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Reviews

YMCA Camp Shaver


User Reviews

Megan Elkins

June 28, 2025

TRAUMATIZING AND FILTHY. The rain leaked in my son's cabin drenching his bedding and the contents of his suitcase. children from another cabin threw his sweater and socks (and those of other children) into the river. His raincoat was stolen. His group leaders were too lazy to walk to boys to the bathroom, and instructed them to go in the woods. Boys were both pooping and urinating behind the cabin. They also had to change in their sleeping bags, again, because the leader didn't want to walk them to the changing rooms. He reported that the bathrooms had poop everywhere, and that they were asked to scrub urinals and the inside of toilets with a washcloth. He was only able to take two showers during the entire week. His leader consistently forgot to give him his medicine. And, when they went on the overnight trip, he forgot their food, so from lunch on Wednesday to lunch on Thursday he had only one bagel to sustain him. He was bullied, the leaders in his cabin and boys were constantly swearing, and his sister found him in tears every night. He was not permitted to call me when he asked to do so. I am deeply troubled because not a single caring adult checked in on him, he was neglected, and the facility is in shambles.

Sol Lopez

June 21, 2025

My 11 yr old went there for the first time and he had such a great time! He spoke very highly of the camp counselors, the activities, the food. Thank you to CIT Ocean and Chris P Cream and Travis Merrill the camp Director for your hard work and dedication to providing kids with a fun, healthy and memorable experience. Highly recommend!

charrr

June 12, 2023

this camp is the best summer camp EVER , the staff are fantastic and although the cabins , bathhouse, dining hall, and pretty much everything is worn down, you still have so much fun! The food is really good for a summer camp, the actives always are extremely fun and no matter what everyone is having a fantastic time. the staff is well trained and you can really tell. A family member of mine passed away while i was here and the staff , (locki) comforted me and made me feel much better. No matter the circumstances i never had a bad time. everyone is super fun and makes sure you are always laughing, not a single dry moment here. you will have so much fun as long as you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the mud pit or dance to silly dances at the campfire. honestly i have zero to no complaints . FANTASTIC CAMP!!

Annette Underhill

February 17, 2020

Camp Shaver is a extremely well run camp for children and teenagers both. The staff are completely devoted to providing a fun ,high-quality experience for the campers. I have volunteered at camp Shaver for 12 years and it is always one of the best weeks of my year!!

Tanya Enns

July 07, 2019

Our oldest went to camp here for many years and our youngest son just started Camp Shaver. The staff and camp experience is wonderful, building social skills and self confidence. And the Jemez mountains are absolutely beautiful!

Ras Bruno

September 23, 2018

Watch out for shady Jémez Pueblo. Received a speeding ticket for 40MPH in a 30 MPH area. No signage clearly visible in area. Camp shaver is nice but I would avoid area. Several friends have been ticketed there. I guess it's the main revenue source for them. I will be avoiding going through the Pueblo ever again. Also, two cars ahead of me passed the officer at similar speed,never braked and we're not pulled over. I am happy to slow down in an area with children and pedestrians and it would be nice for the Pueblo to put up reduce speed signage on the north end the Jémez Pueblo like they put approaching from the south.

Shannell Townsend

February 07, 2018

My daughter has came to this camp since 2014. Every summer she winds up staying additional weeks. Last year, she stayed 5 weeks and I had to prey her away. This is a very safe and engaging camp. The staff are well trained and always have your child's safety on their mind while making sure they are fully engaged and having a blast in their activities! My daughter's love for the outdoors grows with every camp visit. She has developed some great friendships along with skill sets she never realized she possessed. She's already making goals to be a camp leader next summer. Great place, great people!!

Desiree Provencio

August 07, 2016

Great place. Amazing and positive staff. I was extremely impressed with their staff mentorship program. They literally breed their positive culture. My son returned home more mature and independent. I could see his personal growth. He was extremely home sick and does not want to return again next year because of this. I'm hoping he reconsiders when the time comes.