New Frontiers Day Camp

New Frontiers Day Camp is a cornerstone of summer adventure for youth in the Lower Frankford Township and greater Carlisle areas of Pennsylvania. Operated by the Carlisle Family YMCA, this camp provides an immersive outdoor experience designed to foster personal growth, social responsibility, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Situated on a sprawling 100-acre farm owned by the Y's Men and Women’s Club, the camp offers a serene and expansive landscape where children can escape the digital world and engage in authentic hands-on learning. The mission of the camp is rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that every camper feels a sense of belonging while they explore new horizons.

The program is specifically tailored for older children and young teens, typically between the ages of 9 and 12, who are ready for more advanced outdoor challenges. By utilizing the natural beauty of the Lower Frankford Township countryside, New Frontiers Day Camp transforms the local environment into a living classroom. Campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones through structured activities and themed weeks that cover everything from local ecology to physical team-building exercises. This commitment to quality outdoor programming has made the camp a trusted choice for Pennsylvania parents who want their children to develop leadership skills and environmental stewardship in a safe, accredited setting.

Located at 700 Stone Church Road in the heart of Lower Frankford Township, PA 17015, the camp is easily accessible for residents of Cumberland County. While the site itself feels remote and tranquil, it is conveniently located about ten minutes from downtown Carlisle. The camp operates with a streamlined transportation system, where campers meet at the Carlisle Family YMCA in the morning and are bussed to the 100-acre farm. This ensures that the camp is accessible even for working parents who may not have the time to drive directly to the rural site. The facility is designed to be inclusive, offering wheelchair-accessible parking and accommodations to ensure that the natural playground is available to all children in the community.

• Daily bus transportation provided from the Carlisle Family YMCA to the camp site.
• Structured daily schedules from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with extended care options available from 7:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Weekly themed educational sessions such as "Things That Fly," "Water, Lakes & Streams," and "Science & Games."
• Designated swim days held twice a week at the YMCA pool facility.
• Weekly field trips held every Thursday to local Pennsylvania attractions and natural landmarks.
• Financial assistance programs through the YMCA to ensure camp is accessible to all families.
• American Camp Association (ACA) accredited programming meeting over 300 safety and quality standards.
• Professional, highly trained counseling staff dedicated to youth mentorship.

One of the primary highlights of New Frontiers Day Camp is the sheer scale of the 100-acre property. This "Natural Playground" allows for a diversity of activities that smaller day camps simply cannot offer. From exploring wooded trails to participating in large-scale group games across open fields, the physical environment is a major draw for local families. The camp’s status as one of only three programs within a 30-mile radius of Carlisle to be ACA accredited speaks to the high level of safety and professionalism maintained at the site. This accreditation provides local parents with peace of mind, knowing that the camp adheres to rigorous standards for health, safety, and program quality.

• 100 acres of natural beauty featuring forests, fields, and environmental education stations.
• Interactive STEM-based themes that rotate weekly to keep the experience fresh for multi-week campers.
• A focus on environmental and outdoor education that utilizes the unique geography of Lower Frankford Township.
• A balanced mix of high-energy physical activities and creative, contemplative crafts.
• Swimming sessions that include swim level testing to ensure water safety for all participants.
• Opportunities for "Mountain Biking" and other adventure sports on the farm’s rugged terrain.
• A strong community dynamic that encourages peer-to-peer friendship and teamwork.
• Close proximity to the Michaux State Forest and Pine Grove Furnace State Park for extended exploration.

For parents looking to enroll their children or learn more about the seasonal schedule, the Carlisle Family YMCA serves as the primary point of contact. Registration typically begins in early March, with different tiers for YMCA members and non-members. Because this is a high-demand program in the Carlisle area, early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in the themed weeks of your choice.

Address: 700 Stone Church Road, Carlisle, PA 17015, USA

Phone: (717) 243-2525

When deciding on a summer program in the Cumberland County region, New Frontiers Day Camp is worth choosing because it offers a true "away-from-home" experience without the need for overnight stays. The 100-acre farm provides a level of immersion in nature that is rare for a day camp, allowing children to truly connect with the Pennsylvania landscape. The program is specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional day camps and resident camping, providing older children with the independence they crave while maintaining the safety and structure that parents value.

Furthermore, the camp’s affiliation with the Carlisle Family YMCA means that you are investing in a program with deep roots in the community. The YMCA has been a beacon of service for 150 years, and New Frontiers Day Camp carries on that legacy of excellence. By choosing this camp, you are providing your child with more than just a summer of fun; you are giving them the opportunity to join a legacy of adventure, to learn from mentors who model positive character traits, and to build lifelong memories in the beautiful outdoors of Lower Frankford Township. Whether your child is interested in the science of flight, the mysteries of local streams, or simply making new friends in a beautiful setting, New Frontiers is an exceptional local choice.