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.

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.

Camp YEY will take place in August.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Item desA 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.

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.

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.

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? - During your camper’s assigned Camp YEY week!

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. 

Please send all Camp YEY inquiries to campyey@southwestcouncil.org

In case of emergency during the weeks of camp, please contact 856-935-1555.

For non-emergency questions or concerns during the weeks of camp, please contact 856-794-1011 × 313.