2024 CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Camp YEY will be August 12th - 16th for youth going into grades 6-8 and August 19th - 23rd for youth going into grades 4-5.

Registration will close on Friday, May 17 OR when we reach capacity, which ever comes first.

Please have a copy of your camper’s most recent immunization records available as they will be required to complete registration.

Please reach out to campyey@southwestcouncil.org with any questions.

 
 

If you have any questions please reach out to

Freddie Vega, Camp YEY Director, at campyey@southwestcouncil.org

ALL DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO BE FULLY REGISTERED AS SPACE LIMITED.


Questions? Contact us:

Camp Director:
Freddie Vega 856-794-1011 x 316

Contact Email:
campyey@southwestcouncil.org

Camp Registration Information: 
Bethany Vega 856-794-1011 ext. 314

Counselor Assistant (CA) Coordinator:
Karl Wendt 856-494-4950 ext. 116

For non-emergency questions or concerns:
Hanna Lawless 856-794-1011 x 313

In case of emergency during the weeks of Camp YEY:
Camp Edge 856-935-1555

tl(8).png

Youth Empowering Youth

A week-long youth leadership development camp for children in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties entering 4th - 8th grade. Camp YEY campers will receive educational lessons on subjects such as the following: peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, decision making, communication and self-esteem. Camp YEY is provided at no cost through grant funding. Counselor Assistant (CA) positions available to all youth entering 9th - 12th grade who have exceptional leadership skills. 

 
 
 

 

History of camp YEY

Camp YEY (Youth Empowering Youth) was founded in 2007 and is a grant funded leadership camp designed for students entering grades 4-8 in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Camp YEY campers will receive educational lessons on subjects such as the following: peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, decision making, communication and self-esteem.

Typical activities

Your child will enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, a high ropes course, and so much more! Typical daily activities include:

  • Ropes Course (High and Low)

  • Archery

  • Life Skills Lessons

  • Field Games

  • Swimming, Canoeing and Kayaking

  • Competitive Group Games

  • Arts and Crafts

Counselor Assistant program

Camp YEY also provides an opportunity for those entering grades 9-12 to receive leadership training as a Counselor Assistant (CA). This training will prepare the students to help teach lessons, and understand their role and responsibilities during the 2 weeks of Camp YEY.

If interested in this opportunity to participate in Camp YEY, please contact us at campyey@southwestcouncil.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Who provides Camp YEY?

The Southwest Council, Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention and character education in school and community settings in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

+ What is Camp YEY?

Camp YEY (Youth Empowering Youth) is a leadership camp designed for students entering grades 4-8 in Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem. Camp YEY campers will receive educational lessons on subjects such as the following: peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, decision making, communication and self-esteem. Your child will also enjoy swimming, canoeing, archery, a high ropes course, and so much more!

Camp YEY also provides an opportunity for those entering grades 9-12 to apply and be accepted to receive leadership training as a Counselor Assistant. This training will prepare the students to help teach lessons, and understand their role and responsibilities during the 2 weeks of Camp YEY.

+ When is Camp YEY and what time does Camp start?

Camp YEY will take place in August 2019. The first week of camp will be August 5-9 for our campers going in to 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The second of camp will be August 12-16, for our campers going in to 4th and 5th grades. Camp starts at 9:00am and ends at 3:15pm.

There will be a leadership training for Counselor Assistants: date TBD.

+ Where is camp located?

Camp YEY is located at: 26 Camp Edge Road in Alloway, NJ 08001.

+ Will transportation be provided to and from camp?

There is not door-to-door transportation. Transportation pick-up and drop-off locations will be confirmed once registration forms are completed and needs are assessed. Transportation information will be sent out sometime in late July.

+ Who are the camp counselors at Camp YEY?

The camp counselors are Prevention Specialists and community educators who are employed by The Southwest Council.

+ Will lunch be provided for my camper?

Yes! A balanced lunch and snacks will be provided for all campers. Counselor Assistants will also receive a balanced lunch and snacks during the two-day training and during the weeks of camp.

+ What should my camper wear to camp?

A t-shirt will be provided for each camper on their first day. All t-shirts are adult sizes. Please have them wear their t-shirt and shorts or pants. Appropriate attire is a must so campers can be comfortable and prepared for outside activities. Sneakers must be worn. They may bring flip flops for swimming time and other water activities. If campers do not have sneakers on they will not be allowed to participate in the High Ropes Course.

+ What should my camper bring to camp?

We suggest sunscreen and a LABELED backpack or bag with a swim suit and towel. If your camper needs bug spray you can send that in as well, along with a LABELED water bottle. For the safety of each child’s possessions we request that campers leave all valuables, including cell phones at home. The Southwest Council is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

+ What types of activities will my camper participate in during camp?

Campers will be divided into teams and will participate in a wide range of leadership activities that are both interactive and educational. They will take part in outdoor and indoor activities that incorporate team building, leadership skills, self-esteem and healthy decision making. Swimming, boating, archery, arts and crafts, and a high ropes course are among the many activities that will be offered throughout the week.

+ What is Family Fun Day?

Family Fun Day is an annual Camp YEY Family BBQ that is held on the last day of camp in which The Southwest Council invites families to join their campers for the day. It is an opportunity for your child to show YOU all the exciting activities they have participated in during camp!

When? - Friday August 12th for Week 1 campers or Friday August 19th for Week 2 campers.

Where? - Camp YEY, located at 26 Camp Edge Rd. in Alloway, NJ.

What time? - We invite family members of our campers to spend the whole day with us! If you want to join us but can’t make the whole day we encourage you to come around 11:00am as the Awards Ceremony begins promptly at 11:30am.

What will we do? - Family members of campers will not only have the opportunity to spend time with their child but can also meet the staff, enjoy a great lunch, see the awards ceremony, do arts and crafts and much more!

*Be sure to let us know how many family members will be participating on your campers registration form! Also, please refrain from bringing any pets with you onto the campground.

+ Who do I contact if I need more information on Camp YEY?

Prior to August 7th,for general questions contact the Camp Director, Freddie Vega at 856-794-1011 x 316. For questions regarding Registration contact the Camp Registrar, Christa Mazzeo at 856-494-4950. All questions and concerns can also be sent to campyey@southwestcouncil.org In-case of emergency during the weeks of Camp YEY Camp Edge can be contacted at 856-935-1555. For non-emergency questions or concerns during the weeks of Camp YEY contact Hanna Lawless at 856-794-1011 x 313.

I’m afraid of heights but I got all the way up and I realized people were there to help me, so I just let go and went for it! I’m definitely coming back!
—      Camper
My children were talking about their goals and sub-goals in their lives. I feel it’s a wonderful concept for kids to be prompted to think about their success in their young lives besides having fun and enjoying different activities that camp offers.
— Parent of Camper
I like to work with kids. It makes me feel good to be a leader. It’s about learning how to deal with kids and treating them how you want to be treated.
— Counselor Assistant