We welcome you to the mountain and invite you to share in our Fire of Friendship, determined in our belief that every person shares the potential to grow in wisdom, to discover their unique and independent voice, to nurture others and to engage their communities. The fun and challenging programs we offer foster communication, trust, problem-solving and deeper spiritual connections, while preparing young people to lead and be led. The South Mountain YMCA Camps are more than a series of camping and retreat programs on the mountaintop, they are a way of life – a philosophy – that are exciting to explore and easy to embrace.

Keep the Fires Burning!

The Mission of the South Mountain YMCA is to provide a camping experience, educational and other programs that build personal leadership, character and life skills while developing caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in young people, families and communities.

The South Mountain YMCA Camps, operating as an independent YMCA Camp and Conference Center since 1983, has been providing youth recreational and educational programs for over 60 years (previously under the direction of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County). Camp Conrad Weiser and Bynden Wood Day Camp provide the primary backdrop for all activities, however program opportunities today stretch into areas of Outdoor Education and Environmental Education Programs, Curriculum Training, Corporate Conferencing, Kindred Group Retreats, Church Retreats, Parent/Child Programs, and more.

The YMCA serves over 8,500 individuals annually with participants largely drawn from the local area and surrounding communities. Our summer campers come from Pennsylvania, our neighboring states, and more than a dozen other countries.

Our team are the heart and soul of the South Mountain YMCA Camps. Our services and programs are about developing people, and it takes a dedicated and passionate team make them happen.

Facility and Location

The South Mountain YMCA Camps reside outside of Reading, PA on the border of Berks and Lancaster counties. Our properties include the beautiful vista of Cushion Peak. The main entrance to our 600 acres can be found at 201 Cushion Peak Road, Reinholds, Pa. The lodge is comprised of the Tea Room, the Auditorium (seats 100 comfortably), Bathrooms, and the Lodge Kitchen.

The Bynden Wood Lodge: is perfect for team building activities, or for special events and retreats.

The Dining Hall: built in 1948, seats 200 adults, and is perfect for events and retreats

The Wigwam: Constructed of two levels. The top floor is an auditorium with a stage, and the lower level is comprised of bathrooms and a recreation hall.

Cabins: There are 24 identical cabins on our site. Each has 14 bed for a total of 336 beds. The cabins are broken into 4 villages, and each village has it’s own shower house per village.

Shower House: Each village has a shower house with showers and toilets for 84 people.

The Durdan Chapel: The Chapel includes outdoor seating with sound support for 300 adults.

The Duberstein Equestrian Center: Ideal for hosting equestrian events, our outdoor ring features a judges booth and a concession stand.

Other facilities include: The Climbing Wall, The Schiaroli Zip Line, The High Rope Course, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, and a pool

With more than 600 acres and 90 buildings, the South Mountain YMCA Camps offer plenty to see and do. We hope you’ll join us in exploring one of the most beautiful spots in Pennsylvania.

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