Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure (OA) gives young people the opportunity to explore the environment and develop meaningful relationships while having fun. Youth challenge themselves through outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, mountain biking in and around Boston!

Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp

Application Information

Day Camp runs out of our Boston office Monday through Friday. Youth are dropped off at 8:30 AM and picked up at either 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Each day, participants travel from our office to explore outdoor activities throughout the Boston area, giving them the opportunity to experience adventure right in their own backyard. Activities may include rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and more.

Summer Recap!

Day Camp Sessions

Session 1

Age: 6-year-olds
One week session
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:00pm
July 13 – July 17, 2026

Session 2

Ages: 7-8 year-olds
Two week session
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:00pm
July 20 – July 31, 2026

Session 3

Ages: 9-11 year-olds
Two week session
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:00pm
August 3 – August 14, 2026

Apply for Day Camp

Swann Lodge

Swann Lodge Update

Since the 1970s, Swann Lodge in the Berkshire Mountains has been an integral part of YES’s programs and services. From winter overnight ski trips to Ski Butternut or Jiminy Peak to summer camp experiences, canoeing and swimming at Lake Benedict, and hiking Monument Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, Swann Lodge has been synonymous with YES and outdoor opportunities.

As YES prepares to open its new headquarters in Jamaica Plain in late 2026 and prioritizes growing access and capacity to reach more Boston youth, we have made the decision to not renew our existing lease with the State Department of Conservation and Recreation for Swann Lodge at the end of October, 2025. In keeping with YES’s longtime mission of providing Boston youth with new and enlightening experiences, YES will continue to pursue seasonal overnight opportunities for youth with other outdoor partners.

For thousands of Boston youth, there are many special Swann Lodge memories through the decades of YES programming. YES will continue to create new memories and experiences for the next generation of Boston youth!