A Summer Full of Adventure, Friendships & Confidence-Building
At the heart of YMCA Camp Kern, our Traditional Camp program offers more than just summer fun—it’s where kids unplug from technology and reconnect with nature, friendships, and themselves.
Frontier Village (Ages 7-9)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
A warm welcome into the world of overnight camp with plenty of hands-on fun and gentle adventures.
Explorer Village (Ages 9-11)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
Action-packed days, deeper friendships, and exciting new experiences.
Adventure Village (Ages 11-13)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
Designed for tweens looking to stretch their comfort zones in a safe, supportive environment.
Pioneer Village (Ages 13-14)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
Our most mature campers take on leadership roles and more advanced activities.
Kern F.C. (Ages 9-11 + Ages 11-13)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
Lace up your cleats, get on the pitch, and go for the goal in this soccer-focused traditional camp that promotes skill, speed, and expert sportsmanship.
Your Camper’s Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern
Discover what your child 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.
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Activity Block 1 (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:45 AM – Activity Block 2 (Climbing Wall, Drama, Nature Hike, etc.)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:00 PM – Activity Block 3 (Swimming, Gaga Ball, Kayaking, etc.)
3:15 PM – Activity Block 4 (Team Building Games, Sports, Zipline, etc.)
4:30 PM – Free Time / Canteen
5:30 PM – Dinner
6:30 PM – Evening Program (All-Camp Game, Talent Show, Campfire)
8:30 PM – Cabin Time & Reflections
9:00 PM – Lights Out (younger campers)
10:00 PM – Lights Out (older campers)
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 – Cabin Challenge Night
Team up with your bunkmates for silly games and friendly competition.
Tuesday – All-Camp Game
The whole camp joins in for favorites like Counselor Hunt or Capture the Flag.
Wednesday – Talent Show
Campers shine on stage with skits, songs, dances, and more.
Thursday – Camp Dance or Theme Party
Dress up, dance it out, and celebrate the week together.
Friday – Closing Campfire
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, and meaningful goodbyes.
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
Smiles, Adventures, and Unforgettable Moments
We’ve captured the best moments: big smiles, new friendships, and exciting adventures in the great outdoors. Whether it’s their first canoe ride or the final campfire of the week, every picture tells a story.
