The YES (The Youth Excellence Society) Reviews 

My child totally enjoyed this camp. It was her first time at a camp and away from home for a week. She enjoyed herself so much, she keeps talking about the camp to her friends, telling her friends t... Read full review

My daughter got sponsored by my work to go. She took some time and thought, and wrote up an essay on why my work should pick her to be "sponsored" to go to the camp. My work chose her essay/application out of all the ones t...

She said the itinerary was good and very organized. She enjoyed "the reflections" that were every night before they went to bed. At first it was hard for her to open up, but she pushed through it, knowing that she is being su...

Yes, my daughter made great friends and friendships that will last. They all exchanged cell phone numbers on the last day before they all left. It definitely helped to share the experience with others and support each other ...

The camp helped her get out of her comfort zone and speak in front of others in a respectful and supporting way. My daughter is a quiet teenager and does not open much at all to me. The camp gave her guidance to be a leader ...

The staff were really friendly and welcoming and made all the kids comfortable during the week. If the kids had any issues or concerns they were comfortable approaching the staff members for help or guidance and respect their...

The packing list that we were given ahead of time for the camp was very detailed which in turn eased some of the anxiety that my daughter had before going to the camp. Explaining the no phone to the camp was tough for my daug...

This camp was really good for pre-teen, teenagers. Helps them branch out to meet new people and get to experience things that they normally would not experience being close to home/friends. Being forced to do something, alon...

Two of my children attend YES camp. They find camp week (and reunions) a chance to be free - be themselves and thrive in an accepting environment. They come home with a plethora of new connections, le... Read full review

I heard about this camp from a friend who had heard from another friend that it was a wonderful summer experience. We have been able to attend camp with support. Otherwise, our kids’ ability to attend would be in jeopardy....

I didn’t have any specific expectations of activities - when they are at camp I want them to try new things and also be willing to step out of their comfort zones. The camp staff is very attuned to creating safe, caring con...

My kids have a degree of difficulty making friends and have found the week of camp to be an ‘arms open’ environment that they really feel supported by. Camp friends are geographically separated after their week together, b...

I think YES emphasizes social and emotional skills and life lessons, amidst typical camp activities. They learn leadership skills and how to take care of themselves. They grow in confidence and take with them lessons to lean i...

I have had very positive interactions with camp staff. They are competent and communicative managers which is highly appreciated. They are also very caring about the experience of each camper. It is personal as well, but alway...

I don’t think there was much that we packed that went unused. I may have wanted to pack a few more towels as they are used for swimming and showering each day for a week and never get laundered. For first time campers, I...

If your child is looking for a week of pure fun - this is a great camp to attend. On top of that, life lessons, leadership skills, and a camp family are formed. The YES continues to be a highlight of the summer for my kids. On...