Camp Kern Pioneer Village: The Ultimate Camping Experience

Pioneer Village blends classic camp fun with next-level adventure for teens ages 13-14 ready to lead. From high ropes to custom activities, it's where tradition meets challenge.

Leadership, New Challenges & Camp Traditions That Stick at Pioneer Village

Ready for more than the usual camp week? Pioneer Village offers teens leadership, independence, and exclusive experiences like the high ropes course and team-building games.

2027 Session Dates & Availability:

 
Session 1 (June 6th-11th)Registration Open
Session 2 (June 13th-18th)Registration Open
Session 3 (June 20th-25th)

Registration Open

 

Session 4 (June 27th-July 2nd)

Registration Open

 

Session 5 (July 4th-9th)

Registration Open

 

Session 6 (July 11th-16th)

Registration Open

 

Session 7 (July 18th-23rd)

Registration Open

 

Session 8 (July 25th-30th)

Registration Open

 

Session 9 (August 2nd-6th)

Registration Open

 

Tuition$875/week
Optional Add-Ons:
Horseback Trail Ride        $30/week

Session 1: Registration Open

Session 2: Registration Open

Session 3: Registration Open

Session 4: Registration Open

Session 5: Registration Open

Session 6: Registration Open

Session 7: Registration Open

Session 8: Registration Open

Session 9: Registration Open

River Rafting                   $30/week

Session 1: Registration Open

Session 2: Registration Open

Session 3: Registration Open

Session 4: Registration Open

Session 5: Registration Open

Session 6: Registration Open

Session 7: Registration Open

Session 8: Registration Open

Session 9: Registration Open

Kern F.C.                 $80/week

Session 2: Registration Open

Session 4: Registration Open

Session 6: Registration Open

Session 8: Registration Open

A group of kids in the pool having fun

Ready to start your adventure at Camp Kern?

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for the best summer ever. Camp Kern is waiting – are you in?

Girls laughing at camp

Every child deserves a chance to experience camp.

We offer financial assistance to help make Camp Kern accessible for all families. Visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more — we’re here to help.

 

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 – Check-In
9:00 AM – Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Activity 1 (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:35 - Water & toilet Break
10:45 AM – Activity 2 (Mini mine shaft, pete's tower, gaga ball, etc.)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Swimming
2:30 PM – Activity 3 (Canoes, Climbing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
3:45 PM – Snack
4:00 PM – Activity 4 (Nature center, slime, field games, etc.)
5:00 PM – Check-Out

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