YMCA Camp Jackson (Formerly Camp Crockett) is a 300+ acre slice of land in San Isabel National Forest.  Established in 1916, It has become home to not just families of Pueblo, CO, but people all over the world. For 110 years Camp Jackson has always been more than just a campsite. It has always been more than just a business.  It is a home away from home that shaped my childhood and who I am today.

My Camp Jackson story began in 2013 when I was 10 years old. I was sent to camp by my mother (not by choice of course.) I cried the entire car ride there until dinner. I didn't cry again until I had to leave.  I came back every single summer until I returned as a counselor. The 10+ summers I spent at camp Jackson were the best, most influential times of my life.  I developed beautiful connections with campers and staff. I learned how to love myself and how to love others. Camp Jackson shaped my character, and taught me the value of hard work, friendship, compassion, and community. It remains the best gift my mother has ever given me.

However, it's not just about me. Camp Jackson plays an important role in our community by giving invaluable opportunities to our youth, especially those from low-income families. It’s a place where they learn the significance of belonging, hard work, compassion, and upholding the Y’s 4 core values: respect, honesty, responsibility, and caring.

 After hearing the heartbreaking and shocking decision by the YMCA's exec board to suspend its operations, we are inspired to take action.  YMCA Camp Jackson is at risk of disappearing completely.

The closure of Camp Jackson would mean losing a lifeline of joy, education, history and growth for many children who otherwise have limited access to these kinds of experiences. 

Rather than giving up on this important part of our community we call on the YMCA of Pueblo Executive Board to address the Pueblo community.

Our Demands to the YMCA of Pueblo:

1.Full Transparency

We want full transparency from the YMCA of Pueblo. The public deservers to know how they came to their decision. How long did this decision take to make? Who was involved in the decision-making process? What alternative options were explored before making the call? Our community deserves the CEO and the Executive Board to publicly explain the details of this significant decision that directly affects Pueblo youth and families.

 2. Ethical Stewardship of Camp Jackson/Camp Crockett

If the YMCA of Pueblo is no longer going to be a steward of this land to serve the community, there must be an ethical transfer of the mountain property to an entity that will honor the integrity and the 110-year legacy of Camp Jackson. We demand that the land remains dedicated to serving the Pueblo youth and families for generations to come.

How You Can Help:

We encourage anyone who has been impacted by Camp Jackson/ Camp Crockett to write an email to the YMCA of Pueblo CEO Janelle Andrews:  jandrews@puebloymca.org. Share your story, include pictures, and most importantly demand transparency for our community.

Please also send a copy of your letter to friendsofcampjackson@gmail.com so we can compile these stories as part of Camp Jackson’s historical record.

Offer ideas or connections. If you have insights, partnerships, or fundraising ideas that could help sustain Camp Jackson, we’d love to hear from you.

 Let us stand together to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from YMCA Camp Jackson. A place where memories are forged, friendships are born, and young minds are nurtured.

Sign this petition today to help us preserve this invaluable part of our community.

Leave a comment & tell us your Camp Jackson story. 

Share this movement on social media and remember

This is goodnight and not goodbye.

#SaveCampJackson