From Campfires to Canoes: Family Adventures Await
Our Family Camps are the perfect unplugged getaway, offering canoeing, campfires, climbing, crafts, and cozy cabins where families can laugh, connect, and create lifelong memories in the great outdoors.
Memorial Day Family Camp
Welcome the unofficial start of summer with a long weekend of archery, climbing, canoeing, zip‑lining, campfires, and optional horseback rides—designed for families to reconnect and have fun together
Labor Day Family Camp
Celebrate the end of summer with a holiday weekend full of traditional camp adventures, self-led activities, and family bonding in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Mini-Family Camp
Enjoy a shorter weekend getaway where families can stay in cabin-style lodging and take part in staffed activities like climbing, canoeing, pony or trail rides, plus campfire programs.
Week-Long Summer Family Camp
Spend a full week at camp with your family engaging in daily traditional camp activities, themed “Big Games,” and counselor-led afternoons for kids—all while making memories together.
Your Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern
Discover what your family can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Traditional Camp! From cabins to campfires, explore the daily routine, activities, and supportive environment that make our overnight camp unforgettable.
7:30 AM – Wake-Up
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM- 11:45 AM – Open Programming (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM- 3:45 AM – Open Programming (Swimming, Climbing, Kayaking, etc.)
4:30 PM – Afternoon Snack
4:30 PM – Family Olympics
5:30 PM – Dinner
6:30 PM – Evening Program (All-Camp Game, Talent Show, Campfire)
8:00 PM – Movie Night/Game Night
Outdoor Adventure & Nature
Nature Hikes
Wilderness Skills (fire building, shelter making)
Creek Exploration
Environmental Education
Animal Encounters (camp farm animals)
Bug Hunts
Star Gazing & Astronomy
Water Fun
Canoeing
Kayaking
Swimming in the Pool
Lake Play (stand-up paddleboards, splash games)
Water Olympics
Challenge & Ropes
Climbing Wall
High Ropes Course
Zip Line
Team-Building Low Ropes
Trust Falls & Group Challenges
Creative Arts
Arts & Crafts
Tie-Dye
Nature Art
Face Painting
Friendship Bracelets
Camp Journaling
Sports & Games
Archery
Gaga Ball
Basketball
Soccer
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Camp-Wide Capture the Flag
Counselor Hunt
Scavenger Hunts
Drama & Performance
Skit Night
Improv Games
Talent Shows
Lip Sync Battles
Campfire Songs & Storytelling
Evening & All-Camp Programs
Opening & Closing Campfires
Cabin Challenge Nights
Themed Dance Parties
All-Camp Games
Glow Night
Night Hikes
S’mores & Reflections
Sunday – Welcome Campfire
Kick off the week with songs, s’mores, and getting to know your cabin.
Monday – Village Games
Start your week off with friendly competition amongst the other campers in your village.
Tuesday – Camp Out/Cook Out Night
Sleep under the stars after a night of fire-cooked food, stories, and classic camp fun with your cabin.
Wednesday – Big Game
Team up with your cabin mates solve the mystery and save Camp Kern from the villain of the week!
Thursday – Closing Campfire & Vespers
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, reflection ,and meaningful goodbyes.
Friday – Underseige, Camp Dance & Talent Show
Finish your week with an epic tag game, dancing, and memories to last forever.
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Pancakes with syrup
Turkey sausage
Fresh fruit
Cereal & milk
Water & 100% juice
Lunch
Grilled cheese or deli sandwich
Tomato soup
Veggie sticks with ranch
Apple slices
Cookie
Water or lemonade
Dinner
BBQ chicken
Mac & cheese
Steamed broccoli
Dinner roll
Salad bar
Water or fruit punch
Snack
Trail mix
Granola bar
Frozen fruit pops
Goldfish crackers
Water jugs available all day