Groups need to bring their own gear. Small group lessons are taught on YMCA property. Lessons will cover kicking, gliding, stopping, step turns, ski control, and safety tips. A brief 15-minute in lodge meeting on proper clothing and skier preparedness will occur prior to the lesson. Families are encouraged to participate. If you can walk, you can ski! Families are encouraged to participate. Group provides one leader to assist each instructor. Group provides leader to youth ratio of 1:7.  Good for 4 minimum to 12 maximum per instructor

We will have a 15 passenger van available to shuttle you and your group to the Lake Wenatchee State Park for snow play on the sledding hill (plastic sleds work best on this hill) or skiing on the cross-country ski trails. Our insurance does not allow groups to sled on YMCA camp property, so this may be the perfect option for your group. Additional cost for 4-6 hours of support is $160. Fee includes driver, rental, gas, insurance, and snow park permit for van

This is a great activity that provides good exercise and fantastic team building. The YMCA will provide snow shovels and saws, instruction and a 15-minute workshop on proper clothing and preparedness. Depending on snow conditions, the instructor will select to build a Quinsee, igloo, tree well shelter, snow cave or trench shelter.  The group must dismantle all shelters by the end of the day. Groups should dress with waterproof clothing and protective head, hand, and foot coverings. Proper dress is required to participate. Group provides leader to youth ratio of 1:7. Good for up to 30 people, minimum of 4

Plan to meet in the basement of the lodge for a one-hour indoor clinic on winter shelter building, hypothermia, and proper preparedness in the outdoors in extreme winter conditions. Following the lecture, participants will use the remainder of their  time actually building shelters. Emphasis is on building at least two different shelters (snow conditions permitting), and learning the construction techniques that make a shelter safe for use to camp in an emergency situation. Group provides leader to youth ratio of 1:7.   Good for up to 30 people with a minimum of 6

We have several pairs of plastic snowshoes to loan for a guided walk about camp. Our staff will show you our winter natural history. Dress properly and wear boots, no tennis shoes, please. Please bring a water bottle. We suggest bringing ski poles and 10 essentials (see below).  Group provides leader to youth ratio of 1:7 Good for up to 10 people with a minimum of 2

An initiative is a task presented to a group as a problem to be solved using the physical and intellectual resources of the group. These initiatives usually challenge students to practice skills such as leadership, decision making, innovative thinking, commitment and communication. Group provides one leader to assist with supervision. For safe and effective learning we can accommodate 8 to 12 participants.

Arts & Crafts (30-60 minutes, indoors)

Spend some time relaxing and making something fun to take home. Our staff will supply the materials and instruction for a camp craft or nature craft project. There is an extra charge for supplies for this option. Groups of 10-20 work best.

We recommend that you carry the following items in your daypack or fanny pack at all times when enjoying outdoor winter activities: 

• map of area

• compass

• whistle 

• flashlight 

• extra clothing 

• extra food and water 

• sunglasses

• waterproof matches and candle 

• pocket knife

• first aid kit

For activities on camp property not all of these items are necessary, but they are very important when venturing into unfamiliar areas.