Bynden Wood Day Camp

Inspiring Campers to Explore a World of Wonder

At Bynden Wood Day Camp, we aim to inspire campers 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. We also 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 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

The Day Camp hours are from 7:45 AM until 5:15 PM, Monday-Friday. Drop off times 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM, Pick up times 4:15-5:15 PM. Families and campers are greeted in front of the Bynden Wood Lodge.

Campers, grades k-8th, are assigned to their Groups in ratios of 1:7 campers (of the same age) with adult counselors (18 or older). The camp day is filled with a diverse activity schedule. Spread across the week, campers will have opportunities to experience nature, archery, rock climbing, swimming in our pool, and more.

Bynden Wood Day Camp Dates Summer 2024

Session 1

June 17 – June 21
Around the World

Session 2

June 24 – June 28
Pirates

Session 3

July 1 – July 5
RED, WHITE, & BLUE

**Please note we WILL have camp 4 July**

Session 4

July 8 – July 12
Sci-Fi Adventure

Session 5

July 15 – July 19
Safar

Session 6

July 22 – July 26
Splish Splash

Session 7

July 29 – August 2
Renaissance

Session 8

August 5 – August 9
Super Heroes

Session 9

August 12 – August 16
Color Wars!

2024 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”.

Download Handbook

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.

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.

Bynden Wood Dates & Rates 2024

See Dates & Rates

Bynden Wood Day Camp does not have any mandatory length of commitment when registering.

Simply register for the weeks you want or need.

But, we are first come first serve with waitlists on full weeks and programs.

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 Thursday (campers stay late on Thursday night for dinner and evening program, pickup between 7:30pm and 8pm)

Horseback Riding Lessons

(5 – 1 hour lessons each week) * Additional $155/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

Goggle Woods

Campers travel from camp each afternoon by van to GoggleWorks Center for the Arts for in-depth morning art classes. After their classes, Campers return to camp in time for afternoon pickup. * Additional $105/week

Only offered Sessions three (3), six (6), and nine (9)

Lunch at Bynden Wood Day Camp

For Summer 2024
*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.