Important Update About Camp Arrowhead

The YMCA has been deeply rooted in South Hampton Roads for 168 years. Focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y provides community-based, person-centered services and programs that transform lives.
In 2023, recognizing the significant need to revitalize our aging facilities, the Y’s volunteer board of directors authorized a comprehensive exploration of opportunities to reimagine and maximize our assets. These actions reflect our commitment to creating positive community change and ensuring the YMCA remains a vital resource for future generations.
As part of this effort, we have made the decision to sell the Camp Arrowhead property. This decision was not taken lightly, as Camp Arrowhead has been a beloved part of the Suffolk community. However, selling this property would allow us to reinvest in other facility improvements that will enable us to reach more children and families with transformative experiences.
Our commitment to nurturing children in Suffolk remains steadfast. This summer our camp program will take place at the Suffolk Family YMCA, where we are creating a dynamic and enriching camp experience. Home to our Y’s largest indoor childcare facility, the Suffolk YMCA can accommodate the number of campers we traditionally served at Camp Arrowhead with room to grow.
We look forward to providing fun and transformational camp experiences in Suffolk this summer and remain grateful to our members and participants as we work to increase our impact and continue serving the evolving needs of our communities.
After careful evaluation, we determined that reallocating resources from the sale of Camp Arrowhead would allow us to increase our impact by expanding and improving services at our Suffolk Family YMCA and other locations.
Our camp programs will transition to the Suffolk Family YMCA, where we are developing an enhanced camp experience that includes expanded activities and the relocation of the Alpine Tower.
Because the property will be advertised for sale at the beginning of 2025, we will not hold camp at Camp Arrowhead for the 2025 season. If the Y is still holding the property in the summer of 2025, we would plan field trips to camp to maximize the camper experience.
The Suffolk Family YMCA has our Y’s largest indoor childcare facility and can accommodate the full volume of campers we have been serving at Camp Arrowhead with room to grow. Additionally, we are planning to relocate the Alpine Tower to the Suffolk YMCA location.
We will continue to support our team members by offering new locations and opportunities within our YMCA of South Hampton Roads network.
Proceeds will fund critical repairs and improvements across our association, ensuring our facilities can better serve the community for years to come.
By reallocating resources and investing in property and facility improvements across our service area, we can serve more children, families, and individuals with high-quality programs and services that meet the diverse needs of our growing community.
No, this decision reflects our commitment to sustainability and proactive planning. We are ensuring our resources are used effectively to maximize our impact.
We have conducted comprehensive assessments, including a feasibility study, real estate development and asset optimization studies, and a facility conditions assessment. This effort, completed in partnership with valued experts and guided by our volunteer board of directors, helps us make informed decisions about how to best serve our communities.
While the sale of Camp Arrowhead is a thoughtfully planned step, any future decisions regarding other properties would follow the same careful process of research, analysis, and strategic planning to ensure they align with our mission and the needs of the communities we serve.
The YMCA’s decision to sell the Camp Arrowhead property is part of a broader strategy to reinvest in our communities and ensure our facilities, programs, and services are positioned to meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. The funds from this sale, and any future changes, will allow us to:
- Create Vibrant Community Spaces
We are committed to building facilities that foster a sense of belonging for everyone. This includes creating spaces where families can bond, teens can connect and grow, and seniors can stay active and engaged. These investments will ensure our Ys continue to be inspiring, welcoming hubs for the entire community. - Expand Outdoor Sports and Recreation
By improving and increasing outdoor facilities, we can promote healthy living and active lifestyles. Enhanced fields, courts, and outdoor spaces would provide opportunities for individuals and families to come together and participate in recreation and wellness activities. - Modernize Aging Infrastructure
Many of our facilities require updates to improve functionality and efficiency. We plan to renovate areas such as locker rooms, fitness centers, and group exercise studios to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly spaces that better serve our members and communities. - Enhance Capacity and Reach
Currently serving nearly 200,000 people annually, we aim to expand our impact by improving services and increasing access for even more families and individuals. These decisions will ensure that we continue to grow as a direct reflection of our communities’ growth. - Develop Inspiring Child Care and Learning Centers
Our goal is to create functional and inspiring environments for children to develop. These investments will support working families by providing safe, engaging spaces for children to learn, play, and thrive. - Improve Accessibility for All
We are dedicated to making our facilities more inclusive and accessible for older adults and individuals with diverse abilities. This includes thoughtful updates that prioritize usability and inclusivity across our locations.
By reallocating resources and reinvesting in these critical areas, the YMCA hopes to position itself to not only sustain but grow its impact in the years to come. These decisions are guided by our mission to strengthen communities and ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.