HOW TO REGISTER

In 2025, YMCA Camp High Harbour registration will take place through Camp In Touch.

• Lake Burton Alumni Registration opens on September 7th at 7:00 AM 
• Lake Allatoona Alumni Registration opens on September 7th at 8:00 AM 
• 2024 Waitlisted Camper Registration opens on September 11th at 10:00am
• New Camper Registration opens, September 18th at 10:00 AM

Please review the details below for additional information.

Access how to register information with a printable PDF.

YMCA Membership
If you do not have a current YMCA facility or program membership, you will need to become a member to participate in Y camp. Facility membership includes annual access to all Y wellness and youth facilities in metro Atlanta throughout the year. Program membership provides your family with access to register for all Y programs including camp, youth sports, afterschool, and more for only $50 annually. Either membership type is required to be able to attend Y Camp High Harbour. For more information about facility membership, please click here to visit our membership page. If you prefer to become a program member, the membership can be added on to your camp registration.

Attending Camp With a Friend
When registering at Lake Allatoona please enroll in the same program as your desired bunkmate. Cabin placements are determined based on gender and on the program the camper is registered for. 

Lake Burton 
Space is provided during registration for you to provide your camper's bunkmate request. Each camper can request up to two bunkmates. Such requests will generally be honored if: 
• Requests are mutual
• Campers are within one grade level of each other
• Campers are registered for the same program and session
• Campers are the same gender

Some campers request to be bunked with several other campers. Because of various cabin sizes, we can only commit to facilitating two requests per camper. We try to honor old friendships, encourage new ones, and create a cabin group that will enable a fabulous experience for each camper.

FREQUENTLY ASKED REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
What is considered an alumni for registration?
All campers who were registered and attended camp in 2024 as well as their siblings, will be eligible to register starting on the alumni dates.

I was on the wait list in 2024, when do I register?
You will register on September 11th.

What happens if someone without alumni status registers before September 18th?
Any registrations completed before the family is eligible are subject to cancellation. Those families will be invited to re-register beginning on September 18th.

How do I apply for financial aid?
We have an application that you need to fill out and return with your most recent 1040 tax return, along with the listed documentation that applies to your circumstances (paystubs, unemployment, disability etc.). Please email registration@highharbour.org to start the financial aid request.

How does an ALC (Advanced Leadership Camper) and LIT (Leader in Training) apply for camp?
They begin their application with the Camper Registration form, through Camp In Touch. Once they have applied, we will reach out to set up an interview. Applications for ALC and LIT are not dependent on their registration timestamp since they interview for their placements. Because of this, we recommend registering any siblings who will not be in the ALA program first.

I was an (insert rank here) last summer, what is my next steps for 2025?
2024 ALC signs up for LIT in 2025
2024 LIT can apply for CIT (Counselor in Training) via staff application. The staff application process has begun, please check your email for details.

My child falls in between two ALA programs, which should I sign up for?
They are eligible to choose either program. Our Advice: If they have never participated in the ALA program, they should start out with the first program they are eligible for as the programs build off of one another.

Is the number of weeks each camper can attend limited?
Campers can attend 4 sessions per site. We offer special programs on select weekends for carryover campers who stay over the weekend.

When are camp fees due and do I need to make monthly payments?
The non-refundable deposits are due at the time of registration. All remaining camp fees are due by April 15th. You can make monthly payments or pay in full at time of registration. Monthly payments will be processed on the next business day after the 15th.

Our plans have changed. What are my options?
• Cancellations made on or before February 28 will receive a refund minus deposits, card processing fees, and the YMCA Program Membership fee.
• Cancellations made between March 1 and April 1 will receive a 50% refund minus deposits, card processing fees, and the YMCA Program Membership fee.
• Cancellations made after April 1 are not eligible for a refund. 

Where do I register for the BOLD (Boys Outdoor Leadership Development) and GOLD (Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) trips?
BOLD/GOLD registration is under the Lake Allatoona links.

My camper’s desired program and session are full. What should I do?
You can place your camper on the wait list and/or select another session where spaces are available. A deposit is not required to hold a space on the wait list. You will receive an email letting you know your camper is on the wait list. If you do not see this email in your inbox, please check your junk mail and mark the email as “not junk” so you will see future emails. If a space opens, we will contact you to see if you still want the space.

How do I know that I successfully registered my camper?
You will receive a confirmation email for each completed registration. If you do not see this email in your inbox, please check your junk mail and mark the email as “not junk” so you will see future emails.

When will I know my child's cabin assignment?
For Lake Allatoona campers, you will select your child's cabin during the registration process. 

For Lake Burton campers, families will select a program for each camper during registration but will not select a cabin. This will allow campers of any eligible grade an equal chance of getting a space in each program. Campers will be placed in cabins with age-appropriate peers. Cabin rosters will still be made of campers within one or two grade levels of each other. The range of campers in each cabin may vary from what they have been in the past and even from week to week depending on how many campers register in a particular grade level. This will prevent campers of a particular grade level from being on a waitlist while spaces still remain in the program they are interested in attending. Campers will receive their cabin placement within 2 months of registration.

The above questions relate to registration only. Scroll down for a list of all YMCA Camp High Harbour FAQs.

Access this information with a printable PDF.

PATHFINDERS 
This program is for boys and girls who have completed 1st-6th grades and features all the fun in camp activities. Pathfinders are exposed to a variety of activities and learn new skills under the supervision of our qualified counselors. Pathfinders will experience morning and night devotions with skits, games, singing and dancing. Night program will feature camp-wide games and activities for all ages. Programs and activities are age/ability specific. In-camp activities include but are not limited to: Tubing, Archery, Team Sports, Arts & Crafts, Ropes Course, Paddle Boards, Kayaking/Canoeing, Swimming (Blob and Trampoline), Drama, Dance, Nature Study and STEAM.  

WATERSPORTS  
This program is for boys and girls who have completed 7th or 8th grade and features boating activities. Watersports participants spend all their skill time on the waterfront. Campers are exposed to new water activities and are introduced to many water sport activities that include but are not limited to: tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and knee boarding. Their schedule, other than skill time, is in step with Pathfinders. Water safety is emphasized to help campers become more aware of precautions and polices in, on and around bodies of water.  

TRAILBLAZERS (Lake Burton Only) 
This program is for boys and girls who have completed 7th or 8th and is an adventure-based program geared towards our older campers who are ready to take the next step in their overnight camping experience. Trailblazer camper's schedule is different from our Pathfinders or Watersports campers. Trailblazer campers will experience two out of camp adventure trips during the week. These trips will include camping out under the stars. Outdoor ethics will be taught to help our campers protect the outdoors for future generations.   

BOLD/GOLD (Lake Allatoona Only)
Boys Outdoor Leadership Development/Girls Outdoor Leadership Development
This program consists of a 5- day single-gender wilderness trip off site. These adventures give young people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and explore the natural world. Participants will disconnect from technology and focus on connecting to those around them and nature. During this time, teens will learn outdoor skills while engaging in the BOLD/GOLD curriculum to develop leadership skills, gain confidence, and make lifelong friends.

NAVIGATORS  
This program is for boys and girls who have completed 7th or 8th grade and is a hybrid of our leadership and adventure programs. The Navigators program is for the teen who wants to experience all that camp has to offer in one week. Campers will participate in specialty camp skills (ropes course, boating activities, etc.), work together to complete a service project, participate in leadership training each day and debrief by the campfire at night. Navigator campers will have the unique opportunity to grow their leadership skills while enjoying the friends, fun, and fellowship that only YMCA Camp High Harbour can offer. An interview is NOT required to participate in the Navigators Program. 

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (ALA)  
Year-round leadership programs for young men and women completing grades 8th-10th. Available at Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona, ALC campers stay in cabins with other ALC campers only, while LITs are assigned cabins for each of their 3 weeks at camp.

Leader-In-Training (LIT) - This three-week summer experience is for teens who have completed 9th and/or 10th grades. All interested teens will register online, and an interview will be scheduled to determine placement. LITs must be at least 15 years old and currently in 9th or 10th grade.
Lake Allatoona
Session 1-3: June 1 - June 21
Session 4-6: June 22 - July 12
Session 7-9: June 13 - August 2

Lake Burton
Session 1-3: June 1 - June 21
Session 4-6: June 22 - July 12
Session 7-9: June 13 - August 2

Advanced Leadership Academy (ALC) - Four, two week sessions for teens who have completed 8th or 9th grade. ALCs must be at least 14 years old and currently in 8th or 9th grade.
Session 1-2: June 1 – June 14
Session 3-4: June 15 – June 28 
Session 5-6: June 29 – July 12
Session 7-8: July 13 – July 26

*NOTE: An interview is required to participate in the ALC and/or LIT programs.  

Click here for a printable PDF.

Camp Session Dates
Camp Session Dates

Advanced Leadership Campers (ALC)
Session 1-2: June 1 – June 14
Session 3-4: June 15 – June 28 
Session 5-6: June 29 – July 12
Session 7-8: July 13 – July 26

Leaders-In-Training (LIT)
Lake Allatoona: 
Session 1-3: June 1 - June 21
Session 4-6: June 22 - July 12
Session 7-9: July 13 - August 2

Lake Burton:
Session 1-3: June 1 - June 21
Session 4-6: June 22 - July 12
Session 7-9: July 13 - August 2

View dates in a printable PDF.

Pathfinders: One-week traditional camp sessions for kids who 
have completed 1st-7th grades. 
Fee: $1,492 per session

Navigators: One-week sessions of a hybrid programming combining leadership and adventure camp for kids who have completed 7th or 8th grade. 

Fee: $1,492 per session 

Watersports: One-week camp sessions focusing on boating activities for kids who have completed 7th or 8th grade. 

Fee: $1,592 per session 

Trailblazers (Lake Burton Only): One-week high adventure camp sessions for kids who have completed 7th or 8th grade. 

Fee: $1,592 per session 

Bold & Gold (Lake Allatoona Only): Five-day outdoor, wilderness expedition focused 
on leadership development for kids ages 11-16. 

Fee: $1,192 per session

Advanced Leadership Campers (ALC): Four, two-week sessions for teens who have completed 8th or 9th grade.
Fee: $2,984 per session. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is included in each session of camp. All payments due by April 15.

Leaders-In-Training (LIT): This three-week summer experience is for teens who have completed 9th and/or 10th grades. All interested teens will register online, and an interview will be scheduled to determine placement.
Fee: $4,476 per session. A non-refundable deposit of $450 is included in each session of camp.

View rates in a printable PDF.

Session 1: June 1 - June 7
Surfs Up Summer! Join us as we heat things up this summer, surfer style.

Session 2: June 8 - June 14
Time Warp by the Decade! Travel back in time and experience the music and culture from past (or future) decades - go to a sock hop disco, make tie-dry and build a time machine to get back to the present day.

Session 3: June 15 - June 21
Movie Magic! Movie Magic is a theme to take our campers on a journey into many different genres and movie classics that have existed over time. Kids can reminisce on Disney films, enjoy the excitement of adventure films, and many more possibilities. 

Session 4: June 22 - June 28th
Carnival! Our annual High Harbour Carnival is a camper favorite! Enjoy snow cones, cotton candy, carnival games and lots of fun! It's time to celebrate session 4 carnival style with all of your new camp friends. 

Session 5: June 29 - July 5
Party in the USA! The Fourth of July makes this a true celebration! Bring your red, white and blue attire for the field party. The whole camp will join together to celebrate our nation's birthday. The session will not disappoint. 

Session 6: July 6 - July 12
Camp's Got Talent! Similar to the television show, America's Got Talent, we are bringing that excitement of the stage to camp! Camp's Got Talent will allow campers to showcase an individuals strength or be a fun member of their cabin's talented group. 

Session 7: July 13 - July 19
Holiday Week! Holiday's are usually spent with your family...this year we wanted our campers to have a chance to celebrate a holiday with their camp family!

Session 8: July 20 - July 26
Sports Week! Time to support your favorite team or player during your session at camp! Whether it's football, baseball, soccer, or basketball, show your team spirit by wearing your favorite jersey, t-shirt or cap (but no hats in the dining hall!)

Session 9: July 27 - August 2 
Blast Off! We take off into outer space this week. Your future astrophysicists and astronauts will love exploring the galaxy or they can completely use their imagination to invent other planets and worlds. Either way this week of camp is always a "blast".

Click here to view the themes in a PDF.

The 2025 packing list is coming soon.

Yes, we are fully accredited by the American Camp Association.  

Our staff complete a required staff training course each year before camp begins and must be certified in CPR, First Aid, AED and emergency water safety. All staff who work in or around water must be lifeguard certified. Our camper to staff ratio is 7:1. This number does not include our program directors and professional staff who live on-site.  

Yes, each site has at least one medical personnel who lives on-site full time. We hire physicians, physician’s assistants, paramedics and registered nurses to administer medications and first aid to your camper. Any prescription medications that need to be administered must be packed out by parents as noted in our parent information handbook. Our infirmary is fully stocked with all over-the-counter medications that campers might need.  

Our goal is to offer a life changing camping experience to as many campers as possible; however, our camp is not designed to accommodate all needs at this time. Due to the large number of campers who attend camp, we cannot accommodate campers who require one-on-one supervision. If you need help finding a camp that can accommodate your camper’s needs, call our office.

We can accommodate some special dietary needs, such as vegetarian; however, we cannot accommodate campers with life threatening food allergies that require special cooking processes. Also, due to the large number of campers who attend camp, we cannot accommodate campers who require one-on-one supervision. We do not knowingly serve peanut products at camp. However, we do purchase our food from large food vendors who mass produce food products in the same factories as peanuts. Also, we cannot monitor all food brought to camp by campers. If you need help finding a camp that can accommodate your camper’s needs, call our office.

YMCA Camp High Harbour is open to and serving all campers while ensuring that everyone who enters the gates of camp has a safe and fun experience. All campers are entitled to experience and enjoy all aspects of camp. Out Camper Code of Conduct is as follows: 

As a camper, I will:  

• Respect the other participants and treat them as I would like to be treated.  

• Show respect to the camp staff and cooperate with their instructions.  

• Communicate in an appropriate manner, not using foul language or gestures, harsh words or tone of voice.  

• Responsibly conduct my behavior and refrain from unwelcome teasing, bullying or other unkind behaviors.  

• Refrain from causing bodily harm to others. This includes pushing, kicking, hitting or fighting as this will not be tolerated at camp.  

• Be respectful of the camp property and the property of others.  

• Leave my cellphone and other communication devices at home.  

• Not enter into another cabin other than my own.  

• Not bring any tobacco products, alcohol, non-prescribed drugs or weapons to camp.  

• Take full responsibility for my actions and understand that irresponsible behavior will result in disciplinary action.  

Adult Code of Conduct:

YMCA Camp High Harbour promises to always treat adults and campers with respect at all times. We ask that families adhere to that same promise. Any behavior deemed as misconduct towards our staff or the program, including but not limited to threats, harassment, swearing, or pick-up violations, may necessitate the termination of your child's participation in the program. Your cooperation and adherence to our guidelines are greatly appreciated.

The 2025 handbook is coming soon. 

At YMCA Camp High Harbour, we foster mind, body, and spirit in a welcoming, inclusive environment. While rooted in Judeo-Christian heritage, Camp High Harbour embraces campers from all walks of life and is open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or backgrounds.

Camp traditions include daily devotionals each morning and night, blessings at meals, and worship songs during morning and nighttime assemblies. These practices, totaling about 45 minutes daily, are integral to our community spirit. However, participation is voluntary — campers may join in, observe, or choose not to participate.

Our character development program draws inspiration from various sources, including biblical wisdom. We aim to cultivate values such as compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility, community, and personal growth.

We respect and celebrate the diversity of our campers and strive to ensure everyone feels valued and included. Our goal is to provide a safe, enriching environment where all campers can grow, form friendships, and have fun.

Is YMCA Camp High Harbour an accredited camp?
Yes, we are fully accredited by the American Camp Association.

Religious FAQs
1. Is YMCA Camp High Harbour open to children of all religious backgrounds? Yes, YMCA Camp High Harbour welcomes campers of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. While our camp is rooted in Judeo-Christian values and traditions, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.

2. Do campers have to participate in religious activities? Participation in religious activities such as daily devotionals, blessings at meals, and worship songs is encouraged but not mandatory. Campers may join in, observe, or choose not to participate. We respect each camper's individual beliefs and provide an atmosphere where they can choose their level of involvement.

3. How does YMCA Camp High Harbour accommodate campers of different faiths? We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our staff is trained to respect and celebrate diversity. We encourage open dialogue and provide support to ensure that all campers feel comfortable and included.

4. Can non-Christian campers feel comfortable at YMCA Camp High Harbour? Absolutely. Many of our campers come from diverse backgrounds, and we prioritize creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all. We believe that the values of kindness, responsibility, respect, and community are universal.

5. Who can I contact if I have more questions about the camp's inclusivity? We want to ensure that every camper has a positive and enriching experience at YMCA Camp High Harbour. If you have any further questions or concerns about our camp's inclusivity, please feel free to contact our Executive Directors: 

- Lake Burton: Jessie Emmons at JessieE@ymcaatlanta.org 
- Lake Allatoona: Aaron Zerkle at AaronZ@ymcaatlanta.org

Click here for a printable PDF of the faith FAQs.

How are your staff trained, and what is the camper-staff ratio?
Our staff complete a required staff training course each year before camp begins and must be certified in CPR, First Aid, AED and emergency water safety. All staff who work in or around water must be lifeguard certified. Our camper to staff ratio is 7:1. This number does not include our program directors and professional staff who live on-site.

Do you have medical staff on-site?
Yes, each site has at least one medical personnel who lives on-site full time. We hire physicians, physician’s assistants, paramedics and registered nurses to administer medications and first aid to your camper. Any prescription medications that need to be administered must be packed out by parents as noted in our parent information handbook. Our infirmary is fully stocked with all over-the-counter medications that campers might need.

When are camp fees due and do I need to make monthly payments?
All camp fees are due by April 15th. You can make monthly payments or pay in full at time of registration.

Do I need to have a new physical signed by a physician each year?
Yes, all campers must have an updated health form that has been signed by a physician on file every year. Physicals must be dated within 12 months of the camp session.

Do I need to send my camper’s belongings in a trunk? If so, what size?
Although most campers do use a trunk, it is not required. We ask that all trunks be no larger than 15 inches in height.

Do I need to send all items listed on the “Things to Bring” list or label my camper’s items? The list of clothing is a suggested list of items. We ask that you send old clothes and shoes to camp. All items that you send to camp should be labeled with your child’s first and last name, not just initials. The 2025 Things To Bring List will be posted in March 2025.

Can I send a care package to my camper?
We have a no package policy. We ask that parents only utilize the e-mail provided.

Can I send e-mails to my camper?
Yes, directions for sending camper e-mails will be sent two weeks before your camper arrives at camp. All e-mails need to be sent before noon each day. Campers cannot respond to e-mails.

When is arrival and departure from camp?
All arrival and departure times are detailed in our parent information handbook which will be updated and posted online no later than 60 days prior to the start of camp. Due to the very limited parking at our Lake Burton site, you will experience an extended wait time for those who choose to arrive prior to 3:00 pm. 

Do you provide transportation? 
We do not provide transportation.

Special circumstances for opening or closing day?
Any special circumstances for opening day must be cleared through the camp office prior to camp. Any special circumstances for closing day must be cleared through staff at site your camper is attending.

Does my camper need to bring special clothes for the “theme of the week”?
No. If campers have any costumes, decorations or accessories that are in line with the theme of the week, they can bring them. However, you do not need to purchase anything special for these themes.

Does camp have a dress code?
Yes. The dress code is detailed in our Parent Handbook, which will be posted 60 days prior to the start of camp.

Can my camper bring a cell phone to camp?
Can my camper make phone calls home? It is policy of YMCA Camp High Harbour to not allow cell phones to be brought into camp by campers. Cell phones will be removed from the cabin and returned on closing day. Camp will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or broken cell phones. Should an emergency arise with your camper while at camp, you will receive a phone call from our camp personnel. Should you need to get a message to your camper, please contact camp directly.

Does my camper need money while at camp?
Your camper does not need any money at camp.

Is camp based on current grade, or rising grade?
Camp is based on the current grade for the 2024-2025 school year. See our Dates & Rates flyer for more details about dates, rates, and cabin ages.

My child falls in between 2 ALA programs, which should I sign up for?
They are eligible to choose either program. Our Advice: If they have never participated in the ALA program, they should start out with the first program they are eligible for as the programs build off of one another.

How do I apply for financial aid?
We have an application that you need to fill out and return with your most recent 1040 tax return, along with the listed documentation that applies to your circumstance (paystubs, unemployment, disability, etc). Please email registration@highharbour.org to start the financial aid request.

Please view the link below on how to view pictures of campers, and our photo and media philosophy. 

View our photo and media philosophy here.