Bynden Wood Day Camp

Inspiring Campers to Explore a World of Wonder

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 – Archery
9:50 AM – Swim Time
10:40 AM – Arts & Crafts
11:50 AM – Lunch
12:55 PM – Climbing Tower
1:40 PM – Nature Hike
2:40 PM – Campasaurus Rex (Large Camp Game)
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 2025

Bynden Wood Day Camp does not have any mandatory length of commitment when registering. Simply register for the weeks you want or need. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with waitlists for full weeks and programs.

Session 1 - $310

June 16 – June 20
Safari

Session 2 - $310

June 23 – June 27
Under The Sea

Session 3 - $310

June 30 – July 4
RED, WHITE, & BLUE

**Please note we WILL have camp 4 July

Session 4 - $310

July 7 – July 11
Pirates

Session 5 - $310

July 14 – July 18
Dinosaurs

Session 6 - $310

July 21 – July 25
Hollywood

Session 7 - $310

July 28 – August 1
Wild West

Session 8 - $310

August 4 – August 8
Halloween

Session 9 - $310

August 11 – August 15
Color Wars!

Bus Transportation AM/ PM – $70/ Week
Riding Lessons – $160/ Week
Extended Wednesday (included)
Before and After Care (Included)

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 on our website: 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.

2025 Themes

Week 1: Safari
Pack your bags, young explorers! It’s time to embark on an exciting global adventure during Safari Week at Bynden Wood. Campers will explore the wonders of wildlife and far-off lands, celebrating the incredible diversity of our planet.

Week 2: Under the Sea
Dive in! This week we’ll take an underwater journey from oceans to rivers and ponds. Expect lots of water-themed fun and creative activities inspired by life beneath the surface.

Week 3: Red, White, and Blue
Celebrate the spirit of community and country during Red, White, and Blue Week! We’ll honor the colors of our flag with all-camp games, themed crafts, and a strong sense of togetherness.

Week 4: Pirates
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready to set sail for Pirate Week. Campers will hunt for hidden treasures, learn the ropes of pirate life, and embrace their inner buccaneers on this swashbuckling adventure.

Week 5: Dinosaurs
Step back in time to the land of the dinosaurs! Campers will discover prehistoric creatures, explore fossil fun, and maybe even dig like real paleontologists.

Week 6: Hollywood
Lights, camera, action! Campers will get a taste of the spotlight during Hollywood Week—whether they love acting, music, or the magic of movie-making. Glam meets camp in this star-studded week.

Week 7: Wild West
Yee-haw! Saddle up for a rootin’-tootin’ good time at the Bynden Wood Corral. Cowboys and cowgirls will experience the spirit of the frontier with games, stories, and Wild West adventures.

Week 8: Halloween
It’s spooky season—Bynden Wood style! Halloween Week brings early fall vibes, costumes, themed games, and festive fun (without the cold weather or dark evenings).

Week 9: Color Wars
Color Wars takes over camp! Campers will be divided into teams for a week of friendly competition, team spirit, and high-energy challenges. Who will take the title this year?

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.

SMYMCA Camp Conrad Weiser was voted Best of Berks.

Berks County Living, 2015 – 2023