YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir

your Retreat at YMCA Camp

We are excited to host your group’s event, retreat, or conference. We can accommodate overnight groups of 25 to 224 participants in our cabins and yurts, with additional space available in our tent camping areas during and 4 platform tents in early fall until Labor Day. We have meeting spaces that can accommodate groups of 15-600 participants.  Let us put together an activity schedule and meal plan that suits your needs, or work with a director to plan your own customized retreat. We are available for spring retreats from April 1st– June 1st. Our fall season is mid-August through October 31st. Note: We are not able to accommodate weddings.  

Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabins

    Our beautiful cabins include a tiled entry way with coat hooks and shoe cubbies, a central carpeted area surrounded by bunk beds, and a modern restroom with a double sink, two individually enclosed toilets, and two private showers with adjoining changing area. Designed to stay cool during the summer months, yet equipped with heat for the cooler months, each of our ten cabins will sleep up to 14 people comfortably.

    • $400/night | $375/2+ nights
    • Sleeps 14 max
    • Includes electricity, central heat, and bathroom

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yurts

      Our seven unique yurts are surprisingly roomy and comfortable with an open carpeted area encircled by six bunk beds to accommodate up to twelve people. Each provides warm weather ventilation for the summer, heat for the cooler months, and are located within easy walking distance to our modern shower house.

      • $290/night | $260/2+ nights
      • Sleeps 12 max
      • Includes electricity, heat, and shower house access nearby

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Platform Tents

      Our four platform tents offer a close-to-nature experience for a reduced price. They are situated in a cozy village with a central campfire area and picnic tables. Each tent has 5 comfortable bunk beds to house up to 10.

      • $115/night
      • Sleeps 10 max
      • Available for retreats from Memorial Day through Labor Day
      • Located near the shower house
      • No electricity or heat; portable electric lanterns available upon request

      Meeting Spaces

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Triple J Lodge

      The Triple J Lodge is the camp’s dining hall and a large indoor meeting space that can be set up to meet a wide variety of needs.  It features a large projection screen for presentations, a sound system, Wi-Fi access, and plenty of space for a variety of seating and table arrangements. 
        • Price: $460 per day
        • Seating for up to 350 people
        • Indoor gas fireplace
        • Outdoor fireplace with small gathering place
        • Outdoor patio with flagpoles
        • Outdoor porch area with seating and beautiful views of the wetlands and mountains

       

       

       

       

       

       

      The Barn

      The barn is separated into two meeting spaces; one is a casual lounge space and the other is a flexible space that can be set up for working on arts and crafts, a small conference area, or an effective workspace.  This building is equipped with flat screen TVs that can connect to your laptop, and has access to our Wi-Fi network. 
        • Price: $230 per day
        • Lounge side room: seats up to 30 people
        • Arts & crafts side room: seats up to 50 people
        • Either room can be set up with tables and chairs to meet a variety of needs

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Pavilion

      The pavilion offers a close-to-nature feel with the shelter of a large covered area.  This space can be set up in a variety of seating or table arrangements for up to 200 people.  It has a large fireplace and access to electricity.  This area can be set up with a small stage, mobile sound system, or mobile projector upon request.

      • Price: $230/day
      • Seats up to 200 people
      • Includes outdoor fireplace

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Starlight Amphitheater

      Starlight amphitheater is a rustic campfire area with a small stage, located close to cabins and yurts. It can accommodate up to 200 people on log seating.

      • Price: $230 per day
      • Seats up to 200 people

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Council Campfire

      Council Campfire is the perfect place for an evening group gathering or campfire program.  It features gorgeous views of the valley below, a large stage, a campfire pit and seating for up to 200 people on pine benches. Please note: Council Campfire is located a moderate walk away from main camp and includes a short but moderately steep uphill walk.  Groups with guests who have mobility challenges may want to choose other group meeting spaces. 

      • Price: $230 per day
      • Seats up to 200 people

      Staff Facilitated Activities

      Waterfront Swimming

      • Price: $145 per lifeguard per hour
      • One lifeguard per 25 participants is required
      • Life Jackets required regardless of swimming ability (provided)
      • YMCA Camp Lifeguard(s) must be on duty

      Dock Fishing

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 25 participants at a time
      • Life Jackets required (provided)
      • YMCA Camp Lifeguard must be on duty

      Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 20 participants at a time
      • Life Jackets required (provided)
      • YMCA Camp Lifeguard must be on duty

      Buzz Climbing Tower

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 20 participants per hour
      • Helmets and seat harnesses required (provided)
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member
      • Participants ages 16 and up can opt to be belay trained upon request

      High Circuit Course

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 8 participants per hour
      • Helmets and full-body harnesses required (provided)
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      Low Circuit Course

      • Price: $145 per facilitator per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per facilitator
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      High or Low V

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per hour
      • Helmets and full-body harnesses required for High V(provided)
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      Giant Swing

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per hour
      • Helmets and full-body harnesses required (provided)
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      Zipline

      • Price: $145 per hour
      • Up to 20 participants per hour
      • Helmets and full-body harnesses required (provided)
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      Teambuilding

      • Price: $115 per facilitator per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per facilitator

      Arts & Crafts

      • Price: $115 per hour
      • Up to 25 participants per hour
      • Supplies included (inquire about project options)

      Archery

      • Pricing: $115/hour
      • Up to 15 participants per hour
      • Equipment and instruction included
      • Must be supervised by a trained YMCA camp staff member

      Mountain Biking

      • Price: $115 per hour for guided rides
      • Up to 15 participants per ride
      • Bicycles and helmets provided
      • $200 per day for group open access to camp bicycles
      • Guests may bring their own bikes to camp
      • Helmets required for all riders on camp
      • May be self-guided (ask a staff member for recommended trails)

      BMX Pump Track Biking

      • Price: $115 per hour for guided rides
      • Up to 15 participants per ride
      • $200 per day for group open access to bicycles
      • Guests may bring their own bikes to camp
      • Helmets required for all riders on camp (provided)
      • May be self-guided

      Outdoor Living Skills

      • Price: $115 per facilitator per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per facilitator
      • Choose from a variety of topics including: topo maps, compass & orienteering, GPS & Geocaching, fire building, fire by friction, outdoor cooking, tarp shelters, debris huts, foraging for useful plants, primitive traps, flint & steel fires, water purification, backcountry safety, Leave No Trace, planning backcountry trips, outdoor gear, etc.
      • All relevant supplies and equipment included

      Outdoor Learning

      • Price: $115 per facilitator per hour
      • Up to 15 participants per facilitator
      • Choose from a variety of topics, including: aquatic ecosystems & macro-invertebrates, water cycle, forest ecology, plant identification, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, fire ecology, wetlands, weather, etc. (inquire for complete list)
      • All relevant supplies and equipment included

      STEM Makerspace

      • Price: $115 per facilitator per hour
      • Up to 20 participants per facilitator
      • Choose from a variety of projects including: straw rockets, create a flashlight, electronics exploration, make do cardboard creations, binary bracelets, physical science on the challenge course, open inquiry/creation, marble rollercoasters, etc. (inquire for a complete list)
      • All relevant supplies and equipment included

      Natural Rock Wall

      • Facilitated through contract with Idaho Mountain Guides, rates may vary
      • Seat harness and helmet required (provided)
      • Includes belay instruction, climbing instruction, and open climb time on our natural rock wall

      Self Facilitated Activities

      • Disc Golf
      • Gaga Ball
      • Basketball
      • Pickleball
      • Carpetball
      • Foosball
      • Giant Games: Giant Chess/Checkers, Tumbling Towers, Uno, Cards, Connect 4
      • Board games, card games & puzzles
      • Camp “little lending library”
      • Music area: Guitars, drums, organ, keyboards, percussion
      • Lawn Games: Croquet, Bocce, Skittles, Lawn Bowling, Horseshoes
      • Field Games: Soccer, Football, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball

      Availability

      Retreats are available to book from April 1 -June 1 & from August 12 – November 1.

      Inquire about special pricing for youth-serving organizations, organizations that serve underserved populations, or mid-week booking in April, September, or October.

      Retreats are not available during scheduled YMCA programs.

      Multiple groups may be scheduled at the same time unless a group reserves and pays for all sleeping spaces.

      Availability calendar

      Quick Facts

      Booking Procedures

      Reservation Process

      • Fill out an inquiry form or contact the director
      • Tour the camp and/or meet with a director to discuss your group’s needs
      • Pay $500 deposit to reserve your dates and spaces
      • Receive and return User Agreement

      Preparing for your trip:

      • Recruit participants and chaperones (if you are bringing individuals under age 18)
      • Create your retreat schedule or send your preferences to us and we will create your schedule
      • Secure transportation
      • Secure insurance for the event: guest groups are required to submit a certificate of insurance showing at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and listing the YMCA as an additionally insured party
      • Gather information about your participants, including dietary requirements,
      • Assign lodging to participants

      Two weeks before your event

      • Send finalized numbers
      • Pay any outstanding fees
      • Send any dietary needs for your group
      • Collect participant waivers for any participants under 18 (required for all participants, however adults can sign the waivers upon arrival at camp)

      Upon Arrival

      • All adult participants will present photo ID to be checked in using the RAPTOR background check system
      • Return all signed waivers to the program director or coordinator
      • Report to the Lodge for safety orientation
      • Vehicles may drive to the base of the lodging villages to drop off luggage, then please return vehicles to the lower parking lot near the lodge.
      • Enjoy your retreat!

      After your retreat: within 2 weeks of departure

      • Book your retreat for the following year; returning groups have priority on the corresponding dates for the next year if they pay a deposit of $500 within 2 weeks of departure.
      • Pay any remaining fees
      • Distribute participant surveys and group leader surveys
      Food

      • Groups and Retreats Food Service

        We are happy to provide a wide variety of options for meal service. You may opt to select your menu from the menus linked below, allow our professional chef will select meals to meet your needs,  or work with our chef to put together a specialty menu for your group. 

        Standard cafeteria style meals:

        • Breakfast $11/person
        • Lunch $13/person
        • Dinner $15/person
        • Snacks or S’mores $3/person

        Standard Menu

        Upgraded Buffet Style meals

        • Breakfast $16/person
        • Lunch $13/person
        • Dinner $19/person
        • Snacks, Appetizers, or S’mores Buffet $5/person

        Upgraded Menu

        Premium Plated Meals

        • Due to fluctuation in availability and costs of premium meats and other ingredients, pricing for premium meals is based off current market value 2 weeks before your event
        • Typical pricing: $18-$35/plate

        Premium Menu

      Check-in and Check-out

      Check-in for rentals is after 1pm at the office. The group leader must check-in with Y Camp staff upon arrival. Early check-in can be arranged prior arrival. 

      Check-out is 11am. The group leader must check-out with Y Camp staff before departure.

      Additional Amenities

      For an additional fee, your group can book the Archery and BB range, the rock wall, or rent a mountain bike. Prices vary, please see our Rental Confirmation packet for full pricing information.

      Additional FAQs

      Pets

      Pets are not allowed at Y Camp. However, certified canine assistance animal companions are allowed.

      What is your cancellation policy?

      Groups may cancel up to two weeks prior to their event and receive a refund of fees paid minus their $500 deposit. Groups who cancel less than two weeks ahead of their group’s check-in day will forfeit their deposit as well as any paid fees.

      Plans changed, can I get my deposit back?

      The $500 deposit is non-refundable; however we are happy to transfer your deposit to another reservation or program within a calendar year, provided you have canceled at least 2 weeks prior to your event.

      Will other groups be at camp?

      We have a large, spread-out campus and we frequently host multiple groups at the same time. We can only guarantee you will be the only group if you reserve and pay for all available sleeping spaces on camp ($6000 per night).

      Alcohol/Tobacco policy

      We are a tobacco free facility.  We only allow alcohol on camp for specialty events where no minors under age 21 are present.  Groups opting to serve alcohol must provide their own beverages, additional insurance coverage, and all alcohol must be dispensed by contracted catering company with proper licensing to serve alcohol in the state of Idaho. Please contact us for more information on our alcohol policy.

      Can I have a wedding at camp?

      Due to changes in Valley County tax law and its interpretation, we are no longer able to host weddings at camp.

      Do I need insurance for my event?

      All guest groups are required to carry insurance that includes liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 and lists the YMCA as an additionally insured party.

      What if my number of guests change?

      We encourage groups to remain in contact with the program director about changes in guest numbers to allow for the most availability of additional space as possible. If additional guests are added, groups must increase the number of lodging units to remain within the maximum number guests for those spaces, additional space subject to availability.  If the number of guests is decreased from estimated numbers, extra space and meals may be cancelled up to 2 weeks prior to arrival on camp. 

      I have mobility impairments, is camp ADA accessible?

      While the camp is not certified ADA accessible, we make every effort to accommodate the needs of mobility impaired individuals. We have two cabins equipped with a ramp, and we are happy to help with the transportation of individuals with mobility impairments using our fleet of UTVs.  All restrooms are equipped with accessible stalls. 

      What if I forget something?

      We keep a variety of frequently forgotten items at camp and we are happy to loan or give these items to guests as needed.  Please ask a staff member for assistance.

      Is there a camp store?

      We have a camp store that carries a variety of souvenirs for participants, including camp T-Shirts & Sweatshirts, stuffed animals, hats, sunglasses, friendship bracelets, etc.  We plan on having the camp store open at least once during each guest group stay unless otherwise requested by the group leader.  Items are priced between $1.00 and $30.  Cards and cash are accepted.