About Us
A Place to Connect, Belong, and Grow
Frost Valley YMCA is a destination for engagement in community, nature, art, and recreation for people of all ages and walks of life. As a leader in camping and outdoor education, we provide transformative experiences that inspire growth, connection, creativity, and resilience for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and are the antidote to screen-focused lives.
Nestled on 5,500 acres in the scenic Catskill Mountains, just 2 hours from New York City, Frost Valley offers year-round opportunities for engagement in nature, adventure, personal growth, and creativity through diverse programs and experiences. Throughout, we instill in young people the skills to thrive, help people connect to themselves and others, and provide a sense of community and belonging in a turbulent world.
Our Programs & Experiences: Year-Round Impact Through Community, Nature, Art, and Recreation
Each summer,
Frost Valley YMCA serves over 4,000 children through a diverse range of day and overnight camps, including equestrian and farm camps, adventure trips, and “Kidney Camp” for children with kidney disease or transplants. Our traditional camp programs, a cornerstone since 1885, continue to foster personal growth and community connections.
Throughout the year,
Frost Valley welcomes over 35,000 participants, including students, families, scouts, corporate teams, and organizations. Through nature-based educational trips, creative arts programming, and team-building retreats, we offer meaningful experiences that foster learning, connection, and personal growth.
Our educational field trips immerse students in nature and art, bringing science and creativity to life through hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors.
Team-building retreats push participants to step outside their comfort zones, fostering collaboration, creativity, and personal and professional growth in the natural world.
Weekend retreats, family reunions, creative arts workshops offer a chance to create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and build traditions that span generations.
We serve the local community through programs such as after-school care, daycare, seasonal events, and outdoor sporting activities, ensuring families in the Catskills have access to enriching experiences that support healthy living and strong community ties.
Our Commitment to Access for All
We strive to be a place where all people belong, where our work increases inclusion and diversity, where equity is evident in our decisions and actions, and where all are respected. We do this to ensure that all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
As part of our mission to ensure that everyone can experience the transformative power of nature, Frost Valley provides financial assistance and full scholarships to thousands of children and families. Our “For All” mission drives us to make the great outdoors accessible to all, regardless of race, identity, or financial background.
As we like to say at Frost Valley, “There’s something for everyone in the Valley.” Whether it’s adventure, learning, or connection, we welcome all to share in the magic of our community.
Support Our Mission
Frost Valley YMCA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that relies on the generous support of our donor community to provide financial assistance and advance our programs. Your gift helps ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can experience the life-changing benefits of Frost Valley. To donate or learn more, visit www.frostvalley.org/donate.
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DonateOUR MISSION & VALUES:
Frost Valley YMCA is a place where people from all backgrounds and experiences can connect, belong and grow, through engagements in community, nature, the arts and recreation, to cultivate a healthy and fulfilled life.
The YMCA’s character values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY guide Frost Valley YMCA’s core organizational values, which serve as pathways for our guests as they engage with nature, art and each other.
We are:
