Camp Traditions
The Heart of What Makes SJYC, Well... SJYC
At SJYC, traditions are everything. They’re the songs that get stuck in your head. The hikes you’ll never forget. The pinecone you toss into the fire with your nature name.
These aren’t just activities — they’re the moments that make SJYC feel like your second home. Campers and CITs look forward to these experiences all year long, and generations of staff have passed them down with love.
Morning Flagpole
Each day at SJYC starts together.
We gather at the flagpole, where two counselors are honored with the task of raising the flag — a daily recognition of those who go above and beyond. There’s a sense of pride in the air, and often a few creative surprises to follow.
After announcements and spirit-boosting cheers, cabins compete for a very important prize: first in line for breakfast. Whether it’s a skit, a dance, or a spontaneous camp-wide chant, the energy is always high and hilarious.
Campfire Songs
There’s nothing quite like a SJYC campfire.
Under a sky full of stars, surrounded by pines and friends, we sing the songs that have been passed down from one summer to the next. They're silly, loud, joyful — and sometimes surprisingly heartfelt. These are the songs you end up singing on the bus ride home, in the shower, and maybe even years later when you least expect it.
Some campfire favorites:
The Princess Pat (she sailed across the seven seas)
Fred the Moose (who drank a lot of juice)
The Striped Skunk (who needed a bath — badly)
The Warm and Fuzzy Song, written by SJYC staffers Annalise Petruzella and Julia Pitman, based on We’re Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes. Take a listen!
Hike to the Bluffs
This is our signature trail tradition.
Campers and CITs make the hike out to the Bluffs — a scenic stretch off the Arizona Trail that SJYC campers have explored for generations. It’s a rite of passage that blends nature, challenge, and shared experience.
The views are stunning. The trail is filled with laughter, stories, and trail mix. And when you reach the top? It’s easy to understand why this hike is a forever favorite.
Spirit of the Fire
As twilight settles over the forest, everyone gathers at the campfire ring. Each person chooses a nature name — something from the natural world that speaks to them: maybe it’s River, Pinecone, Echo, or Bearclaw.
Then, one by one, they step forward, share their name, and toss a pinecone into the fire. With each spark, the flames grow stronger: a symbol of how every individual adds to the spirit of the whole camp.
At the end, we call our names out into the mountain — and sometimes, if everything is just right, the mountain calls back.
Giz Ridge
Discovered by a counselor named Giz in the 1970s, this quick hike leads campers and CITs to a ridge that overlooks Mormon Meadow. From the top, you can see a glimpse of camp below and spot elk, deer, hawks, or the occasional curious squirrel.
It’s not just a beautiful place — it’s sacred ground in SJYC lore. Staff, campers, and alumni often return to Giz Ridge at sunrise or sunset to reflect, take in the view, and feel a little closer to the land — and each other.
Why It All Matters
Our traditions connect us — to each other, to the forest, and to the spirit of camp. Whether it’s your first summer or your fifth, these moments make you feel like you belong.
This is just a selection of some of our favorites — the ones campers and CITs talk about all year long. But there’s so much more to experience at SJYC. From surprise traditions to spontaneous camp magic, every day brings something new to love.
They’re the stories you’ll tell.
The people you’ll remember.
And the reason you’ll always carry a little piece of SJYC with you.
