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.
Camp Kern Add-Ons
Are you ready to take your Camp Kern experience to the next level? Upgrade your camper's experience with one of our add-on packages.
Super-Weekend Stayover
This Friday-Sunday program provides weekend lodging for campers who are spending two of more consecutive weeks at YMCA Camp Kern. Your camper will feel like the king or queen of the castle with daily meals, laundry service, and a day trip to King's Island that includes transportation and a meal/drink plan at the park!
Super-Weekend Stayover IS NOT AVAILABLE to campers staying two non-consecutive weeks, single week campers, or campers enrolled in Day Camps, Semi-Residential Camps, or Frontier Village.
COST: $120/Camper
Trail Ride
Available to Campers in Explorer and Pioneer Village Camps, this rail riding experience is led by our experienced staff members at Circle K Ranch. During this one-hour trail ride, campers will experience the beauty and serenity of Camp Kern's natural landscape.
In the event of inclement weather, rides may take place in our indoor riding arena.
COST: $30/Camper
River Rafting
Available to Campers in Explorer and Pioneer Village Camps, this half-day excursion is for the adventurers. Kicking off with a two-mile hike on the Ohio Buckeye Trail, campers then paddle a section of the Little Miami River, stop for a relaxing swim break, and exit at the Fort Ancient access point for a 3/4 mile hike on the 500 Trail back to camp!
Snacks and frequent water breaks are encourage, and life jackets WILL BE WORN AT ALL TIMES while in and around the Little Miami River.
COST: $30/Camper
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.
7:30 AM – Wake-Up & Cabin Clean-Up
7:45 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Choice Activity (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:45 AM – Cabin Act (Cabin Choice Activity & Age-Appropriate High Adventure Activity)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:15 PM – Clubs (Canoes, Climbing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
3:30 PM – Swimming
5:00 PM – Dinner
6:00 PM – Kern Zone
7:00 PM – Evening Program (Village Games Cookout, Big Game, etc.)
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 – 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
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.
