me about my daughters progress and experience! My daughter gained so much confidence in the ocean and has gained memories for life! I definitely recommend this camp!

Set in the mountains of Julian, CA, YMCA Camp Marston is the oldest summer camp in San Diego County. For over 100 years Camp Marston has been a San Diego favorite for thousands of children and families. Camp Marston offers you adventure, fun, friendships, and great staff – all on a spectacular 236-acre site – with activities including archery, swimming, climbing, crafts, canoeing, and more. This year we’ve leveled up the fun and adventure with a bike pump track! We also offer a 4 day backpacking excursion on Catalina Island for our more adventurous teen campers. You’ll find something for everyone!

We just picked up our girls from camp and they loved everything about it besides it could’ve been longer…lol! They experienced so much fun and independence with new friends that they didn’t want it to end. Big thanks to the great staff at YMCA Camp Marston!!!

Right next door, nestled in the mountains of Julian, CA, YMCA Raintree Ranch is a wonderful, intimate, small specialty camp dedicated to western horseback riding. You’ll focus on horseback riding, caring for horses, and traditional camp fun! Our summer camp gives kids and teenagers (nine to sixteen years old) the unique experience of riding horseback, getting to know their horses’ personalities, and learning how to care and feed their horse.

I have been going here for 8 years now and coming to this camp is the highlight of my summer. Raintree is my home away from home, there is no discrimination or judgement and that makes Raintree my favorite place in the world. I highly recommend this camp to everyone.

Friendly horses, multiple instructional arenas, and miles of trails all provide an excellent learning environment. No matter what skill level your young equestrian is at, the Bolo Program will help them improve! This horsemanship achievement program helps guide our campers through a natural skill progression, learning the key lessons they need to succeed at more advanced levels of horseback riding. 

Our staff are committed to working with children and teens to help them develop the skills and relationships they will need to be confident, healthy, and connected as they grow. Overnight Camps of the YMCA of San Diego County add laughter, leadership, and lifelong memories to a host of traditional and specialized camp activities. We teach kids how to make friends and provide positive staff role models to help them be successful at camp and connect with others while focusing on the YMCA’s core values.

Sign up today! We look forward to seeing you this summer!