Keep The Fires Burning
Bynden Wood Day Camp
At Bynden Wood Day Camp, we aim to inspire campers in grades K-9 to explore a world of wonder through new outdoor experiences. Our wide range of activities, including climbing, swimming, crafts, sports, and nature exploration, is designed to ignite our campers’ curiosity and foster a love of adventure. From June through August, we organize themed weeks to keep the experience fresh and exciting for campers.
Our highly trained staff from around the world serve as passionate mentors to our campers, creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We heavily invest in their training and development to provide the best possible experience for our campers.
Established in 1954, our summer camp may have been one of the first day camps in Berks County and was among the first to operate on an existing resident camp site.
Getting Started
Our day camp’s hours are from 7:45 AM until 5:15 PM, Monday-Friday. Drop off is between 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM, and pick up is between 4:15-5:15 PM. Families and campers are greeted each morning in front of the Bynden Wood Lodge. Those interested in extended care hours or the bus options from Reading and Wyomissing should scroll down for more information.
Campers in grades K-8 are grouped by age, with a 1:7 counselor-to-camper ratio and adult counselors who are 18 or older. Each day at camp is packed with a wide variety of activities. Over the course of the week, campers will have the chance to explore nature, try archery, scale our rock wall, swim in our pool, and much more.
Day Camp Daily Schedule Sample
Activities may vary by day and age group.
7:45 AM – Camper Check-In
8:40 AM – Opening Ceremony & Flag Raising
9:00 AM – Morning Activities
11:50 AM – Lunch
12:55 PM – Afternoon Activities
3:45 PM – Snack, Flag Lowering & Closing Ceremony
4:00 PM – Camper Pick-Up
Service and Leadership
The Service and Leadership Program is the perfect first step into our camper leadership journey, specially designed for campers in grades 6 to 9. Participants enjoy the excitement of traditional day camp activities while dedicating time to service projects, leadership development workshops, and designing and leading camp activities. This dynamic experience builds confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take the next step in their leadership progression as Young Adult Leaders (YALs) at Overnight Camp Conrad Weiser. Embark on this transformative path to leadership and fun! See the next steps in our Leadership Progression HERE
Bynden Wood Day Camp Dates and Rates Summer 2026
Early Bird Rate – Enjoy 5% off of tuition if paid in full by January 15th! This discount does not apply to add on options. You may register online but please call the office to apply your discount before you make your payment.
*Please Note – there is a $50 transferable, non refundable deposit due (per child & per session) at the
time of registration. Our Equestrian Day Camp requires a deposit of $250.*
See our Parent Resources page for our refund and cancellation policy.
Session 1
June 15 – June 19
$295
Theme – Fantasy & Medieval Realms
Session 2
June 22 – June 26
$295
Theme – Toys on the Move
Session 3
June 29 – July 3
$295
Theme – Pirates of the Open Seas
Session 4
July 6 – July 10
$295
Theme – Around the World Adventure
Session 3
June 29 – July 3
$295
Theme – Pirates of the Open Seas
Session 4
July 6 – July 10
$295
Theme – Around the World Adventure
Session 5
July 13 – July 17
$295
Theme – Under the Sea
Session 6
July 20 – July 24
$295
Theme – Space Explorers
Session 7
July 27 – July 31
$295
Theme – Wild West Gold Rush
Session 8
August 3 – August 7
$295
Theme – Monsters, Cryptids & Creatures
Session 9
August 10 – August 14
$295
Theme – Color Wars: Camp Olympics
- Bus Transportation AM/ PM – $75/ Week
- Riding Lessons – $170/ Week
- Extended Wednesday (included)
- Before and After Care (Included)
Equestrian Day Camp Session 1
June 29 – July 3
$500
Equestrian Day Camp Session 2
July 20 – July 24
$500
Equestrian Day Camp Session 3
August 10 – August 14
$500
Themes at Camp
At Bynden Wood Day Camp, we use weekly themes to add variety and energy to the summer—especially for campers who join us for multiple weeks or return year after year. These themes help keep our program fresh and fun without taking away from the core camp experience.
Each week’s theme is posted below: Bynden Wood Theme Weeks. While our themes inspire new games, crafts, and activities each week, they aren’t woven into every part of the day. We’re still a traditional camp at heart—just with a creative twist.
Fridays Are Theme Days
Campers are welcome (but not required) to dress up on Fridays to match the weekly theme. Think simple and fun—nothing that will get in the way of running, climbing, swimming, or playing. Please avoid fake weapons, oversized props, or costumes that could limit movement. If we do need campers to bring anything specific, we’ll send an email at the start of the week.
What to Expect
Activities: Campers can expect special themed activities during the week—sometimes including guest performers or outside vendors.
Decorations: Camp spaces may be decorated to match the theme, helping to set the scene without requiring anything extra from home.
Optional Participation: Dressing up is entirely optional. No camper will feel left out if they choose not to. Our goal is to make theme weeks feel special, not stressful. If you have questions or your camper is unsure how to join in, reach out—we’re happy to help.
2026 Themes
Week 1 — Fantasy & Medieval Realms
Step into a world of knights, castles, dragons, and enchanted adventures. Campers join royal quests, build magical creations, and bring classic fantasy to life.
Week 2 — Toys on the Move!
A week of imagination and invention as toys “come to life.” Campers design their own toy characters, complete creative challenges, and race through playful adventures.
Week 3 — Pirates of the Open Seas
Ahoy, mateys! Join pirate crews, hunt for treasure, explore secret coves, and brave the high seas of camp in a week full of water games and adventurous quests.
Week 4 — Around the World Adventure
Travel the globe without leaving camp! Celebrate international cultures, explore global games, collect passport stamps, and learn from our amazing international staff.
Week 5 — Under the Sea / Water Worlds
Make a splash with a week full of water games, ocean exploration, sea-themed crafts, and aquatic challenges. Perfect for hot summer days!
Week 6 — Space Explorers
Blast off into a cosmic adventure! Campers discover planets, dodge meteors, complete space missions, and explore the mysteries of the universe.
Week 7 — Wild West Gold Rush
Saddle up for frontier fun! Pan for gold, tackle ranch-style challenges, and join the great camp gold rush in a week packed with western adventure.
Week 8 — Monsters, Cryptids & Creatures
Discover the myth and mystery of legendary creatures! Bigfoot hunts, creature-craft labs, imaginative storytelling, and silly monster fun fill this exciting week.
Week 9 — Color Wars: Camp Olympics
Our biggest week of the summer! Campers join color teams for friendly competition, high-energy games, relays, challenges, and a spectacular closing ceremony.
2025 Parent/Guardian Handbook
Surrounded by nature, Bynden Wood Day Camp’s outdoor mountaintop facility provides campers with a unique summer camp experience. Bynden Wood’s programming is based on the four core values of the YMCA (Caring, Respect, Honesty, Responsibility and Inclusion). At Bynden Wood, our staff truly believe that “Children Come First”.
Bynden Wood Day Camp Bus Schedule
Kindly remember these are estimated times dependent on daily traffic, we will do our best to arrive within a timely window of the times posted for the morning pickup and evening drop off. Times Listed have been calculated to account for estimated travel time and a 5 minute window at each stop.
Learn More About Bynden Wood Day Camp
Bus Route Pick Up Drop Off
(Limit of 42 campers per week)
Muhlenberg Middle School
801 East Bellevue Ave, Reading, PA, 19605
Morning drop off window 7:25am to 7:30am
Evening pick up window 5:06pm to 5:11pm
Central Middle School
215 North 12th Street, Reading, PA, 19604
Morning drop off window 7:56am to 8:01am
Evening pick up window 4:35pm to 4:40pm
Berkshire Mall (Boscov’s Parking Lot)
1665 State Hill Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610
Morning drop off window 8:11am to 8:16am
Evening pick up window 4:20pm to 4:25pm
If for any reason the bus is running behind (because of a late departure from camp or heavy traffic), we will do our best to notify families by email.
Financial Assistance and Payment Plans
We offer Financial assistance and payment plans for our families in need.
- Our Financial assistance form is available HERE as well as on our Brochures and Forms Page.
- Payment plans can be easily arranged through our online registration process or by reaching out to us here at camp.
Additional Options
Extended Care Hours
All extended care hours are included in the cost of camp, campers must be registered in advanced for accountability purposes.
- Before Care (7am to 8am)
- After Care (5pm to 6pm)
- Before/After Care (7am to 6pm)
- Extended Wednesdays (campers stay late on Wednesday night for dinner and evening program, pickup is a 8:00 PM
Horseback Riding Lessons
- (5 – 1 hour lessons each week) * Additional $160/week
- M-F campers will enjoy a lesson with our Riding program staff learning the essentials of horsemanship
- Select either an AM (7:45am) or PM (4:15pm) slot at registration
- Parent/Guardian drop off & pick up required no bus services provided
Lunch at Bynden Wood Day Camp
For Summer 2025
*Example Display Below*
Tours of Camp
Several of our year-round staff call South Mountain YMCA Camps home. They reside at camp and are available to provide tours of our facilities. Please contact Camp to schedule a visit to camp!
Financial Assistance
South Mountain YMCA Camps strives to serve all people regardless of their ability to pay. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience camp. For information about our financial assistance program and/or payment plans, please contact our camp office, or access our application here.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us! 610-670-2267 or ycamps@smymca.org.
Address
South Mountain YMCA Camps
Camp & Mailing Address
201 Cushion Peak Road
Reinholds, PA 17569
GPS Coordinates
40.302203, -76.084387
N40⁰ 18.1322’, W076⁰ 5.0632’
- 610-670-5010
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