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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).

Activities and Programs

All YMCA overnight camp experiences include 'traditional' activities – including archery, swimming, outdoor education, arts and crafts, and so much more. In addition, each location gives campers the option to select from a unique set of 'specialty' activities to spend more time with.

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 world of theater 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 will experiment with both portrait and landscape photography. Each day will be a different theme – from the viewpoint of an ant or include a tree as a subject.

Sailing

Each day young sailors learn the basics of sailing and safety 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 a wide range of memories and experiences!

Available At

Each overnight camp features different specialty activities, programs, and experiences.

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Amery, WI

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Loretto, MN

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Hudson, WI

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Eveleth, MN

Two young ladies at a climbing course

Making Adventure Accessible

The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.

Here to Help

Have a question or need assistance?

Our customer service team is always happy to help.