Unplugged, Empowered & Outdoors—Teen Summer Camp Awaits
Through outdoor challenges, team-building, and service opportunities, teens explore who they are—and who they can become. From future counselors and community leaders to budding outdoor enthusiast, we’ve got a program to match their passion and potential.
Survivor (Ages 11–14)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
A rustic, character‑building experience set in Survivor Village where campers face tough challenges, tribal councils, and peer‑voted “Ultimate Survivor” honors.
Kern Challenge (Ages 13–16)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
An overnight, high‑adventure camp featuring high ropes, extended canoe trips, and bold challenges to test teens’ courage and teamwork.
Raft, Mud & Paint Trip (Ages 13–16)
Weeklong Residential/Overnight Camp w/ Daily Off-Site Excursions: Sunday - Friday
An off‑site adventure in West Virginia featuring Class II–IV rafting, paintball, and a muddy obstacle course for thrill‑seeking teens.
Explore Ohio (Ages 13–16)
Weeklong Residential/Overnight Camp w/ Daily Off-Site Excursions: Sunday - Friday
A travel-based adventure camp where teens explore hidden gems across Ohio, including hiking, camping, and hands-on learning in natural and cultural landmarks.
Survivor: Teen Champions (Ages 14–16)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
The advanced version of Survivor camp focused on greater challenges and leadership growth for older teens
Leaders‑in‑Training (LIT) (Ages 14–15)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
A guided leadership development program blending camping skills, team building, and a camper‑led service project to prepare teens for future roles.
Crew Service Camp (Ages 15–17)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
A week‑long residential camp where teens build leadership through behind‑the‑scenes service projects and skill‑building sessions.
Counselor‑in‑Training (CIT) (Ages 16–17)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday-Friday
An immersive training track with a leadership boot camp and in‑cabin sessions to develop confidence, communication, and behavior‑management skills.
Your Camper’s Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern
Discover what your child can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Teen Camps! 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.
