Our Progressive Program

Overview

Overview

A Summer of Choice

Choice is the key to ensuring a fantastic summer at Black Bear Lake! Campers design their own unique schedule each week from a wide variety of electives that includes everything from professionally coached sports to creative expression through crafts, dance, and performing arts. We offer it all, in a unique, flexible program that instills a spirit of adventure and promotes teamwork, friendship, and a sense of community. We believe these are the true treasures of the summer camp experience.

Nursery-Kindergarten
Two girls jumping on water trampoline

Nursery-Kindergarten

Junior Cubs & Cubs

For our junior cubs (3-year-olds) and cubs (4- to 5-year-olds), we prioritize providing a healthy adjustment to camp with programs specifically tailored to their needs. Cubs participate in a wide array of both indoor and outdoor activities using our kid-sized equipment and playing fields! Each day is packed with carefully designed activities with space for quiet story time, a rest period, and snacks. Our Cub Staff members are all adults, hired and specifically trained to work with toddlers and preschoolers, and will ensure that you stay up to date on your camper’s experience.

Grades 1-2
Kindergarten boys running
Kindergarten girls eating snow cones
Kindergarten boy on slide with staff

Grades 1-2

Lower Camp

These campers get to experience the responsibility of making a schedule through our choice elective program. They get to choose four electives each week, meeting other Lower Campers with similar interests. Outside of the electives, campers have daily swim lessons in our heated pools and other activities that are designed specifically for their age group! Each group of campers is supervised by three experienced staff members who guide the campers throughout their day.

Grades 3-4
Girl upside down at aerial park
Young girl leading a horse
Director Ian giving a boy a high five

Grades 3-4

Junior Camp

When campers move into Junior Camp, the available activities and the accompanying responsibilities grow with them! Campers get to choose four electives for the week and meet other Junior Campers with similar interests. Throughout their day, they’ll go between group activities and electives—learning how to deal with transitions and new friendships. All of their activities are designed especially for their age group, while younger and older children are involved in completely different activities in other areas of the campus.

Grades 5-6
Boy going down waterslide
Girl climbing up rock tower
Two girls smiling

Grades 5-6

Senior Camp

As campers progress through our program their responsibilities grow as does their choice of electives. Senior Campers get to choose five electives for the week, designing their schedule. Throughout their day, they’ll have group activities and electives—continuing to learn how to deal with transitions and new friendships. Plus, Senior Campers get a daily free swim in our heated pools!

Grades 7-8
Boy on trampoline at gymnastics
Boys playing gaga
Girl at the pottery wheel

Grades 7-8

Upper Camp

One of the older groups at camp, our 7th and 8th graders are now ready to create their summer schedule and make friends while achieving personal goals in areas that interest them. They enjoy the full benefits of our choice elective program, with five elective periods available for them to fill. Upper Campers also have a one-day trip included in their program. Surrounded by peers their age and handled without kid gloves, this group of campers begins to experience life as young adults.

Grades 9-10
Girl on slide
Boy scuba diving
Boys fishing

Grades 9-10

Staff Training Enrichment Program (STEP)

Here, we aim to provide teens with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to become confident leaders. STEP is designed for older campers who want to use their camp experience to grow socially and emotionally at camp and beyond. During the program, campers have the opportunity to learn about leadership styles, communication techniques, qualities of compassion, self-awareness, integrity, and hard work while also developing confidence and life-long friendships.

However, the summer isn’t all about learning and responsibility—there are plenty of fun times to be had! STEP Campers have a weekly day trip to places like Pt. Pleasant Beach, Top Golf, and Medieval Times, plus enjoy one overnight trip. It’s always our goal to strike the right balance between responsibility and recreation.

Boys on the Wibit
Girls water tubing

Summer Registration is Open

Secure your spot today and join us for a summer of friendship, adventure, and spirit!