YMCA Camp High Harbour offers overnight summer camps, day camps and year-round retreats at two beautiful camp locations on Lake Allatoona and Lake Burton. At YMCA Camp High Harbour, campers forge friendships, strengthen confidence, build character, and create lasting memories. YMCA camp allows children to escape their screens and life’s everyday stress, and just enjoy the great outdoors! We look forward to providing a safe and engaging sleep-away camp experience for your children next summer!
Located only 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Y Camp High Harbour at Lake Allatoona features 84 acres of scenic beauty for campers to explore. Experience our outdoor climbing wall, full ropes course with zip line, archery range, athletic field, sports courts, nature trails and waterfront equipped with pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and everyone’s favorite BLOB! Our Lake Allatoona location features traditional camp, watersports camp and the Advanced Leadership Academy. We are also basecamp for YMCA BOLD/GOLD.
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains of Clayton, Y Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton is a 74-acre camp with a mile of shoreline on the banks of one of our state’s most beautiful lakes. Your children can experience our full ropes course with climbing wall, archery range, athletic field, sports court, nature trails and waterfront equipped with pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and of course the BLOB! Our Lake Burton location features traditional camp programs as well as watersports camp, our high adventure Trailblazer program, and the Advanced Leadership Academy.
In 2026, YMCA Camp High Harbour registration will take place through Camp In Touch.
Advanced Leadership Academy Interview Registration opens Wednesday, August 13th at 10 AM
Lake Burton Alumni Registration opens Saturday, September 20th at 7:00 AM
Lake Allatoona Alumni Registration opens Saturday, September 20th at 8:00 AM
2025 Waitlisted Camper Registration opens Wednesday, September 24th at 10:00am
New Camper Registration opens Wednesday, October 1st at 10:00 AM
Details for 2026 overnight camp programs are coming soon!
2026 camp dates are coming soon!
2026 rates for Camp High Harbour are coming soon!
2026 themes are comoing soon!
2026 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.
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 a welcoming environment where everyone feels 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 a welcoming environment. 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? 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. Click here to view the Camp High Harbour Packing List.
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, e-mails can be sent by the registering family via Camp InTouch or the Campanion App. The registering family can create guest accounts to allow others to email their camper with a Camp InTouch login. All e-mails need to be sent before noon each day. Campers cannot respond to e-mails. There is no cost to the registering family to send a basic email. Emails sent by guests or with add ons like puzzles or stationery do require a small fee.
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 2025-2026 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.
How does Camp High Harbour prepare for emergencies?
We maintain a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan that covers a wide range of scenarios. All staff are trained annually on emergency protocols, and our leadership team reinforces those procedures with refreshers and drills throughout the summer.
What types of emergencies are covered in your Emergency Action Plan?
We prepare for a variety of emergency situations, including:
Environmental and Site-Based:
Medical and Health-Related:
Security and Safety-Related:
How will I be notified in the event of an emergency?
We use both text messaging and email through CampMinder to communicate with families. Important: You must opt in to receive text messages. Please log in to your CampMinder account and verify your contact preferences to ensure you are signed up for text alerts.
If camp staff are unable to access the system (e.g., during an evacuation), a designated off-site YMCA leader will send updates on our behalf.
Where do campers go during severe weather?
Each of our camp locations has clearly designated storm shelters and emergency gathering points should evacuation be necessary. Staff are trained to escort and account for campers quickly and calmly in these situations.
Are staff trained in emergency response?
Yes. All staff are certified in CPR, first aid, and AED. They also receive training in how to respond to a wide range of emergency situations, including medical, environmental, and security-related incidents.
What communication tools are used at camp?
We use two-way radios across camp for immediate communication among staff and leadership, especially in areas where cell service may be limited.
