The Mayor of Gameland is making a special visit to Camp Mason for Session 4, and he wants YOU to […]
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]]>The Mayor of Gameland is making a special visit to Camp Mason for Session 4, and he wants YOU to join the fun.
Campers will kick off the day in colorful teams and jump right into a series of life-size board games, where strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of luck will decide who comes out on top. The morning will be packed with oversized challenges, playful competition, and plenty of classic camp chaos as teams travel through the Mayor of Gameland’s whimsical world—rolling giant dice, racing across human-sized game boards, and even making a sugary sweet pit stop in CandyLand. Expect unexpected twists, surprise bonus rounds, and maybe even a few wild rule changes from the Mayor himself (he does like to keep things interesting).
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As the day unfolds, alliances may form, rivalries might spark, and campers will need to think fast, cheer loud, and play smart to stay ahead. Whether you’re a master strategist or just in it for the laughs, there’s a place for everyone in this larger-than-life adventure.
After a full day of navigating the games and trying to outplay the competition, campers will receive a special invitation to a fancy dinner at the Mayor’s Mansion. Campers will dress up, enjoy a well-earned meal, and celebrate their victories (and maybe plot their next moves). But just when everyone thinks the day is winding down… the lights flicker… a hush falls over the room… and to everyone’s shock, someone has been poisoned!
Suddenly, the evening turns into a campwide mystery as we launch into an epic Game of Clue. Campers will work together to search for hidden clues, crack tricky puzzles, interrogate suspicious characters, and piece together what really happened. Was it the chef? A fellow camper? Or could it be… the Mayor himself?
So brush up on your board game skills, pack your lucky socks, and get ready for a theme day full of fun, laughter, surprises, and just the right amount of suspense.
We’ll see you in Session 4 with the Mayor of Gameland—where the games are big, the stakes are bigger, and anything can happen.
Save your spot here!
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At YMCA Camp Mason, your child’s safety is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that choosing a […]
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]]>At YMCA Camp Mason, your child’s safety is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that choosing a summer camp is a big decision, and we are committed to creating an environment where children feel secure, supported, and able to thrive.
Staffing
Our team is one of the key reasons families trust us year after year. Every staff member is carefully selected and undergoes thorough background checks and screening before joining our camp community. We provide comprehensive training that covers emergency response, child development, and effective supervision. Many of our counselors are certified in CPR and First Aid and Trips Leaders typically hold a Wilderness First Aid certification, ensuring they are well prepared to handle a wide range of situations. With strong staff-to-camper ratios, we make sure every child is known, supported, and looked after throughout the day.
Daily protocols
We have developed clear and structured safety protocols that guide daily life at camp. From secure check-in and check-out procedures to organized activity schedules, we know where our campers are and who they are with. We regularly practice emergency drills and maintain detailed response plans so that we are ready for any situation, giving both campers and parents peace of mind.
Activity safety
Our facilities and outdoor spaces are designed with safety in mind. While we encourage adventure and exploration, we never compromise on precaution. All equipment used in activities like climbing, archery, and boating is routinely inspected and maintained. Each activity is led by trained specialists who ensure that campers understand how to participate safely and confidently. At the pool and lake, certified lifeguards supervise all swimming and boating activities, and we assess each camper’s swimming ability to provide the appropriate level of supervision.
Health and Wellness
Health and wellness are also central to our approach. We have trained health staff on-site who are available to manage medications, respond to injuries, and support any medical needs. We take allergies and dietary requirements seriously, working closely with families to ensure every child is cared for. Cleanliness and hygiene are emphasized across camp, helping to keep everyone healthy and comfortable.
Accreditation
We are proud to uphold nationally recognized standards through our accreditation with the American Camp Association (ACA). This accreditation means we meet or exceed rigorous guidelines in areas such as staff training, health care, risk management, and program quality. In addition, we are accredited by Praesidium, a leader in abuse prevention. This reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding children through comprehensive policies, staff training, and accountability measures that prioritize camper well-being at every level.
Safe and inclusive community
Beyond physical safety, we are deeply committed to creating an emotionally safe and inclusive community. We foster a culture of kindness, respect, and belonging where every camper feels valued. Our staff actively promote positive behavior and address any concerns quickly and thoughtfully. We believe children do their best when they feel accepted and supported, and we work hard to create that environment every day.
Connection with you
We also believe that communication with families is essential. We keep parents informed and remain available to answer questions, so you can feel confident and connected while your child is with us.
At YMCA Camp Mason, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise. We are proud to provide a place where children can try new things, build friendships, and grow in confidence, all within a secure and caring environment.
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Step right up…Cirque du Mason is coming to camp! For Session 3 this year, Camp Mason is transforming into […]
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]]>Step right up…Cirque du Mason is coming to camp!
For Session 3 this year, Camp Mason is transforming into Cirque du Mason, inspired by the performances of Cirque du Soleil. Expect lots of movement, creativity, music and some pretty awesome acts happening all around camp.
We’re going to start the morning by forming our Cirque Crews. Each group will come up with their own name and identity before heading out across camp to begin training for the show. Throughout the day, campers will travel from act to act, trying different performance-style activities and learning the skills that bring these kinds of shows to life. Campers will fine tune their acrobatic skills, learn new character movement and animation techniques, train with the pros over at the Balance Academy and see what kind of rhythm they can create with their own junkyard bands.
Along the way, campers will also have the chance to explore costume design, experiment with face paint, and create simple props to bring their performances to life. Whether they’re walking on makeshift tightropes, perfecting a comedic routine, or building confidence on stage, every camper will play an important role in their crew’s success. Our counselors will be there every step of the way, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to try something new.
After a full day of practicing and honing their skills, we’ll gather for the Grand Cirque du Mason Showcase, where each crew will perform their act for the entire camp. There’ll be plenty of popcorn to snack on, lots of energy around camp and we encourage campers to bring their most colorful outfit to dress the part.
Join us for Cirque du Mason, a day filled with color, teamwork, and camp magic. We can’t wait to see what incredible performances Session 3 brings to the stage!
Come along on a journey into the big top for a full day of silly fun, lots of laughter and creative activities for all ages at YMCA Camp Mason this summer during Session 3. Session 3 runs from July 26 – August 8, 2026. You can find out more about saving your spot here.
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If we’ve never met, I should probably introduce myself. I’m from England originally, and came to Camp Mason as a counselor in 2003 having served at two camps previously. I worked for three wonderful summers and an outdoor education season at Mason, and thought when I left to return home at the end of 2005 that my camp days were done. And aside from an occasional appearance at a camp reunion in the following years, that turned out to be the case.
Until… my wife Natalie got transferred with her work from England to New Jersey in 2018, giving us the opportunity to move back here. While I was looking for work myself, I initially volunteered back at Camp Mason, which ended up turning into a proper part-time role through that summer and fall!
Since then I’ve been actively involved in the camp alumni association, helping out with organizing reunions and getting involved in work weekends – the picture you see here is me having the time of my life raking leaves at the most recent fall work weekend. As I take over, my focus over the coming years is going to be growing the association with newer generations, and seeing how we, as people who care deeply about camp and its mission, can continue to give back in meaningful ways beyond simply attending reunions.
We’d love to have you join us! If you’ve ever spent time at Camp Mason – as a camper, counselor, outdoor educator, or visiting group member – you’re part of our alumni family. I’d love to hear from you. We meet on Zoom once a month from January through September, and you can reach me anytime at gspencer15@gmail.com. Please do reach out!
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By Jess DeQuattro Activities Director Twice a year, women from all walks of life come to Camp Mason for a […]
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By Jess DeQuattro
Activities Director
Twice a year, women from all walks of life come to Camp Mason for a weekend all about rest, connection, and renewal. Our Women’s Wellness Weekends, held each fall and spring, are a chance to step away from the busyness of everyday life and soak in the calm and beauty of the outdoors.
The weekend is designed to refresh your body, mind, and spirit. You might start the morning with yoga by the lake, try aerial silks, or go on a guided hike up to the Catfish Fire Tower. Afternoons often include hands-on workshops like candle making, nature crafts, or journaling. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s archery, canoeing, or the climbing wall. Evenings are cozy and fun, filled with things like sip-and-paint, drum circles, campfire moments, fancy s’mores, or stargazing under the night sky. The schedule is flexible, so everyone can create their own perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
Women come for all sorts of reasons. Some come to reconnect with family, friends, or themselves; others come solo, ready to meet new people or just take some time for self-care. One of my favorite parts of these weekends is seeing returning guests catch up with friends they made here in the past, laughing and sharing stories like no time has passed at all. I’ve had the pleasure of planning and hosting these weekends, and seeing the love and connection the women have for each other by the end of Sunday is always beautiful and special.
What makes Women’s Wellness Weekend so unique is the feeling you get while you’re here. The combination of Camp Mason’s rustic charm, wooded trails, and peaceful lake creates a perfect backdrop for reflection, creativity, and connection. Guests are free to be themselves – whether that means jumping into every activity, trying something new, or just sitting quietly by the lake. Our staff takes care of all the details, big and small, so your weekend is smooth, comfortable, and truly restorative.
At its core, Women’s Wellness Weekend is about more than relaxation – it’s about empowerment, community, and prioritizing your own well-being. By the time the weekend ends, women leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and recharged, carrying the calm and connection they find at Camp Mason back into their daily lives. It’s a weekend to recharge, strengthen friendships, and rediscover the joy of slowing down, being outdoors, and celebrating wellness together. More than that, it’s a reminder that taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s essential, and the experiences, connections, and memories you make here stay with you long after the weekend is over.
Find and more and save your spot here.
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Attention, space explorers! The Mason universe needs our help – things are getting weird up here in space. During Session 4, we’ll need to […]
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]]>Attention, space explorers! The Mason universe needs our help – things are getting weird up here in space. During Session 4, we’ll need to suit up, think fast, and work together to defend our camp while exploring the galaxy along the way!
Our mission? Travel beyond the stars, uncover cosmic mysteries, and prepare for close encounters of the camp kind. We’ll train like astronauts, take on zero gravity challenges, and maybe even meet an alien or two. As the great space explorer, Anna Bilton, once told me: “No intergalactic adventure would be complete without a tin foil hat – because everyone knows they’re the best defense against mind control.” And trust me, you’ll need them for what’s coming this summer.
In the evening, we’ll try some space food – how bad can it be, right? Then, we’ll wrap up our cosmic adventure with a celebration, complete with glowing lights, music, and dancing under the stars with our friends.
We can’t wait to see you there. It’s going to be OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Come along on a journey into space for a full day of silly fun, lots of laughter and creative activities for all ages at YMCA Camp Mason this summer during Session 4. Session 4 runs from August 3 – August 16, 2025. You can find out more about saving your spot here.
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By Anna Bilton, Senior Camp Director Last week I was speaking to one of our Summer Camp families and […]
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By Anna Bilton, Senior Camp Director
Last week I was speaking to one of our Summer Camp families and I realized I was saying “this summer this…” and, “this summer that…” and the once far-away notion of ‘next summer’ was no more! Camp is happening this year and it is only 6 weeks away! As a Camp Director I am often asked what I do after the summer and the honest answer is that I start getting ready for next year. Now that it is officially ‘this summer’ I am officially allowed to talk camp 24/7 (without driving my family mad)! Here are the 5 things I am most excited about doing at Summer Camp 2025.
1. Putting on my favorite tie dye shirt
Yes, I know I could wear it any other time of year but it just doesn’t feel the same as when I put it on during Summer Camp. That old, ratty tie dye shirt I made my first year as a camp counselor says “summer” to me!
2. Doing the very first hand stomp of each session in the Dining Hall
I love the excitement that each new session brings and the very first hand stomp after dinner we all do together is just like crossing the start line to me. It is an amazing feeling to see and hear the whole camp together on Opening Day!
3. Meeting new international staff and campers from all over the world
Camp Mason will welcome staff and campers from the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Belarus, Spain, Australia, Colombia, New Zealand and Mexico this year. It’s always a blast to get to know new people and learn about their cultures and experiences. I can’t stop wondering about who might win the Mason Olympics this year!
4. Getting Theme Day ready
As much as an actual Theme Day is brilliant fun, the build up is just as good as far as I’m concerned! I look forward to the silly moments as we get prepared for the big event. Whether that’s a content in the dining hall after lunch or a special flag raising, I love it all. It’s the little things that make each day at Summer Camp unique and memorable. It turns out that no matter how old you get, getting creative at summer camp is still a blast!
5. Roasting my first marshmallow of the season
Fun fact, I am a huge marshmallow fan! I could eat marshmallows for days and days on end! A s’more now and then is nice but I could happily skip the chocolate and the crackers and still enjoy my favorite campfire treat. Taking a bite of my first gooey, golden sugary delight of the summer is a taste I look forward to each year.
There are so many great things about summer at Camp Mason – my list could go on and on! What are you most looking forward to?
Still need to save your spot for Summer Camp 2025? Click here to register today.
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Hear ye, hear ye! Get ready to travel back in time during Session 3 for a day of medieval fun […]
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]]>Hear ye, hear ye!
Get ready to travel back in time during Session 3 for a day of medieval fun at Camp Mason’s Renaissance Faire! From tournaments to feasts, this day will be full of adventure, laughter, and of course lots of camp magic.
We’ll start our journey in the village square, where merchants, knights, and some lively characters will bring the faire to life. Wander through the market, try your hand at medieval games, and take on challenges to collect coins. Test your skills in archery, jousting, and perhaps, even impress the royal court with your wit. Knights and warriors will compete in challenges of strength, skill, and honor. Will you rise to the occasion and earn your place among the kingdom’s finest?
When evening falls, join the royal banquet for a feast fit for kings and queens – think turkey legs, music, and dancing! And to wrap up the night, celebrate with laughter, games, and a final toast to a day well spent.
So grab your floral crown, polish your armor, break out those fairy wings, and get ready for a day of medieval adventure – the kingdom of Camp Mason awaits!
Has your camper ever dreamed of traveling back in time? Maybe even creating their own imaginary world? Or trying out some new skills? Well, now’s their chance!
Come along to our version of a Renaissance Fair for a full day of silly fun, lots of laughter and creative activities for all ages at YMCA Camp Mason this summer during Session 3. Session 3 runs from June 20 – August 3, 2025. You can find out more about saving your spot here.
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By Colleen Murray-Seig As a woman of a certain age, I have been given the gift of being able […]
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]]>By Colleen Murray-Seig
As a woman of a certain age, I have been given the gift of being able to see camp from several different vantage points. As a camper, I remember the anticipation of getting up to camp, the one place where I could truly be myself. Camp taught me a love of nature, a curiosity about the world around me and the ability to interact with people who are different from me. It helped me to see life through different eyes and respect people’s view even if it’s different than mine. The friends I made are still to this day some of the nearest and dearest in my life. Getting letters, (yes I’m that old) during the school year kept camp alive when I was home. We used to say that we had two kinds of friends, your home and neighborhood friends and your camp friends and your camp friends are the best friends. I have run into camp friends everywhere I go. To the point where when I was in my 20’s and 30’s if I ran into someone who looked familiar I would always ask them if they’ve ever been to camp in Blairstown. (When I went to camp it had a Blairstown mailing address.)
Colleen at Work Weekend, second from the right.
As a counselor, I got to see how much things change and yet they stay the same. I had the older girls and they would try and pull some of the same antics I did as a camper, although they had a much harder time getting away with it. I watched how girls who were introverted and shy, blossomed when people understand and support you and your choices.
Spot Colleen, second row from the bottom, 5th one in on the right
As the parent of a camper, I got to relive the feeling of joy and wonder as I watched my kids find the joy and magic that is Mason. They learned the spirit of the 4 principles, which they both carry with them to this day.
Finally, as an alumnus, I found a whole new group of camp friends. Coming to the reunion weekends have introduced me to other generations of people who grew up coming here and having their time coming here. It’s great to hear their stories and how their time impacted them. Even though we come from different generations and walks of life we still have our love for camp in common, I am proud to say that through alumni weekends I have made some very good friends, proving it’s still true. Camp friends are the best friends.
Send us your camp stories, photos and memories – stories@campmason.org
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Our first session Theme Day pays homage to American life by exploring a unique culture, tradition, history or major event […]
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]]>Our first session Theme Day pays homage to American life by exploring a unique culture, tradition, history or major event of America every year. In the past we have celebrated our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July, taken part in a field day event, gone to the State Fair, and held our own camp election.
This year we are experiencing Hollywood in all of its glamour and glory. We’ll start off our day visiting the popular attractions local attractions. We’ll visit the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theater, the Wax Museum and more, all led by your own celebrity tour guide. The afternoon may consist of catching a Lakers game, auditioning for a part in a movie, or taking part in a game show. But watch out! There could be obstacles to slow down your tours. Be on the lookout for those infamous L.A. traffic jams or the pesky paparazzi.
Our last stop is the Academy Awards! We’ll catch some live performances right right here at camp. Wearing our designer outfits we’ll stroll the red carpet for photos and interviews followed by a “fancy” dinner and then head right into the awards ceremony. We’ll even stop by the after party after the ceremony complete with music, dancing and food!
Has your camper ever dreamed of being in a movie? Maybe even directing one? Or try out some stunts? Well, now’s your chance – Hollywood is coming to Camp Mason!
Come along to our version of “Hollywood” for a full day of silly fun, lots of laughter and creative activities for all ages at YMCA Camp Mason this summer during Session 1. Session 1 runs from June 22 – July 5, 2025. You can find out more about saving your spot here.
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