The International Camper Exchange Program (ICEP)
We are happy to announce that our partners from both YMCA of Spain and YMCA of Hannover Germany are open to exchange for summer 2023. Proposals are being worked on for Camp Conrad Weiser to host delegates from Spain and Germany as well as send American campers to each country.
What is pre registration? Due to the uncertainty of restrictions of each governing body involved in international exchange, Camp Conrad Weiser and It’s international partners wish to keep the health and safety of all participants in priority.
A pre registration will be available to all teens 13-15 to hold a spot should the final approval come to run the trip.
For pre registration, there will be no deposit or tuition collected.
Pre registration is not a guaranteed spot on an ICEP trip.
Each participant will need to fill out an application and participate in an interview.
Interviews will be conducted beginning in February.
Cost and dates are approximate. Final dates and rates will be communicated before a commitment to go on the trip.
ICEP Germany
YMCA Camp Abbensen, Germany: Since 1951, we have been fortunate to have a camper exchange program with the Hanover YMCA of Germany and Camp Abbensen. On alternating years, 13-14 teens from Germany attend Camp Conrad Weiser and 13-14 teens fly to Germany to attend Camp Abbensen’s International Camp. This 3-week program is well-established and boasts 2 weeks of camp and 1 week of travel. While German language skills are encouraged, being fluent in the language is not necessary. Campers from Germany, Spain, Russia and Camp Conrad Weiser participate in this program. The Camp Abbesen’s International Camp is conducted in English.
Location: Hannover, Germany.
Participant Age: 13-15 years-old.
Travel Week Destinations: Hannover, Munich, and Berlin.
Home stay: Campers will stay with a home stay family for 1 week. This family is vetted by the YMCA of Germany.
Chaperones: The US Delegation to this camp will be organized and chaperoned by the South Mountain YMCA Camps’ staff.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted until January 31st. Interviews will be conducted during the month of February. Decisions will me made March 1st. Mandatory (in-person) information and preparation meeting session will be conducted on Sunday, March 19th.
ICEP Spain
Cost ≈$4,400 (Price may fluctuate based on airfare rates)
Location: * New Location – Salduero, Spain – Watch Here
Participant Age: 14-16 years-old.
Travel Week Destinations: TBD. The Camp Conrad Weiser Director is traveling to Spain in Mid-January to finalize travel and program details. Stay tuned.
Chaperones: The US Delegation to this camp will be organized and chaperoned by the South Mountain YMCA Camps’ staff.
The International Camp Program:
The international Camp at Camp Salduero runs two weeks
The Travel portion of the trip is 1 week
In previous years, travelers have visited Priego, Toledo, Cuenca and Madrid.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted until January 31st. Interviews will be conducted during the month of February. Decisions will me made March 1st. Mandatory (in-person) information and preparation meeting session will be conducted on Sunday, March 19th.
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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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| Program Name | Grade | Age | Hightlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Overnight Camps | {{ ''.slice(0, -5) }} ∼ | 18+ {{ '7 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} ∼ 18+ {{ '17 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} | SMYMCA Camp Conrad Weiser was voted Best of Berks County Living from 2015 - 2021 |
| Literary Theme Camps | {{ '5th grade'.slice(0, -5) }} 5th grade ∼ 10th grade | 18+ {{ '10 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} ∼ 18+ {{ '15 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} | SMYMCA Camp Conrad Weiser was voted Best of Berks County Living from 2015 - 2021 |
| Horse Riding Camp | {{ '4th grade'.slice(0, -5) }} 4th grade ∼ 10th grade | 18+ {{ '9 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} ∼ 18+ {{ '15 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} | This camp is for the serious equestrian, spend half of the day at the barn and learn all about horses. |
| Teen Adventure & Leadership Programs | {{ '5th grade'.slice(0, -5) }} 5th grade ∼ 10th grade | 18+ {{ '12 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} ∼ 18+ {{ '16 yrs'.slice(0, -3) }} | SMYMCA Camp Conrad Weiser was voted Best of Berks County Living from 2015 - 2021 |
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