Welcome to Camp Arbolado!

Frank Gates Chapel

The YMCA is a Christain organization, so having an area at camp for spending time in individual or group spiritual reflection is important. Dedicated to Camp Arbolado’s founder, Frank E. Gates, chapel is where campers and staff gather in the morning before breakfast to go over the daily theme and explore various virtues to becoming a better human being. This is done through songs, skits, and discussions. Chapels are generally carried out in a non denomination style, welcoming all religious faiths.

The first chapel site was actually below Lions Lodge prior to 1932. In I932, the chapel site was moved to where it is today. The current site has a beautiful view of nearby Sugarloaf Mountain and the large valley below. Chapel seating capacity is 150 people. The trail to chapel follows the ropes course fence, ending in a gentle, short drop.

Chapel in the early 1930s…

Chapel, 1930. Note that the original location was below where Lions Lodge is today.
Chapel entrance sign, 1933.
Chapel service, 1933.
Chapel service, 1933.

Frank Gates Chapel today, teaching good character through song, skits, and oneness with nature.

Camp staff leading campers in song
Looking at the back of the chapel
Cabin group performing a skit about a virtue and good character
The front of the chapel with the beautiful view of Sugerloaf Mountain and the Santa Ana River Valley below.
Trail adjacent to Ropes course leading down to chapel.
Dedication plaque to Frank E. Gates just before entering the chapel. The sign was erected in 1971 by the Arbolado Boosters Society.

Camp Arbolado’s founder Frank E. Gates with his wife at Camp Big Tujunga, 1920s

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