Try Camp Life with a Taste of Kern: Big Fun in a Mini Week
Taste of Kern offers a shorter session of overnight camp for first-timers, packed with canoeing, crafts, climbing, and confidence-building fun.
First Time Overnight? Taste of Kern Builds Confidence & Smiles
Perfect for young adventurers, Taste of Kern helps campers ease into overnight stays while making new friends and exploring the great outdoors.
2027 Session Dates & Availability:
| Session 1A (Sun-Tue: June 6th-8th) | Registration Open |
| Session 1B (Wed-Fri: June 9th-11th) | Registration Open |
| Session 4A (Sun-Tue: June 27th-29th) | Registration Open
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| Session 4B (Wed-Fri: June 30th-July 2nd) | Registration Open |
| Session 5A (Sun-Tue: Jul 4th-6th) | Registration Open |
| Session 5B (Wed-Fri: July 7th-9th) | Registration Open
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| Session 7A (Sun-Tue: July 18th-20th) | Registration Open |
| Session 7B (Wed-Fri: July 21st-23rd) | Registration Open |
| Tuition | $400/week |
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?
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.
9:00 AM – Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Activity 1 (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:45 AM – Activity 2 (Mini mine shaft, pete's tower, gaga ball, etc.)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Swimming
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