YMCA Camp Bernie

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A Life-Changing Weekend at Camp Bernie!

Our weekend at Camp Bernie was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed, comfortable, and safe—like we were stepping into a second home tucked away in nature. It ended up being one of the best family experiences we’ve ever had.

We packed so much into just one weekend! We did archery, took an amazing candle-making class where we dipped our own candles, and even jumped into karaoke. One of the highlights was the wilderness survival class—we learned how to build and start a fire, create a shelter using materials from the woods, and truly appreciate the outdoors in a new way.

Cooking out on the brand-new grill they provided felt like its own adventure, and making s’mores in our cabin fireplace made the evenings unforgettable. The unlimited coffee, lattes, tea, and unlimited firewood were an unexpected luxury and made the stay even more relaxing.

But what truly made the trip special was the staff. Simone, Splash, and Elizabeth were out of this world. Their patience, energy, and passion for teaching and facilitating each activity made every moment meaningful. They turned learning into fun and made us feel supported every step of the way.

The food could be a little better—but hey, it’s camp, and everything else was so exceptional that it hardly mattered.

This experience was genuinely life-changing. It’s amazing how one weekend can reset your spirit and bring your family closer together. We can’t wait to tell everyone about Camp Bernie and encourage them to experience the magic for themselves. Highly, highly recommend!

My girls have attended Camp Bernie the past two summers, both the day camp and overnight. They loved it! They made so many friends, and had wholesome camp experiences, (bonfires, fishing, archery, rock-climbing, canoeing, etc). The counselors are really fun and caring, and they loved the food too. My girls came home with a stronger sense of independence and enhanced self-confidence. When my 13 year old left overnight camp after a week she cried because she didn't want to leave! A special thank you to Counselor Jade for assisting in delivering my girls a daily letter from home. That meant so much to me. They can't wait for next summer!

We had an incredible overnight camp experience in New Jersey at YMCA Camp Bernie in Port Murray. As a parent of a young first-time camper, I was understandably nervous — and so was my daughter, who at times, can be very shy in new environments. But from the very first moment, Camp Bernie exceeded every expectation.

The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely supportive, creating a safe and welcoming environment that made my daughter feel right at home. While she gave us a brave, warbly smile at drop-off, the girls in her cabin came right up to her, respected her boundaries, but made it clear they were happy to share their cabin with her and help her get settled! She was especially anxious about being away for the first time and managing her food allergies, but the camp's allergy-friendly meal accommodations and proactive communication put us all at ease. I spoke with the nurse at medication drop off and knew my daughter's epi-pens would always be easily accessible to her, should she need them. The kitchen staff was fantastic and took her dietary needs seriously — I can’t express how much that peace of mind meant to us.

Over the course of the week, we heard and saw evidence of how her confidence grew as she tried new activities — from archery to kayaking to rope courses — all in a fun, low-pressure setting. The counselors were encouraging without being pushy, helping her step out of her comfort zone and discover new interests she never would’ve explored on her own.

Best of all, she made new friends — real connections that we’re confident will last beyond the summer. She came home glowing, proud of herself, and already asking to return next year. She literally talked about camp for 48 hours straight. If your child is like mine, and the most you get out of a day at school is that it was "good", you understand that this was amazing.

YMCA Camp Bernie is truly a hidden gem in the world of New Jersey summer camps. It’s not just a camp — it’s a community where kids are seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. As I write this, my heart still squeezes at how proud I am of my daughter and how grateful I am of the staff and the experience she had here.

If you're searching for a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented summer camp experience for your child, I can’t recommend Camp Bernie enough!

I volunteered here during the summer and had an incredible experience! They were very organized and efficient with their time. The campers really seemed to enjoy the classes and activities. My favorite class was zip lining with Dalton. Drew helped me through the volunteer process and made me feel very welcome at Camp Bernie. I can’t wait to come back.