Where Friends and Fun Come Together
Sleeping at camp is a defining characteristic of our overnight camps. By living with other participants and sharing outdoor experiences, children develop lifelong skills like teamwork, personal responsibility, and respect – for nature, others, and themselves.
Our YMCA overnight camps feature 'traditional' camp activities like archery, swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor education, and more. Each location also offers a unique variety of specialty activities.
These specialty activities allow participants to pursue in-depth experiences in certain program areas (and vary by location).
Camp Icaghowan
Founded in 1908, Camp Icaghowan sits on 164 acres, including a beautiful 44-acre island. Lake Wapogasset provides the perfect backdrop to adventure on the island. Icaghowan features tree houses, target sports, water activities, horses, and more.
Camp Ihduhapi
Founded in 1929, Camp Ihduhapi provides enriching overnight, day camp, and retreat experiences. Situated on 175 acres of vibrant maple forest along Lake Independence's shores, Camp Ihduhapi is located near the Twin Cities.
Camp St. Croix
Founded in 1909, Camp St. Croix is nested within 400 acres of woods, prairies, gardens, and pine-covered bluffs overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway. It is also home to the Farm at Camp St. Croix – a working farm for teaching and community building.
Camp Warren
Founded in 1927, Camp Warren is Minnesota's only gender-affinity YMCA camp. Nestled amongst towering white pines on 600 acres near Eveleth, MN, Camp Warren provides the ultimate setting for participants to develop self-reliance, build life-long relationships, and receive mentorship.
YMCA overnight camp experiences include many traditional outdoor activities, including archery, swimming, paddling, outdoor living skills, and more. Participants can also register for a specialty camp to spend part of each day pursuing a favorite activity. Programs vary by location.
Canoe / Kayak
Participants learn paddling skills and canoe/kayak safety as they experience the challenge of navigating water! Kids learn to identify the parts of the canoe/kayak, paddling techniques, and the importance of teamwork.
Climbing / Challenge
Climbers learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and climbing safety. Challenge participants strike test their strength, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.
Drama
Kids free their imaginations and develop improvisational skills! Participants explore the theater world through games, acting exercises, learning about stage make-up, and even performing for an audience.
Horses
Participants in our horse program develop from novice riders to young adults experienced in many aspects of equine care, grooming, riding, and training.
Leadership
Participants build upon their outdoor skills to develop their leadership skills. Available leadership programs include BOLD & GOLD, Counselors in Training (CIT), Service Leadership, and Work Leadership.
Photography
Participants will learn the basics of photography and experiment with portrait and landscape photography. Each day will have a different theme – from the viewpoint of an ant or by including a tree as a subject.
Sailing
Young sailors learn the basics of sailing and safety daily with YMCA instructors. Participants will be taught techniques and terminology for operating our fleet of sailboats as they practice their skills.
Traditional
Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. It exposes participants to many different activities – including archery, swimming, paddling, outdoor education, arts and crafts, fishing, and so much more – so that each camper leaves camp with many memories and experiences!
Contact Us
Whether you have a question or are ready to plan, we have the answers and are prepared to assist.
Financial Assistance
The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.
Special Accommodations
We are committed to improving access to our programs and spaces for all.