Environmental Education

The Outdoor Center at YMCA Camp Mason offers a wide range of adaptable, progressive, age appropriate classes, aiming to provide every student with a better understanding of the world around them, the interactions and interdependencies within the ecosystems of the world, and their potential impact on, and place within those systems.

Science based classes include terrestrial and aquatic ecology, earth sciences as well as classes which teach about adaptation and about our impact on the environment.

Cultural history and heritage classes include options to learn about life as a pioneer, a Native American, a slave on the underground railroad or an archaeologist.

Outdoor Living skills classes include orienteering, geocaching, survival skills, outdoor ethics and a service project option.

Whether you are looking to improve cohesiveness within your group or work on individual self esteem there is a program option for you.

Our extensive Low Ropes course is designed to challenge your group to work together as a team. We can focus on trust, leadership, communication, or simply getting to know each other as we face challenges as a group. Group dynamics, group management and conflict resolution may all come up as different obstacles are overcome.

The Climbing Wall at Camp Mason is an impressive 45’ high structure composed of three walls, each with 2 climbs. There is a challenge here for everyone, from the first time climber to the expert. Take the challenge one step further and visit Ricks Rocks with us. This is a real rock face about 5 minutes from Camp Mason offering a wide variety of climbs.

Our high ropes course is a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging option. For the team challenge, choose our firecracker or giant swing where the participant is reliant on the rest of the team for success. The Vertical Playpen is a team climb and a partnership is needed to make it to the top. Our pamper pole is a good choice for a mental challenge and for a more extensive experience choose our linear high ropes course (8th grade and up only).

Instruction is provided by trained professionals and then time allowed to practice these new skills. Recreation options include archery, riflery, boating and canoeing, apple cidering and hiking. In the winter there’s sledding, cross country skiing, apple baking a pretzel making and from late May to early September the pool is open.

For a complete list of classes click here and for more details on any of these options contact the Outdoor Center Director.

back to top