Camp Thompson

- 800 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine, unplugged escape into the great outdoors, Camp Thompson, operated by the Carlisle Family YMCA, stands as a cherished, nearly century-old institution. Located in Gardners, PA, this camp is not a modern resort filled with screens and splash pads, but rather a traditional, outdoor-focused haven designed to foster confidence, character, and an authentic connection with nature.

The philosophy of Camp Thompson is beautifully summarized by the sentiment of its returning customers: “It's a good old fashioned camp experience with a high emphasis in nature. There are no fancy bells and whistles here so my baby got to really explore, play and be in the woods. It's exactly what I want in this high tech world.” This focus on fundamental outdoor fun and character-building activities—all while upholding the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—is what sets it apart.

Camp Thompson is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and programming. It offers a variety of experiences, from week-long resident (overnight) camps for ages 7–14 to specialized day camps and leadership programs for teens, all dedicated to giving Pennsylvania's youth an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, new friendships, and personal growth.

The location of Camp Thompson is arguably its biggest draw for lovers of true wilderness and outdoor adventure. Situated at 800 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, USA, the camp is nestled deep within the scenic Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which is part of the expansive Michaux State Forest.

This advantageous positioning provides campers with an immediate connection to some of Pennsylvania’s most rugged and beautiful public lands:

• Appalachian Trail Proximity: The camp is famously located along the historic Appalachian Trail (A.T.), offering unique hiking and nature exploration opportunities. The halfway point of the entire A.T. is just a mile away, adding a distinct sense of regional heritage and adventure.

• Lakeside Setting: Camp Thompson is cradled between the tranquil waters of Fuller and Laurel Lakes, providing ideal natural settings for water-based activities like canoeing and kayaking.

• Convenient Access for PA Residents: While feeling secluded, the camp is just a short, manageable drive from major population centers in South-Central Pennsylvania, including Carlisle, Harrisburg, and York. This proximity makes it a practical choice for a week-long resident camp, reducing travel stress for parents and allowing for easy drop-off and pick-up.

• Busing Options: For its day camp programs, the Carlisle Family YMCA often provides bus transportation to and from the camp property, offering an added layer of convenience for local families.

As a traditional resident camp facility, Camp Thompson is equipped to provide all the essential services required for a safe, nurturing, and immersive outdoor experience:

• Diverse Camping Programs: Offering Traditional Resident Camp (7-day), Day Camp, "My First Overnight" (a shorter program for younger campers), and Teen Leadership Programs (L.I.T. and C.I.T.).

• Accommodations: Campers stay in traditional cabins or yurts, with electricity in the sleeping areas and a modern, centrally located Bath House with clean restrooms and showers.

• Dining and Wellness: A Dining Hall provides all meals, and a Health Center with an on-site health care provider is available to address camper wellness needs.

• Group and Family Rentals: The facilities, including the dining hall, pavilion, and various activity areas, are available for rent by groups, parties, family reunions, and work retreats during non-camp times.

• Trained Staff: All camp staff undergo extensive training, including Red Cross certifications, wilderness training, and specialized abuse prevention training, ensuring professional supervision.

• Financial Assistance: The Carlisle Family YMCA offers financial assistance to qualifying families to ensure the camp experience is accessible to all local youth.

Camp Thompson’s features are specifically chosen to promote physical activity, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world—a perfect counterpoint to the high-tech demands of modern Pennsylvania life:

• High Ropes and Alpine Tower: For a true adventure challenge, the Alpine Tower (for campers age 9+) and a Giant Swing offer incredible opportunities for campers to push their personal limits and build self-confidence under careful supervision.

• Waterfront Activities: Situated by Laurel and Fuller Lakes, the camp provides excellent flat-water fun, including Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding. Swimming sessions are conducted in a safe, supervised setting.

• Outdoor Skills Development: Key activities include Outdoor Living Skills (OLS), Nature Exploration, Guided Hiking on the A.T. and surrounding trails, and Creek Walking, which help young people gain practical knowledge of their environment.

• Traditional Camp Fun: Arts & Crafts, Large Group Games, Sling Shots, Archery, and camp traditions like Color Wars, Polar Bear Plunges, and Campfires create the nostalgic, unifying experience that is central to Camp Thompson’s legacy.

• Low Ropes Initiative Park: A dedicated Low Ropes Course with over 10 elements focuses heavily on teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, essential skills for youth development.

For Pennsylvania residents looking to secure a spot for their child’s summer adventure, book a family camp weekend, or inquire about renting the facility for a group event, please use the primary contact information:

Address: 800 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, USA

Phone: (717) 486-5480

Mobile Phone: +1 717-486-5480

It is always recommended to contact the Carlisle Family YMCA or visit the official camp website for the most up-to-date program dates, registration deadlines, and fee schedules for the current season, as camp programs are highly popular and often fill up quickly.

For families across Pennsylvania, Camp Thompson represents a valuable, necessary local resource—a place where children can truly disconnect from digital life and fully engage with the physical world. Situated in the easily accessible yet deeply natural setting of the Michaux State Forest, the camp offers an unparalleled opportunity for character development right in the region's backyard.

The feedback from parents clearly emphasizes that Camp Thompson delivers on its promise of an authentic, nature-intensive experience, which is increasingly rare. In a state with such a rich outdoor heritage, this camp provides the next generation with the skills, confidence, and appreciation for the woods and waters that define Pennsylvania. It is more than just a summer program; it is a time-tested tradition, supported by the trusted mission of the YMCA, offering local youth an unforgettable rite of passage and a true adventure that makes them "happy, tired, and full of stories." It’s an investment in a child’s social and emotional growth, delivered affordably and conveniently in the heart of the Keystone State.

Camp Thompson

800 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, USA