The Arbolado Tradition

Camp Arbolado had seen many changes in facilities, beginning in the early years with tent platforms, pot belly stoves and each camper washing his/her dishes after every meal then progressing to present-day modern cabins, gas heating, industrial dish washing equipment (dishes are cleaned by camp staff), and landscaped pathways. Regardless of camp's physical appearance and building changes, two things have remained constant: the commitment to youth and emphasis on the love of God and the outdoors. Camp Arbolado is a non-denominational camp, emphasizing values and characteristics of the individual. Many program elements and activities are used to achieve these aims, such as the YMCA Rag and Leather programs, numerous nature and outdoor activities, high and low ropes course challenges, campfires, a rich history of camp traditions, fellowship, chapel, program themes, and fun. All who have attended camp at Arbolado have special memories about their experience which will stay with them for a lifetime. To many, Arbolado is a cherished home away from home, a place of joy, serenity and love. The average return rate for campers is 50%, and even higher for staff. Many campers have made Arbolado part of their lives, becoming staff members and bringing its flame to future generations.

Activities

Aquatics, archeology, archery, arts and crafts, astronomy, backpacking/overnights in the beautiful San Gorgonio Wilderness, campfires complete with singing, skits and storytelling, carnivals, canoes, dances, flag raising, high and low ropes challenge courses, hiking, mountain biking, nature study, non-denominational chapels, Rag and Leather programs, science, various sports (softball, soccer, basketball, etc.)...plus, theme days, all-camp games, and snow activities, caroling, etc. during winter camps are just some of the activities offered at Camp Arbolado. A strong, year-round stream runs very close to camp, providing campers with many opportunities to see a wide variety of animal and plant life and to just have fun in the water. Many trailheads into the San Gorgonio Wilderness are close to camp, providing unique opportunities for overnight backpacking in this beautiful High Sierra-like area, including climbing the highest mountain in Southern California. Nearby Jenks lake presents swimming and canoeing opportunities. Campers can also swim in the camp swimming pool or take a dip in the stream. Full-scale Indian tee-pees are erected for the summer season to provide Native American experiences and activities. The total number and types of activities offered depend on season, staff availability, overall session themes, and group preferences and arrangements. For Whittier sessions, as many varied activities as possible are offered to maximize camper enjoyment. For lease groups, prior arrangements must be made within sufficient lead time so that qualified Arbolado resident and volunteer staff can be made available.

During Whittier camp sessions (which are open to the general public), campers are placed with highly qualified and caring counselors in a cabin group. Grouping is done by age/grade levels. Camp sessions are coed, but each cabin is either all boys or all girls, with the same gender counseling staff in charge. The counselors are trained to help the campers get the maximum enjoyment and personal growth from camp activities/programs. They are with the campers throughout each camp session. Counselors strive to foster a sense of group identity and caring within the cabin through individual cabin activities. Counselors and program/directing staff are skilled in resolving camper conflicts or problems in a positive manner.

Topography and Facilities

The word "Arbolado" means "the place of trees" or "tree covering place." Nestled in the San Bernardino National forest, trees indeed abound at and around Camp Arbolado. Examples include Pinion, Lodgepole, Prickly Ponderosa, Gentle Jeffrey, Coulter, and Sugar pine, plus White Fir, Alder, Incense Cedar, Live Oak, and Black Oak. Manzanita and many wildflowers complete the landscape. Many animals are native to the area, including mule deer, bats, bears, squirrels, lizards, birds, and insects.

A summary of camp facilities is provided in the table below.  

Archery Range	On one side of the dirt road into camp lies a large flat grassy area and archery range. The grassy area serves as a central playing field for a wide variety of sports activities and camp-wide games. Raggers' Point  and Inspiration Point are located in the vast woods beyond the central playing field/archery range.
Sleeping Facilities	Campers sleep in modern cabins, complete with bunk beds, natural gas heating and electrical outlets. 12 cabins (each sleep 12 people) have detached bathrooms within 100 feet, complete with hot showers, sinks, and toilet facilities. In addition to these cabins, Rio Hondo Lodge is also available, with indoor bathrooms. Rio Hondo Lodge is divided into 4 sections ("cabins"). Two sections in Rio Hondo Lodge sleep 16 people, while the other two sections sleep 18 people.
Dining Facilities	Lion's Lodge serves as the dining hall. Constructed in 1932, yet fully equipped with modern food preparation equipment, Lion's Lodge gives today's campers an enjoyable dining experience. Plaques made by campers and cabin groups ranging from the early 30's to the present day richly line the interior walls and ceiling buttresses, giving all who come to Camp Arbolado a continuity with those from over half a century ago. To meet a wide variety of food preferences, nutritious meatless meals may be made upon request. A salad bar and breakfast bar are provided so campers can add variety to their meals. All meals are nutritionally balanced and served family style to provide special "togetherness" time for the cabin group. A large fireplace is situated at one end of Lion's Lodge.
Meeting Facilities	Bishop's Lodge is a large building which is used as a "command center" and staff meeting area. It has its own kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and large meeting room with a fireplace. Bishop Lodge is a two story building, with staff sleeping accommodations for 11 people and two bathrooms (both unisex) upstairs. There are sleeping accomodations for 10 people in two separate rooms downstairs and two bathrooms (one male, one female). There is an upstairs attic and a closet underneath the 2nd story stairs for equipment, etc. storage.
Medical Facilities	For minor injuries or illnesses, camp has a health lodge complete with beds for camper isolation. For the various Whittier YMCA sessions, a medical personnel (i.e., nurse, paramedic, etc.) is part of the camp staff and stays at the health lodge to take care of injured/sick campers and ensure that all campers who bring daily medications get their medications properly. For more serious injuries or illnesses, campers are taken to nearby Big Bear city which has a hospital and full medical staff.
Staff Housing	Twin Pines and the Modular buildings serve as long-term staff housing. Each building has several bedrooms, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities. Total sleeping capacity of both buildings is 10 people.
Camp Chapel	The camp chapel sits in an open hillside space underneath several shady trees. It overlooks the Santa Ana River and the beautiful mountains and valley bordering the community of Big Bear. Permanent benches provide seating for the entire camp and night ceremonies may be held if desired. A 7 foot cross with candle holders is available for this purpose.
Campfires	No camp experience would be complete without memorable campfires. At Camp Arbolado, a large outdoor campfire area situated at the center of camp has everything you need to make a grand show. The campfire area comes complete with floodlights, permanent wood/concrete benches, standard 115 volt AC power receptacles, and a large concrete stage.
Saunder's Pool	For those who do not wish to make the 2 mile walk to nearby Jenks Lake to swim, Saunders pool is available at camp. Here, campers can cool off from the summer heat and have fun under the careful observation of certified lifeguards. Saunder's Pool is fully handicapped accessible with an entry ramp for wheelchairs, etc..
Archery Range, Raggers Point, Ball Field, and Native American Center	The various cabin, dining room, etc. facilities at Camp Arbolado will comfortably support a maximum of 225 people. The camp presently contains approx. 15.9 acres of land. In addition to this, Arbolado also enjoys the use of additional acreage behind the Boy Scout Tahaqouwitz camp. Raggers' Point, Inspiration Point, the Indian Village, archery range and central playing field are located here.
Ropes Course	Camp Arbolado offers a permanent, fully certified ropes course containing over 7 high ropes elements and over 6 low ropes elements. The low ropes elements are designed to help campers within a group learn how to work together to achieve a common goal, foster leadership, and develop communication skills. The high ropes elements are intended to foster individual self confidence and help each person go beyond their own pre-conceived limitations.
Nature Lodge	The Elizabeth Gammon Nature Lodge has quite a bit of history, since it was the first permanent structure built in camp in 1925. Before it became the Elizabeth Gammon Nature Lodge in the late 1960's, this building first served as the dining hall. It was converted to a one-room nature center in the early 1930's. In the late 1960's, massive remodeling was done and the building was split into two equal large rooms, one serving as the camp arts and crafts center (complete with large stone fireplace) and the other as the nature center. This setup still serves to the present day.

Interactive Brochures

If you would like to see a detailed pdf file interactive presentation of the camp facilities, complete with photos, click here. Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, it's free through the Adobe Acrobat Reader download web page. When you have uploaded the presentation, may need to adjust page to fit your computer monitor screen by selecting the zoom in or out control on the reader toolbar.

If you would like to see a detailed pdf file interactive presentation of camp programs, complete with photos, click here. Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, it's free through the Adobe Acrobat Reader download web page. When you have uploaded the presentation, may need to adjust page to fit your computer monitor screen by selecting the zoom in or out control on the reader toolbar.

Camp Staff

Camp Arbolado staff members and leaders deeply care about children and their welfare, since they are "kids at heart" themselves. A Camp Arbolado staff member/leader has been carefully trained to understand a child's hopes, needs, and fears and constructively deal with any and all challenges. The diversity, experience and knowledge of active staff is rich, spanning a range of 30 years. Many staff members/leaders were once childhood campers themselves, growing up within the Arbolado "family" and becoming active adults. Many of these same staff members actively serve on the YMCA camp committee to ensure that the cherished traditions and love that make Arbolado a special place are protected for generations yet to come.

The Associate Executive Director of Camping Services and Program Director is Suman Rana.

Health and Safety

Health and safety is of paramount concern in all Camp Arbolado activities. For example, each camper participating in the high ropes course is fitted with a helmet and body harness and belayed by certified camp staff. All low and high ropes elements are rigidly inspected and reconditioned at the beginning of each summer camp season. Every mountain bike participant must wear a safety helmet. All boaters wear PFDs (personal floatation devices) regardless of swimming ability, and the swimming "buddy checks" help provide an additional measure of safety. A certified camp nurse is present at all Whittier YMCA sessions, supervising the Health Lodge. The Health Lodge, located next to the dining hall, is equipped with beds, full bathroom facilities, and minor injury/illness medications and equipment. For more serious injuries/sickness, campers are taken to nearby Big Bear medical facilities by camp transportation for treatment.

Keeping in Touch

Even after you return home and moist eyes are dried, Camp Arbolado won't forget you...any more than you will forget your adventure and fond memories at Arbolado.

Got a computer and modem? The Camp News Web Page keeps you in touch throughout the year. And don't be surprised to get a letter from your counselor. You can also send e-mail to your favorite camp staff members and leaders.

Sending Mail To Campers While At Camp Arbolado

When a camper is at Camp Arbolado, mail may be sent to him/her through the US Postal Service at the following address: Camper's name; YMCA Camp Arbolado; 42500 Highway 38; Angelus Oaks, CA; 92305.

Application Forms

Camper, senior, and family application forms for the various Whittier sessions are available on the Session Registration Webpage.

Earning Your Way To Camp/Scholarships

By selling YMCA butter toffee peanuts, campers may earn their way to camp. To find out more about this program click here (requires Adobe Acrobat reader, free through the Adobe Acrobat Reader download web page). Peanuts may be obtained from the East Whittier YMCA office at 15740 E. Starbuck Street.

A limited amount of scholarships are also available and are distributed based on financial need and other criteria. For more information and applications, contact the East Whittier Center Camp Office at (562)943-7241. Apply early, since scholarship availability and funding is limited.

Accreditation

Camp Arbolado is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association.

Directions To Camp Arbolado

Click here for driving directions to Camp Arbolado. Camp Arbolado is located 80 miles out of Los Angeles.

Lease Options and Prices

Camp Arbolado may be leased by groups outside the Whittier YMCA throughout the year when the camp is not running Whittier YMCA sessions. To make leasing arrangements, e-mail the Associate Executive Director of Camping Services, Suman Rana, or call him at (909)794-6724 .

Fees and rates will depend on the group size, reservation dates, and program and facility support requirements. Contact Suman Rana for fees that will be applicable to your group. However, reservations require a non refundable holding deposit of $500 or 10%, which ever is greater, upon return of the leasing contract. Contracts that are not returned by the required date will be considered void and the space being held will be opened to another group. Balance of the fee is due and payable before leaving the camp, unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Checks should be made out to the YMCA of Greater Whittier.

If your group size is 150 people or more, you will have exclusive use of Camp. Groups smaller than this may share the facility with another group. Your group will be charged no less than the minimum guarantee listed on the contract, so plan carefully.

Thank you for accessing this YMCA of Greater Whittier web page. If you have any web questions, comments, or suggestions, please e-mail, write, or call us. We would love to hear from you.

This Page Updated on Sunday, September 23, 2007