Readers By The River - Bookish Retreat

Readers By The River

April 17-19, 2026

REGISTER TODAY

Join us for a retreat centered around reading, books, community and connection!

From spirited conversations about your favorite characters, hands-on bookish crafts, classic camp activities, and a Saturday Book Fair by Dog-Eared Books, it will be a beautiful weekend in the valley you won't want to miss!

Activities may include… Bookish Crafts - Book Fairs - Climbing Wall - Archery - Morning Meditation - Pickleball - Star Gazing- Genre Discussion Campfires- and more!

Y Camp's Readers By The River- Bookish Retreat is the perfect getaway and place to share and connect over your love of reading. Come out to camp and experience this unique program with us! We can’t wait to see you!

  • Spring Readers By The River - April 17-19, 2026 

    • 2026 Registration Opens Fall 2025 - includes lodging, meals, activities and goodie bag

Check in Friday 5:00-7:00 p.m., Check out Sunday 11:30 a.m.
Includes lodging, activities, all meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday and a participant goodie bag (upgrade to the Book Worm Goodie Bag for an additional fee)

Y Camp Events and Programs do not require a YMCA membership of any kind.

Program Guide What To Expect  Book Fair Lodging Vendors & Sponsors  Photos 

2025 Program Guide (2026 Updates Coming Soon)
General Program

Each participant will receive a schedule that includes times and details for activities such as archery, climbing, crafts, book discussions and more. All activities are optional, so whether you want to fill your day with adventures or simply cozy up by the fire with a good book, this weekend retreat is perfect for every type of book lover. Additionally, we’ll offer hot meals at our Dining Hall. Specialty meals and dietary restrictions can be noted on the registration page. Our goal is to provide you with a unique camp experience focused on connection, engagement and fun. Check out photos from previous Readers By The River - Bookish Retreats!

Goodie Bag

Each participant will receive a Bookish Goodie Bag with items to remember the weekend, an exclusive Retreat T Shirt, Retreat Bookmark, stickers and more!

Upgraded Goodie Bag

If you wish to upgrade to the Upgraded Goodie Bag for an additional cost, participants will receive the same contents as the traditional goodie bag, as well as additional exclusive items, such as a custom tote and Blind Date with a Book! The Upgraded Goodie Bag is the perfect way to elevate your retreat experience and take home even more bookish treasures!

Book Fair

Remember the magic of Scholastic Book Fair days as a kid? Every book lover's favorite day of the year! We’re bringing that same excitement to Y Camp! On Saturday, our main lodge will be transformed into our very own book fair, with pop-up shops from Dog Eared Books. Relive that thrill of discovering new books and treasures, support local and enjoy connecting with fellow readers.

Lodging & Facilities

All Cabins: All cabins are equipped with heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay, but you will need to provide your own bedding. All 400 acres of the Y Camp grounds are open to you during your stay, as well. 

Cabin Styles: Cabins are generally bunk-house style and are categorized into Modern and Rustic style cabins, see facility photos here. Rustic style cabins do not have an in-cabin restroom and utilize the KYBOs (shower house), where the Modern style cabins have an in-cabin restroom. 

Registering: During registration you will have the option to select a modern or rustic cabin style, top or bottom bunk, or no preference. This helps us to ensure you have the most comfortable stay with us. The cost is not different based on your preference. 

Attending with Friends?: Cabins will be assigned by gender unless otherwise noted. If you are attending with friends or family and wish to be placed in a cabin with them, please fill out the Cabin Mate Request during registration. You will also need to decide as a group, which style cabin you would like. Please be aware that if your answer does not match with others in your group, you may be placed in different cabins. 

If you have any additional requests for your stay please add it to your cabin mate request form or email Melanie.Mellinger@dmymca.org.

Additional Facility Information 

2025 Vendors & Sponsors

A special thank you to our event vendors and sponsors.

Vendor & Sponsor Interest:

If you are a vendor who is interested in contributing to the Readers By The Rivers Bookish Weekend, please contact Melanie Mellinger at Melanie.Mellinger@dmymca.org.