HISTORY OF CAMP COSBY
Since 1922 YMCA Camp Cosby has offered youth safe and exciting adventures. It all began when the YMCA purchased 200 acres of land just north of Trussville with a house and a 26-acre lake, establishing YMCA Camp Cosby in 1922. Later another 400 acres were donated by the Hodges Milling company. Cosby started as a camp for boys only and later started offering sessions for girls as well. Camp Cosby was named after W.M. Cosby who was the President of the Birmingham YMCA at the time. In 1972 Cosby was relocated to its current location on Lake Logan Martin with over a mile of waterfront, rolling hills and plenty of space for exciting activities.
LOCATION
Located on 135 acres nestled in east Alabama, Camp Cosby, provides the perfect atmosphere for Sleepaway Camp, Outdoor Education, Family Events and Retreats. On the shores of Lake Logan Martin campers, students and guests enjoy beautiful shorelines, amazing sunsets and 10 miles of hiking trails.
COMMUNITY
Cosby is more than a community – it’s a family. Cosby’s campers and participants come from the Southern Region of the United States, across the United States and from around the world. This diverse group of people fosters a community of understanding and acceptance while encouraging independence, creativity and meaningful friendships.
YMCA Camp Cosby is a part of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham community. To learn more and find a Y near you to become a member, visit www.ymcabham.org
MISSION
To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
VALUES
Caring – We show a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being.
Honesty – We are truthful in what we say and do.
Respect – We value the worth of every person and create an environment for everyone to see the value in themselves.
Responsibility – We do what is right and we are accountable for our promises and actions.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure everyone, regardless of gender, income, faith, sexual orientation or cultural background, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—everything we do stems from it.
ACA Accredited
YMCA Camp Cosby is accredited by the American Camping Association and is visited every three years to ensure compliance with ACA standards.
ACA Accreditation assures that Camp Cosby has made every effort in health and safety as it is measured against 300 national standards that go a step beyond basic state licensing requirements. ACA-accredited camps voluntarily go through a rigorous risk-management process to provide a safe, supervised and positive environment with controlled boundaries where children can learn, grow and thrive.
Why is ACA Accreditation important?
BENEFITS OF SLEEPAWAY CAMP
DISCONNECTING TO RECONNECT
Cosby campers spend their whole week electronic free. This process helps them disconnect from technology and reconnect with their imagination, critical thinking skills and the people around them. Without the distractions of electronic devices campers connect with their cabin mates quicker and at a deeper level than they normally would. Through this connection and shared interests, campers form lifelong friendships and develop lifelong skills.
FRIENDSHIP
“No one gets me like my camp friends!” The Cosby environment encourages campers to be themselves allowing them to connect on a deeper level with their cabin mates and other friends at camp. Counselors foster opportunities for friendship building through group activities, cabin time and encouraging shared interests among campers.
INDEPENDENCE AND CONFIDENCE
“My home away from home!” Our campers and staff feel this way after just one week at Camp Cosby. The reason is because of the supportive environment that allows our campers safe adventures. While Cosby develops friendships and sense of community there are also plenty of opportunities to try new activities, and challenge themselves through group and independent experiences. Each night campers sign up for activities allowing them to make and keep track of their own schedule. Along with activities, campers are responsible for taking care of their belongings and helping keep the cabin clean. Trying new things and caring for oneself are great ways to build independence and confidence.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
At Cosby we practice the YMCA’s Four Core Values of Honesty, Respect, Caring and Responsibility along with our “I am Third” philosophy. Each night in devotions campers reflect on their day and share what they have learned. As a staff we also focus on the Seven Cs of Resiliency looking for any opportunity to provide learning and development for our camper. The Seven Cs of Resiliency are Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, Contribution, Coping and Control. The Seven Cs help campers learn to manage conflict in a healthy way.
BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Outdoor Classroom Mission
Outdoor Classroom is not just “camp,” it is an educational experience with important implications for the student both in the outdoors and back in the classroom. Our program is designed to be an extension of the YMCA mission. The Outdoor Classroom mission strives to encourage students to learn more about themselves while living and working cooperatively in a community environment. Schools provide full participation in the planning process and in the program itself which ensures a rewarding educational experience. The directors and staff are trained and experienced in every aspect of the program, and are very willing to help make your school’s stay at YMCA Camp Cosby a rewarding one.
Outdoor Classroom Goals
- To enable students to understand and experience the relationship between themselves and the natural environment, and their roles as stewards
- To strengthen social relationships between:
- Teachers, adults and students
- Students and their peers
- To give the student a sense of independence and self-identity
- To give all students a chance to succeed in a non-graded environment
- To encourage active participation in outdoor activities
- To promote the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
The teaching staff at YMCA Camp Cosby believes that outdoor education involves more than just understanding environmental sciences and issues. We must also provide opportunities for students to learn effective communication skills, and build the foundations of real cooperation.
YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM’S AREAS OF FOCUS
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.
HEALTHY LIVING
In communities across the Nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We believe in fostering the care and respect all people need and deserve, we will thoughtfully listen and aggressively respond to our communities’ most critical social needs.
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