Start Your Countdown to Summer at YMCA Camp Zehnder Open Houses

(Feb. 2, 2026) – It may be cold outside, but it’s never too early to start planning for summer. Jersey Shore families looking for a truly unique summer filled with a mixture of adventure, creativity and fun are invited to explore YMCA Camp Zehnder during a series of open houses at the camp’s 140-acre location at 3911 Herbertsville Road in Wall Township.

A special incentive will be offered for guests at February open houses – all will be entered to win a free week of camp with the purchase of one or more weeks of Y Camp Zehnder 2026 summer camp (*excluding specialty camps).

The open houses will take place on the following dates and times:

• Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 10 a.m.– 1 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sunday, May 3, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Campers ages 3 to 15 will have the best summer ever as they take advantage of all that Camp Zehnder has to offer, including a beach-front lake, an outdoor aquatics complex, climbing walls, a zipline, archery range, gaga pits, and a KaBoom! Playground.

“Summer will be here before we know it,” said Camp Zehnder Director Karen Little. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about Camp Zehnder to join us at our open house. Whether you spend one week or your entire summer with us, it’s an unforgettable experience where children can connect with nature, learn new skills and make new friends.”

Get the Camp Zehnder Experience at Open Houses

The open houses give families the chance to get a taste of a Camp Zehnder summer. Kids can take part in a number of activities available during the summer, while parents and guardians can see firsthand the welcoming and nurturing environment Camp Zehnder provides for every camper.

The open house will also feature job information for teens and adults. Available positions include camp counselors, certified swim instructors, lifeguards, and other seasonal camp roles.

“I encourage anyone who enjoys working with kids to stop by the job table during the open house,” said Little. “Every Camp Zehnder staff member is a role model for local youth, so we take great care in selecting individuals who will help campers grow and thrive.”

Unleash Curiosity at Camp Zehnder Specialty Camps

Campers will get inspired by weekly camp themes that add even more fun and creativity to their experience. 2026 Camp Zehnder weekly themes include:

• Color Challenge
• Up, Up & Away
• Harry Potter
• Jurassic Park
• Pirates and Mermaids
• Nonsensical Nature

The 2026 Camp Zehnder season also features specialty camps which allow kids to spend time pursuing their passions or exploring new interests. Each specialty camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This season’s specialty camps feature sports, arts, and nature activities.

• New “Wilderness Discovery Camp:” Campers ages 9-12 will enjoy the great outdoors while learning how to identify plants and animal tracks, trail safety, proper camping essentials, archery, fishing and more. Participants will also get time on the zipline, cargo net, and climbing wall and take a dip in the pool.
• Archery Camp: In this beginner level archery camp, kids ages 8-10 will learn basic skills using longbow, recurve and compound bows and enjoy target games.
• Art Camp: Campers ages 11-13 will work across a variety of mediums including clay, paint, pastel, charcoal and pencil. They will also learn skills in jewelry design, leatherworking, and weaving.
• Lifeguard in Training Camp: Experience a day in the life of a camp lifeguard. Open to campers ages 11-14, participants will learn about what is required to be a lifeguard, including CPR and first aid education.

Camp Zehnder also offers Enhanced RMIT (Role Model in Training). Through this intensive four-week career development program, teens ages 14-15 build skills for future success through mentorship, camp-based learning activities and interactive camp projects under the guidance of RMIT instructors.

Sign Up for the Best Summer Ever

Registration for the 2026 Camp Zehnder season is already open. The season will run from June 22 to August 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for families with busy schedules.

Registration and other information for Camp Zehnder can be found online at https://ymcanj.org/camp/ymca-camp-zehnder/.

To help ensure summer camp is accessible to all families in the Jersey Shore area, the Y provides financial assistance on a sliding scale as part of its charitable mission and dedication to those in need. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org/fa.

The Y will also offer summer day camps at facility locations in Freehold, Red Bank, Old Bridge and Ocean County. School district “wrap around” camps are being hosted at school-based locations in Matawan-Aberdeen and Marlboro, conveniently bringing the fun of YMCA summer camps to local schools. Information is available online at www.ymcanj.org/camp.

About YMCA of the Jersey Shore
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 60,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support and chronic disease prevention, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we’re proud to be named a USA Today Top Workplace for 2025 and Top Workplace in New Jersey 2022-2025 by NJ Advance Media. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.