School Groups
Escape the classroom,
inspire curiosity!
Just 1.5 hours from New York City and under 2 hours from Philadelphia, YMCA Camp Bernie offers school groups a natural oasis to unplug, collaborate, and grow. Our outdoor education programs blend environmental learning with team-building adventures, empowering students to connect with nature, each other, and their own potential. Whether you’re planning a day field trip or an overnight retreat, we’ll craft an experience that aligns with your curriculum and leaves students buzzing with new skills and memories.
Why choose Camp Bernie for school field trips?
- Proven Experience: Camp Bernie hosted over 100 schools and over 7,500 students last year! We have experience working with classes of all sizes.
- Curriculum-Aligned Learning: 30+ hands-on activities deepen understanding of science, ecology, and teamwork.
- Expert Outdoor Education Staff: Our trained facilitators design programs tailored to your goals, from STEM to social-emotional growth.
- Flexible Scheduling: Day trips, overnight stays, or multi-day retreats—all seasons, all grades.
- Proven Impact: Students build confidence, communication, and critical thinking through challenges like ropes elements, canoeing, and conservation projects.
Outdoor Education programs
- Environmental Science: Study pond ecosystems, track wildlife, or explore forest ecology.
- Survival Skills: Learn fire-building, wilderness survival, and Leave No Trace principles.
- Team-Building Initiatives: Low-ropes courses, problem-solving games, and trust exercises that strengthen group dynamics.
Customizable Day & Overnight Schedules
Day Retreat Sample Schedule:
- 9:00 AM: Arrival & Icebreaker Games
- 10:00 AM: Ecology Hike + Habitat Exploration
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Team Challenge Course
- 3:00 PM: Reflection & Departure
Overnight Retreat Sample Schedule:
- Day 1: Arrival, Team-Building Activities, Campfire Dinner, Night Hike
- Day 2: High-Ropes Adventure, STEM Workshop, Departure
All-Season Adventures
- Fall/Spring: Canoeing, archery, wildlife tracking.
- Winter: Snowshoeing, survival skills, indoor STEM labs.
Dedicated outdoor education staff
- Collaborative Planning: Work with our Groups & Retreats Director to design a program that fits your goals, budget, and curriculum.
- Trained Facilitators: Staff participate in 40+ hours of training prior to each season.
- Safety First: All staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and skilled in fostering inclusive, engaging experiences.
Ready to transform your classroom?
Contact us to customize your school trip. Whether you’re teaching environmental stewardship, building a stronger school community, or rewarding students with an adventure, YMCA Camp Bernie delivers more than a field trip—we create moments that inspire lifelong learning.
Can't make it to Camp Bernie? Let us bring the adventure to you!
Looking for a dynamic outdoor education or team-building experience—without the hassle of traveling offsite? Adventure Anywhere brings the excitement and impact of the outdoors right to your school, community center, workplace, or place of worship! From energizing warm-up games to imaginative problem-solving scenarios participants work together to overcome obstacles and build lasting connections—all while having fun. Camp Bernie is also home to several critters! Our critter encounters and nature education sessions bring the wonders of the natural world up close—fostering curiosity and environmental awareness, especially for younger participants.