Outdoor Education
Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA, nestled in the northeast Pocono Mountains, features a 42 acre lake, 1100 acres of pristine forest and Sphagnum bog, makes for an ideal location for a residential school environmental program.
Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA provides experiences that:

  • Help develop a clearer understanding of life systems and the interconnectedness of the natural world.
  • Focus on sound environmental ethics and positive interaction with the environment.
  • Encourage acceptable social skills and personal relationships in a group living situation.
  • Nurture the skills and knowledge necessary to improve the quality of life for all people.
  • Foster a noncompetitive environment that allows students to set and accomplish goals.

Our programs objetives are:

  • To give each student first hand knowledge and understanding of the natural resources we depend on.
  • To support the classroom curriculum through hands-on outdoor activities.
  • To develop cooperative social, working, and everyday living relationships.
  • To develop interest and curiosity about the environment.
  • To introduce the student to the problems of pollution, conservation of our natural resources, and survival of our natural environment.
  • To encourage an environmentally sound lifestyle and activism in environmental issues.
  • To develop healthy leisure time interests such as hiking, fishing, singing, etc.
  • To have a safe, fun, and memorable experience.

Outdoor Education Classes:

For class descriptions please refer to the Outdoor Center Planning Guide

  • Alpha/Beta
  • Archeology
  • Archery
  • Canoeing (May – October)
  • Child’s Park (Weather Permitting)
  • Climbing Tower (Weather Permitting)
  • Confidence Course
  • Cross-Country Skiing (Snow Conditions Permitting)
  • Entomology
  • Forest Ecology
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback Riding (Additional Fee)
  • Nature Trail
  • Orienteering
  • Pond Ecology
  • Survival
  • Team Building
  • Wildlife Ecology
  • Wonders of Winter (December-February)

Standard Three-Day Schedule


First Day
10:00 AM Arrival; Settle into cabins
11:30 AM Orientation
12:30 PM Lunch
01:30 PM Class I
03:15 PM Class II
05:30 PM Dinner
06:30 PM Cabin or Camp Store
07:30 PM Evening Program
09:00 PM Snack
Second Day
08:00 AM Breakfast
09:00 AM Class III
10:45 AM Class IV
12:30 PM Lunch
01:30 PM Class V
03:15 PM Class VI
05:30 PM Dinner
06:30 PM Cabin or Camp Store
07:30 PM Evening Program
09:00 PM Snack
Third Day
08:00 AM Breakfast
09:00 AM Class VII
10:45 AM Cabin Clean Up
11:30 AM Lunch
12:30 PM Group Departs

2010 Rates

1 Day Group $27/person+$130 per instructor
2 Days Group 1 night - $78 per person
3 Days Group 2 nights - $114 per person